Issue no. 32

From Our Acting Principal

Most of us are acutely aware of the need to make a positive first impression. Whether it’s at an interview, on the first day of a new job, joining a club or a sporting team, or starting at a new school; the chance to make a positive first impression is fleeting and limited. It’s what makes them so important in curating the genesis of a lasting narrative about your skills, character, manner, openness, honesty and overall ability to be a positive addition to your new environment.

This week, the 2023 Prefect and Year 12 cohort had exactly that opportunity. I’m pleased to report how impressed we’ve already been with their desire to step up in a positive yet unassuming way. For over a week, our new Prefects have already embraced moments of leadership as they’ve introduced themselves at car park drop off to some of our most discerning community members (our Junior Primary students!), accompanying them to classrooms just as their predecessors had been doing all year. Their positive and respectful approach has been a delight to witness, and I look forward to the lasting impression that all of our most senior students will make over the coming year.

Usually less talked about is the importance of leaving with grace and humility. Often, the way someone deals with their departure from an organisation will be the last memory many will have of them. Being sure to do it in a way that creates a positive lasting impression is something about which I counsel many students. It was gratifying, therefore, to see our Year 12s complete their ‘Celebration Day’ last week with an entirely appropriate mix of release, humour and high energy, but always tempered with deep respect for the traditions of the School and for its community members. How we, as a School community, celebrate the last official day for our Year 12 students each year does also say much about us as an institution.

At the Valedictory Dinner last Friday, attended by Year 12 students with their parents and teachers, I was frequently thanked for the effort that teachers and other students had put into the various elements of Celebration Day. Parents who had not witnessed the day previously were pleasantly shocked (mostly!) to see staff being prepared to dance in front of the whole School, or be the subject of mild ridicule whilst performing the Staff Play. Others were amazed by the care and attention taken by Mr Butler-Wills to ensure every student was mentioned during his section of the Chapel Service. Certainly, many were touched by the obvious close bonds that their daughters have formed with their teachers, and were delighted to be able to thank them personally during the day and evening.

Overwhelmingly, however, the recurring theme in my conversations with parents was one of gratitude that they and their daughters are part of a School community that is confident enough in itself, in its culture and traditions, and in the mutual respect created between staff and students, that such a memorable, relaxed and inclusive rite of passage can still occur in such a positive way.

As last impressions go, that’s one of which I’m very proud.

Richard Lisle
Acting Principal

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2022 Staff Dance Dazzles

Our annual Staff Dance has become a much-hyped tradition in farewelling our Year 12 girls, and this year’s performance certainly wowed the crowds!

Check out some of the magical moves:

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New Wave of Success for Surfing Saint

In the holidays, I participated in my first Para Surfing competition at Seaford. I have been surfing for just over two months and I train two times a week at Middleton Point.

My mentor is Jocelyn Neumueller who is the world’s best in her Prone 2 classification. This is the classification I’m in where people have a little bit of movement or no movement in both legs and one arm, so they need two people in the water with them for safety.

When competing, you have 20 minutes to get two good waves and the performance is judged out of 10. I ended up coming 2nd, which I wasn’t expecting, so I was very proud of myself as it was my first-ever competition!

Annie Goldsmith
Year 8 student

Photo credit: fotosportz

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Stat Chat with Visiting Expert

Last week, through our bespoke ‘JobChat’ program, we welcomed biostatistician Dr Jennie Louise. She spoke passionately about her career and what her day-to-day job looks like. She also shared that there is a need for more biostatisticians.

Here are some reflections from our senior girls:

‘The JobChat was really interesting as I had never heard of a career in this area. I was able to gain knowledge on how to become a biostatistician and what each day might be like in this role. It was a very rewarding experience that has broadened my knowledge on future careers.’ – Daisy Braithwaite (Year 10 student)

‘I learnt about a biostatistician’s daily routine and job demand in biostatistics. Dr Jennie Louise mentioned how she first studied Music at university and then switched to Biology to begin her career in biostatistics. This really inspired me to believe that there are no right or wrong choices. Every experience has the potential to make us better. I had never heard of biostatistics before because statistics and calculations are often associated with Chemistry and Physics rather than Biology. I was also surprised and proud to discover that 80% of biostatisticians are female, indicating female power in STEM. The JobChat was really meaningful to me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.’ – Lily Zheng (Year 10 student)

Carolyn Farr
Careers Coordinator

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Young Scientists Shine in Oliphant Awards

Following a busy first semester preparing their amazing projects, several Saints Girls were invited to attend the recent Oliphant Science Awards Presentation to celebrate their prize-winning science!

