eNews – Week 5, Term 2 2023

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From Our Principal

After 13 years of outstanding service to St Peter’s Girls, Deputy Principal and Head of Middle School Richard Lisle has announced his departure at the end of the year, as he takes up the role of Principal at Eltham College, Victoria. Whilst Richard will be dearly missed, we are also thrilled for him as he takes this significant next step in his career.

Richard has led with integrity and has passionately kept students at the centre, valuing open, honest and productive relationships with families, students and staff. His breadth of knowledge and desire to provide multiple avenues to help students find their interests and passions have been invaluable in supporting all students whilst in school and beyond.

Richard has overseen many significant initiatives during his time here, particularly our FUTURES Entrepreneurial Program in Years 7 and 8, our Global Academy Exchange Program (running student homestay and staff Professional Learning Exchanges to schools in the UK, USA, China, Japan and Canada, as well as to WA and QLD) and the implementation of a new Middle School Academic Framework. Other highlights include co-designing the new Middle School Building in 2017 and bringing the da Vinci Decathlon to South Australia and securing Saints Girls as hosts of this esteemed competition.

In addition, Richard was the driving force behind the development of our recently launched Middle and Senior School Leadership Matters initiative, which aims to provide students and teachers with a leadership lens and language to apply to all areas of school life, helping to build leadership awareness and capabilities amongst our students. We also commend Richard’s leadership of the School as Acting Principal in Term 4 2022.

From a parent’s perspective, Richard has experienced the vast benefits of a Saints Girls’ education as he has watched his two daughters progress through the School, with Abbie graduating in 2020 and Maddy due to graduate at the end of 2023.

Richard says, ‘It has been an honour, a privilege and a career highlight to be part of the St Peter’s Girls’ Community since 2011. Whilst the school has physically been transformed during this time, there have also been some crucially important constant themes. Every day for nearly 13 years I’ve been greeted warmly and genuinely by smiling students, largely happy to be at a school where they are not only keen to learn, but also keen to run, throw, swim, dance or sing. I’m immensely proud that the Middle School has become a place with a real sense of community. It’s a communal space, shared by energetic, creative and fun-loving students. Most of all, I’m proud and grateful to share a space with so many genuine and authentic young people. Our staff and students treat each other with more respect, show more genuine interest in each other and seem to enjoy each other’s company more than in any other school in which I’ve worked. It is therefore with mixed emotions that I take on the next challenge in my career, albeit at a school that I know has a similar atmosphere and ethos, and like Saints, places a high value on the importance of community and of allowing students to pursue a broad range of interests.’

We thank Richard for the immense contribution he has made to St Peter’s Girls and look forward to his continued leadership during 2023.

Cherylyn Skewes
Principal

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Year 8s Serve the Local Community

Across Terms 1 and 2 our Year 8 students have been participating in various Service Learning activities.

Some students worked with Backpacks 4 SA Kids collecting items such as clothing and school stationery, while other students visited nursing homes where they engaged with the residents, assisted staff and baked goods for all to enjoy.

Listen to what some of our students had to say about their experiences.

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CREATE23 – Stage 2 Dance Choreography Evening – Next Week!

Monday 29 May (Week 6), 7pm
Arts Centre, St Peter’s Girls’ School

The Stage 2 Dance students have been working on their own choreography from conception to planning, researching, rehearsing and performing. These pieces are completely student devised. Their incredible work will be presented for assessment at CREATE23.

With many Year 9 and 10 dancers also involved in this process, it would be wonderful for you to join the dance community in supporting our students and their creative work. Entry is free, and no bookings are required.

Kate Burnett
Head of The Arts

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IB Expo 2023 – Next Week!

Tuesday 30 May (Week 6), 5:30pm – 7pm
Would you like to learn more about the IB Diploma Programme? Research suggests that there are many benefits to choosing the Diploma Programme (DP). The programme aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge – students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.

