From the Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School
As Week 2 Term 4 comes to a close I would like to reflect on ‘the year that was’ for the class of 2015.
As a cohort they are very supportive of each other. They have studied hard and embraced all classroom opportunities. They have enjoyed Sports Day and Swimming Carnival and, as leaders, have set a wonderful tone of encouraging all students in their Houses to participate and have a go. They have had a Progressive Dinner, a Formal and had their retreat at Mt Lofty House where they set goals and heard from Old Scholars. The class of 2015 introduced a staff talent quest, and the Prefect team worked with leaders from other Independent Schools in an inaugural quiz night to raise funds for charity. The Year 12 students have been involved in numerous co-curricular activities and supported the sport, music and debating programs with sincerity. I have been privileged to attend many functions and most recently the Year 12 Food and Hospitality students prepared a first class 3 course meal for their final assessment. They are a cohort with many talents, strengths and skills.
Finishing secondary schooling can be both exciting and daunting and many emotional experiences occurred during this last week. The countdown of days was visual on the common room door and tears were held back every time the girls experienced their last lesson, their last Chapel service, their last Home Group, right down to the last ringing of the School bell. Not many schools celebrate as we do. We trust our cohort to decorate the school, all Sub Schools share in the celebrations, and we invite parents to be a part of it all. Celebration Day, a rarity in schools, is something Saints does well.
It is at this point that I must acknowledge the staff. The Year 12 teachers have taught their subjects with passion, and all staff have supported the girls’ learning journey at some point in time. Recently, they have willingly given their time over the last two weeks to rehearse their version of the Year 12 Choral Night dances for the full school assembly. They have had endless practices, on the stage, in the classroom, staffroom, and when and whereever the opportunity arises. We have laughed, worked collaboratively and taken the task seriously. We have shown we are risk takers and dancing for many is way out of their comfort zone. Working with the staff and seeing them embrace this opportunity has been most enjoyable and they have truly proven that we are also a community of learners.
I say to the girls, “Your learning does not conclude at the end of Year 12.” In fact, to quote Jo Messer from her article in the Careers FAQ: “The road ahead will be full of twists and turns, and sometimes the destination will be clear while at other times it might feel like you’re going in circles. There will be many opportunities for gaining new knowledge and skills, for changing direction and ultimately for personal growth.”
So, capture the moments, embrace the opportunities and remember that you are a Saints girl! We wish the 2015 Year 12 class every success in their examinations and thank them for all they have done during their time at Saints.
This week we also celebrated the induction of the 2016 student leadership team. The ceremony involved the current Prefect team handing over their roles and responsibilities to the new leaders. The students were an integral part of this service and they inducted the new Prefects in front of the School, parents, family and friends. The co-curricular leaders were also inducted, including Deputy House leaders, Sport and Music Captains, as well as leaders of the Chess, Environment Club, Student Sacristan, Student Support and Library groups. The Prefects will undergo leadership training next Monday as they step into their roles and the sports captains will also plan activities for PE Week, to be held later this term. The service was very successful and I am looking forward to working with the new leadership team.
Kerry Skinner
Counsellor’s Corner
Last week we looked at some helpful lifestyle choices and study practices that can ease the pressure of exams. This week, we will look at some psychological factors some students may experience – and how to combat them.
Students are welcome to contact me or Mrs Lyn Moseley at any stage over the next few weeks.
Email: kahunt@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au or lmoseley@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Telephone: +61 8 8334 2259
Tips for overcoming exam-related anxiety: Part 2
Psychological factors are the third key area I have decided to explore. Feeling anxious or afraid is very much a normal human experience, and although you might not think so, Anxiety can actually be helpful as it provides us with increased alertness and responsiveness to our environment. It is only when there is a very high level of anxiety that it might start to cause us some difficulties.
Two types of anxiety which can create problems in students are Perfectionism and Panic. A brief description of each will now follow along with some suggested interventions. The benefits of practising Mindfulness to overcome Exam-related Anxiety will also be discussed.
Perfectionism can be found in a large number of students who set unrealistic goals for themselves. Perfectionism typically involves putting pressure on ourselves to meet high standards, which then powerfully influences the way we think about ourselves. While the pursuit of excellence is always encouraged in students who attend St Peter’s Girls, if a student is showing signs of suffering as a result of perfectionism, then the following interventions may be useful:
- Encourage self-talk to become less critical and more compassionate (“If you want others to be happy, practise compassion. If you want to be happy, practise compassion” – Dalai Lama)
- Make goal-setting realistic by talking through your expectations with a significant other
- Refrain from over-exaggerating the awfulness of not achieving set high standard – bring it all back into perspective
- Understand the costs of achieving the high standards, i.e. there is no point in getting “straight As” if you have a void of exercise, friends, hobbies, meaningful purpose in your life
- Lastly, Perfectionists will also engage in a range of unhelpful behaviours to make sure they continue to meet the high standards they set for themselves. Consequently, it is recommended that steps be taken to relinquish the behaviours of avoidance, excessive checking, reassurance seeking and failure to delegate, as they serve to perpetuate perfectionism.
