Issue no. 33
Staff Dance 2020!
It’s one of the biggest highlights of the Celebration Day Assembly, and yet again, the audience was blown away by the dancing skills of our wonderful staff in their parting gift to our Class of 2020.
If you didn’t catch the show live, then you’re in luck, as we’ve compiled a short snapshot of the dance in all its glory:
From Our Director of Teaching and Learning
Continuous Reporting (Middle and Senior Schools)
A reminder that grades and feedback comments for summative tasks can be found via myLink. Clicking on the ‘Marks’ tile for each of your daughter’s listed subjects will take you to a continuous reporting page that will show grades and comments. You can select semester or full-year views. These comments and grades provide an up-to-date picture of your daughter’s progress and can be used to stimulate some discussions at home about ‘how school is going’.
Project-Based Learning (PBL)
In previous eNews updates, I have mentioned our moves towards a more ‘project-based learning’ approach in Years 7 – 10. Our Year 8s are becoming increasingly expert in this more independent and hands-on method. This semester, they have participated in a cross-curricular ‘Healthy Girls’ project (as reported briefly last week), which involved the Science, HPE and Technology faculties. The task was to raise awareness by devising a campaign about what it means to be healthy, focusing on diet, exercise and sexual health. Ideally, PBL units feature a ‘launch event’; in this case, it took the form of a talk by Old Scholar Eleni Vosnakis (Kilburn 2011), who is Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Adelaide United W-League team. On Friday of Week 1 this term, the girls ran an expo-style event for the rest of the Middle School to showcase their campaigns, which included videos, websites, infographics and recipe cards. The Year 7 and 9 students were invited to walk through and interact with each of the groups, asking questions so the Year 8s could share their knowledge and advice. The Year 7 and 9 students were also asked to provide some ‘peer-assessment’ feedback. The Year 8 students spoke very positively about the use of PBL and increased engagement levels. Certainly, the expo was a colourful and lively way of presenting the students’ work.
In a similar vein, the Arts subjects have adopted a ‘project-style’ approach in Year 8 this year, which will culminate in student-devised multimedia performances in Week 6. Having observed a class in action last week, I can vouch for the enthusiasm, responsibility and creativity the students demonstrate when the PBL approach is used. I am sure that the final performances will be suitably impressive showcases.
Exams
Year 12 final exams started this week and continue for the next two weeks. The students have coped brilliantly with the year’s disruptions and uncertainties, and I’m sure that their ‘can-do’ attitude and resilience will see them triumph in these final exams.
Last year in eNews, we published some last minute exam tips and I thought it was worth sharing them again:
• Students should plan to get to their exams early; this minimises the risk of rushing and accounts for any unforeseen delays or last minute crises.
• The brain needs some time to wake up in the morning, so having a shower and some breakfast is a good routine for students on exam mornings.
• Before the exam, it is a good idea for the students to do a final check of the exam format – time, sections, whether there is a choice of questions etc. This can be done at the start of the exam itself but there shouldn’t be any shocks or confusion at this point; the students should already be fully aware of what they are required to do.
• Students should double-check that they have all of the equipment that they need for the day, especially one-off things like their Mathematics notes.
• Getting a good night’s sleep before an exam is critical, so a normal bedtime is better than late-night cramming.
• Some nervousness before an exam is normal and there is evidence that a ‘healthy’ amount of nerves and the adrenalin produced by them can help the brain cope with the effort required in exams. Too much anxiety is counter-productive and can be managed by taking some deep breaths and by ‘training the brain’ to use some perspective and to focus on more positive thoughts.
• Students need to keep hydrated in exams so check that your daughter has a full water bottle and remembers to drink from it!
• It is common at the start of an exam for students to feel as though they have forgotten everything. This is not the case! If they have revised effectively, it will all come back to them during the exam. Remind them of this.
• Students often feel that they need to race straight into answering questions in their exams. Instead, they should take a few deep breaths, try to relax, read through the instructions and questions carefully, and then start in a more calm, controlled and strategic manner.
