Issue no. 32
In this edition
Farewell Class of 2021
Farewell to our amazing Class of 2021, what an epic last day of school!
We hope you enjoy more celebrations at tonight’s Valedictory Dinner, and we wish you all the best for your final exams and assessments. Always remember, you are and will forever be Saints Girls.
A send-off tradition is the Year 12 run through the School watched on by staff and younger students; take a look at the Class of 2021 in action:
Congratulations 2022 Student Leaders
There were moving scenes on Wednesday as our 2022 Student Leaders were inducted in a Chapel Service where they received their badges of office from our outgoing Prefects.
Families, staff and fellow students watched on with pride as our new Prefects and other leaders pledged to serve St Peter’s Girls with distinction.
It was a touching occasion, and we can’t wait to see how the girls lead the School in 2022.
ELC Garden Grand Opening
It was very special to have our ELC Hallett Garden transformation officially opened yesterday by The Honourable Rachel Sanderson MP, State Member for Adelaide, Minister for Child Protection, and Saints Girls’ Old Scholar (Selwyn 1986). When embarking on this project, we aimed to create a learning and play space that would both challenge and connect children.
We also wanted to create traces of our shared history and narratives of our learning with Kaurna elder Tamaru by making a garden linking our past, present and future. Underpinned by Kaurna culture and sustainability, our new landscape is reflective of the importance of what we hope for the future of childhood.
We have cleverly utilised each section of the space with the help of our experienced landscape architects Swanbury Penglase. The planning was collaborative and ensured all voices were included in each step of the design process. We were fortunate to be on site during its construction, as landscape designers Greenplay worked for several weeks with the children and educators looking on from our viewing window. This process strengthened the children’s connections and understandings as each phase was completed.
We are extremely appreciative of our School community for supporting this project, including the Friends of the ELC who purchased some of the artefacts that are pivotal in our design.
In the few weeks the garden has been available to the children, we have observed a new rigour in their play. They have created new games, further developed confidence in their gross motor skills and demonstrated to the educators even more ways the garden spaces can be interpreted. This excites us as to what might be possible and what outcomes may be achieved with this appealing and creative design. It is the garden of possibilities and we are proud not to have the end in mind as we launch this new play space.
Kate Mount
Director of Early Learning
Sun Shines on Family Day
Thank you to the families who came to the School on Sunday for our annual Family Day. It was the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy some great food and various activities with our Director of Sport Tommy Peak, while catching up with friends on Chiverton Lawns.
It was fantastic to have past parent Jeff Goehr from Wicked Coffee involved by serving up coffees on the day. In addition, it was wonderful to welcome Old Scholar Stephanie Hannah (Patteson 2010) back to the School in her new catering truck. Stephanie and her partner recently bought a food truck and have ventured into a business called ‘Snob Catering’. Our attending families really enjoyed the selection of menu items. We wish them every success with this new enterprise, and we look forward to inviting them back to the School and working with them in the future.
We’d also like to thank Junior School Art Teacher Sarah Casson who made some fantastic progress on the ‘Wall of Support’ mural on the exterior of the Gym. On Sunday, she painted in 4 of the 18 sporting silhouettes, signifying that we have raised $200K towards our $1M target to give Saints Girls a new Gym sooner. The children who attended had a fantastic time watching Sarah paint and asked her lots of interesting questions about her mural art.
Thank you so much to everyone who made this day possible and so enjoyable!
Melissa Westgate
Foundation Manager
Last Sunday, the Saints Girls’ Family Day was held on Chiverton Lawns. Many families came to enjoy a sunny afternoon of soccer, picnics, delicious food and live mural painting by our Junior School Art Teacher Ms Casson. A food truck was run by an Old Scholar, serving internationally themed food such as Vietnamese noodle bowls and nachos. To match this theme, I baked nearly 100 internationally flavoured cupcakes to sell. With the help of Ayanna and Ishita from Year 9, we almost sold out of cupcakes featuring flavours of tiramisu, bubble tea, lamington, Belgium chocolate and fairy bread. The day was a huge success and it was a great experience running my own stall. I would highly encourage more students to get involved next year and if you have your own small business, maybe consider setting up a stall too!
