Year 9 Camp Adventure
Last week, the Year 9 students had the unique opportunity to engage in a range of adventurous activities during camp, which challenged both their physical endurance and emotional resilience. The experience provided a wonderful opportunity for personal growth and collaboration.
I really enjoyed exploring the different campsites and beaches on the Yorke Peninsula. We all took part in activities such as surfing, abseiling, and hiking. These experiences pushed us out of our comfort zones and required us to show empathy towards each other. My personal highlight was cooking gnocchi and fried rice on the Trangia with my tent partner. We had to use organisational skills to ensure our cooking experience ran smoothly. Overall, it was a challenging week, but we returned home feeling accomplished.
Isabella Blake
9EMHO
This year, Year 9 camp took us to the stunning Yorke Peninsula. It was a challenging experience that required resilience and persistence from every individual camper, with windy camp sites, cold weather, and rocky ground. We participated in activities such as surfing and abseiling, that encouraged us to step outside our comfort zone and push through our fears. The incredible views and beautiful beaches were the true highlights of camp. We ended the week with a class treasure hunt, BBQ and Talent Show. Overall, this camp was challenging and enjoyable for everyone, allowing us to connect as home groups and embrace new experiences.
Emma Sayers
9EMHO
Year 10 Camp Reflection
Last week, the Year 10 cohort went on camp to Hindmarsh Island. During this, we did various activities including surfing, kayaking, bike riding, abseiling, and walking through Deep Creek. My favourite activity was abseiling as it was a new experience much like many other girls. Throughout these activities, we bonded as a home group and created new friendships. After dinner we had campfires with the whole year singing songs and roasting marshmallows, this time allowed us to bond with others outside of our home group. Overall, camp was very enjoyable, I have created many new friendships and connections with people in my home group and in the year.
Mia Bennett
10KIL
The Year 10 camp to Hindmarsh Island involved numerous activities including abseiling, surfing, kayaking, bike riding, a walk-through Deep Creek and cooking with Trangias. My favourite activities were surfing at Goolwa Beach, abseiling at the Bluff and the scenic bike ride to see seals. The kayaking expedition was a challenging experience as we were faced with strong winds and choppy waters. This made the 6km kayak journey difficult but with the support all the girls, we managed to get it done. On the final day of camp, each homegroup was given the task of building a waterproof shelter with natural materials and a stretcher, requiring us to work collaboratively with each other. Overall, it was a very enjoyable 5 days with the girls, I was able to form a closer bond with my home group as well as form new friendships.
Maeve Carruthers
10SEL
Year 10 French
As the Year 10s have just had their camp, and we have been studying past tenses quite extensively in French this year, a group of Year 10 French students worked in class to collectively write a recount in French. I wanted to include it here (with an English translation, of course) to show just how much language they are able to produce. Tenses are no easy matter in French and the students have now got a strong handle on when to use each of the 3 past tenses we’ve learnt this year.
Le Camping à l’Île Hindmarsh
La semaine dernière, les années dix sont allées au camping à l’Île Hindmarsh. Nous sommes arrivées à l’école à 8 heures et demie pour prendre le bus, qui est parti vers 9 heures et demie.
Nous sommes arrivées à la première activité vers 11 heures. Pour les élèves de Kennion et Kilburn, nous avons commencé avec le kayak, ce qui était très facile à cause du vent qui nous poussait. Les élèves de Selwyn ont fait de la descente en rappel et celles de Patteson ont fait du vélo.
Ce soir-là, les élèves de Kilburn et Kennion ont dormi à Currency Creek après le kayak, et Selwyn et Patteson ont dormi à l’Île Hindmarsh. Tout le monde a préparé leurs propres repas. Quelques-unes ont oublié quelques ingrédients mais le dîner était, en général, délicieux !
Pour le surf, l’eau était un peu froid et pour les élèves de Patteson il faisait du vent. Cependant, pour la plupart des élèves, c’était amusant.
Pendant la randonnée, les élèves de Selwyn et Kilburn ont marché deux fois la distance que les autres – 13 kilomètres ! Les élèves de Kennion ont joué dans les dunes à la plage.
