The Vine Issue 2 – 2020

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

Mr James Tamblyn

Over the past fortnight a series of morning teas, Parent Information Evenings and functions for new families have provided excellent opportunities for staff and parents to connect. The partnership between the College and our families is integral to the successful learning experiences of our students. Thank you for your attendance at these beginning-of-year functions as we set the scene for the academic year and ensure that communication with families is prioritised.

At our Middle and Senior School Information Evenings I spoke about the imperative of relationships being at the heart of our community. We know that students learn teachers as much as they learn subjects, and that it’s the relationships teachers foster with students that in large part determines the quality of learning that takes place. Of equal importance is how we interact with each other as significant adults in our young people’s lives, and the values we commit to when engaging with everyone within the community. Expecting age-typical behaviour from our students and responding calmly, patiently, kindly and respectfully is the only way to sustainably elicit the kinds of behaviours we want to see from our students. Role modelling these values, in all our interactions, is key.

I also spoke about what it means for a school to be a genuine community of learning. Every student is capable of achieving great things and we must expect this from them. We must set the bar high and push our students along. Our beliefs about our young people become their beliefs about themselves. And if we are going to have these high expectations of students as learners, one of the most powerful ways we can encourage growth mindsets and life-long learning is to model it. I challenged our staff and our parents to consider what their personal learning priorities are this year, both personally and professionally. When our students see us committing to our own ongoing learning, struggling with new concepts, skills and ideas, and committing to our learning goals when things get difficult, it is some of the most powerful modelling we can provide. I encourage you to consider your own learning priorities this year and consciously make time to share this journey with your children.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL/HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Mr Andrew Whiteman

The 2020 Swimming Carnival was, once again, another wonderful example of the community spirit that is alive and well at Pedare. Our Middle and Senior students battled it out all day at the Aquatic Centre with many fine races and great competition. For some, the idea of a swimming carnival can cause anxiety, but I was pleased to see so many of our students in the stands organising, cheering and most of all supporting the students from their community to do their best. It was a real team effort with Greenwith coming away the victors in a closely fought race. The final races of the day; the fast five and community race, are always well supported and a big congratulations to all our competitors this year. We look forward to the rivalry continuing at the Athletics Carnival in Week 7.

It was lovely to meet many families last week at our Year 6 – 11 Parent Information evening where new and old parents were able to mingle and talk to their children’s teachers. The Year 10 and 11 parent session provided updates on the completion of SACE, subject specific information, the upcoming Year 10 Outdoor Education Experience and the Year 11 Challenge. Most importantly, parents were able to speak directly with staff about their children and really get an insight into some of the requirements and expectations as their children enter Senior School. If parents have any feedback on the night, including some of the information that you would like to receive, it would be appreciated. We are conscious that parents are very busy, and we want to ensure that these evenings are as valuable as possible and so your feedback, both positive and negative, can help us to improve these nights.

This week was our first trial of students providing feedback which is one aspect of the continuous reporting process that we have begun in 2020. As yet, many students may not have completed assessments or not had them returned and so it was difficult for some to reflect back on what they have achieved. I trust that you are able to access the feedback from students on the SEQTA Engage platform. As the year progresses you will also see the results of individual assessments. Feedback on each assessment will be given in the traditional manner, either on the paper copies provided or in a digital format depending on the type of assessment. We believe that by providing timely feedback to students and parents it will help us to improve the educational outcomes of the students. It will also keep parents informed in almost real time when results are provided to students. If you need assistance with SEQTA Engage, please do not hesitate to contact our IT team at seqtasupport@pedarecc.sa.edu.au

The Year 12 Meet the Teacher evening on Wednesday night was well attended by families and the students who are studying a Stage 2 subject. Our Year 12 cohort are moving closer and closer to independent education and we are asking them to become responsible for all aspects of their learning in 2020. As parents, you too have a vital role to play in preparing your children to achieve their best. If you feel there are things that the College needs to be aware of, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teachers or Community Coordinator at any time. If you would like information about a particular subject, please email the teacher directly and do not feel as though you need to wait until the Parent Teacher Interviews in Weeks 9 and 10.

This year is an important year and it will be filled with ups and downs and our role as educators is to support your children through those times so that they can move onto the next stage in their lives with confidence, having achieved what they have wanted out of their final year at Pedare. We appreciate that it will look different for every student, whether that be university, further study, employment or something else. We celebrate the fact that each child is different and at Pedare we want to provide the environment so that every student can achieve success.

