Issue no. 22
From Our Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School
It was wonderful to welcome the girls back into the school on Wednesday, and to accompany this was an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I express our sincere thanks to the entire community, staff, students and parents for the patience, flexibility and goodwill which was so evident over the lockdown period. With that said, it is always important to maintain perspective. While our brief period of online learning was not desirable, we are far more fortunate than the school communities of Sydney, and our thoughts are with them at this time.
#EMPOWHER
Our 1:1 meetings with each girl (Years 7 – 12) and their Home Group teacher will take place over the coming week. These talks allow the girls to reflect upon their efforts from last term and determine the goals they would like to achieve this term. They also provide a valuable opportunity for a wider discussion regarding overall wellbeing, and enable our teachers to offer specific help and support for each girl. It is worth highlighting that staff do take notes of these meetings, and we are able to track these discussions across the years. Such consistent follow up of goals with our girls is one of the strengths of our #EMPOWHER wellbeing program. Research demonstrates that while many of us are good at setting goals, we are not as successful at enacting the necessary changes to bring them to fruition. The fact that our girls can reflect on what went well and identify how they can improve fosters a sense of accountability and independence that will serve them well throughout their life journey.
JobChat
As many of you are aware, 2021 has seen the launch of ‘Career.Ready’ – our revitalised, personalised and future-focused careers program. Career.Ready has a three-tiered approach to career education involving classroom lessons, links to universities and links to industry. It is vital that our girls are exposed to industry professionals who work in fields that reflect their interests and values. Our JobChat initiative does just that. Data is collected on the specific professions our girls are interested in pursuing. We then make intentional connections to facilitate discussions between the girls and industry professionals.
JobChat aims to equip the girls with a deep knowledge of a profession, allowing them to explore what is involved in day-to-day work as well as pathways for career progression. Among our guests to date, we welcomed Tracy Davidson from Rising Sun Pictures, who provided the girls with insights and career options in the film industry. I encourage you to view a snapshot of her JobChat with the girls in the video below. If you are also interested in contributing to JobChat, please contact Careers Coordinator/IB Coordinator Carolyn Farr via cfarr@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.
Kate Mortimer
Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School
Ethics Girls Blitz International Olympiads
Congratulations to our Senior Ethics team of Victoria, Sara, Holly and Emily, who came 3rd in the International Ethics Olympiads. They competed against students from 38 schools worldwide, including Canada, New Zealand, China and Australia. We were the only girls’ school in the top 3, and one of only 3 Australian schools to place in the top 10, making us the top girls’ school in the Olympiads.
The girls met in the school holidays to prepare, and following South Australia’s COVID lockdown announcement, then moved final preparations online. Over the past 18 months, it has been amazing to see the Philosophy and Ethics Club adjust to virtual meetings during lockdowns and restrictions as a school co-curricular pursuit, and competing online when required to do so.
The opportunity to work collaboratively as a team, communicate with students from around the world and partake in respectful, critical and creative dialogue to find ethical solutions to problems that have kept many adults baffled has been beneficial to all. Ethics and philosophy continue to grow in the School with competitions for Years 5 – 12 students and opportunities to join a co-curricular club for students in Years 7 – 12.
Year 11 student Emily Teague shares her Olympiad reflections:
The Ethics Olympiad is a discussion-based competition of ethics and philosophy, consisting of three rounds, with two stimuli for each round. While our team has significant experience in these competitions, the lockdown added to the challenge of the event. Traditionally, the teams would be together, allowing for seamless conversation and organisation in preparation times. As such, being in separate locations meant that our team had to improvise our discussions on the day.
With these obstacles in mind, we were very pleased to place 3rd. It’s a great result, especially considering this was likely our last ethics competition as a team, with my three teammates graduating this year. Looking forward, I know there are plenty of keen students ready to take on the challenge of striving for 1st place in the next few years!
ELC Trailblazing in Reconciliation Education
We couldn’t be prouder to announce our ELC is a top 3 finalist in the Early Learning category of the Narragunnawali Awards 2021. As the only SA school amongst the finalists, we’re honoured to be recognised for leading the way in reconciliation education.
