From the Director of Early Learning
At St Peter’s Girls we are continually challenged to find new and effective ways of communicating student learning to families. This goes beyond just communicating results; rather, we find ways that we can demonstrate a student’s understanding and learning process. In more recent times we have explored capturing learning through a wider range of tools particularly related to eLearning.
As a sub school, the Early Learners’ Centre has been proactive with this research, trying to problem-solve how we can communicate the multiple ways our children express their understanding to families. With the key focus being on current and up to date information, we have recently implemented ePortfolios for our children.
The ePortfolios, created as part of our Canvas Learning Management System, allow families to log in anytime via the Link portal.
We have found that this tool enables us to not only include pedagogical documentation, photographs and student work, but also allows us the flexibility of attaching videos and iMovies that we have of the learning experiences. To have the opportunity to share this type of learning in such a real and meaningful manner enables our parents and extended families to be true partners with us. The exciting element is that we can also demonstrate the growth of each child’s learning to make these iMovies, or take their photos or video. This gives true understanding of students using technology to enhance and represent their learning.
As the students move through the Junior Primary Years they will be able to add their own pieces of work to their portfolios. This sense of agency will develop with each student’s journey throughout the School. Students will be able to share their work in a dynamic way through these online portfolios. There will be many opportunities for rich dialogue between the students and teachers and also students and families.
The ePortfolios were officially launched with families last week. All ELC families have been sent their unique login details and instructions on how to access the ePortfolio.
Our Director of eLearning, Melissa Bray, gave two short presentations to families and Junior School staff in the ELC. Apart from demonstrating the efficiency and motivation for this new technology, these presentations also provided opportunities for us to engage in discussion about how the ePortfolios might evolve, the benefits of their longevity and any immediate problems that may have arisen.
As with any new initiative, we are keen to have some feedback from families. Parents are invited to do this via email or conversation with your child’s educator. The ELC staff are working diligently to ensure we continue to improve how these ePortfolios can be used and shared across sub schools as they are rolled out in 2016 into the Junior School.
Much hard work has been put in by our teachers to ensure the smooth and efficient rollout of the ePortfolios. I would like to thank Mrs Leanne Williams for leading the ELC staff in the implementation phase of this project in conjunction with Melissa Bray for overseeing its implementation.
Kate Mount
Last day arrangements for students
Please note the following dismissal times during the final week of School.
Junior School students will be dismissed from School at 12.30pm on Wednesday 9 December. If you are unable to collect your daughter at this time, she can attend OSHC.
Middle School students will be dismissed at 3.30pm on Tuesday 8 December. Only musicians and prize winners involved in Presentation Night rehearsals will be required at School on Wednesday.
Senior School students: Year 11 students conclude the Headstart program on Tuesday 8 December at 3.30pm. Year 10 students will conclude their Headstart program on Monday 7 December at 3.30pm. Only musicians and prize winners involved in Presentation Night rehearsals will be required at School on Wednesday.
Further details, including rehearsal schedules and Headstart program information will be circulated to parents next week.
A year of academic and creative prizes in the English Faculty
2015 has been a year of significant achievement in the English Faculty, with students securing a range of prizes and commendations. The year began with Tess Murray (Year 12, 2014) winning the prestigious Tennyson Medal for the student with the highest score in SACE English Studies. This is the third consecutive year that a student at Saints Girls has won this prize. A fortnight ago the school was informed that Antonia Kirsten-Parsch and Kate Landon are the State Medallists in the ICAS English Competition for having achieved the highest scores for all Year 9 students across South Australia and the Northern Territory. In addition to the impressive academic achievement of these two girls in particular, the following students secured distinction or high distinction awards in the same competition:
Year 7: Charlotte Bleby; Sophie Johnson; Emily Downie; Hannah Keough; Aleisha Elliott; Eliza Hannon; Olufunto Komolafe
Year 8: Sarah Carrodus; Hannah Brown
Year 9: Ashleigh Rogers; Kate McKellar-Stewart; Bethany Cross
Year 10: Emily Schultz; Aanchal Chandiramani; Emily Keough; Emily Murdock; Sophie-Louise Shearwood; Sascha Czuchwicki; Charlotte Minney.
