Issue no. 13
In this edition
TONIGHT – ‘Saints Girls & All That Jazz’!
The night is finally here for one of the biggest music spectaculars the School has ever seen: ‘Saints Girls & All That Jazz’
Our talented Music students have spent the week working with Emma Pask (from ‘The Voice’) and Ross Irwin (The Cat Empire) to prepare for this evening’s epic concert.
The girls have relished the opportunity to hear our Artists in Residence talk about music, performing and life. For many of them, it’s an experience they’ll never forget, and they can’t wait to lift the roof in the Arts Centre tonight from 7pm.
Limited tickets are available at the door, so don’t miss out on this rare event!
In the meantime, here’s a short preview:
From the Head of Junior School
One of the important aspects of our Year 6 program is the opportunity we provide our students to learn and practise the skills of leadership. Leadership skills are developed through our Year 6 students’ individual leadership roles such as Event, Activity and House Leaders, SRC, Library, Chapel and Music Leaders, and equally importantly, through their roles as Student Peer Support Leaders.
Last term, all Year 6 students were actively engaged in a two-day training program, where they learned about communication, individual and group decision-making, effective group-work, problem-solving, empathy and assertiveness. They then investigated specific skills and strategies they would need in order to lead groups of peers from Reception to Year 5. Each week this term, the Year 6 students will plan their delivery of a new Peer Support module, before leading their group during a Home Group period.
The theme of our Peer Support sessions this year is ‘Stronger Together’ which focuses on having a whole-school approach to respectful relationships. Our first session last week went very well, and the Year 6s should be congratulated on their excellent organisation and thoughtful planning. We look forward to seeing our young leaders’ skills develop and grow further throughout the term.
Suzanne Haddy
Head of Junior School
Building Success
Our cutting-edge new Middle School and Library have picked up a major prize at the Australian Institute of Building SA Professional Excellence Awards. Well done to Sarah Constructions for winning the Commercial Construction $5m – $25m category.
The facilities have significantly enhanced our teaching and learning, and our girls are thriving in their unique surrounds.
Have a look back at the Middle School’s incredible transformation:
Students Make an Art of Teamwork
In connection with their classroom central idea, “Developing an understanding of ourselves and others can lead to success”, Year 4 artists have been working together to plan, design and create a collaborative sculpture of their choice.
They were inspired by a social enterprise of Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Women, called the Tjanpi Desert Weavers.
“Tjanpi Desert Weavers are a women’s council, created to help women in remote central deserts earn their own money from their fibre sculptures.” – Meghana Chettimada
“I enjoyed making the tail and body on our kangaroo because we got to do lots of different things with the materials.” – Amelia Kayser
The girls have successfully provided constructive criticism when responding to design ideas and used a range of strategies to solve problems during the process.
“The group skills we used when we were building these creations were including others, being positive, sharing and taking turns, expressing our own opinions, respecting other people’s ideas, negotiating, helping others and building on other’s ideas.” – Sophie Lively
Please come and view these wonderful sculptures in the Junior School Art Room window.
Sarah Casson
Junior School Art Teacher
IB Diploma Information Night
A special information night will be held on Tuesday 22 May where IB Diploma Coordinator Carolyn Farr will introduce and explain the IB Diploma to interested members of the community. During this hour-long session, she will outline the structure of the programme, subject options, how it is assessed and what kind of student is well suited to IB. She will share some recent statistics and research, and perhaps even dispel a few myths. You will also have an opportunity to hear from graduates and current IB students.
Students are encouraged to attend, and members of the public are also welcome.
Watch this video for a taste of IB at Saints Girls:
Ladies’ Night Out
If you’re up for a fun evening, why not book a ticket to the Ladies’ Night Out? To be held next Friday 18 May from 7 – 10.30pm in the Arts Centre at St Peter’s Girls’ School, tickets are $50 each and include bubbles on arrival, finger food and a gift bag.
Join other like-minded community members for a night of fun, whilst playing a key role in supporting our Master Plan!