Twelve girls from Years 2 – 12 prepared an amazing array of science projects to submit to the statewide awards. These ranged from water filtration systems to robotic dog toys to thought-provoking scientific debate.

Zoe Curtis (Year 5) was awarded 3rd place in her category for her scientific inquiry entitled, ‘What cleaning substance is best for cleaning?’ Scarlett Schmerlaib (Year 9) came 3rd in her category for her video comparing fresh water and salt water environments. Chomilka Hattotuwa (Year 11) was awarded a 3rd place for her scientific writing piece, ‘Cart T-Cell Therapy’. Chi Chi Zhao (Year 12) achieved a 2nd place for her written work, ‘Polymeric Nanoparticle Drug Delivery Systems’. Additionally, Kimaya Anand (Year 4) was highly commended for her photography piece, ‘Through the glass – prismatic click’.

Congratulations to all girls who participated in the competition.

Sophie Dolling
Scientist in Residence

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Year 6 Campers on Cloud Nine

During Week 1, the Year 6 cohort travelled to McLaren Flat for their camp experience, working in House groups through a range of activities.

At Douglas Scrub base, they enjoyed nature walks, damper making, a high ropes course and rock climbing. Onkaparinga hosted kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, while at Port Noarlunga, the girls went snorkelling. They also tried their hand at a basket weaving activity at the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre.

Learning how to erect and dismantle a tent, plus cooking on a Trangia provided opportunities to learn more new skills. Our final day involved a House raft-building challenge using a variety of equipment to construct a raft sturdy enough for teams to paddle across the river and back.

It was fantastic to see girls stepping out of their comfort zones and challenging themselves across the four days through resilience, problem-solving and collaboration.

Louisa Mitchell, Sarah Braithwaite and Mark Routley
Year 6 Teachers

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Debating Victory Speaks Volumes

Congratulations to our Debating girls for such excellent results representing the School on Sunday at the South Australian Debating Association Grand Finals.

Year 7 students Diya Bhinder, Molly Liu, Lauren Fuller and Emma Sayers (pictured above) took out the title as Junior A Champions for 2022! The Junior A2 Team stood competitively against Seymour College in Courtroom 8 of the Sir Samuel Way courts building in Victoria Square. The girls debated ‘That teachers should not encourage students to favour STEM subjects over Humanities.’ As the Affirmative team, they set off strongly and delivered indisputable arguments that all five adjudicators could not fault. The decision was unanimous, and the girls took out the title.

Thank you to their dedicated Year 10 coaches Zoe Pool and Emilia Libri who spent hours drafting speeches, running meetings and attending evening debates. Special mention to Lauren Fuller who was awarded Best Speaker for the Junior A Grand Final and Most Valuable Junior A Debater for the season. Very impressive!

The Intermediate B team, consisting of Shamika Gorey, Jiahui Zhang, Prakriti Sharma and Angelina Tran, also qualified for the Grand Final under the expert coaching of Year 10 students Jessica Zhang and Emily McCorley. While the girls were narrowly defeated by the team from Glenunga International High School, it was a wonderful achievement to make it to the top two in the State amongst a field of 34 teams.

We are also very proud of the following girls who received a Highly Commended Award as valued debaters in their respective divisions: Nishka Soodan (Junior A Grade), Lauren Pearce and Januri Wagaarachchi (Intermediate A Grade).

Congratulations to all of our debaters for an educational and enjoyable season, and a huge thank you to Charlotte Adams for doing a superb job as Debating and Public Speaking Prefect this year. We look forward to the 2023 season!

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Saints Star in Wizard Musical

We’re excited for Saints Girls who’ll be appearing in THE WIZARD OF OZ The Musical by Shane Davidson Presents. A special mention to Eloise Harrington for auditioning and landing the role of Dorothy!

Come with Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion as they journey down the yellow brick road on their way to the Emerald City to meet The Wizard of Oz.

