Issue no. 11
From Our Principal
I remember walking into the kitchen last year and my girls asking quizzically, ‘Are you home for dinner again?’ Ever the optimist, I didn’t read any disappointment into their tone! Rather, it was a statement on the busyness of Saints Girls, which when coupled with three teenage lives, meant it was a rarity for us all to sit down and eat dinner together. However in April last year, being home for dinner had become the new normal. Although not in lockdown, social distancing guidelines resulted in the cancellation of school and university events, forcing us all to stay home and reconnect. The nightly battle to get to the kitchen prior to my vegan daughter taking over every pot, pan and appliance in the kitchen was (and still is) very real! But apart from that, the slower pace of life was viewed by many, including my family, as a silver lining of the pandemic.
Fast forward to 2021, and that quiet existence is a distant memory. In Term 1, we watched Selwyn triumph at Swimming Carnival and Kennion sing and dance their way to Choral Night glory. The noise in Influencers Church was deafening and the sheer power and contagious nature of the indomitable Saints Girls’ spirit was once again clearly on show. Year 7 enjoyed a week in and around Robe and Year 8 explored Kangaroo Island. Our swimmers achieved outstanding results winning the A Grade division of the School Sport SA Swimming Championships for the first time since 2003 and the IGSSA Championship for the fifth time in six years. Not to be outdone, our amazing athletes equalled their best ever result at the A Grade School Sport SA Track and Field Championships, finishing 2nd. We’ve won premierships in Water Polo and Touch Football, enjoyed success at the State Schools Triathlon and won an impressive six titles at the State Rowing Championships. Our Girls in Tech Expo was simply awesome, Music Camp returned in a different guise and rehearsals began in earnest for our School Musical A Chorus Line which will be performed later this term. And just for good measure, we rounded out Term 1 with Summer Interhouse. To say ‘we’re back’ would be an understatement.
Late in Term 1, I was thrilled to announce the launch of the fundraising campaign for our long-awaited Gym. We are working with our architects on design options for donor recognition and will share those with you once confirmed. We have a number of functions and events planned with dates and details being finalised. The full campaign will run until 30 June next year, and all amounts donated by a family over the 15 month campaign period will be tallied to determine the level of acknowledgement. The last time the School ran a major fundraising campaign was for the Arts Centre well over a decade ago. We look forward to your support so that we can provide another state-of-the-art facility for Saints Girls.
A further easing of social distancing restrictions will see the School allow audiences of up to 75% of venue capacity this term. With the School Musical, Senior Drama Production and SACE Choreography Evening, there is much to look forward to and I hope you can support the girls at these fabulous events. Please continue to scan the QR code each time you enter the School and, as always, remain at home if you feel unwell.
In staffing news, we welcome Kirsty Porplycia back to the ELC following her long service leave, and wish Annalisa Cecere all the best as she commences maternity leave. Liz Thomas will be taking Annalisa’s classes during this time. Following almost 25 years of exceptional service as a laboratory technician, we say farewell to Anne Sinclair. Anne is an Old Scholar, has travelled the journey as a parent, and did an amazing job in helping us transition to the new Science Centre. We wish Anne all the best in her retirement.
Have a wonderful term!
Julia Shea
Principal
Languages Week – Culture and Connection
It is easy to think that with most international travel still off the table, there is not much of a need to be able to speak a foreign language here in our island country of Australia. However, many of our girls and their families will tell you that language is not just about knowing words, it is about belonging. Language helps you identify with other speakers of the language, it gives you an inside view of the culture, the viewpoints and the beliefs of others who speak that language.
The girls here at Saints are very fortunate; they have a range of languages to choose from. In fact, we offer five different languages at various stages of the School: Chinese (Mandarin), French, Japanese, Spanish and English as an Additional Language or Dialect. This week is Languages Week at Saints Girls and we have been celebrating this important aspect of our School.
We kicked off the week with Cynthia, our International Student Prefect, introducing Languages Week at Assembly. We watched a video about the benefits of learning a language and then Cynthia explained the various activities on offer across the week. These included popular songs in Spanish, Chinese square dancing, games of pétanque (French bowls), origami and music from around the globe. In addition, the Junior School girls participated in a flag colouring competition (Reception and Year 1) and year level quizzes (Years 2 – 6). The middle and senior girls also had the opportunity to participate in a Kahoot! quiz about languages around the world.