A fundraising raffle will be drawn on the night and bar facilities will be available.
Tickets via www.trybooking.com/UFUW
Saints Girls Speak Out
Congratulations to Anika Bruin, Chi Chi Zhao, Emily Downie, Holly Wallman-Craddock, Tiffany Zhou and Taj Shahin who have nominated to participate in the 2018 Rostrum Voice of Youth competition. Contestants are judged on their presentation of a prepared speech and a short notice speech. This year, a record number of almost 190 entries has been received from 31 schools. The SA/NT zone heats will be held in Adelaide, the State’s South East and Darwin.
The Adelaide competition begins with a series of heats on 12 May, followed by semi-finals on 26 May. Morning heats commence at 9.45am and afternoon heats at 1.30pm. These events are held at Immanuel College in Novar Gardens. Parents, teachers and friends are encouraged to come and support the students at the heats. Public speakers love an audience!
The zone final will be held in Parliament House on North Terrace at 7pm on 23 June. Speaking in this prestigious venue is a special experience for the finalists. The winners will progress to the National Final in Perth on 28 July.
To learn more, visit: www.rostrum.com.au
Thomas Bassett and Sarah Casson
Public Speaking Coordinators
Year 5s Investigate Forensic Science
As provocation for our new Unit of Inquiry “Bazinga” (understanding of scientific knowledge is constantly evolving and an impact on people’s lives), our class embarked upon a CSI-style forensic science task.
Our intrepid Student Teacher and ‘Forensic Scientist in Residence’ Lisa Zollo introduced the girls to a scenario where, during lunch break, someone stole Ms Hampton’s handbag. The girls were presented with possible suspects: Miss Mulraney, who had been seen admiring Ms Hampton’s handbag, Miss Zollo, who was seen nearby, and Liam, who was planting new plants nearby. Various clues were strewn about the somewhat dishevelled room and girls were asked to take photos, look at hair samples under the microscope, study footprints and collect other evidence. From here, they made hypotheses about the identity of the thief.
The idea behind the task was to ignite the children’s thinking about the role of a scientist and scientific procedures. This certainly happened!
We would like to thank Lisa for building such an authentic, creative provocation task for this inquiry.
Shelley Hampton
Year 5 Teacher
Year 4s Make New Connections
On Wednesday, the Year 4 students had the opportunity to make connections with a member of our indigenous community, linking with our inquiry, “How we organise ourselves”. Michelle visited the classes and talked to the girls about her family heritage. The students learnt about the different tribes of South Australia and discussed how society has changed over the years for the traditional owners of Australia. Michelle talked about connections to her family such as language, totems and songs.
“It was very interesting listening to how she experienced some things about Aboriginal life and some things about modern Australian life.” – Adjoa
“I found it interesting that the indigenous people Michelle spoke about had to live on missions. The Native Americans were similar because they had to live on reservations, which were like the missions.” – Sophia Holoviak
Rebecca Riley and Louisa Mitchell
Year 4 Teachers
Life Lessons on Anzac Day
On Anzac Day, St Peter’s Girls participated in Kensington RSL’s Dawn Service for the first time. This was a profound and moving experience, which included Bethany Cross and Dominique Rigby laying a laurel wreath. This year, the centenary of World War One’s conclusion, provided a time for the wider community for poignant reflection on military service and sacrifice. The President of the Kensington RSL, Brigadier Ellis Wayland, was very appreciative of the School’s involvement and we are looking forward to developing this relationship.
