Issue no. 5
In this edition
From the Deputy Principal/Head of Middle School
Following the stunning success of last year’s inaugural event, we are proud and excited to be staging our second Girls in Tech Expo next Friday 8 March. Students in Years 6 and 7 will be joined by girls from other local schools for a day of dynamic seminars and workshops hosted by industry experts.
This special event is an incredible opportunity to further expose girls to technology and the rewarding career paths associated with the field. It is also a fitting way to celebrate International Women’s Day and to launch the 2019 Search for the Next Tech Girl Superhero Challenge, a youth STEM entrepreneurship competition that encourages girls to tackle real-life problems with technology solutions.
This week, I was lucky enough to escape the road closures and heat of Adelaide for the slightly cooler and far less chaotic roads of Kangaroo Island as I accompanied our Year 8 students on their annual camp. It was a delight to see our girls and their Home Group teachers embracing the challenges that four nights under canvas in a remote, unpowered camp ground offers. Noises in the night, ants, river crossings and camp cooking that didn’t quite go ‘to plan’ were all brushed off as inconveniences, as we were lucky enough to spend time in spectacular coastal scenery, enjoying snorkelling, boogie boarding, hiking and sandboarding.
Our Year 7 staff and students were also able to relish the relief from the heat that the bushland and beaches of the Robe area offered during their week-long camp. Once again, this challenging and varied camp saw our girls getting to know each other and their Home Group teachers much better as they kayaked, hiked, surfed and explored caves in this beautiful part of the State.
One of the themes of these camps is ‘becoming comfortable being uncomfortable’, and whilst our students (and staff!) naturally achieved this to varying levels, everyone came back being able to describe at least one episode where they overcame nerves or discomfort to achieve something valuable.
Richard Lisle
Deputy Principal/Head of Middle School
Swimming Carnival – Full Results
Yet again, the spirit and atmosphere of Swimming Carnival was led by an amazing group of Year 12s. Selwyn prevailed over a fast-finishing Kilburn to claim the McGill Shield. Ten new records were set and now Saints plunges into the inter-schools’ competitions with a strong team of swimmers.
McGill Shield: 1st Selwyn (1774), 2nd Kilburn (1671), 3rd Patteson (1526), 4th Kennion (1382)
Senior Shield: 1st Selwyn (561), 2nd Kilburn (557), 3rd Patteson (538), 4th Kennion (501)
Middle Shield: 1st Kilburn (605), 2nd Selwyn (572), 3rd Patteson (510), 4th Kennion (411)
Junior Shield: 1st Selwyn (638), 2nd Kilburn (499), 3rd Patteson (470), 4th Kennion (465)
New Records
Year 4 4x50m Freestyle Relay – Selwyn – 1:28.09
Year 7 25m Backstroke – Jasmin Baker (KIL) – 20.21
Year 8 25m Backstroke – Willow Stewart-Rattray (PAT) – 17.89
Year 10 50m Freestyle – Stephanie Smalls (PAT) – 27.23
Year 10 50m Butterfly – Stephanie Smalls (PAT) – 29.49
Year 10 25m Freestyle – Keeley Fahey (SEL) – 14.99
Year 11 25m Breaststroke – Hannah Keough (PAT) – 19.83
Year 12 25m Freestyle – Sarah Carrodus (SEL) – 16.27
Year 12 25m Backstroke – Heidi Chow (KIL) – 18.90
Year 10-12 200m IM – Lara Wakeham (PAT) – 2:28.82
Swimmer of the Day
Stephanie Smalls (Patteson Year 10)
Individual Medleys (Champion Swimmer Races)
Senior – 1st Lara Wakeham (PAT – New Record), 2nd Matilda Braithwaite (KEN), 3rd Stephanie Smalls (PAT)
Middle – 1st Tara Young (KIL), 2nd Poppy Marshall (SEL), 3rd Georgina Wakeham (PAT)
Junior – 1st Lauren Pearce (SEL), Elysia Scarr (SEL), Emily Tolladay (KEN)
Aggregate Cups
Year 4 – 1st Ella Pearce (SEL), 2nd Lauren Fuller (PAT), Isla Fahey (SEL)
Year 5 – 1st Stella Spalvins (SEL), 2nd Madi Dornbusch (KIL), 3rd Chloe Richardson (KEN)
Year 6 – 1st Lauren Pearce (SEL), 2nd Emily Tolladay (KEN), 3rd Elysia Scarr (SEL)
Year 7 – 1st Marcella Tolley (SEL), 2nd Sienna Huxtable (SEL), 3rd Charlotte Norman (PAT)
Year 8 – 1st Isabelle Tran (KIL), equal 2nd Poppy Marshall (SEL) and Georgina Wakeham (PAT), 3rd Sophie Dansie (SEL)
Year 9 – 1st Tara Young (KIL), 2nd Emily Baldwinson (KEN), 3rd Chi Chi Zhao (SEL)
Year 10 – 1st Stephanie Smalls (PAT), 2nd Lara Wakeham (PAT), 3rd Lily-Rose Spartalis (KIL)
Year 11 – 1st Matilda Braithwaite (KEN), 2nd Lucy Young (KIL), 3rd Hattie Maerschel (KEN)
Year 12 – 1st Nicolette Miller (PAT), 2nd Grace Sampson (KIL), 3rd Rose Pittman (KIL)
Year 1s Enjoy Wellbeing Day
Last Friday, the big girls went to the Swimming Carnival and the R – 3 girls had a special day too: it was our Wellbeing Day.