A number of students have also achieved success in a range of creative endeavours throughout the year. In the Young Writers Award Year 12 students, Thenu Herath and Sasha Kockan, received commendations for their stories – ‘Rings’ and ‘Train of Thought’, respectively – and Emily Loh in Year 9 was a finalist in the same competition with her narrative, titled ‘Blackholes, Galaxy and Sun’.
During the course of the year Lucy Brown (Year 12) was a finalist in the Plain English Speaking Award, and Aditi Tamhankar was the South Australian State Finalist in the Rostrum Voice of Youth and placed second nationally in the competition. Recently, two Year 12 students’ poems were published in the Spring Poetry Anthology, the book in which the winners of the South Australian English Teachers Poetry Competition are printed: Theodora Galanis for her poem, ‘tumbling forward fast’ (reprinted below), and Alice Watson for her poem, ‘the dark trembling storm’. Both creatively and academically our students excel in language and literature and have been suitably rewarded for their efforts throughout this year.
Tumbling Forward Fast
So here we are in the era of fast
pace, lightning speed, buzzing screens, digital
‘world of connection’, madly tumbling past,
faster. Intelligence, artificial.
O carry me on the Renaissance chaise,
Free from the bounds of our culture decayed.
How I wish to walk in da Vinci’s shade,
Where fine brush strokes form Lisa’s mystic gaze.
Or drink the sweet nectar of Lassus’ tune,
The buds of soft sound, what lustrous perfume!
I gently sway to the classical dance,
Whisp’ring to the deity of romance:
“Pray! Unwind the heavy hands of lost time!”
Fast, forward. Love, O but a dream of mine.
Michael Butler
Head of English
SACE Art Exhibition
The Stage 2 SACE Visual Arts Exhibition opened on Friday 30 October with students, parents and staff in attendance. Their final pieces were displayed in the Arts Centre Foyer with their Practitioner Statements alongside.
The exhibition demonstrated the students’ dedication and efforts across a range of visual art forms and media, including sculpture, painting, drawing, textiles and design.
Congratulations to all the girls and especially Sophie Schultz as her textile piece, ‘The Trouble with the Male Dancer’, Folio and Practitioner Statement were chosen to be included in the 2016 SACE Art Show. The SACE Art Show showcases selected art and design work created by Stage 2 Visual Arts students from across South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Kirsten Mansfield
Visual Arts Teacher
1912 Chiverton photo
Many of you would have seen the photo of Chiverton in a recent Sunday Mail. Edith kindly donated it to our School last week. We are very excited because this photo is over 35 years older than any photo of Chiverton in the School Museum’s collection.
John Nankivell started building Chiverton house in 1880. The property had several owners in the early years. Mrs Jessie Ferguson, a widow with six children, was living in the house when the 1912 photo was taken. One of her daughters, Effie, later owned the property but after she died in 1949, the part of the estate with Chiverton, the 2 room cottage and the stables was put up for sale and was bought by the Sisters so that St Peter’s Girls would have a new home. After the large classroom block was built here in 1957, the School moved from Kermode St, North Adelaide.
The other part of the Chiverton estate was bequeathed to the Crown so that there would always be a conservation park there. The Sisters had foresight in selecting a property for our School which could never be ‘built out’ on the south and east sides.
Anne Daniell (nee Crisp, Kennion ’69)
School Archivist
New equipment for girls to enjoy
Friends of Rowing work closely with Ben Flannagan, Director of Rowing, to ensure the girls have all the equipment required to assist them with their training and racing.
This week we have provided two additional GPS Speed Coaches for the girls. These units allow the rowers and coxswains to get an accurate reading of stroke rate, split times and distance rowed, all displayed on a digital readout in the boat in real time.
We are also excited to announce that the Mothers’ Club has provided new Concept 2 ergometers (indoor rowers) for St Peter’s Girls. These will be utilised by the rowing squad during their off-water training and available for use by the whole School.
The provision of this important training equipment allows all girls to train on modern machines as they strive to develop their fitness and prepare for racing. It’s also an opportunity for all Saints students to work on their fitness and try some indoor rowing.
Friends of Rowing would like to sincerely thank the Mothers’ Club for this generous contribution. This is only possible as a result of their hard work in our community. It’s great to have this equipment provided for all Saints Girls students.
Andrew Hannon
Friends of Rowing President
End of year events
As Term 4 progresses, there are a number of special end of year events that we encourage parents to attend. Years 6 and 9 parents should note that graduation ceremonies for your daughters will take place in the afternoon.