Here are some insights from the students:
“The Anzac Day service put into perspective all those who sacrificed their lives for our country, and how grateful we are for all of those people.” – Indya Dodd (Year 8)
“Brigadier Wayland’s reflection on the song ‘I was only 19’ was particularly poignant and reminded us of the many school-age soldiers who were brave enough to fight for their country, many of whom did not live to see adulthood. It illustrated the importance of remembering the stories of these courageous individuals.” – Bethany Cross (Year 12)
“Anzac Day is a time in which we remember and recognise the sacrifice of all soldiers who fought in war.” – Amelia Pudney (Year 9)
“The Anzac Day service highlighted the suffering that the ANZACs went through to protect our country, and why Anzac Day is important to Australia.” – Sara Peak (Year 9)
“Anzac Day is one of two days a year where we commemorate Australia’s fallen soldiers, so it is important to be a part of.” – Charlie Fishlock (Year 8)
Gregor Dingwall
Head of Humanities
Junior School House Teeball
Please note there was an error in the results published last week for the Junior School House Teeball. The correct results are:
Year 3 Winners – Selwyn
Year 4 Winners – Kennion
Year 5 Winners – Kilburn
Year 6 Winners – Kennion
Overall Winners – Kennion
Saints Café Back in Business
With Term 2 well underway, Saints Café is full of beans once more!
Last term, the School community welcomed a new team of staff. It was an eye-opening experience for us as it provided an insight into the workforce, not only through time-management but also rostering, finances and marketing.
Under the excellent guidance of Miss Gaskell and Mrs Pitkin, we are open every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 7.30 – 8.15am.
In addition, during the da Vinci Decathlon from 29 – 31 May, we will be open before school as well as lunch, so be sure to stop by!
Junior School Book Fair
In Week 5 (28 May – 1 June), we will have our annual visit by Scholastic Book Fair in the Junior Library. This pop-up bookshop event is a wonderful opportunity for students to purchase books to take home. Students will browse books in their Library lesson and formulate their wish list. Books and stationery will be for sale at the following times:
Before School
8.10 – 8.30am
Lunch
1.15 – 1.45pm
After School
3.30 – 4pm
The fair will run from Monday lunchtime to Friday lunchtime. All purchases will benefit our Library as Scholastic will donate books to our collection. We look forward to seeing you at the fair!
Helen Smith and the Year 6 Library Leaders
Totally 80s Trivia and Disco Night
Join us for our ‘Totally 80s Trivia and Disco Night’ on Saturday 16 June at 7pm in the St Peter’s Girls’ School Gym.
Tickets – $25 per person (includes welcome drink)
Paella • Raffle • Trivia • Games • Prizes
• DJ playing 80s Disco • BYO food only
Tickets via www.trybooking.com/VGUH
Sports News
ATHLETICS
After a successful end to Term 1, Saints entered a junior and intermediate team in the State School Knockout competition. The teams event took on a different look this year with the introduction of new rules such as nominating an accuracy throw in javelin, bonus points for long jumps within a nominated distance and coaches picking one event in each age group as a wildcard, attracting double points.
Both teams performed exceptionally well, finishing second to Trinity College and earning the right to compete at the National Schools Knockout in December. We hope the girls continue their improvement and look forward to more success when we compete in the IGSSA Athletics in Term 3.
We also extend a special congratulations to Emmanuelle Russell who competed at the State School Para-Athletics Carnival and recorded some amazing results: 100m – 4th overall and 1st girl; 200m – 4th overall and 1st girl; 400m – 3rd overall and 1st girl; Long Jump – 1st in her pit (boys and girls); Shot Put – 1st girl.
CROSS COUNTRY
Saints sent a small but strong team to contest the East Adelaide District day. In typical Cross Country weather, wet and cold, all runners competed extremely well in the conditions and should be congratulated on their efforts:
10 year – Chloe Richardson 1st, Lara Maione 3rd
11 year – Carla Massicci 6th, Nellie Ion 16th
12 year – Georgina Wakeham 8th, Lady Murphy 15th
13 year – Charlotte Staples 11th, Emily Whittaker 14th
HOCKEY
Open A – Saints 1 defeated by Trinity 2
A strong start to the game saw Saints jump to a 1-0 lead against Trinity during the first half. The determination of the team, with a special mention to goal scorer Annabelle Black, allowed for numerous shots on goal. The pressure in our defence demonstrated the team’s ability to communicate and work together effectively, with the score of the game unreflective of the drive, sportsmanship and tenacity the girls demonstrated.