We did some meditation with Cloud so we could calm ourselves, did some yoga with Cat so we could stretch, and we made some flowers for our buddy which we did with Bella Rose. We did a maze with Huggtopus so we could get free hugs. We also made a PicCollage of a buddy and one with Bug; my buddy was Eleanor.
While I was doing the Lovey Dove heart, I was thinking about how to draw myself. When I was making the PicCollage, I was trying to think of some suggestions that we could write on it. While I was doing the maze, I had to think where to go. I learnt in yoga how to stretch my body and be relaxed. I thought Wellbeing Day was fun.
Olivia Ianniello
Year 1LS student
Year 3s Inspect an Insect
This term, Year 3 has been exploring all things animals, including the very smallest living on our planet. Last week, the girls put on their biologist detective hats and went searching around the School’s gardens for different types of local invertebrates.
Upon returning to the classroom, they researched and created fact files about some of the insects, arachnids and crustaceans found at St Peter’s Girls and in the wider Adelaide region. To educate our community and bring some added colour to our playground, we laser cut our drawings of our insects and engraved QR codes that directly link to our fact files for everyone to explore and enjoy.
Lizzy Mitchell
Year 3 Teacher
New Blue Belts Pack a Punch
The Year 11 PE girls completed their Blue Belt grading in self-defence this week. Since Week 1, they have worked on their punch and kick routines, throw-downs, partner sparring and defending random attacks.
The girls performed at a high level on their assessment day, which was quite warm inside the Gym. They had to maintain concentration for a long period of time and were able to do so superbly. They will next begin to look at Principles of Play and exercise physiology in relation to the sport of Korfball.
Dan Searle
Head of PE, Health & Outdoor Education
Garden of Saintly Delights
A wonderful Saints Girls’ THANK YOU to those who came along to and supported our Garden of Saintly Delights on Sunday 24 February.
We can’t thank our Parents’ & Friends’ Association enough for organising such a fantastic event for our School community. A big shout out and thank you to all of our amazing volunteers, staff and community groups within the School who contributed and made the day such a huge success despite the heat.
Please pass on any constructive feedback regarding the event to: stpetersgirls.pandf@gmail.com
We will be holding our regular P&F monthly meeting in our Food Tech Centre on Monday 4 March – if you are interested in finding out more about our P&F, please come along at 6.30pm.
Winter Uniform For New Students and Year 4s
As we are almost halfway through the term, it is time to think about arranging a winter uniform fitting for your daughter. Students will be required to wear their winter uniform from the first day next term.
Reception – Year 3 students must wear a pinafore with a grandpa-collared shirt, while students in Years 4 – 12 wear a skirt with a collared blouse and tie.
Year 4 students have a few different uniform requirements that you will need to purchase before Term 2.
Please contact the School Shop on 8334 2228 to arrange an appointment.
Head of the River Dinner
6 – 9.30pm, 23 March
The Friends of Rowing warmly invite family, friends and all rowers to join us for a fabulous evening to celebrate our girls and their 2018-19 Rowing season. This year’s dinner will be held at the Adelaide Royal Coach Hotel in Kent Town. We will hear from our girls and their coaches, and end of season awards will be presented. The ticket price includes a delicious two course menu and soft drinks. Other beverages will be available for purchase from the bar.
