Issue no. 21
From the Principal
Welcome Back to Term 3
As always, the School has been a hive of activity during the break. Much of the footprint for the next project in the Master Plan has been cleared and we remain on track for building to commence in Term 4 this year. Whilst the focus is a brand new Science Centre, the project also includes significant renovations and expansions to the Art and pool facilities. The current Art studio will be expanded on the eastern side and almost doubled in size. This area will be utilised by the Middle and Senior School students with a separate area available for girls studying the IB Diploma Visual Arts course. On the second level, there will be a brand new studio for the Junior School girls. Similar to the Middle School, the building will feature significant glazing, allowing natural light to permeate each of the studios. The new spaces will be both practical and inspirational. At the northern end of the pool, there will be a new building containing a storeroom for sports equipment and much-needed change rooms with showers and toilets. The long line of girls decked out in swimmers and thongs traipsing from the change rooms near the gym to the pool will thankfully be a thing of the past!
The plans for the Science Centre itself are looking amazing. The ground floor will house specialist labs for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Each of them has a unique look and feel, designed to meet the specific needs of those disciplines. The top level consists of four labs and will be used primarily by girls in Years 7 – 10. Preparation and storage space is available on both levels, with a small lift operating between the floors. There will be a glasshouse on the balcony to assist with Biology experiments and a ‘drop zone’ on the roof from which the girls can release projectiles for Physics experiments. The bottom floor will have quite an industrial feel with exposed services, demonstrating Science in action. There will be state-of-the-art technology throughout the building and we’re currently investigating the installation of a camera in the fume cupboards to get a close look at chemical reactions as they unfold. It’s going to be a phenomenal building!
A new retaining wall that will sit between the pool and the new building will be constructed in the next holiday break. Throughout the project, Art will be taught from a temporary building on the oval. This will be in place by early September, allowing ample time for the girls and staff to move across before the builders arrive on site. The pool will be out of use for Term 4 and a portion of Term 1 next year. I appreciate that these disruptions to normal programs aren’t ideal. However, the impact of the building project on the whole School will be minimal and, as with the Middle School and Library, the final product will quickly come to life.
After winning prestigious State honours for our Middle School and Library, Sarah Constructions is a finalist for a National Australian Institute of Building award. The company is also in the running for a People’s Choice Award; to get behind our project, visit the AIB Facebook page and ‘like’ the image featuring the new Saints Girls’ sign.
Staffing
We have a number of staff on leave this semester so we’re pleased to welcome Siobhan Curran, Kimberly Di Benedetto and Jessica Ash to Saints Girls. If your daughter’s class has had a change of teacher, you would have received notification from Nigel Scoggins at the end of last term. If you have any queries after reading your daughter’s Semester Report, please don’t hesitate to contact the teacher concerned. There is obviously no need to wait for a formal parent/teacher interview.
And finally, a very warm welcome to our Mid-Year Reception class. The girls have enjoyed a wonderful first week of ‘big school’. Please continue to be mindful of their early finish time and do not park in the designated pick-up zone.
Have a great term!
Julia Shea
Principal
Welcome to Saints Girls!
This week, the Mid-Year Receptions officially started at ‘big school’. They arrived eager and excited on Tuesday morning with perhaps the only nerves being shared between the parents and teacher. By their second day, the girls were so settled that they could be overheard talking to each other about when they used to be little – they sure grow up quickly! Now at the end of their first week, the class is confidently following school routines, independently carrying out tasks and the girls know what most of the bells mean throughout the day. “There are lots of bells in big school.”
The families and teachers are all so proud of the confident and enthusiastic start the girls have made to school. We cannot wait to share in all the learning and fun of the Mid-Year Receptions over the next two terms. Well done girls on your seamless transition!
Alana Lesiw
Mid-Year Reception Teacher
Fiji Students do Saints Girls Proud
Over the holiday break, a group of our girls ventured to Fiji to participate in vital volunteering programs.
They built rainwater tanks and supported students in a village school with one-on-one reading and maths. The girls also attended sessions on marine conservation and conducted reef checks. While this was valuable work, the snorkelling was also a visual treat of stunning fish life including a huge manta ray and reef sharks. The students finished the trip on the mainland, shopping in shell markets at Port Denarau, ziplining in the tropical forest and immersing themselves in the vibrant culture.
The village families were extremely grateful for the girls’ assistance and interest in this service learning opportunity.
Lynne Spry
History/Legal Studies Teacher
Senior Drama Production – The Shape of Mind
The Years 11 and 12 Drama girls have been working avidly on their group production ‘The Shape of Mind’, written by Mr Butler-Wills.
