The Vine Issue 3 – 2022

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

Mr James Tamblyn

My thanks to all our families for your ongoing support over the past fortnight as we work to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community in the context of the current testing and isolating settings for schools. The easing of restrictions across our state from this weekend is perhaps a sign that we are moving towards a change to the settings in schools. At this stage, the current settings will remain in place for the next few weeks, and we thank you in anticipation of your ongoing support of these, particularly regarding wearing masks and keeping students home when they are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms. 

On Thursday, we recognised our highest performing students from last year’s Year 12 cohort. 2021 didn’t make it easy for our graduating students. The uncertainty and unpredictability that the pandemic presented make their achievements even more meritorious. 

Those students gaining an ATAR in the 90s, along with their families, joined us at a special assembly to formally recognise their achievements. My thanks to all parents and staff who contributed so significantly to the success experienced by the Year 12 graduating class. We wish all our graduates every success and happiness as they embark on their post-school journeys, and look forward to following their progress with great interest. 

I had the pleasure of attending the VEX Robotics Nationals at the Adelaide Convention Centre last weekend. Pedare was represented by a number of teams, all of which performed exceptionally well. A special congratulations to our BroBots team of Jesse C and Elijah C, who qualified for the VEX Worlds to be held in May in Dallas, Texas. We wish the team well in this very exciting opportunity.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL / HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Mr Andrew Whiteman

“In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins – not through strength, but through persistence.”

This week, the value of ‘persistence’ has been a recurring theme at Pedare. We are experiencing a school year like no other, and it seems that each new day brings with it a test of our will. Our students are settled into the daily routine of school yet, as assessments start to build up, their resolve is tested. This is when our desire to succeed depends not on our ability, but on our ability to persist with the task at hand.   

This week also saw some of our most recent old scholars return to the College to be recognised for achieving an ATAR of 90 and above. One word that can be used to describe these students is ‘persistent’. They showed that a student must commit to their study regime if they want to eventually reap the rewards of a successful school year. Each of these students had a lot of ups and downs during their time at school, but it was their ability to persevere with their studies that helped them achieve. The most successful students, business people, sportspeople and entrepreneurs have all faced overwhelming challenges, but they continue to move forward because their long-term success meant more to them than short-term inconveniences. We want our students to understand that they must keep going when the going gets tough, seek help when they do not understand, and keep practising and revising to ensure they reach their potential.  

There is no doubt that some days students feel as if they are making great progress, but on others, it will feel as if they have not accomplished anything. On these days it is important to reach out to their support network, class teachers and pastoral support staff for help. At this time of the year, students need to persevere with their study programs and continue to complete the required work to the best of their ability. 

Next week sees the annual Athletics Carnival take place at Tilley Recreation Reserve. This day will be a fun-filled day with all students in all year levels having the opportunity to compete for their community. Please refer to the information below in regards to students requiring transport to and from the reserve, as well as food options for the day. Good luck to all involved. 

HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

 Mr Callum Iles

Growing as Leaders

I had the privilege last week of inducting the Middle School leaders into the positions of Community Captains, Community Service Captains and Middle School Captains. Parents, staff and Middle School students witnessed the Induction Assembly via livestream on Thursday, 3 March. It was a tremendous success from the feedback I have been provided (aside from a few wonky pronunciations of surnames).

These opportunities for student leadership are so important to the growth of young people as they reveal an ability to bring about a change in the world, even at a young age. In schooling, we talk about agency; this is where students are given opportunities to start initiatives or implement ideas that they have had. Already this year, there have been a number of student initiatives seen through SPARK classes, Business Innovation and through students being passionate about issues such as Mental Health and supporting Ukrainian people. Leadership is a part of the culture of Pedare, and students here understand the words of marketing guru Seth Godin who says, ‘Management is given, but leadership can be taken.’ I see my role as one in which I need to encourage all students who have ideas to step outside their comfort zones to make a positive impact. This is leadership, and it is hard, but as I spoke about in my Middle School Induction Address, it is so much fun when we do it as a team. 