Panic
Symptoms of panic include skipping, racing or pounding heart, sweating, dizziness or feeling faint, difficulty breathing and trembling or shaking. You can also experience thoughts of ‘going crazy’ or of feeling detached from your surroundings or body. Many people experience mild sensations when feeling anxious about an upcoming exam, but panic is much more intense than usual. Evidence-based strategies for managing panic include:
- Managing Hyperventilation – When we are highly anxious we tend to overbreath or hyperventilate which leads to an imbalance of oxygen to carbon dioxide in the brain. To correct this imbalance, it is recommended that you breath from your tummy, not your chest, and in the counting pattern of 4-in, 2-hold, 6-out cycle – breathe in for 4 seconds (through nose, if possible), hold for 2, and then breath out for 6 seconds (through mouth, if possible).
- Check your self-talk – Are you catastrophising about your physical symptoms of anxiety? Are you over-estimating the chances of experiencing panic? Or are you under-estimating your ability to cope in such a situation? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then you may be engaging in unhelpful self-talk which serves to destabilise your well-being. The Centre for Clinical Interventions is a good resource for finding out more about Unhelping Thinking Styles which aid to maintain panic. If you believe your self-talk is running away from you and setting off false alarms in your head, then I strongly encourage you to take a look at this website, or to talk to a counsellor or health care professional about your inner conversations.
Mindfulness
“In today’s rush, we all think too much – seek too much – want too much – and forget about the joy of just being” – Eckhart Tolle.
Mindfulness training teaches us to be non-judgemental and live in the present, rather than being distracted or hijacked by past mistakes or worries related to our future. Mindfulness works by engaging the individual in highly focussed meditation through the single act of observation, whether it be paying attention to our internal experiences (i.e. body scan meditations) or being mindfully aware of external experiences (i.e. using sound or breath to anchor us in the moment). For students undertaking exams, Mindfulness may offer such benefits as improving attention and concentration, as well as reducing anxiety relating to uncertain future events (“If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath” – Amit Ray). If you are interested in having your own personal experience with Mindfulness, I recommend downloading the free App, Smiling Mind, or for a small fee joining up to an App which sends you new meditations every day to practise your Mindfulness.
I hope these tips and suggestions have been of value to the hard-working students in the Senior School, and their families. By making sensible lifestyle choices, engaging in evidence-based study practices, and having balanced, non-judgemental self-talk, you can truly empower yourself to reach your full potential and achieve your goals.
Katherine Hunt
School Counsellor
Leading for the International Baccalaureate
In 2013 I applied for and won the opportunity to train as a workshop leader for the International Baccalaureate (IB) in the Primary Years Programme (PYP). I travelled to Chiang Mai in Thailand and undertook a rigorous 5 day training programme in adult education and the theory and practice of the PYP. After passing my assessments I became an accredited workshop leader in 2014. This meant that I was listed by the IB to run training for PYP teachers anywhere in the Asia Pacific region.
This year I have been fortunate to run two workshops, both in my school holiday periods. The first was co-led in Perth with 46 teachers at Tranby College, but my most recent was in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in Vietnam.
As a teacher, we work collaboratively, plan together and continually seek to improve upon what we do. We are constantly reflective and critical thinkers. It was my absolute privilege in the holidays to train 20 teachers, all new to PYP at The European International School of Ho Chi Minh City.
The school was a huge surprise to me – so unlike Saints but so similar in many ways. It is laid out like an oasis amid the insane hustle and bustle of this city. Any of you who have been to Saigon will well know the incredibly challenging task crossing a road presents! Each section of the school was in a villa with its own swimming pool, seven in all set among tropical palm trees.
The teachers were, like many, at first overwhelmed by the amount of rigour and the terminologies of the PYP, but we worked through scenarios and activities of practical use in the classroom, challenged our thinking, shared ideologies and analysed current educational theory and 21st century learning. We discussed, at length, constructivism as a theory for learning and looked at the work of John Hattie and the ‘Hole in the Wall’ project of Sugata Mitra.
