Issue no. 10
In this edition
Giving Day – Next Thursday!
Our Saints Girls’ Giving Day is less than a week away and will coincide with our Summer Interhouse sports carnival on the last day of Term 1, Thursday 14 April. Our students are aiming to collectively Move a Million Metres through active All-Star Challenges to help raise $1 million for a new Gym. Everyone who is part of or connected to our School community is invited to support our students by sponsoring their All-Star Challenges in the lead up to Giving Day: DONATE NOW
Donations can be made at any time from now until the end of Giving Day.
Due to the spread-out nature of this event, we warmly welcome parents and other family members to join us here for Giving Day and Summer Interhouse next Thursday. Attendees should wear face masks and socially distance. For the full schedule of events, CLICK HERE
Giving Day donations will be doubled by our generous matchers. So, a $50 donation becomes $100, allowing you to make an even greater impact for our girls.
You can donate to your House, or sponsor individual students in their All-Star Challenges through these steps:
- Go to the Giving Day website: charidy.com/stpetersgirls
- Click the ‘Challenge Participants’ tab
- Enter participant name in the search box
- Donate
- Share your daughter’s page with family and friends on social media
We thank our wonderful community for supporting our students and this vital cause which will help lift Saints Girls and sport to even greater heights.
Looking forward to seeing you next Thursday!
Melissa Westgate
Foundation Manager
Girls Lap Up Oval Walkathon
To help our girls reach their goal to collectively Move a Million Metres ahead of next week’s Giving Day, our Sport Captains are running various lunchtime activities.
Yesterday, dozens of students flocked to the Oval for a Walkathon which was plenty of fun under the sun for all ages.
Inspiring Individual All-Star Challenges
Many of our girls are diving head-first into individual All-Star Challenges to move their metres.
Ayla Blaskett aims to swim up to 40,000 metres over the fortnight, and she’s well on her way.
To sponsor individual participants like Ayla, head to our Giving Day website: CLICK HERE
Little Champs Tackle Giant Obstacle Course
Our Reception to Year 3 students moved their fair share of metres earlier this week while taking on a Giant Obstacle Course spanning the entire length of our School!
Well done to Sport Prefect Charlie Fishlock and the Sport Captains for organising this fantastic event and leading the enthusiastic girls on their athletic adventure.
Shoutout from Saints’ Sporting Legend
Our community members are also rallying behind the girls and our Giving Day.
Here’s Paralympic great, current staff member and former Director of Sport Neil Fuller with a stirring message of support:
Junior School Easter Egg Hunt
Next Thursday 14 April, in celebration of Giving Day, the end of Term 1 and the Easter holidays, a group of Junior School parents has organised an Easter Egg Hunt for our Reception to Year 6 students. This will occur between 2 and 3.15pm on Chiverton Lawns.
Small chocolate Easter eggs will be hidden on, under and in a large expanse of ‘wood-wool’ (straw-like material), and each class will be scheduled approximately 5 minutes to hunt for an allocated number of eggs under the direction of our parent helpers and the teachers. Non-edible treats have been organised for children who are not able to eat chocolate for any reason. If this is the case for your daughter, please inform her Class Teacher.
This is a kind and generous initiative, and an opportunity for Junior School students to further enjoy the spirit of Giving Day while the Middle and Senior School girls participate in the Summer Interhouse sports competitions.
If you are interested in helping during the afternoon, please email Bronwyn Bartter via bronwynbartter@gmail.com
We thank our families for their work towards this event. If you have any questions, please contact either Bronwyn or Foundation Manager Melissa Westgate via mwestgate@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Swimming Carnival Returns to Stonyfell
On Tuesday, the School hosted a reimagined Swimming Carnival utilising the School’s refurbished pool, harking back to the days when this treasured event was held annually at Stonyfell.
One of the biggest highlights was seeing the Year 12 girls storm onto the Oval in their amazing House costumes in front of proud parents and adoring students.
The cheering from the House tents erupted throughout the day as swimmers competed across a staggered year level format. But everyone held their breath for the presentation of the overall McGill Shield to the winning House: SELWYN!
RESULTS
|
Overall Shield 1st Selwyn (755) 2nd Kennion (654) 3rd Kilburn (644) 4th Patteson (623) Senior Shield Middle Shield Junior Shield |
Individual Medley Winners Senior 1st Alice Braithwaite 2nd Summer Bament 3rd Isabelle Tran Middle Junior |
From Our Director of Teaching and Learning
In the midst of the exciting fundraising activities for our state-of-the-art new Gym, I thought I would reflect on some of the obvious and less obvious reasons why physical activity can be so beneficial for school students.
