The Vine Issue 1 – 2023

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

Mr James Tamblyn

It was wonderful to welcome our students for the commencement of the academic year last week. Very pleasing also to welcome so many parents to our Junior and Middle School Parent Information Evenings earlier this week. One of our central beliefs about an exceptional education is that relationships are at the core. The strong connection between students and teachers, complemented by regular communication between school and home, is imperative. If you need any support or have any questions, please ensure you reach out and allow our staff to support you as required. 

On Thursday, we recognised our highest-performing students from last year’s Year 12 cohort. These students had their entire Senior School journey influenced by the pandemic, making their achievements even more meritorious. Those students gaining an ATAR in the 90s, along with their families, joined us at a special Assembly to formally recognise their achievements. My thanks to all parents and staff who contributed so significantly to the success experienced by the Year 12 graduating class. We wish all our graduates every success and happiness as they embark on their post-school journeys, and we look forward to following their progress with great interest. 

Perhaps the hottest topic in education across the globe at the moment is the evolution of artificial intelligence that can generate written content almost instantly. Specifically, the emergence in late 2022 of the updated ChatGPT software is compelling all schools into conversations about what it means for the future of education. Numerous jurisdictions in Australia and around the world have banned its use in schools. In South Australia, all three of our universities, along with the Department for Education, have committed to endorse its use and are working through what this will look like. 

We began the conversation about ChatGPT, and other emerging AI software, with our Middle and Senior students at our first full gathering this week. We have committed to collaboratively exploring its potential within our community, reviewing implications for how we assess student learning, identifying how we can use ChatGPT to enhance learning, and how to use it ethically. We look forward to engaging community members in these discussions as we respond to a new technology that has the potential to revolutionise how, what and why we learn. 

As we settle into this new academic year, we keep foremost in our thoughts and prayers those around the world dealing with the devastating impacts of natural disasters, conflict, poverty and political unrest. As we read in Matthew 5:16, ‘In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’ May we keep at the heart of our mission this year a commitment to understanding and responding to the needs of others less fortunate than ourselves.

Commencement of the 2023 Academic Year – Monday, 30 January

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – TEACHING & LEARNING

Mrs Lauren Brooks

This week we have come together to celebrate the academic achievements of our Year 12 cohort of 2022.

Although this Assembly celebrates students who have achieved a merit or an ATAR over 90, the focus of the Assembly was on the hard work, sacrifice, and resilience that all Year 12 students who have earned an ATAR and SACE certificate have demonstrated over the past year.

We thanked our Year 12 teachers. They are responsible for creating environments that encourage students to learn and stay motivated in what can be such a challenging year. We are very grateful for our brilliant teachers at Pedare, who have so much expertise in their subjects, but most of all, for their ability to instil a culture of excellence and a love of learning in our classrooms.

This Assembly is primarily to celebrate our 2022 Year 12 cohort; however, it can also be very inspiring for our 2023 Year 12 cohort as they traverse the first steps of their final academic year. It was an opportunity for them to be motivated by the sacrifice, perseverance, work ethic and consistency of our high-achieving students and espoused to do the same.

As mentioned in this celebration, we believe that the success of a school is measured not only by the success of our students, but also by the success of our graduates. We are very proud of our Year 12 students in 2022 and will watch with great interest how they use the skills, knowledge and experiences they have gained in their time at Pedare to achieve great things in their lives after school.

ACTING HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Mr Josh Willis

I would like to extend a warm welcome back to all our students and families for the 2023 school year. It has been wonderful to see how positive and motivated our students have been in the first two weeks of school, and this has created a fantastic atmosphere across the College. We are excited about the new year ahead and look forward to embracing every challenge and celebrating every success. 

I want to acknowledge and extend our heartfelt wishes to all Year 12 students. This cohort has begun the year strong as they embark on an exciting chapter of their academic journey at Pedare. We have encouraged them to have balance in their lives despite the business of their schedules and take time for activities that bring them joy. We look forward to walking alongside them this year as they face new challenges and exciting opportunities.

