eNews – Week 4, Term 1 2023

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From Our Director of Teaching and Learning

Earlier this term, we had the pleasure of welcoming our 2022 Merit recipients back to school to recognise their achievements. These girls exemplify the attitudes and possess the skills required for completing their subjects to a level of near-perfection. I am confident they will continue to strive for excellence in all that they do as their post-school journey starts. As a School community, we can all learn from their success with a focus on the mindsets that have assisted them in achieving such wonderful results; in particular, that of excellence.

We can think of excellence as a prevailing attitude, and if you are going to be able to achieve excellence in the big things in your life, you must develop the attitude for the little matters every single day. Excellence is about being the best we can possibly be and constantly striving to be better. Excellence paves the way for improvement. Excellence tolerates mistakes and failures, thus allowing people to explore and experiment. Excellence is feasible and possible.

However, we must note that people are not born with excellence. Individuals cultivate it over a period of time through hard work, wise work and smart work. Aristotle rightly said, ‘We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.’ It emerges from continuous improvement over the past. It is a corollary of passion and performance.

Developing the habit of excellence is a journey, not a destination. The little habits we instil in our daily lives help us along the journey to excellence. These include:

Be passionate – when you study what you love and do what you love, you don’t consider it as work anymore
Involve yourself – immerse yourself in what you love; immerse yourself in things that will help you find what you love
Read good books – continuous learning broadens your horizons
Work smarter, not harder – working hard is all about perspiration without any planning and preparation; in contrast, working smart is about thorough preparation with a proper blueprint to proceed
Share your knowledge – knowledge grows when it is shared
Solicit continuous feedback – receiving continuous feedback and implementing adaptations from feedback is essential for excellence

Your education is the most valuable asset you will ever have. It will open doors for you, give you the freedom to make your own choices and empower you to be a leader in your community. I encourage all of our students this year to make the most of the opportunities they have, to work hard and never give up on their goals. We can all strive for excellence, and in the process, equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills to lead in our world.

Kate Fryer
Director of Teaching and Learning

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Year 6 Leadership Induction

The Year 6 students have begun the year of inquiry learning through the transdisciplinary theme of ‘Who we are’. They have been focusing on the central idea that ‘Leaders can demonstrate courage, compassion and creativity in many ways.’ The initial part of this unit involves the girls in a nomination process for a Junior School Leadership role. In the Chapel on Tuesday, Year 6 students were awarded their Leadership badges for their allocated positions which vary from Art Leaders to SRC and House Quiz Captains.

This unit will run across the year, providing opportunities for the girls to reflect upon and learn more about leadership throughout their time as Junior School Leaders. They have already had the opportunity to listen to our new Principal Cherylyn Skewes, Head of Junior School Suzanne Haddy, Head Prefect Ellie Humphrey and Deputy Ruby Richards, and in Week 6, they will all attend the ‘Adelaide Primary Dream and Lead Conference’.

Throughout the year, the students will work in teams relevant to their leadership area. After setting team and personal goals, their learning will involve a continuous cycle of planning and facilitating activities, collaboration with key teachers and evaluation of their leadership goal progress. We look forward to working with the girls to further develop their courage, compassion and creativity as leaders of the future.

Sarah Braithwaite, Michael Monda and Rebecca Riley
Year 6 Teachers

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Team the Theme for Year 4 Challenge Day

Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much!

Year 4 students kicked off the start of the week with an action-packed Challenge Day. They were very eager to participate in a series of team activities conducted by Wilderness Escape.

‘Team Jenga’, ‘Tug-O-War’ and ‘Team Skiing’ challenged the girls to develop their social and collaboration skills. The hardest team challenge was a water carrying activity, whereby the girls had to carry water on their heads (wearing an interesting helmet with a bucket) and to fill a tube with water (but the tubes were full of holes). The girls had to work together to not only fill the tube, but to also prevent water from escaping through the holes. This activity definitely developed skills in persistence and communication.

Billy cart building and racing was by far the most exhilarating activity. For many, it was their first experience using tools and they were excited to learn about ‘wing nuts’. The billy cart race became quite competitive between the Houses. It was especially hilarious to spectate, with many students steering their billy carts wayward.

The Year 4 Challenge Day was thoroughly enjoyed by all and achieved our objectives of developing individual and team skills.

Olivia Coulter and Zoe West
Year 4 Teachers

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St Peter’s Girls’ Pathway to School

At St Peter’s Girls’ ELC, our Pathway to School provides a bespoke education experience which harnesses a flexible learning space to deliver targeted support for children in the six months prior to their commencement at school.

Kirsty Porplycia and the educators in the Pathway Room are working with the children to provide a seamless transition into Reception, supporting them to feel comfortable and confident as they move towards this next stage of their learning journey.

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Music Camps Hit Right Notes

Last week, we held our annual Music Camp and Music Day Camp. On Monday morning, Enchante and Stage Band headed up to Ardrossan ready for a full three days of repertoire learning. We use this time to strengthen our understanding of the pieces we are performing for Generations in Jazz in May, which is rapidly approaching. At the end of the camp, when Stage Band performed their pieces for Enchante and vice versa, there was nothing but admiration and support from both sides – everyone did an incredible job. The amount of work that was put in by all involved really showed by the last day.