Next week is Week 5 and the demands on students will increase as assessments and daily schoolwork increases. It is important for all our students to communicate with teachers (and parents) if they need assistance in regard to due dates or completion of certain types of assessment. Often, when work seems to have to banked up, the hardest step is the first one, the one to just get started. Making this first step can often set students on the right path to complete tasks that might seem too long or hard for them.

“Most times, the way isn’t clear, but you want to start anyway. It is in starting with the first step that other steps become clearer.”

HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

 Mrs Lauren Brooks

Thank you to the many parents that attended our Information Night on Wednesday 12 February. It was fantastic to see such a well-attended evening and we thank our student and staff involvement in making this night possible.

We have enjoyed a wonderful start to the year. From day one we have been very busy engaging in innovative learning experiences, integrated disciplined excursions, the Swimming Carnival (congratulations Greenwith!) and more. The students have coped well adapting back into the rigour of each school day after their holiday break!

This week, students had their first experience with the Action and Reflection plan which all parents are now able to access via the Seqta Engage app. With staff support, students were able to engage in an opportunity to reflect on their overall learning experience thus far as well as celebrate their early successes this year. We hope this will be a great experience for students throughout the year to set and achieve short term goals to achieve overall growth in 2020.

Earlier in the term, all students in Years 6 – 12 were presented with our new Learning and Assessment Policy. This was received well by all and we have been very pleased to hear the very positive subsequent conversations emerging with students and teachers since the introduction. Students appreciate that tightening up on deadlines is an important step in further developing and improving our organisation and time management, as well as providing a consistent and fair approach across the breadth of the curriculum for all students.

We have been very proud of our Year 9 students beginning their Community Projects this term. This is a significant element to their Pedare Passage; as one of the final stages of their Middle School IB journey but also the beginning of their Senior Secondary style of learning. Students are required to be independent, self-motivated, organised and driven to complete a large body of work in a 6-month period. We have been inspired to learn of some brilliant topics that students have chosen and look forward to seeing them launch into the service element of the project, seeing Pedare students make a positive difference in their local and global community.

It was a lovely afternoon on Monday of this week for our Year 6 students to share in an afternoon tea with Mrs Brooks, Mr Willis and Mr Tamblyn. Students were invited to spend some time with our Middle School and College Leaders to ensure we can continue to offer support to assist in the transition from Junior School to Middle School. Students made a beautiful sign during their Art classes ‘A home at school’ which is the theme of the Year 6 cohort. We look forward to hanging this sign proudly in the Year 6 area for the rest of 2020.

HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Mr Randall Pearce

Swimming Lessons and Swimming Carnival

It has been fantastic to see our Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 students with teachers and parent volunteers walking over to Golden Grove State Swim and participating in their lessons over the last two weeks. Next week we look forward to our Year 3, 4 and 5 Swimming lessons and our Reception to Year 5 Swimming Carnival, a day of much fun and learning. Thank you once again to Mr Perry and all his organisation and for the teachers and parents who supported during the week.

For me, swimming is a life skill, vital for all children and especially children growing up in Australia. The statistics each Summer are frightening in terms of the number of drowning deaths across Australia. With many of these drowning deaths occurring in swimming pools, this highlights the importance of a basic level of swimming skills and water safety, which is promoted through the Junior School’s commitment to swimming for all year levels every year.

To help prevent drowning, every child must have basic swimming, water safety skills and knowledge of how to be safe when they are in, on, or around the water, all of which are covered during our lessons at State Swim and Water World.  

Parent Teacher Interviews 

Week 7 this term, Tuesday 10 to Thursday 12 March, Parent Teacher Interviews are being held. These are an invaluable experience for teachers, and we hope for you as parents. There is a huge body of research that points to the correlation between parent involvement in a child’s schooling and their educational success. Quite simply, if you want your child to improve his / her learning then please take an interest in their learning, attend as many school functions as you can such as Parent Teacher Interviews. Celebrate the successes, and together, with your child and teacher, work alongside each other to further develop any challenges.  

Learning Journeys 

Learning Journeys will again commence in Week 8 this term on Wednesday 18 March and are a wonderful opportunity for students to celebrate their learning with parents and family.

