News

eNews – Week 7, Term 2 2020

Issue no. 18Enews-banner

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From Our Director of Teaching and Learning

N Scoggins - webNext week is exam week for the Year 10 students and Year 11 SACE students; some Year 12 trial IB Diploma exams follow in Week 9. These examinations all provide a valuable opportunity for the students to review and consolidate their learning, and also to practise and refine their revision and exam techniques.

There is a lot of interesting discussion nationally and globally about how examinations will evolve over the next decade; there is no doubt that the traditional three-hour handwritten school exam in a stuffy (or freezing) hall or gym will soon be consigned to history. Exams are already much more focused (and therefore shorter) and, increasingly, subjects are moving over to electronic formats, many with interactive content. Additionally, exam boards around the world are looking at ways of bringing more transferable problem-solving skills into external assessments so that knowledge and skills can be applied in more of a ‘real-world’ scenario. This is where we will start to see the design of exams changing more fundamentally.

Back to 2020 though, and we are endeavouring to make the exam experiences for our students relevant and useful, and we have moved more of these internal exams onto electronic platforms so that they more closely replicate the new SACE exams. Thanks are due to Garth Coulter, our Head of Technology and Digital Learning, for his expertise in this area and his support of colleagues across other subjects.

Good luck to all of the students in their exams!

Year 10 students this week had an opportunity to listen to students in the SACE and IB programs, and to ask them questions about their experiences so far. This was the first in a series of information sessions about pathway and subject choices that we run every year for Year 9 and Year 10 students. The Senior School Curriculum Handbook, which contains comprehensive information about all senior subjects available in 2021, will be published at the end of term. This is an important time of information gathering for next year’s senior students, and this may extend to some more independent research into options and possible career pathways beyond school. It goes without saying that we are all on hand here to answer questions and offer advice.

On a related note, given the current circumstances, it is likely that the Subject Expo calendared for Week 1 next term will be in a different format this year; further information will follow in due course. Regardless of how it is delivered, we will ensure that all relevant parties have the information they need so that informed choices for 2021 can be made.

Nigel Scoggins
Director of Teaching and Learning

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SACE Dancers Step Up to Challenge

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On Tuesday evening in the Arts Centre, the SACE Stage 2 Dancers presented their choreographic pieces. The girls were required to choreograph a live performance and/or dance film totalling four minutes. Students from Years 9 – 12 performed in the works.

“For my composition, I decided to do a combination of live performance and dance film. Creating choreography was something I have done a little bit of in the past, but this was my first time choreographing a longer piece independently. This experience gave me the chance to experiment with new movements whilst also working collaboratively with incredible dancers to produce choreography that was unique and told a story. Despite the challenges of teaching others and having to come up with new and original movements, I enjoyed the creativity required and found it very rewarding to see my piece come to life when the music, light, costumes, make-up, choreography and dancers all came together.” – Louisa Reid (Year 11 student)

“My choreographic work was based on the extraordinary story of Juliane Koepcke. She was the lone survivor of Lansa flight 508 to Peru, after the plane broke apart midair at 10,000 feet. She was able to survive not only falling out of the sky, but also 11 days in the unforgiving Peruvian forest, alone. I was captivated by her story, and so used this task to creatively express her journey to freedom. My choreography reflected her developing emotions of fear, pain and exhaustion, but most importantly, hope. As she fought dehydration and malnutrition, Julianne began hallucinating her rescue. To mirror this, I used interactive projections on the back wall, where my main dancer, Alice, interacted with the hallucinatory animations. Additionally, working in correspondence with my use of technology was lighting, costuming, audio enhancement, make-up and more. This task helped me understand the huge undertaking of creating a choreographic work from a stimulus and the importance of having choreographic intent when creating movement. I had so much fun working with my dancers and am so happy with the final product.” – Emeshe Robson (Year 11 student)

Kate Burnett
Head of The Arts

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Kaurna Art Installation at ELC

W7 - ELC Kaurna Art Installation

The ELC is extremely fortunate to be the new owners of a Kaurna art installation gifted to us by the 2019/2020 Friends of the ELC and created by Kaurna elder Tamaru and his family. This special canoe has been crafted from a 450 year old redgum tree from the Willunga Hills area.

