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The Vine Issue 17 – 2022
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
Mr James Tamblyn
It was wonderful to welcome Dr Tom Nehmy to Pedare on Monday, 21 November. Tom is a well-renowned Australian clinical psychologist and founder of the Healthy Minds program. Tom facilitated a two-hour seminar with staff in the afternoon before welcoming over 200 parents to the evening session, which focused on understanding anxiety in young people and strategies to proactively enhance wellbeing. My thanks to all parents who were able to attend. Pedare is committed to working closely in partnership with families to support the development of helpful and healthy thinking habits for our students. Tom’s presentations were exceptional, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with him in the coming years as a critical friend in the design and implementation of our wellbeing programs and strategies.
Anxiety & Resilience Parent Session with Tom Nehmy – Monday, 21 November
I had the pleasure of attending the Year 5 Exhibition on Wednesday, 23 November. This is the culminating experience of the IB Primary Years Programme for our Junior School students. Again, this event was very well attended by parents, and we thank everyone who was able to come along and support the learning journey of our students. The quality of presentations was incredible, and it was wonderful to observe the preparation and passion with which our Year 5s shared their learning with families. I congratulate all students involved and thank the dedicated team of teachers and mentors who supported them through the process.
Year 5 Exhibition – Wednesday, 23 November
This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent, the start of the four-week observation leading into Christmas. Advent is the season of preparation for the birth of Christ; a period of reflection, repentance and renewed commitment. Advent wreaths will appear in Christian churches, and candles representing the virtues of hope, love, joy and peace will be lit. As we prepare for the joy, the celebrations and the festivity of Christmas, I encourage us all to remain focused on the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ and, as a community, consider what we can give rather than what we might receive.
‘In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL / HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
Mr Andrew Whiteman
I recently heard Jessica Stenson (Olympic marathon runner) speak about the trials and tribulations of her running career. It resonated with me that no matter how successful somebody appears to be, there are always periods of challenge, self-doubt, and negativity. Jessica is a Commonwealth Games gold medallist, yet hearing first-hand about her ups and downs was eye-opening. Whether it be getting injured in training for the Commonwealth Games, not being able to compete, or not preparing as you would have liked for a test, every challenge in front of us makes us stronger. By facing self-doubt and pushing through to face the things we are worried about, we develop a very important characteristic: resilience. Even if it is inch-by-inch, our resilience and ability to conquer the small moments make us stronger for the next challenge. Her story of perseverance easily translates to our students, who are constantly faced with challenges. We hope that through these moments, the students develop a skill set that prepares them for success, now and in later life. Life is not a straight road; it isn’t easy, and if we tell ourselves we are ready for the challenges, we will all see improvement.
We are approaching the end of the school year, and there are some important events on our calendar. Year 10 and 11 students will begin their Semester Two examinations next week. You will find the timetable in the link below.
The practice of preparing for exams and the experience of nervousness prior to an exam are all part of life’s journey. A reminder that students do not need to attend the College unless they have a scheduled exam. Study spaces will be available should they wish to study at school. We look forward to seeing our students put in their best effort during the final week of the year.
All 2023 Year 12 students will return to the College on Friday, 2 December, for an Orientation Day. On this day, students will hear about the requirements for each subject and may be provided with some work to complete over the holidays to prepare for 2023.
We look forward to celebrating with families at the Year 6-11 Thanksgiving Service on Tuesday, 13 December.
HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mr Callum Iles
The Season for Giving
In the modern world, change seems constant. Each day, something new changes our world, be it storms rocking our city, floods streaming toward country towns, wars overseas or controversies relating to sporting events. Our natural instinct when change happens is to focus on ourselves to ensure safety and security.
When COVID lockdowns first happened, it became every man for himself. There were people stockpiling toilet paper and creating end-of-the-world kits, but some people reacted the opposite way. A couple of good friends in Surrey Downs created a Facebook Group with the sole purpose of helping those who needed items during the lockdown. The elderly, disabled and people in a bind were able to post these things on the site, and these friends of mine would source them for them. The generosity of the community rose up, and before too long, these people had an abundance of items that they could share with those in need.
