Issue no. 24
In this edition
Book Week 2018
A perennial highlight of Book Week is the Dress Up Day Parade. This morning certainly didn’t disappoint, with a broad array of colourful costumes. Each class paraded on stage during our special Book Week Assembly presented by the Junior School Library Leaders and the Student Library Initiatives Club. The SLIC girls performed a play they had written based on many of the shortlisted books. Thank you to Lisa Hollis who facilitates this group.
The Assembly also saw Junior School staff bring to life ‘Captain McGrew wants you for his crew’ to fit in with this year’s theme of ‘Find Your Treasure’.
The day has been a stunning success and a valuable tool in fostering a lifelong passion for reading in our students.
Helen Smith
Deputy Head of Junior School / PYP Coordinator
Winter Interhouse Results
Last week’s Winter Interhouse carnival for Years 7 – 12 was a tight affair with each House tasting glory.
The girls overcame slippery conditions in the outdoor sports and House spirit shone during every match. Well done to all involved!
Check out the results and see the participants in action in the video below.
AFL
1st Patteson, 2nd Selwyn, 3rd Kilburn, 4th Kennion
Badminton
1st Kilburn, 2nd Patteson, 3rd Selwyn, 4th Kennion
Hockey
1st Patteson, 2nd Kennion, 3rd Kilburn, 4th Selwyn
Netball
1st Selwyn, 2nd Patteson, 3rd Kilburn, 4th Kennion
Soccer
1st Kennion, 2nd Selwyn, 3rd Patteson, 4th Kilburn
From the Deputy Principal / Head of Middle School
A year after opening, we reflect on the impact of the new Middle School.
I can still remember the genuine sense of excitement when I spoke to students in the Arts Centre minutes before we let them into the new Middle School for the first time. However, this was quickly swamped by the mix of surprise, joy, curiosity (and occasionally, initial confusion!) as the students made their way through the building. It was one of the most exhilarating and proudest moments of my professional career. It was also one of my most nerve-wracking!
Just like moving into a new house, it took a bit of time for staff and students to react to the new spaces, to realise their potential and to give the building its sense of rhythm.
A year later, and I still get the same mix of feelings when I enter the building. The first is a sense of calm, created by the natural light, the interplay with nature and the subtle colour scheme.
“I like the use of space and the big windows that look onto Ferguson Park.” – Alice Reid, Year 9
As the girls file in every morning and move to their lockers, I enjoy the sense of community that the open space and visibility bring, allowing students of different year groups to find each other with ease, and to settle in to one of the many available spaces to start their inevitable conversations about the day ahead, or the ‘enormity’ of what might have happened on reality TV the night before!
“I like how much easier it is to move around and find where you are going. It is also easier to get to your locker during the day as they are in amongst the hallways.” – Jodi Papendorf, Year 9
“It has created a positive atmosphere and has formed new relationships between other year levels through the mixed locker system.” – Taj Shahin, Year 9
Over the course of the year, I’ve seen a noticeable difference in the way that students have been encouraged to learn, and the way that teachers have adapted their teaching practice.
Walk through the building at almost any time of the day, and you’ll see small groups of girls working together in the breakout spaces, collaborating on tasks in a purposeful and responsible way. Teachers have become confident to plan for this, realising that the visibility the design provides means they can keep an eye on students from afar. Effective collaboration is a key skill that is central to our Middle School Framework, so it’s great to see the building helping in this regard.
“It is an open space that allows me to work efficiently and feel part of a community” – Tiana Glazbrook, Year 12
The use of dual screens in every room has meant that teachers (and students) have adopted a variety of arrangements of furniture in the different classrooms. All 11 rooms have the same furniture, but no two classrooms are alike, with teachers regularly abandoning the traditional ‘front’ of the room for a variety of positions around the room.
Our Futures program in Years 7 and 8 has been invigorated by the space, with the design suiting small business meetings perfectly, whilst other departments have planned events, exhibitions, presentations, plays and even dances that have taken up the whole area.
I have also been delighted to see the increase in the number of students taking advantage of the easy access to the oval that the new deck provides, with that space now being used far more frequently at recess and lunch, as well as during some lessons as an extension of the classroom.
