The Vine Issue 2 – 2024

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

Mr James Tamblyn

Over the past 18 months, Pedare’s teaching staff have collaboratively identified and synthesised a number of guiding principles for learning, leveraging and honouring our commitment to both the International Baccalaureate program (PYP and MYP) and the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) standards. Through this process, staff have committed to five principles which we believe encapsulate exceptional teaching and learning at Pedare.

One of these principles, which underlines the theme to inform and guide our professional learning priorities in 2024, is Connection. All students are entitled to feel safe, respected, included and valued in all their classes and activities at school. To achieve this, relationships must be built on a foundation of respect and trust. At the heart of our Connection principle is a commitment to:

• prioritise the wellbeing of all members of our community
• value diversity and promote an inclusive culture of trust and compassion
• promote a safe and respectful community
• encourage collaboration, respectful, open and honest interactions
• focus on acknowledging and affirming students
• build resilience by guiding students to believe in themselves and their ability to do challenging things

At the beginning of the school year, we have spent time with both students and staff exploring the cultural benefits of celebrating and taking joy from other people’s successes. Too often, our immediate response to others’ success or happiness can be resentment or envy. Successful teams do all they can to contribute to the success of teammates because everyone benefits. Sporting teams celebrate individual brilliance as it increases the chance of victory. Orchestras rely on each member to contribute individual parts to a complete performance, for which accolades are afforded to all members.

“Confelicity” is a beautiful word, much underused, meaning to delight in someone else’s happiness. Through the early weeks of the school year, we have focused on this concept with students and staff as we aspire to further foster a culture where everyone is committed to contributing to the success of others.

‘Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.’ Thessalonians 5:11

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL (TEACHING & LEARNING)

Mrs Kat Elliott

Goals and checkpoints help us gain clarity about where we’re going in life and how we are achieving our goals. This is why every new year, many people reflect on their progress and make resolutions for themselves. Reflection is an important aspect of these resolutions as it leads to real growth and makes the process more meaningful, helping us to set appropriate goals and be our best selves. 

Similarly, testing in schools can help us increase our awareness of strengths and challenges. Tests are only one way of gathering information, and should never be seen as the definitive indicator of success. At Pedare, our teachers actively seek and use a range of means of assessing learning and guiding our practice.

This week, we began our preparations for NAPLAN, ensuring that all student devices are ready so we can begin our practice test in Week 5. We do this to reduce possible points of stress for students because we would like the experience to be a tool that helps guide our teaching and learning practices, rather than be a cause for worry. The complete suite of NAPLAN tests occurs in Weeks 7 and 8, beginning Wednesday, 13 March.

These tests only occur for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.  Further information on Naplan can be found here. We encourage parents to talk with their children about the process, acknowledging that NAPLAN is just one very small part of their learning journey, and any concerns can be discussed with classroom teachers.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL & HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Mrs Mandy Hore

Student Voice is one of the five elements of the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework. When students have authentic opportunities to be active participants in their learning, they feel connected and effectively use their social and emotional skills to be respectful, resilient and safe. Listening to our students and engaging them in their learning, their environment and more broadly provides an opportunity for them to actively shape their own education.

This week, we inducted our Junior School Pedare Student Voice (PSV) representatives.. These students were selected by their classmates to represent them and help bring about positive changes within the College through consultation, collaboration and by contributing to decision-making processes. Collectively, they will help shape and influence outcomes by putting forward their views, concerns and ideas.

HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Mrs Eliza Buckoke

It is hard to believe we are already in Week 4! We are incredibly proud of all our Middle School students for how well they have settled into their new routines and for the way they are embracing College life.

Our Year 7s have been away on Camp this week at Woodhouse Activity Centre in Piccadilly. Three classes attended from Monday to Wednesday, and the other two from Wednesday to Friday. Students participated in various activities, from mountain bike riding to Billy Cart making and hiking. These outdoor education experiences allow students to get to know each other and their teachers in a different environment and to step outside of their comfort zone.

Well done to all the staff and students on a fantastic week! They were all so impressed with the behaviour and enthusiasm of the Year 7 students! It has been a really positive experience for everyone all round. Some photo highlights are shown below.

Year 7 Outdoor Education Experience , (Group 1) Monday – Wednesday, 19-21 February & (Group 2) Wednesday – Friday, 21 – 23 February

Our Year 8s have been engaging in the Healthy Minds wellbeing program. On Monday, 19 February, we had the Parent Information Evening, where parents had the opportunity to hear directly from Dr Jacinta Durrand, one of the key presenters of the student program. Parents will also receive regular updates to support students with their understanding of the wellbeing information presented each fortnight. This exciting program aims to teach students strategies to enhance their wellbeing and resilience into the future.