It is generally agreed that some sport or exercise during the school day can be a welcome break from more sedentary learning experiences in the classroom. Just this week, government ministers endorsed a new Australian Curriculum that, amongst other things, prioritises ‘strengthening the focus on students being physically active’.
In recent studies, physical activity has been shown to cultivate resilience in young people. Exercise has a positive effect on mental health and self-esteem. Taking control of our bodies and our physical state can be very empowering, particularly when other aspects of life may be presenting tough challenges that we feel we have less control over.
Sport and physical activity often have a welcome social element; equally, an exercise routine can be a time in the day for more private and personal thinking, reflecting and planning.
From an academic perspective, physical activity has a positive impact on so many things that are critical in the learning process: memory, attention, creative thinking and thinking routines, ideation, focus, engagement and problem-solving (and this list is not exhaustive).
Unsurprisingly, research tells us that inactivity has a negative impact on attention span, self-esteem and motivation. And research shows also that just a small amount of vigorous physical activity each day is all it takes to make a significant difference.
We are fortunate at Saints Girls to have students who are so engaged in our co-curricular sports offerings. The selection of sports and activities has become increasingly diverse, and the emphasis more than ever is on enjoyment and developing healthy routines that will continue into adult life.
Physical activity at Saints Girls is not an ‘add-on’ or a ‘break from learning’. It is embedded in our wellbeing philosophy and an important ingredient in successful academic outcomes.
Nigel Scoggins
Director of Teaching and Learning
Jam Packed Music Day Camp
The School’s corridors and outdoor spaces were alive with magical sounds of instrumental perfection during yesterday’s Music Day Camp. Some of our Music students shared their thoughts on the event:
‘While it may not have been the Music Camp we had hoped for, the day exceeded expectations and was a wonderful reminder of the beauty of the Music community here at Saints. The energy was ecstatic all day, and seeing girls of all ages come together to dance, share their passion for song and live music was truly something special.’ – Tia
‘It was an amazing experience, beginning with a productive Stage Band session with Tom Voss, and ending with a fun dance party with Adam Page and his band. It was the perfect opportunity to work on the pieces for competitions, as well as pieces that are being used for Year 12 Ensemble Performance.’ – Emma, Lauren and Matilda
‘I really enjoyed getting to know everyone better at the Camp. The highlight for me was definitely the Lip Sync Battle, which is a tradition we do every year, and the performances were all amazing.’ – Chi Chi
Old Scholar Going for Gold
Congratulations to Old Scholar Sophie Linn (Patteson 2012) on winning the Gold Coast Triathlon on Sunday morning.
As a result of this incredible achievement, Sophie has secured a spot in the Australian team for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in July.
We cant wait to cheer you on as you go for Gold!
Earth Day – Friday 22 April
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day, on Friday 22 April, is an annual event to demonstrate support for environmental protection. The 2022 theme is ‘Invest in our Planet’.
What can you do?
You can show your support through actions such as minimising the use of plastics and paper, planting a tree, or donating old but usable items!
Yang Yang Gu
Environment Club
Interhouse Meal Deal – Final Call for Orders!
The Saints Sport Support Group (SSSG) will once again be cooking up a storm at Summer Interhouse, and our Giving Day, next Thursday 14 April.
We’re offering delicious cheeseburger Meal Deals and a sausage sizzle (vegetarian option available).
Pre-order your daughter’s cheeseburger Meal Deal before 5pm, Monday 11 April – CLICK HERE
SSSG volunteers will hand-deliver the Reception – Year 2 lunches to their classrooms, and Years 3 – 12 will collect theirs from the SSSG barbecue area.
There will also be cash sales and EFTPOS sales on the day for the sausage sizzle.
To get you into the Summer Interhouse spirit, branded keyrings, supporter hats, House hats, water bottles and wristbands can also be pre-ordered, or purchased on the day. Please note that Kilburn hats have SOLD OUT – update on supply will be provided when stocks have been replenished.
All proceeds raised by the Saints Sport Support Group directly benefit our Saints Girls and their sporting endeavours.
Thank you so much for your kind support.