Jim Collins has written a series of books on business improvement, and in How Companies Fail, he talks about how leadership is one of the most important elements of business success. He explains, ‘… the right leaders feel a sense of urgency in good times and bad, whether facing threat or opportunity, no matter what. They’re obsessed, afflicted with a creative compulsion and inner drive for progress… that remains constant whether facing threat or not’. This idea that leadership is an obsession with progress is close to my heart because the concept of growth mindset, as popularised by Carol Dweck, is also a spiritual concept.

We have been placed on earth to innovate, improve, bring about change, and continue to become people who love God and love others more and more each day – this is leadership. We have been called to be leaders and bring about positive change in the world at whatever age we are, and the Middle School Leaders will show us this over the course of the year. They are going to be an exceptional group.

2022 Middle School Leadership Team

HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Mr Randall Pearce

Pedare Student Voice – PSV

Sitting on my bookshelf are two small books given to me many years ago.  

The first book is titled ‘Be the Difference’. Through several quotes from famous and not so famous people, this book reminds us that nothing of any consequence happens in this world unless someone like you decides to make it happen. To make a difference is not a matter of accident; people choose to make a difference. While some say, ‘I don’t think, I don’t care, I don’t know, I don’t count’, others always bring their hearts to work and participate in the hilt.  

The second book is titled ‘Make Your Bed’, written by Admiral William H McRaven. He shares the ten principles he learned during Navy SEAL training that helped him overcome in his training and throughout his career life. During Assembly this week, the principle I shared was ‘You can’t do it alone; if you want to change the world… find someone to help you paddle’.  

I congratulate and thank all those children who want to serve the College as Pedare Student Voice (PSV) representatives. As you meet for the first time, please reflect on the following two quotes:

We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference, but a small group of determined people can change the course of history. – Sonia Johnson 

And

It takes a team of good people to get you to your destination in life. You cannot paddle the boat alone. Find someone to share your life with. Make as many friends as possible, and never forget that your success depends on others. – William H McRaven 

This week we inducted our JS Pedare Student Voice representatives. These children were selected by their classmates to represent them to help bring positive changes within the College. 

As a member of PSV, we expect the following:

• Assist the College staff and other Student Leaders in building a culture of respect within our Pedare Community.
• Offer positive leadership to fellow students.
• Offer leadership in PSV Meetings, Class Meetings, and display organisation, positive participation, and encouragement.
• Set the very highest standards in accordance with the Christian ethos of the College.
• Exhibit a positive role model of punctuality, attendance, study habits, involvement in lessons, personal grooming and behaviour.

I congratulate the following students:

ENROLMENT INFORMATION

Siblings of current students

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

VEX AUSTRALIAN NATIONALS

Last weekend, Pedare competed at the VEX Australian Nationals held at the Adelaide Convention Centre. The season, which spanned from May 2021 to March 2022, saw students build, program and document their process in two unique challenges. For the Years 3-8, it was VEX IQ Pitching In, and for the Years 9-12, it was VEX VRC Tipping Point. 

Teams who qualified from last December’s Pedare Regional Competition were invited to compete at the Australian Nationals. With seven teams across every division, Pedare represented South Australia admirably. Additionally, Pedare had several current and former students volunteering to help make the Nationals competition a success. 

Across our senior VEX VRC team, we placed 3rd in Robot Skills, and our VRC new Middle School team placed a respectable 11th in a division stacked with experienced teams. 

Our teams were equally well represented in the elementary VEX IQ division (students 12 and under). Team Noobs3.0 was selected in the elimination finals with an overall 4th place.  

In the VEX VRC Middle School division, we conquered the mighty challenge of getting a ticket to VEX Worlds in May. The BroBots team finished first after the qualification matches, second in robot skills and secured a ticket with a finalist in the elimination matches.  

Pedare has been a host school for the VEX Competitions since 2018, enabling schools from around South Australia to come and participate in the world’s largest robotics competition. 

We look forward to another fantastic season starting up soon and wish our team the best as they prepare to compete in Texas, USA, in a few months!