La dernière journée, nous avons construit des abris avec des branches et des feuilles pour un jeu de secours. Les moniteurs ont jeté de l’eau sur les abris que nous avions fait. Quelques-unes étaient mouillés !
En général, le camping était vraiment amusant pour beaucoup, un peu difficile pour les autres. Notre activité préférée était la descente en rappel et nous avons aussi adoré les guimauves rôtis sur le feu du camp.
Valerie Ng, Bettina Dal Cin, Laurie Doko Tchatoka et Adjoa Yawson
Camping at Hindmarsh Island
Last week the Year 10s went camping to Hindmarsh Island. We arrived at School at 8.30am to take the bus, which left at about 9.30am.
We arrived at the first activity at around 11. For the Kennion and Kilburn students, we started with kayaking, which was very easy because of the wind that pushed us. The Selwyn students did abseiling and Patteson bike riding.
That evening, Kilburn and Kennion slept at Currency Creek after the kayaking, and Selwyn and Patteson slept on Hindmarsh Island. Everyone made their own meals. Some forgot some ingredients, but dinner was, overall, delicious!
For surfing, the water was a bit cold and for Patteson, it was very windy. However, for most of the students, it was fun.
During the hike, Selwyn and Kilburn walked two times the distance as the others – 13km! Kennion played in the sand dunes at the beach.
On the last day, we built shelters with branches and leaves for a rescue game. The instructors threw water onto the shelters that we had built. Some people were wet!
In general, the camp was really fun for lots, and a little difficult for others. Our favourite activity was abseiling, and we also loved the camp-fire toasted marshmallows.
French article written collectively by Valerie Ng, Bettina Dal Cin, Laurie Doko Tchatoka and Adjoa Yawson. Translation by Alex McKay
Year 11s take the Leap: Engineering Insights from Classroom to Industry
On Tuesday 24 September, six Year 11 students aspiring to be Engineers, had an exciting opportunity to attend the 2024 Young Engineers Breakfast at the Adelaide Pavilion. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Dr. Susan Pearce, a highly respected Medical Engineer, the girls were immersed in a morning filled with invaluable insights into the future of the engineering profession.
Throughout the event, our students heard from a panel of STEM professionals who explored how education, diversity, technology, and sustainability will shape the future of engineering. They learned how engineers will tackle global challenges like climate change through innovative, sustainable solutions. The panel also emphasised Australia’s growing deficit of engineers, especially women. While university engineering programs have expanded from just four to over 30, a critical need remains to encourage more young women to pursue these careers, ensuring greater equality and innovation in the field.
We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Susan Pearce for providing this engaging experience. Ms. Farr and I were thrilled to join the students, and it was a privilege to network with leading professionals shaping the future of this dynamic field. The event left us all feeling energised, inspired, and excited about the endless possibilities awaiting our future engineers.
It was truly a day of discovery, inspiration, and excitement for what lies ahead!
Melissa Lee
STEM Innovation Leader
Carolyn Farr
IB Diploma Coordinator/Careers Coordinator/Mathematics Teacher
Sharing your voice!
Public speaking is like a light. The speaker’s words illuminate arguments and show the way forward. A strong speech can help people understand problems and find solutions. We are drawn to clear, confident speakers whose words guide us, amuse us, move us, and make us think.
This year, Debating and Public Speaking Prefect Emily McCorley led the girls enthusiastically, and we had a record number of participants. There were many familiar faces and many brave first-time speakers. They were willing to speak before audiences large and small. Being able to write a speech means you can construct a powerful, coherent argument and speaking at short notice challenges you to think on your feet.
The Public Speaking students have competed in the Rostrum Voice of Youth (Years 7 to 12), Legacy Public Speaking Competition (Years 7 to 9) and My First Speech competition from the Department of the House of Representatives (Years 11 to 12). Congratulations to Maria Prakash, who made the semi-finals of Rostrum, Mack Atkinson, who competed in the State final for Legacy, and Scarlett Schmerlaib, who has been appointed 2025 Debating and Public Speaking Perfect. Every girl who entered a public speaking competition has been brave, considerate of others and creative. It has been great seeing them write on diverse topics of personal interest and experimenting with the way they use their voice.