We encourage students and parents from Years 8 – 10 to attend the IB EXPO which will be held on Tuesday 30 May. There will be an IB presentation in the Arts Centre from 5:30pm. Following this, from 6pm in the Middle School, there will be an opportunity for parents and students to speak with subject teachers, current IB students and graduates. All members of our community and the public are also welcome.

Please contact me if you have any questions. I look forward to seeing you and sharing my passion for this programme.

Check out the video below for a taste of IB at Saints Girls.

Carolyn Farr
IB Diploma Coordinator

Year 8 Rock Discoveries at Hallett Cove

Last Friday the Year 8 cohort went on an excursion to Hallett Cove to investigate different rocks and how they were formed.

Although the weather was very on and off, pouring with rain one moment or sunny the next, it was such a fun and exciting excursion. It was interesting learning about how some of the rocks at Hallett Cove formed and what types of rocks they were.

Many of the rocks were beautiful and filled with colours ranging from reds and pinks to oranges and yellows. I loved being by the beach and being able to take in the scenery. My favourite part was looking at the ‘Sugar Loaf’ and the pretty marble of colours in the rock.

Despite the weather it was a very enjoyable experience with my classmates and teachers.

Nathalie Randeniya
Year 8 student

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Stellar Saints Shine at Rotary Music Awards

It was my privilege to accompany our two music students nominated for the 27th Rotary Club of St Peter’s Music Awards on Tuesday evening. Zara Blight and Matilda Chu, both talented Year 12 students, were nominated not only for their high level of musical talent proficiency but also their extensive involvement, dedication, and commitment to music endeavours both at School and within the community.

Zara really shined, singing a stunning rendition of Adele’s ‘Daydreamer’. She performed with confidence, clarity, perfect intonation and professionalism delighting the audience.
Being the last performer of the night, the stunning acoustics of St John’s Anglican Church provided Matilda with the opportunity to demonstrate her incredible talent on French Horn. She displayed beautiful tone, technique and an extensive range of dynamics providing an outstanding and moving performance of ‘Nocturno, Op 7’ by F Strauss, thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The girls were presented with a certificate and a well-deserved monetary prize. Much positive feedback was received after the event, not only about the wonderful way Matilda and Zara had performed but also how they had immaculately presented themselves in full school uniform. The girls shared:

‘The Rotary evening was a fantastic opportunity for Matilda and I to perform, as well as watch a group of talented musicians from other schools. Thank you to the Rotary club for a great performance opportunity, the community and love they share is so special.’
– Zara Blight (Year 12 student)

‘I felt very honoured to have been given the opportunity to represent the School with Zara at this performance. The experience was incredibly rewarding, and I’m exceedingly grateful to the Rotary Club for hosting this event.’
– Matilda Chu (Year 12 student)

Congratulations girls! Excellent ambassadors for St Peter’s Girls’ School and well deserving award recipients.

Sue Mears
Music Teacher/ Accompanist

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Saints Girls fly to Neverland with Peter Pan

We’re excited for the Saints Girls who’ll be appearing in the classic tale of PETER PAN by Shane Davidson Presents in June.

Come with Peter Pan, Wendy and her bothers John and Michael, as they fly into Neverland where they meet the Lost Boys, and the infamous Captain Hook.
Wendy enjoys meeting the mermaids from the lagoon and making friends with the strong girl, Tiger Lily, where, with Peter’s help, they take on the pirate crew before returning home.

This classic play will delight all ages. Come along to one of our four performances.

Venue: Holden Street Theatres, 34 Holden St, Hindmarsh
Dates: Friday 2 June (7pm) and Saturday 3 June (1pm, 4pm and 7pm)
Tickets: $25 via TryBooking – click here

Shane Davidson
Year 5 Teacher

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Lunchtime Concert – Next Wednesday

Next week, the girls in Guitar Ensemble and Rock Band will be having a lunchtime concert!

