Issue no. 19
From Our Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School
Winter Interhouse
It was wonderful to see Interhouse sport this week and the House spirit on display. Soccer kicked off on Wednesday afternoon – congratulations to Patteson who came away with the Soccer Shield. This afternoon saw a 
series of hard-fought Aussie Rules games, and despite a lack of match play, the girls certainly showed off a range of impressive skills. My thanks to the girls in Years 10 and 11 who took part despite this being an exam week. The School has always continued with sport training and various co-curricular activities during exams as it is important that the girls maintain both perspective and balance. Sport matches are not won by training the evening prior, and similarly, a positive exam experience is not one where cramming for exams each night is the predominant activity.
#EMPOWHER Update
Earlier this year, the School partnered with Flinders University to deliver a wellbeing program entitled LIFE (Learning successfully for study and life) for our Year 8 students. It is part of a wider research project that has been implemented at various South Australian schools and, to date, it has received positive support from staff and students. Our teachers completed training with Flinders University staff, and this week, the girls completed their first post-test to determine the effectiveness of the program. Content included the topics of perfectionism, helpful and unhelpful thinking, the elements of good learning, managing social media, the importance of making mistakes, self-compassion and resilience. A second post-test will be completed in two months, after which we will share findings with parents.
The Year 12 Retreat is going ahead next week, and due to the current climate, we will be hosting the event onsite. Much to the delight of the staff, the girls did request to spend the night at school and will therefore be sleeping in the Middle School classrooms. Good humour aside, the girls will spend time reflecting on their experience of Year 12 thus far and engage with topics including financial management, travel, stress management and preparation for the workplace. We will also host five Old Scholars who will share advice in relation to managing the transition to university and navigating their path through different careers. Finally, we have two keynote speakers attending: Chelsea Randall and Isaac Loman. Chelsea is Co-Captain of the Adelaide Crows. The dual-premiership player will talk with the girls about leadership, mindset and work ethic. Isaac is a well-known hypnotist who will talk about the power of the mind and, of course, set up some practical demonstrations. I am confident that the speakers will be well received by the girls, and my thanks to the staff who will be joining me sleeping in the Library.
Kate Mortimer
Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School
A Message from Our Sport Prefect
Due to the unprecedented times, Term 2 has brought many challenges, yet also some great opportunities.
Over the past few weeks, the Year 12s have been participating in a Witness The Fitness program, which involves two fitness sessions during Home Group each week. This is to prepare us for our upcoming Retreat where we will hike to the top of Mt Lofty. Many girls have found it difficult to find time to workout at home and have loved being given an allocated time slot to be active with their friends. We should all be trying to complete 20 minutes of moderate exercise a day, which is achievable. Exercise not only provides physical benefits, but also mental ones. Exercising releases endorphins which can help with learning, mental health and mood. Although finding time to exercise can be challenging, it is important to do so each day, so try arranging a quick walk or run with your friends to stay active!
On Friday in Week 7, Lucy White, our SRC Prefect, ran the first open SRC Assembly. This involved the SRC representatives who updated the rest of the School with their progress and the discussions they have been having to improve aspects around the School. During this Assembly, the girls were also presented with the new School mascot, a blue and white striped tiger! This mascot will be out at all the upcoming Interhouse events promoting House spirit within the School. Last Friday was also a casual clothes day where girls showcased their favourite pyjamas in a fundraiser for AnglicareSA to support people in need.
House Dinners are fast approaching and Year 11s from each House have already begun some of their planning, starting by choosing a theme. The House Dinner is a great annual event that brings the entire House together to celebrate their success over the year and to generate House spirit. We will soon find out the themes for each House so it will be exciting to see what the Year 11s have arranged for the night.
This week, we have Winter Interhouse where the Houses face-off in Hockey, Soccer, Aussie Rules, Netball and Badminton. All of the teams are eager to play and showcase their skills. For most of the girls, this is their first time in a while competing in sport, so it’s an excellent opportunity.
It will be exciting to see what Term 3 will bring.
Millie Wilkin
Sport Prefect
Pyjamas Day Awakens Charity Drive
Last Friday, the SRC organised a Pyjamas Day for Reception to Year 12 for a gold coin donation. This was held to raise money for AnglicareSA which provides essential services for South Australians in need. Impressively, our School managed to raise $1005 – an amazing effort!
This day could not have happened without the SRC which works very hard to turn the ideas and suggestions from fellow peers into reality. It was awesome to see everyone having a blast and being super comfortable in their very best pyjamas!