It has been great to see the space embraced by teachers and students from all Sub-Schools. I regularly come across senior debating teams preparing for their next encounters, Junior School teachers planning lessons, House meetings, Junior School students using the mini stage to practise for assemblies, parent-teacher meetings and teachers marking or running small group tutorials with senior students in one of the breakout spaces.
Whilst it is inevitably true that the impact a space can have on student outcomes is outweighed by the quality of teaching, I am proud to say that, after a year of adapting, experimenting and developing, our teachers now have the space in which to work that they, and their students, so richly deserve.
Richard Lisle
Deputy Principal / Head of Middle School
‘The Shape of Mind’ – A Class Act
Audiences have enjoyed a theatrical treat in the Arts Centre this week with performances of the 2018 Senior Drama Production, ‘The Shape of Mind’.
The final show will be staged tonight at 7pm. Congratulations to everyone involved for making this such a compelling production. Watch the video below for highlights including the quality acting and impressive stage design.
Careers Networking Success
Solid connections and insights were formed on Wednesday morning during the Old Scholars’ Association Careers Networking Breakfast.
Many of our senior students attended the annual event to hear career advice from some of our accomplished Old Scholars across a host of vocational fields. The girls found the exercise extremely beneficial as they weigh up important choices that will shape their professional lives.
The School sends its gratitude to the Old Scholars who volunteered their time to act as mentors.
Handy Performance by PE Girls
The senior PE students recently competed in the inaugural Handball SA Girls’ Tournament at the ARC complex in Campbelltown.
They played two games in the round robin format, finishing with a loss to Wilderness and a win against Loreto. This placed them in the play-off for bronze which we won convincingly 16-2 against St Mary’s. The girls were awarded their bronze medals in a ceremony at the end. We also had three players make the All-Star Team, representing the best in the State: Thandi Murada, Belen Swart and Sivi Sivasuthan.
This was excellent preparation for the girls before their moderation in a fortnight.
Dan Searle
Head of PE, Health and Outdoor Education
Science Centre Update
St Peter’s Girls’ School is delighted to announce our Science Centre project is about to enter an exciting phase.
From Monday, a pre-works package will begin before the construction tender goes out, including the creation of a new retaining wall.
You will notice many more people on site and much more activity. Of course, there will also be some noise implications, however, the more disruptive earthworks have been scheduled to occur in the next school holiday period to minimise the impacts on staff and students.
During construction, Art will be taught from a temporary building on the oval which will be in place by early September.
We are very pleased with the smooth progress of the project, which will not only deliver a new Science Centre but also upgraded Visual Arts and pool facilities.
Detailed design planning continues in earnest and we look forward to sharing more information with you as it comes to hand.
Year 7 Transition Information Evening for Current Year 6 Parents
We are repeating the success of last year and holding a Transition Information Evening for parents, providing them with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the curriculum, philosophy, practices and expectations of the Middle School at St Peter’s Girls.
The evening will also provide an opportunity to meet key members of the Year 7 and Year 8 teaching team, and for parents of new students joining us in 2018 to meet current parents and other new families.
2019 Transition Parent Information Evening
Thursday 23 August, 6.30pm
St Peter’s Girls’ School Arts Centre
Seats for the event can be reserved via www.trybooking.com/XBIG.
If you would like further information, please contact Richard Lisle, Deputy Principal/Head of Middle School.
Rowing Come and Try Day
If you’ve ever wanted to give rowing a go, you’ll be more than welcome at Saints Rowing.
For Years 6 to 10 students
Sunday 26 August
9am – 12 noon
Scotch Boatshed, Victoria Drive (behind the Convention Centre)
Rowers will have access to a modern fleet of boats and excellent coaching staff.
Rowing assists girls to develop lifelong skills including leadership, health, nutrition, fitness and teamwork.
Contact me via bflannagan@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au if you have any queries.
Ben Flanagan
Director of Rowing
Sisters of the Church Music Festival
More than 20 Saints Girls are in Hobart for the week, attending the biennial Sisters of the Church Music Festival.
The event is being hosted by St Michael’s Collegiate Girls’ School. Our students have been visiting interesting sites around Hobart and rehearsing with our Sister Schools ahead of a combined concert tomorrow.
The festival has become a cherished tradition which celebrates our foundations as a School through music.
