The Vine Issue 3 – 2023

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

Mr James Tamblyn

We welcomed a large number of prospective families on Tuesday this week to our first Open Morning of the year. Whenever I get the chance to speak to parents who are considering Pedare for the education of their children, I speak firstly about how relationships are 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, determine the quality of learning that takes place. Expecting age-typical behaviour from our students and responding calmly, patiently, kindly and respectfully is, we believe, an integral part of fostering strong relationships with young people. 

Of equal importance to the teacher/student relationship is how we engage and interact with each other as significant adults in our young people’s lives, and the values we commit to modelling within these relationships. I thank all our parents and family members for your contributions to our culture in this regard, and for your ongoing commitment to working in partnership with the College to ensure Pedare is a community where kindness and inclusivity permeate our interactions. 

I also spoke on Tuesday 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. 

All of us should be able to articulate our own personal learning priorities, both personal and professional, and the goals we have set in pursuit of these aspirations. 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 to consciously make time to share this journey with your children.

INTERIM HEAD OF MIDDLE AND SENIOR SCHOOL

Mr Josh Willis

A challenge we face every day in the digital age we live in is the constant availability and temptation of technology. From social media notifications and constant emails, it is easy to get distracted and lose focus on important tasks. These constant distractions and interruptions are difficult for our students to navigate when studying or completing assessments. At school, we continue to support our students to develop good habits when it comes to working with technology, as we know this will promote deep and higher-order thinking. 

Next Wednesday, 15 March, Elevate Education will be hosting its second webinar of the year, which is free for Pedare parents. The topic of this session will be “Using Technology and Beating Distractions.” We encourage all parents to register and continue these conversations at home to help our students stay focused and productive. 

Using Technology and Beating Distractions

Wednesday, 15 March at 6:30pm (AEDT) 

Click here to register for free

Here’s what Elevate will be covering:

• Technology addiction and how to reduce technology dependence 
• Practical strategies and apps to minimise procrastination 
• How to help your child use technology productively to enhance their learning 

Senior School Year Level Forums 

To improve and build more avenues for student voice, leadership and agency in our Senior School, we will be hosting Senior School Year Level Forums. This will be a time when a selection of students across our cohorts will spend time with Senior School staff to discuss critical elements of our Senior School, voice their opinion on areas we can do better and consider areas of support most needed for their year-level. 

Students will be able to nominate to be a part of this process, and we are encouraging all students to apply. This is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of having a positive impact on the direction of our Senior School. We look forward to also offering this opportunity to Middle School students later this term. 

NAPLAN

Next week, Year 7 and 9 students will begin their NAPLAN testing. These tests are the national literacy and numeracy tests that all Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 children across Australia will sit during this week. Our Middle School students have so many gifts and talents, and a standardised test simply cannot measure all of these. We hope that all students come to school feeling relaxed and put in their best effort, as we would expect them to do each and every day. As the testing is online, students need to come to school each day with a fully charged laptop and a set of headphones to complete the testing. 

HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Mr Randall Pearce

Swimming “Surf” lessons

Last week, all Years 3, 4 and 5 students participated in Surf lessons at Grange Beach as part of the Surf Ed program. This open-water safety program teaches students about the beach, ocean and coastline, including how to identify rips, tides, currents, rocks, jetties, signage, etc. The program included both theory and practical components, with students learning board paddling, survival strokes, floating, beach running, safe entry into the ocean and rescues. Students had lots of fun while also learning important skills for staying safe in open water.

Contents

Junior School Swimming Carnival

Author Visit – Year 7

Port Willunga Excursion – Stage 1 Earth and Environmental Science

Grandparents/Special Person’s Day – Year 1

Excursion to Adelaide Central Market – Senior Chinese

STEM Girls Excursion – Year 9-12 Digital Technologies

Food Tech Excursion – Stage 1 & 2 Food & Hospitality

Grow It Local Sustainability – Year 8

Joining Techniques and Buddy Class – Year 2

Junior School Swimming Carnival

Thursday, 2 March

The Junior School Swimming Carnival on Friday, 2 March was a splashing good time! 

Whether warming up, competing, racing, cheering their peers from the sidelines or enjoying the free play in the pool, there were big smiles all around.

Well done to all students who participated and put in exceptional efforts. A big thank you to all the staff, Year 9 student helpers and parent volunteers who worked together to make this event outstanding.

Author Visit – Phil Cummings

Year 7

Successful South Australian writer, Phil Cummings, engaged Year 7 students on Monday and Tuesday this week in presentations and writer’s workshops. He described first-hand how language can be used to develop stories from notes and original ideas through many drafts to create realistic characters and settings that come to life. Phil shared a song by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra,  In this Place, which was written based on his books Joe and the Stars and Through the Smoke. 