As a leader, I was buoyed by the passion of these teachers and their blossoming enthusiasm to get back into the classroom and try all of these new ideas. The feedback I received at the end of the workshop was positive, but the best came when, after 9 days travelling in Cambodia and Vietnam by myself (that also is a huge story to tell), I returned to the school on my last day before flying home. As I went from classroom to classroom, the positive feedback came from seeing these teachers using inquiry methodology, talking about the Learner Profile and seeing many of my ideas on display in their rooms. They were inspired, and I was inspired! I know I have made a difference to the methodologies in the school, but have also come back with many new international connections for myself and the staff here at Saints, and a renewed belief that this programme really works!
Shelley Hampton
Year 5 Teacher
Camp reflections in French
It’s always great to get to a point in learning a foreign language where you are able to communicate real events. In Year 10 French, we have been learning how to use two different past tenses (one for completed actions e.g. ‘I ate’, and one for actions that were ongoing e.g. ‘I was eating’) and combine these in writing. As a Year 10 French group, across two classes, we constructed a narrative in French of the experience on Year 10 camp. This was a great exercise because everyone was able to contribute, and the girls were able to share ideas and learn from each other.
The girls have enough knowledge now to be very aware of the difficulties when translating ideas from English into French. We discussed how to simplify sentences to use more basic structures so that we could get the ideas across using mostly familiar structures, with some existing and some new vocabulary. Although the English translation may look basic, the girls felt a real sense of accomplishment at being able to describe an experience beyond the walls of their French classroom completely in French.
Alex McKay
French Teacher
Une histoire du camp – selon les années dix de français
(English translation follows)
Lundi matin, le soleil brillait, et on est parties en bus. Lundi après-midi, il faisait beau et on a fait du vélo. Lundi soir, on avait du mal, et on était fatiguées. On a fait de la cuisine. On a mal dormi malheureusement.
Mardi matin, il faisait frais. On a préparé le petit déjeuner. Mardi après-midi, il faisait toujours frais mais il y avait du soleil. On a fait de l’escalade. Ce soir-là, on a eu un feu. C’était amusant.
Mercredi, il faisait froid le matin. On faisait du rappel quand un autre groupe est arrivé, alors on est parties pour préparer nos sacs. Mercredi après-midi, on a commencé à faire de la randonnée pédestre. Quand on faisait de la cuisine mercredi soir, il a commencé à pleuvoir.
Jeudi matin, il faisait frais et il y avait du soleil. On a fait de la randonnée pédestre au Mont Arden. La vue du sommet était très belle. Jeudi, après le déjeuner, tout le monde est retourné à Base Camp pour préparer le dîner. C’était un repas délicieux! Jeudi soir, on a fait des petites performances. Kennion a gagné!
Vendredi matin, on a préparé nos sacs et on a pris le petit déjeuner. À 9 heures et demie, on est parties en bus. Pour le déjeuner, on s’est arrêtées à la boulangerie. On a mangé dans le parc de Crystal Brook. On est arrivées à l’école à 3 heures. On était fatiguées, mais on a passé une très bonne semaine au camp!
Écrit par les étudiantes de français, année dix
The story of camp – according to the Year 10 French students
On Monday morning the sun was shining, and we left on the bus. On Monday afternoon the weather was fine, and we did bike riding. On Monday evening we were sore and tired. We did cooking. We slept badly, unfortunately.
On Tuesday morning it was fresh. We made breakfast. On Tuesday afternoon, it was still fresh but it was sunny. We did rock-climbing. That evening, we had a fire. It was fun.
On Wednesday it was cold in the morning. We were doing abseiling when another group arrived, so we left to prepare our bags. On Wednesday afternoon we did hiking. When we were cooking on Wednesday evening, it started to rain.
On Thursday morning it was fresh and sunny. We did hiking to Mount Arden. The view from the summit was very beautiful. On Thursday, after lunch, everyone returned to Base Camp to prepare dinner. It was a delicious meal! On Thursday night we did some performances. Kennion won!
On Friday morning we prepared our bags and we had breakfast. At 9.30 we left on the bus. For lunch, we stopped at a bakery. We ate in the park at Crystal Brook. We arrived at school at 3 o’clock. We were tired, but we had a very good week on camp!
Written by the Year 10 French students
Year 6 PYP exhibition
As part of our unit inquiry, ‘People’s beliefs and feelings can inspire action’, the Year 6s did the PYP Exhibition. We were put into groups and given topics that were to do with education, animals, sick children, homelessness etc. Each group chose their lines of inquiry and central idea to guide them along the way. Each group also had their own mentor who helped and gave them input and advice throughout the exhibition process.
Leading up to our main research project we had our own ‘taking action journal’ which we used to study what it means to take action and how lucky we are compared to people that live in third world countries and live in poverty. We looked at the local, national and global issues. We started looking at the problems locally and gradually built up to the national and worldwide issues and explored the similarities and differences in these issues.
