Issue no. 34
From Our Head of Junior School
Our Reception to Year 3 students were blessed with sunshine and warm weather this week as they learned water awareness and safety skills and gained further confidence in the pool. These lessons have also served as preparation for the Year 2 and 3 students, who will enjoy a mini swimming carnival on Monday.
Between swimming lessons this week and next week’s ACHPER, SA (Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation, South Australia) PE Week, it is timely to reflect on the importance of physical activity and sports for young children.
It’s common knowledge that participation in physical activity is good for our physical health. However, the benefits for children involved in sports with respect to long-term social and emotional wellbeing, school performance, and the development of traits for successful adulthood should not be underestimated.
From a physical perspective, regular exercise and involvement in sports develops children’s motor skills and coordination, builds strong bones and muscles, improves cardiovascular fitness, increases flexibility and promotes healthy posture. It can also improve sleep patterns and reduce stress and anxiety, while laying strong foundations for living a healthy lifestyle in the future. Regular participation in physical activity frequently correlates with a reduction in sedentary lifestyle behaviours including, lengthy time on digital screens, and therefore reduces the corresponding detrimental health outcomes of these lifestyle patterns.
Children’s cognitive development is positively impacted through involvement in physical activities and sports, particularly as part of a group or team, with outcomes such as improved concentration, memory and problem-solving skills.
From a social and emotional perspective, through working closely with others to play a sport, children develop an understanding and appreciation of differences, the ability to listen to and act on direction, the importance of working both individually and collaboratively towards a goal, how to lead and how to follow. They have opportunities to set personal goals, develop patience, practise determination and perseverance, develop the ability to overcome setbacks, and learn how to win with humility and lose with grace. Children who regularly play sports tend to develop more healthy self-esteem and self-confidence than those who don’t.
Being physically active, particularly in a group, enables children to develop character traits they will use throughout everyday life, well into adulthood. We encourage students to be actively involved in PE and the Sports Program at our School, as well as to enjoy plenty of physical activity on weekends and during holidays, with family and friends.
There will be a variety of PE Week activities offered during lunchtimes next week, which will culminate for our younger students with the Reception to Year 3 Sports Morning on Friday. We look forward to a physically active week.
Suzanne Haddy
Head of Junior School
Remembrance Day at St Peter’s Girls
Students and staff gathered outside the Arts Centre this afternoon for a moving service to mark Remembrance Day.
Prayer, poetry and music were shared before wreath laying, the Ode of Remembrance and the Last Post, leading into a minute’s silence.
The School service is always a touching tradition to reflect upon the sacrifices so many have made.
Lest we forget.
The Joy of Storytelling in Our ELC
Our Early Learners’ Centre is abuzz with the joy of storytelling. It is the earliest form of literacy for our youngest students, preparing the foundations for future reading and writing skills and other vital learning.
Through storytelling, children create a sense of wonder as they use their imagination. They are developing their listening and communication skills, enhancing their vocabulary, and making important links between the written and spoken word.
State of The Arts Journal Launch
Last Thursday saw the celebration and launch of the third volume of the Out of the Blue Arts Journal.
This volume proved to be the largest yet with over 80 pages jam-packed with arts from across our community including students of all ages, Old Scholars and staff. Works covered a variety of genres from dance and baking to photography, art and poetry.
This student-led initiative provides our girls with a forum to share their passions, give voice to their protests and celebrate the wider world of The Arts. As part of the Out of the Blue Committee, students are responsible for all aspects of the journal including selection of artwork, the overall design process, meeting and communicating with printers, and planning the launch event.
At this year’s launch in the Chapel, it was inspiring to hear Old Scholar Katherine Schultz (Kilburn 2011) talk about her career in and passion for The Arts through photography.
Out of the Blue provides a learning opportunity for our girls that is challenging, creative and rewarding. Thank you to all the students involved, everyone who made a submission, and to Ms Riley and Mrs Smerdon for their support over the past two terms.