Venue: Holden Street Theatres, 34 Holden St, Hindmarsh
Dates: Friday 18 November (7.30pm) and Saturday 19 November (1pm, 4.30pm and 7.30pm)
Tickets: $35 via TryBooking – click here

Shane Davidson
Year 5 Teacher

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Centre Stage at Dance Eisteddfod

During the school holidays I performed at the SA Stage and Dancing Society Eisteddfod. I presented in solos, duos and troupes, representing the Barbara Jayne Dance Centre (BJDC), where I receive my formal Dance tuition. I love dancing and performing and was fortunate to receive the Overall Open Age aggregate in the 12U age group.

I would like to thank all the volunteers and sponsors of the SA Stage Dancing Society for running a wonderful Eisteddfod and supporting the Performing Arts community in South Australia. I am excited about moving into Middle School next year and being able to participate in the Dance program here at St Peter’s Girls.

Eloise Harrington
Year 6 student

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Out of the Blue Arts Journal Launch

Our annual Arts Journal Out of the Blue will be launched on 3 November at 4pm in the Chapel.

It’s been a busy year for the committee with more works of art submitted than ever before. Judging was tough, and all parents of students who have had work selected have been notified. The third volume is our biggest ever with nearly 100 pages of art, poetry, photograph, dance and songwriting, celebrating the very best of the creativity in our School.

These journals make a wonderful gift for friends and family and can be purchased via the link below. The books are selling fast, so please don’t miss out on the perfect Christmas stocking filler. We look forward to gathering with the artists and celebrating their success.

To purchase a copy and/or register your attendance at the launch – click here

Out of the Blue Committee

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Year 11 Drama Production – The Wedding Downpour

Have you ever been to a party or event that gets more and more out of hand by the hour? The Stage 1 Drama class has, and we have a treat for you!

Bradley Hayward’s one-act comedy The Wedding Downpour tells the story of a husband and wife attempting to successfully run a wedding shower with many absurd guests who don’t make it easy. The evening involves twists and turns including trips to the emergency room, silly party games, and lots and lots of dancing.

We have thoroughly enjoyed preparing this play and learning all about comedic timing and farce. The Wedding Downpour will have you laughing all night and all day, maybe reminding you of some people you know! Please come along and support our Drama class, we would love to see you there.

Tuesday 8 November (Week 4)
7pm 
Arts Centre, St Peter’s Girls’ School
Free Admission
Running time approx. 45 minutes

Zara Blight
Year 11 student

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Scholastic Book Club

Scholastic Book Club Bumper Issue out now!

Get started on some Christmas shopping with the Bumper Issue of Book Club. It features the best books of 2022, big savings on packs and Halloween reads, Christmas and Holiday gift ideas.

To make it easy for parents to give the gift of reading, the LOOP Gift Function has been switched on for this issue. This allows parents to tag items on their order that are intended as a surprise gift. Parents are notified when the order arrives and can collect it from the Front Office.

Place your order via the Scholastic Australia LOOP website.

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Exhibition at South Australian Museum

As part of our commitment to Reconciliation, some Middle School classes have used the 50 Words Project to learn 50 words in Kaurna language and explore indigenous languages during their studies in Humanities.

The recent Year 7 History excursion to Warriparinga/The Living Kaurna Cultural Centre also included workshops on traditional weaving and learning about bush tucker in Kaurna language.

The Arabana Yanhi! Tanganekald Yan! exhibition is a wonderful opportunity for students to continue exploring indigenous languages. This is the first in a series of exhibitions at the South Australian Museum showcasing the efforts of two communities to combat the decline of their languages – Arabana of the western Lake Eyre region and Tanganekald of the Coorong region.

Explore original artwork by Aboriginal artists Lakota Milera-Weetra and the late Jacob Stengle (Karumapuli) made for the language flashcards that have been created in order to share, revive and promote Arabana and Tanganekald languages in their respective communities and across the State.

Free entry. Open daily until 26 March 2023.

Check out this exhibition and other amazing programs run by the South Australian Museum – click here

Kate McBride
Library and Information Services

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Friends of Rowing – Season Opening Picnic

The Friends of Rowing invite you to attend the Season Opening Picnic on Sunday 30 October from 5 – 7pm on Chiverton Lawns. This event will be an opportunity to welcome our new and returning Rowing families for the 2022/23 season, as well as christen our newest boats!