VEX Team Coaches – Emil Zankov, Simara Conroy, Tim Jupe, Andy Peatree, Chloe Veras and James Walsh

CONTENT

Chinese and German Languages Excursion – Stage 1&2 Chinese and German

Bright Ideas Summit – Year 10

Physics Labs Excursion – Year 12

Ash Wednesday – Junior School

Swimming Carnival – Junior School

International Women’s Day

Chinese and German Languages Excursion

Senior School – Stage 1 & 2 Chinese and German

On Friday, 4 March, the Stage 1 and 2 Chinese and German students travelled around the Adelaide CBD, including the Art Gallery of South Australia, the Migration Museum, Rundle Mall and various places around Chinatown and the Central Market. During this excursion, students learned the history of migration and its impact on individuals and society. Students explored ancient Chinese artworks in different mediums and investigated their stories. By walking around Chinatown and having a Chinese hotpot, students immersed themselves in an authentic language and culture learning environment. Students enjoyed this valuable learning experience outside the classroom.

Grace Liu

Bright Ideas Summit

Year 10

Nine enthusiastic future entrepreneurs attended Adelaide Town Hall on Wednesday, 9 March, for the annual Bright Ideas Summit.

Students heard from several inspiring speakers, including Nicole Dyson, who led them through a four-hour intensive brainstorming session. Students listed current world issues before refining their ideas with others and coming up with a solution to their chosen problem. Topics such as gender equality, mental health, pollution and climate change were explored at length. Some groups were able to pitch their idea to Chief Entrepreneur Andrew Nunn and the Commissioner for Children and Young People, Helen Connolly. 

A fantastic effort was made by our Pedare students to tackle current world issues, and we are excited to see how they can apply these new skills and experiences to their learning at Pedare.

Bianca Chapman

Physics Labs Excursion

Year 12

After a scenic drive through the Mawson Lakes Campus, students arrived at the Maths Building at UNISA. They were greeted by the practical demonstrator, Nat, who took them to the labs and instructed them in the experiment they would be performing. Students were then engaged by the activity where they used cameras, an air table and pucks to produce collisions between two bodies and then measured and calculated the momentum in the collision.

The students took away many insights into physics and the journey that awaits them in their tertiary studies.

Mr Tim Jupe

Ash Wednesday

Junior School

On Wednesday, 2 March, the College marked the commencement of Lent with Ash Wednesday services and reflections. Rev Joanna Smith led a service before school at St Mark’s Anglican Church, Golden Grove, attended by members of the parish, staff and students from Pedare. We have valued the continuing hospitality and fellowship of St Mark’s for occasions such as this.

The Junior School services were attended by only two year levels at a time, creating a quieter, reflective atmosphere. Students engaged with the themes and truths of the Christian faith through visual displays and responsive prayers. They were given the opportunity to receive an ash cross on the forehead or hand, symbolic of their confession and the forgiveness made possible through Jesus Christ. My thanks to Rev Sue Page (Associate General Secretary of the Uniting Church in SA, Reserve Chaplain at the Edinburgh RAAF Base) for co-leading all three services with me.

John Morton

Swimming Carnival

Junior School

On Thursday, 3 March, Junior School students enjoyed the Swimming Carnival at the Waterworld. The heat didn’t slow our students down – the energy, excitement and enthusiasm were in abundance as students cheered on their peers from the sidelines, proudly represented their Community and swam their best.

It was a very close battle between the community groups all throughout the day, but Hillcott proved too strong! Congrats, Hillcott!

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.

Highlights

Having started the extra-curricular programs in COVID-safe format in the last few weeks, we are delighted to see students return to sports activities with excitement and enthusiasm. Here are some images of our extra-curricular activities in action.

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 we would love to see you.

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 10:00am on a Sunday morning.  Also, on the second and fourth Sunday of the month, we have a cafe style church, which is a relaxed contemporary worship service at 6:00pm in the Church hall.

On a Friday morning for parents/carers and children from birth to 5 years we have a Mainly Music programme starting at 9:30am. This is a fun, interactive 30-minute music session followed by morning tea and free play.

For further information, please contact the Office on 8251 4298 or by 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