Guitarist Strikes a Chord
Year 9 student Amelia Pudney, who can regularly be seen performing in various music ensembles, recently attended the 2018 Adelaide Guitar Festival. We asked her to tell us more about her passion for the instrument:
I have been playing guitar since Year 1. I gained my inspiration from one of my kindergarten teachers who used to play to us, and was given my first guitar at the age of five. I currently play a wide range of styles including Blues, Rock, Pop, Classical and Jazz. I enjoy playing songs that involve finger picking the most because the technique provides me with the ability to play complex melodies within a simple chord, similar to that of a piano. I have been involved in numerous school bands and performed many solo pieces.
I recently attended the Adelaide Guitar Festival Winter School – Blues and Roots stream, run by Cal Williams Jr, in which I performed my original song ‘Hurricane’ with three other guitarists on the opening night of the festival.
Currently, I practise two or three times a week due to my busy schedule and I attend a guitar lesson once a week. I am presently a member of the School’s Stage Band, Rock Band and Guitar Ensemble. I hope to continue playing this instrument for many years to come as it has brought me great joy and many opportunities.
Amelia Pudney
Year 9 student
Dancing with Cultural Connections
Last Thursday evening, the SACE dancers were fortunate enough to participate in an indigenous dance workshop.
Indigenous dancer and choreographer Adrianne Semmens guided us through a variety of traditional movements whilst explaining their origin and significance. Her choreography was inspired by sacred beliefs from cultural history, which we were able to learn about during the workshop. We were then encouraged to create our own short phrase relating to a special place in our life. This allowed us to connect personally with the movement and produce a unique part of the dance.
It was an inspiring experience and we all greatly benefited from the distinctive repertoire, which will be featured at the SACE Dance performance ‘CREATION’ on 6 September.
Zara Stefani
SACE Dance student
Year 5s Visit the Adelaide Central Market
In Year 5, the girls have been exploring the concept of budgeting, with our Unit of Inquiry focusing on the central idea, ‘Governments, organisations and individuals all need to manage money’. The girls have been inquiring into the purpose of money and what it means to manage money, as well as researching current economic issues. Last week, we braved Adelaide’s frosty winter weather and ventured to the Adelaide Central Market. It was there that the girls took part in ‘The Amazing Race’. Working collaboratively, it was their task to budget for a family of four, planning two days’ worth of meals, from breakfast to dessert, considering options for both adults and children. The team that purchased the highest quality produce, created a healthy menu and still came in under budget were crowned as champions. It was a day full of fun and friendly competition. We know the girls learnt a lot about budgeting and how to make the most of their money!
“I learnt how to budget and that it is important to compare the prices of items before you make a decision on what to buy.” – Sophia Langley, 5SM
“On the trip to the markets I learnt that you need to weigh up the difference between needs and wants.” – Carla Massicci, 5SM
“It was very important to work together as a team, listening to others and sharing ideas, so that we could work out the best possible budget.” – Lilly Michelon, 5SH
Sarah Mulraney and Shelley Hampton
Year 5 Teachers
Archer On Point at Championships
Over the school holidays, I had the amazing opportunity to represent Australia in the 2018 Oceania Championships for Archery held in New Caledonia.
On the first day, I came away with silver in both the Oceania 50/1440 in the intermediate division (under 15) and the Commonwealth 1440 Championships as an open. The next day was a ranking round of one-on-one match play. I was able to rank first and made it to the gold medal match. It was a great experience as it was a totally new situation, and I managed to claim the gold medal by three points.
I am now taking a break and doing light training, however, I will be vying to qualify for the 2019 Youth World Championships in Madrid.
Ailani Cox
Year 9 student
Online Safety Presentation for Parents
Please register your attendance via www.trybooking.com/XDVT
Year 5 Production Tickets on Sale!
Book your tickets to see this wonderful show – St Peter’s Girls’ School’s Production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s ‘Mary Poppins JR’.
Mind you, there’s nothing ‘junior’ in terms of the talent and staging!
There is a limit of 10 tickets per family. Should tickets still be available closer to opening night, families can purchase additional tickets. Grandparents who would prefer to attend a matinee performance will be invited to buy tickets to the School session on Friday 28 September at 1.15pm, which our Junior School students will be attending.