They’ve have had the unique opportunity to workshop and develop the play and will be presenting the world premiere on 15 August. Structured in three acts, the play starts by exploring the first day back at the start of a new year for a Year 1 class, examining the way in which thoughts and words have a significant influence on the children, parents and time-weary teacher. The second act takes place 24 years later and, in a series of monologues and duologues, it explores the way in which a handful of the characters in the first act have grown and been shaped. In the final act, the play returns to a day near the end of Year 1, folding back on itself and immersing the audience – once again – in the pathos, humour and chaos of the world of a group of seven year olds with the added benefit of a retrospective understanding of what becomes of those characters.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see this original work and experience the exceptional creative capacity of our students. Performances will be at 7pm on August 15, 16 and 17.
Book tickets via www.trybooking.com/WPBZ
Mamma Mia! Movie Fundraiser TOMORROW
Join us TOMORROW for an ABBA-solutely fantastic time at the MAMMA MIA 2: Here We Go Again movie fundraiser.
The Regal Theatre
275 Kensington Road
Kensington Park
Drinks: 1.30pm
Movie: 2pm
Tickets are $22 per person and include a champagne or soft drink as well as FruChocs on arrival.
Tickets via www.trybooking.com/WNBK
We hope to see you there!
Friends of The Arts
Upcoming House Dinners
During Term 3, all Middle and Senior School girls have the opportunity to enjoy a night away from homework to get creative and colourful at the Annual House Dinners.
The Year 11s have been working hard organising decorations, food and games for each event. Visit the Trybooking links below to purchase your daughter(s) a ticket for the night as this is a compulsory event.
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone’s creative costumes and enjoying a fun night with our Houses.
Kennion House Dinner
Theme: Celebrations
3 August (Week 2)
Book now: www.trybooking.com/WPPG
Kilburn House Dinner
Theme: Coachella
10 August (Week 3)
Book now: www.trybooking.com/WPPL
Selwyn House Dinner
Theme: Hollywood – A Night at the Oscars
24 August (Week 5)
Book now: www.trybooking.com/WPPN
Patteson House Dinner
Theme: What I wanted to be when I was three
31 August (Week 6)
Book now: www.trybooking.com/WPPR
Year 12 House Captains
Winter Interhouse Meal Deal
The Winter Interhouse will be held on Saturday 11 August, and to feed the hungry players and supporters, the Saints Sport Support Group is providing breakfast. Parents, give yourselves the morning off from cooking and let us do it for you! Meals can be purchased from the BBQ area; just follow the yummy smells from 8 – 10.30am.
This year, we’re offering delicious egg and bacon sandwiches, sausages in bread and a variety of beverages. Food options start at $2.
Cash and EFTPOS facilities can be used to purchase your Winter Interhouse Meal Deal.
A coffee van will also be here on the day.
We hope to see you there!
Top Marks for Subject Expo
On Thursday 26 July, the Senior School Subject Expo was held in the Arts Centre. Subject areas had stalls set up where students could meet with teachers from the various faculties. It was great to see so many parents and students attending.
For those in Year 10, the major decision between SACE and IB was hopefully made easier with people available to answer any last minute questions. Representatives from various universities were also on hand to advise students.
The 2019 Senior School Curriculum Handbook is available via the myLink Parent Portal and the subject surveys for current Years 9, 10 and 11 students are open next week – students will be sent a link.
Countdown to Book Week!
Dress-up Day will be held on Friday 17 August
Come dressed as your favourite book character!
There will be class parades during a special Junior School Assembly at 8.40am in the Arts Centre.
Parents are most welcome to attend!
Calling All Parents of Saints Girls’ Rowers
The 2018-19 school Rowing season is almost upon us and your girls need our support to ensure a smooth and enjoyable season. Our lives are getting busier and busier and, over the past few years, the Friends of Rowing (FoR) committee has dwindled in numbers and we are now left with just a few parents who are struggling to support our Director of Rowing and ensure Saints Girls continues to have a successful Rowing program.
One of the key purposes of FoR is to raise much-needed funds to help reduce the extra costs associated with rowing. Over the past few years, we have contributed money towards compulsory rowing camps which has greatly eased the costs on-charged to parents. We have also put on social events and purchased vital training equipment, sun vests and hats. Some of the ways we’ve raised money are via sponsorship, sausage sizzles, and raffles. With the School’s help, we also run the rowing social events including the Season Welcome BBQ and Head of the River Dinner. Without an active committee and fundraising throughout the year, the cost of rowing to you the parent will inevitably rise. Like at the regattas, if everyone helps out a little bit, we can all benefit.