All year levels will open their classroom and invite parents/caregivers to share in the learning. It involves classes showcasing completed work to their special guest. Each child will have the opportunity to share and reflect upon their different learning experiences, work, learning environments and classroom experiences.

We believe Learning Journeys are valuable to the students, enabling them to experience and develop many different skills, including; responsibility, reflection, choice and control of their learning through self-evaluation.

DATES TO REMEMBER

2020 Calendar Dates

• Term 1 will finish on Thursday 9 April with an early dismissal at 1:05pm.
• Term 2 Tuesday 28 April – Friday 3 July
• Term 3 Tuesday 21 July – Friday 25 September
• Term 4 – Monday 12 October – Friday 4 December

2020 Student Free Days

• Monday 27 April
• Tuesday 9 June (following Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday)
• Monday 20 July
• Friday 4 September

DEVON CLOTHING

The regular trading times for Devon Clothing Modbury, Shop 24, Clovercrest Plaza, 429 Montague Road are:

Monday – Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm and Saturday 10:00am – 1:00pm. Contact details: modbury@devonclothing.com.au or phone 08 8350 7930.

CARPARK ETIQUETTE & SAFETY

We would like to remind all parents and staff entering the College grounds to adhere to the 10km/h speed limit, exercise due care and always follow car park signage. As a community, we share responsibility to care for all students, not just our own. This means driving slowly, obeying the guidance of the staff on duty and parking in the appropriate places.

Parents, staff and students have access to car parking within the College grounds and this is a benefit to all concerned. The safety of all students is always one of our highest priorities and requires the cooperation of all drivers and pedestrians.

Surrey Farm Drive Car Park

Can all parents and caregivers please take extra care when dropping off or collecting children in the Surrey Farm Drive car park. We have noticed some drivers disregard the solid yellow line on the driveway which puts all students, particularly our younger students, at a significant safety risk. It is important we stay within the lines to ensure we are not too close to the pedestrian crossing and to avoid impeding the view for other people using the crossing.

It is critical that all parents can drop off and collect children in a safe manner. We are all busy people but rushing in this zone without the correct care and attention could result in an accident.

Junior School Car Park

We advise that the parallel parking lane, closet to the oval, is ‘Kiss and Drop’ only during both drop off and pick up times. Please adhere to the following in the ‘Kiss and Drop’ area:

• Vehicles must not stand in this zone for more than 2 minutes
• Drivers must not leave their vehicles unattended in this zone
• If your child is not waiting when you arrive to collect them, drive off and leave the zone free for parents whose child is waiting. The teacher on duty is there to supervise the safe collection of all children.

For older students, if possible, we suggest that the ‘pick up’ be delayed by 5 or 10 minutes.

Please also ensure that you do not park on the yellow line, as this potentially places students in danger.

Staff will be on duty to ensure that parents do not leave their vehicles unattended in the ‘Kiss and Drop’ zone. Please do not be offended if you are asked to move your vehicle on. The intention is to ensure that traffic moves swiftly, for the benefit of all, and avoids congestion.

The College is reviewing signage requirements in this area to assist parents and caregivers.

Please help us keep all our children safe by adhering to the road rules and taking extra care in our drop off and pick up zones, and utilise the available car parking spaces if staying, visiting or not remaining in your vehicle.

Do not use the Disabled car-parking spaces unless you display the correct disabled parking permit.

The College will continue to monitor traffic flow in our car parks. We thank you for your support and your commitment to ensuring the safety of all members of the College community.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY BREAKFAST

Pedare Christian College Senior School girls and the special women in their lives (mothers, grandmothers, aunts, older sisters, etc) are invited to join our 2020 celebration of International Women’s Day.

Emcee for the event, Mrs Lauren Brooks, Head of Middle School, will introduce special guest speaker, Eloise Hall, co-founder of social enterprise Taboo. Pedare Food and Hospitality and Business Innovation students will cater this special occasion and our talented Music students will provide live music.

Cost of a ticket is $15 and are on sale now by booking at https://pcciwdb.eventbrite.com.au/

PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION

The Parents and Friends Association Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 16 March, 6:30pm in the Wattle Centre. New members are invited and welcome to attend.