27 – 28 September 2018 at 7pm
St Peter’s Girls’ School Arts Centre
Ticket prices:
Adult $15
Student/Concession $10
Family (2 Adults/2 Children) $35
Banking on Volunteers’ Help
Our students really enjoy participating in the Commonwealth Bank School Banking program and to keep this program running we need volunteers’ help.
The program requires a volunteer School Banking Coordinator to facilitate the banking and distribution of School Banking rewards. This only takes a small amount of time one day a week and the Commonwealth Bank will provide support in how to run the program. Your help will greatly benefit students as they develop vital saving skills and also help our School with fundraising.
Currently, School Banking day is Wednesday.
If you are interested in volunteering for this great program, please let us know at the Front Office.
Upcoming House Dinners
During Term 3, all Middle and Senior School girls have the opportunity to enjoy a night away from homework to get creative and colourful at the Annual House Dinners.
The Year 11s have been working hard organising decorations, food and games for each event. Visit the Trybooking links below to purchase your daughter(s) a ticket for the night as this is a compulsory event.
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone’s creative costumes and enjoying a fun night with our Houses.
Selwyn House Dinner
Theme: Hollywood – A Night at the Oscars
24 August (Week 5)
Book now: www.trybooking.com/WPPN
Patteson House Dinner
Theme: What I wanted to be when I was three
31 August (Week 6)
Book now: www.trybooking.com/WPPR
Year 12 House Captains
UN Women Fundraiser Concert
Join us for a night of song as we support UN Women in their work contributing to the safety, education and livelihood of women around the world.
The evening will showcase a dynamic array of performers of all ages, with a diverse sound of genres including music from St Peter’s Girls’ top ensembles (Enchantè, In-Ta Jazz and Extension Strings), Old Scholar Erin McKellar (Patteson ’13), Girl Nation, internationally-renowned jazz vocalist Anita Wardell and guest speaker Olivia Rogers.
The concert will encapsulate women working together to create beautiful music despite age, race and level of ability as we join together to create change.
Tickets available via www.trybooking.com/XCZA.
The Long Lunch – Donation Appeal
Seeking Donations for our Auctions
If you are a business owner or know someone who is, we are seeking donations for our Silent and Major Auctions, raising money for our new Science Centre.
All contributions will be acknowledged in the lead up to the event and on the day. Excellent donation ideas include:
- Hampers
- Money-can’t-buy experiences
- Artwork including glass, ceramics and sculptures
- Educational toys, games and computers
- Small electrical appliances
- Vouchers for services
- Sporting equipment and memorabilia
- Jewellery and handbags
- Contemporary furniture, fixtures, fittings and lighting
- Fine wine and dining vouchers, winery tours, behind-the-scenes tours and exclusive tastings
If you are able to donate an item, or have a suggestion for one, please contact:
Melissa Westgate, Foundation Manager
8334 2244 or mwestgate@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
All items can be delivered to our Community Relations Office.
Order Your 2018 | 2019 Entertainment Membership – LAST ORDERS – closing 31 August 2018
If you haven’t already, please continue supporting our School by purchasing the 2018 | 2019 membership from us today. Hurry, they’re selling fast!
As a St Peter’s Girls’ School Parents’ and Friends’ Association fundraiser, part-proceeds from every book sold will go to a special element of our Master Plan which will be announced soon.
You can order via the form at the Front Office or pre-purchase online: Order your Entertainment Book here!
The Entertainment Book and new phone app offer our community members a great way to try out restaurants and activities around SA, save money and, at the same time, support our girls.
Thank you in advance for your kind support and consideration.
The Parents’ and Friends’ Association
Rowing Information Session
The St Peter’s Girls’ School Rowing program commenced in 2009 and has significantly grown to become a vibrant sports offering.
St Peter’s Girls is holding an Information Session for all rowing families, current and new.
Tuesday 21 August
6pm
Middle School (CW304)
For more details about Saints Rowing, contact me via bflannagan@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.
Ben Flanagan
Director of Rowing
Code Camp at St Peter’s Girls’ School
St Peter’s Girls’ School will be hosting Code Camp Spark, Ignite and Blast AR (a new offering at Saints Girls!) for students aged 7 – 13. The camps are held from 2 – 4 October from 9am – 3.30pm. The cost is $349 for three days.