The tree has been carved with significant symbols providing the opportunity for storytelling, history-keeping and Kaurna culture connections. Our children in the ELC are equipped with the skills to read the symbols, translating the information shared. Without defining the object, the children have been hypothesising what it could be, its multiple uses and possibilities.

We will treat this artefact with ‘Ngaitalya’, which means respect in Kaurna language. We are extremely appreciative of Tamaru for his work in crafting this keepsake for us. It will form a pivotal role in the future landscaping of the ELC Hallett Garden.

Kate Mount
Director of Early Learning

 

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Out of the Blue – An Interview with Our Head of English

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Mr Butler-Wills is our esteemed Head of English, and responsible for writing the Year 11 and 12 SACE Drama productions. As well as being a lover of literature, he has a passion for writing that mostly presents itself in the form of theatre plays but also in the occasional short story. He has been published in multiple journals and several of his plays have been performed by companies and schools. Without further ado, here is our interview with Mr Butler-Wills on his opinions on art and our upcoming Out of the Blue Arts Journal.

What does writing as an art mean to you?
Writing is a way of exploring what it is to be human. It is the means by which we can evaluate society, critique human choices, encourage one another, document emotions and thoughts and experiences. Telling stories – which is, essentially, the heart of literature – is a vital way in which we can engage with one another, preserve cultures and provide entertainment. Writing is power.

What is your background in art and writing?
Firstly, I think that anyone’s ‘background’ in writing involves reading: that is, exploring the work of others. Good writing does not occur in a vacuum. Thus, I consider my Honours Degree in English Literature the foundation of my experience with writing. In terms of creating texts, my main experience is with playwriting. I have written a couple of novels (but these remain in a drawer and were really just my opportunity to experiment with ideas and language and style) and have a number of short stories published in a range of journals. However, I have been most prolific in developing works for the stage. Of the 25 plays I have written, seven are available through the Australian Script Centre and have been performed by companies and schools around Australia.

Why is writing important to you?
I enjoy telling stories and reaching an audience through texts. My main focus has been upon writing plays…and I just love the experience that an audience can share in being involved with a theatrical work. There is something immensely satisfying about achieving such an outcome.

Why do you think writing is a form of art?
To me, art is taking materials – film, clay, charcoal, images, paint, etcetera – and using those elements to represent the human experience. In this way we can educate, inform, challenge, critique, entertain and inspire one another. Words are one of those materials through which we can achieve those ends.

What are you hoping that the Out of the Blue Arts Journal will achieve?
Stimulate student writing by providing an opportunity for publication. Knowing that there is a means by which a writer can reach a broad audience can foster creative endeavour and so I hope that the journal will achieve this.

Thank you to Mr Butler-Wills for sharing your perspective on art! We hope that students will be inspired by your love of literature to consider submitting an entry of their own.

All entries for consideration and enquiries regarding the St Peter’s Girls’ Out of the Blue Arts Journal can be emailed to outoftheblue@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au. We look forward to seeing your entries. The closing date is Week 5 of Term 3 (20 August).

Sara Peak
Year 11 student

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Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR. – Year 5 Production

W7 - Year 5 Production

Year 5 is abuzz, with rehearsals underway in earnest for the Year 5 Production: Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR.!

Auditions were held in Week 3, with call-backs via Skype with Kirsty Roberts, a professional performer from ‘The Studio and Star Factory’. We are delighted with our cast!

Grace Marsh-Smith is busily preparing for the very demanding role of Matilda with some Roald Dahl research!

Our girls are excited to display their talent in what will be yet another show-stopping Saints Girls’ production in the last week of Term 3.

Shelley Hampton
Director

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eSports at Saints Girls – More than a Game

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You may or may not have heard of eSports, but one thing you should know: eSports is more than just video games, it encompasses a wide variety of skills and encourages participation and teamwork. We have been playing an internal school Mario Kart tournament in which teams of two test their skills against other students. We began with a total of 33 teams competing until we were left with two teams who competed in the Grand Final.