On Friday, every ensemble had a chance to rehearse, but the real excitement started after school. We had experienced beatboxer Jobe Burgess come in to give us the workshop of a lifetime. He has incredible skills that inspired many of the people in the audience. Congratulations to the Year 10s for their victory in our traditional lip-sync battle – always a highlight! We ended the night with a disco party where we heard our favourite hits. Seeing everyone grooving and dancing together assured me that we all had loads of fun!

Some student reflections:

‘I have been to Music Camp every year since I was in Year 7, with this one being especially special as it was my last. Although Music Camp has looked a little different over the past years due to COVID, we were finally able to return to Ardrossan this year with Stage Band and Enchante. Not only was I able to improve my music skills during the many sectionals and rehearsals, it was also such a great opportunity to get to know like-minded girls from different year levels. Whether it was their first or last camp, I’m sure every girl learnt something from our wonderful Music teachers, mentors, or even other students, and made memories that they will cherish for years to come.’ – Lauren Parker (Strings Captain)

‘Music Camp was an exciting and productive experience for our girls in Enchante and Stage Band. Both ensembles spent long hours rehearsing and consolidating their musical knowledge on the charts for Generations in Jazz, with an admirable display of enthusiasm, patience and commitment. Of course, it would not be possible without the wonderful Music staff, instrumental tutors and volunteers from Friends of The Arts, who all helped create an encouraging and supportive learning environment for the girls to flourish and grow. This experience not only propelled the ensembles’ progress for GIJ, it also allowed our girls to develop lasting friendships and be fully immersed within the empowering culture that is found in our Music community.’ – Matilda Chu (Band Captain)

‘A highlight is forming strong bonds with a variety of girls from a range of year levels as we spend invaluable time doing something we love. Building an accepting and loving Music community is so important in amongst the challenges of other aspects of life, and thus it was so enjoyable to take a step back.’ – Emma Pool (Chorister)

Stepping up as Music Prefect this year was made a challenging yet enjoyable transition thanks to the commitment and talent of the Stage Band and Enchante girls. The team of mentors and teachers supported me the whole way, allowing me opportunities to demonstrate my leadership. Our appreciation is extended to all the mums who took care of us on camp (could never do it without your support), and to Miss Rounsevell, Ms Habel and Mrs Noble for their endless passion for music and education. The musical talent here at Saints is immeasurable, and I hope that students in younger years moving up into Middle School and Senior School have the same great experience in the Music program.

Samantha Keough
Music Prefect

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A Bug’s Life for Year 1 Explorers

This week, as the provocation for our inquiry into ‘Sharing the Planet’, the Year 1 students enjoyed a visit from ‘Bugs n Slugs’ to learn about invertebrates.

Program educator Kris began the session with an informative talk. The girls then had hands-on experience handling invertebrates that are safe, whilst being able to safely observe invertebrates that can be harmful to humans.

The girls were engrossed in the whole experience and were complimented on their prior knowledge and the number of questions they asked. This experience has certainly piqued our budding entomologists’ curiosity.

‘I learnt that sometimes when you are scared, you have to step up for yourself.’ – Keira

‘I heard there was only one of the rhino beetles left in the collection. It was cool because of the two lines coming out of its face.’ – Willow

‘My favourite part was looking at the beetles; I learnt how to be gentle with them.’ – Josie

‘My favourite part was holding the snail. They have a beautiful shell. I was gentle with them when they were in my hand – Nicole F

Kathryn Clark and Liz Sandercock
Year 1 Teachers

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Pancake Perfection on Shrove Tuesday

To celebrate Shrove Tuesday, Junior School students enjoyed making and eating pancakes as part of the traditional preparation for Lent.

Lent is a season in the church calendar that leads us towards Easter. It has historically been a time for reflection, fasting and prayer. The pancake tradition came about because people would empty their cupboards of delicious preserves and prepare for a time of living more simply. In doing so, we recall the time Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness before he began his ministry of sharing God’s love.

Some classes had their fluffy pancakes delivered, thanks to the Tuck Shop. Our Year 4 students welcomed their parents into their classroom as fabulous pancake helpers. We thank them very much for their time and assistance. The pancakes were scrumptious!

Olivia Coulter and Zoe West
Year 4 Teachers

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School Photos

Focus School Portraits will be at school on Monday 6 March – Wednesday 8 March to take our School Photos.

A special St Peter’s Girls’ Package has been designed 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.

Class/Home Group Teachers will be sent the schedule and will communicate photo times to students.

Sibling photos will be taken during lunch on Monday 6 March and Tuesday 7 March on Chiverton Lawns. Order forms for each family will be distributed to Class/Home Group Teachers.

If you have any queries, please contact me via fmcgregor@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au

Fiona McGregor
Events Coordinator

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Cyber Security Checklist

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has released the Kids Cyber Security Checklist for parents and carers. It helps teach primary school-aged children basic steps to stay secure online. It is vital to instil cyber secure behaviours early, so children are equipped to identify and mitigate cyber threats.