The judging panel looks for ways in which schools and early learning services strengthen relationships, build respect, and provide meaningful opportunities in the classroom and within the community.
Our ELC will be a hive of activity on Wednesday 25 August when the judges conduct their visit. We hope to share more good news when the awards ceremony is held in November.
Kate Mount
Director of Early Learning
Saints’ Rowers Inspired by Aussie Gold
What an incredible week it’s been for Australian Rowing at the Tokyo Olympics! Our Women’s and Men’s Coxless Fours both won Gold, our Women’s and Men’s Quadruple Sculls both won Bronze, and Old Scholar Olympia Aldersey (Kennion 2011) did Saints Girls and the rest of the nation proud placing 5th with her crew in the Women’s Eight.
Our Rowing girls have no doubt been inspired by these and other amazing Olympic achievements as they count down to the start of their season at the end of next month.
To further add to the excitement, Saints Girls has launched a fantastic new resource to help our Intermediate and Senior rowers enhance their fitness, flexibility and stamina with guidance on activities they can perform at home during holidays or periods without training. You can view it by clicking here.
We’re looking forward to an outstanding season, and for any of our girls considering taking up the sport, we’ll be sharing information over the coming weeks about how you can learn more and get involved.
In the meantime, if you’d like more details about the Rowing Program at St Peter’s Girls, please contact me via bmillward@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.
Brynley Millward
Director of Rowing
Exchange of a Lifetime for Intrepid Saints
Saints Girls at Methodist Ladies’ College in Perth
This term, six of our Year 10 Saints Girls have been very fortunate to be on exchange at Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) in Perth and St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Brisbane.
Both exchanges are the result of hard work and a shared desire to provide an exchange experience to a cohort of students who missed out on Overseas Exchanges in 2020 due to COVID-19.
The MLC Perth partnership is a two-week reciprocal exchange, including students Ruby Richards, Eliza Monaghan, Lucy Schirripa and Claudia Henschke. MLC students will hopefully be visiting us at Saints Girls later in the term.
The St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School partnership is a three-week reciprocal exchange, including students Maddie Harrex and Phoebe Black. We are hoping to see St Margaret’s students attend Saints Girls for the last three weeks of Term 3, where they can also join the Year 10 camp.
Our exchange students provided us with some insights into their experiences so far:
The Perth Exchange started wonderfully, and I have already enjoyed my time here so much! I had an opportunity to explore some of Perth, including the Fremantle Markets, Kings Park and the city near Optus Stadium. Last Tuesday, we started at MLC and were all incredibly excited and eager to learn about and experience life as an MLC Girl. On this day, we were also able to get our very own MLC uniform which was slightly strange to see ourselves in green and not blue! I am great friends with my exchange buddy Isabel, and I have loved the exchange experience so much. – Lucy Schirripa
On exchange in Perth, I have found myself adjusting to the differences around me quite quickly. My exchange buddy Annabelle, and her loving family, have made it incredibly easy for me to feel at home. From the delicious dinners my exchange mother makes, to the fun activities my exchange family plans, they are making sure I have a terrific experience. Highlights include attending the Fremantle Markets and completing a high ropes course in Dwellingup, a town outside Perth. Schooling at MLC is quite similar to Saints Girls, and the students and staff are very welcoming. – Eliza Monaghan
My stay in Perth has been amazing. I’ve seen a lot of Perth and experienced stunning places like Scarborough Beach and the Perth Aquarium. I’ve had a really good experience with my host family, and everybody here has been extremely welcoming. The MLC girls are so kind and made starting school here incredibly easy and comfortable. Being in a new environment has been so fun and such a unique experience, and I’m excited for more to come. – Ruby Richards