I remember hearing one time that generosity is when you give somebody something thoughtful and timely, and they have no way of getting it themselves. As we head into Christmas, it is a time to remember those in need, and Pedare is looking at a number of ways we can promote generosity in the Middle School during this time.
Ms Mossel in the Library will be running the Giving Tree this year, an opportunity for students and their families to donate items to those in need. Drop off any items to the library between now and the end of school so we can make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
In the last week of Term 4, Middle School will be running Service Day as well. This is an opportunity for students to be generous with their time and to give back to those in need. There will be a large number of activities that students can volunteer to be a part of, and it will set the scene for a Christmas where generosity supersedes materialism.
Generosity is at the heart of Christmas, where God gave his only Son as a sacrifice for all of those who sin. He gave thoughtfully, willingly and selflessly, and His example is what we should aim for this Christmas.
HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
Mr Randall Pearce
Year 5 Exhibition – Wednesday, 23 November 2022
Year 5 leaves its mark on Pedare students. Firstly, it is the last year of Primary, representing the leap towards the Middle Years Programme (MYP). It marks a before and an after in the Primary stage as students face the Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition, the first major public exhibition of their long and extensive inquiry learning process.
PYP Exhibition is not another short-term project, a presentation on a topic, or just a usual event. It is an extensive research project that builds the foundational skills they will need as they enter the MYP and beyond. It is the last step of hundreds of little steps leading them to a culminating milestone event, marking the end of their time as PYP students.
Year 5 students worked on the exhibition throughout the term. The process involves hours of discussions, debates, questions, and reflection on a transdisciplinary theme. It is an opportunity for students to implement several weeks of research, analysis, and critical thinking to solve real-life problems through their innovative projects.
At Pedare, our focus is on the process rather than the product, the expedition, rather than the final day of the Exhibition. The visible part of the PYP Exhibition is the display of all the projects where students present their research, their process of inquiry, and their creative projects to the Pedare Community. It is the part that we get to see, but let’s not forget that there is a lot of effort behind it, weeks of work, research, analysis, and preparation.
PYP Exhibition is a powerful demonstration of student agency, as well as the agency of the community that has nurtured them through their years in the PYP. The learning community participates in the exhibition, supporting and celebrating the development of internationally-minded students who make a positive difference in their lives and the lives of others. All exhibitions are student-initiated, designed and collaborative.
At the beginning of the exhibition process, students and teachers extensively discuss local or global issues and opportunities that have meaning to them and connect to the school or local contexts. The students are aware that the exhibition is a collaborative inquiry involving all students at the year level. They regularly share work in progress and demonstrate genuine participation in a collaborative effort.
Action, the core of student agency, is integral to the PYP learning process and the programme’s overarching outcome of international mindedness. Through taking individual and collective action, students understand the responsibilities associated with being internationally minded and appreciate the benefits of working with others for a shared purpose.
When students see concrete actions that they can choose to take to make a difference, they see themselves as competent, capable and active agents of change (Oxfam 2015).
Action is a means for students to show that they have linked their learning to real-life issues and opportunities and are developing responsible personalities and behaviours towards social and physical environments and the community within and beyond school. Through action, students develop a sense of belonging to local and global communities.
They understand and recognise the interconnectedness and interdependence of issues, and consider these from multiple perspectives (Oxfam 2015, UNESCO 2015).
Initiated by students, PYP action is authentic, meaningful, mindful, responsible and responsive. The action could be:
- a change in attitude
- a consideration or plan for action in the future
- a demonstration of responsibility, or respect for self, others and the environment
- a commitment to leading or participating in a youth advocacy group
- an engagement in school decision-making or an expression of support in community, local and global decision-making.
As a culminating project, the Exhibition has required students to draw on their learning throughout the PYP. As our Year 5 students move forward to Year 6 and the Middle Years Programme, they do so with the confidence that they have gained many skills, the ability to inquire and research, work collaboratively, and choose and develop appropriate action.
COLLEGE NEWS
Volunteer Thank You
The College will be hosting an event to thank all of our Registered Volunteers for their invaluable support throughout the year. If you have volunteered at the College and would like to attend, please RSVP via the link below.
