The Vine Issue 3 – 2024

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

Mr James Tamblyn

I have had the pleasure over the past fortnight of welcoming our Junior Primary students, class by class, to my office for opportunities to chat, field questions and share stories. These little catch-ups have been fun-filled and enlivening. They are also tiring, despite lasting only 25 minutes.

From as far back as I can remember I have wanted to be a teacher. Initially, my plan was to teach JP students. One full day as a pre-service teacher in a Reception classroom put an end to that aspiration. As much as I enjoyed the time with the students, it was exhausting. My brief time with each of our JP classes over the last few weeks has served as an acute reminder of the joy, but also the challenge, of teaching our youngest students. Although I am in JP classrooms often, I do not have the daily responsibility of nurturing and caring for a class of my own; a privilege reserved only for those special few who are called to this incredibly important mission.

My heartfelt thanks to all our JP teachers for the extraordinary work they do, every day, supporting our 5, 6 and 7 year-olds to navigate their first few years of school. We are blessed with amazing JP teachers who epitomise patience, kindness and love, ensuring our youngest learners find a home at school and lay the foundations for success in learning and life for the years ahead.

Young children, as dependent and vulnerable as they are, have much to teach us as adults. Their instincts to be inclusive, to care for each other, to seek out joy and be curious often diminish as we become adults. Life can harden us. I encourage us all to be wholly present to the young children in our lives, to love them by setting boundaries and by modelling the behaviours we expect of them. I encourage us also to heed the lessons that young children can teach us about what truly matters. All they want from us is our time; a truly finite resource that once spent cannot be refunded or exchanged.

‘Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.’ Proverbs 22:6

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL (TEACHING & LEARNING)

Mrs Kat Elliott

Over the past weeks, I have been spending time in different classrooms across the College in order to get to know students and the Pedare way of teaching and learning.  Thank you to all the classes that have hosted me so far. This week I was welcomed by the students of 1HD, who were embarking on their inquiry topic of ‘memories’, which got me thinking.

We often associate school life with developing our memory, particularly around the ability to memorise facts, processes, equations or even rules.  Yet school life is also about other important memories, too. At school, we build relationships and create memories that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

Our Pedare Guiding Principles encourage us to think about how we connect, enrich, belong, empower and thrive everyday.

These Guiding Principles remind us to think about how we choose to contribute to the memories of the people around us, through our actions and the way we communicate with others.  When we speak to someone, or write to them, we may be contributing to a memory that stays with them for a very long time. Most importantly, through our actions and words, we can choose to help those around us to feel welcomed, safe, and valued.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL & HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Mrs Mandy Hore

What an eventful yet fulfilling fortnight it has been in the Junior School!

Last week, our Junior School students headed to Waterworld for our annual swimming carnival. With fantastic weather and support from family, Pedare staff, and friends, students enjoyed a day filled with competition, water activities and fun. Reception to Year 2 students enjoyed sharing their water prowess during novelty activities, while our Years 3 to 5 dived in to race for their community. In a close finish, Greenwith was the winning community. 

Well done to all participants!

HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Mrs Eliza Buckoke

Last week we held our NAPLAN Coordinated Practice Test, in preparation for the NAPLAN testing coming up next week for Year 7 and 9 students. We are proud of how the students conduct themselves in these situations and we look forward to seeing them shine as they work through each test beginning on Wednesday, 13 March.

Congratulations to our Middle School student leaders on what a positive impact they are having already this year. These students along with some extra helpers, attended the Junior School Swimming Carnival to assist. A number of our Year 9 leaders were also assisting this week at one of our Open Mornings, acting as tour guides for our prospective students and their families.

Many students have taken part in the MASA Mathematics competition this week, including students from Years 6 to 12. It is wonderful to have these opportunities in addition to the many extra-curricular activities across the College. Rehearsals for the Junior Musical (Years 4 to 7) are well underway. This is a great collaboration across Junior and Middle School and we are very much looking forward to seeing the efforts of the staff and students involved come together later in the year in the performance of Aladdin!

If you have any concerns or questions about how your child is settling into the Middle School this year, please do feel welcome to contact us. The partnership between school and home is so valuable, as we journey through this year together. Later in the term, there will be an opportunity to book Parent Teacher interviews and we very much look forward to connecting with many parents there.

HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Mr Josh Willis

Every week at Pedare seems to bring new and exciting opportunities for our students inside and outside of the classroom. Last week, our top swimmings represented the College at the SSSA and SAPSASA interschool carnivals. All students did themselves and the College was proud as Pedare was awarded overall first place in both events, an amazing achievement.

Other exciting opportunities outside of the classroom this fortnight has included Senior Drama students viewing performances at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, Stage 2 Earth and Environmental Science students exploring the Oaklands Wetlands and Year 10 Business Innovation students engaging in ‘Southstart 2024’ (a festival of innovation, imagination and impact) at the Garden of Unearthly Delights. As we continue to foster a dynamic learning environment, we look forward to more achievements and experiences that enrich the educational journey of our students.

We are so proud of how our Year 12 students have commenced their final year. To further support them reach their academic goals, students will engage in a study seminar session hosted by Elevate Education, tailored specifically for our Year 12s. Scheduled for next Thursday, this session will equip our students with helpful study strategies essential for their academic success. This seminar will specifically cover aspects of effective study routines, working smart, leveraging study groups, and combating procrastination.

Elevate will also be hosting their next parent webinar on technology and focus on March 13th.

Parents can sign up for the session below to learn how you can turn technology from a distraction into an incentive to study.  

How You Can Make Technology an Ally (& Not the Enemy!)