Saskia Jonats
SRC Member and Year 11 student
Old Scholars in the Spotlight
I graduated from Saints Girls in 2017, and in 2018 moved to Brisbane to study a Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Medicine double degree at the University of Queensland. I chose UQ’s Medicine program for the amazing opportunities with research and international placement.
When in Senior School, I toyed with the idea of doing engineering or law but I think secretly I knew I wanted to work in health and ultimately medicine. My mum was a paediatric clinical physiotherapist so I was always hearing her stories about the patients from hospital. What I loved most was how all the doctors, nurses and allied health professionals worked together to get the best possible outcome for the patient. As a result, I knew I wanted to work in a profession where teamwork was critical, where there was an opportunity to improve lives, and constant challenges… this, combined with my love of the sciences, meant medicine just seemed to fit.
Outside of university, I’ve continued my love of music I initially found at Saints. I have fallen in love with being part of Queensland Medical Jazz – a collective of doctors and medical students by day, and avid musicians by night. I auditioned in my second year and have been very lucky to play tenor sax in the big band, as well as being a vocal soloist in the small group. We normally hold three or four events a year with all proceeds going towards UQ Medical Society’s own health education charity, the Ashintosh Foundation.
If I had to give one piece of advice to the current Year 12s, it would be to find something you love doing outside of your studies – and keep doing it! Activities like music and lacrosse throughout Year 12 and into university have kept me balanced through the tougher days. Not only do they provide you with a community to be part of, having these passions also forces you to keep your time management skills up to scratch!
So, what does the future hold? Well, during my MD I would love to assist with some clinical research in hospitals across Brisbane and learn more about the ‘evidence’ of ‘evidence-based medicine’. Post graduation, I will probably remain in Brisbane for a while to complete my internship and possibly specialty training, but I definitely want to practise overseas eventually, although where that might be, I have no idea! As someone at Saints told me in Year 12, it’s okay not to have the answers yet – and I’m learning to understand that every day.
Sophie-Louise Shearwood (Kilburn 2017)
Saints Girl Among Australia’s Newest Citizens
I am really happy and proud to have become an Australian citizen on Wednesday this week. During the ceremony, we stood up and read a pledge to be loyal to Australia. Rachel, the leader at the ceremony, read a note on behalf of the government. It welcomed us to be Australian and told us our responsibilities of being Australian. My mum and I received a certificate saying we are now Australian citizens. Being an Australian citizen is a warming feeling as it feels that I am part of Australia now.
Ziyuan Qin
Year 5 student
Time for Chess, Mate!
Chess Club this term has been an interesting experience with the challenges the current climate has posed, but we have remained determined and optimistic, still enjoying ourselves while using online platforms to play!
All of our members have signed up to the Chess.com platform on their laptops and are thoroughly enjoying challenging each other to matches each week. Girls continue to improve their skills and their enthusiasm for the game remains undiminished.
Chess is a wonderful game of strategies and puzzles, so feel free to pick up a new skill and come join us Monday lunchtimes in CW301!
Emily Loh
Chess Captain
Bright Sparks in Year 9 Science
In Year 9 Science, students have been exploring a topic on ‘Electricity’ through a project-based learning methodology. To begin with, the girls undertook an ‘entry event’ – a task to engage them with the topic. They were required to create a greeting card using components of an electrical circuit to make an LED globe light up. This task was designed to inspire them to engage with the topic, exploring how electrical circuits are effectively designed to allow humans to live in a technologically advancing world. – David Stuart, Clare Gaskell and Emma Smerdon (Year 9 Science Teachers)
“Last week, some of the Year 9 classes made cards that had a light in the middle of them that lit up! We had to make an electrical circuit on the inside of the card for the light to work. It was interesting to notice that the light would only light up if the circuit was all connected. It was really fun to make these cards and the outcome was really cool!” – Annie Warrick
“Making electric cards was a great hands-on approach to introduce our new topic, and everyone thought it was a fun way to begin to develop some of the ideas and concepts around the topic. Being able to see the general circuits behind everyday objects was very eye-opening and allowed me to develop a greater understanding around how electricity plays a role in my life.” – Emma Pool
Sports News
After what seems like a very long time, the wait is finally over as sport gets back on track.
Many girls recommenced training in Week 3, and for junior sport, a modified term of skills and matches has been taking place.