Tickets
$45 per person (parents and rowers)
$20 per child (11 years and under)
https://www.trybooking.com/BBATZ
Please note, the dinner is compulsory for all current competing rowers.
Ticket sales close on 12 March and are strictly limited to 120 places, so avoid disappointment and book early.
Compassion and Unity at Moving Breakfast
Year 9 students Letitia Page-Thomson and Mia Dodd recently attended the annual indigenous ‘Apology Breakfast’ at the Adelaide Convention Centre on 13 February.
Pictured top left with inspirational Crows’ player Eddie Betts, the girls were among 1800 people in attendance; there was an exceptional Welcome to Country by Kaurna Elder Suzanne Russell, plus remarkable guest speakers honouring members of the Stolen Generations.
Trish Tynan
EAL/D Specialist
Drama-Packed Outing for Year 9s
On Thursday, the Year 9 Drama classes were fortunate to attend a physical theatre performance called Out of Chaos by Adelaide company Gravity and Other Myths. Not knowing what to expect or even what physical theatre was, we were electric with excitement. There were many other schools there, like us, intrigued and buzzing. And what a performance it was! Almost indescribable feats of bending, stretching, acting, even flying! Whilst taking in the performance was amazing, looking around at the other girls, their faces struck with wonder and bewilderment, was equally entertaining.
Seeing this show has made us all the more excited for this coming year of Drama. We are thrilled with anticipation ahead of a workshop next term where visiting actors/performers will teach us all more about physical theatre.
Tia Bailey
Year 8 student
Saints Girl’s Brush with Fringe
One of our talented students, Year 6 Zoë O’Callaghan, will be performing in a Fringe show called Musical Moments by Promise Adelaide.
If you love musical theatre, you will love this performance. Promise specialises in creating performance opportunities for South Australia’s up and coming music and theatre stars under the age of 21.
With Musical Moments, each of the Fringe performances features hits from popular shows such as Les Miserables, Wicked and Grease as well as lesser known material from new Broadway shows and films. Each show has a different cast, with a diverse selection of songs. There is something for everyone to enjoy in the often eclectic mix of numbers.
You can book tickets via www.adelaidefringe.com.au
“I am really looking forward to performing in Musical Moments, my second Fringe show with Promise Adelaide. It’s a really entertaining show where all the songs are from musicals. Each performer sings a solo and a small group number, and the whole cast also does two songs together which is really good fun. I have been performing since I was 5 when I started dance training, which I still do. I love anything to do with performing – singing, dancing and acting. My favourite genre is music theatre because you get to do all three at the same time.”
Zoë O’Callaghan
Year 6 student
Choral Night 2019 – Show Your True Colours!
Thursday 21 March
Join us at 7pm on Thursday 21 March at the Adelaide Convention Centre for Choral Night 2019! Arguably one of the most popular events on the Saints Girls’ calendar, this year’s event carries the theme of ‘Colours’.
Tickets will be on sale soon, so keep an eye out in the eNews and your emails!
Seat of Encouragement – Style a Tile
The Next Challenge: Building for Tomorrow
Our ‘Seat of Encouragement’ will be a striking feature in our new Science Centre. Located on the second level between the four general laboratories, the seat will be accompanied by individual tiles, recognising donors who contribute to this unique St Peter’s Girls’ Foundation campaign.
We invite current/past parents and staff, Old Scholars, friends of the School and local businesses to purchase an expression of encouragement to embolden and inspire our girls.
The St Peter’s Girls’ Foundation raises funds to advance the School’s educational, scholarship and building programs. By purchasing a tile, you will be supporting the learners of today and tomorrow.
All tiles can be personalised and many offer the choice of a motivational quote. They can be purchased via www.trybooking.com/BARQD.
Become One of Our Saints
It is said that it takes a village to raise a child. Beyond parents or guardians are a host of people who are deeply connected to our girls. Saints Girls is encouraging these very loved ones to join our newly-created community group, Our Saints. Our aim is to bring together those people special to our girls who want to participate in and know more about their education at St Peter’s Girls. This could include grandparents, aunts and uncles, Godparents, Old Scholars or friends of the family – anyone who takes an interest in the life and education of a Saints Girl.
Benefits include:
> Every edition of our biannual community magazine Saints Alive
> An invite to our ‘Our Saints’ Annual Morning Tea
> Invites to other special functions throughout the year
> Members will also have opportunities to make classroom visits (ELC, Junior School and Middle School) to see their girls in action. If you or someone you know is interested
in joining Our Saints, please fill out the form here.