Angelina Hii
Student
The SRC girls and Ms Westgate ran a super fun Family Day. Angelina, Ishita and I set up a cupcake stand, hoping to sell as many sweets as possible. Angelina baked four different flavours of cupcakes, all representing different nationalities. The main purpose of Family Day was to connect people with different cultures, and teach the younger children to love and respect their traditions and those of others. We were also aiming to raise money for our new Gym. It was a very successful day and I am so excited for the following events in the years to come! We ended up selling 88 cupcakes which was an amazing outcome, and I am very proud of all the girls who put in the effort to make this idea become a reality.
Ayanna Roy
Student
The Power of Sport at Saints Girls
Last term, our Aussie Rules Captain Kellie Bested caught up with football icon and Saints Girls’ Coach Mark Ricciuto to talk all things sport including the game changing impacts it has on health, wellbeing and relationships.
Roo will be joined by Olympic rower Olympia Aldersey (Kennion 2011) and Events South Australia Executive Director Hitaf Rasheed (Selwyn 1986) during our exclusive Sports Lunch at the Alma on Friday 12 November. Book your tickets via www.trybooking.com/BTYKD
Sports Lunch 2021 – Book Now
St Peter’s Girls’ Foundation is thrilled to present the 2021 Sports Lunch on Friday 12 November from 12 – 4pm at the Alma Tavern, Norwood.
Enjoy an exclusive afternoon of sporting insights and a sports panel discussion with football icon Mark Ricciuto, Olympic and World Champion Rower Olympia Aldersey (Kennion 2011), and Executive Director of Events SA Hitaf Rasheed (Selwyn 1986).
The afternoon includes a delicious 3-course meal and drinks package, and funds raised will go towards our new Gym!
Be quick to secure your tickets via TryBooking.
Updated Mask Directions for Schools
The State Government has announced that from Monday, face masks will no longer be mandatory in schools for students and staff, and will instead be optional.
The Premier says the decision has been made due to the State’s encouraging COVID vaccination rate, but stresses to all South Australians that we must continue to be vigilant in the fight against the virus.
The School has been advised that the direction for parents and visitors to wear masks remains in place for now.
True Blue at Junior Swimming Carnival
Congratulations to the girls in Kennion, who were the winners of the inaugural Years 2/3 Swimming Carnival! Well done also to Selwyn for taking home the Spirit Cup. The day was filled with high spirits and the girls enjoyed the friendly competition at the School Pool.
They began the afternoon with cheers in their House groups before taking part in the freestyle events. It was impressive to witness all girls’ confidence in the pool with some smooth and stylish strokes on display. Both Year 2s and Year 3s participated in a kickboard novelty race before the breaststroke and backstroke events to round out the carnival.
A number of Year 6 Leaders supported the swimmers by either being in the pool or assisting with marshalling and recording. It was a lovely atmosphere and it was excellent to see the girls have an opportunity to display their swimming skills.
Kennion: 166
Kilburn: 141
Selwyn: 139
Patteson: 113
Dan Searle
Head of PE, Health & Outdoor Education
Year 7 Debaters the Talk of Town
Congratulations to our Year 7 Team 2 Debaters who were the winners of the South Australian Debating Association (SADA) Junior Grand Final. Well done also to Nethushi Ratnayake who won a medal for best speaker on the day.
The exciting occasion took place at the Law Courts in Victoria Square, an impressive venue for the girls, many of whom had never debated before this year. Thirty-eight schools were in the running for the coveted title, making the girls’ success even more impressive.