Guitar Ensemble will perform the songs ‘Oyo Come Va’ and the theme to Pirates of the Caribbean. Rock band is playing ‘Valerie’, ‘Young Blood’ and ‘Crazy’.

Make sure to come along with all your friends, bring your lunch, and support these talented musicians!

Wednesday 31 May, 1pm
Arts Centre

Robyn Habel
Music Teacher

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STEMLICIOUS: Nourishing your Future

We are thrilled to announce that St Peter’s Girls’ School will host a crucial STEM Careers
Event on Thursday 15 June (Week 8). This exciting lunchtime gathering on is set to inspire our girls and broaden their horizons in the dynamic world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Given that government statistics highlight the underrepresentation of women in STEM
careers, we must encourage our girls to explore these fields. This event is a critical step in that direction, illuminating their many opportunities.

So, get ready Saints Girls, for an incredible STEM Careers event! Our gym will transform into an engaging space with relaxed beanbag zones for casual chats and breakout zones for focused discussions during Home Group and lunchtime.

A stellar guest list of accomplished mentors, each a trailblazer in their field, will join us to share their experiences and insights:

• Dr Marissa Bond, Lumination’s CTO
• Dr Wendy Ingman, a renowned Breast Health Researcher
• Dr Sarah Keenihan, a Scientist turned Writer
• Prof Rachel Gibson, an Academic Leader
• Dr Eleanor Need, a Scientist turned auditor
• Prof Lisa Butler, a Prostate Cancer Researcher
• Dr Tina Bianco-Miotto, a Senior Food and Nutrition Science Lecturer

But that’s not all – there are even more inspiring mentors from engineering, geology and maths fields to meet!

This event is an opportunity for students to understand the scope and versatility of STEM careers. It offers the chance to imagine a future in STEM, see women’s critical roles in global issues, and even discover a new dream job!

Melissa O’Loughlin (STEM Innovation Leader), Sophie Dolling (Scientist in Residence) and Carolyn Farr (IB Diploma Coordinator/Careers Coordinator/Mathematics Teacher)

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Confirmation Eucharist – Term 3

Within the Anglican Church, Confirmation is a time for an individual to take on the promises made on their behalf by their parents at their baptism. Simply put, Confirmation is a public declaration of your faith.

This year we will be holding a Confirmation Eucharist in Term 3, where Bishop Denise will be confirming students who wish to be involved. Preparation classes will be held in Terms 2 and 3 in the lead up to this service. These classes will cover the basics of Christianity and explore the promises the students will be making.

Confirmation is available for students in Year 7 and above.

If your daughter is interested in being Confirmed, or you have any questions, please contact me via tbassett@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au. Further details about the Confirmation process and the service are to come.

Thomas Bassett
School Chaplain

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Online Safety for Every Family

The Australian Government has recently released its eSafety’s express learning series, which provides parents and carers with practical tips and advice on common online safety concerns. The videos are 5 to 10 minutes long and cover four important topics, including:

• Setting up parental controls
• Digital technologies and mental health
• Cyberbullying and online drama
• Online sexual harassment and image-based abuse

Please see the learning resource pages for further information – click here

Tracey Guyers
IT Manager

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Selwyn House Charity Day – Sausage Sizzle

The Year 10 Selwyn Home Group is selling sausages and drinks on Friday 2 June (Week 6) to raise money for our House Charity, The Smith Family. The Smith Family opens doors to education opportunities for disadvantaged Australian children and their families.

We are selling $5 meals deals with a sausage and a drink. Sausages with onion are $3, soft drinks (coke and lemonade) are $3 and there will be juice boxes for sale as well. There are also gluten free and vegetarian sausages available.