The Parents and Friends Association (P&F) is a voluntary organisation run by an energetic committee. College parents, grandparents and friends across all year levels are welcome to join the P&F. The aim of the P&F is to have activities throughout the year to bring the Pedare Community together to both ‘friendraise’ and fundraise for the benefit of our students.

The P&F meets monthly during term time and is a wonderful way for new families to feel that they are part of the College Community.  The P&F has a broad fundraising program and provides financial support and sponsorship for a variety of projects around the College to support our children’s learning and enhance the College environment. It also provides an enjoyable opportunity to meet other parents, strengthen existing relationships and contribute towards the College.

We warmly welcome members of the College Community to participate in the activities arranged by the P&F, either as a member of the Committee, an event volunteer or to volunteer in the P&F Shop.

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES

REMINDER for Ash Wednesday Services: Rev Mark Hawkes will lead the service, which will include Communion and the opportunity to receive the sign of the cross in ash for those who value that tradition. For more information, please click here.

Ash Wednesday Services – Junior School

As an Anglican and Uniting Church school, Pedare celebrates Ash Wednesday with in-school services for all Junior School students. During these services, students may choose to receive the sign of the cross with ash on their forehead or hand.

This year, our service, led by College Chaplain Mr John Morton and Rev Sue Page, will be held on Wednesday 26 February, in the College Chapel. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend. For times of services and more information, please click here.

CONTENTS

SVC Representatives – 2020

M&SS Swimming Carnival

Year 8 – Superloop Adelaide 500

Year 6 – Languages

Shrove Tuesday

SVC REPRESENTATIVES – 2020

At Assembly on Monday 10 February, students from Reception to Year 5 were inducted as Pedare Student Voice representatives. Congratulations to the following:

M&SS SWIMMING CARNIVAL

On Thursday 13 February, the five Communities of Pedare descended on the Adelaide Aquatic Centre for the annual Middle and Senior School Swimming Carnival..

Every year students turn out in an excellent show of participation and support for their communities and their peers. Students push their comfort zones and their physical ability to the limit with participation in over ninety events. The lighter side of the day are the novelties where year levels are involved in a range of fun team activities that promote inclusion and laughter. Many chants, laughs were had and memories were created.

Triumph went to Greenwith with a narrow victory over Surrey that was almost derailed by a few disqualifications in the final relays of the event. The ‘Fast Five’ events were populated with a range of ages and some of the fast swimmers were also among the youngest.

All in all a fabulous event for the College and a huge thank you to all the staff members who contributed to the running of the event. We look forward to the 2021 edition of the Swimming Carnival where Surrey, Hillcott, Brooklyn and Eldergreen will once again have a chance to topple Greenwith off the top spot.

Thank you to Maya Smale, Year 12, who submitted her Art Visual study photos of the event for The Vine.

Mr Michael Secomb – Director of Sport

YEAR 8 – SUPERLOOP ADELAIDE 500

Students from Year 8 had the fantastic opportunity of attending the Superloop Adelaide 500 on Thursday 20 February. This event provided a hands-on educational experience for our students as they were able to work through a variety of activities throughout the day which incorporated interdisciplinary learning across multiple learning areas including:

• Individuals and Societies
• Mathematics
• Sciences
• Technologies
• The Arts
• Language and Literature

It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to make connections between these learning areas and how we can use this knowledge to understand the world around us.

Mr Josh Willis – Assistant Head of Middle School

YEAR 6 – LANGUAGES

This term, Year 6 students have celebrated the languages they speak, and the languages that have contributed to the creation of each and every one of them, by designing a language tree in the German room. It is amazing to hear about the many languages some of our students know and speak, and to learn about how many different languages their parents and grandparents have spoken.

And now they are all adding two more to the mix this year by learning Chinese and German!

Ms Susan O’Connell – Learning Area Coordinator, LOTE

SHROVE TUESDAY

This year, Shrove Tuesday falls on Tuesday 25 February. The College will acknowledge this day with all students being involved, making this our first One College event for 2020. Pancakes will be cooked in the morning by our student leaders and staff between 8:30 – 9:00am, with students being asked to make a $2 donation to support UnitingCare. Gluten free pancakes will be provided for those students as required and we ask that you please email your child’s Assistant Head of School indicating that your child requires one. If your child has dietary requirements beyond this, we ask that you please provide an appropriate alternative pancake. Students are required to wear their Community tops on the day. We recognise this as a Christian occasion within our College community and look outward to support those in our wider community through our donations.

