Issue no. 18
Matilda the Musical – A Magical Spectacular!
The Trunchbull swept into Stonyfell last week, only to be thwarted in her attempted take-over by a group of rebellious, revolting children led by Matilda Wormwood. Matilda the Musical opened last Wednesday night to rave reviews from audiences. After many weeks of hard work, it was an absolute joy to witness the students present a piece of theatre that was simply spectacular – audiences were so impressed by the quality and professionalism of the cast and crew. Look out Broadway – Saints Girls are coming for you!
Our brilliant student cast, led by senior students Zara Blight (Miss Honey), Emma Pool (The Trunchbull), Sammi Keough (Mrs Wormwood) and Charlotte Norman (Mr Wormwood) blew us away with their performances. We are so lucky to have such a huge pool of talent, including Eliza Brill Reed who gave a show-stopping vocal and dance performance in ‘Revolting Children’ as Bruce. I am sure you will agree that Madeleine Schroeter’s lead performance as Matilda was just outstanding – her expressions, grasp of character and mesmerising vocals showed maturity beyond her years.
Many of you may not have realised that we performed with a live band. Director of Music Sally Rounsevell, and her brilliant musical crew of students and support staff, worked tirelessly rehearsing two and a half hours of non-stop music, as well as incorporating the technological element of seeing and hearing what was happening on stage.
Of course, putting on a production of this quality involves a massive effort from all involved, particularly our dedicated and talented staff. Here are some words from some of them:
‘Planning, teaching and refining the choreography in this brilliant production of Matilda the Musical was a fun yet enormous undertaking. I could not be prouder of each student on stage. Working with a core group of Principal Dancers with exceptional technique and artistry has been my pleasure. However, witnessing the less experienced dancers practise and perfect challenging choreography was extremely rewarding. To watch this huge ensemble collaborate, grow in confidence and fall in love with performing is what the Arts is all about. Special mention to the talented Amelie Zacharia Henley for her impeccable dance and choreography skills and incredible leadership.’ – Kate Burnett, Head of the Arts and Musical Choreographer
‘I am truly overwhelmed by the talented, dedicated and skilled students we have at Saints Girls. For our music students to play the professional score, note for note, is an amazing feat. Special mention to Samantha Li (Year 8 student) who played the lead keyboard part and held the whole show together.’ – Sally Rounsevell, Director of Music
‘Matilda is a huge technical challenge and the enormous team of tech crew, led by Caitlin Thatcher (Year 12 student), showed amazing skills in problem solving, troubleshooting, and true professionalism. We’ve created magic, managed to move huge set pieces in record time, and executed over 400 cues show after show. This team should be very proud of their achievements!‘– Scott Lorien, Technical Director
‘Matilda is renowned for its wordy and complex qualities, making it a challenging piece of theatre for young people but our incredibly talented cast embraced the opportunity with maturity, passion and professionalism. The unwavering dedication of the cast and creative team ultimately became the driving force behind this unforgettable production!’ – Joni Combe, Co-Director
Congratulations again to everyone involved in Matilda the Musical!
Kat Kitching
Producer and Co-Director
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.
Matilda Cast and Crew Reflections
‘The first St Peter’s Girls musical I’ve been lucky enough to witness, being in the stage crew was a wonderful opportunity to support and watch the incredible cast perform in a show that was equal parts funny and touching.’ – Shanta Holloway (Stage Crew, Year 11 student)
‘It was amazing to see everyone’s hard work over the past few months come to life on stage!’ – Zoe White (Cast Member, Year 8 student)
‘I have loved having the opportunity to work alongside so many different cast members whilst assisting with choreography, in particular witnessing the admirable talent and work-ethic of the younger Performing Arts students.’ – Amelie Zacharia Henley (Assistant Choreographer, Dance Ensemble, Year 11 student)
‘I really appreciate the amazing teachers who put so much effort, time and love into this show. Thank you especially to Mrs Kitching for believing in me and supporting us all so much!’ – Charlotte Norman (Cast Member, Year 11 student)
‘Whether you’re a part of the cast, band or crew, the biannual Musical is always such an enjoyable and worthwhile experience that I’ll continue to look back on fondly.’ – Lauren Parker (Band, Year 12 student)
‘My favourite part of Matilda rehearsals was forming strong connections with girls from a variety of year levels. I feel that Saints has created a wonderful Performing Arts community in which everyone supports one anther despite age or ability.’ – Emma Pool (Cast Member, Year 12 student)
‘One thing in particular I have loved about the Musical this year was connecting with girls from different year levels who I don’t normally get to spend time with, and working together to create such a special and memorable performance.’ – Zara Blight (Cast Member, Year 12 student)
‘Being a part of the Musical has been a really rewarding experience and it has been great seeing hours of hard work and dedication on everyone’s part come together into amazing performances.’ – Ayla Blaskett (Assistant Stage Manager, Year 11 student)
‘I have absolutely loved being involved in the Musical this year. Not only have I had the best time performing onstage and learning from the best teachers, but I have made so many new connections with girls from other year levels that I’m sure will last forever.’ – Zoe Pool (Cast Member, Year 11 student)
‘I loved being part of such a vibrant show with amazing music while being surrounded by an amazing cast and crew.’ – Daisy Kennett (Cast Member, Year 11 student)
From Our Deputy Principal /
Head of Senior School
Having recently been fortunate enough to the attended the Asia Pacific Summit on Girls Education, I found myself surrounded by like-minded individuals working and leading in all girls’ schools.