Some groups even contacted organisations, asking for a private interview so they could gain crucial information to help their research expand and to broaden their resources. Students tried to use resources other than the Internet when they could. The interviews were successful and they helped us a lot, not only with information, but also it helped our presentation. Some visitors who helped us are Jamie from the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, Ian from Kickstart for Kids and Brianna who is our School’s Community Service Captain, just to name a few. All the Year 6s would really like to thank all of the people who agreed to meet with us and help us throughout the progress of our presentations.
The girls’ education group volunteered at Backpack for Kids, each packing four bags that go to disadvantaged children who aren’t as lucky as us and don’t have the supplies to get an education. They all thought it was a great experience and they all recommend volunteering if you have some spare time.
All of the groups took action in many ways, including volunteering, excursions, raising awareness, fundraising, interviews and contacting organisations. In total, all the groups raised $1519.90 that will all be donated to various charities of which we gained a deeper understanding. On the night there were feedback forms which parents personalised to review each presentation with the pros and cons. Although there were a few technical difficulties, the whole night was a success to not only the girls, but also to the audience. Everyone in the Year 6 team is extremely proud of everyone’s efforts and what we all have achieved as a year level.
We would like to thank our teachers, Mrs Charlton and Mrs Coulter, and we would also like to thank our PYP instructor, Mrs Smith. Throughout this experience we all had mentors. Our mentors have been a huge help and we couldn’t have done it without them. Our mentors were Mrs Mitchell, Mrs Liddy, Miss Iannazzo, Mrs Charlton, Mrs Coulter, Mrs Smith, Mrs Bruun, Miss Casson, Miss Fenwick, Mrs Clark, Ms Hampton, Ms Mitchell and Ms Dillon. Again, we would like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped us and those who were our mentors.
We all came up with our own creative ways to present on the night of the exhibition. These included Keynotes, iMovie, Role Plays and Speeches. Overall, we were very inspired to take action to help disadvantaged people, animals and the environment. “Taking action isn’t always what you expect. Sometimes a small change can make a big difference” – The Year 6 Girls of 2015. That’s how we all express our journey and our experience through Taking Action.
Holly Wallman-Craddock, Georgina Devine, Molly Bond and Evangeline Peek-Basso
Year 6
Buzz Book advertising now open
Next year’s Buzz Book is just around the corner. The Buzz Book is an integral part of each St Peter’s Girls’ School family home. It’s the go-to resource for all our families – and this is your opportunity to be included in the Buzz.
Advertising is available in the 2016 edition and prices start from just $20 for a text listing and from $120 for display spaces.
This year we are offering advertisers who purchase a full page colour ad the option of a complimentary promotion on the big screen at the 2016 Twilight Cinema!
This is an annual fundraising initiative of the Parents’ and Friends’ Association where all funds raised go towards resources for the girls. The fundraising efforts of the P&F have been integral in such initiatives as the purchase of a NAO Humanoid Robot worth over $20,000. The P&F’s contributions to the School are all the more possible thanks to the support and generosity of local businesses and school families who contribute to the Buzz Book each year.
To book your spot, visit www.trybooking.com/JGEN.
But hurry – bookings must close on Monday 7 December!
Mothers’ Club: Win tickets to see Taylor Swift
The Mothers’ Club is pleased to announce a very exciting raffle for the School community. One lucky winner from the School will receive four tickets to see Taylor Swift live in concert at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre from the comfort of the BankSA corporate box.
Don’t miss out!
Tickets are now on sale at www.trybooking.com/JKHF
Buy 1 for $20 or 3 for $50
You’ll have to get in quick – limited tickets available, on sale for four weeks only.
The prize, donated by BankSA, also includes dinner, drinks and a car park at the concert, which will be held on 7 December at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
Emma Robinson
Mothers’ Club President
Pipe Organ Scholarship
During this term we are introducing a new scholarship. Girls entering Years 6-11 are invited to apply for the Pipe Organ Scholarship. No previous organ experience is required: however, the recipient must have achieved AMEB Piano Grade 5 or equivalent.
The recipient will be a dedicated musician who is keen to develop advanced skills on the organ and play a significant role in the worship activities of the School, including weekly Chapel services and Eucharists.
Application details are available on our school website and auditions will be held in mid-November. For any further information, you are welcome to contact me via email vmiller@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au or phone 8334 2215
Applications are also still open for the Year 8 Academic Scholarships and Music Scholarships for 2017. Details of all scholarships are available at www.stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au/scholarships
Virginia Miller
Director of Admissions
Student exchange opportunities
John Steinbeck, Nobel Laureate in Literature, wrote: “No man really knows about other human beings. The best he can do is to suppose that they are like himself.”
