Year 9 da Vinci Team to compete in National Competition in Sydney!
Some teams run like clockwork. Ours ran on inside jokes, last-minute genius, and the kind of creative chaos that could potentially make even the great Leonardo proud.
Our Year 9 da Vinci team was thrilled to place first in the state finals of the da Vinci Decathlon, earning us the incredible opportunity to represent South Australia at the National Competition in Sydney later this year. Competing against some of the strongest teams in the state, everyone involved found our achievements enthralling and deeply rewarding.
This year’s da Vinci theme, Machines and Mechanics, challenged teams to think creatively, solve complex problems, and approach ideas from new perspectives. From fast-paced brainstorming sessions to polishing artwork under pressure, every challenge pushed us to work together like the moving parts of a well-oiled machine. Our team included Courtney Fu, Grace Yang, Charlotte Di Blasio, Antra Docherty, Jessica Dong, Clare Xiao, Victoria Hii, and myself. Our team’s reserves, including Sasha Connor, Erin Liau, and Yolanda Wang, deserve special recognition for their commitment, creativity, and spirit throughout the preparation process. Their contribution to the team’s success was invaluable, and they are very much a part of this achievement. With the support of Ms Burton-Howard and Pitkin Sensei, our team was encouraged to challenge ourselves, think boldly, and aim high. Their guidance and encouragement helped transform nervous energy into momentum, inspiring us to push beyond our limits and achieve something we will never forget.
With Nationals in Sydney on the horizon, our hearts are filled with both excitement and humility. We know that the road ahead will be demanding, but we will carry with us the lessons, memories, and friendships that have already changed us forever. We are incredibly proud to represent our school on the national stage and cannot wait to see where this journey takes us next.
Bonnie Qu
Year 9 Student
Young Old Scholars Share their University Journey with Year 12 Students
Year 12 students recently had the opportunity to hear from five “young” Old Scholars who returned to Saints Girls to share their experiences of life after school and the transition to university.
The panel featured Nikki Miller (Patteson 2019), now working full-time as an engineer after completing a Bachelor of Civil Engineering majoring in Structural Engineering; Matilda Chu (Patteson 2023) studying Veterinary Bioscience at Adelaide University; Emma Pool (Kennion 2023) studying Paramedicine at Flinders University; Daisy Braithwaite (Kennion 2024) studying Midwifery at Adelaide University; and Emily Ketteridge (Patteson 2025) studying Physiotherapy at Adelaide University.
Students asked a wide range of questions about university life, including balancing study, work and social commitments, navigating timetables, finding study groups, and discovering the best places on campus to study. The Old Scholars spoke openly about the realities of university life, sharing practical advice on time management, building new friendships, taking advantage of opportunities beyond the classroom, and embracing the independence that comes with tertiary study.
One of the key messages from the panel was that while the transition from school to university can feel daunting, it is also an exciting time filled with opportunities for growth, new experiences, and personal development. Students were encouraged to be proactive, seek support when needed, and remember that everyone is navigating similar challenges as they adjust to life after school.
We are incredibly grateful to Nikki, Matilda, Emma, Daisy, and Emily for giving their time to support our Year 12 students. Their honest reflections and practical insights provided valuable reassurance and inspiration as our students begin considering their own pathways beyond Saints.
Dan Searle
Head of Year 12 | HPE & CAS Teacher
Year 11 and 12 Service Learning
The Year 11 and 12 girls have been working together on a Service Learning project, where they have been working with the nonprofit organisation, Knit a Care Square Organisation.
This organisation takes the knitted square that we all made and turns them into blankets for people in need. They do this by working with other organisations to hand out these blankets. We as a school have worked in previous years with some of the organisations, such as The Smith Family and the Mary Mags Dinners.
This experience has given the girls a mindfulness activity to take their minds off the stress from assignments, tests and exams, while doing something to help people in need. This Service Learning project has brought the two year levels together by helping and encouraging each other in this process.
Year 11
Annabel: “At the start it is quite stressful but once we’d started, it was very relaxing.”
Charlotte Catchple: “It is relaxing and I don’t have to think too much.”
Skyla Hutchinson: “It’s been a really fun way to have a break from the stress of school.”
Year 12
Cleo Hart: “A great way to take your mind off all the work and it’s also beneficial for all the people that are less fortunate.”
Nidhi Ramesh: “It’s a great break from the stress of all our lessons, while contributing to a greater cause.”
Sophe Wang: “It’s a fun way to not only destress without screens but also a great way of giving back to the community.”
Annie Goldsmith
Year 12 Student
The Big Freeze
We’re excited to announce that Saints Girls will be taking part in the Big Freeze again this year, on Monday 15 June. After the success of last year’s event, we’re bringing it back to support FightMND, a really meaningful cause.
This year, we’re adding a competitive twist. Our Head of Years are going head-to-head alongside a few brave prefects, to see who will be dunked in the freezing water. It’s up to our Saints community to decide who takes the plunge, so please get involved as each donation counts. You can donate to your chosen Head of Year through the link below:
All funds go straight to FightMND; we encourage everyone in our School community to show their support, and we thank you for your continued generosity and enthusiasm.
Maddie Oborn
Community Service Prefect
Annual House Dinners – Book Now!
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. Each House’s Year Level categories can be found on the posters located around the school so keep an eye out.
This is a compulsory event for all Years 7 to 12 students. Visit the TryBooking links below to book your daughter(s) a ticket for the night.
PATTESON
31 July (bookings close Monday 27 July at 9am)
Theme: Events
SELWYN
7 August (bookings close Monday 3 August at 9am)
Theme: Fairytales
KILBURN
14 August (bookings close Monday 10 August at 9am)
Theme: Around the World
KENNION
28 August (bookings close Monday 24 August at 9am)
Theme: Dolls