Issue no. 9

From Our Deputy Principal / Head of Middle School

Next weekend, I will be travelling to Melbourne to attend the biennial conference of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia, themed ‘Leading, Learning and Caring’. It’s an amazing professional development opportunity where delegates have the chance to hear from internationally renowned speakers, visit a number of local schools, share ideas and areas of common interest in small group discussions, and hear about programs and research from independent schools around Australia.

Last year, Kate Mortimer (then Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School) and I submitted an abstract for the conference, which I’m proud to say was accepted. I am therefore excited to be presenting at the conference, with the support of Clare Gaskell, Head of Selwyn House.

We will be sharing the story of #EMPOWHER, our evidence-based wellbeing program and how it has changed the way our students think and act with regards to wellbeing issues. We’ll talk about the program’s research background, how it was implemented, reviewed, refined and renewed over the past four years, and how it has become part of the culture of the School.

The breadth and variety of #EMPOWHER is something we should be proud of as a school, and I’m delighted that this has been recognised on a national scale by being included in the program of this well-regarded conference.

Never a group to rest on their laurels, members of the wider wellbeing team have been hard at work over the past year researching and developing a bespoke Student Leadership program, as mentioned by Mr Jeremy Schultz, Chair of the Board, at last year’s Presentation Night. I am hoping Ms Gaskell and I will be able to have many fruitful discussions with regards to this whilst at the conference, and I look forward to sharing further details of this program with students and parents early in Term 2.

Richard Lisle
Deputy Principal/Head of Middle School

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Year 6 Ready to Lead the Way

Year 6 students proudly received their Leadership badges this week during a special ceremony in the Arts Centre. The girls were allocated a Junior School Leadership role following a nomination process. These vary from Art Leaders to SRC to House Quiz Captains.

Across the year, the students will collaborate in teams relevant to their leadership area. After setting goals, each team will work through a continuous cycle of planning activities, putting these into action and evaluating how they are progressing towards their leadership goals. They will aim to include direct, indirect and advocacy aspects in their service.

The ‘Who we are’ unit of inquiry, focusing on the central idea that ‘Leaders can demonstrate courage, compassion and creativity in many ways’, will run across the year, providing opportunities for the students to reflect upon and learn more about leadership throughout their time as Junior School Leaders.

Louisa Mitchell, Sarah Braithwaite and Mark Routley
Year 6 Teachers

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Saints Girl Makes History

Monumental congratulations are in order for our Deputy Head Prefect Chi Chi Zhao on recently being awarded the Annie Montgomerie Martin Prize for the most outstanding achievement by a student in SACE Stage 2 Modern History in 2021.

Annie Montgomerie Martin was committed to the education of languages and literature, opening a school of her own in Pulteney Street in 1869 named Miss Martin’s School. In 1923, medals for History and French were created to commemorate her work and perpetuate her memory as the first Headmistress of Miss Martin’s School. The prize is awarded annually in these two subjects to the student who gains the highest number of marks.

Chi Chi reflects upon this prestigious recognition:

‘I was really surprised but very honoured to receive the prize. When I chose the subject at the beginning of last year, I didn’t know what it would be like, but it soon became one of my favourite subjects. I was fascinated learning all about the Cold War, Nazi Germany and other significant events in modern history. History is a very important subject as it is so applicable to our current times, so I encourage everyone to study it if the opportunity arises. I’d like to thank my History Teacher Ms Spry – I’m so grateful for all her support and I couldn’t have done it without her.’

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Lunchtime Concert Wows Crowds

To celebrate World Piano Day (88th day of the year as there are 88 keys on a piano) and to feature our Musician in Residence David Goodwin, Saints Girls were this week treated to our first Lunchtime Music Concert for the year.

With David at the piano accompanied by bass player Dylan Paul and drummer Sam Millar, our girls enjoyed a feast of fantastic jazz and contemporary charts arranged by David for this ensemble. From ‘Valerie’ by Amy Winehouse, to fantastic improvised solos, to original compositions written by David in time signatures from 3 – 4 to 5 – 4 and everything in between, World Piano Day was celebrated in style!