Becca Burton-Howard
Out of the Blue Coordinator
Year 11 Production Showered in Praise
On Tuesday evening in the Arts Centre, the Stage 1 Drama class performed the farce-style comedy The Wedding Downpour by Bradley Hayward. Set in 1960s London, the story follows the character Diana who attempts to organise a wedding shower, but her husband Edward’s antics get in her way. Disaster strikes and Edward is stuck hosting the wedding shower by himself, dealing with some interesting guests.
In our class, each girl performed on stage as well as having creative off-stage roles such as assistant directing, lighting design and marketing. The production incorporated all elements of a comedic farce including stereotyped characters, physical comedy, miscommunications and escalating chaos. The class thoroughly enjoyed working out of their comfort zones to portray outrageous characters with distinct mannerisms.
Congratulations to all involved. It was a performance that won’t be forgotten by the audience of parents and other community members!
Zara Blight
Year 11 student
Year 10 Drama Production – Next Week
7pm, Tuesday 15 November (Week 5)
Arts Centre, St Peter’s Girls’ School
Free Admission
The Year 10 Drama students are proud to present Property Rites by Alan Haehnel.
The story follows Kyle Macmanus who has invested millions in a high-tech work of art: 14 human-figure sculptures programmed to perform thousands of movements, monologues, dialogues and more. But just when Kyle is about to sell the sculpture, it malfunctions; the figures are alive. As each one struggles to achieve autonomy, they begin a fatal race against their desperate owner’s destructive plan.
Interwoven with movement, chorus work and music, Property Rites is a thought-provoking piece of theatre that explores the concept of ownership, identity and wanting to ‘break free’. Please come along and support our Drama students – we would love to see you there.
Joni Combe
Drama Teacher
Year 8 Production – The Real Story of Alice in Wonderland
7pm, Thursday 24 November (Week 6)
Arts Centre, St Peter’s Girls’ School
Free Admission
The Saints Girls’ community is invited to attend the upcoming Year 8 Production The Real Story of Alice in Wonderland showcasing students’ talents in Drama, Dance, Music and Visual Arts.
With the girls self devising the choreography, selecting the songs, directing the scenes and organising the costumes and sets, this really is a celebration of collaboration and creativity!
Kate Burnett
Head of The Arts
Equestrian Saint Rides into Record Books
Last month, my dad and I headed to Victoria for the Australian Jumping Championships. I had been preparing for this competition all year with the goal to come in the top 3 with one of my horses.
In 2021, I came 2nd on my horse BP Koraleigh, so I really wanted to match or beat that. The horse I was fortunate to win the title on, Licaviv, had previously been ridden by Olympian Vicki Roycroft. I had tried her in Sydney three weeks before the competition and we decided to purchase her as we got along very well. We were able to put her entries in, and within a week, I had my first ride on her competing in the Arilla Cup warm-up show where I came home with a 2nd on Licaviv and 3rd on BP Koraleigh in the Children’s Championship (14 yrs and under).
In the main show, the Australian Jumping Championships, there are two qualification rounds and then a final. Over the two rounds, I came 2nd and 4th on Licaviv and had two 3rd places on BP Koraleigh. Going into the final, I was in equal 2nd place with both horses. In the first round of the final, I unfortunately had a few rails on BP Koraleigh, dropping me to 5th place. If I went clear on Licaviv, I would keep my position in 2nd, and if the competitor in 1st place had a rail, I would overtake him and go into the lead. Luck was on my side and he dropped a rail. Although, I still had to do one more round and go clear again. This time, the course was shortened and if I dropped a rail it would then depend on time. If I went clear, the title would be mine. Luckily for me, all went to plan and we were crowned the Australian Children Champions and 7th overall on BP Koraleigh, leaving me with two horses in the top 10 in Australia.
The feeling as I went through the finish flags was surreal. I am so grateful to be given the opportunity to own and ride such incredible horses, and would not be able to do it without the support of my parents and everyone else around me.