The parents of Reception to Year 2 students can pre-order a meal deal with a juice box via TryBooking – click here

Students from years 3 to 12 can buy sausages and drinks on the day. Cash only purchases.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Asha Eaton and Alex Nguyen
Year 10 students

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Kilburn House Charity Day – Bake Sale

On Friday 2 June (Week 6) the Year 10s from Kilburn will be running a bake sale to support the Treasure Box Foundation which help support kids and families with basic essentials for life.

We will be selling a variety of sweet and savoury delights ranging from $1 – $3. There will also be dairy and gluten-free options along with vegan options. We will be set up on Chiverton lawns at lunch.

Parents of girls from Reception to Year 2 can pre-order via TryBooking – click here

Students from Years 3 to 12 will be able to purchase items directly from the stall. Cash only purchases.

We look forward to seeing you there and supporting the Treasure Box Foundation together!

Lara Maione
Year 10 student

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Matilda School Musical – Book your Tickets Now!

In our biggest-ever School Musical, more than 100 Saints Girls are working hard on stage and behind the scenes as we countdown to Roald Dahl’s Matilda in Week 7.

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, with book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda the Musical explores the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination through the inspiring story of a little girl who dreams of a better life. With high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and unforgettable characters, Matilda will be a girl-power showcase of our fabulous singers, dancers, actors and musicians.

Matinee Performance: 8 June, 1pm
Evening Performances: 7, 8 & 9 June, 7pm
Arts Centre, St Peter’s Girls’ School 

To secure your tickets – click here

Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical
Book by Dennis Kelly
Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchin
Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia).
All performance materials supplied by Hal Leonard Australia.
Orchestrations and Additional Music – Chris Nightingale.

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Piano Eisteddfod – Coming Soon!

On Thursday 22 June in Week 9 of Term 2, the Arts Department will hold St Peter’s Girls’ Piano Eisteddfod. It is open to all Junior and Middle School students who play piano. Parents are welcome to attend, and the time of each student’s performance will be communicated to families.

Girls will have the opportunity to perform a piece to a panel of judges, who will critique their performance based on accuracy, technique and musicality for their specific music level. This is a great opportunity for girls to perform in a supportive environment and receive some valuable feedback.

Girls are asked to play one piece that best displays their musicality and technical ability at their own musical level. There will be no minimum or maximum time limit. While the Eisteddfod provides our top piano players with a platform to perform, the aim is to give performers of all levels the opportunity to participate.

A Piano Recital will be held on Thursday 29 June at 6pm. Students will be chosen from the Eisteddfod performers who show confidence and a high level of musicianship. Selected recital students will be notified by email.

If your daughter would like to be involved, please complete and return the Piano Eisteddfod Consent Form by Tuesday 13 June. Girls can collect the form from the Arts Office or you can download it via the link below. Students will later receive their time slot to perform in the Eisteddfod.

Download the Piano Eisteddfod Consent Form

Sally Rounsevell
Director of Music

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COVID-19 Information

Please find the latest guidance from SA Health:

• It is strongly recommended that students stay home if they have cold or flu-like
  symptoms, and test for COVID-19.
• Whether they receive a positive or negative result, they should stay home until symptoms subside (usually five to seven days).
• It is strongly recommended that parents/guardians inform the School if a student is a
  close contact. For further advice regarding close contacts, click here
• While face masks are no longer mandated, they are an important physical barrier to help stop the spread of COVID, particularly when indoors.

If your child tests positive to COVID-19, please inform the School. Please also notify the School each day of absence, or provide the expected period of absence.

You can notify us via one of the following methods. Please 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.

Email: attendance@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au

Text: 0428 601 957 (save to phone contacts as SPGS)

Phone: 8334 2200

For more SA Health information, click here

Please note that if your child is unwell, they should remain home until they have recovered, irrespective of the illness.

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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

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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

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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 methods below.

Please include the name of the ELC Room, Class or Home Group, along with the reason for the absence as the School requires this for government reporting purposes.

If emailing, feel free to ‘CC’ the teacher of the Room/Class/Home Group as well.

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.