This week, our two U11 Lacrosse teams are the first to take to the field for matches, and our Year 5 and 6 Netball teams and Year 7 to 12 teams in Aussie Rules, Badminton, Hockey, Netball and Soccer all take part in Winter Interhouse.
With sport hopefully making a full comeback next term, we are all excited to be finally getting underway, playing amongst friends, reigniting some close rivalries with other schools and representing Saints Girls with the pride that the girls always demonstrate.
Early next term, students in Reception to Year 9 will participate in the Cross Country Interhouse which will also be modified but will still enable all girls to participate and challenge themselves.
Neil Fuller
Director of Sport
Out of the Blue – The Arts Journal
This year, Saints Girls is launching a new annual school Arts Journal: Out of the Blue. It will include art, short stories, poetry and photography from students across all Sub-Schools, as well as pieces from talented staff and Old Scholars. To celebrate our diverse School community, we will also include pieces in other languages from our multilingual students. We encourage all students, staff and Old Scholars to consider submitting pieces for the journal as we begin putting it together in the coming months. So, start brainstorming ideas and we look forward to receiving your submissions!
今年，圣彼得女校将推出崭新的年度学校艺术杂志，《意外之蓝》，该杂志将收录来自所有年级的学生、有才华的圣彼得员工和历届毕业生的作品，包含美术画作、短篇小说、诗歌以及摄影等艺术作品。为了赞美我们多元化的学校社区，我们还将收录来自双语或多语学生的外语艺术作品。我们将在未来几个月内开始征集、整理这些作品，并且鼓励所有学生、教职员工和历届毕业生将他们的美术画作、短篇小说、诗歌以及摄影作品等发表在《意外之蓝》杂志上。所以，请开始你的创作旅程，我们很期待收到你的作品！
Submissions can be sent to outoftheblue@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Junior School Vacation Care
Our next awesome instalment of Junior School Vacation Care is almost here. We have some great activities guaranteed to keep the children entertained through the break. With an array of onsite adventures, there is plenty of fun to be had.
June / July 2020 Vacation Care Program
Places are limited, so click here to secure your booking now!
2020 Piano Recital
It is with great excitement that we announce our guest artist at this year’s St Peter’s Girls’ Piano Recital will be internationally-renowned jazz pianist Kym Purling.
Based in New York City, Paris and Australia, Kym has constantly been stated as world-renowned and world-class. Kym has enjoyed a diverse career spanning almost three decades, making significant contributions in the worlds of jazz and musical theatre. He has established himself as a pianist and entertainer in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States where he has conducted several Broadway shows, working with some of the biggest names in show business such as Engelbert Humperdinck and Natalie Cole.
Congratulations to the following students who have been invited to perform at the Recital next Tuesday from 4 – 5.30pm:
Georgia Evans
Elise Fuller
Lauren Fuller
Heidi Gong
Amber Guo
Samantha Li
Lady Murphy
Bonnie Qu
Caitlyn Sam-Ling
Amelie Tan
Aurelia Tan
Chen Xi Wang
Jerrie Wu
Jessie Zhang
Jiahui Zhang
Due to social distancing, we will be recording the concert and it will be shared with the Saints Girls’ community to watch at a later date.
Charm – Senior Drama Production
Eager to get out and see a show? Well, do we have a treat for you! This year’s Senior Drama Production, Charm, is a riotous deconstruction of fairytales with wild characters, plot twists, a (slightly serious) message and a few songs thrown in to boot!
For each of the evening performances on 5, 6 and 7 August at 7pm, we are able to release 200 general admission tickets – so get in fast if you want to secure seats. It will not be a happy ending for you if you miss out! Go to www.trybooking.com/BJZQC
CLOTHES SHWOP: We Need Your Help!
Did you know that Australians are the world’s second largest consumers of fashion? On average, we each consume 27kgs of new clothing and textiles every year. Most of this ends up in the bin after less than a year. Members of the School’s Environment Club would like to change this!
The Environment Club is focusing on sustainable fashion with our ‘Clothes Shwop’, where students can donate old clothes for tokens, and cash-in these tokens to take new clothes in return! If you have old clothes you don’t want anymore and are happy to donate or exchange for other items, then please support this worthy cause. Any remaining items will be donated to a women’s charity.
Collections will take place outside of the Junior School Library at lunch every Tuesday and Thursday leading up to the actual ‘Clothes Shwop’ where you will be able to choose pieces from the donated clothing. The first ‘Clothes Shwop’ will be held on Thursday and Friday in Week 5 of Term 3 in the Drama Room.
