Issue no. 1
From Our Principal
As a diehard Hawthorn supporter, I’ve been fortunate to journey to the MCG on that last Saturday in September and see them enjoy the ultimate success. 2014 was an extraordinary year. In a remarkable achievement, the Hawks overcame a number of challenges throughout the season to win the flag, including injuries to many key players and even Senior Coach Alastair Clarkson forced to sit out five weeks while recovering from the rare illness, Guillain-Barré syndrome. They went into the Grand Final as huge underdogs. But they were a well-coached team and had great faith in their people, their structures and their game plan, dismantling Sydney with ferocious pressure and pinpoint accuracy of disposal by hand and foot. So, despite the seemingly never-ending pile of obstacles that attempted to derail their progress throughout the season, they went on to win, what is viewed by many, as the greatest premiership in the club’s history.
That performance was a great analogy for the 2020 school year. Despite all the challenges that 2020 presented, our Year 12 cohort did us proud, achieving a median ATAR of 94.05. But our girls did so much more than excel in the classroom and, yet again, the list of achievements across 2020 was mind blowing. We were premiers in Badminton, Water Polo, Lacrosse and Hockey, we were State Triathlon champions, All Schools Cross Country State Relay champions, placed 1st in the South Australian National Aerobics series, won five State Championships in Rowing, were IGSSA Swimming champions and IGSSA Athletics champions for the fifth year in a row.
Despite restrictions due to COVID-19, our girls remained heavily involved in the Creative Arts. At the Australian National Choral Association Showcase, three of our ensembles secured a Gold award. Enchante, our senior ensemble, was also awarded overall championship winner of the Advanced Contemporary Division, and In-Ta Jazz, with girls mostly from Middle School, was announced as the overall championship winner of the Intermediate Division. Our ensembles won numerous medals at ABODA, with the Concert Band and Senior Strings both scoring Gold.
So, as you can see, not even a world pandemic could stop us from excelling across the board. And why? Because we too had faith in our people, our structures and our ‘game plan’. With the right people and the right culture, a school can overcome any challenge. Even for that momentary period where things moved online, our girls maintained quality relationships with their teachers, coaches, conductors and other mentors. As a community, we rallied around our girls to ensure that sense of normalcy, allowing them to be the amazing individuals that they are. And for that reason, just like Hawthorn in 2014, last year should be remembered as one of the finest in the School’s history.
Building Works
As many of you would have witnessed on Wednesday, the Junior School transformation is almost complete, with the arrival of some new furniture for the breakout spaces in mid-February to signal the end of the project. Raising the ceiling and replacing the cement walls with floor to ceiling glass has given the space a great sense of openness and transparency, similar to that achieved in the Middle School. Our girls love their new spaces and are excited to see what the year has in store.
Staffing News
We are delighted to welcome a number of new staff to the School:
- In the ELC, Jess Catt joins the teaching team in Learning Community 1 along with Kathryn McCabe who will teach in Learning Community 2 whilst Kirsty Porplycia is on long service leave; Courtney Sandford joins our dedicated team of co-educators
- Tommy Peak is our new Director of Sport
- Annie Keane joins the Mathematics Faculty and Themis Zacharoyannis has joined the Science Faculty
- Alastair Eglinton will be teaching PE in the Junior School
- Amy Kan will teach Chinese
- Kendall Latzel will be teaching Music to our Reception classes
In addition, I’m excited to introduce Nicole Foster in a new role as Scientist in Residence. Schools regularly employ artists in residence, but this appointment is a first. It will be great to have a young female scientist work with our girls, demonstrate what it is to conduct scientific research and generate discussion about the many paths possible in the world of Science.
Community Events
It’s no secret that parental involvement is an integral part of a successful educational framework, and we are always indebted to those who choose to volunteer in the many different capacities available in a school such as ours. I’m also very aware of how difficult it can be to regularly attend meetings as you balance the competing demands of family and work. So this year, rather than having regular P&F meetings on a Monday evening, we’re trialing a new structure. At the start of each term, there will be a Zoom meeting hosted by myself, Melissa Westgate and Fiona McGregor. We are asking that all Year Level Representatives and Chairs of the various support groups attend. At the first meeting on 8 February between 6 and 7pm, we will finalise the list of community events to be held this year. It will also be an opportunity to check that year group events don’t clash, given that many families have multiple daughters at the School. We will then seek volunteers for each event, hoping that all of you will find an opportunity to be involved. These Zoom meetings are open to all parents. So, if you have a great idea for a community event, or you’d simply like to listen to the conversation, please join us via Zoom; you can find the login details in the Community article below.