It has been wonderful watching the girls embrace the week with enthusiasm and learn a little more about the five languages on offer at Saints Girls.
Cindy Pitkin
Head of Languages
Applauding Our Talented Musicians
Congratulations to some of our talented musicians who have recently been presented with awards from the Australian Music Examination Board SA and NT.
Jasmin received a Grade 6 Prize for Cello; this award is given to the student who achieves the highest mark in their exam across SA and NT. Heidi was presented with a Certificate of Performance in Piano, and Samantha was presented with her Associate of Music in Piano.
These results are truly outstanding and we congratulate our girls on their achievements.
Sally Rounsevell
Director of Music
Senior Drama Production Fast Approaching
The Year 12 Drama and Theatre students are counting down to this year’s original production, The Second Commandment.
Telling the classical Greek tale of Narcissus and Echo, the play is an evocatively poetic exploration of self-love that aims to immerse the audience in a feast of sights and sounds.
With only two public performances at 7pm on Wednesday 5 May and Thursday 6 May, be sure to set the dates aside and book your tickets via TryBooking now!
Michael Butler-Wills
Head of English/Drama Teacher
Jazz Musos Ready to Rumble
We are proud to announce that Enchante is entering Division 1 in the upcoming Vocal JAZZ Fest 2021 staged by the SA Branch of the Australian National Choral Association. We will be competing against five other top Adelaide school jazz choirs and would love to have the support of the Saints Girls’ community at the event.
This is a substitute competition for our usual Generations in Jazz festival which is not taking place this year. The concert features acclaimed Adelaide jazz artists such as Kym Purling, Sally Cameron, Luke Thompson and Lauren Henderson. It will be held at St Peter’s College from 5 – 8pm on Sunday 2 May.
For tickets, visit TryBooking here
Further information is available via Vocal JAZZ Fest 2021
Meantime, Stage Band will be attending the 2021 SA Schools Jazz Festival Awards Concert run by the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors’ Association (ABODA) at the University of Adelaide.
Saints Girls will be performing in the Elder Hall at 1.30pm (Division 3). The Award Evening and Concert will take place in the Scott Theatre (located at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide) from 7.30 to 9.30pm on Saturday 1 May.
Tickers can be purchased via TryBooking
Please note: a single adult/concession ticket will provide entry to any or all of the festival divisions over Friday evening (Division 1) and Saturday. School groups (staff and students) do not need to purchase tickets to watch other band performances throughout the Saturday competition. However, school students will need to purchase a ticket if they wish to attend the Friday evening Division 1 performances and/or Saturday’s Award Evening and Concert.
We wish all of our senior musicians the very best in these home grown SA jazz festivals.
Sally Rounsevell
Director of Music
‘JobChat’ Talk of the Town
JobChat is a new way for our girls to connect with professionals. Within an informal chat-like setting, your daughter has a chance to talk with someone in a career that might appeal to her, asking about their life and daily work in that particular field. A chat over lunch – it’s that simple.
JobChat is open to girls in Years 10 to 12. A different profession will be offered each month, thus, over time, covering a wide variety of careers. A survey of our Year 12 girls showed significant interest in the areas of Health, Creative Arts and Business/Finance.
Our first JobChat is in Week 3 this term where we will welcome one of our parents, Simone Hogarth, to talk with the girls about her career in health, specifically diagnostic pathology, being a principal medical scientist and Director of Business Development for a large health organisation.
If you would like to volunteer time during lunch to chat with our girls about your career journey, please contact Carolyn Farr via cfarr@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Media Hub Tour – Lights, Camera, Action!
We invite our Arts’ parents to come along and experience our new Media Hub!
It features industry-standard technology including advanced cameras, microphones and a production green screen. This dedicated hub combines theory with practice, supported by visiting media professionals and tertiary mentors.
As well as structured learning opportunities, Arts’ students who are particularly passionate about media production can book the facility and equipment to record, edit and deliver quality content with minimal set up time and a streamlined workflow.
