Issue no. 34

From Our Head of Junior School

Our Reception to Year 3 students were blessed with sunshine and warm weather this week as they learned water awareness and safety skills and gained further confidence in the pool. These lessons have also served as preparation for the Year 2 and 3 students, who will enjoy a mini swimming carnival on Monday.

Between swimming lessons this week and next week’s ACHPER, SA (Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation, South Australia) PE Week, it is timely to reflect on the importance of physical activity and sports for young children.

It’s common knowledge that participation in physical activity is good for our physical health. However, the benefits for children involved in sports with respect to long-term social and emotional wellbeing, school performance, and the development of traits for successful adulthood should not be underestimated.

From a physical perspective, regular exercise and involvement in sports develops children’s motor skills and coordination, builds strong bones and muscles, improves cardiovascular fitness, increases flexibility and promotes healthy posture. It can also improve sleep patterns and reduce stress and anxiety, while laying strong foundations for living a healthy lifestyle in the future. Regular participation in physical activity frequently correlates with a reduction in sedentary lifestyle behaviours including, lengthy time on digital screens, and therefore reduces the corresponding detrimental health outcomes of these lifestyle patterns.

Children’s cognitive development is positively impacted through involvement in physical activities and sports, particularly as part of a group or team, with outcomes such as improved concentration, memory and problem-solving skills.

From a social and emotional perspective, through working closely with others to play a sport, children develop an understanding and appreciation of differences, the ability to listen to and act on direction, the importance of working both individually and collaboratively towards a goal, how to lead and how to follow. They have opportunities to set personal goals, develop patience, practise determination and perseverance, develop the ability to overcome setbacks, and learn how to win with humility and lose with grace. Children who regularly play sports tend to develop more healthy self-esteem and self-confidence than those who don’t.

Being physically active, particularly in a group, enables children to develop character traits they will use throughout everyday life, well into adulthood. We encourage students to be actively involved in PE and the Sports Program at our School, as well as to enjoy plenty of physical activity on weekends and during holidays, with family and friends.

There will be a variety of PE Week activities offered during lunchtimes next week, which will culminate for our younger students with the Reception to Year 3 Sports Morning on Friday. We look forward to a physically active week.

Suzanne Haddy
Head of Junior School

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Remembrance Day at St Peter’s Girls

Students and staff gathered outside the Arts Centre this afternoon for a moving service to mark Remembrance Day.

Prayer, poetry and music were shared before wreath laying, the Ode of Remembrance and the Last Post, leading into a minute’s silence.

The School service is always a touching tradition to reflect upon the sacrifices so many have made.

Lest we forget.

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The Joy of Storytelling in Our ELC

Our Early Learners’ Centre is abuzz with the joy of storytelling. It is the earliest form of literacy for our youngest students, preparing the foundations for future reading and writing skills and other vital learning.

Through storytelling, children create a sense of wonder as they use their imagination. They are developing their listening and communication skills, enhancing their vocabulary, and making important links between the written and spoken word.

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State of The Arts Journal Launch

Last Thursday saw the celebration and launch of the third volume of the Out of the Blue Arts Journal.

This volume proved to be the largest yet with over 80 pages jam-packed with arts from across our community including students of all ages, Old Scholars and staff. Works covered a variety of genres from dance and baking to photography, art and poetry.

This student-led initiative provides our girls with a forum to share their passions, give voice to their protests and celebrate the wider world of The Arts. As part of the Out of the Blue Committee, students are responsible for all aspects of the journal including selection of artwork, the overall design process, meeting and communicating with printers, and planning the launch event.

At this year’s launch in the Chapel, it was inspiring to hear Old Scholar Katherine Schultz (Kilburn 2011) talk about her career in and passion for The Arts through photography.

Out of the Blue provides a learning opportunity for our girls that is challenging, creative and rewarding. Thank you to all the students involved, everyone who made a submission, and to Ms Riley and Mrs Smerdon for their support over the past two terms.

Becca Burton-Howard
Out of the Blue Coordinator

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Year 11 Production Showered in Praise

On Tuesday evening in the Arts Centre, the Stage 1 Drama class performed the farce-style comedy The Wedding Downpour by Bradley Hayward. Set in 1960s London, the story follows the character Diana who attempts to organise a wedding shower, but her husband Edward’s antics get in her way. Disaster strikes and Edward is stuck hosting the wedding shower by himself, dealing with some interesting guests.