When: Thursday, 1 December, 5 – 6pm
Where: Mallee Arena
RSVP required
Junior School Nativity Musical ‘Children of the World’
Friday, 2 December, 9-10am | College Chapel
Rehearsals are well under-way for our Nativity Musical ‘Children of the World’, to be held in Week 7 of Term 4, on Friday, 2 December, in the College Chapel, from 9am-10am. This event involves all Junior School students from Mid Year Reception to Year 2, with the Year 2 students in the lead roles. The students are very excited about performing for you, and rehearsals are going well, with most students already ‘off script’.
Junior School parents and caregivers, please ensure you have marked the date in your calendar as we officially invite you and your family to attend this beautiful show.
College Uniform Update
Devon Uniforms are now in their peak trading period and request that families book an appointment prior to attending the store.
Customers without an appointment may experience some waiting time.
Please follow the link to book a time for a fitting.
Please click on ‘Schedule Appointment at Modbury’, then click on the drop-down to choose your preferred date and time slot.
We cannot stress enough the importance of booking appointments as soon as possible to ensure that your child has uniforms to start the 2023 school year.
Please note that the Community Tops need to be ordered from Devon Uniforms by the end of Term 4 for Term 1 2023 delivery. Limited sizes of second-hand tops may be available from the P&F Shop.
The Parents & Friends (P&F) also operates a second-hand uniform shop located on-site.
The P&F Shop is open every Wednesday afternoon, 2.30 – 4.30 pm and every second Saturday morning, 8.30 – 10.30am. Opening times are available on the College website at:
Join Pedare in supporting the AnglicareSA Christmas Food Hamper Drive
This Christmas AnglicareSA aims to hand out over 1,500 food hampers and gifts to support families and individuals who need some help.
The final date for all donations is Wednesday, 7 December.
Please leave the hampers unwrapped, and your child can drop off the items in the classroom.
Student Achievement
Premier’s Reading Challenge 2022
A huge congratulations to all of our students who completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge this year. Pedare joined 689 other schools across the state who participated, encouraging students to read at least 12 books over the year. We had 353 students across the school earning awards, including:
- 52 Certificates
- 54 Bronze Medals
- 52 Silver Medals
- 49 Gold Medals
- 49 Champion Medals
- 41 Legend Medals
- 35 Hall of Fame Medals
- and 21 Reader for Life accomplishments for completing the PRC for 8 years or more!
We are so proud to have such a strong community of readers, particularly the Junior School students who managed to keep up their reading despite having no library for the past few months! Those who missed out on an award this year can embrace the opportunity again in 2023 when we hope to increase our numbers even more.
Happy reading!
Ms Mossel
We also congratulate the following students who have worked so hard to achieve Lexile 1000 or reading one million words this year to become a Literacy Pro Millionaire.
Left to Right:
Indiana M, 5P (Lexile 1000)
Emeline C, 4H (Literacy Pro Millionaire)
Charlotte E, 4V (Lexile 1000 & Literacy Pro Millionaire)
Aadish D, 5CT (Lexile 1000)
Oscar H, 4H (Lexile 1000)
Archie Q, 5P (Lexile 1000)
Amaira A, 4V (Lexile 1000)
We congratulate Yana P, Year 9 student who travelled to Newcastle, NSW, with the Adelaide Youth Theatre for the annual Junior Theatre Festival, where her performance, along with her company, was awarded the best overall and acting awards.
“Many talented musicians, directors, choreographers and producers from Broadway were involved … This was an incredible opportunity and I had so much fun performing and travelling with my company.” Yana P, Year 9
LEARNING
HIGHLIGHTS
Year 5 Exhibition
Wednesday, 23 November
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition marks the final year in the PYP and provides a valuable opportunity for our students to bring together and utilise their learning from their time in Junior School. The focus is on the process rather than the product. Because of this, we seek to engage in rich discussions about the learning and process with the school community on Exhibition day.
Year 5 students have undertaken an inquiry into the central idea ‘Communicating creatively can inspire action’. They have been encouraged to think deeply about a problem within our society and an important message they wish to share with the community. Students have then inquired into types and purposes of communication, how to engage an audience and how to inspire action.