Enjoy an information session and tour of our Media Hub with students Olivia and Jodi. Special thanks to Garth Coulter for organising this event.
Media Hub Tour for Arts’ Parents
Wednesday 26 May at 6pm or 6.30pm
For more information and to RSVP, please email Melissa Westgate via mwestgate@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au by Monday 24 May.
Confirmation at Saints Girls
Within the Anglican Church, confirmation is a time for an individual to take on the promises made on their behalf by their parents at their baptism. Simply put, confirmation is a public declaration of your faith.
This year, we will be holding a Confirmation Eucharist in Term 3, where Archbishop of Adelaide Geoffrey Smith will be confirming the candidates. In the lead up to this service, preparation classes will be held in Terms 2 and 3. These classes will cover the basics of Christianity and exploring the promises they will be making.
Confirmation is available for students in Year 6 and above.
If your daughter is interested in being confirmed or you have any questions, please contact School Chaplain Mr Thomas Bassett who will be passing on more details shortly about the confirmation process and the service.
Invitation to Join PAC’s Musical – Blood Brothers
Information Notice from Prince Alfred College
Dear Girls and Parents/Guardians,
Students interested in participating in the highly-anticipated school musical at PAC in 2021 are invited to register for auditions by clicking the link here. You will need to be available for rehearsals every Tuesday night in Terms 2 and 3, and occasional Thursday and Saturday afternoons.
The co-curricular Drama focus at Prince Alfred College enables all boys, whether they are studying Drama as an academic subject or not, to perform as part of an ensemble in a major production every year. This year we are proud to be associated with Alicia Zorkovic, Co-Director of Wings2Fly Theatre Company and George Torbay, Head of Music Theatre at the Elder Conservatorium, who have been working alongside the Performing Arts staff to deliver a first-rate production in late August.
Willy Russell’s masterpiece, Blood Brothers, is a hilarious, heartbreaking and multi-award winning musical which tells the story of the Johnstone twins. Separated at birth when their mother cannot afford to keep them both, Mickey and Edward grow up only streets away from each other but worlds apart – one rich, one poor. There can be only one tragic end to this story when the prophecy of their death comes true in a shattering conclusion.
Blood Brothers is one of only three musicals to ever run on the West End in London for more than ten thousand performances (the other two are Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera).
More girls from our sister schools are invited to take part by auditioning on Tuesday 27 April 2021 at 6pm.
All you will need to do for auditions is to register via the form (by clicking the link above) and an audition information pack will be sent to you. You do not need to be the best singer or dancer – if you do not receive a named role, you will be invited to be part of the team in another area.
Thank you for your interest!
Regards,
Ms. Little
Mother’s Day Virtual Stall
The Friends of the ELC are holding a Mother’s Day Virtual Gift Stall where all of our students from ELC to Year 12 are able to purchase gifts online for mums, grandmothers, aunts or treasured friends in their lives.
We have a variety of wonderful gifts available for $5 each. They will be wrapped and delivered to class teachers on Thursday 6 May.
To order gifts, visit http://www.trybooking.com/BQFGA. Purchases close at 9am on Tuesday 4 May.
If you have any queries, please contact Fiona McGregor in the Community Relations Office via fmcgregor@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.
Community at Saints Girls
Parents are a vibrant and pivotal part of the St Peter’s Girls’ community. Many opportunities are available to become involved with the School, connect with other community members, and build strong and lasting friendships. Please note the following Term 2 dates:
Saints Sport Support Group Meeting
Tuesday 4 May, 6.30pm, Elizabeth Pike Art Centre
Contact: Katie Lucas – Katie.Lucas@opencolleges.edu.au
Friends of The Arts Community Group Meetings
Wednesday 26 May, 6pm or 6.30pm, Media Hub Tour for Arts’ parents
Wednesday 26 May, 7pm, Elizabeth Pike Art Centre
Contact: Danielle Parker – dslparker@gmail.com
Friends of Rowing
Fundraising Working Group Meetings TBD
Contact: Ed Parker – edontheroadagain@hotmail.com
For more information, please contact me via 0407 394 183 or mwestgate@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Melissa Westgate
Foundation Manager
Ladies’ Night Out
The Saints Girls’ community presents: Ladies’ Night Out!