Getting to know another person, especially one from a different culture, can be exciting, challenging, and has its unique benefits. Department of Education-registered and approved Southern Cross Cultural Exchange (since 1983) is providing such a unique experience to help your children and family learn through bridging cultures, grow closer with one another, understand one another better and see the world in a new light.
International exchange students from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the USA are arriving in Australia to live as a local with volunteer Australian families and attend a local secondary school. The students, aged 15 – 17, arrive from February 2016 for 3, 5, or 10 months and are fully insured, with their own pocket money. If you have a spare room or bed, and a place at the family table, why not be the ‘heart’ of cultural exchange by becoming a volunteer host family?
Expand your world for the whole family – all without any air tickets. Call S.C.C.E. now on 1800 500 501 or email scceaust@scce.com.au or visit www.scce.com.au and ask for our incoming student profiles, choose the nationality you prefer, and start having fun matching up your hobbies and interests.
Capture the spirit of fun and friendship, and build your global cultural network. After all, it is different cultures that ‘make the world go ‘round’ at the end of the day.
Join us for Christmas Drinks on the Lawns
All ELC to Year 12 parents are warmly invited to attend the inaugural Christmas Drinks on the Lawns event. Please join us to celebrate all the successes of 2015 and learn more about our exciting initiatives under way for 2016.
Christmas Drinks on the Lawns
5.30 – 7.30pm
Thursday 12 November 2015
Chiverton Lawns
Drinks and nibbles will be provided. Children are also welcome to attend.
To assist with catering, please RSVP at www.trybooking.com/JKJH by Friday 6 November.
Enquiries can be directed to events@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.
Friends of the Founders Morning Tea
Members of the School community are warmly invited to attend the Friends of the Founders Morning Tea on Wednesday 28 October commencing at 10am, which will include a ceremony to dedicate a plaque in memory of Kathleen Collins (nee Ewens, Patteson ’31) along the Old Scholars’ Memorial Avenue.
We hope you can join us.
Please RSVP to mmccormack@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au to assist with catering.
Megan McCormack (nee Walker, Kilburn ’86)
Old Scholar Liaison Officer
Changes to Bus Service from Term 4
From the start of Term 4 2015 the School is changing the way the Bus Service is charged.
The simplified method will involve students being marked off on a roll for each trip. A physical ticket will no longer be required.
Parents may still take advantage of a reduced cost per trip by purchasing a Term Pass at $280 (approximately $2.80 per trip if the bus is caught to and from school every day). To order a Term Pass, please email the School Shop at schoolshop@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au or ask your daughter to visit the School Shop to arrange a charge to your account.
If bus families have already given authority to the School Shop to charge your account or credit card for a term ticket, you will be invoiced for a Term Pass for Term 4.
Alternatively, the daily one-way charge will be $5.50.
The School will now invoice parents for the Term Pass and the number of trips travelled, so there will no longer be the facility to purchase bus tickets from the School Shop.
If you have any queries about bus charges, please contact Sue Burnett, School Shop Manager, on 8334 2228 or by email to sburnett@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.
For queries regarding bus routes and times, please contact Brian Caire, Bus Liaison Officer, on 0411 705 395 or by email to bcaire@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.
Sue Burnett
School Shop Manager
Peter Pan tickets now available
The annual Year 5 production is coming up very soon, at the end of Week 4 in Term 4. This year we mount the production, Peter Pan Junior.
This is a beautiful version of the story with familiar songs. Prepare to be dazzled this year by something ‘just a little bit different’. Parent costume makers and prop sourcers have been hard at work, the music staff have been revising the songs with the girls, Mr D has been creating wonderful choreography and I have been busy blocking scenes and designing the vision.
The girls have really taken this show on with great vigour and have been able to bring to life many funny and many poignant moments. Mums, bring tissues – the ‘Your Mother and Mine’ scene will make you sniffle!
Thank you to all who have contributed to the show so far and to our parent community for their ongoing support.
7pm, 5 and 6 November 2015
Arts Centre, St Peter’s Girls’ School
Adults $15, Concession $8, Family $35
Tickets are now available at www.trybooking.com/IYQI
Shelley Hampton
Year 5 Teacher
OSA Movie Afternoon
The St Peter’s Girls’ School community is invited to an exclusive movie experience.
The highly anticipated movie release, Spectre, sees 007 at his best when a cryptic message from his past sends James Bond (Daniel Craig) on a quest to uncover a sinister organisation while M (Ralph Fiennes) battles political forces that want to shut down the British Secret Service.
Saturday 14 November 2015
Drinks from 3pm
Movie from 3.30pm
The Regal Theatre, 275 Kensington Road, Kensington Park SA
Tickets $25 per person – Includes champagne on arrival and chocolates
Tickets available at http://www.trybooking.com/IUOW
For enquiries please contact me on 8334 2239 or mmccormack@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.
