Issue no. 21
From Our Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School
All that we do here at St Peter’s Girls is underpinned by our three values of courage, creativity and compassion. The #EMPOWHER wellbeing program is no different, as we strive to provide opportunities for our students to be courageous, creative and compassionate.
Students in Years 11 and 12 this week turned their attention to the year ahead, acknowledging that workloads will increase as they progress through their final years of schooling. They were challenged to be courageous by identifying when times may become harder or what in their schedule is no longer realistic. Students considered what is the best use of their time and in some cases were supported to have tough conversations to reduce demands on their time from pre-existing work, social or co-curricular demands. They were encouraged to face challenges with confidence, strength and self-belief.
While the senior students looked into study loads and time management, students in Year 10 have begun their investigation into their respective House Charities and the importance of service learning. A clear example of compassion continuing to be strengthened within our School. The excitement amongst the groups as they brainstormed different and new ways to not only raise funds for their charity but also awareness in the community was amazing to be a part of. As the girls deepened their understanding of the world we live in and the struggles some in our community face, their sense of compassion, respect and drive to help was evident.
Finally, we saw creativity throughout the 2024 Prefect Initiative Launch. The girls led the assembly with confidence, fun and purpose. As leaders in our school, they are visible role models for students of all ages. They have commenced 2024 encouraging our community to continue supporting each other and to get involved. I have no doubt that they have many more fun, creative and exciting plans for our School this year.
These three small examples of our School values in action are merely a snapshot of what has been happening already this year. Every day we see students and staff across all areas of our School displaying courage, creativity and compassion making our Saints community a wonderful place to be.
Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School
Important Dates
Year 11 and 12 Formal: Saturday 17 February
Swimming Carnival Year 4 – 12: Friday 23 February
ELC Twilight Family Picnic: Friday 23 February
Parent Information Evening Year 10 and 11: Wednesday 28 February
International Women’s Day: Friday 8 March
Public Holiday: Monday 11 March
Head of the River: Saturday 16 March
Choral Night: Thursday 21 March
ELC Coffee Van: Thursday 28 March
Good Friday: Friday 29 March
Easter Monday: Monday 1 April
Last day of Term: Friday 12 April
IB Merit Winners Shine at Adelaide Town Hall
Last week the 2023 IB Diploma Merit winners from Adelaide Schools were celebrated at a ceremony at Town Hall.
Acknowledging excellence in one or more subjects, including overall distinction scores, Saints Girls’ were presented their Merit certificates by Her Excellency, the Honourable Frances Adamson AC. We are very proud of their achievements and excited for their coming year as the girls begin their tertiary study journey.
Photo (left to right): Ms Kate Fryer, Eleanor Humphrey, Madison Liddy, Ms Cherylyn Skewes, Genevieve Leong, Isabelle Tran, Jasreet Mavi, Ms Carolyn Farr
Outstanding Results for Stage 2 Musicians
A huge shout out to our Year 12 Music Class of 2023 as 100% of these students achieved within the A Band!
Last year, 14 of our students undertook SACE Stage 2 Music across four different Music subjects including Music Studies, Music Explorations, Solo Performance and Ensemble Performance. Of these, 12 were awarded an A+, two A’s, and two students receiving Merits. What a truly outstanding achievement!
Each of these Music subjects require advanced levels of music literacy including highly rigorous analytical and theoretical study, as well as the ability to synthesize knowledge through creative projects such as music arrangements, composition and use of music technology.
We congratulate the Music class of 2023 on their commitment, drive and passion for their craft, culminating in these magnificent results.
Year 9s Water Adventure at Aquatics Camp
Last week, the Year 9 cohort headed off to Murraylands Aquatic Centre at Murray Bridge for a two-day water adventure. On arrival everyone realised what a beautiful setting it was, with perfect weather for an amazing couple of days of aquatics challenges. Over the course of the two days, there were six different activities that took place. These activities included sailing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, boat handling, water skiing, and knee boarding.
Overall, camp was enjoyable, and we had a lot of fun. My favourite activity was knee boarding. The instructors were very helpful, especially when it came to facing our fears. This camp was a great experience. I was able to bond with my friends, home group and I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in Aquatics Camp.
Sanvi
9KBU
Camp was fun and I enjoyed getting involved in different activities that I hadn’t tried before. I loved getting to have some time away from school with my friends and being able to get into the water so much. It was really great weather as it wasn’t too hot, or too cold and there was a slight wind for sailing which was nice. My favourite activity was knee boarding, we were pulled along behind a boat, while getting water splashed in our faces the whole time.
