Pedare - The Vine Newsletter Issue 18 for 2023
News

The Vine Issue 18 – 2023

December 8, 2023
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COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

Mr James Tamblyn

 

I communicated to the College community earlier this week about the news of Randall Pearce’s appointment as Director of Glendalough (Junior School campus) at St Kevin’s College in Melbourne. Randall has been Head of Junior School at Pedare for the past ten years and has been integral to the success of the College over this period. 

Randall’s impact on the College has been immensely positive. His leadership of the Junior School through the One College project, his commitment and dedication to our students, and his unwavering support for community members through the Pandemic are cornerstones of the legacy he leaves, which students, families and staff will continue to benefit from for a long time. We thank Randall for his outstanding service to Pedare.

We congratulate Randall on his appointment and wish him a long, happy and fulfilling experience at St Kevin’s. Toorak is not a natural home for a Port Adelaide supporter, and we wish him well navigating this complexity. 

My thanks to all members of our community for your exceptional support throughout 2023; the first full academic year without a period of remote learning since 2019. Congratulations to our students who represent themselves, their families and the College incredibly well. We are so proud of how they commit to their learning, but more importantly, how they look after each other, aligning their behaviours with our values of kindness, respect and inclusivity. Their academic achievements over the course of the year reflect the safe and connected community that they play such a significant role in creating.  

Junior School Thanksgiving – Friday, 8 December

Thank you to our staff for your incredible work over the course of the academic year. We are so fortunate to have such a committed and talented team of professionals. You inspire our students, and you challenge each other. The quality of a school cannot exceed the quality of its staff. Our College is exceptional because of your dedication to our students.

As we approach Christmas, may the true meaning of this season, the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, be at the heart of our celebrations. I wish you all every blessing and every happiness through the Christmas and New Year period. May the holidays provide you an opportunity to reflect, relax, recharge, and spend some quality time with family and friends.

End-of-year Reminders

Students will finish at 1.05pm on Tuesday, 12 December.

OSHC will be available from 1.05pm on Tuesday, 12 December and for Vacation Care through the holidays.

Click here for the December/January Vacation Care program.

Please book via Xap.

 

The College Office will close at 4pm on Friday, 15 December

and will reopen at 8am on Monday, 15 January 2024.

For any urgent enquiries during December and January, please email community@pedarecc.sa.edu.au

or leave a message on the answering machine, and staff will respond as soon as possible.

 

We wish all our College community a blessed, safe and happy Christmas and New Year.


DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Mrs Mandy Hore

 

There are two words that come from our hearts to our lips:

THANK YOU!

In our fast-paced lives, it is easy to find ourselves caught up in the business of everyday affairs. Distractions, deadlines and multitasking can lead to forgetfulness about expressing gratitude. 

As the end of the school year and the festive season envelop us in its warmth and joy, I find myself reflecting on the beautiful moments and the generosity that define this time of year, and the Pedare community: staff, students and families.

At its core, the power of saying “thank you” lies in its ability to recognise and appreciate the efforts, kindness or contributions of others. It is a potent form of acknowledgment that goes beyond mere politeness— it is a genuine expression of gratitude that has the potential to brighten someone’s day and uplift their spirit. In a world where we often rush from one task to the next, taking a moment to say “thank you” is a deliberate pause acknowledging the inherent value in the actions and presence of others. 

One of the remarkable aspects of the power of gratitude is its contagious nature. When one person expresses thanks, it sets off a chain reaction, inspiring others to do the same. This ripple effect creates a positive atmosphere that extends far beyond the initial interaction. Whether in the context of a family, a workplace or a community, the power of collective gratitude builds bridges, strengthens bonds and forges a sense of unity.

So..

Thank you for your support of Pedare and your children, and the blessing of being part of this community. May the warmth and joy we feel during this season extend into every day, reminding us to be thankful for all that surrounds us.

Wishing you a Christmas filled with love, laughter and the simple joys that make life beautiful. Let’s not underestimate the impact of a sincere “thank you.” It’s a small phrase with the potential to create a big difference.

Merry Christmas

See you in 2024


HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Mr Josh Willis

 

Last week marked the culmination of the year for our Year 10 and Year 11 students as they wrapped up their final examinations. The commitment and engagement displayed by both year levels throughout the exam week were fantastic. It was evident that students understood the significance of thorough preparation, and it was particularly heartening to witness some students leaving the exam room feeling positive, having done their very best.