Join us on Friday 7 May from 7pm at the Feathers Hotel. Tickets are $50 each and include gourmet finger food and a drink on arrival.
Tickets are limited, so book early to avoid missing out!
Book via www.trybooking.com/BPUEM
A fundraising raffle will be drawn on the night; tickets can be purchased online or with cash at the event.
For more information, contact Melissa Westgate on 0407 394 183.
Supported by the Friends of The Arts
Entertainment Membership
To support Saints Girls and purchase your membership, click here.
Terms and conditions apply. Go to https://www.entertainment.com.au/promotions
All Member offers are subject to terms and conditions. Check individual offers on the Entertainment Membership App or www.entertainment.com.au for more information. For all dining offers, it is optional for participating businesses to accept your Entertainment Memberships on all official Australian and New Zealand public holidays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Valentine’s Day. © 2021 Entertainment Group.
Absences from School
If your daughter is going to be absent, late to school or leave early, please use one of the following methods to notify the School providing student name, class/Home Group and reason:
Text: 0428 601 957
Email: attendance@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Phone: 8334 2200
Feel free to include the class/Home Group teacher when emailing.
It would be appreciated if notifications could be made prior to 9am.
Please note that it is absolutely imperative to keep unwell children at home until they have recovered, even if symptoms are only mild. This is not only for their own health and safety, but for that of all students and staff.
We thank all of our families for their cooperation.
COVID Measures
Please note the following information regarding our continued COVID response.
The School has a QR code tracing system to facilitate the safe return of parents on site, in line with wider government measures. Parents entering the campus to drop off or collect their children need to scan the QR code provided each time. This also applies to parents visiting the School for events such as parent information evenings or sports training/matches.
Parents and visitors with more formal appointments at the School, such as meeting a staff member, are still required to sign in/out at Front Office and also need to scan the QR code as well for SA Health tracing purposes.
Adults who do not have a device to scan the QR code need to write their details on the paper form provided in the Front Office.
Parents who remain in their vehicles in the main car park do not need to scan in, and students do not need to scan in as the School already tracks daily attendance.
Logistics around events will be shared in due course, dependent upon the latest advice. Attendance numbers, particularly for indoor events, will still need to be restricted to facilitate social distancing.
The following general requirements remain in place:
- Ensure adults maintain a distance of 1.5m from each other.
- Practise sound hand washing and other hygiene measures.
- Students should remain at home if they are unwell; please notify the School of absences by texting 0428 601 957, emailing attendance@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au, or calling 8334 2200.
We thank all of our families for your cooperation.
Sports News
Congratulations to the six Saints Girls who represented South Australia at the recent National Athletics Carnival.
Our girls continue to thrive in this space and came away with some fantastic results:
Daisy Braithwaite
U16 3000m Walk Final (4th)
Lakara Stallan
U20 100m Final (7th) and U20 200m Final (7th)
Carys Kinsella-White
U15 High Jump Final (16th); U15 400m Prelims (4th) and U15 800m Prelims (9th)
Malaika McLeod
U15 800m Prelims (3rd)
Charlotte McAuliffe
U15 100m Final (5th); U15 200m Final (2nd); U15 400m Final (3rd) and U16 4×100 Relay Final (5th)
Elodie de Wit
U14 3000m Final (17th)
HOT SHOTS TENNIS
Terms 2 and 3
Reception to Year 4!
Dear Families
The lunchtime tennis program in Term 1 was fantastic. Girls from Reception to Year 3 enjoyed improving their skills and had loads of fun on court!
I am happy to announce that we are able to continue the lunchtime tennis coaching in terms 2 and 3 which will be privately run by myself. If your daughter participated in Term 1 or you would like to enrol for the first time, please let me know. We start the program in next week, but your daughter can join at anytime.
Any girls in Year 4 who may like to enrol can do so. Group sizes are generally smaller (approximately 4 per group) in terms 2 and 3 which works well.
If you would like to enrol your daughter, please contact me directly via mobile on 0412 855 073 or email ford.matt@bigpond.com.
Matt Ford
St Peter’s Girls’ Tennis Coach.