Megan McCormack (nee Walker, Kilburn ’86)
Old Scholar Liaison Officer
Private Peaceful
Prince Alfred College students, in association with St Peter’s Girls’ School, are presenting an adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful in the Prince Philip Theatre.
Private Peaceful is the story of one family’s experience in war.
This engaging multimedia presentation will be available to the public on Wednesday 28 October at 7.30pm and Thursday 29 October at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Trybooking and may also be available at the door.
We encourage you to support this production and the students involved by attending on one of these nights.
Adult $15
Concession $8
Term 4 Arts engagements
Week 3
Fri 30 Oct, 8.30am
Junior School Music Assembly, Junior Strings – Arts Centre
Week 4
Thu 5 and Fri 6 Nov, 7pm
Junior Musical – Arts Centre
Yr 12 Visual Art Exhibition – Arts Centre Foyer
Week 5
Mon 9 and Tue 10 and Fri 13 Nov
Wendy’s Singing Concerts – Arts Centre
Wed 11 Nov 11am
Remembrance Day, Yr 9/10 music class – Arts Centre courtyard
Wed 11 Nov, 7pm
Senior School Arts Curriculum Showcase, Yrs 10-11 Music, Drama, and Dance students –Arts Centre
Week 6
Wed 18 Nov, 7pm
Middle School Arts Curriculum Night, Yrs 7-9 Dance, Drama and Music – Arts Centre
Week 7
Wed 23 Nov, 7.30pm
FOA Annual General Meeting – Arts Office
Thu 26 Nov, 1pm
Lunchtime concert, Junior and Middle School Ensembles – Arts Centre
Fri 27 Nov, 5.30pm
ELC Family Picnic, String groups – ELC Lawns
Week 8
Mon 30 Nov, 9.10am-2.30pm
Carols Rehearsal – Chapel
Tues 1 Dec
Carols in the Cathedral – Cathedral
Rehearsal 9am–2pm, Performance 7pm
Fri 4 Dec, 6.30pm
R – 2 Nativity – Arts Centre
Week 9
Mon 7 Dec, 2pm
Yr 6 Graduation – Arts Centre
Tue 8 Dec, 2pm
Yr 9 Graduation – Arts Centre
Wed 9 Dec
Presentation Night – Adelaide Town Hall
Rehearsal 9am–2pm, Performance 7pm
Sally Rounsevell
Director of Music
Sports News
Sports Awards
Sports Awards for Years 7-12 students and including Lacrosse will be held from 4–6pm on Thursday 19 November in the Arts Centre. Guest speaker will be Natalie von Bertouch (Adelaide Thunderbirds and Australia). Further details will be out soon.
Melbourne Marathon
Congratulations to Dan Searle who finished 94th in the Melbourne marathon and 66th for runners aged between 20 and 39. From 4237 male entrants, Dan ran 2 hours 52.19 to finish in the top 100, which is an outstanding achievement.
Basketball – Wednesday 14 October
Open A – Saints 27 defeated by Scotch 36
The girls had a slow start to the game, down 21 to 3 at half time. In the second half as their confidence grew they began to play better as a team, with intense defence leading to a better half. Focussing on the positives, the whole team was able to execute active defence throughout the whole game. Abbey Goodwin should be commended for her fantastic game in defence – she worked tirelessly to apply pressure to force various turnovers. Special mention to Jo Dalpra and Sarah Matheson who had very good games in leading the team. Overall, well done to all girls; it was a great effort and, despite the loss, the improvement the team has shown has been incredible. Josephine Dalpra (Captain)
Middle A – Saints 13 defeated by Scotch 60
First game of the term, and the Scotch girls started with strong one-on-one pressure which didn’t allow our girls to settle into the game. The Scotch girls were a taller team with more playing experience. We did, however, have some good individual efforts. Emily Downie listened to feedback and was able to cut across the key to provide much needed passing opportunities in attack. Both Isabella Bernardi and Emma Matheson demonstrated good leadership through their previous experience to guide other team members who have not played basketball before. I expect that as the girls get to know each other a little better and have the confidence to attack and go for goal, they will be a more competitive team. Vanessa Brooks (Coach).
Middle B – Saints 2 defeated by Scotch 48
The girls were nervous facing their first game of the season and, for some, their first game of basketball ever. Scotch came out firing, and our girls were resilient, despite heavy defence from Scotch. The girls had a few quick breaks and unfortunately didn’t convert any points in the first half of the game. After a change of tactics at half-time, the girls had more of the ball in their attacking half, and plenty more shots on goal. Zara Sadri scored our first goal in the second half, with cheering from the crowd. A valiant effort from the team and despite the final score, the girls put in their best effort. Annika Winter (Coach).
