The Vine Issue 15 – 2023

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

Mr James Tamblyn

This week, we have celebrated the final stage of our Year 12 students’ journey at Pedare. At Friday’s Thanksgiving Service, I spoke about the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and speculated on what this might mean for the future of work and the post-school world into which our graduates enter. 

Regardless of how AI evolves and what current human labour it replaces or influences, it cannot and will never fully replicate human intelligence and creativity. AI lacks consciousness and emotions, limiting its ability to understand complex human experiences and produce truly creative works. 

As the Dalai Lama says, we are human beings, not human doings. AI can do, but it cannot be. This is perhaps why we should be making ‘to be’ lists rather than ‘to do’ lists. Lists that describe the values by which we choose to live rather than achievements to tick off. Because it is who we are, who we decide to be, rather than whatever it is we decide to do, that will determine our influence and our value. 

The Class of 2023 graduates in turbulent times, where things are changing rapidly. And we do not know what the future looks like. But we never have.  

Regardless of what our graduates choose to do, the key to their success in this rapidly changing and highly unpredictable world will be their deeply human qualities, which are unable to be replicated by machine technology: love, kindness, compassion, patience, forgiveness. 

There have been many turbulent times and many eras of rapid technological progression; what has rung true through them all remains true today. Those who are successful in their careers, and in their relationships, are those who, work hard, live lives that align with values of truth, accept and embrace failure, do everything to the best of their ability, and do everything they can to help others.

It is a universal law that everything that you have that you hold and store up for yourself will diminish, and everything you have that you give away to help others will grow and flow back to you way beyond what you share. 

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38

We wish our graduates every blessing, every success and every happiness with all that lies ahead, and we look forward to following their progress with great interest. 

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Mrs Mandy Hore

Welcome back! I do hope you enjoyed the break, the spring weather and have spent time rejuvenating and reconnecting.

Term 4 in any school is busy and often described as a sprint, not a marathon. There are some useful lessons to be learnt from this analogy as we begin Term 4.

Much like a sprinter, the final term brings with it a renewed focus, and it is a perfect time to channel our collective efforts into achieving set goals and finishing strong.

I encourage you as a family to take time to discuss the path ahead, and this would make for great dinner table discussion. It may include conversations based on the following.

Please let us know at Pedare if there is anything we can do to support your family in the final term of 2023.

Good luck!

HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Mr Josh Willis

2024 Senior School Leadership Team

Congratulations to the following students who were formally inducted into their 2023 Senior Student leadership positions at the Induction Assembly on Thursday, 19 October.

At the Assembly, I spoke about Jane Goodall, a world-renowned Conservationist whose work expanded our knowledge of the natural world and raised awareness about the importance of conservation and the protection of endangered species and the environment. Her leadership in this space has inspired so many to become stewards of the earth and make a positive impact on the natural world. One of Jane’s famous quotes is, “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” What you do everyday matters. Jane’s words emphasise the significance of your daily actions. No matter how big or small they may seem. I have encouraged our leaders to do the little things well: be on time to events, school and meetings; be kind to their peers and teachers; be welcoming and accepting of all students they encounter; present themselves well; reply to emails; engage in learning; thank their teachers. It’s all the little things that collectively create an inclusive culture in our school where students and staff feel safe, connected and empowered to thrive in an environment that values and respects every individual’s contribution and perspective. My message to our incoming leaders is that if you do the little things well, you will make a difference. 

Spring Carnival

The Middle and Senior School Spring Carnival was a wonderful celebration of community spirit where all students were involved in fun activities. We thank families for their generous support, and we look forward to providing you with the details of the funds raised for the Michael Rice Foundation. The day was capped off with some fun from the Year 12 students, who hosted the much-anticipated teacher dares. 

HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Mrs Eliza Buckoke

Well done to our Middle School students on their excellent start to Term 4! We’re very pleased that many students have been well organised with the correct uniform for the new term, including the new earring requirements.

Throughout this term, we have a number of events organised as we prepare to welcome new students into our Middle School for next year. Next week, we are holding some informal tours of the Mallee Middle School building on Tuesday and Wednesday, 31 October and 1 November after school. These tours are for the current Year 5s and parents, as well as Year 6s and 7s who are new to Pedare in 2024.