David will be supporting the Music staff and students all year, working in classes, running an EDGE program on improvisation and performing throughout the year at various concerts. His next featured performance will be with his band ‘Eraser Description’ at our Music Day Camp next Thursday 7 April. David and his band will be running a workshop on how they create their unique sound and use technology in music, and then the girls will be treated to a dance party to finish off our Day Camp.

Sally Rounsevell
Director of Music

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Music Day Camp – Next Thursday

Music Day Camp will be held on Thursday 7 April for the following groups:

• Developmental, Concert and Stage Bands
• Intermediate, Senior and Extension Strings
• Just Jazz, In-Ta Jazz, Enchante and Chamber Choir

This will be a fun-filled day of rehearsal sessions, group building activities and a guest performance from our Musician in Residence David Goodwin’s band ‘Eraser Description’. We will end the camp with a pizza dinner and dance party!

See timetable for rehearsal timings – click here

Sally Rounsevell
Director of Music

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‘Book’ Now for Roald Dahl Rules

We’re excited for Saints Girls who’ll be appearing in the production Roald Dahl Rules by Shane Davidson Presents. This is a wonderful show featuring many of the Dahl classics including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr Fox, Matilda and even a revolting rhyme! With only four performances, this show will be a treat for all ages.

Venue: Holden Street Theatres, 34 Holden St, Hindmarsh
Dates: Friday 8 April (7.30pm) and Saturday 9 April (1pm, 4pm & 7.30pm)
Tickets: $30 via TryBooking – click here

Shane Davidson
Year 5 Teacher

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Reimagined Swimming Carnival – Next Tuesday

We have decided to host a reimagined Swimming Carnival next Tuesday 5 April which will now take place on site in a staggered format utilising the School’s refurbished pool.

This is due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and the challenges of having such a large group of girls gathering across multiple year groups for an extended period indoors at the Adelaide Aquatic Centre.

The first session will involve students in Years 10 to 12 from approximately 8.30 to 10.30am, and in keeping with tradition, the Year 12 girls will be able to storm into the carnival donning their fantastic House costumes. Parents of Year 12 students will be able to attend this first session, with face masks and social distancing applied. Unfortunately, no other parent attendance is permitted at the carnival.

Sessions for Years 4 to 6 and 7 to 9 will be held later in the day, and we hope to reassemble the Year 12s for the overall House Shield presentation at the conclusion of the carnival. During their session, when girls are not competing, they will spectate from the oval under marquees to better facilitate social distancing.

The day will run to the normal school schedule (8.30am – 3.30pm). Outside of their swimming session, girls will attend classes as per the regular timetable and will therefore need to bring any relevant learning resources. Students in Years 4 to 11 are advised to wear their PE uniform on the day.

Finer details will be communicated to the girls in due course, and whilst we will be unable to complete the full schedule, we plan to run a series of competitive and novelty events. We look forward to sharing highlights on our Facebook and Instagram accounts throughout the day.

Despite not being the mass event that we usually enjoy, we hope that this revised format will give the girls the opportunity to showcase their amazing talents in the pool and embrace the House spirit that makes Swimming Carnival, and Saints Girls, so special.

Julia Shea
Principal

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Summer Interhouse Meal Deal

The Saints Sport Support Group (SSSG) will once again be cooking up a storm at Summer Interhouse, and our Giving Day, on Thursday 14 April, the last day before the Easter break.

We’re offering delicious cheeseburger Meal Deals and a sausage sizzle (vegetarian option available). SSSG volunteers will hand-deliver the Reception – Year 2 lunches to their classrooms, and Years 3 – 12 will collect theirs from the SSSG barbecue area. Parents, give yourself a day off from making the school lunches and let us do it for you!

Please note that whilst the Summer Interhouse sports carnival is for Years 7 – 12, and Junior School House Tee-Ball is for Years 3 – 6, the Summer Interhouse Meal Deal is available to all students from Reception – Year 12.

Pre-order your daughter’s cheeseburger Meal Deal before 5pm, Monday 11 April – click here

There will also be cash sales and EFTPOS sales on the day for the sausage sizzle.

To get you into the Summer Interhouse spirit, SSSG branded keyrings, supporter hats, House hats, water bottles and wristbands can also be pre-ordered, and purchased on the day. Please note that Kilburn hats have SOLD OUT – update on supply will be provided when stocks have been replenished.