Across the conference we heard from several lead practitioners including Professor Pasi Sahlberg who discussed the implications of teaching and learning during uncertain times, Dr. Donna Cross who presented on the need to ensure policies and school procedures are aligned to help improve wellbeing and academic outcomes for girls and Taryn Brumfitt, 2023 Australian of the Year and founder of the Embrace Positive Body Image movement.
It was Taryn’s presentation that I found particularly exciting, knowing that she would be visiting St Peter’s Girls next term to present to students in Years 5 – 12. Alarmingly 77% of Australian children report experiencing body distress. As young people increase their use of social media they are exposed to endless images and commentary on body appearance and achieving the ‘perfect look’. The constant comparisons can have harmful impacts on young people with research suggesting those who are routinely comparing themselves to others are at an increased risk of developing anxiety, depressive episodes or taking part in behaviours that would be considered risky as they grow up.
The Embrace movement, and in particular Embrace Kids, strives to educate the community about positive body image. With a focus on celebrating diversity in shape, size, ethnicity and ability, the program aims to promote positive physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health while also combatting toxic messaging in media and advertising. During #EMPOWHER lessons, students in Years 5 – 9 will work through the Embrace curriculum in the lead up to Taryn’s visit, while Senior students will investigate the impacts of media on their own body image.
I would encourage all families to visit the Embrace Kids website, which includes a number of useful resources and ideas to support parents as they help their children navigate and foster a positive body image.
Lauren Sutton
Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School
Junior School Poets Perform Proficiently
Earlier this term all girls in Years 4 – 6 prepared for the 2023 IPSHA Poetry Competition. The internal competition was adjudicated by former Old Scholar and Teacher, Cassandra Moore (nee Jewell, Patteson 1978). Congratulations to the following finalists:
Year 4 – Edwina Cannon, Penny Coulter, Alyssia Moro and Samantha Paltridge
Year 5 – Dilini Ranathunga, Milli Richardson, Nishka Juneja, Aarabi Piragalathan, Elise Fuller and Mimi Birmingham
Year 6 – Victoria Hii, Sophia Baker, Jovelyn Chan, Ishana Roy, Mathilda Begg and Georgia Baghurst
Congratulations to Samantha Paltridge, Dilini Ranathunga and Mathilda Begg who competed in the finals last week held at St Peter’s College. All three girls performed extremely well with excellent expression and voice projection. Congratulations to Samantha who placed third in the Year 4 category.
We congratulate all of the girls on their achievements!
Shane Davidson
IPSHA Poetry Competition Coordinator
Social Night of Bowling and Games
Last Saturday several students from Prince Alfred College, Seymour College and St Peter’s Girls headed to Kingpin Bowling at Norwood to enjoy a night of bowling and arcade gaming.
This much-anticipated social night proved to be a fantastic opportunity for students to form new friendships and strengthen inter-school bonds. It was amazing to see how engaged everyone got, showing of their bowling skills and cheering on their friends with healthy competition. Students also were eagerly immersed by the multitude of arcade games such as racing stimulators and basketball shooting.
It was a fantastic event which provided students the opportunity to interact outside of the classroom.
Genevieve Leong
International Prefect
Year 12s Prepare Delectable High Tea
The Stage 2 Food and Hospitality class recently planned and produced a delightful High Tea for staff and teachers during lunch time.