Grace Yang – Year 7 (Legacy Competition)
Public speaking has always been and will continue to be an incredible and educational adventure. It has enhanced my strengths, addressed my weaknesses, and significantly boosted my confidence. Even after the sessions, I still greet all the new friends I made along the way. I will cherish this experience and definitely participate in next year’s events.
Lily Croser-Barlow – Year 7 (Legacy Competition)
After completing the Legacy Public Speaking competition in Term 2, I have looked back and now believe the competition to be an educational and positive experience. This competition taught me confidence and helped me believe in myself while exploring deep and interesting themes relating to our world today and how they affect us as individuals. It helped me gain insight into others’ thoughts on the provided themes for the competition and how they decided to address the criteria while keeping their speeches entertaining. I believe that this competition and participating in public speaking have given me useful skills that I use in situations aside from public speaking.
Luna Dou – Year 8 (Rostrum and Legacy Competitions)
This is my first time joining Public Speaking, and I have learnt many things, from delivering my speeches with clarity to standing in front of a crowd with greater confidence. I feel extremely lucky and proud to be supported by the Public Speaking members, as whenever I practised my speeches, Ms Smith and the girls encouraged me and always provided tips on how to improve. I believe that public speaking builds our skills when speaking in front of an audience and teaches us how to positively impact the world through words. Therefore, I will undoubtedly continue my journey in public speaking.
Mack Atkinson – Year 9 (Rostrum and Legacy Competitions)
Joining the Public Speaking team this year and being part of a supporting group of girls from years 7 to 12 has been amazing. I have been able to grow my public speaking skills, from refining my writing skills when drafting a speech to practising and perfecting my speech. Competing in only two public speaking competitions prior to advancing to the Legacy State Finals was a huge achievement. This opportunity helped me to make new friendships and further my speaking skills while gaining more competitive experience. The Legacy Public Speaking competition is a fantastic way for teens aged 12 to 14 to develop their public speaking skills and gain experience in a competition setting. I have loved being part of the Public Speaking team, surrounded by an amazing group of girls.
2024 Public Speaking members:
Year 7: Hayley Chu, Lily Croser-Barlow, Antra Docherty, Victoria Hii, Kayla Medefindt, Grace Yang.
Year 8: Luna Dou, Maria Prakash, Serena Zhang.
Year 9: Mack Atkinson, Nishka Soodan.
Year 10: Elodie de Wit, Alison Francis, Angelina Tran.
Year 11: Ashani Amarathunga, Alix Douglas, Christiana On, Scarlett Schmerlaib.
Year 12: Ayla Blaskett, Emily McCorley, Misha Yagnik, Bella Zhao, Gloria Zou.
Ms Mel Smith
Public Speaking Coordinator and Coach
Creating a Culture of Compassion
The Service Learning program across the School, provides students with the opportunity to engage with people in the wider community in a way that seeks to serve their needs. Service Learning prioritises the needs of others and strives to create a space where students can learn about themselves and the world around us.
This year, our Year 10s have been involved in the Service Learning program by running their respective House charities. This opportunity allows our Year 10s to take on a leadership role within the house, to practice key stills such as organisation, project management, and collaboration. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the Year 10s on their efforts throughout the year.
The Service Learning program also provides opportunities for individuals to go above and beyond for their House charity. Year 10 student, Elodie de Wit, took this opportunity with both hands raising over $1,500 for the Smith Family. In assembly on Monday, Carey Simms, from the Smith Family, came into the school to acknowledge the fantastic individual efforts of Elodie. He spoke about the school program that the Smith Family runs and how fundraising, such as this, plays a vital part in allowing the Smith Family to run these programs.
I would also like to congratulate Elodie on her efforts. Elodie exemplifies the value of compassion – seeing the needs of others and taking action to help and support them.
Thomas Bassett
School Chaplain and Service Learning Co-ordinator