FoR meets on the first Monday evening of each month during the season for a short catch up. All rowing parents are welcome to attend and you don’t have to commit to volunteering for a position or attending every meeting. Feel free to just come along so you can hear about the work we do, offer up any ideas you may have and get to know the other rowing parents.
Our AGM and our first meeting for the season will take place in the Board Room on Monday 20 August. Please come along so that we can continue to grow the Saints Girls’ Rowing program.
Friends of Rowing
Tempt Your Senses at The Long Lunch
Sunday 23 September, 12 – 5pm
Tempt your senses as we embark on a Spanish Fiesta at The Long Lunch, indulging in Spanish food and wine in a marquee along the path to our Chapel at St Peter’s Girls’ School.
Seats are limited, so book now: https://www.trybooking.com/VGYJ
St Peter’s Girls’ Foundation
Saints Girls’ Talent to Bring It On
Three of our students, Emma Pool (Year 7), Zoe Pool (Year 6) and Zara Blight (Year 7) are performing in the Pelican Productions show ‘Bring It On – The Musical’ from 2 – 5 August at the Norwood Concert Hall. Our families have been offered a discount promo code for tickets. The code is SCHOOL and you can click here for tickets.
About the Show
With music and lyrics by Broadway and film darling Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights, Hamilton, Moana), this Tony Award-nominated musical has incredible substance to round out the fun storyline of friendships, jealousies and betrayal.
Set against the backdrop of the cut-throat world of cheerleading, high school politics and budding romances, the show blew Adelaide audiences away, winning Adelaide Theatre Guide’s 2017 ‘Best Show, Youth Theatre’ and a host of other nominations.
Don’t miss ‘Bring It On – The Musical’…Simply use the code SCHOOL at the checkout to receive your discount.
Get your tickets here!
Order Your 2018 | 2019 Entertainment Membership
Order your NEW 2018 | 2019 Entertainment Membership and continue to support St Peter’s Girls’ Parents’ and Friends’ Association.
If you haven’t already, please continue supporting our School by purchasing the 2018 | 2019 membership from us today. Hurry, they’re selling fast!
As a St Peter’s Girls’ School Parents’ and Friends’ Association fundraiser, part-proceeds from every book sold will go to a special element of our Master Plan which will be announced soon.
You can order via the form at the Front Office or pre-purchase online: Order your Entertainment Book here!
The Entertainment Book and new phone app offer our community members a great way to try out restaurants and activities around SA, save money and, at the same time, support our girls.
Thank you in advance for your kind support and consideration.
The Parents’ and Friends’ Association
Sports News
A reminder that we would love to hear of any exciting news or notable sporting achievements. Simply email Neil Fuller via nfuller@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.
IMPORTANT DATES – TERM 3
Week 2
Friday 10 August – AFL Interhouse (Years 7 – 12) 3.30 – 5pm
Saturday 11 August – Winter Interhouse; Badminton, Hockey, Netball and Soccer (Years 7 – 12) 7.30 – 11am
Week 5
Tuesday 21 August – Rowing Information Night (6pm for current and new rowers)
Sunday 26 August – Come and Try Rowing; Scotch Boatshed on River Torrens (Years 6 – 11) 9am – 12pm
Week 7
Tuesday 4 September – SAPSASA District Athletics (Years 4 – 7 selected students) at Athletics SA Stadium, Mile End
Friday 7 September – Sports Day (Years 4 – 12) at Athletics SA Stadium, Mile End
Week 8
Monday 10 September – Rowing training commences (Years 10 – 12)
Tuesday 11 September – summer sport commences (Years 7 – 12) including rowing training (Years 7 – 9) at Scotch Boatshed on River Torrens
Wednesday 12 September – Gymnastic Gym For All Challenge at Gym SA, Marion (Years 3 – 6)
Week 9
Summer sport training continues
Week 10
Tuesday 25 September – State SAPSASA Athletics (selected students Years 4 – 7) at Athletics SA, Mile End
Wednesday 26 September – IGSSA Athletics (selected students Years 7 – 12) at Athletics SA, Mile End
ATHLETICS – TRAINING
In preparation for Sports Day in Week 7, we are providing athletics training for students in Years 4 – 12 each Wednesday and Friday morning from 7.10 – 8.10am. There will be options for students to work on sprints, middle and long distance running as well as throws and jumps (except high jump). Interested students should advise Mr Fuller if they wish to attend.