Wednesday 13th March, 6:30-7:30pm (AEDT)

Click here to register for free 

Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night:  

• Reducing your child’s dependence on technology  
• Using apps to prevent your child procrastinating  
• Using technology to enhance your child’s learning

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

LATEST FROM THE LIBRARY

Senior School Fringe Excursion

Year 10, 11 & 12 Drama Class

As part of their learning, they watched the show Orpheus by Wright&Grainger, a contemporary retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Our students laughed, sang along to Bruce Springsteen classics and even shed a few tears as Eurydice met her fate here in Adelaide, mirroring the events of the original text over 2000 years ago in Greece. Our students were fortunate to meet with the performers, engage in insightful discussions and gain valuable insights into the intricate construction of the show. They also enjoyed listening to the spontaneous encore. By being able to experience and reflect on the performers’ production choices, they will further enhance their understanding of theatrical techniques and storytelling methods and apply them into their own work.

Mr Christopher Bond

Senior Language Excursion

Stage 1 & 2 Chinese and German Studies

Our Stage 1 and 2 Chinese students, along with Stage 1 and 2 German students, embarked on a city excursion, visiting landmarks such as the Art Gallery of South Australia, the Migration Museum and various sites in Chinatown and the Central Markets. During this outing, students delved into the history of migration and its societal impacts, while also exploring ancient Chinese artworks across different mediums and uncovering their narratives. Immersing themselves in Chinatown, students savoured a Chinese banquet, enhancing their language and cultural learning experience outside the classroom.

Ms Grace Liu and Ms Siew Ng

Oaklands Wetlands Visit

Stage 2 Earth and Environmental Science

Last Wednesday, 28 February, the Year 12 Earth and Environmental Science students visited Oaklands Wetlands, starting the day at the Oaklands Education Centre. They participated in an Environmental Health Module led by a postgraduate student from Flinders University. 

During this module, they learned about the vital role that wetlands play in storing and treating water, with the capacity to treat up to 400 million litres of water every year. They collected water samples from the wetland pond system and conducted various water quality tests, followed by further analysis in the laboratory. This experience provided valuable insights and practical skills for their first Summative Assessment task. Overall, the students enjoyed learning about and exploring the wetlands system, thanks to this fantastic program run by Flinders University.

Mrs Bronwyn Dutch

Business Southstart Excursion

Year 10 Business Innovation

On Wednesday, 6 March, our Year 10 Business Innovation students embarked on an extraordinary journey at The Garden of Unearthly Delights, immersing themselves in the Future Anything Student Adventure at _SOUTHSTART VILLAGE. This excursion provided a platform for both intellectual and emotional exploration, igniting boundless possibilities for innovation. The program encompassed masterclasses, think tanks and thought-provoking discussions led by industry founders and investors. This exceptional experience beyond the conventional classroom setting ignited the students’ creativity and fueled their aspirations to translate innovative ideas into tangible realities. It proved to be a day brimming with learning, inspiration and a glimpse into the promising future of business innovation.

Mr Tyson Prettejohn

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 Blazers Blaze Ahead with their First Win!

On Saturday, 2 March, the Year 3-5 Pedare Blazers secured their first victory of the season against Stradbroke, triumphing with a final score of 52-37. The Blazers demonstrated exceptional teamwork and skill throughout the match, with standout performances from bowlers Yansh, Arlo and Emannoop, all taking wickets, and Sebastian’s great fielding throughout the game. When batting, Rajveer and Angus showcased remarkable skill, guiding the team to victory with a partnership of 24 runs. The atmosphere was electric as the Blazers celebrated their well-deserved win. With a bye in Week 7, they eagerly anticipate their upcoming match against Athelstone at Harper’s Field in Week 8.

Mr Sam and Mrs Rachel Watts

SSSA Swimming Winners!

On Thursday, 29 February we had phenomenal success competing at the SSSA Swimming Championships!

The following results are congratulated:

• SSSA 1st Place Overall
• SSSA Boys – 1st Place
• SSSA Girls – 3rd Place

Congratulations to all the students who competed and heartfelt thanks to the staff who supported them every step of the way! This incredible achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and staff. 

Mrs Alana Tronnolone

SAPSASA Swimming Winners!

Our Junior Swimming Team made quite a splash at the SAPSASA Carnival held last Friday, 1 March, at Waterworld. Once again, Pedare emerged victorious, showcasing their outstanding talent and dedication in the pool. Congratulations to all the students involved for their remarkable achievements in yet another successful Swimming Event! We extend an additional congratulations to those students who will be representing the Tea Tree Gully District at the upcoming State Swimming Carnival. Your hard work and commitment have truly paid off!

Mrs Alana Tronnolone

Girls in Sport

As we mark International Women’s Day, it’s a wonderful opportunity to recognise the outstanding achievements of our girls in the sporting and extracurricular community. With over 10 Netball Teams participating in the Summer Season, a Girls Basketball Team in the Middle Years and a record high of 3 Volleyball Teams spanning the Middle and Senior School, our girls are demonstrating remarkable success.

Sport serves as a platform for bringing people together to celebrate achievements, share experiences and foster connections that transcend societal boundaries. One of the highlights of the week was hearing from Ms. Hannah Dearman, the current coach of the Volleyball Senior Girls, who expressed, “Coaching these girls this term has been such a pleasure for me. They are all so supportive of one another and leave me feeling happy at the end of each session.” This speaks volumes about the commitment and camaraderie within our girls’ community.

A special acknowledgment also goes to our Touch Footy and Cricket coaches who have introduced mixed teams into the SAAS Competition for the first time, enabling all students to participate in the sports they love. Let’s continue to support and celebrate our girls as they excel both on and off the field. Go girls!

Mrs Alana Tronnolone

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