Save $20 off your booking by using the code ‘EARLYBIRD’ (valid until midnight on Sunday 19 August).
Visit the Code Camp website for more information
Visit the St Peter’s Girls’ School booking page
Sports News
Well done to Daniella Dnistriansky (Year 8) who finished second in the Best and Fairest Association Medal count for the Under 14 Girls’ Zone 1 football competition, in which Daniella plays for Tea Tree Gully.
Congratulations also goes to Caitlin Scane (Year 8) who has qualified for the Nationals Single Aerobics on the Gold Coast.
BASKETBALL
Year 6 Blue – Saints 24 defeated by Walford White 29
We all performed well against Walford. Even though we didn’t win, we still played a great team game. – Harrison Petkovic (Coach)
Year 6 White – Saints 10 defeated by Walford Gold 14
It was wet, cold and windy and whilst skills were down due to the conditions, enthusiasm and effort was at its usual high level which is great to see. All girls contributed, with Amy showing the way. – Brenton Davies
Year 5 – Saints 36 defeated Pembroke Yellow 16
The girls enjoyed another good win. Saints had two players score their 12 point maximum. A great team effort which was commended by the opposition Coach. – Sarah Turnbull (Coach)
LACROSSE
Under 18 – Saints 8 defeated by Glenelg 11
The match was incredibly eventful, with heavy hail interrupting the game and forcing the players and spectators to find shelter! Despite the wild weather and small team size, this match clearly demonstrated the girls’ development in skills from when we played Glenelg earlier in the season. Saints fought hard from the midfield, gaining possession from tight defence and checks. We won the second half of the game by far, so next time we will focus on starting our matches warmed up and competitive as this will definitely lead to more successful games from the first quarter. The team should be happy with the end result despite our narrow loss, as we fought against fierce club-level competition. Looking forward to our game against Woodville this weekend. – Sophie Auricht (Captain)
Under 13 – Saints 7 defeated by Glenelg 8
The girls played a crossover game against Glenelg’s U13 division 1 team who had to forfeit, so we held a scratch match. Maddy Lisle (Year 7) once again did a great job at getting ground balls in defence, causing turnovers. Emma Pool (Year 7) ran hard to get to the ball first. Ashlyn May (Year 6) and Jenna Maione (Year 6) continued to do well in centre by flicking the ball high into the air. In attack, Alannah Godfrey (Year 5), Lucy Schirripa (Year 7) and Zoe Pool (Year 6) continually moved and made space. Mathilda Thomas (Year 6) worked hard to get the ball from centre and did not give up on ground balls. Our terrific goalie was Lauren Pearce (Year 5) who saved a number of goals. Our scorers were Alannah (1), Jenna (1), Ashlyn (1), Emma (1), Zoe (1) and Mathilda (2). Best players were Mathilda, Lauren, Emma and Maddy. On Thursday, the girls played another crossover match against Wilderness’s division 1 team. It was 4-all at half-time but unfortunately the girls lost by 3 goals, however they put in a great effort. – Lucy Martin (Coach)
Under 11 – Saints 6 defeated North Adelaide 3
Wow and wow! The weather was the worst we’d had so far this season, and the team faced a physical team that we lost to last time. I was very proud of how the girls, with four players unavailable, showed great skill and professionalism, which frustrated North Adelaide. Saints were more disciplined in their game play than their opponents, which gave them the win they wanted. “Actions speak louder than words.”
Goal scorers were: Madi Dornbusch (Year 4) with 2, and Millie Lively (Year 2), Claris Stolcman (Year 2), Sophie Lively (Year 4), and Savannah Walls (Year 4) all with 1 goal each. Special mention goes to Savannah Walls for coming up against North Adelaide’s strongest player, and our goalkeeper this week, Serae Stolcman (Year 4), for her steadfast defence for the whole game! Every girl out there contributed to this win. Lastly, thank you to the parents for managing the team while I umpired the game. – Courtney Tasker (Coach)
NETBALL
Year 8/9 Knockout
Our Year 8/9 Knockout Netball team is through to the State finals of the School Sport SA Knockout Netball Competition.