Sports News
BASKETBALL
Cancelled due to heat
ROWING
School Premiership Series 2
Conditions were perfect with a slight breeze and great water for rowing. The Year 9s were first off with their heats and it was great to see how well they all did. Most of our crews placed well and are looking good for Head of the River. Technically, I think many of the girls are performing well and seem to be handling themselves well up against some of the bigger schools. All made it through to their respective A finals and although we had no wins, we were right in the mix.
The Year 8s are still learning about racing, so it is great to watch because they normally just go for it which makes it exciting. Much of what we do with them as coaches is trying to get the basics right, laying the foundations. Sometimes, under race conditions, those foundations get a little shaky but it’s all about learning and understanding what needs to be done in a race situation. They are getting there, it will just take time and patience.
Inters have had a pretty good season getting many wins and placing. It is a very competitive year with the winner in both grades changing every week. Both crews have really set themselves up nicely for HoR and, with one School Premiership Series regatta to go, we are hoping big things will happen from the girls. I don’t think it so much about how they row, but their own self-belief and being mentally strong and positive.
Seniors are improving with every race. Overall, I think their coaches are really happy. It is all about consistency in everything they do; consistency of training, consistency of technique, consistency through racing. I believe, as a whole, the Senior squad are understanding this; get the process right and the consistency will come. – Ben Flannagan (Director of Rowing)
SOFTBALL
All junior Softball and Tee-ball games cancelled due to heat
TENNIS
Premier League – cancelled due to heat
Premier League Reserves – cancelled due to heat
Division 1 – Saints 5-31 defeated St Ignatius 1-12
Singles: Ella Dnistriansky 1-6, Bridgette Leach 6-2, Adele Eaton 6-0, Grace Beaumont 6-1
Division 2 – Saints did not play
Division 3 – Saints 4-30 defeated Pulteney 2-24
Singles: Faye Ma 6-3, Eva Young 6-5, Chase Hocking 6-1, Lilli Bennett 1-6
Division 4 Blue – Saints 4-29 defeated St Ignatius 1-21
Singles: Azaan Singh 6-5, Ayanna Roy 6-0, Amy Hu 1-6, Anika Bruin 6-1
Division 4 White – Saints 0-3 defeated by St Ignatius 6-36
Singles: Jasmine Si 0-6, Zihan Huang 0-6, Anushka Rajbhoj 1-6, Gloria Zou 2-6
Junior Tennis – no games due to Swimming Carnival
TOUCH FOOTBALL
Open A – Saints 2 defeated by Wilderness 6
The improvement from the previous week was excellent and each player improved throughout the game allowing us to score twice in the second half. The girls used set play to help Ella sprint through a gap in the opposition’s defence and score. Eve Habel and Hannah Freeman set up a ‘quickie’ on the score line where Hannah did a great dive. Best player goes to Hannah as she was determined and committed to every move she completed. Good effort girls, looking forward to building for the next game! – Eve Habel (Captain)
Open B – Saints 6 defeated Pembroke 1
Saturday was a great way to start off our season after having a bye the week before. We went out there running at speed and held Pembroke scoreless for the first half. It was excellent teamwork by everyone to score the tries, especially with our rucking and breaking through holes. Awesome game girls, bring on the next match. – Taylah Gabrisch (Coach)
Open C1 – Saints did not play
Open C2 – Saints 3 defeated Wilderness 1
Middle A – Saints 8 defeated Pembroke 3
The Middle A team played a fast-paced game against Pembroke. The girls continued on from the previous week with some beautiful rucking which gave them strong momentum through the middle and set up a number of tries. The girls are working on their wraps close to the line and this improved as the game wore on, catching out Pembroke in 2 on 1 situations numerous times. Our defence was better in the second half when our wingers placed more pressure on their opponent, refusing to allow them space to receive and run with the ball. Great to have our first win of the year and even the ledger at 1-1. Try scorers were Ellie Humphrey 3, Adele Russell 2, Madison Liddy 1, Pearl Richards 1 and Grace Richards 1. But you can’t score alone in touch football and all girls were involved in the set-up of tries during the game. – Dan Searle (Coach)
Middle B – Saints 7 defeated St Dominic’s 0
The girls played really well, working together as a team in defence, stopping St Dominic’s scoring any tries. Isobel Yelland provided guidance and direction in both attack and defence. The team worked hard using a shooter and then all moving up in defence, making it much harder for the opposition to score. Apurva Ichalkaranje did a great job scoring two tries after playing with the Middle C team. Our communication skills improved on the field, allowing us get more scoring opportunities. It was an amazing second game for the season and hopefully we can keep it up. – Charlie Piper