Saints Sport Support Group
Choral Night – Save the Date
Friday 29 July (Week 1, Term 3)
Influencers Church, Paradise
Please save the date for our rescheduled Choral Night which we hope will be an electrifying way to start Semester 2.
Further details will be provided next term.
Old Scholar Mums and Grandmothers’ Morning Tea
Date: Friday 6 May
Time: From 8.30am (after drop-off)
Venue: Food Tech Deck
RSVP: by Monday 2 May via TryBooking – click here
This is a fabulous opportunity to meet other Old Scholar mums and grandmothers in the School community.
Please contact the Community Relations Office on 8334 2239 if you would like further information.
Junior School Vacation Care
Our next awesome instalment of Junior School Vacation Care is almost here. We have some great activities guaranteed to keep the children entertained through the break. With an array of excursions and on-site adventures, there is plenty of fun to be had.
April 2022 Vacation Care Program
Places are limited, so secure your booking now – click here
Ladies’ Night Out
The Saints Girls’ community presents: Ladies’ Night Out!
Join us on Friday 6 May from 7pm at the Feathers Hotel. Tickets are $50 each and include gourmet finger food and a drink on arrival.
Bookings close at 5pm, Monday 2 May. To book tickets, click here
A fundraising raffle will be drawn on the night; tickets can be purchased online or with cash at the event.
For more information, contact Fiona McGregor on 8334 2225 or fmcgregor@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Supported by the Friends of The Arts
Starry Night Gala Ball – Secure Your Seats Now!
Saturday 18 June
Saints Girls is over the moon about our Starry Night Gala Ball to celebrate and support our fundraising efforts for a new Gym, including our ‘Saints Girls All-Stars’.
Don’t miss out on this amazing evening with our Saints Girls’ community.
7pm, Saturday 18 June
Adelaide Convention Centre
Tickets: $200 per person
Includes three-course meal, beverages and live entertainment
To book your tickets, CLICK HERE
Star Struck Major Lottery
As momentum builds for our Gym fundraising campaign featuring our ‘Saints Girls All-Stars’, we are thrilled to launch our Star Struck Major Lottery.
Ticket sales are now open, so get in quick!
First Prize: Toyota Yaris Ascent Sport from Northpoint Toyota (valued at $27,811)
+ a personalised car park at St Peter’s Girls’ School from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.
This stunning new car could belong to you or someone in your family! Spread the word and feel free to share this opportunity with your friends and relatives.
To buy your tickets: CLICK HERE
Lottery Licence No: M14175
COVID-19 Reminders
To help protect the health of our families, staff and the wider community, we must all work together to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Please be reminded of the following:
Should your child develop any symptoms, even mild ones, they must not attend school or ELC and should be tested for COVID-19. They require a PCR test with receipt of a negative result and resolution of symptoms before return to school/ELC can be considered. Students who have previously tested positive and have completed isolation in the past 12 weeks do not need to undertake testing.
If your child tests positive to COVID-19, notify us immediately. Please also advise the type of test (RAT/PCR), the date your child’s test was taken and the date symptoms started (if no symptoms, note ‘asymptomatic’).
Please notify us via email or text:
Email: attendance@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Text: 0428 601 957 (save to phone contacts as SPGS)
If you need to notify us over the phone, please call the Front Office on 8334 2200.
Please note that if your child is too sick to attend school, they are therefore also too sick to be working remotely from home.
COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children Aged 5 – 11
The National COVID Vaccine Taskforce has requested assistance to circulate information encouraging COVID-19 vaccinations for 5 – 11 year old children:
Over 50 per cent of all children aged 5 to 11 have now received a first dose, with many now due for a second dose (eight weeks after the first). In particular as we approach school holidays and the weather cools down, it is important to take steps to minimise the impact of COVID-19. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect your child, and the community.
The Department of Health website provides a number of resources with further information about seeking COVID-19 vaccination. A fact sheet which you could use to have a conversation with your child can be found here. Further resources are also available here.
Vaccines are widely available across the country at general practices, state-run clinics and Aboriginal Health Services. You can find a participating clinic and make an appointment by visiting the Vaccine Clinic Finder here.
Thank you for your efforts to keep your child and the wider school community safe.
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
School Shop Holiday Hours and Notice for Year 4 Parents
Regular Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 8am – 4pm
(closed for lunch 12 – 12.30pm)
School Holiday Hours
Closed except for:
Thursday 28 April: 9am – 4pm (closed for lunch 12 – 12.30pm)
Friday 29 April: 9am – 4pm (closed for lunch 12 – 12.30pm)
Winter Uniform Appointments
A reminder that Winter Uniform Fittings are underway, and to streamline the process, we have introduced a new online booking system. It shows our available time slots for April. Middle and Senior School students are welcome to visit during their recess or lunch breaks.