Over the past two weeks, we’ve had a few VEX Regional Championship events held here at Pedare. This has included the VEX IQ as well as VEX VRC for Middle School students. What a privilege to host other schools for these events, and to see the number of Pedare students engaged in Robotics. Well done to Mr Zankov and his team of staff, and well done to the students who have represented Pedare so well.

HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Mr Randall Pearce

During my time out in the yard, both at the beginning and end of each day, I often hear remarks like, ‘Can’t believe it is almost November!’ and ‘How the year has flown!’ These conversations bring to mind the saying, ‘Time flies when you’re having fun’. Indeed, the Junior School is and should be fun and busy.  

This term is definitely a busy one, and I am pleased to report it’s off to a great start. We have already seen our Year 2s enjoying a day at the Marine Discovery Centre, Year 1s exploring the Gorge Wildlife Park, a Casual Clothes Day, Year 12s going through their final week and a heartwarming Reception Assembly.  

Considering the busy schedule, I thought it would be fitting to remind our community about the upcoming fun events for the term.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me.
Everything you do is marvellous!
Psalm 139:14

Have you ever placed a mirror close to your face and stared intently into your own eyes? To be honest, there isn’t a great deal to see…until you switch on your imagination. Now keep staring but imagine all the complex activity that’s happening inside and behind your eye. Light is entering your eye and being converted into electrical signals that your brain can then convert into images. It’s microscopic, it’s hidden…and it’s marvellous!

You could do the same with your hand. Hold it out in front of you, then as you watch, slowly move one or more fingers. Now turn on your imagination. Imagine the thought process in your brain, followed by a rapid message sent via your network of nerves to the muscles and tendons in your arm and hand. Quite remarkable – and silent. No whirring motors or squeaking joints.

In our recent Worship gathering, the Junior School students considered some of the wonders of our bodies. They are so complex and capable of doing remarkable things. With our year of ‘Weird, Wacky and Wonderful’ topics almost done, it seemed right to focus on perhaps the most wonderful thing that God has created!

So, I encourage you to find yourself a mirror, or hold out your hand, or run at top speed… and give thanks to God for his marvellous creation!

Mr John Morton, College Chaplain

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Marine Discovery Centre Excursion

Year 2

The Year 2 excursion was enjoyed by all. The weather was perfect for a day at the beach. Students participated in beachcombing on the beach and building sandcastles. Back in the Marine Discovery Centre, students worked in groups and had time in each of the four rooms where they learned about water conservation, looking after our ocean creatures, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experience, and they saw a puffer fish eat some food. The students talked about their experiences all the way home on the bus. 

Mrs Ailsa Burne and Ms Trish Caddy

Holocaust Incursion

Year 10 History

On Tuesday, 17 October, Year 10 History students had the privilege of a visit from Tamas Lorincz, who is the Education Coordinator of the Adelaide Holocaust Museum. The Museum is dedicated to telling the stories of the Holocaust to create a fairer and more compassionate world. The Museum is located on Wakefield Street in the city and is open to the public; it is well worth visiting. Tamas’ presentation was a unique opportunity for our students to learn about this historical event through engagement with the life stories of Adelaide-based Holocaust survivors. This consolidated our history curriculum, in which students have been learning about the concepts of democracy, dictatorship, collaboration, resistance, intervention and genocide. Learning these through the lens of the Holocaust has helped students to develop a critical analysis of individual events and actions, as well as empathy.

Not only did students learn the lesson of what happens when prejudice and discrimination prevail over compassion and democracy, but Tamas made it clear that his goal in Holocaust education is to empower young people to become upstanders and reflect on the important role individuals play in taking a stand against injustice. 

Mrs Kelli Shephard

Essential English Excursion

Year 11

On Thursday, 19 October, the Stage 1 Essential English class had their annual lunch excursion to Fasta Pasta. As one of their assessment tasks, students will write a formal cafe review of their experience.

Mrs Sarah Bloomfield

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