I look forward to seeing you all at our Welcome Drinks on the Lawns next Friday night. Please scan the QR code upon arrival. Due to social distancing requirements, the tables will be further spread out than usual. In addition, there will be no formalities as speaking to a large group outside in which individuals are correctly socially distanced simply isn’t feasible. It will still be a wonderful evening and I hope you take the opportunity to connect with fellow parents and our staff.
Best wishes for the term ahead.
Julia Shea
Principal
Picture-Perfect Start to 2021 at Saints Girls
To celebrate the beginning of another exciting school year, some of our new Receptions posed for this special photo with four of our Year 12 students who also started their schooling journey as Receptions at St Peter’s Girls.
Our newest Saints Girls loved their very first ‘first day of school’, while our Year 12s savoured their last ‘first day of school.’
As we kick off the school year, we invite families to ‘Like’ us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram.
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Welcome Drinks on the Lawns – Next Friday
We warmly invite all parents to celebrate the new school year at our traditional ‘Welcome Drinks on the Lawns’ next Friday 5 February from 7 to 9pm on Chiverton Lawns.
This annual event is a great opportunity for parents to meet or reconnect with other parents, teachers and school staff in a relaxed atmosphere. Food and drinks will be provided, and please note that this event is exclusively for adults only. We ask that guests scan the QR code provided upon arrival.
Please seek out your Year Level Representatives and chat with our Community Relations staff on the night to learn about our volunteering opportunities and the social and community events we are planning for 2021 here at Saints Girls.
Friday 5 February
7 – 9pm
Chiverton Lawns, St Peter’s Girls’ School
Melissa Westgate
Foundation Manager
Meet Our New Director of Sport
Sport has always played an important part in my life, providing opportunities for travel, work and many friendships. In my youth, growing up in a small country village, I would take any opportunity to play sport, with football (soccer), cricket and running being my three main passions. The PE teachers at school were all influential in my school life and I went on to play socially in their staff teams. In a career meeting with one of these teachers, I decided to work towards a career in sport and chose to study Sport and Exercise Science, graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in 2009.
Throughout my time at university, I was conscious of gaining experience working in sport and was heavily involved in coaching, refereeing and sport administration, in addition to working in a professional football academy in the Sports Science department. After graduating, I moved to America where I spent two years coaching football for teams, colleges and on residential camps. This was a fantastic learning experience and provided opportunities to reflect on my coaching and to develop my session planning and communication skills. It also provided a fantastic opportunity for travel, as I was able to live in New York and work across eight of the eastern states.
In 2012, I moved to Australia and Queensland’s Gold Coast, where I soon accepted the role of Director of Coaching and Operations at Viva Soccer, a non-profit coaching organisation which worked with many schools and clubs in South East Queensland. My first role within a school was at Redeemer Lutheran College, where I oversaw a strategic overhaul of the Sports program, changing associations and introducing a high-performance program. This initiative continued in my previous role at Grace Lutheran College, where we established a high-performance program which has grown to in excess of 80 students across two campuses who participate in strength and conditioning, high-performance mental skills and growth planning.
I am passionate about using sport as a vehicle to improve mental health and wellbeing, by accepting challenges and managing both success and failure as an opportunity for progress. At Saints Girls, I aim to continue to develop the strong Sports program and sense of school pride through quality, exciting and innovative opportunities for our girls.
I am a Harry Potter fanatic and will happily challenge anyone to a game of Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit! Here, you’ll see my competitive side really come out!
I look forward to seeing you all soon and supporting Saints Girls on the courts, field, track and water.
Tommy Peak
Director of Sport
Podium Finish for Multitalented Athletes
Saints Girls past and present blitzed the State Multi Event Championships earlier this month, competing in Hurdles, High Jump, Shot Put, 200m, Long Jump, Javelin and 800m over two days in searing heat at the SA Athletics Stadium.
Congratulations to (L-R) Open Gold medallist Christine (Patteson 2014), U16 Silver medallist Carys, U16 Gold medallist Charlotte and U18 Silver medallist Olivia.
Charlotte shared with us her experience:
“The State Multi Event Championships was unlike any other event. The weather was very hot which made it a lot harder, but we pushed through and all did very well. It was really fun and I was able to meet new people and participate in events that I wouldn’t usually do. It was a great experience.”
Congratulations girls!
Oarsome Time at Rowing Camp
For many, the school holidays are a chance to rest and relax, but for the girls in the Rowing program, it is also a time to train and prepare for the 2021 SA Schools’ Head of the River. Last week, all rowers from Year 8 to 12 took to Mannum for the January Rowing Camp. This was an excellent opportunity for rowers of all levels to build on developments made in Term 4 2020 and prepare for the upcoming racing season!