Imogen Lindh
Year 9 student
Weather No Damper for Year 5 Campers
Last week, our Year 5 campers visited Robe and Mount Gambier, staying at Tarooki Campsite for three nights and exploring the breathtakingly beautiful Umpherston Sinkhole, the Blue Lake and Tantanoola Caves. Although the weather was fairly cold and wet, everyone embraced camp with enthusiasm.
The girls participated in many other activities including an evening meal at Fasta Pasta in Mount Gambier. The teachers were proud of the independence and resilience of all of the girls. New friendships were made and girls stepped out of their comfort zones to try new experiences.
Congratulations to all on a fantastic four days.
Shane Davidson
Year 5 Teacher
Year 1s Rule the School at Stayback
The excitement from the Year 1s was palpable last Friday! The reason for this? It was our Stayback!
After school, the girls changed into casual clothes and had an afternoon snack of fresh fruit. Following a group photo and a brief session on the playground, it was time to head to the Arts Centre for the first surprise: a dance workshop with Bec from Footsteps Dance Company. The girls thoroughly enjoyed it which was obvious by the enthusiastic way they joined in.
The dance workshop passed too quickly, but it was time for a pizza dinner followed by ice cream cups. A trip to neighbouring Bell Yet playground was followed by a treasure hunt on Chiverton Lawns to find bubble blowers and bouncy balls. All too soon, it was 7pm and the parents had arrived to collect their happily tired daughters.
| Liz Sandercock Year 1 Teacher |
Michelle Liddy Year 1 Teacher |
French Quiz Night – We Say Oui!
Last Wednesday, a group of Year 9 French students represented our School at the annual South Australian French Teachers’ Association (SAFTA) French Quiz Night hosted by Walford Anglican School for Girls. Students from across the Adelaide region attended the event, and it was truly wonderful to see our students connect with the wider Francophile community. Thank you to Jiana, Linna, Olivia, Alex, Mollie and Scarlett for your enthusiasm on the night, cétait super!
The girls shared:
‘It was a great opportunity for all of us to collaborate and learn more about French culture in a competitive and exciting environment. Although we didn’t win, we had a lot of fun and enjoyed the many French snacks that were provided.’
Celia Zamel
French Teacher
Treasure Box Donation Drive
This term, the Year 10 Kilburn cohort is hosting a donation drive for our new House Charity, Treasure Boxes. This South Australian not-for-profit organisation provides vital essentials to babies, children and teenagers living in disadvantage in our community.
We are launching a campaign to help this charity to provide further support this holiday season. It will run in Week 6 and Week 7, and there will be a collection bin in the Middle School where donations can be placed. Treasure Boxes has provided a list of sought-after items:
| •TOILETRY BAG •TOOTH BRUSH AND PASTE •DENTAL FLOSS •SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER •SHOWER GEL/SOAP •TISSUE PACK •HAIR BRUSH/ACCESSORIES •SUNSCREEN •HAND SANITISER •SOCKS AND UNDERWEAR •LUNCH BOX AND DRINK BOTTLE •PENCIL CASE |
•PENCILS •TEXTAS/GEL PENS •HIGHLIGHTERS •COLOURING BOOK •NOTEBOOK •SKETCH PAD •STRESS BALL/FIDGET TOY •CRAFT ACTIVITY •PUZZLE •BOARD GAME •SPORTS BALL •BOOK |
We encourage everyone to bring in at least one item from this list so that we can make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate in our community this Christmas.
Alysa Trinh
Year 10 student
Upcoming Events
Carols in the Cathedral
St Peter’s Cathedral
Tuesday 6 December
Students to arrive at 6.30pm
Doors open at 7pm
Carols in the Cathedral is a compulsory event for students in Years 5 – 12.
