The Vine Issue 10 – 2023

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

Mr James Tamblyn

Early in Term 3 2019, six months prior to commencing at Pedare, I was invited to attend the Middle and Senior School Musical, 13: The Musical. It was a wonderful performance and very clearly demonstrated the exceptionally high standard of such events that our Performing Arts team produces. I loved it. 

This week I have had the privilege of attending the 2023 Musical, The Addams Family, which has taken our musical performance to another level. From start to finish, the audience was entertained and delighted by the team of young performers whose energy, connection, confidence and talent combined to deliver an outstanding show. My thanks and congratulations to all involved. Performances like this come only after extended periods of hard work and dedication. The College is so proud of the efforts of all students and staff involved, and most grateful that we get to share in such a special experience. 

This week we had the opportunity to recognise Middle and Senior School students who achieved the benchmark in Semester One that qualifies them for an academic award. To achieve Academic Excellence in the Senior Years, students must have achieved an A grade in at least all bar one of their subjects. And in Middle School, students must have achieved in the top 10% of their year level. 

To receive an Academic Endeavour Award, students must have consistently demonstrated diligence, effort and application towards their learning in all subjects. The addition of this category of award means recognition at this level is attainable for all students. While academic achievement is core to our mission as a school, what all students should be aspiring for is learning growth. This comes only with sustained effort, which is the key to success in any pursuit. Congratulations to all students recognised at this event. 

We were privileged to welcome Mr Tony Zappia MP, Member for Makin, to our first Junior School Worship of Term 3. Mr Zappia presented three flags to the College – an Australian Aboriginal Flag, a Torres Strait Islander Flag and an Australian Flag – which will be flown from the new flag poles installed in recent weeks adjacent to the Jackson Oval. Mr Zappia spoke elegantly of the stories behind each flag and we greatly appreciate his time to visit Pedare. 

Progress continues on a number of facilities projects across the College. The Boronia Balcony, on the northern side of the building overlooking Jackson Oval, is progressing well and is due for completion over the next few weeks. Work will start soon on the outdoor space immediately adjacent to the northern entry to the canteen. This space will be converted to a learning and recreational space, with seating and a new access pathway for students.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Mrs Mandy Hore

There is nothing like the sound of the students’ voices to bring life back to a school. Welcome back, and welcome to Term 3! I trust that you all have had a wonderful, refreshing break – the stories of travel and holiday activities certainly attest to this.

It was a pleasure to celebrate and acknowledge the recipients of our Academic Excellence and Endeavour awards yesterday, who were recognised for excellence, consistent effort, diligence, application and/or achievement in all areas of their learning. Congratulations!

There are also many other examples and evidence of achievement across the College in Semester One. Examples of personal best were prolific in reports, and many students were identified by their teachers as not only improving their focus, grades and attitude to their learning but excelling in other aspects of Pedare life; Drama, Music, robotics, sport, leadership, to name but a few. This, too, needs to be celebrated as each student’s journey is unique.

Striving to be your best, rather than aiming to be the absolute best, is a healthy and realistic approach to personal growth and success, and one we strongly encourage. Focusing on personal improvement and progress brings about a sense of fulfilment and contentment, and Pedare provides an environment that aims to unlock and grow the unique gifts and talents of all students.

Striving for personal best is a conversation that teachers regularly have with their classes and focuses on each individual:

• understanding their strengths, weaknesses, values and goals. 
• embracing a growth mindset and being open to learning new skills and gaining new knowledge.
• setting specific, achievable and measurable goals. Breaking these down into smaller milestones and tracking progress. Celebrating achievements along the way is critical.
• maintaining consistent progress over time and recognising that this yields far better results than sporadic bursts of intense effort.
• learning that mistakes and setbacks lead to valuable insights and personal growth.
• making sure that they are doing what brings them a sense of happiness, purpose and meaning. 

These are rich conversations and ones that I encourage you to have at home as you look to the semester ahead.

As usual, I am here to provide my support and remain available for any discussions or concerns you may have at any given moment. Enjoy your weekend.

HEAD OF MIDDLE AND SENIOR SCHOOL

Mr Josh Willis

It was with delight to welcome our students back last week. The Middle and Senior School is once again abuzz with the energy of learning and friendship as students reunite with their peers and teachers. 