Water Polo – Thursday 15 October
Open – Saints 6 defeated Wilderness 2
This was a great game from the girls, with everyone playing exceptionally in both attack and defence. Shania Morgan was great in goals, saving critical shots. Special congratulations to Sophie Caon and Jaida Bouhamdan on a very successful first match. Keep up the great effort, girls. Best player: Carys Jones. Georgia Wilson (Captain)
Middle – Saints had a bye
Junior Tennis – Friday 16 October
Matches abandoned due to rain
Rowing – Saturday 17 October
1st VIII
The 1st VIII had their first race of the season, finishing third out of six crews and finishing in front of Scotch, Pembroke and Walford. The girls were all very pleased with this result and are looking forward to improving and racing in the next few weeks. We would like to thank Olivia Compare for filling in and doing an awesome job, despite having to row in her race straight afterwards. Belle Hannon
Intermediate A
As it was the first regatta of the season, all of the girls were pretty nervous. At the start we broke away from everyone and held first in the first 750 metres. Then at the 1km mark Walford crept up to us and we were neck and neck with a good seven boat lengths away from the rest of the pack. We held them off until the last 250m, but couldn’t quite maintain form in the windy conditions. We all believe that it can be a very promising season ahead of us, as we know that was not our best row. Khandee Swaeney
Year 9A
The crew all came in with a positive attitude and showed great determination which resulted in a well-deserved win. During training we really focussed on getting our race starts perfect to ensure a good start to the race and lengthening out. With these two things as our focus and a few of Peta White’s tricks, we managed to come off with a convincing win. Amy Carrodus
Year 9B
We were very nervous as it was our first regatta of the season, but we quickly got over this with a great start. Coming first at the 200m mark, we unfortunately crabbed due to the conditions and the oar was close to snapping. From there the race was intense, as we had to catch up from last. We caught up very well, overtaking boats to then come in 4th. We have improved a lot since last season, and we are looking forward for a great season to come. Good job, girls! Grace Edwards
Year 8/9B
The crew rowed their first race of the season at West Lakes against Pembroke, St Ignatius and Walford. We drew lane six which wasn’t ideal but we started well, coming second to Pembroke in the first 200m. With 800m to go we upped our rating to about 28 and pushed harder on our legs. In the last 100m we gave the race our all, pushing as hard as we could to win by several boat lengths. Using all that we had learned on rowing camp and training, the crew pulled together for a brilliant team effort. Zoë Scobie
Year 8/9C
The crew had a positive attitude towards their first race and they confidently collaborated and worked as a team. Their stability greatly improved and although two oars popped out, they continued to persevere to the finish line, coming third. This is a great improvement, especially after last season’s races. Shunem Josiah
Year 8/9D
On Saturday the crew came 2nd overall and the girls did really well. We need to work on timing to avoid ‘crabbing’ and continue to work on fitness to maintain good posture and timing to keep the boat balanced. Considering that it was the girl’s first regatta, the girls did an amazing job. Charlotte Creek.
Softball – Saturday 17 October
Open A – Saints 11 defeated by Mercedes 14
Saints Open A played Mercedes at home and unfortunately lost by only 3 runs. The close win was a solid start to the term and we feel confident we will do well in our last 3 games for the season. Best player goes to Lydia Smalls for great catching at home base and strong batting. Olivia May (Captain)
Open B – Saints 15 defeated Gleeson 14
Saints had a well-deserved win against Gleeson College. It was a close game but the girls showed determination to win after being down in the beginning of the match and only having 8 players. They still batted and fielded very well. Jasmine Ledgard.