In our class, each girl performed on stage as well as having creative off-stage roles such as assistant directing, lighting design and marketing. The production incorporated all elements of a comedic farce including stereotyped characters, physical comedy, miscommunications and escalating chaos. The class thoroughly enjoyed working out of their comfort zones to portray outrageous characters with distinct mannerisms.

Congratulations to all involved. It was a performance that won’t be forgotten by the audience of parents and other community members!

Zara Blight
Year 11 student

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Year 10 Drama Production – Next Week

7pm, Tuesday 15 November (Week 5)
Arts Centre, St Peter’s Girls’ School
Free Admission

The Year 10 Drama students are proud to present Property Rites by Alan Haehnel.

The story follows Kyle Macmanus who has invested millions in a high-tech work of art: 14 human-figure sculptures programmed to perform thousands of movements, monologues, dialogues and more. But just when Kyle is about to sell the sculpture, it malfunctions; the figures are alive. As each one struggles to achieve autonomy, they begin a fatal race against their desperate owner’s destructive plan.

Interwoven with movement, chorus work and music, Property Rites is a thought-provoking piece of theatre that explores the concept of ownership, identity and wanting to ‘break free’.  Please come along and support our Drama students – we would love to see you there.

Joni Combe
Drama Teacher

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Year 8 Production – The Real Story of Alice in Wonderland

7pm, Thursday 24 November (Week 6)
Arts Centre, St Peter’s Girls’ School
Free Admission

The Saints Girls’ community is invited to attend the upcoming Year 8 Production The Real Story of Alice in Wonderland showcasing students’ talents in Drama, Dance, Music and Visual Arts.

With the girls self devising the choreography, selecting the songs, directing the scenes and organising the costumes and sets, this really is a celebration of collaboration and creativity!

Kate Burnett
Head of The Arts

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Equestrian Saint Rides into Record Books

Last month, my dad and I headed to Victoria for the Australian Jumping Championships. I had been preparing for this competition all year with the goal to come in the top 3 with one of my horses.

In 2021, I came 2nd on my horse BP Koraleigh, so I really wanted to match or beat that. The horse I was fortunate to win the title on, Licaviv, had previously been ridden by Olympian Vicki Roycroft. I had tried her in Sydney three weeks before the competition and we decided to purchase her as we got along very well. We were able to put her entries in, and within a week, I had my first ride on her competing in the Arilla Cup warm-up show where I came home with a 2nd on Licaviv and 3rd on BP Koraleigh in the Children’s Championship (14 yrs and under).

In the main show, the Australian Jumping Championships, there are two qualification rounds and then a final. Over the two rounds, I came 2nd and 4th on Licaviv and had two 3rd places on BP Koraleigh. Going into the final, I was in equal 2nd place with both horses. In the first round of the final, I unfortunately had a few rails on BP Koraleigh, dropping me to 5th place. If I went clear on Licaviv, I would keep my position in 2nd, and if the competitor in 1st place had a rail, I would overtake him and go into the lead. Luck was on my side and he dropped a rail. Although, I still had to do one more round and go clear again. This time, the course was shortened and if I dropped a rail it would then depend on time. If I went clear, the title would be mine. Luckily for me, all went to plan and we were crowned the Australian Children Champions and 7th overall on BP Koraleigh, leaving me with two horses in the top 10 in Australia.

The feeling as I went through the finish flags was surreal. I am so grateful to be given the opportunity to own and ride such incredible horses, and would not be able to do it without the support of my parents and everyone else around me.

Imogen Lindh
Year 9 student

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Weather No Damper for Year 5 Campers

Last week, our Year 5 campers visited Robe and Mount Gambier, staying at Tarooki Campsite for three nights and exploring the breathtakingly beautiful Umpherston Sinkhole, the Blue Lake and Tantanoola Caves. Although the weather was fairly cold and wet, everyone embraced camp with enthusiasm.