During Week 3, we inducted our eighteen chosen student leaders from Year 9 at our special Assembly. Thank you to the parents who were able to join us on the day and help make the occasion special for the students involved. Congratulations to our 2024 Middle School Leaders! While we formally recognised those students being appointed as leaders, I encourage all students to reflect on the impact they can make as valuable contributors to our community.

HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Mr Josh Willis

Last Thursday, 15 February, we were delighted to welcome back members of the 2023 90s Club to speak with our current Year 12 students. They shared their insights and experiences from their final year at Pedare and offered valuable advice on managing the challenges of Year 12. They emphasised the significance of prioritising tasks, effective time management and seeking assistance when necessary.

Another common theme in Year 12 was that every lesson matters. Each lesson is an opportunity to hear, see, write or retain something new. Our Year 12s enjoyed this opportunity, learning that while the final year poses its difficulties, it also offers great rewards, laying the groundwork for future success. We extend our gratitude to those who took the time to come back to Pedare and for generously sharing their time and wisdom with our Year 12s, hoping their words will continue to inspire academic and personal achievements throughout the year.

As we reach the midway point of the term, we reiterate these messages to all our senior students. We recognise the rigorous academic environment of Senior School and understand the potential to feel overwhelmed. It is important to recognise that navigating this environment requires not just diligence but a willingness to seek help and support when needed. We urge students to proactively engage with their teachers, stay connected with peers and seek support from our wonderful pastoral team.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Lunar New Year’s Celebration

In celebration of the Year of the Dragon, students at Pedare School participated in Lunar New Year activities. Year 3 students showcased their artistry by creating vibrant dragon displays adorned with wishes written in Chinese Hanzi. Reception students were joyfully joined by the Year 9s to learn traditional lion and dragon dances, fostering unity and cultural appreciation. In Middle School, students dedicated themselves to crafting traditional Lunar New Year decorations, including intricate lucky signs. The Senior School Students expressed their hopes for the upcoming year through the creative tradition of crafting Spring Couplets. Through these immersive experiences, students not only deepened their understanding of Chinese culture but also cultivated unity and creativity within our school community.

Ms Grace Liu

Metamorphosis

Year 3 Science

Our Year 3 students are embarking on an exciting scientific journey inspired by the renowned naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian. Under the guidance of Ms. Kenny, they are immersing themselves in the fascinating world of metamorphosis through engaging activities. Alongside learning about the life cycle of butterflies, the Year 3s drew butterflies to signify the transformative process of metamorphosis. This hands-on approach, aligned with the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy, encourages students to think creatively and explore scientific concepts with curiosity and enthusiasm. They learned that scientific inquiry is not confined to laboratories and textbooks but permeates every aspect of our lives, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. We are immensely proud of the enthusiasm and dedication demonstrated by our Year 3 students and look forward to witnessing their continued growth and achievements.

Mrs Lyn Davis

Author Visit: Allayne Webster

Year 6 English

This week, our Year 6 students had the opportunity to engage with young adult and children’s author Allayne Webster.

Allayne shared her passion for writing and conducted writing workshops for each Year 6 class, focusing on how to create compelling characters. Allayne’s visit is always a highlight for our students, and we are grateful for her expertise and enthusiasm in sharing her craft with them. Her latest novel ‘Selfie’ explores themes of social media, teenage fame and a girl’s journey to find her place.

Additionally, we’re excited to announce that a copy of ‘Selfie‘ will soon be available for students to borrow from the Catford Library.

Mrs Sarah Bloomfield

Schultüte

Year 6 German Studies

In Germany, it is a tradition for children starting school to receive a Schultüte, a cone-shaped container filled with treats, toys and school supplies to sweeten their first day of school. 

Our Year 6 German students recently embraced this custom by creating their own Schultüten. These were filled with special treats and presented to them as a welcome to their German studies at Pedare.

Mrs Stefanie Edmondson and Miss Ebony Coulter

Shared Learning in the Library

Year 8 Language & Literature

This week the Year 8 Language and Literature classes have played ‘Jolly Post-people’ with some of our Junior School classes! After completing an intertextual study, the Year 8 students wrote a letter or postcard as a book character and delivered these to a very keen audience. It was lovely to see the interactions and special moments shared between these students of different ages, with all of them benefitting from a shared experience of reading and writing stories.

Ms Sarah Mossel

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.

German Club is Back!

German Club started again this week and it was heaps of fun, like always!!

German Club is a lunchtime group that happens every Wednesday on every odd week of the term. So, this means the next one will be in week 5. Anyone is welcome at the German Club!

We had a fabulous time this week making masks in honor of the German festival of ‘Fasching’. Fasching is a festival held in February in many large cities around Germany. It is a celebration held to send away the winter and bring in the spring. The photos show stage one of production. We will complete the masks next German Club. If you didn’t come this week there are still plenty more masks to be crafted, so see you all in week 5!

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