The Vine Issue 17 – 2024

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

Mr James Tamblyn

Remembrance Day Combined Service

It was a pleasure to welcome students and staff from Gleeson College and Golden Grove High School who joined us on the Jackson Oval for our combined Remembrance Day Service last week. A shared service of this nature has only taken place twice previously since the inception of our schools. My thanks to all involved in the organisation of the event.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL (TEACHING & LEARNING)

Mrs Kat Elliot

There is a great deal happening across the College, as students and teachers are taking steps towards wrapping up the academic year.

Year 10 and 11 Students

Year 10 and 11 students began their exams yesterday, and we wish them all the best. To support them, it’s crucial that they organise their time effectively. Encourage your child to make good use of their revision time, utilise available resources and reach out to teachers if there are any lingering questions. Working with peers to revise and clarify topics can also be very helpful. And, of course, remind them to take time to rest and relax after putting in the hard work.

Year 11 students are reminded to attend the Year 12 Orientation Day on Monday, 2 December, where they will hear about subject expectations and the year ahead. Both Year 10 and 11 students are also expected at Years 6-11 Thanksgiving on Tuesday, 10 December.

Middle and Junior School Students

For Middle School students, this is also a busy time as they complete assessments across their subjects. Teachers are a valuable resource for helping students organise their tasks and manage their workloads effectively.

In the Junior School, Year 5 students are busy preparing their Exhibitions as part of their work on the Primary Years Programme (PYP). This is a very exciting time, and we look forward to seeing the creative and critical thinking that has gone into these, as well as the caring and principled approach they have demonstrated. 

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL / HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Mrs Mandy Hore

As the end of the school year approaches, our students face competing deadlines, exams, assignments, extra-curricular commitments and sometimes work or personal responsibilities. Maintaining balance and prioritising wellbeing during this busy time is essential. Here are some strategies to help students stay organised and manage their workload:

1. Set Realistic Goals
   Encourage your child to break tasks into smaller, achievable steps rather than tackling everything at once. A to-do list with specific goals for each day or week can help keep things in focus, and checking off completed tasks provides a sense of accomplishment.
2. Prioritise Sleep
   With so much going on, your child might be tempted to sacrifice sleep to catch up on studying. Remind them that sleep is crucial for memory retention and focus.
3. Schedule Regular Breaks
   Studying non-stop might feel productive but can lead to mental fatigue. Suggest they study in 25–50 minute intervals, followed by 5–10 minute breaks to recharge.
4. Stay Active and Hydrated
   Physical activity releases endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce stress. Even a quick walk or stretch break can help them feel more balanced. Remind them to keep water nearby to stay hydrated.
5. Set Boundaries on Social Media
   With exams and year-end activities, it’s easy to get distracted by social media. Suggest they limit screen time during study hours to stay focused and on track.
6. Celebrate Small Wins
   Motivate your child to acknowledge their progress, no matter how small. Celebrating achievements—like completing a study session or submitting an assignment—can help maintain momentum.
7. Ask for Help When Needed
   If your child is feeling overwhelmed, remind them to reach out to teachers, friends or family for support. Sometimes, simply talking about stressors can make them feel more manageable.

HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Ms Lisa Daws

Junior School Sports Day

Last Friday’s Sport Day brought the Junior School community a celebration of teamwork, sportsmanship and vibrant school spirit. The energy on the field was electric as students from Mid-Year Reception to Year 5 competed in various events, showcasing their athletic skills, determination and resilience.

Congratulations to Greenwith Community for taking home the top spot with an impressive average of 13.25 points per participant! Following closely behind were Brooklyn (12.25) and Eldergreen (12.17), with Surrey (10.53), Petworth (10.00) and Hillcott (9.18) rounding out the standings. The results highlighted not only individual talents but also the collective efforts of each Community.

Beyond the competition, seeing our Pedare families and friends cheering on from the sidelines was heartening. The support from parents and loved ones created a warm and encouraging atmosphere, showcasing the community spirit that makes Sports Day such a cherished event.