For many of our Junior rowers, this was their first ever rowing camp, and they showed great resilience through the tough training conditions. All squads made big improvements throughout the camp, and despite some minor challenges, took the opportunity to clock up the kilometres. Camp was not all work though as we also took time for girls to bond between year levels and have some fun during the five day stay. Camp finished with racing between all of the squads and it was terrific to see them rowing together and rowing well.
We look forward to seeing what success Saints Girls can achieve in the 2021 racing season. Go Saints!
Brynley Millward
Director of Rowing
School Photos – Next Week
Focus School Portraits will be at school on Tuesday 2 February and Wednesday 3 February to take our school photos.
A special St Peter’s Girls’ package has been designed just for our families where each student will receive the following photos:
1 – 8″ x 10″ Individual Portrait
2 – 5″ x 7″ Individual Portraits
4 – 2.5″ x 3.5″ Individual Portraits
1 – 8″ x 10″ Class/Home Group Photo
There is no additional cost to families as this has been incorporated into your fees. Should you wish to purchase extra packs, photos or items such as key rings, mugs, jigsaws etc., you can visit www.focusschoolportraits.com to order these online.
Sibling photos will be taken during lunch on Tuesday 2 February on Chiverton Lawns. Order forms for each family have been distributed to class and Home Group teachers. For families with students in the ELC, school photos will be taken in Term 2. Forms will be distributed closer to the time.
Class/Home Group teachers have the schedule and will have communicated photo times to the girls.
Should you have any questions regarding school photos, please do not hesitate to contact me via fmcgregor@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Fiona McGregor
Events Coordinator
Community Relations Officer
Swimming Carnival 2021
Friday 19 February
A reminder that the Years 4 to 12 Swimming Carnival is scheduled to be held on Friday of Week 4 at the Adelaide Aquatic Centre.
More details including COVID-19 measures, bus transportation and the day’s program will be provided over the next fortnight.
School teams for SAPSASA (Years 4 to 7), SSSSA (Years 8 to 12) and IGSSA (Years 7 to 12) will be selected after the Swimming Carnival.
Restrictions on Fruit Movement
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has introduced restrictions on the movement of fruit to help combat a number of Mediterranean fruit fly outbreaks.
Home-grown produce: if you are in an outbreak or suspension area, keep your fresh home-grown fruit or fruiting vegetables on your property.
Shop-bought produce: if you live in a fruit fly outbreak or suspension area, host fruit and fruiting vegetables purchased from a retail outlet must be kept secure when taken home – this means in a sealed bag or container – and it must then remain at home. This means host fruit and fruiting vegetables must not be included in lunch boxes or otherwise moved around.
Menu items containing host fruit (e.g. salads, sandwiches/rolls) are still available for purchase from the School’s Tuck Shop as our deliveries are received directly from a supplier; however, any items with host fruit purchased from Tuck must be consumed on school grounds and not taken home.
In addition, host fruit found discarded on school grounds is to be placed into a sealable bag and safely disposed of.
The restrictions are in place until at least 15 April 2021 and only apply to fruit fly host produce – find the full list at pir.sa.gov.au/fruitfly-produce
Items such as melons, pumpkins, root and leaf vegetables (potatoes, carrots, celery, cucumbers and herbs) are not host produce and do not have any movement restrictions.
Please note, it is the responsibility of families to follow these restrictions, and the Department for Education has advised that preschools and schools are not required to monitor students and/or their lunchboxes.
For more information, click here.
Community at Saints Girls
Parents are a vibrant and important part of the St Peter’s Girls’ community. Many opportunities are available to become involved with the School, connect with other community members and build strong and lasting friendships. At the start of each term in 2021, all parents are invited to attend an information/collaboration meeting on Zoom with Principal Julia Shea and our Community Relations staff. At these meetings, parents will be updated on upcoming community activities and will hear from Julia. This will give parents an opportunity to get involved in our community events, ask questions, offer advice and provide constructive feedback. For more information, please contact me via 0407 394 183 or mwestgate@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Community Meeting Term 1
Monday 8 February, 6 – 7 pm, Food Tech Centre
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84672322430?pwd=MGVPQk5mU1JlWVh6UmUwNitlcUEzQT09
Meeting ID: 846 7232 2430
Passcode: 076728
Friends of The Arts Community Group Meetings Term 1
Monday 1 February, 7pm, Music and Arts Offices
Wednesday 10 March, 7.30pm, Music and Arts Offices
Contact: Danielle Parker dslparker@gmail.com
Saints Sport Support Group Meetings Term 1
Tuesday 9 February, 6.30pm, Food Tech Centre
Tuesday 16 March, 6.30pm, Food Tech Centre
Contact: Katie Lucas Katie.Lucas@opencolleges.edu.au
Friends of Rowing Meetings Term 1
Tuesday 2 February, 6.30pm, Food Tech Centre
Tuesday 2 March, 6.30pm, Food Tech Centre
Contact: Ed Parker edontheroadagain@hotmail.com
Melissa Westgate
Foundation Manager
Bushfire Action Plan
It is timely to remind families about the School’s Bushfire Action Plan.