On the 1st of December, our Year 12 students for 2024 embarked on their Year 12 journey with an Orientation Day. Students actively participated in each of their classes, gaining a solid understanding of the upcoming year’s requirements. During my time with the cohort, I emphasised the importance of thorough preparation for the upcoming year, reminding them that as Year 12s, they are all leaders of the College. I encouraged them to be ready to hit the ground running upon their return and to make the most of the opportunities and support available to them. The 2024 Year 12 Student Leaders also spent a session with Matt Krieg from ‘Driven from Within.’ Matt will work alongside our leaders next year and lead a student leadership development program. This new program looks at many elements of leadership, including leading student culture, elevating trust, creating psychological safety and strengthening resilience, adaptability and flexibility. We look forward to our leaders inspiring others to continue their own development and impact the culture of the College in a positive way.

Discover China with Pedare: China Tour 2024

We are excited to announce that the Pedare China Tour is back in 2024! Students will have the opportunity to participate in an unforgettable journey with Pedare’s Cultural Tour of China. This will be taking place in Term 3, 2024 and is open to all Year 9-12 students. It’s more than just a tour; it’s an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, art and geography, enhancing their language learning experience. Stay tuned for more details on these exciting opportunities, including a fantastic program and itinerary that promises an enriching experience.


HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Mrs Eliza Buckoke

 

What a fantastic week of celebration in the Middle School at Pedare! Well done to all of the students and staff involved in the Australian VEX Robotics National Tournament over the weekend. There were many great achievements on the day!

On Monday evening, we held our Welcome Night for parents of our new 2024 Year 6 and 7 students. The following day, Welcome Day, we officially welcomed the students who will be joining us in Years 6 and 7 next year, with a day of transition activities to help them feel ready to join us at the start of 2024. What an exciting time of new beginnings for the families and for us.

After a busy transition day, our Year 6s headed off to camp. I am sure they will be excited to share their many new experiences and the special memories they have made with their peers and teachers.

Welcome Day – Tuesday, 5 December

Year 6 Outdoor Education Experience – Wednesday-Friday, 6-8 December

This week, we also held our Year 9 Graduation ceremony, which was an opportunity to recognise students’ completion of their IB Middle Years Programme, as well as other achievements throughout the year. Well done to all Year 9s, and an extra congratulations to the special award winners. We farewell the Year 9s from our Middle School, but we’re still here to support them and cheer them on throughout their Senior School journey. There are more awards to come, with our Years 6 to 11 Thanksgiving Assembly to finish off the year on Tuesday, 12 December.

Year 9 IB MYP Graduation Assembly – Thursday, 7 December

We are very much looking forward to our Christmas Pageant next Monday. Classes have been busily preparing their floats ready to bring the Christmas cheer as they parade through the Junior School.

We pray for every blessing over our families as we head into the Christmas holidays. May it be a time of rest and refreshment after a busy year. For those travelling, may God’s protective hand be upon you, ensuring safe journeys. 

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.


HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Mr Randall Pearce

 

Junior Primary Nativity Musical

On Friday, 1 December, we welcomed parents, grandparents and special friends to an outstanding Junior School Nativity Performance. Children were super excited to share the Christmas story through their presentations. They had been working so hard this term to learn lines, where to stand, when to speak and when not to!

I am so proud of our Year 2 students, who have shown significant determination, growth and teamwork to showcase their enormous skills.  

Isaiah 9:6 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Junior Primary Nativity would not have happened without a dedicated team of teachers and staff who went above and beyond. To Ms Collins, congratulations and thank you! Your passion and pursuit of excellence are indeed inspiring. 

Thank you to the Pedare staff who worked so tirelessly behind the scenes, doing whatever, whenever and wherever. Your wisdom, patience and calm approach have been appreciated by all.  

We are grateful to our teachers, Ms Caddy and Mrs Burne, along with the remainder of the Reception and Year 1 teaching teams, for preparing the children so beautifully. This beautiful performance would not have been possible without all of you. 

Finally, to our Year 2 students, thank you! You have started the Christmas season for many of us in such a beautiful manner.

Many thanks, God bless and Christmas blessings to all.