HOCKEY – SAPSASA
Congratulations to the East Adelaide SAPSASA girls’ hockey team who were undefeated at the State Hockey State Carnival late last term. It’s a great achievement and Saints was represented by Molly Dwyer (Year 6), Hannah Williams (Year 7) and Bridgette Leach (Year 7). Congratulations to Molly who has also been named to represent South Australia at the 12 and under National Championships.
LACROSSE
Congratulations to Isabelle Norman (Year 10) and Stephanie Smalls (Year 9) who have been selected to play in an IGSSA representative team at a National carnival to be held in Melbourne from 30 September.
SOCCER
Congratulations to the students who represented East Adelaide in the last week of term in in Soccer (Emily Bryce and Chloe Porter, both Year 7); they finished second overall. Outstanding efforts from all participants.
SOFTBALL
Aroha Munroe (Year 10) has returned from Singapore where she represented Australia in the Little League International Asia‐Pacific Softball Championship. The team won silver and Aroha did a fantastic job. We value her experience, involvement and representation at School level.
SNOW SKIING
Winnie Vartuli (Year 5) and Willow Stewart-Rattray (Year 7) competed in the recent SASKI competition at Falls Creek. Saints has a long history of students participating in this event. Willow came 2nd in the Div 4 Downhill Ski and Winnie came 1st in Div 5, having the second-fastest time recorded in the primary school arena. Great results for both!
SURFING
Imogen Elliott (Year 8) spent the school holidays on the Gold Coast training with her coach through the AIS. In the last week, she competed at Lennox Head in the Skullcandy Grom Open against some of the best surfers from Australasia in her age category. Imi had an amazing series, finishing second overall.
SWIMMING
State Short Course Swimming Championships 2018
A large number of Saints Girls were vying for selection for the 2018 State Teams Championships which will be held at the AIS in October. Selected athletes are aged between 13 and 17 and have to be one of the fastest three swimmers in their nominated events, swimming under the “A” or “B” qualifying time. Lara Wakeham is among only 29 swimmers selected for the team.
• Stephanie Smalls – set PBs in every stroke in the 14 & over and qualified for the Open finals for every swim. Gold: 50m Butterfly, Silver 100m Butterfly, 50m Freestyle, Bronze 100m Backstroke, 200m IM and 200m Freestyle. Steph also claimed Gold medals in the 200m Medley Relay and 200m Free Relay
• Georgina Wakeham – Silver 10-12 years 50m Backstroke, Bronze 10-12 years 100m Backstroke and 12 years 200m Backstroke. Silver medal 10-12 years 4 x 50m Medley Relay.
• Lara Wakeham – Bronze medal (first-placed 14 year old) Women’s 14-15 years 800m Freestyle, Bronze 14 years 200m Backstroke, Bronze 14 years 400m Freestyle and Bronze Women’s 400IM.
• Poppy Marshall – Silver 13 years 50m Breaststroke, Gold 200m Breaststroke, Gold 100m Breaststroke.
• Lauren Pearce – contested five individual events plus relays and swam several PB times.
• Thandi Murada – contested four individual events winning a Silver for Women’s 17-18 years 100m Backstroke.
• Grace Sampson – Gold Women’s 16 years 200m Backstroke, Bronze Women’s 16-18 years 800m Freestyle, Bronze Qomen’s 16 years 50m Backstroke, Bronze Women’s 10 & over 400m Free Relay, Bronze Women’s 10-18 200m Medley relay.
• Gemma Schaedel – contested seven individual events swimming several PB times.
• Tara Young – Gold 800m Freestyle – 13 y/o, 400m Freestyle 13 y/o, 200m Freestyle 13 y/o. Silver: 200m Backstroke 13 y/o, 200m IM 13 y/o, 50m Freestyle 13 y/o, 200m Butterfly 13 y/o, 100m Backstroke 13 y/o, 100m Freestyle 13 y/o, 100m IM 13 y/o, 400m IM 13 y/o. Bronze: 100m Butterfly 13 y/o, 200m IM 13 y/o, 200m Breaststroke 13 y/o, 50m Backstroke 13 y/o, 4 x 100m Freestyle Open Relay – TTGSC
• Annabel Ryan – contested three individual events swimming large PB times in all. Also swam in two relay teams.
• Ariel Spartalis – contested seven individual events and two relays, swimming PBs in six with huge three-second PBs in her 50m Freestyle and 100m Backstroke.
• Lily-Rose Spartalis – contested 12 individual events and two relays, with top 10 placings in the 13 year girls in five of her individual swims and posting significant PB times in almost all events.
VOLLEYBALL
Congratulations to Anna White and Georgina Keough (both Year 9) who are members of the SA School’s U16 State Volleyball team playing in Bendigo from 20 – 24 August.