Presentation Night
Adelaide Town Hall
Friday 9 December
Students arrive to at 6.30pm (unless advised otherwise by the Music Department)
Doors open at 7pm
Presentation Night is a compulsory event for students in Years 7 – 12.
Further details including ticket information will be communicated to families shortly.
Friends of Rowing – Wine Fundraiser
Support the development of the Rowing Program at St Peter’s Girls’ School by purchasing from a fantastic selection of wines:
- Lambert Estate – Barossa Valley
- The Lane – Adelaide Hills
- Bird in Hand – Adelaide Hills
- d’Arenberg – McLaren Vale
Vintages are subject to change. In the event of wines being in short supply, we will contact you. Prices are only available for this fundraiser. Each wine can only be ordered by minimum purchase. Prices are inclusive of GST.
Purchases can be made via TryBooking – click here
The campaign runs until 11 December 2022 (no orders after this date can be accepted). Orders to be collected on Sunday 18 December from 11am – 3pm at St Peter’s Girls’ School. Wine can be collected after Sunday 18 December by prior arrangement; please contact Fiona McGregor, Community Relations – Events Officer via 8334 2225 or fmcgregor@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Liquor Licence: #203237
Professional School Photo Offers
Offer 1 – $88 digital package (unlimited number of photos)
To view the photos, visit events.focusschoolportraits.com/gallery/18679717/
Select Gallery
To access, use the password: SaintsGirls
Email Mark at orders@focusschoolportraits.com.au, quoting the photo numbers and event. He will be in contact with you to finalise the order.
Offer 2 – $27 per printed photo
The Special Groups offer includes photos of House Captains, Generations, Originals, Year 12 cohort and the Year 12 image from the Chiverton Balcony
Visit www.focusschoolportraits.com
Select School Portraits
Enter access key: 7XE7K6YB
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Mark via orders@focusschoolportraits.com.au or 8389 9002.
COVID-19 Information
As you may be aware, a number of COVID-19 requirements have been lifted including mandatory isolation for those who test positive. Notwithstanding this, SA Health encourages anyone who is ill to stay home until the symptoms have cleared (usually five to seven days).
As there is no longer a set COVID isolation period, you must notify the School each day your child will be absent, or provide the expected period of absence.
Email: attendance@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Text: 0428 601 957 (save to phone contacts as SPGS)
Phone: 8334 2200
The School is no longer required to record details of COVID-19 cases for SA Health; however, there is still a requirement for South Australians who test positive using a RAT to report their result to SA Health online.
Close contacts with symptoms should get tested and stay home until well.
For more information, click here
As always, we will keep you informed of any updated advice.
Please note that if your child is unwell, they should remain home until they have recovered, irrespective of the illness.
Health Notification
The School has been notified of a case of rhinovirus and a case of human metapneumovirus.
Both are common respiratory viruses which are spread when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes small droplets containing infectious agents into the air. The viruses are also spread by direct contact with a sick person or indirect contact with hands, tissues or other articles soiled by nose and throat discharges.
Most respiratory viruses cause cold-like symptoms or flu-like illnesses. Common signs and symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and malaise (feeling unwell).
For more information, click here
As always, if your child is unwell, they should remain home until they have recovered, irrespective of the illness.
If your child will not be attending school/ELC due to illness, please notify the School via one of the methods listed in the absences article.
Lara Waltham and Sarah Wilkinson
School Registered Nurses
School Medical Information Reminder
It is imperative that all medical information, including immunisations, is up to date on the School’s myLink parent portal.
Please follow this pathway to check and/or update details: myLink > Community Portal > My Details > select child name
If you have any questions, please email healthcentre@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Road Safety Alert
The School has received reports of concerning driver behaviour on Hallett Road. This includes holding up traffic while waiting for cars to leave in order to park near the ELC, performing risky u-turns and parking in bus zones.
As our staff have no jurisdiction over public roads, the School will be asking the police to conduct regular patrols at peak times.
We implore all of our community members to support road safety and show courtesy to others.