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Sports News

Reconciliation Round

During sport for Week 5 and 6, IGSSA (Independent Girls’ Schools Sporting Association) is celebrating Reconciliation Round. Each IGSSA school is encouraged to celebrate these rounds in their own way. Saints chose to do the following:

• Indigenous ribbons were provided to all Year 3 – 12 teams to wear during these rounds
• Our teams lined up facing the opposition at the start of the game and recited our Indigenous acknowledgement
• At the conclusion of the game, our coach presented the best player from the opposition team with a Best Player medal
• Teams came together and had a team photo post-match

Our Sports Captains have further celebrated Reconciliation Round by decorating the school with themed balloons, streamers and Reconciliation Sport Posters.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2023, Be a Voice for Generations, encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work, socialise and play sport.

Links to further information, facts, posters, social tiles and other resources from Reconciliation Australia are available at National Reconciliation Week – Reconciliation Australia.

Alice Johnswood
Sports Administrator

From Our Aerobics Captain

On Saturday 20 May, five Aerobics teams from Saints completed in the SA Super Series Aerobics Competition held at Walford. This was the first competition of the season and the girls were keen to get up on stage and show everyone what they had been working on since the year began.

I have compiled a video of our student’s performances, so please enjoy watching the girls hard work on stage.

Amelie Zacharia Henley
Aerobics captain

From Our Junior School Sports Coordinator

SAPSASA Sport
Over the past couple of weeks, we have had great success in SAPSASA Sport. For those who do not know about SAPSASA, it is an opportunity to compete in the highest level in South Australia Primary School Sport for those in Years 4 – 6. The state is divided into districts (22 country and 18 metropolitan), we are in the East Adelaide District. Our girls have the opportunity to trial for East Adelaide and, if selected, compete at the State Carnivals and Championships.

Well done to everyone who is courageous in trialling and competing at this level, the Saints Girls’ community is very proud!

District Cross Country
On Friday 12 May the following Saints Girls attended District Cross Country, competing in their respective age groups: Lucy Dougherty, Penny Coulter, Jiaen Lu, Amber Guo, Holly Price, Aurelia Tan, Indy Stankiewicz and Amelia Jenzen.

First up for the day were Lucy, Penny, Jiaen and Amber, who were all very eager to be competing at this event. It was exciting to watch them disappear into the trees as they commenced their run. Lucy appeared first from the Saints group with a big grin as she claimed third place, winning an opportunity to compete at the State Championships in Oakbank. Holly, Aurelia, Indy, and Amelia then ran in the races to follow, demonstrating excellent determination and grit as they completed the longer distance.

East Adelaide Netball Team
Ruby Pahuja, Anisha Pahuja, Clara Polasek and Ella King have been selected in the East Adelaide Netball Team. This carnival is in Week 9, so we wish them luck and are excited to hear about their experience.

East Adelaide Aussie Rules Team
Ella King was selected in the East Adelaide team, however was injured before the tournament. We look forward to seeing your football skills in Term 4!

Torrens River Aussie Rules Team
In late May, Violet Tulloch attended SAPSASA Football and played in the Torrens River team to help them with extra numbers. Violet shared, ‘I really enjoyed playing football with fifteen other girls over three days. It was exciting to win some games! I also learnt some new strategies from our knowledgeable coaches about how to move the ball as a team. This included moving the ball wide in our defensive end, so the opposition could not turn over the ball and get a quick score.’