• Checking through answers at the end of an exam is time well spent, and evidence suggests that it can make a significant difference to the overall score/grade.
• Your daughter is likely to get at least a bit stressed at some point during her exams. Don’t rise to the bait when limits are pushed – untidy bedrooms and other issues can be revisited when the exams are over.
• If you know of any strategies that help your daughters to stay calm, then remind them before their exams. Tell them often that you love them, and wish them luck!
Nigel Scoggins
Director of Teaching and Learning
Noteworthy Honour for Our Director of Music
Each year, the Association of Heads of Music in Non-Government Schools (AHOMINGS) nominates dedicated and passionate music teachers for the award of ‘Long service and Noteworthy Service’ to the profession. This year, I have been lucky enough to receive this award.
2020 marks my 19th year of teaching in non-government schools throughout Adelaide. It is wonderful to be recognised by my peers and receive this award for the hard work and many hours of dedicated teaching and performing I have put in to ensure my students get the best music education and support I can give them.
In particular, this award recognises the extra associations and activities I have been involved in throughout my career including supporting American arrangers and teachers Kirby Shaw and Steve Zegree to run workshops and concerts in Adelaide, being on the advisory board of the AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board in Adelaide), current President of AHOMINGS and a Sergeant in the Australian Army Band Adelaide.
It is such an honour to be able to pass on my love for music to generations of young people though my role as a music teacher, and it is so rewarding to see my students grow in confidence and passion for music through the opportunities and teaching that I can offer.
Sally Rounsevell
Director of Music
Congratulations to Sally on this special achievement and thank you to all of our talented Music staff for the amazing opportunities you provide our students.
Here’s a look back at some of Sally and the team’s highlights in recent years:
Cycling Champs Lap it Up
For the first time, Saints Girls had three students enter the School Sport SA Cycling Championships, with Daisy Braithwaite 3rd, Alice Braithwaite 4th (both Year 8) and Carys Kinsella-White (Year 7) finishing in 5th place to earn our School the B Grade champions trophy.
Each rider competed in a Time Trial over 5km, a Points Race where riders accrue points on places every two laps over a 15 minute period, and then finally, a Criterium which is a strategic race of 15 minutes and the two laps with strategic attacks taking place to try to create a break or tire your fellow riders.
Thanks to the parents for providing supervision and allowing the girls to contest the event.
Daisy Braithwaite
Year 8 student
Pictured L to R are Alice Braithwaite, Carys Kinsella-White and Daisy Braithwaite
Farm Adventures on Year 2 Camp
The air was filled with excitement last Thursday as the Year 2 girls headed to Narnu Farm for their first camp!
After a terrific play at Strathalbyn for Recess, we arrived at Narnu Farm ready for a truck-load of fun. In the afternoon, everyone went horse riding…even the teachers! We enjoyed Wilderness Survival and built our own shelters. Elsie the vintage truck was a highlight as the girls explored the paddocks and fed the horses. Before dinner, we got to hold baby chicks and feed the farm animals, including the new baby calf! After dinner, Animals Anonymous visited and we met an 80 day old baby bettong and a clever little sugar-glider! Friday morning started very peacefully with quiet reading before breakfast and then we learnt how to hand-plough and churn butter.
This camp provided authentic experiences within our ‘Where we are in place and time’ unit of inquiry about what farming was like in the past and how technology has helped to change daily life. Most importantly, it is a wonderful opportunity for our girls to develop their independence in a safe environment, while encouraging greater connections with their peers and with our inquiry learning.
Kathryn Clark and Bec Greenhalgh
Year 2 Teachers
Profound Poet’s Prizewinning Presentation
Last Thursday, I attended the SAFTA and Alliance Française Poetry Presentation night held at the Burnside Community Centre.
I received a certificate and prize for coming 2nd in the State for my category (Year 6/7). I learnt the poem off by heart in one night when my brother was on camp. I practised it a lot and managed to annoy my sister with it!
Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience.
Bettina Dal Cin
Year 6 student
Whale of a Time on Year 3 Camp
What an adventure!