My first weekend in Perth, although rainy, was a lot of fun! Saturday consisted of Eliza, me and our exchange partners taking a trip to the Fremantle Markets, the city centre and visiting museums. I met my exchange buddy’s friends for the rest of the weekend and we went on an outing to Hillarys where we had lunch, enjoyed the Aquarium Of Western Australia and visited North Perth. My first impression of MLC was that it is a lot larger than St Peter’s Girls. Although there were some differences, the school was warm and welcoming, and I immediately felt accepted. Whilst I am spending most of my stay at MLC, my trip highlights have been created through the friendship I have made with my exchange buddy, her family and friends. – Claudia Henschke
Maddie and Phoebe (middle) with St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School students
Upon arrival in Brisbane, I felt really welcomed by my exchange partner, Bess, and her family. Their support and kindness made me feel a little less scared about the experience. Fellow Saints Girl Phoebe and I arrived in Brisbane five days before school. This allowed us to settle in and get to know our exchange families. Our partners gave us the opportunity to go on a boat and explore Peel Island. Phoebe and I were even able to go tubing in Brisbane’s beautiful ocean. When the first day of school arrived, I knew it would be challenging being in a new environment with girls I don’t know, but everyone was so welcoming and kind. I have made many lifelong friends through the program, and it has been an enjoyable experience taking a step in someone else’s shoes. – Maddie Harrex
My Brisbane exchange has been amazing, and to be greeted by some warm weather has definitely been a bonus. I have been very busy since I arrived, staying on a houseboat on the river, eating delicious food, shopping and seeing all the different sights Brisbane has to offer. One of my favourite things so far has been going on The Wheel of Brisbane. It has also been a thrill to be here for the announcement of the 2032 Olympic Games. St Margaret’s has been very exciting because I have been able to experience how the school runs and the different things they do. I’m looking forward to going to Warner Bros. Movie World as part of my STEM class on how rollercoasters work. All the girls are lovely, and I have made many new friendships in a short time. It’s been a fantastic experience and I’m enjoying every moment. – Phoebe Black
STEM Holiday Workshops for Mums and Daughters
Rethink Pink
This year, Sunsilk surveyed over 1400 women from Australia and New Zealand to uncover misconceptions around careers and futures in STEM. They discovered only 1 in 10 mums has a strong understanding and knowledge of STEM skills to impart to their daughters. Almost 2 in 3 girls list their mums as their most influential role model.
Girl Geek Academy is running free STEM workshops in the next school holidays for mums and daughters. They feature 4 different modules:
– The Science of Hair
– Engineering Empowered
– Tech for Two
– Maths for the Real World
For more information and to secure your spot, visit https://girlgeekacademy.com/sunsilk/
Monique Green
Digital Tech Teacher & STEM Coordinator
The Long Lunch – Sunday 19 September
Join us for a tantalising Asian Fusion at The Long Lunch. Enjoy an afternoon among friends and colleagues with entertainment, auctions and delicious food paired with exceptional refreshments.
Sunday 19 September 2021
12 noon – 5pm
Tickets are $150
Only 200 available
Book now via www.trybooking.com/BQADN
Experience Our New Virtual Tour
Saints Girls has just put the finishing touches on our new cutting-edge Virtual Tour. We are the first school in South Australia to enjoy this amazing platform which features captivating fly-through video and advanced 360 degree imagery.
We’re extremely proud to showcase our stunning spaces and facilities which have undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, and we thank our students and staff for taking part in filming at the start of the year.
Watch a snapshot in the video below, and take the tour for yourself via: https://stpetersgirls.youtour.com.au/
Compliance with Restrictions – Attention Required
Please note, due to COVID directives, adult visitors are currently restricted from accessing the campus, including the Front Office.
As already communicated, please do not attempt to drop off items at the Front Office for girls to collect until restrictions have eased.
Important Reminders
Email Notifications
It is timely for all parents to check their email account settings to ensure email notifications from the School will not be diverted to junk/spam folders or blocked entirely.
For many platforms, you can check whether stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au has been blocked by accessing Blocked Senders via your account Options. You may also be able to add stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au to your Safe Senders list. If you require assistance, please contact our IT Department (details below).