Students demonstrated a wide range of skills throughout the day, from running and jumping to teamwork and collaboration in relay events. Their perseverance and enthusiasm reminded us of the importance of participation, giving your best and celebrating every achievement – big or small.

A big thank you to all the staff, volunteers and families who contributed to the day’s success. Your time, energy and encouragement ensured that the Junior School Sports Day was a memorable occasion for everyone involved.

HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Mrs Eliza Buckoke

We are very pleased to announce our 2025 Middle School student leaders:

• Middle School Captains: Dakota H & Simon M (Year 8)
• Global Captains: Bianca N & Maya H (Year 8)
• Service Captains: Ishi S & Lachlan W (Year 8)
• Wellbeing Captains: Taylor D & Aarcha N (Year 8)

Community Captains:

• Brooklyn: Stella A & Grace C (Year 8)
• Eldergreen: Henry B & Emily G (Year 8)
• Greenwith: Tegan M & Alex R (Year 8)
• Hillcott: Isabella M & Madison C (Year 8)
• Petworth: Caleb C & Will D (Year 8)
• Surrey: Lola B & Siobhan C (Year 8)

These students will be formally inducted early next year. Congratulations to each of them, and to all students who put themselves forward to be considered for these roles.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

One+ Mathematics Competition

We are proud to celebrate our students who excelled in the recent cross-campus One+ Maths Competition! Their impressive results highlight both their talent and dedication to mathematics. Congratulations to all participants for their outstanding achievements.

Mrs Nicola Fotheringham

Australian Mathematics Intermediate Olympiad

Congratulations to our students who recently competed in the Australian Mathematics Intermediate Olympiad (AIMO). We are proud to acknowledge their impressive achievements. The AIMO is a challenging competition that encourages students to deepen their mathematical skills and think creatively, and the results of our students are a testament to their dedication and hard work. Well done to all participants for their outstanding efforts in representing our school and achieving these prestigious awards!

Mrs Nicola Fotheringham

Physical and Health Education Week

Last week, we celebrated Physical and Health Education (PHE) Week with a range of activities designed to encourage students to embrace challenges, step outside their comfort zones and develop resilience. Highlights included the always-popular Staff vs Year 11 Netball and Volleyball games, Year 6 Mindfulness Walk, R-11 Morning Movement and a vibrant Junior School Sports Day.

Former Port Adelaide captain Tom Jonas inspired students with captivating stories from his career, emphasising how sport shaped his character and built resilience.

PHE Week showcased Pedare’s commitment to fostering GRIT (Growth, Resilience, Insights, Thrive), teamwork and personal growth, providing students with opportunities to develop both mentally and physically in a supportive environment.

Mr Damien Hutchings

Year 8 Outdoor Education Experience

The recent Year 8 Outdoor Education Experience was a fantastic success, with all five classes participating across two groups. Group 1 went from Monday to Wednesday, 18–20 November, and Group 2 from Wednesday to Friday, 20–22 November. 

Despite early winds challenging Group 1’s kayaking, the weather soon settled into perfect conditions. Students displayed great enthusiasm, participating in all activities with energy and good spirits. The overnight kayaking expedition, which included packing dry bags into boats, proved to be a test of patience and resilience for many, but the positive outcomes, once out on the open water, made it a rewarding experience.

Other activities included surfing, where students celebrated the thrill of standing up for the first time or even just catching a wave. Team problem-solving activities strengthened collaboration skills, while shelter building was another highlight, with some incredibly creative and functional designs constructed using natural materials.

This camp provided a wonderful opportunity for students to challenge themselves, build relationships and create lasting memories. A big thank you to all staff and students who made the experience so enjoyable!

Mrs Bronwyn Dutch

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.

On Sundays, we meet at the church at 8.30 am, 10.00 am and 6.00 pm. If you want to discover what the bible says Christianity is all about, join one of the numerous weekly bible discussion groups, or want to find out about our Kids Club (R-6) from 3:30-5pm and Youth group (Y7-12) from 7-9pm that both operate on a weekly basis during school terms.

Please visit our website (https://ttganglican.org.au/) or contact Rick Maude at rick@ttgAnglican.org.au for details.

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