Through the wonder of music, images, songs and storytelling, we followed the lead character Joe as he came to learn the importance of resilience in an ever-changing world; such a strong message for our students. Phil’s messages were invaluable, and we were privileged that he could join us again this week. 

Mrs Jude Johnson

Port Willunga Excursion

Stage 1 Earth and Environmental Science

Year 11 Earth and Environmental Science students travelled to Willunga and Hallett Cove last Wednesday, 1 March. Thankfully the weather was perfect after a postponement of the event the week before due to extreme heat. After a long bus ride, we were greeted at Port Willunga by a pod of dolphins feeding very close to shore. Students observed the fossil-filled limestone and sandstone cliffs, taking notes on the rock formation and sketching the fossils. The old fishermen caves in the cliffs were also a highlight for students who enjoyed exploring them and learning about their history. 

Walking the Geological Trail at Hallett Cove, students were exposed to a range of rock types, including the highly folded 600 million-year-old siltstone of Black Cliff and exploring evidence of the Permian Glaciation when the area was covered by a large ice sheet 280 million years ago. The unique landform of the sugarloaf provided a good photo opportunity at the end of the walk and displayed an excellent example of erosion.

Mrs Bronwyn Dutch

“We first went to Willunga and looked at the fossilised rocks along the beach. This was really interesting because those rocks are millions of years old and can tell us more about what the world was like back in those times. We then took the bus to Hallett Cove, where we went on a trail walk and looked at the different rock formations. I enjoyed climbing Black Cliff because we got to look out at the ocean and the waves. The rocks at Hallett Cove are also really interesting because they can be dated back to around 600 million years ago.” Brodie L, Year 11

Grandparent/Special Person’s Day

Year 1

On Wednesday, 8 March, Year 1 students welcomed their grandparent/s or another special person to join us in the classrooms. 

Year 1s have been exploring how sharing memories can help us learn about the past and each other. They prepared some great discussion questions and activities to complete with their guests, making it a fun and memorable morning for everyone involved.

Senior Chinese Excursion to Adelaide Central Market

Friday, 3 March

The Senior excursion to Adelaide CBD was an unforgettable learning experience that allowed students to explore the rich history and culture of Chinese migration to Adelaide and explore vibrant Chinatown.

The excursion began at the Migration Museum, where students learned about the hardships and challenges Chinese migrants faced when they arrived in South Australia in the early 1900s. The museum provided insight into their lives, including their contribution to the Adelaide community and how they overcame their difficulties.

The next stop was the Art Gallery, where students examined Chinese and Asian artworks, helping us understand the Silk Road and how trade was essential in connecting different cultures and people worldwide.

The excursion continued with a walk to Chinatown, where all enjoyed a delicious lunch and learned about Chinese banquet seating arrangements, table rituals and dining etiquette. The Stage 2 Chinese students hosted the lunch, while the Stage 1 students were the guests. It was an excellent opportunity to practice our language skills while enjoying a fantastic meal.

In Chinatown, students also interacted with shopkeepers, practising their language skills in a real-life setting and purchasing souvenirs to remember the trip.

Overall, this Chinese excursion was a fantastic learning experience. It provided a deeper understanding of Chinese migration and the contributions Chinese migrants made to the community. Students had the opportunity to practice their language skills and experience Chinese culture firsthand while connecting with classmates outside the classroom.

Mrs Siew Ng

STEM Girls Excursion

Year 9-12 Digital Technologies Girls

On Wednesday, 1 March, our Year 9-12 Digital Technologies girls embarked on a STEM excursion to the Adelaide Convention Centre to attend the empowering ‘Making Her Mark’ event. They were inspired by the keynote speakers and had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion with female leaders. This event was a great opportunity for these young women to explore their career aspirations and curiosity in non-traditional industries. Their participation is a testament to their drive and eagerness to learn. We are proud to have such passionate students at Pedare!

Food Tech Excursion

Year 12

Stage 2 Food & Hospitality students had the opportunity to explore Murray Street in Tanunda on Wednesday, 8 March. They first met with a local business owner, Rachel, from Barossa Browns Donuts, who talked them through their business model and how they market to their customers.

Students then explored multiple businesses asking similar questions about how a small town operates and how they contribute to the South Australian tourism industry.

Finally, students saw how the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company prepare, market and sell their products all in one place, cutting down on transportation and freight costs whilst preparing for their busiest period – Easter! 

Mrs Bianca Chapman

Grow It Local Sustainability

Year 8

Year 8 Sustainability is a new subject in 2023 that has been designed to focus on how we can create a sustainable future. With help from Green Adelaide and Grow It Local, students have been completely immersed in creating a circular economy within the College, from collecting seeds to germinating plants for the food cubes, greenhouse and aquaponics, and harvesting produce for use in Food Technology classes and the local community. What doesn’t get eaten by us, goes into the subpods for the worms to recycle into nutrients for new growth.