Middle C – Saints 2 defeated by Loreto 3
VOLLEYBALL
Open A – Saints 2 defeated Westminster 1 (25-13, 25-14, 20-25)
The team’s early arrival at the away venue showed the commitment to the squad and the year ahead. Not being intimidated in the warm up by Westminster’s tactics, the girls started strongly in both sets 1 and 2, setting us up for a resounding win. Westminster had little answer to Charlotte White in the front row, who was backed up by strong serving from Anna White and Georgina Keough, underpinning the strength and confidence this team has in its skills and style. In the 3rd set, having already won the match, we changed player positions and while we started slowly at 1-10, we worked back into the set only to just lose it 20-25. The never-say-die effort by all players, with one memorable 3rd pass chase-down by Georgina Keough to the back wall smacking it back over to win the point, shows great signs for the rest of the season. – Alistair Keough (Coach)
Open B – Saints 2 defeated Westminster 1 (25-21, 25-21, 13-25)
Welcoming new faces Paris Greene, Charlotte Cohen and Ruby Deakin into the Open B squad, the team started with a standard front row setter system. Confusion reigned, so we switched back into a more advanced 6-2 system and regained the lead, finishing the first set strongly. Starting the second set as we finished the first, Ankita Rajbhoj and Ruby Deakin served strongly to put Westminster on the back foot. Tilly McCormack’s dominance at the net helped secure the win. Similar to the A Grade, having won the match, we moved players into new positions in the third set trying different combinations with some good results. – Alistair Keough (Coach)
Open C – Saints 1 defeated by Westminster 2 (21-25, 25-19, 24-26)
The girls put in a spirited effort, losing a tough battle. In the first set, Saints made multiple simple errors but nearly snuck away with a win with some great serving from Jenna Bowden. The team improved in every aspect in the second set, claiming a deserved win with Candy Feng also serving well, winning many points. Saints looked to be in a commanding position in the final set with some great rallies and saves from the back-court. Westminster, however, were resilient with a dominant server who Saints found hard to return to. – Neil Fuller (Coach)
Middle A – Saints 3 defeated Westminster 0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-22)
The team worked really well on setting the ball up and finishing points with a spike. Some areas to work on for the next game are service reception and taking high balls on the fingers. MVP Ruby Deakin. – Vicki Dent (Coach)
Middle B – Saints 2 drew with Westminster 2
This was a tense struggle between two evenly-matched teams. Saints worked well on pushing the ball deep over the opposition attack line. There are areas the team can continue to improve upon including working on getting the first pass up to the setter in position two. MVP this week was Izzy Gilroy. – Vicki Dent (Coach)
Middle C – Saints 3 defeated Concordia 0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-22)
Saints put in a great effort to record 3 strong sets. The focus was on serving and this improved throughout the game, enabling the team to win many points. Rebecca Holloway, Ruby Powell and Efua Yawson were all consistent in this key element of the game. Eliza Monaghan had an outstanding game with her net coverage, positioning and pressure on the opposition players. – Neil Fuller (Coach)
WATER POLO
Open A – Saints 13 defeated Seymour 4
The girls played well together, starting out very strongly in the first half with the score being 7-0 at half-time. Our strong defence resulted in many counter attacks, with goals scored being shared amongst several of our girls. Well done, a fantastic team effort girls, I look forward to playing the rest of the season! – Nikki Miller (Captain)
Open B – Saints 3 defeated by St Ignatius 9
The team played well against a tough opponent. Poppie Goldsmith had a great performance with a key goal scoring drive in the third quarter. – James Powers (Coach)
Open C – Saints 2 defeated by Loreto 9
The team faced a strong opposition again this week and found it difficult to score in the first half of the game. As the girls settled into the game, their team play and defence improved dramatically, resulting in our two goals being scored in the second half. Congratulations to our goalies who did a fantastic job saving many of the opposition’s shots for goals. – Nikki Miller (Captain)
Year 7-8 – Saints 7 defeated St Aloysius 5
Saints continued their winning form. Once again, the girls worked well together and continue to learn the rules and grow in confidence. Looking forward to their next game. – Gemma Rowe (Coach)