All proceeds raised by the Saints Sport Support Group directly benefit our Saints Girls and their sporting endeavours.

Thank you so much for your kind support.

Saints Sport Support Group

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Choral Night – New Date

Friday 29 July (Week 1, Term 3)
Influencers Church, Paradise

Please save the date for our rescheduled Choral Night which we hope will be an electrifying way to start Semester 2.

Further details will be provided next term.

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Junior School Vacation Care

Our next awesome instalment of Junior School Vacation Care is almost here. We have some great activities guaranteed to keep the children entertained through the break. With an array of excursions and on-site adventures, there is plenty of fun to be had.

April 2022 Vacation Care Program

Places are limited, so secure your booking now – click here

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Ladies’ Night Out

The Saints Girls’ community presents: Ladies’ Night Out!

Join us on Friday 6 May from 7pm at the Feathers Hotel. Tickets are $50 each and include gourmet finger food and a drink on arrival.

Bookings close at 5pm, Monday 2 May. To book tickets – click here

A fundraising raffle will be drawn on the night; tickets can be purchased online or with cash at the event.

For more information, contact Fiona McGregor on 8334 2225 or fmcgregor@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au

Supported by the Friends of The Arts

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Starry Night Gala Ball – Secure Your Seats Now!

Saturday 18 June

Saints Girls is over the moon about our Starry Night Gala Ball to celebrate and support our fundraising efforts for a new Gym, including our ‘Saints Girls All-Stars’.

Don’t miss out on this amazing evening with our Saints Girls’ community.

7pm, Saturday 18 June
Adelaide Convention Centre

Tickets: $200 per person
Includes three-course meal, beverages and live entertainment

To book your tickets, click here

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Star Struck Major Lottery

As momentum builds for our Gym fundraising campaign featuring our ‘Saints Girls All-Stars’, we are thrilled to launch our Star Struck Major Lottery.

Ticket sales are now open, so get in quick!

First Prize: Toyota Yaris Ascent Sport from Northpoint Toyota (valued at $27,811)
+ a personalised car park at St Peter’s Girls’ School from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

This stunning new car could belong to you or someone in your family! Spread the word and feel free to share this opportunity with your friends and relatives.

To buy your tickets: CLICK HERE

Lottery Licence No: M14175

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COVID-19 Reminders

To help protect the health of our families, staff and the wider community, we must all work together to minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Please be reminded of the following:

Should your child develop any symptoms, even mild ones, they must not attend school or ELC and should be tested for COVID-19. They require a PCR test with receipt of a negative result and resolution of symptoms before return to school/ELC can be considered. Students who have previously tested positive and have completed isolation in the past 12 weeks do not need to undertake testing.

If your child tests positive to COVID-19, notify us immediately. Please also advise the type of test (RAT/PCR), the date your child’s test was taken and the date symptoms started (if no symptoms, note ‘asymptomatic’).

Where possible, to help limit the amount of telephone traffic, please notify us via email or text:

Email:  attendance@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Text:  0428 601 957 (save to phone contacts as SPGS)

If you do need to notify us over the phone, please call the Front Office on 8334 2200.

Please note that if your child is too sick to attend school, they are therefore also too sick to be working remotely from home.

QR CODE UPDATE

SA Health has advised that COVID-Safe QR code check-in is no longer required at children’s centres, preschools and schools. However, parent movements on campus are still limited at this time, and those with formal appointments at the School should continue to perform the routine visitor sign in/out at Front Office.

FRONT OFFICE DROP-OFFS

With current limitations on parents entering the School grounds and to assist our staff, please ensure your daughter has all of the items she needs for the day to reduce the amount of items being dropped off at the Front Office.

We thank all of our families for your continued support and cooperation.

Winter Uniform Requirements – Year 4 Students

If your daughter is in Year 4, there are a few different uniform requirements that you will need to arrange before Term 2.

With the winter uniform, the pinafore is replaced by a skirt of the same fabric, so if the pinafore still fits, the bib can simply be removed.

The grandpa shirt is replaced by a collared shirt and tie, and the junior blazer (cardigan) is no longer worn and is replaced by a navy blue jumper and a wool blazer.

Please make an appointment via our online booking system outlined above.