Mrs Jude Johnson

Joining Techniques and Buddy Class

Year 2

Year 2 students have inquired into how to use joining techniques more effectively to design and make models. They applied their learning to the context of creating novel pinball machines, which they then shared with their Year 4 buddies. These positive interactions across the year levels continue to build community spirit within the College.

Mrs Ailsa Burne

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.

Pedare Pride Cubs Club Honored at SCASA Awards

Congratulations to Pedare Pride Cubs Club, who was nominated for the Harry Tillyer Schools Award category during the Service Clubs Association of SA (SCASA) Awards on Sunday, 25 February. This annual award is given in recognition of a long-serving SCASA committee member who was also a long-serving Lion member. Pedare’s nomination was based on their outstanding projects that addressed the wellbeing of the school’s local community, improved the environment, benefited a disadvantaged group within the community, and increased student awareness of the value of community service. 

We are delighted to announce that The runners-up prize was awarded to Pedare Pride Cubs Club, which is a great achievement for the cubs, the school, and their service to the community. A big thank you goes to Cub Mentors Indiana S (Year 8), Sophia C (Year 8), and Addison S (Year 6) for representing Pedare with excellence during the event. Congratulations to Pedare Pride Cubs Club on this fantastic achievement, and thank you for your service to the community.

Petrea Stacey

SSSA Swimming Championships

On Thursday, 2 March, a group of Pedare Year 7-12 students attended the SSSA Swimming Championships. After a promotion last year for winning E Grade, our team entered into D grade, ready for a challenge. Led by Swimming Coach Katarina B (Year 11) and supported by Zack P (Year 11), these swimmers could have been mistaken for sharks as they took to the lanes. The boys finished second, while the girls finished fifth for an overall score to take fourth place. We can’t wait to see what these swimmers do next!

Mrs Alana Tronnolone

SAPSASA Swimming Carnival

To back up our Middle/Senior School swimmers, we had our Junior superstars flying down the lanes at Waterworld on Friday, 3 March! These swimmers took control of the day, organising themselves into lanes and swimming to their full capacity. 

A message from Tea Tree Gully SAPSASA District Convenor Daniel Gehling says, “Congratulations to Pedare Christian College, outright winners of the 2023 Swimming Carnival.” Runners up were Torrens Valley Christian School, followed by Wynn Vale School and equal fourth place to St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Regional School and Golden Grove Lutheran Primary School.

Congratulations to all the swimmers for winning the 2023 District Championship title.

Mrs Alana Tronnolone

Triathlon Candidates

Congratulations to Nathan M and Lachlan T for their impressive resilience and dedication in the Triathlon, which earned them the selection to represent South Australia in the upcoming Triathlon Championship in Devonport, Tasmania, from Monday – Thursday, 13-16 March.

Despite being unable to attend the Triathlon event in 2022, these two stars of the track, swim, and cycle domains persevered and trained for another year to enter the competition in 2023. Unfortunately, the trials for the championship were cancelled due to a heatwave that brought temperatures above 40 degrees, which left the boys feeling helpless. However, School Sports SA changed their entry system and based entries on previous approved times. Thanks to the boys’ hard work and dedication, their tremendous efforts finally paid off, granting them a position to represent School Sport SA at the School Sport Australia 13 to 19 years Triathlon Championship. We wish Nathan and Lachlan the best of luck.

Mrs Alana Tronnolone

Pedare Primary 3 Team Ends Season with a Win

After a challenging season, the Pedare Primary 3 team played their final game together and had their first win. It was a joyous end to the season and I am very proud of the determination, resilience and team spirit that the girls showed. They were certainly letting their Pedare light shine bright with happiness after the game. Best wishes for your future netball girls. 

Ms Angela Maltby

‘Gingerbread Hearts’ Decorating

German Club started back with a bang on 23 February with 12 participants from Year 6 through to Year 9. We celebrated the upcoming Schutzenfest here in Adelaide by making some ‘Gingerbread Hearts’. Although ours were not actually made of gingerbread, we had lots of fun with puff paint, making some gorgeous specimens.

Gingerbread hearts can be found at most German festival events, whether Oktoberfest or the Christmas markets. They are usually decorated with phrases like ‘Frohe Weihnachten’, ‘Ich liebe dich’ ( I love you) , ‘Viele Grüβe’ (Many greetings) or even ‘Sei mein Valentin’ (Be my Valentine). 

Mrs Stefanie Edmondson

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.

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 8.30 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 TTG Uniting Church website at https://www.ttguc.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