With varying sweet and savoury items on the menu, our guests had an abundant selection of food with an aim to promote healthy eating practises. Some of these items included salmon and cream cheese tarts, a selection of three sandwiches, steak and mushroom bruschetta, traditional scones with homemade raspberry jam and lemon meringue tarts. In addition, a beverage section was available with a range of T2 teas, coffees and still or sparkling water.
Our class spent time decorating the tables with flower arrangements and a mix of different vintage style tea sets. This created an aesthetic and traditional atmosphere at the high tea, complementing the food that was being served. As a class we worked collaboratively to ideate, plan, trial and make the different elements over a six-week period. We are very proud of what we accomplished and are excited for our next group task in Term 3 where we prepare dinner for our parents or special friends.
Olivia Slivak
Year 12 student
Junior School Friendship Day – Next Week!
On Friday 23 June (Week 9) Junior School girls are invited to wear funky funny socks as a part of Junior School Friendship Day.
Classes will enjoy URSTRONG friendship sessions with girls across their year level and join as a whole Junior School at lunchtime to eat lunch and play games together.
The Year 6 Leaders encourage the Junior School students to bring some gold coins as a donation to support the purchase of solar lights for the Light up Timor Solar Buddy Campaign. Our aim is that this effort, together with the funds raised by the Junior School Book Fair, will enable us to purchase 75 solar buddy lights. This means our friendship skills will impact the lives of other children in the world.
This valuable campaign assists children living with energy poverty. The solar lights we purchase, construct and send to communities in Timor will make a real difference. These lights help to increase motivation and commitment to education among the children who receive them.
Helen Smith
Deputy Head of Junior School
Louisa Mitchell
Junior School Teacher Librarian
SLIC Reviews – New Edition Out Now!
The Student Libraries Initiatives Club’s Magazine: SLIC reViews Issue 6 is now available.
In this edition we have looked at Graphic Novels which are great for students of all reading levels and ages. They help develop critical thinking and comprehension skills, encourage non-linear thinking, strong visual literacy skills and increase understanding of literary techniques, terms and elements.
Research from the University of Oregon found that comic books averaged 53.5 rare or more complex words per 1,000. That’s more than children’s books which average 30.9 and even adult books at 52.7. Graphic Novels are engaging, fun, cover all genres and captivate readers. You are bound to find one you enjoy!
Start reading SLIC reViews now – click here
Strings Concert – Week 10
Our upcoming Strings Concert in Week 10 is shaping up to be a wonderful celebration of all things strings. From our beginner string students in Junior Strings to our advanced Senior Strings, we will be hearing a wonderful array of music from every genre. This year we will even be treated to some Jazz strings with Extension Strings aka ‘Revolution Strings’ performing items from their recent win at Generations in Jazz. We hope to see you there.
Monday 26 June (Week 10)
6 – 7pm
Arts Centre, St Peter’s Girls’ School
Sally Rounsevell
Director of Music
Annual House Dinners
During Term 3 all Middle and Senior School girls have the opportunity to enjoy a night away from homework to get creative and colourful at our annual House Dinners.
The Year 11s have been working hard organising decorations, food and games for each event. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone’s creative costumes and enjoying a fun night with our Houses.
This is a compulsory event for all Year 7 – 12 students. Visit the TryBooking links below to book your daughter(s) a ticket for the night.
Kennion House Dinner – 4 August (Week 2)
Theme: TV Channels
This year for Kennion House Dinner each Year Level will be dressing up as characters from different TV channels. The Year Level channels can be found on the posters located around the school so keep an eye out. Can’t wait to see everyone there for a fun night!
Book now: trybooking.com/CJBAI
Patteson House Dinner – 11 August (Week 3)
Theme: Music Genres
The Patteson House Dinner theme for 2023 is Music Genres! Each Year Level is encouraged to dress up and students can find their allocated music genres on the posters located around the Middle and Senior School. Can’t wait to see everyone’s creative costumes!
Book now: trybooking.com/CJBAJ
Selwyn House Dinner – 18 August (Week 4)
Theme: Disco
Dress up in your glitziest disco outfit and get ready to hit the dance floor! It’s going to be a night of 70s music, great food, and lots of lights!
Book now: trybooking.com/CJBAK
Kilburn House Dinner – 1 September (Week 6)
Theme: Disney
Everyone is encouraged to dress up as their favourite Disney character for the night. It can be anything from princesses, to villains, to your favourite characters from Disney channel. We look forward to seeing everyone at our Kilburn Disneyland!