Tuesday 1 December
Carols in the Cathedral
St Peter’s Cathedral, North Adelaide
7pm start, doors open 6.45pm
Friday 4 December
R-2 Nativity
Arts Centre, St Peter’s Girls
6.30pm
Monday 7 December
Year 6 Graduation
Arts Centre, St Peter’s Girls
2pm
Tuesday 8 December
Year 9 Graduation
Arts Centre, St Peter’s Girls
2pm
Wednesday 9 December
Annual Presentation Night
Adelaide Town Hall
7pm
I look forward to seeing as many parents as possible at these wonderful events.
Julia Shea
Principal
Last chance: 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 5pm, Friday 6 November.
Enquiries can be directed to events@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.
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
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
Scholarships
Scholarship information and registration details are now available at www.stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au/scholarships.
Year 8 Academic Scholarship for Entry 2017
Students who will be in Year 7 in 2016 are eligible to apply for an academic entrance scholarship commencing from Year 8 in 2017. Registration for these scholarships must be completed online through the School website which provides a direct link through to the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). A series of academic tests will be undertaken at our School on Saturday 6 February 2016 and further information regarding these scholarships can be downloaded from the website. Registrations will close on Thursday 21 January 2016.
Music Scholarships for 2017
Current and external students from Year 6 to Year 10 in 2016 are welcome to apply for a Music Scholarship, for commencement from 2017. The scholarship criteria and application details are available on the School website and applications will be accepted until Friday 12 February 2016. Successful applicants will be invited to attend an audition in late February.
Pipe Organ Scholarship for 2016
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.
Further details about all of the scholarships on offer are available at www.stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au/scholarships
Sports Results
Basketball – Wednesday 28 October
Open A – Saints 33 defeated by Seymour 56
While playing a stronger team, we were still able to have fun and an enjoyable last game. Everyone played well in both defence and attack as we practised what we had worked on in training and spread out in our offensive end. A great end to the basketball year. Emily Dansie (Captain)
Middle A – Saints 33 defeated by Seymour 48
What a game! This was by far the match of the year by the Middle basketball girls. It was even scoring during the first half, with the Seymour girls slowly creeping ahead on the scoreboard in the second half. At training we had been working on our one on one defence, movement in attack and jumping for rebounds. I was impressed with how the girls listened and implemented these into the game. Every player stuck to her opponent and applied pressure, which caused many turnovers and scoring opportunities. Highlights include Chelsea Walls’ three pointer and Rachel Banham’s consistent defensive effort. Overall, a fantastic team game! Vanessa Brooks (Coach).
Middle B – Saints did not play
Junior Softball – Wednesday 21 October
Year 6 Blue – Saints 12 defeated St Ignatius 11
After a narrow loss in Game 1, the girls were keen to seek retribution on home soil. A maximum of 7 runs was scored by both teams in the first innings, with Saints then scoring 5 in the second. With the match in the balance – St Iggies having 4 runs, 2 outs and bases loaded – Siena Zito swept on the ball to pick up and throw in one movement to Portia Maerschel on first to seal a dramatic victory. Wonderfully led by Captain Kendra Ware, all girls contributed to a true team victory…but the standout on the day was Siena with 2 home runs, solid fielding, and that memorable final winning play. Nick Maerschel and Ben Goldsmith (Coaches)
Year 6 White – Saints 2 defeated by Seymour 7
The girls had an excellent start to the game, managing to get three consecutive outs. After the second innings, Seymour were up by 5 runs and the girls made an excellent comeback, getting 7 home. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and the score reverted. Despite the loss, the girls should be commended for their efforts – the improvement from last week was very noticeable! Angela Mourtzios should be congratulated for her amazing catch at shortstop. Best player goes to Kellie Bested for her continuous batting and fielding efforts. Lydia Smalls (Coach)
Year 4/5 Teeball – Saints 15 defeated Wilderness 4