Open C1 – Saints 8 defeated by Mercedes C1 – 14
Being the first game back since the end of Term 1, the Open C1 team fought valiantly against a side which had more experienced and stronger players. Chelsea Walls and Millisent Wilkin were the two pitchers for the team and did extremely well. In the second innings Saints was able to secure 7 runs and subsequently the mercy rule was called. Unfortunately Mercedes were the better team for the day, but Saints showed a promising start to the term. Claire Hale – Coach
Open C2 – Saints 3 defeated by Mercedes C2 – 14
This team is comprised of many new and younger players, and the team had to face the majority of the same Mercedes team as the Open C1 side. Lauren Porter and Alice Girdler were our pitchers for the game. Both had never pitched before and both did very well, given the difficult challenge. As with the C1s, Mercedes was unfortunately the better side, but the challenge was an experience for the team. Claire Hale – Coach
Tennis – Saturday 17 October
Open B – 5-31 defeated Seymour 1-3
Singles: Zarnia Engel-Lewis 6-0, Sophie Fry 1-6, Olivia Harby 6-1, Emily Loh 6-0
Open C – Saints 4-27 defeated Seymour 2-20
Singles: Laura Falconer 0-6, Sarah Richards 6-1, Clair Kao 6-3, Chelsea Staples 6-2
Open D – Saints 6-36 defeated Seymour 0-16
Singles: Laura Sivewright 6-1, Georgina Thrower 6-3, Daveena Dhillon 6-0, Charlotte Gilroy 6-5
Open E – Saints 2-22 defeated by Seymour 4-28
Singles: Olivia Wilkinson 2-6, Emma Auricht 5-6, Charlene Lee 2-6, Annabelle Langley 6-2
Open F – Saints 1-15 defeated by Seymour 5-32
Singles: Lola Dimond 2-6, Lilly Alexander 4-6, Erica Reid 1-6, Mahala Truscott 6-2
Intro A – Saints 2-25 defeated by Seymour 4-29
Singles: Renee Lawrence 2-6, Rose Pittman 6-2, Cheryl Wang 3-6, Jemimah Simpson 6-3
Intro B – Saints 3-30 defeated Seymour 3-26
Singles: Emily Downie 6-2, Stella Clark 6-3, Aleisha Elliott 4-6, Orla Clayton 6-3
Volleyball – Saturday 17 October
Open A – Saints 2 defeated Seymour 1
The A’s first game of Term 4 saw us up against Seymour. Due to a slow start, we unfortunately lost the first set but were able to make a strong comeback to win the second and third sets. By the end of the game we were playing to the good standard we developed in first term. A streak of great serving by Abbey Goodwin at the end of the game sealed the win. Congratulations to Uthpala De Silva who played a great first game for the team. With confident serving and strong spikes she easily fitted in and showed that she will be a valuable player in the future. Victoria Neale (Captain)
Open B – Saints 2 defeated Seymour 1
The team were able to secure another win, continuing their good form from Term 1 by defeating Seymour. After a slow first set we were able to turn things around by playing solid volleyball. Our accurate serving and good passing allowed us to set up numerous attacks that ended the point. All in all, it was a good start to Term 4 and hopefully we can continue this form. By Cambell Baker (Coach)
Open C – Saints 3 defeated Seymour 1
The Open C girls also secured a convincing win against Seymour. The girls started very strongly by winning the first 2 sets very convincingly. Unfortunately, we took the foot off the pedal a little and conceded the third set but turned things around by winning the fourth. Big congratulations go to Emma Fogarty and Cate Neale for their impressive efforts in their first ever game of volleyball. Cambell Baker (Coach)
Middle A – Saints 1 defeated by Seymour 2
This week was our first game back for the term and the scores were very close each set. The girls continued to improve throughout the game. All the girls served exceptionally well and should be very proud of their improvements, and we began to move much better on the court. It was a good start to our season and gave us a starting point for our goals for the season. Well done, girls; look forward to working with you for the rest of the season. Ellana Welsby (Coach)
Middle B – Saints 1 defeated by Seymour 2
It was a great start to the season from these girls. They all worked hard throughout the game and the scores were continuously close. Everyone in the team persevered very well and our movement and talking on court improved through the game. We saw some very good plays during the game from the girls and it was great to see them listening to advice and trying hard to put the ball over the net. It was a great start to the season and we look forward to the improvements to come. Well done, girls! Ellana Welsby (Coach)
Middle C – Saints 1 defeated by Concordia 2
This was a great warmup game for the Middle C team for the term. There were some minor volleyball rules to address; however, the learning was evident when comparing the first set to the last, which the girls ended up dominating and in which they scored a win. The importance of calling for the ball was soon evident, Ebony Lohe demonstrating this perfectly when backing up all players on court. Mary Brownridge and Charlotte White’s serves were extremely strong; both girls were able to maintain long serving streaks during the second set. Hopefully, the improvement can be as large throughout the season as it was in this first game. Great work to all players! Eliza Falconer (Coach)
Middle D – Saints 2 defeated Concordia
The Middle Ds should be extremely proud of their efforts this game, managing to beat their opponent in the last set, and overall winning the game by 2 points! Many girls had not played before, which required learning the rotation rules, general volleyball rules, and learning to cooperate and gel as a team – all contributing to the key points that will be addressed in training. Zhangyu (Millie) Han had a fantastic game, especially with her work at the net. Katelin Calandro and Amelie Dunda made powerful digs. These factors all contributed to our comeback in the final set. Great game by all! Eliza Falconer (Coach)
Tennis – Monday 19 October
Open A – Saints 5 35 defeated Seymour 1-12
Singles: Yasmin Glazbrook 6-2, Tiana Glazbrook 6-0, Jade Leyden 6-2, Olivia Teh 6-0