Year 12s will begin a series of study skills workshops delivered by Elevate Education this term. These sessions are designed to help students improve their study techniques, increase motivation, build confidence and improve their exam performance. We are committed to providing our students with the support and resources they need to reach their goals in 2023. 

We are also excited to announce that on Wednesday, 15 February, Elevate Education will be hosting its first free webinar of the year for parents. During this webinar series, you will learn how you can help better support your children at home by reinforcing the skills they are learning in the Elevate sessions. Please see the details below to register.

Wednesday, 15 February
How to Help Get (& Keep!) Your Child Motivated

Click here to register for free

Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night:

• What impact do praise and reassurance have on your child’s motivation?
• What are the best types of goals to be set with your child?
• How can you help your child create meaningful and lasting motivation?

HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

 Mr Callum Iles

The Definition of Success

The Middle School team has been so proud of the way each student has started the 2023 school year. Students have arrived ready to learn, exceptionally presenting themselves and looking after the Mallee building and other Middle School spaces with great care. It has been wonderful to see so many new faces around the Middle School and so many existing students building relationships with new students and welcoming them into their lives. At Pedare, we always say that it matters how we treat each other. Seeing students treat each other in a caring, accepting manner makes each of the Middle School teachers proud.

On Tuesday night, we welcomed Middle School parents to the school for the Parent Information Night. This was a wonderful time to share with them important details about Middle School life, camp information and opportunities to connect with Core Teachers and Middle School leadership. Middle School only works when parents and teachers are partners, and seeing the Year 6 Core Teachers mingling with parents in their children’s classrooms was a beautiful picture of this partnership.

On Thursday, 9 February, all students participated in an Academic Assembly where the school honoured those who achieved an ATAR of 90 or above. Seeing the proud parents and the students reaping the benefits of their hard work was an important picture for Middle School students to see. It may not seem like a lot of fun completing an hour and a half of homework or digging deep to engage during double Mathematics in the afternoon, but by doing so, they are building good habits and setting them up for a life of opportunity.

Additionally, Year 8 students participated in their first session of the Healthy Minds program this week. This preventative wellbeing program, facilitated by a trained clinical psychologist, will equip students with evidence-based psychological skills training for mental health, wellbeing and resilience. It is so exciting to have this program introduced at Pedare, and the outcomes will be exceptional in the coming years.

There are so many definitions of success; this week, we were exposed to all of them in Middle School. Success can be the simple task of showing up, being friendly and doing the work. Success can be achieving incredible academic feats. Success can be about connecting with people and treating them with dignity and love. Success can be having the resilience to cope with the challenges you face. Success has many faces, and it was exciting to see so many of them in Pedare this week. 

HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Mr Randall Pearce

I welcome to our Junior School community nine new students from Years 1 – 4, 24 new Year 5 students and 32 new Reception students who have joined our 20 students from the 2022 Mid-Year Receptions.  

I look forward to getting to know you and working with you and your family. 

Today during our Welcome Assembly, I asked the students three words that their friends, families and teachers might say about them. 

As you would expect, children answered with words such as caring, fun, happy, sporty, etc.  

All are very important attributes and qualities, but there is one trait, one action that I wish we could all be described as, and that is ‘kind’ and ‘to be kind’.  

Imagine if we were all known as people who valued kindness, and how we treated people and made others feel was our true measure of worth.   

Imagine if we all lifted each other up and set an example of kindness, integrity, compassion and understanding; if we all decided to be kind and influence what we want to see more. 

Kindness would spread like a virus, be caught and passed on. 

“In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit.” – Anne Frank.

This new year, as we get back to some more sense of normality, I wish to challenge us all to use kindness as the sharpest tool so that everyone’s wellbeing is enhanced in all our interactions.  

I am so excited to continue learning together with the support of the URSTRONG program, where we learn how to be great friends and build stronger friendships with courage and kindness even when things aren’t going so well.  

Looking forward to a fantastic 2023, working alongside you as we share this immense privilege of guiding our next generation of learners and leaders.

Join with other members of the College community, along with some of the St Mark’s parishioners, to mark the commencement of Lent, a time when many Christians around the world prepare for Easter with a season of reflection and repentance.