Like traditional team sports which take place in the physical world, eSports relies on teamwork that entails coordination, communication and cohesion. Our competition also helps students make new connections with others and create stronger friendships with their teammates and supporters. Self-confidence is heightened and is a vital skill that enables students to take on challenges and broaden their horizons. eSports also helps students develop problem-solving skills under pressure and encourages them to work collaboratively. Constant communication and delegation is required and can ultimately be the difference between winning and losing. These are fundamental skills which work in harmony in order to achieve both academically and on the eSports’ stage. Video games have created hundreds of communities and brought together so many people, which is our goal in starting eSports at St Peter’s Girls. We encourage friendly competition and banter but, most importantly, we want our participants to have fun.

Our competition boiled down to two teams in both Junior and Senior categories. Congratulations to ‘Toyoda’ who beat ‘Sonic Boom’ in a tightly-fought match in the Junior Division. In the Senior Division, ‘It’s a me, Mario’ won the overall competition after a close match against ‘Hazy Shade of Winter’, winning by only a few points. Congratulations to Lysiane and Katija on winning the coveted Perpetual Mario Trophy as well!

Lysiane Franchi
Year 8 student

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Healthy Takeaways for Hospitality Students

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The Year 11 Food and Hospitality students recently demonstrated their ability to participate effectively in a team with the creation of a variety of takeaway lunch options for the Year 11 cohort and Home Group teachers.

They investigated healthy food options that are contemporary in nature and suitable for a takeaway menu. They applied their knowledge of safe food handling practices, appropriate use of technology and a demonstration of hospitality standard use of practical skills, portion control and the ability to maintain timely service. They were also required to display competence in teamwork, collaborative management and organisation.

The girls made pumpkin and feta filo triangles, New York-style bagels with cream cheese and chives, pork, beef and fennel sausage rolls, and apple and berry crumble slices.

This was a new task for 2020 which was very well received by all.

Jenni Manson
Food and Hospitality Teacher

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Fresh Beat for Junior School Dancers

W7 - Year 3 Dance

The Reception to Year 3 students started this term with a unit of Dance. They completed a Hip-Hop routine to the song ‘Uptown Funk’. The girls did an amazing job remembering the steps, moving to the beat and demonstrating their sense of rhythm.

Some thoughts from the Year 3 girls:

“After the lesson I always felt happy.” – Anisha
“I loved doing the dance as it was challenging remembering the steps.” – Matilda
“I had fun.” – Chloe
“I enjoyed doing the steps and really liked the music.” – Charlotte
“We learnt lots of different stretches in the warm-up.” – Willow
“I really enjoyed doing the dance because it was fun learning the new steps each lesson and learning the dance routine.” – Lola
“I loved the funky music and I really love to dance.” – Issy
“It’s the best dance routine I’ve ever learned.” – Mathilda B
“I loved the opportunity to learn a dance routine and show it to the class.” – Lily
“My sister and I showed the dance routine to our parents.” – Lydia
“I like dancing and I liked learning new moves.” – Sophia

Pauline Noblet
Physical Education Teacher

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Year 5 Science Out of this World

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The final component of the Year 5 unit on Science is to look deeply at how Science has assisted space travel and the exploration of space. This unit has explored Scientific Methodology and the history of Science. We were privileged to have guest speaker Clare Gaskell from our Science Department, a Skype discussion with Dr Andrew Pearce about medical science and a conversation with Dr Achini Vidanapathirana about nanotechnology. This has been a stimulating Unit of Inquiry.

Today, the girls presented their Keynote on a form of space technology and a model they have built as a ‘Science Fair’ in the new Science labs. The discussion and zest for their newfound love of Science was obvious!