The team played two very hotly-contested matches against Endeavour College and Henley High School. The girls won both, securing their place in the finals. Our first match was against Endeavour, with Saints winning 33-32. We looked in control of the game at half-time, leading by 7, but Endeavour came out strongly in the third quarter to get within 1 at the three quarter-time break. Our girls held their nerve and controlled the ball well in the last and managed to hold on in a nail biter!
With only 30 minutes between matches, our girls were naturally a bit tired going into our second game. Henley HS had two of the State U15 goalies (who recently won the National Championships) and are a specialist sports school, so we knew we would have to play our best to be in with a chance. We started strongly and didn’t let Henley find any rhythm. Despite having a short defensive circle, our girls managed to turn the ball, take rebounds and confuse the space brilliantly. Our mid-court worked tirelessly to maintain possession and drive the ball down court to the circle edge. Our shooters combined beautifully in the circle to provide strong targets and most importantly finished off the team’s good work with great goals! Scores were even at quarter-time, but we lifted out intensity as the game went on and kept scoring goals in a row. We were 3 up at half-time, 6 up at three quarter-time and ran out eventual winners 43-35.
A fantastic effort girls, well done! Now for the finals!
Alice Johnswood
Year 3/4 Blue – Saints 10 def Pembroke White 1
The game against Pembroke was a solid win for the team. Not once did they back down or let the opposition get a shot for the ball. The constant defence and hands-up on the ball is to be commended. The girls’ passing skills are improving each week, as is their ability to spread down the court. Everyone worked hard with a great attitude and spirit of positivity, resulting in the final score. Great work girls. – Mia Humphrey
Year 3/4 White Saints 4 def by Wilderness Blue 6
Despite the wet courts and weather, the girls managed to play a great game. Even though they didn’t win, they have definitely improved since the last game with their technique and defence. It was a very close match and the girls should be proud of themselves. All who were shooting did a great job and our defenders did exceptionally well as they managed to intercept the ball. The players who stood out this week were Enya, Chyndelle and Charlotte, however, all of the girls did remarkably well. Well done! – Anda Ceplite
Year 4 – Saints 29 def Walford 1
The girls played another high scoring game with seven players. Everyone rotated positions on the court with some great teamwork being displayed. The girls put into play some awesome defence which was practiced at training. Eve Dillon persisted in attack to shoot some great goals and also in defence, creating some excellent turnovers. The girls who played attacking positions worked well together, creating space and some terrific play. Well done girls on another excellent win! – Chelsea Walls
SOCCER
Open A – Saints 3 def Scotch 1
It was always going to be a challenging game for our Open A team against Scotch College, with our team missing five regular players. The girls unanimously selected Millie Wilkin as Captain for the day in the absence of Dominque Rigby. This seemed to lift Millie as she played her best game so far, and the team responded well under her leadership. We went a goal early, against the run of play, due to Scotch capitalising on a couple of our players hesitating to go for the ball.To Saints’ credit, they continued to play the way we have been working on, and it was not long before we equalised, thanks to a good passage of play which saw Chloe Deieso hit a great shot into the bottom corner of the goal.
St Peter’s continued to apply the pressure and were rewarded with a second goal, with a classy finish from Millie Wilkin. In the second half, the girls continued to apply pressure, and were again rewarded when Scotch thought the ball was going out. Lucy Benn kept chasing, got the ball, hit a low, hard shot which the goalkeeper could not hold, to make the final score 3-1.
Great team performance from everyone, and we want to thank Ashley Piper and Molly Bond for stepping up for the day. – Serge Cesaro (Coach)
Open B – Saints 2 defeated Walford 0
The team put in their best performance of the season to come away with a 2-nil win. Goals by Hannah Keough and Hannah Lunn. It was a great team effort. It has been a pleasure to work with these players. – Peter Krantis (Coach)
Middle A 3 defeated Middle B 1
The game was played in good spirits. Both teams showed great skill. In the end, Middle A was more clinical in front of goal and came away with the win.
Year 6/7 – Saints 0 defeated by Immanuel 6
Despite not winning, Saints showed great intensity and solid work ethic throughout the game. Players harnessed their individual skills to best benefit the team as well as some teamwork including using the wings to get the ball forward. Special mention to Lysiane Franchi for her persistence and determination and Genevieve Leong who showed great defence and also filled in for a half for Immanuel who were short of players. – Jasmine Ledgard (Coach)