Rev Jo Smith will lead the service, which will include scripture reflection and the opportunity to receive the sign of the cross in ash for those who value that tradition. 

There is no need to advise your attendance in advance. Start and finish times will be punctual. 

St. Mark’s is located on the corner of The Golden Way and Wynn Vale Drive (carpark entry off Wynn Vale Dr)

All enquiries to John Morton (College Chaplain)
8280 1700   jmmorton@pedarecc.sa.edu.au

DO WE HAVE YOUR MOST UP-TO-DATE CONTACT DETAILS?

INTRODUCING THE NEW JUNIOR SCHOOL LIBRARY & TEAM

Earlier this year, the College introduced some of its newest facilities, including the new Junior School Library. We recently visited the library, capturing the Junior School students’ excitement as they eagerly explored its new shelves and picked out books to borrow for the first time this year. Behind this fantastic facility are two true ‘legends’, and we’re eager to get to know them better.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION – At Home, At School

The Year of Rabbit

In the Chinese horoscope, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, starting on 22 January. The rabbit symbolises longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese Culture; thus, 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope. As one of the world’s most prominent and celebrated festivals, the Chinese New Year is typically celebrated for 16 days. At Pedare, we welcome the Year of Rabbit with various activities.

In Junior School, students participated in paper-cutting activities and wrote spring couplets filled with good wishes, which were then used as decorations for their homes. Middle School students, on the other hand, designed T-shirts to celebrate Chinese New Year. They incorporated various themes related to the new year into their designs, creating unique and festive garments. Year 10 students had the opportunity to partake in the creation of Chinese New Year crafts brought back by Huang Laoshi from Malaysia. Students derived a substantial amount of enjoyment from participating in the unique and special activities organised to celebrate the New Year.

The Year of the Rabbit brings peace, harmony, and tranquillity to the new year. We look forward to the year ahead!

Mrs Grace Liu

NEWS, UPDATES AND RESULTS

The Pedare Extra-Curricular Team are excited to bring you a new portal, containing information and links all in one location to our Sports and Clubs program.

The Portal is updated regularly to bring you the latest news, announcements, updates, results and more of Pedare Extra-curricular activities and events.

Tea Tree Gully Anglican

Tea Tree Gully Anglican Church is a group of Christians who seek to serve Jesus in everything we do. Whether you are just visiting or looking for a Christian home, we aim to be a loving and supportive family for you. We meet at the church at 8.30 am, 10.00 am, and 6.00 pm in person. If you can’t join us just yet, we’ll continue to stream at 8.30 am and 10.00 am online using Zoom and YouTube  Service times are 8.30 am and 10.00 am.

Please contact Dave Brown at dave@ttganglican.org.au for more details, or check their Facebook page for links.

If you are struggling and would like to talk with someone from the church during these trying times, please phone 8264 3736.

Tea Tree Gully Uniting – Banksia Markets

Tea Tree Gully Uniting host the ‘local and friendly’ Banksia Markets on the first Saturday of each month from 8.30 am to 1.00 pm at 600 Milne Road, Banksia Park. Stalls inside the hall and in the car park include produce, fresh fruit and vegetables, jewellery, tools, bric-à-brac and lots more.

For more information, contact the TTG Uniting Church website at https://www.ttguc.org.au/

Golden Grove Uniting Church

Golden Grove Uniting Church, corner of Crouch and One Tree Hill Road, Golden Grove, has a traditional service at 10 am on a Sunday.  Also, on the second and fourth Sunday of the month, we have a cafe-style church, a relaxed contemporary worship service at 6 pm in the Church hall.

Café Youth is a fun, interactive program for young people ages 14 and up looking to engage in topics of faith. Café Youth sessions start with a fun 30-minute activity based on the theme for the night, then followed by “Talk Time”, during which the group discusses a topic of faith while enjoying delicious snacks, refreshments and pizza! The cost for each session is $5.

For further information, please contact the Office at 8251 4298 or email office@goldengroveuniting.org.au  You can even check our webpage: https://www.goldengroveuniting.org.au

Please click here to visit the College Calendar for a full list of College events