NEWS

Extra-Curricular Sports feature articles and results below:

EXTRA-CURRICULAR RESULTS

TERM 1

Week 2

Basketball

• Year 6 Team 1 – Pedare vs GS Nets – Loss 16 – 20 (MVP Whole Team)
• Year 6 team 2 – Pedare vs Prescott 5/6A – Loss 5 – 20 (MVP Nathan)
• Year 7 Team 1 – Pedare vs Trinity Taipans – Won 28 – 21

Netball

• Sub Junior 1 – Pedare vs Golden Grove 3 – Loss 15 – 20
• Sub Junior 2 – Pedare vs Tyndale Christian School 1 – Loss
• Sub Junior 3 – BYE
• Junior 1 – Pedare vs Modbury Hawks 2 – Won 46 – 42
• Sub Primary 1 – Pedare vs Banksia Park 2 – Won
• Sub Primary 2 – Pedare vs Golden Grove 5 – Won 7 – 2 (MVP Whole Team)
• Primary 1 – Pedare vs Northeast Zodiac 4 – Won 17 – 6 (MVP Grace, Keeley, Natalie)
• Primary 2 – Pedare vs Para Hills Wanderers 1 – Loss 7 – 8
• Intermediates – BYE

Week 3

Basketball

• Year 6 Team 1 – Pedare vs Keithcot Knights – Forfeit
• Year 6 Team 2 – Pedare vs Prescott 4/5 – Forfeit
• Year 7 Team 1 – Pedare vs Stradbroke Sizzlers – Loss 21 – 24
• Middle Girls – Pedare vs Mercedes 1 – Loss

Cricket

• Year 4/5 – Pedare vs Good Shepherd Lutheran – Loss
• Year 6/7 – Pedare vs Blackfriars Priory – Won (MVP Jackson)
• Year 8/9 – Pedare vs St Peters College – Loss (MVP Nick, Ryan)

Netball

• Sub Junior 1 – Pedare vs Tea Tree Gully 2- Won 27 – 17
• Sub Junior 2 – Pedare vs Golden Grove 5 – Loss 21 – 26
• Sub Junior 3 – Pedare vs GT1 – Won 50 – 1
• Junior 1 – Pedare vs Northeast Zodiac 4 – Won 39 – 22
• Sub Primary 1 – Pedare vs Hope Valley 4 – Won
• Sub Primary 2 – Pedare vs Northeast Zodiac 2 – Won 5 – 3 (MVP Whole Team)
• Primary 1 – Pedare vs Northeast Zodiac 4 – Won 11 – 3 (MVP Grace)
• Primary 2 – Pedare vs Tyndale Christian School 2 – Loss 4 – 12
• Intermediates – Pedare vs Modbury Hawks 1 – Won 46 – 25

Tennis

• Year 6 Team 1 – Pedare vs CBC – Loss 2 – 7 (MVP Thomas)
• Year 7 Team 2 – Pedare vs CBC – Won 6 – 2
• Middle – Pedare vs Pulteney Grammar – Won 10 – 2 (MVP Whole Team)
• Senior – Pedare vs St Pauls – Loss (MVP Samuel)

Volleyball

• Middle 1 – Pedare vs St Ignatius – Loss 0 – 3 (MVP Gideon)
• Middle 2 – Pedare vs Pedare 3 – Draw 2 – 2 (MVP Adam)
• Middle 3 – Pedare vs Pedare 2 – Draw 2 – 2 (MVP Levi)
• Middle Girls – Pedare vs Mary Mackillop – Loss (MVP Lara)
• Senior Girls – Pedare vs Mary Mackillop – Loss (MVP Alannah)

Tea Tree Gully Anglican

SWAT Youth (Years 7-12)

Meets Friday each week during school term at 7:30pm. Come for a great time of games, friendship and Bible discussion. We meet at 19 Perseverance Rd TTG. Click here for more details or phone Dave on 0403 723 953.

Weekly Services – Check out our web site for more details.

Sunday@8:30: Prayer book service – weekly communion.

Sunday@10: Family service and specific children’s ministries.

Sunday@6pm: Youth, young adult and those young at heart. There is no children’s program but drawing supplies and a withdrawal room are available for your young ones.

Please click here to visit the College Calendar for a full list of College events