Our skilled debaters argued that children should not be allowed to compete in professional sports. With the help of their Year 10 coaches Zara Blight and Lucy Schirripa, the girls carefully constructed their arguments and possible rebuttals over the best part of a month. Most lunchtimes and recesses were taken up with research and rehearsal, pasting arguments onto cue cards and timing speeches. Great effort from all the girls!
Zara and Lucy share their recap of the event:
‘Last Sunday, our Year 7 Debating team won the SADA Junior Debating Grand Final against Rose Park Primary School. The team consisted of Mithi Sharma, Jiahui Zhang, Lexie Fishlock and Nethushi Ratnayake.
St Peter’s Girls hasn’t claimed this title since 2004, so it was an honour to coach these girls to such a fantastic victory. They competed phenomenally the entire season, winning two of the three rounds, as well as the Quarter and Semi-Finals. We couldn’t have done it without the support of Mrs English, Mrs Gough, Holly Wallman-Craddock and Sara Peak, who supported us throughout the season. It has been a wonderful experience to coach such a dedicated team who have shown a keen passion for debating. We’ve enjoyed every moment!’
Sarah English
English Teacher
Spectacular Strings Concert
Our annual Strings Concert was a great success, with 65 girls from Years 2 to 12 participating in a very well received and highly engaging program.
The concert featured our five-string ensembles playing a wide variety of music, including Extension Strings with vocalist Emeshe Robson, Senior Strings, Intermediate Strings, Developmental Strings and Emily Strings. Several other performances showcasing the talent and hard work of students included a solo by Samantha Li, a piano trio combining performers Cheri Wong, Lauren Parker and Tammy Tang, a harp and voice solo by Abigail Papps, and a duet arranged by our very own violin teacher Emma Luker played by Caitlin Middelberg and Grace Dwyer.
For the first time, the concert also featured a staff quartet which included our guest artist for the evening, Adelaide-based violinist and composer Belinda Gehlert. Our Co-Director of Strings Hilary Kleinig and string tutors Emma Luker and Alison Rayner also played ‘Epilogue’ by Belinda. Needless to say, this was a very moving and touching performance that showcased the fine artistry of our local string staff.
We thanked and farewelled our Strings Captain Cheri Wong and Year 12 students Victoria Thorp, Hattie Xu and Stephanie Demmrich. They have all contributed to our Strings program in immeasurable ways over the past many years and will be sorely missed.
The finale and highlight of the concert was an orchestral piece called ‘Wild’, written and conducted by Hilary Kleinig. It involved all of the string students, and together with the string staff, they dazzled the audience with an array of catchy melodies, rhythms, techno beats and fluoro wristbands!
Congratulations to everyone who participated in this wonderful concert!
Natalie Maegraith and Hilary Kleinig
Co-Directors of Strings
Year 6 Camp on Mighty Murray
The Year 6 girls were excited to participate in an Outdoor Education experience on the Murray River at Roonka during Week 1. The program offered opportunities to engage in canoeing, fishing, raft building, teamwork and leadership challenges, and setting up and sleeping in tents! Thankfully, the rain largely stayed away (until the second to last day), allowing exciting and worthwhile learning experiences in a unique natural environment.
Year 6 Teachers
Former Staff Lunch
The vibe in the room was buzzing when almost 40 Former Staff of St Peter’s Girls met for a delicious lunch on Wednesday at The Republic. COVID forced us to reconvene the event, so there was great enthusiasm in the room as guests caught up on each other’s news. Staff from all departments joined the lunch group, and this added to the collegial atmosphere.
It was great to see former Principals Doug Stott and Di Nicholls, together with Sub-School leaders Janet Bowden and Robyn Page. Long-serving School Support Staff Chris O’Donnell, Jean Hudson, Malcom Heading, Siony Gardiner, Barbara Jeffries and Anne Sinclair reminded us of the fun of our working life and commitment to Saints. Teaching staff representing all year levels completed the picture.
Diary Note: The next lunch is scheduled for Wednesday 27 July 2022.