Once again, the Years 4 and 5 TeeBallers showed exceptionally strong form against Wilderness. A collective team effort from all girls allowed for a quick turn over of Wilderness’ batting innings and a long turn at bat for Saints. Many girls had strong hits, which allowed for a lot of runs home. This result once again confirms that the youngest in the sport at Saints have a very promising future in the game! Claire Hale (Coach)
Water Polo – Thursday 22 October
Open A – Saints 7 defeated by St Ignatius 8
It was a close loss against St Ignatius. Everyone played their best. After some quick counters from St Ignatius in the first and second quarters, Saints fought back in the third to have an even quarter and get back into the game. Everyone played well setting up the mushroom in attack and having a strong press in defence. Mirella Di Cesare (Captain)
Middle – Saints 11 defeated Wilderness 3
The girls played very well again this week to earn another well-deserved win. Their teamwork is improving as they continue to play together, which is a good sign for the rest of this season as well as the seasons to come. The players who only came to the team this term are learning the rules of the game and developing fundamental skills quite quickly as well. Good luck to the girls for this week’s match. Hannah Andrews (Coach)
Junior Tennis – Friday 23 October
Year 6 Blue – Saints 5-31 defeated Seymour 1-9
Unfortunately, Seymour only had 2 players arrive. Singles: Maiya Jakupec 4-1, Emily Baldwinson 4-2
Year 6 White – Saints 0-7 defeated by Seymour 6-26
Singles: Taj Shahin 0-4, Ruth Oliver 1-4, Georgia Langley 0-4, Isabelle Gilroy 1-4
Year 5 – Saints 4-33 defeated Scotch 2-16
Singles: Chloe Venning 4-2, Annabel Ryan 4-2, Anushka Rajbhoj 4-2, Primrose Robinson 2-4
Tennis – Year 6/7 Knockout – Thursday 29 October
Saints 6-36 defeated Prospect Primary School 0-6
Singles: Emily Loh 6-1, Claire Kao 6-0, Annabel Baldwinson 6-0, Lola Dimond 6-3
Badminton – Year 8/9 Knockout – Thursday 29 October
Congratulations to our Yr 8/9 badminton team who competed in the State finals last week. They faced very tough opposition that included State team members and were not able to make the grand final play-off and finished fourth overall. Team members were Charlene Lee, Cate Neale, Cheryl Wang, Laura Sivewright and Erica Reid. Sonya Risbey (Badminton Coordinator)
Junior Volleyball – Friday 30 October
Saints 0 defeated by Seymour 5
The girls had a tough match this week, but they were positive and enthusiastic throughout the whole game, and their movement and calling has improved greatly since last week. In particular, Sophie Kameniar showed excellent movement around the court and Ashley Piper was vocally supportive. Megan Jenssen and Alice Powell (Coaches)
Rowing – Saturday 31 October
Year 8/9A
The crew did extremely well with their win at Henley on Torrens. All of the girls put in maximum efforts and tried their hardest. All of the technique work, pressure pieces and race start practice definitely paid off. Amy Carrodus (Cox)
Year 8/9B
This crew rowed a gallant race on Saturday at the scenic Henley on Torrens. The crew suffered a technical hitch at the race start but then pulled together to overcome the slow start and gained incredible momentum to put in a good row in the final stages of the heat. Although not finishing victorious, the team showed true Saints spirit in facing the challenge and never giving up. Zoë Scobie (Cox)
Year 8/9C1
The girls rowed exceptionally well. We were neck and neck with Seymour for the first part of the race, pushing into first place with the last few strokes. We placed 1st in the heat; however, we didn’t make it into the final. Emma Herselman
Year 8/9C2
Henley on Torrens was the first regatta of the season for the crew and it went reasonably well, considering how we expected it would turn out, due to multiple issues. We came 2nd despite these issues. Thanks to Emily Brophy for rowing with us. Emma Herselman
Year 8/9D
The crew did very well, considering that it was the first race for Hannah Freeman and Caitlin Fidler. We didn’t catch a crab at all and it is clear that all the drills that we do improves the girls rowing. From training on Tuesday to the race on Saturday all the girls’ posture, catches and timing were a lot better. Charlotte Creek
Year 7
Henley on Torrens was the first ever regatta for this particular Yr 7 crew. Despite being nervous about the race, the girls rowed well, considering they were placed in an 8/9 division. Emma Herselman
Year 7
The regatta at the Torrens saw this crew get ‘a few crabs’ but we pulled ourselves back into the race and came second. Congratulations, girls. Abbie Lisle
Softball – Saturday 31 October
No games due to Exeat
Tennis – Saturday 31 October
No games due to Exeat
Volleyball – Saturday 31 October
No games due to Exeat
Tennis – Monday 2 November
No games due to Exeat