Last week, the Year 3 girls went on camp to Adare in Victor Harbor where they competed in tribal challenges, learnt about native wildlife and hit holes-in-one. The first day was filled with exploring playgrounds, learning about whale species and identifying them in the water, competing in beach challenges and enjoying a marvellous movie night.
We woke early the next morning to start our tribal challenges where each House worked together to try to win the ultimate prize – chocolate sprinkle cupcakes! Congratulations to Kennion – The Blue Whales on their 2020 victory. We then went for a walk around Granite Island and made connections with our history unit, exploring the significance of Encounter Bay in Australia’s history. The evening kicked off the inaugural Glow Golf Tournament with holes-in-one scored around the course and glow stick jewellery the fashion choice for the night.
Before heading home, we visited the Urimbirra Wildlife Park where we patted koalas and fed lots of hungry kangaroos and wallabies. It was a terrific camp and all the girls had a blast!
Lizzy Mitchell and Mark Routley
Year 3 Teachers
Toys from the Past Delight Girls of the Present
Learning through play allows students to explore, discover and pose theories about the world around them. The Year 2 in-house activity run by the Australian Museum of Childhood with Alan Griffiths was an amazing opportunity for the girls to investigate the way toys from the past move.
They considered the materials that were used and compared these to the toys they play with today. They were amazed that toys could move in so many interesting ways without batteries!
This incursion is the provocation to our ‘Push and Pull’ Science unit as we begin to understand forces as part of our central idea that ‘Learning about the past helps us understand the present and imagine the future.’
Kathryn Clark and Bec Greenhalgh
Year 2 Teachers
Sports News
AUSSIE RULES
Year 5/6 White – Saints 52 defeated Walford 48
Despite missing some players, the team had a great second performance and is constantly improving. There was some great leadership shown by Emily Bates and Lucy Tulloch which helped lift the girls. Goals: Grace Marsh-Smith (3); Izzy Tucker (2); Emily Bates (1). – Milli Gentle (Coach)
BASKETBALL
Open – Saints 19 defeated by Seymour 33
The girls played a great match but couldn’t keep up with the Seymour transition offence. We managed to get back in the game in the second half with some great scores by Millie Wilkin, Paris Robinson and Chi Chi Zhao. Thanks for an enjoyable season girls and a massive thank you to our Year 12s Millie, Paris and Emma Matheson for their commitment, encouragement and enthusiasm all year! – Sarah Turnbull (Coach)
Middle A – Saints 25 defeated by Westminster 42
Middle B – Saints 11 defeated by Westminster 22
SOFTBALL
Middle – Saints 12 defeated by Seymour 19
The girls took on Seymour playing an amazing game, however, could not come away with a win. Grace Ran and Nellie Ion both played great games in the field and had two terrific catches. Daniela Vari also had another top batting game. Impressively, each girl was able to have a good hit throughout; a massive improvement from the last match! – Kellie Bested (Softball Captain)
Year 3/4 Teeball – Saints (no game due to Year 4 camp)
TENNIS
The Open teams both had comfortable wins over Westminster with 5 sets to 1. Unfortunately, Sienna Glazbrook and Charlotte Staples were out for this round, however, Ella Dnistriansky stepped up from the Open Bs and helped Tahlia Cahill out with playing doubles. Ella had a fantastic game and worked extremely well with Tahlia, managing to take out the set. Britney Korir and I had a comfortable win in our doubles. Tahlia, Britney and I all played well and managed to win our singles, ensuring victory. In the Bs, Grace Beaumont again adjusted to joining the Open level, and Bridgette Leach was also outstanding filling in this round. It was a successful afternoon with lots of great tennis being played. – Ruby Deakin (2021 Captain)
Premier League – Saints 5-30 defeated Westminster 1-14
Singles: Tahlia Cahill 6-3, Ruby Deakin 6-0, Britney Korir 6-1
Premier Reserves – Saints 5-33 defeated Westminster 1-13
Singles: Ella Dnistriansky 6-2, Imogen Nienaber 3-6, Grace Beaumont 6-0, Bridgette Leach 6-1
Division 1 Blue – Saints 3-30 defeated Immanuel 3-24