Click here to access the calendar and select the time that best suits you (please include your daughter’s name).
Appointment times are filling fast, so your prompt attention is appreciated.
Winter Uniform Requirements – Year 4 Students
If your daughter is in Year 4, there are a few different uniform requirements that you will need to arrange before Term 2.
With the winter uniform, the pinafore is replaced by a skirt of the same fabric, so if the pinafore still fits, the bib can simply be removed.
The grandpa shirt is replaced by a collared shirt and tie, and the junior blazer (cardigan) is no longer worn and is replaced by a navy blue jumper and a wool blazer.
Please make an appointment via our online booking system outlined above.
Car Park Reminders
Unless special circumstances apply, parents of girls in Years 2 to 12 should not enter the car park to collect their daughters before 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.
Furthermore, 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 also adhere to the 10kmh speed limit and refrain from turning right into or out of the car park during peak times as this causes further congestion.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Saints Sport Support Group New Merchandise
The Saints Sport Support Group is delighted to share our new merchandise range for the 2022 school year. In addition to our House merchandise, we now have the following items available for purchase:
- White and navy supporter hats for parents and friends
- ‘Play like a Saints Girl’ sport keyrings (Tennis, Swimming, Football, Volleyball, Hockey and Athletics designs available)
To get your hands on these fabulous new items, and to order House merchandise for Swimming Carnival, click here
Thank you so much for your support.
Katie Lucas
Saints Sport Support Group President
Be Involved in ‘Our Saints’ Community
Would you like your daughter’s Grandmother, Grandfather, Aunts and/or Uncles to receive our biannual Saints Alive magazine and our weekly eNews updates? Sign up for the free ‘Our Saints’ membership for Grandparents, other treasured family members and friends.
For more information and to join this unique group, please click here and email the completed form to Foundation Manager Melissa Westgate via mwestgate@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.
General 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 the 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.
Sports News
BASKETBALL
Senior A: Saints (25) v Walford (62)
Middle A: Saints (52) v Walford (22)
Senior A: Saints (4) v Westminster (73)
Senior B: Saints (14) v Westminster (71)
CRICKET
Senior A: Saints (2/60) v Seymour (3/84)
Senior B1: Saints (6/57) v Walford (4/64)
Senior B2: Saints (3/56) v Scotch (3/61)
TENNIS
Open A: Saints (12(72) v Concordia (0(15))
TOUCH FOOTBALL
Open A: Saints (0) v Wilderness (7)
Open B: Saints (2) v Seymour (4)
Middle A: Saints (4) v Wilderness (3)
Middle B: Saints (9) v Wilderness (1)
VOLLEYBALL
Senior A: Saints (3) v Walford (0)
Senior B: Saints (1) v Walford (2)
Senior C: Saints (3) v Walford (0)
Middle A: Saints (2) v Walford (1)
Middle B: Saints (1) v Walford (2)
WATER POLO
Open A: Saints (13) v St Ignatius (3)
Open B: Saints (10) v Wilderness (2)
Open C: Bye
Middle A: Saints (2) v Pembroke (14)
Middle B: Saints (1) v Mercedes (15)
Open A: Saints v St Michael’s (St Michael’s forfeit)
Open B: Saints (2) v Pembroke (11)
Open C: Saints (8) v Loreto (11)
Middle A: Bye
Middle B: Saints (1) v Pembroke (16)
STUDENT SUCCESS
Congratulations to Annie Goldsmith who recently participated in National Athletics in the U15 100m Para event. Annie finished 9th on the day.
Over Weeks 9, 10 and 11, we have several other students away representing South Australia at Nationals. These include:
Hockey – Amelia Lucas, Leah Huynh, Zara Trim and Winnie Vartuli
Badminton – Yang Yang Gu
Water Polo – Claudia Pearce, Isabella Howie, Isla Fahey and Olivia Reynolds
Beach Volleyball – Lucy White and Annabel Keough
Swimming – Summer Bament, Alice Braithwaite, Emma Everitt, Poppy Marshall, Alyssa Tran and Isabelle Tran
We wish these girls the best of luck and look forward to hearing about their progress and achievements upon their return.