The girls participated in many other activities including an evening meal at Fasta Pasta in Mount Gambier.  The teachers were proud of the independence and resilience of all of the girls. New friendships were made and girls stepped out of their comfort zones to try new experiences.

Congratulations to all on a fantastic four days.

Shane Davidson
Year 5 Teacher

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Year 1s Rule the School at Stayback

The excitement from the Year 1s was palpable last Friday! The reason for this? It was our Stayback!

After school, the girls changed into casual clothes and had an afternoon snack of fresh fruit. Following a group photo and a brief session on the playground, it was time to head to the Arts Centre for the first surprise: a dance workshop with Bec from Footsteps Dance Company. The girls thoroughly enjoyed it which was obvious by the enthusiastic way they joined in.

The dance workshop passed too quickly, but it was time for a pizza dinner followed by ice cream cups. A trip to neighbouring Bell Yet playground was followed by a treasure hunt on Chiverton Lawns to find bubble blowers and bouncy balls. All too soon, it was 7pm and the parents had arrived to collect their happily tired daughters.

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French Quiz Night – We Say Oui!

Last Wednesday, a group of Year 9 French students represented our School at the annual South Australian French Teachers’ Association (SAFTA) French Quiz Night hosted by Walford Anglican School for Girls. Students from across the Adelaide region attended the event, and it was truly wonderful to see our students connect with the wider Francophile community. Thank you to Jiana, Linna, Olivia, Alex, Mollie and Scarlett for your enthusiasm on the night, cétait super!

The girls shared:

‘It was a great opportunity for all of us to collaborate and learn more about French culture in a competitive and exciting environment. Although we didn’t win, we had a lot of fun and enjoyed the many French snacks that were provided.’

Celia Zamel
French Teacher

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Treasure Box Donation Drive

This term, the Year 10 Kilburn cohort is hosting a donation drive for our new House Charity, Treasure Boxes. This South Australian not-for-profit organisation provides vital essentials to babies, children and teenagers living in disadvantage in our community.

We are launching a campaign to help this charity to provide further support this holiday season. It will run in Week 6 and Week 7, and there will be a collection bin in the Middle School where donations can be placed. Treasure Boxes has provided a list of sought-after items:

We encourage everyone to bring in at least one item from this list so that we can make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate in our community this Christmas.

Alysa Trinh
Year 10 student

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Upcoming Events

Carols in the Cathedral
St Peter’s Cathedral
Tuesday 6 December
Students to arrive at 6.30pm
Doors open at 7pm
Carols in the Cathedral is a compulsory event for students in Years 5 – 12.

Presentation Night
Adelaide Town Hall
Friday 9 December
Students arrive to at 6.30pm (unless advised otherwise by the Music Department)
Doors open at 7pm
Presentation Night is a compulsory event for students in Years 7 – 12.
Further details including ticket information will be communicated to families shortly.

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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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Professional School Photo Offers

Offer 1 – $88 digital package (unlimited number of photos)
To view the photos, visit events.focusschoolportraits.com/gallery/18679717/
Select Gallery
To access, use the password: SaintsGirls
Email Mark at orders@focusschoolportraits.com.au, quoting the photo numbers and event. He will be in contact with you to finalise the order.

Offer 2 – $27 per printed photo
The Special Groups offer includes photos of House Captains, Generations, Originals, Year 12 cohort and the Year 12 image from the Chiverton Balcony
Visit www.focusschoolportraits.com
Select School Portraits
Enter access key: 7XE7K6YB

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Mark via orders@focusschoolportraits.com.au or 8389 9002.

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COVID-19 Information

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

The School has been notified of a case of rhinovirus and a case of human metapneumovirus.

Both are common respiratory viruses which are spread when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes small droplets containing infectious agents into the air. The viruses are also spread by direct contact with a sick person or indirect contact with hands, tissues or other articles soiled by nose and throat discharges.

Most respiratory viruses cause cold-like symptoms or flu-like illnesses. Common signs and symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and malaise (feeling unwell).

For more information, click here

As always, if your child is unwell, they should remain home until they have recovered, irrespective of the illness.

If your child will not be attending school/ELC due to illness, please notify the School via one of the methods listed in the absences article.

Lara Waltham and Sarah Wilkinson
School Registered Nurses

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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.