Personal and Medical Information
It is vital that personal, medical and other important information on the myLink portal is up to date and complete. This also covers photo/video permission where imagery is used in print and online communications to celebrate student success, share exciting news with our community and promote the School more widely. In the digital era, this may also extend to some events being live-streamed on public platforms. If permission is not granted, the School will work diligently to implement specific measures, which may include temporarily withdrawing the student from certain activities. Please note, the permission does not apply to the School Yearbook where all students are included, or to the internal usage of photos/videos for the purposes of teaching and learning, such as content on Canvas.
Follow this pathway to check and/or update your details, and your child’s details: myLink > Community Portal > My Details > select the appropriate tab (child or parent name).
Policies
It is also imperative that families are familiar with the School’s current policies, as new ones may be introduced and existing ones are periodically reviewed and updated. You can view our policies on myLink via the ‘School Documents’ page.
Assistance
For tips on how to navigate myLink, take a look at our instructional videos by clicking the ‘Help’ tab on the Welcome page.
If you have any issues accessing myLink or are not receiving our email notifications, please contact our IT Helpdesk via helpdesk@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au or 8334 2227.
Out of the Blue Arts Journal – Call for Entries
Out of the Blue is our annual Arts Journal that celebrates the best of artistic endeavours at St Peter’s Girls’ School. We are looking for new entries for this year’s journal. They can take almost any art form such as photographs, art, poetry, cakes, song lyrics and tapestry. If you can think of others, please chat with Ms Burton-Howard.
We can take photos of people playing their instrument, as well as performing dance or drama. We can also attach a QR code to link to a performance video/recording. Any film that we include needs to be owned by the person submitting it, and it must include royalty-free music. It is also important that our Arts Journal reflects our whole community; therefore, we are interested in poetry written in its original language along with a translation.
We accept entries from ELC to Old Scholars and staff. The closing date for entries is Friday 20 August (Week 5, Term 3). Successful artists will be notified, and a celebration with awards will be held in Term 4. Our journal was a huge success last year, featuring more than 150 submissions and selling over 125 copies. We look forward to receiving more submissions this year. All entries need to have your name and year level written clearly, and the work must be original. Entries can be placed in the Out of the Blue boxes in classrooms or in the Library.
We are also looking for new committee members from the student body in Years 9 – 11. If you are interested, please email Ms Burton-Howard.
Jessica Zhang and the Out of the Blue Arts Journal Committee
Kathmandu Offer for School Camps
From Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 August, Kathmandu’s Rundle Mall and Rundle Street stores will offer exclusive discounts for St Peter’s Girls’ students and staff. This brochure must be displayed at the store for you to take advantage of the offer.
Parents and Year Level Representatives Meeting and Community Group Meetings
All community group meetings are on hold and will be rescheduled once the current COVID situation becomes clearer.
Melissa Westgate
Foundation Manager
Laptop Bags Available at School Shop
Laptop bags are now available at the School Shop. They offer two zipped compartments: one for your laptop and the second for other belongings. They also feature top handles plus an adjustable and removable shoulder strap. Students are welcome to purchase a laptop bag for $29 each.
School Shop
Entertainment Membership
To support Saints Girls and purchase your Entertainment Membership, click here.
Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.entertainment.com.au for more information.
Absences from School
If your child 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.
It is absolutely imperative to keep unwell children at home until they have recovered, even if symptoms are 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.
Commonwealth Bank School Banking
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, volunteers cannot come onto school grounds to process School Banking. As such, the program has been put on hold.
Please do not send children to school with money for School Banking until further notice. Any money sent this past Wednesday for School Banking was sent home with the children.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Road Safety Alert
The School is extremely concerned by reports of dangerous driver behaviour including speeding through the car park. All drivers must obey the 10kph speed limit.
Please also note the speed limit along Hallett Road has been reduced from 60 to 50kph.
Road safety and courtesy is everyone’s responsibility and is of the utmost importance in a school setting. We appeal to all of our families to take extra care in our car parks and on the roads for the safety of our students, parents, staff and the wider community.