Nikki Brennan
Junior School Sports Coordinator

Sport Results

AFL

Open A: Saints (45) v Pembroke (4)
Year 7-10: Saints (0) v Pembroke (64)

BADMINTON

Open A: Saints (2) v Pembroke (4)
Open B Blue: Saints (0) v Pembroke (6)
Open B White: Saints (0) v Wilderness B1 (6)
Open C Blue: Saints (1) v Pembroke (5)
Open C White: Saints (6) v Immanuel (0)
Open D Blue: Saints (0) v Pembroke (6)
Open D White: Saints (0) v Wilderness D1 (6)

BASKETBALL

Junior School
Year 3/4 Blue: Saints (23) v Seymour White (15)
Year 3/4 White: Saints (6) v Seymour Green (50)

CROSS COUNTRY

Senior
1st – Isla Fahey
2nd – Malaika McLeod

Overall points: 45

HOCKEY

Open: Saints (3) v Scotch (2)
This weekend the Open A hockey team achieved a 3-2 win against Scotch College. Our usual goalie was away this week, so Jess volunteered to play in goals. On game day, Jess saved many attacking shots from the Scotch side and displayed strong defensive abilities in the kit. A special mention goes to Olivia for her amazing hand-eye coordination as she trapped raised balls and worked hard to make second efforts. Zara and Abbey were strong in our defensive line and Maddie made some great tackles on some of Scotch’s fastest players. Congratulations to our goal scorers Claris, Zara and Matilda. Well done girls! – Alice Johnswood (Coach)

Junior School
Year 4-6: Saints (0) v Seymour White (3)

LACROSSE

U13 Blue: Saints Blue (14) v Eagles (2)
Best Player: Neela M
Super Woman: Ivy Pratt for scoring her first goal and trying out a new position
U13 White: Saints White (0) v Glenelg Seahawks (13)

NETBALL

Senior School
Premier League: Saints (32) v Pembroke (31)
Premier League Reserves: Saints (51) v Pembroke (31)
Open A: Saints (26) v Pembroke (25)
Open B: Saints (26) v Pembroke (16)
Open E: Saints (45) v Immanuel 10 C3 (31)

Middle School
Year 9A: Saints (46) v Pembroke (9)
Year 9B: Saints (33) v Pembroke (19)
Year 8A: Saints (14) v Pembroke (29)
Best Player: Chyndelle Capobianco
Super Woman: Izzy H
Year 8B: Saints (8) v Pembroke (16)
Best Player: Grace Mayen
Super Woman: Grace Davies
Year 8C: Saints (15) v Scotch (23)
Super Woman: Chen Chen Han
Year 7A: Saints (23) v Pembroke (26)
Year 7B: Saints (14) v Pembroke (11)
Year 7C: Saints 7C (27) v Scotch 7C (2)
Year 7D: Saints 7D (11) v Pulteney 7C (27)

Junior School
Year 6 Blue: Saints (4) v Wilderness Blue (20)
Best Player: Anisha Pahuja
Super Woman: Clare Xiao
Year 6 White: Saints (9) v Pembroke Green (14)
Best Player: Eliza Phillips
Super Woman: Valencia Capobianco for her awesome defence by sticking to her player the entire game
Year 5/6 Silver: Saints (12) v Wilderness White (8)
Best Player: Sophie Edwards – led well in attack and worked hard to create opportunities
Super Woman: Sasha Connor – always consistent in defence and gave it her all when playing centre
Year 5 Blue: Saints (4) v Wilderness Blue (7)
Year 5 White: Saints (5) v Wilderness White (11)
Year 4 Blue: Saints (15) v Concordia (3)
Year 4 White: Saints (4) v Westminster White (16)
Best Player: Colette Palmieri

SOCCER

Senior School
Premier League: Saints (1) v Mercedes (6)
Best Player: Januri Wagaarachchi
Super Woman: Grace Richardson-Stevens

Middle School
Middle A: Saints (23) v Scotch (1)
Middle B: Saints (1) v Pembroke (2)
Best Player: Francine Stavrou

Junior School
Year 5/6 Blue: Saints (3) v Pulteney Navy (2)
Year 5/6 White: Saints (2) v Loreto (1)
Best Player: Hannah Ibrahim
Super Woman: Ruby Pahuja
Year 3/4: Saints (4) v Pembroke Blue (3)

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