Annabelle B
9SAKN
As a new student at St Peter’s Girls, I had a wonderful experience at the Year 9 Aquatic Camp. There was a variety of activities to enjoy and try out. The teachers and staff were very welcoming and kind, ensuring a good time at camp. I was able to try many new things such as kneeboarding and water skiing (my personal favourite) while bonding with many of the attending students. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to experience such a great camp.
Melek
9SAKN
During the aquatics camp the weather was sunny and there were no clouds in sight. All the year 9’s participated in water-based activities such as water skiing, kayaking, kneeboarding, and sailing. While many students were apprehensive about the camp, they tried new things and pushed themselves out of their comfort zones. Kneeboarding was a popular activity as it was fun and was a good challenge. The food supplied by the camp chef was delicious and the Thursday night dinner was a definite highlight. In the evenings we played games, talked, and took photos. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed aquatics camp and came back home with memories we will never forget.
Jasmin Cetinkol
9SAKN
Year 10s Reflect on Music Camp
Our 12th Music camp was another highly successful experience enjoyed by our top choir, string and band musicians. For the first time we stayed at Woodhouse Activity Centre in Piccadilly. We are so lucky to be awarded this time by the School to focus on our music making, preparing us for the year and all the exciting music and School events that our music ensembles play at and support.
I really enjoyed getting to know the people in the concert band better and connecting with girls in other year levels. It was fun to get to know the other flutes during sectionals. I feel so much more confident playing in ensembles, we have all improved significantly, the quality of the music we created is a higher level.
The picturesque surroundings of Woodhouse were so beautiful, it was a great setting to be creative and work hard, despite the very hot weather. It was really enjoyable to create special bonds and connect with students of other year levels.
We focused on sight reading and improvisation and there was a supportive environment from the mentors and students. We had some wonderful special guests this year including pianist and vocalist Ciara Ferguson and strings specialist Julian Ferrareto. It was interesting to get a taste of what the life of a professional musician is like.
Camp is always a really enjoyable experience. The balance between working hard in rehearsals, playing great music and having time out to get to know girls in our year level as well as younger and older girls is such a highlight.
On behalf of all the music girls, we are sincerely grateful for all the opportunities and experiences that we were provided by our supportive, dedicated and hardworking music staff and mentors.
Year 10 Music Students
Lunar New Year Celebrations
On Friday 9 February, the international community at St Peter’s Girls held a dumpling lunch to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Students from all different year levels were invited to feast on the delicious dumplings, whilst solving various riddles in both Mandarin and English as a Lunar New Year tradition.
Lunar New Year is a traditional East Asian holiday that celebrates the beginning of the year. It signifies welcoming new beginnings and leaving behind the bad and the old, a time to reflect on the past and move on to the future. Many people celebrate the Lunar New Year with fireworks, lion dances, red clothing and gifting red pocket envelopes for good luck. This year is the year of the Dragon, which symbolises power, nobility, honour and success. In Chinese culture, the Dragon is recognised as an extraordinary creature, unmatched in talent and excellence. Hopefully we can take many of these attributes into the new year by pushing ourselves to be our best, whether it be in academics, sport, or even just in everyday life.
Happy Lunar New Year!
Alysa Trinh
International Student Prefect
ELC – News from Learning Community 2
A New Environment Can Inspire Curiosities
It has been so wonderful welcoming everyone back to the ELC over the past few weeks. Observing how children have adapted to change so effortlessly whilst maintaining enthusiasm towards their learning has been inspiring. This term, we are excited to use the building site and the changing environment around us as a provocation in our IB Unit of Inquiry. We acknowledge it may be a huge adjustment for our older children in Pathway Hallett and Pathway Ferguson temporarily using learning spaces such as the atelier and the mid-year reception room. What the teaching team has decided to do however, is turn this unique experience into a learning opportunity. Because of this, our central idea for this term’s unit of inquiry is ‘A new environment can inspire curiosities.’ The children have already begun participating in a range of learning opportunities such as:
- Mathematical sequencing provocations
- Drawing designs of their future learning space
- Making mathematical predictions
- Learning about mapping and architectural designs
- Recording daily observations of building progress
- Using literacy to convey a sense of belonging by making room signs
We are eager to continue using our environment as a source of inspiration to further develop our curiosity and noticing skills. We look forward to sharing what this learning looks like on the MyLink parent app.