Car Park Protocols
It is important to remind families about our car park protocols, particularly during drop off and pick up.
If the car park is full and you are unable to enter, circle the block until it is clear to enter, find a park elsewhere or, where age-appropriate, meet your daughter in a surrounding street.
Please note that, unless special circumstances apply, parents of girls in Years 2 to 12 should not enter the car park to collect their daughters prior to 3.30pm. Parents of girls in Reception and Year 1 have exclusive use of the pick-up zone prior to this time for safety and traffic reasons.
Please also refrain from turning right into or out of the car park at peak times, and please do not queue in the car park’s lanes as this often prevents drivers who are legally parked from exiting.
We have also previously received complaints about cars being parked too close to or in front of driveways, or across from other vehicles in surrounding streets, making it extremely difficult for residents and other road users to navigate.
We ask all community members to show consideration for others. Thank you for your cooperation.
School Shop Notices
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
Uniform Requirements for 2023 Year 4 Students
If your daughter will be in Year 4 next year, there are a few different uniform requirements that you will need to purchase before Term 1, 2023.
The junior blazer (cardigan) is no longer worn and is replaced by a navy blue jumper and a wool blazer.
With only four weeks until the end of term and a high volume of new student fittings, it is advisable that these items are purchased before the end of year.
School Shop
New ELC Uniforms
We are excited to announce our ELC will be rolling out a new custom-designed uniform from December 2022. This beautiful new range takes into consideration the unique sizes, proportions and needs of our youngest community members, giving our ELC children a smart, cohesive look, and simplifying the routine of getting dressed in the morning.
2023 will be a phasing-out period, where children can continue to wear pieces of the old ELC uniform to supplement their outfits, giving families time to purchase the new garments.
From 2024, the new ELC uniform will be compulsory for all children to wear during their time at the ELC. Children will need to wear both the top and bottom pieces (t-shirt; shorts; long sleeve top; long pants). A plain navy-coloured long sleeve top will be permitted to be worn underneath the t-shirt. For summer and high UV periods, children will wear the new ELC bucket hat, and for cooler periods, there will be new ELC vest and jacket options to replace non-ELC jackets, jumpers and vests.
These new items will be available for purchase from our School Shop in mid-December, and we look forward to seeing the children proudly wear their new ELC attire.
Suzanne Haddy
Head of Junior School
Absences from School
If your child will not be attending school/ELC due to illness or otherwise, please notify the School via one of the following methods and include the name of the ELC Room, Class or Home Group.
If emailing, feel free to ‘CC’ the teacher of the Room/Class/Home Group as well.
Please also provide a reason for the absence as the School requires this for government reporting purposes.
Text: 0428 601 957
Email: attendance@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Phone: 8334 2200
It would be appreciated if notifications could be made prior to 9am.
Sports News
CRICKET
Open A: Saints (2/87) v Pulteney (2/66)
After a season of much improvement and coming close on several occasions, our Open A Cricket girls scored their first win of the year against Pulteney. Lucy, Dani and Amelia all contributed with the bat, whilst Dani and Jenna took the two wickets for Saints.
Open B: Bye
TENNIS
Open A: Saints (9(66)) v Scotch (3(52))
TOUCH FOOTBALL
Open A: Saints (5) v Pembroke (3)
Open B: Saints (3) v St Aloysius (9)
Middle A: Saints (5) v Pembroke (4)
Middle B: Bye
WATER POLO
Open A: Saints (15) v Wilderness (0)
Open B: Saints (16) v Wilderness (1)
Open C: Saints (9) v St Aloysius (5)
Middle A: Saints (5) v Loretto (6)
After 3 rounds in the pool, our Open Water Polo teams continue to dominate, and all remain undefeated as they head into the second half of the season.
STUDENT SUCCESS
Congratulations to Chloe Richardson who has been selected to represent South Australia in the Football SA (FSA) U15 Soccer Program in 2023.