Junior Primary Nativity Musical – Friday, 1 December


FRUITFUL REFLECTION

“…the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

Luke 2:6-7

The Christmas season of festivities and celebrations brings with it a range of feelings. For some, it is a time of joy and delight as gifts are exchanged, and special meals are shared with family and friends. For others, it can be a time of painful memories, unrealised hopes and strained relationships. In truth, most of us experience both sides of the emotional divide to some degree, with joy and wonder at risk of erosion from the forces of uncertainty, stress and loneliness.

This mix of emotions is deeply represented in the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. In our attempts to imagine what the birth must have been like, it’s easy to overlook the dark side of this transforming moment in history. We read of singing angels, adoring shepherds and mystical travellers from afar, but we must also contemplate the discomfort of Mary’s journey, the stressful search for accommodation, and the approaching threat of a King who was hell-bent on discovering and destroying their son.

When God’s own Son entered into our world as a human, he was embedded in a world of joy and struggle. He did not have a sheltered life of privilege, safely cocooned from uncertainty or pain. In time, he would experience the very worst this world could bring against a person. And he did it willingly, so that a hurting, broken and sin-filled world might find in him true peace, joy and hope for all eternity. This Christmas, may the birth, death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus stir your heart to sing with the angels, wonder with the shepherds and worship with the wise men!

Mr John Morton, College Chaplain


COLLEGE NEWS/NOTICES

Last Week of School Reminder

As the school year draws to a close, a reminder of details for the last few days. Students will finish at 1.05pm on Tuesday, 12 December.

  • Monday, 11 December – ‘A Touch of Christmas’ Casual Clothes Day
  • Tuesday, 12 December – Year 6 – 11 Thanksgiving 11.45am

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

2024 Junior School Captains Presentation

Congratulations to our 2024 Junior School leaders who were formally inducted into their leadership positions today, Friday, 8 December, at the Junior School Thanksgiving Service.

Junior School Captains: Tessa E & Isaac H-L
JS Brooklyn Captains: Zara d V & Samar M
JS Eldergreen Captains: Penny M & Jensen D
JS Greenwith Captains: Connie M & Alexander S
JS Hillcott Captains: Callie C & Ethan B
JS Surrey Captains: Sissy P & Harry C
JS Petworth Captain: James T


Junior Shine Awards – Term 4, 2023

Congratulations to the following students who were presented with the Junior Shine Award for Term 4, 2023 on Friday, 8 December. This award was presented to Junior School students who embody our College Motto, letting their light shine through their good deeds, work, behaviour and attitude.

Mid-Year Reception: Ethan v M (RLA)
Reception: Felix S (RC) & Jax E (RO)
Year 1: Oscar N (1E) & Edward W (1HD)
Year 2: Tobi B (2B) & Mercy D (2C)

Year 3: Hayome Y (3G) & Liliyan G (3OR)
Year 4: Callie C (4B) & Alexander C (4C)
Year 5: Alice B (5CT), Ella R (5R) & Charli Z (5P)


Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad

Two Year 9 students participated in the Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad (AIMO) this year. The AIMO is a highly challenging, 4-hour Mathematics competition designed to stretch talented students. 

This year Eugene L achieved a distinction in this challenging competition. Congratulations!

Mrs Nicola Fotheringham


LEARNING HIGHLIGHTS


End-of-Year Language Learning Activities

Years 7-8

To celebrate another productive year of language learning, our students engaged in various activities during the concluding weeks of Term 4.

Year 7 German students immersed themselves in a festive Christmas workshop on Friday, 8 December. In the spirit of the season, they decorated gingerbread biscuits and crafted Christmas decorations. Year 7 Chinese students made dumplings and enjoyed a traditional Chinese meal on Friday, 1 December.

In parallel, Year 8 students of Chinese and German had a coffee shop activity on Monday, 4 December. This allowed students to practice language skills in ordering food and beverages while enjoying lots of delicious food.

Mrs Grace Liu

Year 7 German Christmas Workshop – Friday, 8 December

Year 7 Chinese Cooking Lesson – Friday, 1 December

Year 8 Languages Coffee Shop – Monday, 4 December


Semaphore Beach Excursion

Mid-Year Reception

On Wednesday, 29 November, Mid-Year Reception class (RLA) took to Semaphore Beach for their first excursion at Pedare. The purpose of the excursion was to explore and engage with the natural environment. Students enjoyed running on the beach, searching for sea creatures, digging and creating in the sand and splashing in the water. It was wonderful to see so much joy and curiosity on display as students enthusiastically shared their wonderings and responses with their peers. RLA, we are incredibly proud of you, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with you. 