Shelley Hampton and Sarah Mulraney
Year 5 Teachers

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Charm – Senior Drama Production

W6 - Senior Drama Production

Eager to get out and see a show? Well – do we have a treat for you! This year’s Senior Drama Production, Charm, is a riotous deconstruction of fairytales with wild characters, plot twists, a (slightly serious) message and a few songs thrown in to boot! For each of the evening performances on 5, 6 and 7 August at 7pm, we are able to release 200 general admission tickets – so get in fast if you want to secure seats. It will not be a happy ending for you if you miss out! Go to www.trybooking.com/BJZQC

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CLOTHES SHWOP: We Need Your Help!

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Did you know that Australians are the world’s second largest consumers of fashion? On average, we each consume 27kgs of new clothing and textiles every year. Most of this ends up in the bin after less than a year. Members of the School’s Environment Club would like to change this!

The Environment Club is focusing on sustainable fashion with our ‘Clothes Shwop’, where students can donate old clothes for tokens, and cash-in these tokens to take new clothes in return! If you have old clothes you don’t want anymore and are happy to donate or exchange for other items, then please support this worthy cause. Any remaining items will be donated to a women’s charity.

Collections will take place outside of the Junior School Library at lunch every Tuesday and Thursday leading up to the actual ‘Clothes Shwop’ where you will be able to choose pieces from the donated clothing. The first ‘Clothes Shwop’ will be held on Thursday and Friday in Week 5 of Term 3 in the Drama Room.

Bring in your old clothes, help the environment and make your wardrobe that bit more exciting!

Sara Peak
Environment Club Captain

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School Shop Merchandise

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The School Shop sells a variety of branded merchandise and memorabilia perfect for a gift or as a souvenir.

Items include coffee mugs, china, mobile phone power banks, umbrellas, signet rings, key rings, pens, notebooks, wine and champagne glasses, candles, scarves and more.

Visit us to see what we have in store!

School Shop

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Renowned Musician Headed for Stonyfell

Adelaide-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, music educator and record producer Adam Page will be visiting Saints Girls on 25 June (Thursday of Week 9). Known widely for his critically-acclaimed solo multi-instrumental looping performances, Adam has carved his path internationally as a composer. He has written major works for the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Wellington and Zephyr Quartet, and has co-composed on numerous occasions with celebrated New Zealand composer John Psathas.

Adam has recently composed and performed with The Grigoryan Brothers, created the boutique record label ‘Wizard Tone Records’, established and performed with his new 12-piece ensemble ‘The Adam Page Ensemble (TAPE)’, written and performed with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and has also conducted the ASO in a concert featuring the music of Ross McHenry and Matthew Sheens. His orchestral music has been recorded and broadcast by ABC Classic FM.

Adam will be performing for the Year 5 and 6 classes in Lesson 2, holding a workshop for Year 10 Music students in Lessons 3 and 4, and will be performing a concert at lunchtime on the Arts Centre steps. We look forward to welcoming Adam to Saints Girls!

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Guest Artist at 2020 Piano Eisteddfod

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W6 - Guest ArtistIt is with great excitement that we announce our guest artist at this year’s St Peter’s Girls’ Piano Recital will be internationally-renowned jazz pianist Kym Purling. On completion of the Piano Eisteddfod in Week 8, 10 girls will be chosen to perform at our recital on 23 June. This recital will also include a short set by Kym.

Based in New York City, Paris and Australia, Kym has constantly been stated as world-renowned and world-class. Kym has enjoyed a diverse career spanning almost three decades, making significant contributions in the worlds of jazz and musical theatre. He has established himself as a pianist and entertainer in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States where he has conducted several Broadway shows, working with some of the biggest names in show business such as Engelbert Humperdinck and Natalie Cole.

Due to social distancing, we will be recording the concert and it will be shared with the Saints Girls’ community to watch at a later date.

Good luck to all girls entering the Eisteddfod!

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Bus Tap Card Reminder

Please note that all School bus students must use their student ID cards to tap on and off each time they board and alight a School bus service to comply with our new tracking system.

Also, a reminder that all students from Years 3 to 12 can now use their student ID cards for point-of-sale transactions at the Tuck Shop and School Shop.