The policy was developed in consultation with the CFS, MFS, Department for Education and other stakeholders to ensure staff and students are prepared in the event of an emergency.
For more information, you can access our Bushfire Action Plan on the myLink Parent Portal by clicking the ‘School Documents’ menu item, followed by the ‘Whole School’ tab.
COVID-19 Measures
With the school year underway, please note the following information regarding our continued COVID-19 response.
The School has introduced a QR code tracing system to facilitate the safe return of parents on site, in line with wider government measures. Parents entering the campus to drop off or collect their children will need to scan the QR code provided each time. This also applies to parents visiting the School for events such as parent information evenings or sports training/matches.
Please note updated advice that parents and visitors with more formal appointments at the School, such as meeting a staff member, are still required to sign in/out at Front Office and now also need to scan the QR code as well for government tracing purposes.
Adults who do not have a device to scan the QR code need to write their details on the paper form provided in the Front Office.
Parents who remain in their vehicles in the main car park do not need to scan in, and students do not need to scan in as the School already tracks daily attendance.
Logistics around events will be shared in due course, dependent upon the latest advice. Attendance numbers, particularly for indoor events, will still need to be restricted to facilitate social distancing. As an outdoor event, our Welcome Drinks on the Lawns on Friday 5 February is open to all parents, but please remember to scan the QR code upon arrival.
The following general requirements remain in place:
- Ensure adults maintain a distance of 1.5m from each other.
- Practise sound hand washing and other hygiene measures.
- Students should remain at home if they are unwell; please notify the School of absences by calling 8334 2200, emailing attendance@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au, or texting 0428 601 957.
We thank all of our families for your cooperation.
2021 School Immunisation Program
The information below is provided by Eastern Health Authority
Immunisation Information for Parents/Legal Guardians of Year 8 and 10 Students
The SA School Immunisation Program will be offered at your school by Eastern Health Authority.
All Year 8 students will be offered:
2 doses of the human papillomavirus vaccine, Gardasil®9 at two separate visits.
1 dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough vaccine, Boostrix®.
All Year 10 students will be offered:
2 doses of the meningococcal B vaccine, Bexsero® at 2 separate visits.
1 dose of the meningococcal ACWY vaccine, Nimenrix®.
Immunisation consent packs will be sent home with all Year 8 and 10 students. It is important that you read the information contained in the packs before you give consent for your child to be vaccinated at school. If you have any questions about this program, please contact Eastern Health Authority via 8132 3600 or www.eha.sa.gov.au
All parents/legal guardians are to complete, sign and return the consent cards, even if you do not consent for the student to be vaccinated at school. Students aged 16 years and above can consent for themselves.
If you do not receive an immunisation consent pack from your child, please ask for one at the school’s Front Office.
If you do not want your child to be vaccinated at school, please contact Eastern Health Authority to arrange for your child to receive the free vaccines. If you go to your local doctor for the vaccination, they will need to order the vaccine and may charge a consultation fee.
Remember to keep your child’s School Immunisation Program records in a safe place as they may be required for future employment or travel.
Sports News
At Saints Girls, we love hearing about and sharing sport results and news, whether it be achievements at school or externally. Please email information to our Director of Sport, Tommy Peak, via tpeak@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
From Our Sport Prefect
After the challenges and interruptions last year, I’m sure the entire Saints Girls’ community is looking forward to a successful year of sport in 2021! Sport at Saints provides girls with the widest opportunities to learn new skills, develop friendships, improve fitness and participate at representative level. Whether you want to try something new, connect with other students or realise individual potential, sport has something for you.
In Term 1 alone, there are countless opportunities to get involved in the sporting community whether it’s at Swimming Carnival, Head of the River or Summer Interhouse, just to name a few. This is a particularly exciting year as we are led by our new Director of Sport, Tommy Peak, who is sure to bring lots of energy and enthusiasm to the program.
Good luck girls for the term ahead – I can’t wait to see what amazing sporting feats are achieved in 2021!
Sophie
Sport Prefect
State Open Swimming Championships
Congratulations to Alice Braithwaite and Poppy Marshall who competed in the 2021 SA State Open Championships at Marion from 22 to 24 January. Both girls had some amazing swims and represented their clubs and Saints Girls extremely well.
Lara
Swimming Captain