Mrs Laura Logan, Mrs Talitha Anderson & Mrs Sue Stringer 

MYR Beach Excursion – Wednesday, 29 November


Exchange Students Flew to German

Year 10/11

With a few nerves and a great deal of excitement, Eleanor S (Year 11), Annabel K (Year 11) and Keziah C (Year 10) flew to Germany on Saturday, 25 November. They, along with 35 other students from schools around the state, have embarked on the second part of the student exchange programme that began back in February this year when they hosted their German partners. 

The girls have kept in contact with their partners over the past year and look forward now to experiencing a German white Christmas, skiing and many other wonderful opportunities. They will also be attending a German school with their partners. While they are not expected to work toward assessment, they will have a chance to see into German culture at a level no tourist can achieve.

We wish them all the very best and look forward to hearing about their adventures when they return to school next year.

Mrs Nicole Callen


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.


STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Australian VEX Nationals 2022-2023

What an incredible achievement for the Pedare Robotics team at the Australian VEX Nationals 2022-2023 last week! As the only South Australian school with representation in each division, our teams showcased outstanding talent and sportsmanship. 

Impressive results resonated across divisions, with notable achievements such as our youngest team, the Robotic Croissants, tripling their average points. Team T-VEX demonstrated exceptional skills, finishing 7th at the end of qualification matches.

Congratulations to our departing Year 12 team, Vanguard, for earning the prestigious Innovate Award in the VRC High School Division.  

The spotlight shines on NextGen, securing the top honour as Australian Nationals VRC High School Excellence Champions, earning them one of the only three spots in the division of 36 teams to compete at the World Championships in Dallas, USA, next year! and the only South Australian team heading to the Worlds. Their journey from 11th place in 2022 to this pinnacle is truly inspirational. 

Well done to all teams for their outstanding performance:

  • The Robotics Croissants
  • Ultra Gear
  • DemBoots
  • Matte Black Robotics
  • T-VEX
  • ASDF
  • Vanguard
  • NextGen

Mr Emil Zankov


School Sport SA Triathlon State Championships

Congratulations to our Pedare students who competed at the School Sport SA Triathlon State Championships yesterday at West Lakes. Some outstanding individual performances, with Nathan M, Year 9, finishing fourth and securing a spot in the Nationals in Western Australia. The Team Event was also a success, with the boys finishing in 4th position, and Nathan M achieved a PB in his event. Well done, team!

Mrs Alana Tronnolone


Pedare Pride Cubs Club

On Thursday, 30 November, the Pedare Pride Cubs Club held their final meeting for 2023. It was a time to reflect on the past year, the community projects they were involved with, what they have learnt, and the many individuals and families they have helped.

It’s been a great year filled with a wide variety of projects and activities, team-building games, leadership opportunities and lots of fun. The final project for the year involved making personalised Christmas crackers for up to 200 clients at the Hutt Street Centre to enjoy with their lunch on Christmas Day. An amazing effort.

Congratulations to each Cub member for their hard work and effort; they all achieved so much. And congratulations to each of this year’s award winners. 

  • Khloe B (Year 3) – Community Service Award
  • Charlotte D (Year 3) – Community Service Award
  • Sebastian D (Year 3) – Star Award
  • Jamie T (Year 3) – Star Award
  • Finn F (Year 3) – Star Award
  • Hanishka T (Year 3) – Understanding Excellence Award
  • Madison R (Year 5) – Community Excellence Award
  • Charlotte E (Year 5) – Cub of the Year (as voted by the Cubs)

Thank you to our Cub Mentors Indiana S (Year 8), Sophia C (Year 8), Jayden W (Year 7) and Addison S (Year 6) and Lion volunteers Petrea, Annette, Margaret and Fen for your support and guidance during the year.

We look forward to welcoming the Cubs back in 2024.


COMMUNITY NEWS


Special Christmas Project at WCH Paediatric Rehabilitation Department

Pedare is honoured to be part of this year’s Special Christmas Decorations initiative led by the WCH Paediatric Rehabilitation Department. The Paediatric Rehabilitation department works very closely with schools to provide advice and support for children returning to school following a traumatic or life-changing event. Returning to school is a significant goal for patients participating in an intensive rehabilitation program, and we hope the Christmas display brings joy and excitement to all. As one of the five contributing schools, we are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this meaningful project.


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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.

 

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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

 

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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

KEY DATES