Although we were unable to stretch our lead towards winning the shield, Saints were able to defeat Trinity overall, winning the shield for the first time this season! Thank you to those who played two games, you all contributed immensely to the outcome and should all be very proud.
Open B – Saints 4 defeated Trinity 0
A great start for some new Year 7s playing their first senior game. The girls dominated possession and found lots of gaps in attack to keep Trinity’s goalkeeper under pressure. Belle Black scored 2 goals, Emily Whittaker 1 and Amelie Eaton 1. Stand out players were Emily Whittaker, Ruby Thorp, Bridgette Leach, Amelie Eaton and Belle Black who was award the Saints’ best on ground medal.
LACROSSE
Under 18 – Saints 9 defeated by Glenelg 22
The under 18s had a difficult first game against Glenelg. With a young team, it was very rewarding for the girls to play the previous premiership winners in the first game as they were able to learn from their mistakes and, particularly, be challenged in defence. I am sure that every player has gained something from this game and we have brought this to our training this week where we have built from the experience. It was very pleasing to see the good sportsmanship and resilience throughout the game. Special mentions to Lucy Young for a very successful first lacrosse game, Millie Wilkin for excellent midfield work, Portia Maerschel in midfield and to Steph Smalls for an excellent game. – Tim Dickson (Coach)
Under 13 – Saints 8 defeated by Glenelg 17
All of the girls were very keen to kick off the season. Jenna Maione (Year 6) started well in centre with Emma Pool, Maddy Lisle and Phoebe Black (Year 7s) working hard in defence. Ashlyn May (Year 6) did a fantastic job as goalie by saving a majority of shots. The girls did a much better job in the second half. Dani Cox (Year 6) used her speed to run from the midfield to attack. Also in attack, Zoe Pool and Mathilda Thomas (Year 6) did a great job at getting ground balls. In goals, Lucy Schirripa (Year 7) did well at looking for free players when clearing the ball. Goal scorers were Dani, Ashlyn and Mathilda. The team did a great job, especially given it was the first game for some. – Lucy Martin (Coach)
Under 11 – Saints 9 defeated Eagles 7
With many new and some young players, the girls started with a fantastic win. One of the highlights was the defensive pressure Saints applied. Congratulations to Savannah Walls scoring 5 goals, and singles to Serae Stolcman, Emily Bates, Ella Pearce and Sophie Lively. We look forward to continued improvement throughout the season and for all girls to enjoy playing. – Courtney Tasker (Coach)
NETBALL
Open A – Saints 35 defeated by Seymour 63
Saints’ Open A team played a trial game against Seymour. It was a good first game by the girls considering a new line up for 2018. With the assistance of two Open B players, Brooke Elliott and Sarah Wishart, new and different combinations were explored in the absence of Charlotte and Anna White. Hannah Freeman played outstandingly, working hard and getting many intercepts, and was best player alongside Sivi Sivasuthan and Nicolette Miller who also worked well in goals. Even though Saints didn’t manage to win, they were competitive and switched around various combinations in preparation for Round 1. Good effort girls. – Ebony-Jade Nash-Smith (Captain)
Open B – Saints 19 defeated by Seymour 71
Open C – Saints 20 defeated by Seymour 46
Saturday was a good opportunity to see how the girls played. While we only had five of our usual team, they played cohesively and were able to show strength during the second and third quarters. Unfortunately, the game got away from us initially in the first quarter and we dropped back again in the fourth. The final score was 20-46. No injuries or issues. All girls arrived on time and were flexible in their playing positions. – Emma Weber (Coach)
Open D – Saints 10 defeated by Seymour 104
Open E – Saints 14 defeated by Seymour 42
The Open E team is designed for Year 12s who want to maintain a healthy level of fitness and participate in a fun, social game of netball. The team is filled with previous Open netballers but also includes girls who are new to the sport. On the weekend, the girls came together to play our first game for the season, and for some, the first game of netball for many years. Despite having not trained or played together, we applied a strong level of determination and motivation throughout, bringing energy and passion to the court. The players had to adapt to new conditions and positions which was done with leadership and resilience. Throughout the entirety of the game, the girls demonstrated the importance of team work and provided encouragement to one another. The defeat has motivated us as a team with the energy for a successful and enjoyable season.