Judy Lovett on behalf of the Organising Committee
Rowing Season Opening Picnic This Sunday
The Friends of Rowing invite you to attend the Season Opening Picnic this Sunday 24 October from 5 to 7pm on Chiverton Lawns. This event will be an opportunity to welcome our new and returning Rowing families for the 2021/22 season, as well as christen our newest boats!
As part of the event, we will be welcoming special guests and Old Scholars Olympia Aldersey (Kennion 2011 – World Champion and Olympian, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020) and Peta White (Selwyn 2009 – Junior World Champion and Senior World Championships Silver Medallist) who will be speaking at the event.
All rowers are expected to attend, and Rowing families are strongly encouraged. The event is open to the School community; Old Scholars and friends of the Rowing program are very welcome.
Tickets can be purchased via https://www.trybooking.com/BUECQ
$25 per adult
$20 per student/child
Tickets include nibbles, yiros and soft drinks. Refreshments will also be available for purchase.
Brynley Millward
Director of Rowing
Community at Saints Girls
Parents are a vibrant and integral 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.
Friends of Rowing Meeting
Tuesday 16 November
6.30pm
Senior Art Room
Contact: Ed Parker – edontheroadagain@hotmail.com
Melissa Westgate
Foundation Manager
Entertainment Membership
To support Saints Girls and secure your Entertainment Membership, click here.
Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.entertainment.com.au for more information.
Health Notices
A message from the Eastern Health Authority: EHA provides the School Immunisation Program and offers a free immunisation catchup service for current students who may have missed any of these doses this year or during prior years at school, or who may have missed any early childhood vaccinations and be eligible for the adolescent free vaccine catchup program for those under 20 years. For more details, click here.
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A message regarding COVID-19 vaccinations from SA Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier: click here
Growth and Development Education Evening – Next Week
You are warmly invited to the Kidz Biz Growth and Development Education Evening next Tuesday 26 October in the Arts Centre.
Kidz Biz Growth and Development Education is for both students and their parents. The sessions are designed to be fun, informative and easy to understand. It is highly interactive, providing parents/guardians and students with an introduction to basic personal growth and social development education. Traditionally known as the ‘Birds and the Bees’, these sessions will be presented in a manner that is not awkward or threatening, where students can learn about the human body and the amazing things it can do. The evening will be broken into two sessions for the following year groups, and the cost will be covered by the School.
Years 2 – 4
Where Did We Come From? – 6 to 6.50pm
• Myths about where babies come from
• Conception
• Fertilisation
• The nine month foetal development
• The birth process
Years 5 & 6
What’s Happening To Me? – 7 to 7.50pm
• Puberty (physical and emotional)
• Body image and media influences
• Dealing with parents
We hope to see many parents and students attend these valuable sessions.
Suzanne Haddy
Head of Junior School
Absences from School
If your child is going to be absent, late to school or leave early, please use one of the following methods to notify the School providing student name, class/Home Group and reason:
Text: 0428 601 957
Email: attendance@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Phone: 8334 2200
Feel free to include the class/Home Group teacher when emailing. It would be appreciated if notifications could be made prior to 9am.
It is absolutely imperative to keep unwell children at home until they have recovered, even if symptoms are mild. This is not only for their own health and safety, but for that of all students and staff.
We thank all of our families for their cooperation.
Sports News
BASKETBALL
Open A: Saints 32 v Pembroke 23
Middle A: Saints 14 v Seymour 52
Middle B: Saints 22 v Seymour 41
CRICKET
Saints 1: Wash Out
Saints 2: Wash Out
Our Cricket season was delayed by a week due to a washout; however, the girls have been enjoying training and are improving quickly. With this being the first time Cricket has been played at Saints Girls in 16 years, we are extremely grateful to SACA for providing us with amazing sets of new equipment that will ensure the girls are prepared and ready when games come around.
