During this term, the Years 4, 5, and 6 classes have focused on performance poetry in the lead up to the Independent Primary School Heads of Australia (IPSHA) Poetry Recital Competition. The top three performers from each year level participated in an in-School preliminary final where they performed a poem in front of a School adjudicator. One student was chosen from each year level to represent the School in the final. Our representatives in the final were Sampada Kulkarni (Year 4), Matilda Mollison (Year 5) and Lucy Dougherty (Year 6).
The IPSHA Poetry Recital Competition was held at Walford on Thursday 12 June. This competition is designed to encourage an enjoyment of reading and an appreciation of poetry. Poetry recitals offer tremendous educational value, helping students develop memorisation skills, promote good elocution, and provide opportunities to gain confidence in performing before an audience. Through poetry performance, students engage deeply with language, rhythm, and meaning while building public speaking skills that serve them throughout their academic and personal lives.
Our three representatives competed against students from a range of Adelaide independent schools. The students recited one poem set by the IPSHA panel by poet Dorothy Mackellar and one poem of personal choice. The competition was tight, and all three competitors performed in an outstanding manner. They can be congratulated on their personal commitment to rehearsing and memorising their poems as well as the courage they displayed in performing before such a large audience. Congratulations to Lucy Dougherty for placing first in the Year 6 final.
The poetry recital experience demonstrates how performance can transform students’ relationship with literature, fostering both artistic appreciation and personal growth through the discipline of memorisation and the confidence gained from public presentation.
Helen Smith
Deputy Head of Junior School/PYP Coordinator
A Powerful Spark: Year 3 Girls Explore the World of Physics
There was excitement in the air (and even in the hair!) as our Year 3 girls entered the Senior Science Lab for an unforgettable hands-on physics experience, led by Head of Science, Mr Craig Byrne.
As part of their Unit of Inquiry, How the World Works, the girls were immersed in the real tools and ideas of physics — from electricity and motion to waves and electrons. Guided by Mr Byrne’s energy and expertise, they explored complex scientific concepts in a way that was fun, engaging, and sparked genuine curiosity.
It wasn’t just a demonstration — it was a chance for the girls to ask their own questions, test predictions, and see themselves as young scientists. Mrs McLeay’s class shone with insight: Bene wowed the room by recalling Isaac Newton’s laws, while Mila-Lee and Harper shared thoughtful ideas about how electricity flows. In Miss Mulraney’s class, students were equally engaged. Aimee offered logical reasons to support her hypothesis, while Mila impressed with her understanding of sound waves and frequency.
Experiences like these are more than memorable moments — they are powerful invitations. When girls are welcomed into STEM spaces early, they build the confidence and curiosity to know that science is not just something they learn — it’s something they can do.
These moments matter. When young girls see themselves in science — using real tools, led by passionate experts like Mr Byrne — they’re not just learning about physics, they’re seeing their own potential.
This was a powerful spark of curiosity that we know will continue to grow.
Melissa Lee
STEM Innovation Leader
Mr Craig Byrne
Head of Science
Learning and Laughter with Prince Alfred College!
This term our Year 4 students had the wonderful opportunity to host Prince Alfred College for a morning jam-packed with fun, learning and friendship. The day was designed to challenge our students physically, mentally and technologically whilst building connections with students from another school.
We began with an energetic Taught & Bowled session on the oval, where students tested their throwing, hitting and kicking skills in competitive teams. The Saints girls and PAC boys worked beautifully together, demonstrating excellent teamwork as they cheered each other on.
Moving indoors, our girls stepped into the role of teachers, showing their PAC visitors how to play the strategic games Mancala and Gobblet. It was wonderful to see our students confidently explaining rules, sharing strategies, and patiently guiding their new friends through these engaging mind games that require tactical thinking and forward planning.
The highlight of the morning was our Race to Recycle Challenge using our newest robots, the Ozobot Evos. Students worked in mixed pairs to programme their robots to push recycled paper out of a designated area. This hands-on STEM activity required collaboration, troubleshooting and computational thinking skills. Watching the partnerships develop as students worked together to debug their code and refine their robot movements was truly inspiring.
We are incredibly proud of how our Year 4 students embraced their roles as hosts and enthusiastic learners throughout this collaborative experience.
Olivia Coulter and Stasia Vigor
Year 4 Teachers
School Holidays Vacation Care – Book Now!
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 excursions and on-site adventures, there is plenty of fun to be had.
Click here to view the program.
Places are limited, so secure your booking now – click here