Year 10C – Saints 16 defeated by Seymour 46
Year 8A – Saints 27 defeated by Seymour 38
The girls started with a strong first quarter, however lost the momentum throughout the second and third. Our aim at three quarter time was to win the last quarter, and that we did! Our defence was very strong, getting many turn overs, but we lost it through the middle with our ball movement. That being said, in our last quarter, we were able to find the space and progressed the ball down to our shooters who finished beautifully. Overall, it was a very good start to the season. The girls took a couple of quarters getting used to how each other plays, which was to be expected. However, really pleased with all their efforts and look forward to seeing what they can achieve together.
Year 8B – Saints 14 defeated by Seymour 52
The girls played very well for their first game, especially considering it was a trial match and given some were put in positions so I could see how they played rather than so they could win. It was evident that all the girls put in a lot of effort and they definitely improved as the game progressed. They showed great enthusiasm and initiative, and if this continues, it will be a solid season. Great courage from Adele Russell who hurt her ankle but insisted on playing and did really well. – Sophie Caon (Coach)
Year 8C – Saints 8 defeated by Seymour 27
Being only a trial match this week, our focus was on rotating positions to see different player combinations. At times, this meant girls were playing out of position. However, each of them played very well and it was a great effort. Despite the loss, it was good to see everyone working well together down the court. Best player goes to Martha McCormack for her movement and ability to always be an option, which was fantastic. The team has a lot of potential and I look forward to seeing their improvement over the season. – Amy Wishart (Coach)
Year 8D – Saints 10 defeated by Seymour 21
The girls had a great start to the season despite losing against Seymour. They showed determination throughout and never gave up. Strong passing and getting in front allowed the girls to be in the lead at half-time. The girls played well for their first match of the season and we are looking forward to coaching them this year. Best players go to Lucy Moten for her accurate shooting and Ayshviina Nair for her strong defence skills. – Sophia West (Coach)
Year 7A – Saints 30 defeated Seymour 21
The team showed a lot of promise for the season ahead, winning their trial match against Seymour. The girls combined well on the court and were able to display their strength and flexibility with changes to positioning made at each break. All signs point to a successful and enjoyable season ahead! – Michelle Blackburn (Coach)
Year 7B – Saints 15 defeated Seymour 9
The girls got off to a good start, working the ball effectively into the goal ring and finishing the first quarter in front. Although they made a few minor errors in the second quarter, they settled and had a firing third quarter, helping them regain a small lead and giving them determination to hold on going into the final quarter. The girls had an amazing game; even though many played out of their preferred positions, they still gave it their all, which was visible both off the court as well as on the score card. – Nikola Carr (Coach)
Year 5 – Saints 7 defeated by Walford 10
The girls played an amazing game against Walford. For a few of them, this was their first match and they did extremely well to grasp the idea of how to play. They had a very strong defence all throughout the court. Team spirit was shown by having girls who were subbed off cheering throughout the whole game, and also by the ball sharing on the court. The game was close and the girls should all be very proud of how they played. – Chloe Venning
SOCCER
Open A – Saints 0 drew with Scotch 0
To open the season, Saints A played Scotch College in a trial game. Starting with just 11 players and losing Taylah Simpson early in the game meant the girls were challenged throughout. Ellie Anderson, Siena Kulinski and Bethany Cross were resilient in defence and when Scotch got beyond them, Talah Gobell was rock-solid in goal. The midfielders of Isabella Villani, Millie Wilkin, Jemimah Simpson and Chloe Deieso tackled hard and set up many attacking plays for Olivia Law and Ankita Rajbhoj, who were unlucky not to have Saints in front. Despite tiring in the second half, Saints were able to keep Scotch on the back foot for a deserving draw. – Neil Fuller