To access the checklist and other resources – click here

Tracey Guyers
IT Manager

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‘URSTRONG’ Friendship Program

We are proud that our Junior School has become a ‘URSTRONG School’ in 2023. This whole-School friendship strategy will connect students, teachers and parents with a common language around friendships.

Junior School parents are invited to take advantage of a free Parent Membership to access hundreds of resources. For more information – click here

We are also pleased to partner with the URSTRONG organisation to offer a ‘Language of Friendship’ parent and child online workshop on Wednesday 22 March at 6pm. This session will teach you and your children the skills and language to foster healthy, feel-good friendships. To register – click here

Helen Smith
Deputy Head of Junior School

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Old Scholar Occupational Therapist Seeking Study Participants

My name is Ellana Welsby and I am an Old Scholar of St Peter’s Girls’ School (Kilburn 2013). I’m an occupational therapist and am currently completing my PhD studies at the University of South Australia.

I have partnered with St Peter’s Girls’ School to be involved in the evaluation and testing of a new augmented reality intervention to help children learn and develop key motor skills they need to thrive in their everyday life.

I will be commencing testing this term and would love for your daughter to participate in this exciting opportunity if she is 7 to 12 years of age. All participants will receive an occupational therapy assessment summary of their motor skill performance.

For more information – click here

To sign up to this study, please click here to register your interest.

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Head of the River Dinner

The Friends of Rowing invite rowers, family and friends to celebrate the efforts, improvements and achievements of our St Peter’s Girls’ rowers throughout the 2022/23 season.

The annual Head of the River Dinner will be held at the Adelaide Pavilion. The evening will feature speeches from students and coaches about the season that has been, and will conclude with awards being presented. The dinner includes a three-course menu and drinks package.

Saturday 18 March
6pm arrival for 6.30pm start
Adelaide Pavilion (corner South Terrace and Peacock Road, Adelaide)

Tickets
Students – $85 per person
Adults – $95 per person
Purchase via TryBooking – click here

Ticket sales close at 5pm, Monday 6 March

Please note, all rowers are expected to attend this event.

Brynley Millward
Director of Rowing

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Dad’s Night on the Green

Friday 17 March
From 6.30pm
Tranmere Bowling Club
1 Kings Grove, Tranmere

Tickets: $40
Includes entry, bowling fees, hamburger and sausage sizzle
Drinks and lucky squares can be purchased on the evening

To book your ticket – click here

Bookings close Tuesday 14 March

Participants will be assembled into teams of four. Bring a mate and meet other Saints Girls’ Dads!

Supported by the Friends of Sport

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COVID-19 Information

Please find the latest guidance from SA Health:

• It is strongly recommended that students stay home if they have cold or flu-like
  symptoms, and test for COVID-19.
• Whether they receive a positive or negative result, they should stay home until symptoms subside (usually five to seven days).
• It is strongly recommended that parents/guardians inform the School if a student is a
  close contact. For further advice regarding close contacts, click here
• While face masks are no longer mandated, they are an important physical barrier to help stop the spread of COVID, particularly when indoors.

If your child tests positive to COVID-19, please inform the School. Please also notify the School each day of absence, or provide the expected period of absence.

You can notify us via one of the following methods. Please include the name of the ELC Room, Class or Home Group. If emailing, feel free to ‘CC’ the teacher of the Room/Class/Home Group as well.

Email: attendance@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au

Text: 0428 601 957 (save to phone contacts as SPGS)

Phone: 8334 2200

For more SA Health information, click here

Please note that if your child is unwell, they should remain home until they have recovered, irrespective of the illness.

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School Medical Information Reminder

It is imperative that all medical information, including immunisations, is up to date on the School’s myLink parent portal.

Please follow this pathway to check and/or update details: myLink > Community Portal > My Details > select child name

If you have any questions, please email healthcentre@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au

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Bushfire Action Plan

It is important 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.

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Car Park Protocols

Burnside Council has advised it will be conducting routine street parking patrols to support the safety of all people within the vicinity of the School. For council parking information, please find an information brochure here.

A reminder about the School’s car park protocols:

If the car park is full and you are unable to enter, circle the block until it is clear to enter, find a park elsewhere or, where age-appropriate, meet your daughter in a surrounding street.

Please note that, unless special circumstances apply, parents of girls in Years 2 to 12 should not enter the car park to collect their daughters prior to 3.30pm. Parents of girls in Reception and Year 1 have exclusive use of the pick-up zone prior to this time for safety and traffic reasons.

Please also refrain from turning right into or out of the car park at peak times, and please do not queue in the car park’s lanes as this often prevents drivers who are legally parked from exiting.

We have also previously received complaints about cars being parked too close to or in front of driveways, or across from other vehicles in surrounding streets, making it extremely difficult for residents and other road users to navigate.

We ask all community members to show consideration for others. Thank you for your cooperation.

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School Shop Notices

School Shop Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 8am – 4pm (closed for lunch 12 – 12.30pm)

Parents can also order items via our Online School Shop. This is now accessible via the Flexischools platform which also administers our Online Tuck Shop. To sign in or sign up to Flexischools, click here