A Blooming Valentine’s Day at Saints
Valentine’s Day blossomed into a vibrant celebration of science and love! Our Scientist in Residence program, always keen to merge learning with fun, introduced our Junior School students to the wonders of plant biology during the Monday lunchtime session. It was a day of discovery, as our budding scientists explored how plants drink water using a method that was as eye-catching as it was educational. Each girl selected a white Carnation and submerged its stem in water tinted with food colouring. The girls also heard about a hypothesis and brainstormed what might happen next.
These colourful creations weren’t just for the girls to admire; they became heartfelt gifts. Students proudly presented their STEM-crafted blooms to special loved ones and staff across the School, spreading joy and a touch of scientific magic. The excitement was infectious. Plus, with a scan of the QR code attached to each flower’s label, recipients were able to see the girls’ journey through the experiment. It perfectly blended fun and science, encapsulating the spirit of innovation we cherish here at Saints Girls.
Lene Van Schalkwyk
Scientist in Residence
Melissa O’Loughlin
STEM Innovation Leader
Churros Day! Celebrating Spanish Culture at Recess
On Thursday 15 February, Year 11 and 12 Spanish Ab Initio students gathered to celebrate a delicious tradition. Organised by Señor Giner, students shared churros with chocolate.
For those unfamiliar, churros are deep-fried dough pastries, typically dusted with sugar (and sometimes cinnamon) and served with a side of rich, warm chocolate dipping sauce. Originating from Spain, they have become a staple treat in Spanish-speaking countries around the world, and our Spanish students had the opportunity to indulge in this delightful delicacy.
As part of their language studies, students not only learn to communicate in Spanish but also explore the diverse traditions and customs of Spanish-speaking countries, and what better way to experience culture than through its cuisine? Through experiences like these, we broaden our horizons, gain appreciation for diverse traditions, and foster connections that transcend language barriers.
Joaquín Giner
Spanish Teacher
Year 6 Student Leadership Service
Dear Year 6 Families,
The Head of Junior School, Ms Marika Taylor, warmly invites two guests per family to attend the Year 6 Student Leaders’ Badge Presentation and Leadership Service.
Tuesday 20 February, 12.15pm in the Chapel at St Peter’s Girls’ School
Following the service, Year 6 students and their guests are welcome to enjoy a light lunch on Chiverton Lawns.
Please click here to book.
Swimming Carnival 2024
On Friday 23 February (Week 4), St Peter’s Girls’ School will be holding the annual Swimming Carnival for Years 4 to 12 at the Adelaide Aquatic Centre, North Adelaide. Students are expected to be at the Aquatic Centre no later than 8.30am, with the Carnival concluding by approximately 3.30pm. Parents and friends are welcome to attend to support the girls.
Students who regularly travel to and from school by the School bus will automatically be taken to the Adelaide Aquatic Centre in the morning and will be dropped home in the afternoon on their usual School bus.
To assist other families, we are offering a special bus service to transport students from school to the Aquatic Centre and back. Buses will depart school at 7.45am and return by approximately 4.15pm. To register your daughter’s place on this bus service, please visit TryBooking before 9am, Monday 19 February.
All other students will need to be dropped off at the Aquatic Centre in the morning and picked up from there in the afternoon.
The Carnival is to be treated like a normal school day; therefore, attendance is compulsory for the whole day. We encourage the girls to compete in a number of events, with their preferences being discussed in PE lessons and House meetings.
To view the program of events – click here.
Just In time for Swimming Carnival!
St Peters Girls hooded towels now available at The School Shop. One size fits all, $35.
House Merchandise
Students have the opportunity to purchase House merchandise for Swimming Carnival. Orders must be received by 5pm Tuesday 20 February via TryBooking.
Items will be delivered to Junior School classrooms, older students will be asked to collect their order from Front Office on Thursday 22 February so they can bring them to Swimming Carnival on Friday.
Items available for purchase: House Bundle (hat, water bottle, 2 tattoos and wristband) – $26
All proceeds support the School via the Friends of Sport. Thank you for your support.
Click here to view and purchase the House merchandise.
Friends of Sport
Generations Breakfast and Photo
We would like to invite our Old Scholar mothers and grandmothers, along with their children to participate in our Generations Breakfast and 130 Photograph event.
To acknowledge the Old Scholars’ connection and highlight the importance of generations in the School’s rich history, we will be capturing a moment in time with a group photograph of our current students with their Old Scholar mothers and/or grandmothers.
Please join us for breakfast on Chiverton Lawns, Thursday 7 March at 8am prior to the photograph with your child.