Singles: Georgia Mallick 2-6, Ariel Spartalis 5-6, Eva Young 5-6, Adele Eaton 6-3
Division 1 White – Saints 4-27 defeated Wilderness 2-27
Singles: Soph Ryan 6-4, Bridgette Leach 6-2, Malaika McLeod 6-5, Astrid Teague 0-6
Division 2 – Saints 4-31 defeated Immanuel 2-21
Singles: Ayanna Roy 6-1, Sapphire Moser 6-2, Sophie Abbott 6-4, Zihan Huang 2-6
Division 3 Blue – Saints 3-20 defeated by Immanuel 3-26
Singles: Chloe Richardson 0-6, Alison Francis 6-2, Olivia Reynolds 0-6, Shirley Liu 6-4
Division 3 White – Saints 5-33 defeated Immanuel 1-18
Singles: Gloria Zou 6-3, Elodie de Wit 6-2, Tara Nedumaran 6-0, Lydia Tolley 3-6
Division 4 – Saints 2-16 defeated by Immanuel 3-16
Singles: Nathara Perera 2-4, Amy Hu 4-0, Kaylah Park 4-0, Claudia Henschke (no opponent)
Junior Division 1 – Saints 3-23 defeated Seymour 3-18
Singles: Sophie Blight 1-4, Emily Bates 4-1, Charlotte Thorpe 3-4, Mia Bennett 3-4
Junior Division 2 – Saints 2-13 defeated by St Ignatius 4-17
Singles: Sophie Wiggins 4-0, Stella Fuidge 0-4, Scarlett Parker 0-4, Chelsea Francis 4-1
Junior Division 3 – Saints 2-9 defeated by Pembroke White 2-10
TOUCH FOOTBALL
Open A – Saints 2 defeated by Pembroke 3
The Open A girls played a strong game against Pembroke. In the first half, Ruby Richards was able to score a great first try, putting the girls in a good mindset. Our line defence was outstanding where the girls were able to stop many tries. Wraps and scoops learnt at training were put into play, resulting in another fantastic try by Madison Liddy. Although Pembroke was up, the girls stayed enthusiastic and determined throughout the match to keep the score close. – Holly Cardone (2021 Captain)
Open B – Saints 0 defeated by St Ignatius 5
The girls played a great yet challenging game against St Ignatius’ A grade. It was our first match playing all together as a team, yet we communicated well and worked together throughout the entire game. Even with our tough competition, we all stayed positive, helping each other out and putting in some strategies from trainings. Led by Isobel Yelland and Annie Warrick, our attack was strong going down the field; however, we did struggle to set up defensively on the line and that is how St Ignatius scored. This has given us something to work on during trainings leading up to our next game. Great effort girls. – Phoebe Black
Open C – Saints 3 defeated by Pembroke 4
A young Open C team played Pembroke, a team mainly made up of Year 10s and 11s. The girls played a much better defensive game using more shooters to prevent the attack from scoring. Mathilda Thomas scored an early try, boosting the confidence of the team, and scored another try later on. Poppy Oswald worked hard on the far wing, stopping the attacking team from breaking through the wing. She went on to score an exciting final try to close the margin, however, time ran out before we could equalise. This was a vast improvement from our last game. – Kate Hunt
Middle A – Saints had a bye
Middle B – Saints 5 defeated by Wilderness 6
The girls played very well. The defence struggled at the beginning but slowly improved, and by half-time, we were only behind by 1, the score being 2-3. Our attack was quite strong but we missed a few chances to score. Amelia Lucas and Carys Kinsella-White both scored 1 try each, Charlotte McAuliffe did an amazing job and scored 3. Amy Dillon kept strong defence against the opposition and the middle players did a good job on rucking the ball forwards. We could work on our defence a bit more as a couple times we had large gaps which they used to their advantage. – Naomi Singh
Middle C – Saints 2 defeated by Mercedes 9
The team played a challenging game. Although we did not win, we improved at moving the ball up the field and getting it towards the try line with faster ball movement from roll balls. Next time, we can try to use better strategies with our passing, and we can be louder with calling our teammates’ names. Try scorers were Sophia Langley and Annabel Ryan. – Sophia Langley
VOLLEYBALL
Open – Saints 3 defeated Wilderness 0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-18)