Bring in your old clothes, help the environment and make your wardrobe that bit more exciting!
Sara Peak
Environment Club Captain
Blazer Pockets
A reminder to all students receiving a new Pocket that blazers are to be dropped into the School Shop by end of day Thursday 25 June.
All blazers are to be clean or may not be accepted.
School Shop
School Shop Merchandise
The School Shop sells a variety of branded merchandise and memorabilia perfect for a gift or as a souvenir.
Items include coffee mugs, china, mobile phone power banks, umbrellas, signet rings, key rings, pens, notebooks, wine and champagne glasses, candles, scarves and more.
Visit us to see what we have in store!
School Shop
Bus Tap Card Reminder
Please note that all School bus students must use their student ID cards to tap on and off each time they board and alight a School bus service to comply with our new tracking system.
Also, a reminder that all students from Years 3 to 12 can now use their student ID cards for point-of-sale transactions at the Tuck Shop and School Shop.
To register for the service and ensure funds are available on the cards, parents need to use the flexischools program, which already facilitates the School’s online Tuck Shop. For instructions on how to set up an account and add funds, watch the first 30 seconds of this video. To access flexischools, log in to the myLink Parent Portal and select the ‘Tuck Shop’ tab on the top menu. When registering, search for the School’s name, remembering to add the apostrophe in St Peter’s.
For information on transaction fees and other costs, click here.
If you have any queries regarding these new systems, please contact our System Business Analyst Bronwyn Ledgard via bledgard@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au or 8334 2264.
Health Information
Please find an information sheet for families regarding coronavirus testing: SA Health Information
Road Safety Appeal
The School has recently received reports of poor driver behaviour including speeding, tailgating and vehicles parked across residential driveways in surrounding streets. Road safety and courtesy is everyone’s responsibility and is of the utmost importance in a school setting. We appeal to all of our families to take extra care in our car parks and on the roads for the safety of our students, parents, staff and the wider community.
And, a reminder that right turns are not permitted into or out of the School’s main car park on Stonyfell Road.
Code Camp – Virtual School Holiday Camps
Bring the excitement of Code Camp to your own home these winter school holidays!
Join today for just $99!
Tried, tested and recommended by over 3,000 Aussie families, learn at your own pace with 10 hours of instructor-led video tutorials and live tech support from our Australian-based team.
Do You Have a Connection to Woodlands Girls’ Grammar?
Year 11 Scholarship Information
The Elaine Balfour Ogilvy Scholarship is for girls who are planning to enter Year 12 next year, who attend an Anglican school and whose mother, grandmother or great grandmother attended Woodlands Girls’ Grammar School. It was created by the Woodlands Old Scholars in honour of an old scholar, one of the Australian Army nurses who died in the horror of war after the fall of Singapore.
Applicants need to post an introductory letter and four copies of their CV to:
The President
Woodlands Old Scholars’ Association
39 Partridge Street
GLENELG SA 5045
Applications close 24 July 2020
Interviews will be conducted in Term 3, giving the panel a chance to have an informal chat with the girls. We will be assessing attributes such as presentation and enthusiasm and will take this opportunity to see certificates and awards which substantiate the CV.
If you have any enquiries, please contact me via sorrell.lou@gmail.com
Louise Sorrell
St Peter’s Woodlands Old Scholars’ Association President
Apple’s Cleaning Tips for iPads and Laptops
Apple products are made with a variety of materials, and each material might have specific cleaning requirements. To get started, here are some tips from Apple that apply to all products:
- Use only a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels, or similar items.
- Avoid excessive wiping, which might cause damage.
- Unplug all external power sources, devices, and cables.
- Keep liquids away from the product, unless otherwise noted for specific products.
- Don’t get moisture into any openings.
- Don’t use aerosol sprays, bleaches or abrasives.
- Don’t spray cleaners directly onto the item.
Is it okay to use a disinfectant on my Apple product?
Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or disinfecting wipes, you may gently wipe the hard, non-porous surfaces of your Apple product, such as the display, keyboard, or other exterior surfaces. Don’t use bleach. Avoid getting moisture in any opening, and don’t submerge your Apple product in any cleaning agents. Don’t use on fabric or leather surfaces.
Here’s the full article from Apple: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204172
Of course, please check your device instructions for specific requirements.