Our guest speaker Fiona Dorman (nee Khor, Patteson 1996), President of the National Council of Women SA, will also join us as we celebrate International Women’s Day.
*Attending students will commence the School Day in Lesson 2.
Please RSVP here by Friday 1 March 2024
ELC Twilight Family Picnic
ELC families are invited to our ELC Twilight Family Picnic on Friday 23 February from 5pm to 7pm on Chiverton Lawns.
Families are encouraged to bring a picnic basket and rug for this family-friendly event. A sausage sizzle will be available on the night with pre-order required. Bookings for the sausage sizzle can be made via Trybooking. Please book by Monday 19 February, 5pm as there is a limited sausage sizzle. Please also note this is a cashless event.
We ask that families bring their own drinks, and that no glassware is used on the lawns as safety is one of our highest priorities.
The Twilight Family Picnic is an ELC community event and a wonderful opportunity to meet other families. We look forward to gathering as a community and spending this special time together.
Junior School Parents – THRASS Information Evening
In the Junior School, the Linguistic Inquiry approach to the teaching and learning of spelling and vocabulary includes integrating the skills and tools of THRASS (Teaching Handwriting, Reading and Spelling Skills).
Junior School parents are invited to enjoy an engaging presentation about the THRASS Chart and the THRASS approach more widely during our THRASS Information Evening:
Tuesday 20 February, 6 – 7pm
Jeffreys Linn Arts Centre
If you have previously been to a THRASS Information Evening, you are very welcome to come along for a refresher. Parents of older girls may be interested to learn how a better understanding of the code of English can assist students to develop a broader range of spelling strategies as they progress through the year levels.
No registration is required. We look forward to seeing many of you there.
Helen Smith
Deputy Head of Junior School
OSA Paint and Sip Event
Please join us for our ‘Paint & Sip’ event Friday 23 February 2024.
The evening commences at 5.30pm with a two-hour painting session lead by artist Makaela Nolan. Tickets are $45 each and include wine, nibbles, all art supplies and a take-home canvas. Limited places available. Please click here to book.
We hope to see you there!
School Shop Notice
School Shop Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 8am – 4pm (closed for lunch 12 – 12.30pm)
Parents can also order items via our Online School Shop. This is now accessible via the Flexischools platform which also administers our Online Tuck Shop. To sign in or sign up to Flexischools, click here
Absences from School
If your child will be absent from school/ELC or is arriving late or leaving early, please notify the School via one of the following methods:
Text: 0428 601 957
Email: attendance@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Phone: 8334 2200
Please ensure to include your child’s name, the name of the ELC Room, Class or Home Group and the reason for the absence i.e. illness/appointment/family/sport etc
If notifying via email, feel free to ‘cc’ the teacher of the Room/Class/Home Group as well.
It would be appreciated if notification is received prior to 9am.
Sports News
Sport Results
Wednesday 7 February – Tuesday 13 February
BASKETBALL
Senior B: Saints (61) v Pulteney Senior B (13)
Senior C: cancelled
Senior D: cancelled
Middle A: Saints (39) v Wilderness Middle A (45)
Middle B: cancelled
Middle C: cancelled
Middle D Blue: cancelled
Middle D White: cancelled
CRICKET
Senior A: Saints (6/31) v Pembroke Open A (5/93)
Best Player: Elodie (2 wickets and 6*)
Superwoman: Ella took 2 wickets and gave lots of encouragement in the field. Went into bat with a great attitude despite not batting in a game before.
Senior B: Saints (6/91) v Walford Senior A (3/95)
TENNIS
Senior Open A: cancelled
Senior Division 3.3: Saints (5/5/30) v Immanuel 3.2 (2/2/23)
VOLLEYBALL
Senior A: Saints (0/27) v Concordia A1 (3/75)
Senior B: Saints (1/51) v Immanuel Open B4 (2/73)
Senior C: Saints (2) v Pembroke Senior C (1)
Senior D: Saints (0) v Pembroke Senior D (3)
Middle A: Saints (0/75) v Concordia Middle A (3/49)
Middle B: Saints (0/40) v Concordia Middle B (3/75)
Middle C Blue: Saints (3/75) v Concordia Middle C3 (0/46)
Middle C White: Saints (1/57) v Concordia Middle C6 (2/72)
Middle D Blue: Saints (1/54) v Concordia Middle C4 (2/72)
Middle D White: Saints (1/65) v Concordia Middle C5 (2/63)