We started the morning with a slow warm-up, meaning we began the match with little energy, resulting in small errors which led Wilderness to win some easy points. During trainings, we have been working on hitting more through the middle. This was evident in the match as we were taking more opportunities in the middle with stronger skills and more confidence. Special mention to Toni Christiansen and Anna White whose serving gained us enough points to get ahead of Wilderness so they weren’t able to catch up. We were missing Clair Kao, who has some amazing serves which would’ve given us more opportunities to take a better lead. Although we could’ve pushed harder throughout the match to eliminate the errors, it was clear that our team had a stronger skillset and a better understanding of the game. We finished with a comfortable 3 set to 0 win, but we need to start future matches with more energy and want to fight as we are up against two very technically strong teams. Keep up the great work! – Georgina Keough (Captain)
Open B – Saints 2 defeated Wilderness 1 (25-20, 25-20, 22-25)
We welcomed Eliza Monaghan to her first game in Open Bs and she slotted in nicely. Rotating all players on in the first set to make sure everyone is awake and moving and ready to go, we changed into our back court setting system in the second set, which we won. While working through and tweaking different rotations in the third set, we came close to a 3-0 win, but were very happy with a 2-1 win in the end. Joss Forster and Sivanthi Sivasuthan served strongly and Sophie Norman kept everyone motivated and enthusiastic. A fantastic team effort with all playing well! – Alistair Keough (Coach)
Open C – Saints 1 defeated by Wilderness 2 (23-25, 25-14, 7-15)
Middle A – Saints 2 defeated Wilderness 1 (25-18, 22-25, 15-7)
The girls recorded their first win of the term in a competitive game. They started a little unsure, losing the first few points, but then grew stronger to win the set. In the second, communication between players faltered and this resulted in dropping points, but they turned this around in the third set, taking the first 5 points to set up the final score. – Milli Gentle (Coach)
Middle B – Saints 1 defeated by Wilderness 2
After some confusion and lack of numbers, Saints faced most of the Wilderness A team and played amazingly well in the first set. Unfortunately, Wilderness improved and our girls felt the pressure which affected their positive play and communication in calling for shots. Overall, it was a good game playing a stronger opponent and with no subs. – Milli Gentle (Coach)
Middle C – Saints 2 defeated Wilderness 1 (20-25, 25-18, 25-20)
A great come-from-behind win for the team showing lots of energy and loud voice when attacking the ball. All girls showed improvement from Week 1 and a willingness to make an effort to get to balls. Players demonstrated persistence to work hard which paid off in closing out the final set. – Katie Dancer (Coach)
Middle D – Saints 0 defeated by Concordia 3 (10-25, 13-25, 17-25)
The girls again improved consistently throughout the game as they gained confidence, and did a great job at serving and working together as a team. – Ava Loechel (Coach)
Year 6 Blue – Saints 0 defeated by Seymour Blue 0-3 (15-25, 18-25, 9-15)
With this being the first volleyball game for some, the girls played incredibly well. They were excited to start the game and focused on the warm-up. Charlize Cameron-Chilver and Bettina Dal Cin served some amazing balls, winning us many points throughout. Millie McDonald, who has previously played in a club volleyball team, was incredibly helpful on court, assisting the other players if they needed help. Eala Arthur-Slattery did some great work at the net, setting balls back over if they came to her. This was Sienna Dellapace’s first volleyball game, however, her understanding of volleyball developed quickly during the match. Although it didn’t result in a win for Saints, it was a high-energy game and the girls listened intently to feedback and then put it into play. Great work girls! – Georgina Keough (Student Coach)
Year 6 White – Saints 1 defeated by Seymour Green 2
The girls played very well in a super close game. Seymour started very strongly with a large lead in the first set, while the girls began to get into their groove at the end of the set. In the next, Seymour started to drop off which the Saints Girls took advantage of. With strong serving and great rallying, the girls managed to claim the second, making it 1-all. Unfortunately, Seymour brought back their intensity and were able to take the third, despite tremendous effort from our girls. Overall, it was a really great start to the season and all the girls played extremely well. – Ruby Deakin (Student Coach)