TENNIS
Open A: Saints 6 (36) v Westminster 0 (3)
Open B: Saints 5 (32) v Westminster 1 (15)
Div 1: Saints Yellow 4 (30) v Pembroke 2 (28)
Saints White: 0 (11) v Pembroke 6 (36)
Saints Blue: 5 (32) v Pembroke 1 (21)
Div 2: Saints 0 (9) v Immanuel 6 (36)
Div 3: Saints 1 (15) v Immanuel 3 (33)
TOUCH FOOTBALL
Open A: Saints 1 v Marryatville 7
Open B: Saints 3 v Mercedes 8
Middle A: Saints 0 v Pembroke 1
Middle B: Saints 1 v Mercedes 4
VOLLEYBALL
Open A: Saints 3 v Westminster 0
Open B: Saints 0 v Westminster 3
Middle A: Saints 2 v Westminster 1
Middle B: Saints 2 v Westminster 1
Middle C: Saints 0 v Westminster 3
Middle D: Saints 0 v Westminster 3
WATER POLO
Open A: Saints 16 v St Ignatius 0
Open B: Saints 12 v Wilderness 3
Open C: Bye
Middle A: Saints 9 v Pembroke 11
Our Middle and Open Water Polo teams all had a very strong start to the summer season. Our Middle team, although losing by just 2, played a good first game, especially with their defensive pressure. It was great to see the more experienced players helping those who were playing their first-ever game! Our Open B team dominated in the pool and kept Wilderness scoreless. A shoutout must go to Alice Braithwaite who scored 3 goals in the first quarter and 5 for the game. Best player was Claudia Pearce for her leadership in the pool and her aggression in defence. This success continued for our Open A team who had a convincing 9 goal win over St Ignatius. With a very consistent 3 goals per quarter, the team continued their undefeated streak from last season with determination in both attack and defence. It was amazing to see the teamwork and collaboration in all teams and I can’t wait for an amazing, and no doubt successful season! – Saskia Jonats (Water Polo Captain)
JUNIOR SPORT
Our Junior School has some fantastic sport options in Term 4, many that have been introduced into the program for the first time this year. It’s great to see the Year 3s and 4s starting to play cricket with Miss West, with their first official game next Wednesday. The Year 5s and 6s have started to compete in Touch Football for the first time, led by Ms Burton-Howard and Tracey Woods; they have played Round 1 and are working hard to improve each week. We have also introduced Badminton for the first time, led by Stu Rowlands, our Head Coach. The girls have had their first hit out this week and showed plenty of promise. We then also have returning sports such as Aussie Rules, Volleyball and Tennis. With the first games commencing this week, we look forward to seeing the students enjoy the challenge of competition and working hard to develop their skills and team play.
STUDENT SUCCESS
MOUNTAIN BIKE CHALLENGE
Last Friday, Stella, Lexi, Hannah and I were fortunate to compete in the 2021 Mountain Bike Relay Championship at O’Halloran Hill. The aim of the event was to see how many laps of a challenging course the team could complete in 2.5 hours. After the first gruelling lap, we were able to shake off our nerves and complete 16 laps in total to finish in 2nd place. We all had a great time and hope to see more teams competing in this event next year. A big thanks to Izzie and our parents for their support and encouragement on the day. – Elodie de Wit (Year 7 student)
EKIDEN RELAY
Last Thursday, a group of eight Year 8/9 girls competed at the Ekiden Relay. The event was held at Bonython Park with many schools attending. The following girls represented Saints Girls and ran these distances:
5.4km – Daisy Braithwaite
1.5km – Sophie Ricciuto
2.8km – Naomi Singh
2.8km – Zara Trim
1.5km – Jenna Maione
2.8km – Alice Braithwaite
2.8km – Dani Cox
1km – Charlotte McAuliffe
The girls ran very well in every distance and finished 3rd overall. This was an event that I’m sure the girls enjoyed and we can’t wait to see more new faces next year competing in all age groups! – Daisy Braithwaite (Year 9 student)