All rowers are expected to attend, and Rowing families are 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 TryBooking – click here

$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

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Friends of Rowing – Wine Fundraiser

Support the development of the Rowing Program at St Peter’s Girls’ School by purchasing from a fantastic selection of wines:

• Lambert Estate – Barossa Valley
• The Lane – Adelaide Hills
• Bird in Hand – Adelaide Hills
• d’Arenberg – McLaren Vale

Vintages are subject to change. In the event of wines being in short supply, we will contact you. Prices are only available for this fundraiser. Each wine can only be ordered by minimum purchase. Prices are inclusive of GST.

Purchases can be made via TryBooking – click here

The campaign runs until 11 December 2022 (no orders after this date can be accepted). Orders to be collected on Sunday 18 December from 11am – 3pm at St Peter’s Girls’ School. Wine can be collected after Sunday 18 December by prior arrangement; please contact Fiona McGregor, Community Relations – Events Officer via 8334 2225 or fmcgregor@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au

Liquor Licence: #203237

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COVID-19 Updates

As you may be aware, a number of COVID-19 requirements have been lifted including mandatory isolation for those who test positive. Notwithstanding this, SA Health encourages anyone who is ill to stay home until the symptoms have cleared (usually five to seven days).

As there is no longer a set COVID isolation period, you must notify the School each day your child will be absent, or provide the expected period of absence.

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Health Notification – Head Lice

The School has been notified of a case of head lice. The condition is spread by direct head-to-head contact with a person who has head lice or, more rarely, by contact with items which have recently been used by someone with head lice, such as:

• combs
• brushes
• hats
• scarves
• pillow cases

Many lice infestations cause no symptoms and it’s estimated less than half cause itching; therefore, you generally need to look at the hair and scalp to see if lice are present. The back of the neck and behind the ears are other common areas for lice.

For more information and advice on treatment, click here.

It is advised that children with head lice stay home until treatment has commenced.

If you find any evidence of head lice, please inform your child’s teacher, or contact the Health Centre via 8155 5762 or healthcentre@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.

Lara Waltham and Sarah Wilkinson
School Registered Nurses

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2022 School Immunisation Program

2nd Visit Reminder for Parents of Year 8 Students – Wednesday 2 November, 9am

Please find the following information from Eastern Health Authority:

Eastern Health Authority (EHA) will be returning to the School in the coming weeks for the below vaccination.

Year 8
• 2nd dose of the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV), Gardasil®9

A reminder to parents: students in Year 8 are offered two free vaccines six months apart to be fully vaccinated against human papillomavirus. It is important that your child is present at school on the day when EHA will be providing second doses.

Further information and videos for high school students are available at: health.gov.au/news/school-based-vaccinations-for-teens

Please notify EHA if:
• Your child has already received the 2nd dose with another provider
• You wish to withdraw your consent
• Your child’s medical condition has changed

Tips for the day of immunisation:
• Encourage your child to have a good breakfast and recess on the morning of immunisations
• Wear sports uniforms to aid easy access to the upper arm and avoid unnecessarily exposing yourself if clothing needs to be removed/undone
• Encourage your child to keep their arms moving and drink plenty of water throughout the day

If you did not receive an immunisation consent form from your child at the beginning of the school year, please ask at the Front Office, or if unavailable, contact EHA on 8132 3600.

If you have any further questions about the program, please directly contact Eastern Health Authority on 8132 3600 or via email at eha@eha.sa.gov.au

Remember: it is your responsibility to notify EHA on 8132 3600 of any changes or information, particularly in relation to your child’s medical condition, on the day of immunisation or prior. A signed and dated note in your child’s diary from a parent or guardian presented on the day is acceptable.

School Immunisation Program records may be required for future employment or travel.

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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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Road Safety Alert

The School has received reports of concerning driver behaviour on Hallett Road. This includes holding up traffic while waiting for cars to leave in order to park near the ELC, performing risky u-turns and parking in bus zones.

As our staff have no jurisdiction over public roads, the School will be asking the police to conduct regular patrols at peak times.

We implore all of our community members to support road safety and show courtesy to others.