Year 5 Black – Saints 2 drew with Wilderness 2
Excellent performance for the team’s first volleyball game of the season! Even though we drew, we started off with a win in the first set. Izzy Huf, Imogen Pearce and Grace Marsh-Smith served really well and cheered on the team. The girls communicated and played together as team well, especially for their first game. All players had a positive attitude and were so eager to win. Next game, girls can improve on digging, setting and serving, and hopefully we will get a win! – Sivanthi Sivasuthan (Student Coach)
Year 5 Silver – Saints 0 defeated by Wilderness 2
All the girls played really well, but unfortunately, Saints lost. Despite this, the girls should be more than proud of how they performed. Each and every one of them takes on board the feedback I provide. The game play on court demonstrates their enthusiasm and strong communication. Nishka Soodan served really well with consistency which was great to see. Ella Pearce made good sets to other team members which set up some spike opportunities. Iris Ran, Emily Shi, Zalia Valmorbida and Amy Wang had really solid digs and passes both over the net as well as to other players on the team. All the girls worked really well together and cheered each other on which brought a strong sense of teamwork and encouragement. Some improvements to work on are serving and trying to get 3 hits which will help the girls set up for some good hitting opportunities. At training, we will work on the improvements needed and build a team where all players are passionate about volleyball and come to each game ready to have fun and win. – Toni Christiansen (Student Coach)
WATER POLO
Open A – Saints 26 defeated Wilderness 1
What a sensational game! The girls dominated in both attack and defence even when the mercy rule was played and Wilderness had two more players in the pool! It was awesome to see everyone scoring at least 2 goals, with Lara Wakeham and Emily Baldwinson scoring 6 each! A special shout-out to Poppie Goldsmith for shooting a wicked backhand in the fourth quarter. An excellent team effort girls! – Saskia Jonats (2021 Captain)
Open B – Saints 6 defeated St Ignatius 5
Saints played a very tough game with a lead of only 1 goal at the end of each quarter. The girls had a very solid defence and demonstrated excellent perseverance. With some strong and accurate shots, goal scorers were Lady Murphy (3), Willow Stewart-Rattray (2) and Emily Whittaker (1). Best players were Lady for leading the team with her experience, and Isabelle Tran for her strong swimming and fight for the ball. Awesome game girls, great job! – Saskia Jonats (2021 Captain)
Open C – Saints 12 defeated Walford 4
The girls continued their dominance this season with a convincing win over Walford. They played with aggression in both attack and defence, producing countless steals and counter-attacks. Special mention to Alice Braithwaite for her strong swimming and being the leading scorer with 5 goals! Also, to Willow Stewart-Rattray for showing commendable technique and reflexes in goals. It was great to see the girls improving on their communication in the pool and their ability to work closer as a team. Awesome game girls! – Saskia Jonats (2021 Captain)
Year 7/8A – Saints 7 defeated Loreto 1
The girls played a great match to start the term, working well together as a team. Best players were Sophie Ricciuto and Mathilda Thomas. Sophie’s ability to drive for the ball into clear space was effective in moving the ball down the pool quickly. Mathilda showed versatility by playing a strong game in attack and also falling back into defence where she blocked many opposition shots at goals. Good job girls! – Nikki Miller (Coach)
Year 7/8B – Saints 1 defeated by Pembroke A 17
This was the first match of the term, and for some girls, it was their first-ever game of water polo. Despite the scoreline, the girls played the whole game with a positive attitude and were able to develop a sense of how a water polo game works. I look forward to seeing the girls’ improvement in future games as they gain confidence and a greater understanding of match play! – Nikki Miller (Coach)