To register for the service and ensure funds are available on the cards, parents need to use the flexischools program, which already facilitates the School’s online Tuck Shop. For instructions on how to set up an account and add funds, watch the first 30 seconds of this video. To access flexischools, log in to the myLink Parent Portal and select the ‘Tuck Shop’ tab on the top menu. When registering, search for the School’s name, remembering to add the apostrophe in St Peter’s.

For information on transaction fees and other costs, click here.

If you have any queries regarding these new systems, please contact our System Business Analyst Bronwyn Ledgard via bledgard@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au or 8334 2264.

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Health Information

Please find an information sheet for families regarding coronavirus testing: SA Health Information

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Road Safety Appeal

The School has recently received reports of poor driver behaviour including speeding, tailgating and vehicles parked across residential driveways in surrounding streets. Road safety and courtesy is everyone’s responsibility and is of the utmost importance in a school setting. We appeal to all of our families to take extra care in our car parks and on the roads for the safety of our students, parents, staff and the wider community.

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Code Camp – Virtual School Holiday Camps

Bring the excitement of Code Camp to your own home these winter school holidays!

Join today for just $99!

Tried, tested and recommended by over 3,000 Aussie families, learn at your own pace with 10 hours of instructor-led video tutorials and live tech support from our Australian-based team.

www.codecamp.com.au/online

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Apply Now – National Youth Science Forum 2021

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Are you in Year 11 and love STEM subjects? If so, you should consider applying for the National Youth Science Forum’s Year 12 Program! The @NYSFoz is a 10-day residential program full of visits to high-tech STEM facilities and hands on-workshops. You’ll get stuck into some serious science and meet industry mentors, all while hanging out with a community of 200 other like-minded science-loving students. Applications close on 14 June 2020. For more information and to apply, go to the NYSF website: www.nysf.edu.au

Saints Girls’ students Faye Ma and Ellen Zhang attended the forum earlier this year. Here are some words from their experience:

“An unforgettable time where you will meet lifelong friends, immerse yourself fully in the world of STEM and come out with a greater understanding of what you want to do in the future.” – Faye Ma

“NYSF has been life-changing for me. Not only have I been inspired by this experience, but I have taken away a wealth of new knowledge and amazing friendships.” – Ellen Zhang

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Do You Have a Connection to Woodlands Girls’ Grammar?

Year 11 Scholarship Information

The Elaine Balfour Ogilvy Scholarship is for girls who are planning to enter Year 12 next year, who attend an Anglican school and whose mother, grandmother or great grandmother attended Woodlands Girls’ Grammar School. It was created by the Woodlands Old Scholars in honour of an old scholar, one of the Australian Army nurses who died in the horror of war after the fall of Singapore.

Applicants need to post an introductory letter and four copies of their CV to:

The President
Woodlands Old Scholars’ Association
39 Partridge Street
GLENELG SA 5045

Applications close 24 July 2020

Interviews will be conducted in Term 3, giving the panel a chance to have an informal chat with the girls. We will be assessing attributes such as presentation and enthusiasm and will take this opportunity to see certificates and awards which substantiate the CV.

If you have any enquiries, please contact me via sorrell.lou@gmail.com

Louise Sorrell
St Peter’s Woodlands Old Scholars’ Association President

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Apple’s Cleaning Tips for iPads and Laptops

Apple products are made with a variety of materials, and each material might have specific cleaning requirements. To get started, here are some tips from Apple that apply to all products:

  • Use only a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels, or similar items.
  • Avoid excessive wiping, which might cause damage.
  • Unplug all external power sources, devices, and cables.
  • Keep liquids away from the product, unless otherwise noted for specific products.
  • Don’t get moisture into any openings.
  • Don’t use aerosol sprays, bleaches or abrasives.
  • Don’t spray cleaners directly onto the item.

Is it okay to use a disinfectant on my Apple product?
Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or disinfecting wipes, you may gently wipe the hard, non-porous surfaces of your Apple product, such as the display, keyboard, or other exterior surfaces. Don’t use bleach. Avoid getting moisture in any opening, and don’t submerge your Apple product in any cleaning agents. Don’t use on fabric or leather surfaces.

Here’s the full article from Apple: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204172

Of course, please check your device instructions for specific requirements.

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