Book now: trybooking.com/CJBAL
Junior School Vacation Care – Book Now
Our next exciting instalment of Junior School Vacation Care is almost here! We have some great activities guaranteed to keep the children entertained throughout the July break. With an array of excursions and on-site adventures, there is plenty of fun to be had.
July 2023 Vacation Care Program
Places are limited, so secure your booking now – click here
Please make your booking requests via the link above by 2pm Friday 23 June, as each booking made after this time will incur an additional $5 fee.
Spread Drive Supporting KickStart for Kids
This term, Junior School students are invited to participate in the KickStart for Kids Breakfast Spread Drive. This drive is an initiative organised as a collaborative project between a group of Year 12 students and the Year 6 Student Ambassadors. It is aimed at raising awareness about other children in our community and the work of KickStart for Kids.
KickStart for Kids is a South Australian organisation that aims to create an equal chance for all children to succeed in life. They run breakfast and lunch programs to provide meals for children who go to school hungry. Students are better able to focus, interact with others, and perform well in class when they have eaten nutritious meals.
KickStart for Kids relies on contributions from the community. So, we invite Junior School students to bring in breakfast spreads, such as jams, Vegemite and honey to support this organisation and support the children who benefit from their programs. Please refrain from bringing products that contain nuts. There will be a collection box located near the Junior School Library until the end of Week 10.
Suzanne Haddy
Head of Junior School
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.
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
School Shop Holiday Hours
School Holiday Opening Times
Friday 21 July, 9am – 3pm
Monday 24 July, 9am – 4pm
The School Shop will resume regular hours on Tuesday 25 July.
Regular School Shop Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 8am – 4pm (closed for lunch 12 – 12.30pm)
Parents can also order items via our Online School Shop. This is now accessible via the Flexischools platform which also administers our Online Tuck Shop. To sign in or sign up to Flexischools, click here
Absences from School
If your child will 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.
Sports News
BASKETBALL
Junior School
Year 3/4 Blue: Saints (4) v Wilderness (41)
Year 3/4 White: Saints (4) Seymour Green (54)
Best Player: Lucy James
Super Woman: Florence Cleland – great defensive pressure
CROSS COUNTRY
Senior
1st – Isla Fahey
2nd – Malaika McLeod
3rd – India Goodall
4th – Ava Field
8th – Daisy Braithwaite
9th – Chloe Sturt
10th – Alice Braithwaite
Overall points: 85
NETBALL
Junior School
Year 4 Blue: Saints (7) v Westminster Y4 White (9)
Year 4 White: Saints (14) v Westminster Y3 (0)
Best Player: Emma See
Super Woman: Colette Palmieri
Year 5 Blue: Saints (2) v Seymour Y4/5 Green (21)
Year 5 White: Saints (1) v Seymour Y4/5 White (20)
Year 5/6 Silver: Saints (8) v Seymour Y6 Purple (10)
Best Player: Lydia Zhao for playing every position possible and doing a great job in each role.
Super Woman: Emma Willington for implementing coaches instructions and defending with impact.
Year 6 Blue: Saints (10) v Seymour Y6 Green (26)
Best Player: Anisha Pahuja for her efforts throughout the game and her encouragement of fellow teammates in challenging conditions.
Super Woman: Evie Bowering who bravely tried the ‘Goal Defence’ position for the first time against a much larger opponent and did very well.
Year 6 White: Saints (2) v Seymour Y6 White (15)
Best Player: Sophia Curry
Super Woman: Stephanie Lin for her continuous effort in defence throughout the whole game.
SOCCER
Senior School
Premier League: Saints (3) v Concordia PL (3)
Best Player: Jasreet Mavi for her great vision and passing all game, set the tone for the team.
Super Woman: Labrini Psaltis who worked tirelessly supporting both attack and defence, finishing with a goal which was well deserved.
Middle School
Middle A: Saints (10) v Scotch (2)
Best Player: Lauren Disney
Super Woman: Natalia DiMauro
Middle B: Saints (2) v Pembroke (3)
Best Player: Linna Song
Super Woman: Lois Burton-Howard
PINK ROUND – Next Week!
Pink Round: Monday 19 June – Saturday 24 June (Week 9)
This year all of our sporting teams are supporting the IGSSA PINK Round in Week 9. We would love to see players, officials, supervisors, and spectators wearing some pink to raise awareness for breast cancer, generate discussion encouraging breast screening as well as show support for the 20,000+ women and men diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia every year.
We will be supporting the following charities throughout the event:
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), Pink Ribbon (Cancer Council) and Jane McGrath Foundation