We are extremely proud of our students’ dedication and commitment to this process. As our Year 5 students move forward to Year 6 and the Middle Years Program (MYP), they do so with the confidence that they have gained many skills, the ability to inquire and research, to work collaboratively and to choose and develop appropriate action.
A huge thank you to our Year 5 teachers and mentors who facilitated such a wonderful learning environment, allowing our students to feel supported in taking risks in their learning.
Science Lab Visitation
Mid Year Reception
On Monday, 21 September, Mid Year Reception students were very excited to visit the Science Lab to see where the ‘big kids’ learn. The children were thoroughly engaged and enjoyed being ‘scientists’ and thinking scientifically. They participated in a variety of activities and were even able to pat the College’s bearded dragon, ‘Mushu’!
Thank you to the Year 11 students who supported the juniors during this time, and Mrs Robertson, Mrs Luxford and Mrs Brown for their time and support in making this wonderful experience happen. It’s wonderful to see our sub-schools come together.
Jasmine Orlowski
Junior School Sports Day
Friday, 18 November
Friday, 18 November, saw the Junior School Sports Day filled with fun, passion and colour. Mid Year Reception to Year 5 students had a fantastic day racing, jumping, throwing, hopping, tug-o-warring and laughter.
Though the afternoon was cut short as the rain stopped the relays and trophy presentation, it was great to see many parents assisting with events and supporting their children.
Congratulations to the Hillcott Community for winning the 2022 Pedare Junior School Sports Day.
1. Hillcott 12.80 average points per student
2. Brooklyn 12.45
3. Surrey 12.14
4. Eldergreen 11.59
5. Greenwith 11.02
Thank you to all the parent volunteers, teachers and student helpers for their invaluable contribution, and a very special thank you to Mr Perry for coordinating the event.
Physical and Health Education Week
Monday-Friday, 14-18 November
Staff vs Year 11 Students Volleyball – Monday, 14 November
Year 2-11 Morning Movement – Wednesday, 16 November
Bruce Djite Soccer Demonstration – Thursday, 17 November
Extra-Curricular
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.
Music Recital
Junior and Middle Schools
The College Chapel was filled with the sound of music on Thursday evening, 17 November, as our Junior and Middle School students performed a short recital piece in front of their instrumental peers and families.
Well done to all the participating students.
COMMUNITY NEWS
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 8:30am, 10:00am, and 6:00pm in person. If you can’t join us just yet, we’ll continue to stream at 8:30am and 10:00am online using Zoom and YouTube Service times are 8:30am and 10:00am.
Please contact Dave Brown on 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 8:30am to 1:00pm at 600 Milne Road, Banksia Park. Stalls inside the hall and in the car park include produce, fresh fruit and vegetables, jewellery, tools, bric-a-brac and lots more.
For more information contact the TTG Uniting Church website at https://www.ttguc.org.au/
St Mark’s Anglican Church
St Mark’s Anglican Church has a 9.00 am traditional service each Sunday morning and 9.30am each Wednesday morning. We would love to see you at either or both of our services. We are located on the corner of The Golden Way and Wynn Vale Drive, Wynn Vale.
For further information and updates about St Mark’s services and events, please visit our website at https://www.stmarksgoldengrove.org.au/ or visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/stmarksgoldengrove.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 Sunday. Also, on the second and fourth Sunday of the month, we have a cafe-style church, which is 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. It is held in the Church hall on the first and third Sunday of each month during the school term, from 6.30-8.30 pm. 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 whilst enjoying delicious snacks, refreshments and pizza! The cost for each session is $5.
For further information, please contact the Office on 8251 4298 or email office@goldengroveuniting.org.au. You can even check our webpage: https://www.goldengroveuniting.org.au
Banksia Markets Christmas Family Fun Day
Saturday, 3 December
8.30am – 1:00pm at Gully Church
600 Milne Rd, Banksia Park
- FREE Christmas Crafts and Activities for Kids
- Facepainting – Glitter Tattoos – Balloon Twisting
- Christmas Treasure Hunt – Free Giveaways
Gully Church Carpark Carols
SUNDAY DECEMBER 18
- BBQ, Coffee and Kids Zone from 6:30PM
- Carols begin at 7:30PM
BYO Picnic rugs and chairs
KEY DATES
Want to enrol your child? Need more info?
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