We proudly highlight the remarkable efforts of our Year 9 students presenting their IB MYP Community Project Speeches this week. These projects are a testament to our students’ dedication to making a positive impact beyond the classroom. They have identified community issues and devised innovative solutions to address them. The projects exemplify their commitment to service and social responsibility while demonstrating the skills and values cultivated through the MYP curriculum. 

The Community Project Display Evening was held on Thursday, 29 June, where families saw the variety of projects and spoke to students about their learnings and the impact they had on their chosen community. I would like to acknowledge the MYP Coordinator, Hayley Mayer, for her leadership throughout this journey and for organising a wonderful event last term.

Our Year 12 students have returned with a determined attitude, beginning with trial exams in Week 1. It has been great to see so many students using their time effectively and seeking assistance whenever available. Another layer of support is the upcoming Year 12 Parent/Teacher interviews, which will be held on Monday, 14 August, in the Mallee building.

HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Mr Randall Pearce

Welcome back to Term 3. A very warm welcome to our new students, along with our 19 new Mid-Year Receptions in their little red hats. It is wonderful to have them join our Pedare community. 

Reports, Parent/Teacher Interviews, Learning Journeys

I trust that you found the Semester One reports comprehensive and informative. As we head into this term, the teachers will be reflecting upon the achievements of Semester One and planning for the enrichment of every student throughout Semester Two.  We value the ongoing communication with you, and the Parent/Teacher Interviews scheduled for Tuesday, 5 September and Thursday, 7 September, are great opportunities to explore various learning experiences together. 

Lost Property

Please be reminded that there are currently a number of items held in lost property.  We ask that parents visit the Junior School Office to locate any lost items, and as always, remind you to name all items as this assists us greatly in ensuring each item is returned to the rightful owner.

Kiss and Drop

I have been informed and have witnessed some driving behaviour which I fear will put our students at risk. Therefore, I ask for our community to follow all signs and drive in the direction the arrows indicate, and to drive to the speed limit advertised.  

I look forward to a productive and rewarding term ahead.  Please feel welcome to contact me if you have any queries.

Contents

Outdoor Education Experience – Year 7

VEX123 – Mid-Year Reception

National Tree Day – Year 6

NAIDOC Week & Learning about Pulleys – Year 2

VEX123

Mid-Year Reception

Mid-Year Receptions have been learning about coding with VEX123 robots. We started by learning about the symbols needed to communicate with the robot and created sequences for the robot to follow. Initially, we used touch to control the robot and then progressed to using coding cards with the VEX controller. Through this experience, students have been applying their understanding of numbers and positional language.

We have been very impressed with the students’ engagement levels and the thinking skills they displayed in their first two weeks in school. 

Mrs Laura Logan

National Tree Day

Year 6

The Year 6 students supported by the Year 8 Sustainability class worked hard last week for National Tree Day, which took place on Sunday, 30 July. Together, they put on their gloves and planted trees, shrubs and grasses donated through The Seedling Bank and Planet Ark grant. It was an inspiring display of environmental commitment, and through their collective efforts, they sowed the seeds of sustainability for a greener future.

NAIDOC Week & Learning about Pulleys

Year 2

Year 2 classes have created displays in each classroom to show their learning during NAIDOC week. The displays consist of the students’ creative art pieces, which were completed after reading some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories during their reading groups.

Year 2s have also been learning about pulleys for their ‘How The World Works’ Unit of Inquiry, focusing on how machines work.

They designed a pulley system using materials found around the classroom and then investigated whether their pulley could successfully lift a small rock inside a bucket at the Acacia playground. 

• ‘It worked well, but I changed some things because I used a plastic cone and it had a hole in it, so I had to tie a knot in it to hold the rocks inside’ – Kairi H
• ‘It didn’t work how I thought it would because the rope wasn’t long enough’ – Toby T
• ‘My pulley worked how I imagined it would’ – Luca

Mrs Rachel Watts and Ms Trish Caddy

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.

Gully Church (Tea Tree Gully Uniting) – Banksia Markets

Gully Church hosts 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 Gully Church website at https://www.ttguc.org.au/ or email office@gullychurch.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