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
R-2 Visits to Principal Office, Friday, 1 March
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.
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!
JS Swimming Carnival, Thursday, 29 February
College Casual Day, Friday 8 March
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Each year, International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide, and this year’s theme of “Inspire Inclusion” highlighted our community’s strengths and our focus as a PYP school. The learner profile attributes of being caring, inclusive, and principled were evident as our students dressed in casual clothes and added a touch of purple, generously supporting Catherine House, a homelessness support service.
Thinking beyond oneself and embracing global mindedness are attributes of the PYP and are demonstrated daily in our actions at the College. Thank you for your support.
SURF DAYS
This week, our Year 3, 4, and 5 students engaged in surf lessons at Grange Beach. This program focuses on open water safety, teaching students about the beach, ocean and coastline. It equips them with essential knowledge about beach safety, including how to identify rips and read tides. Alongside these lessons, students had plenty of fun learning how to board paddle, practice survival strokes, and safely enter the ocean for rescues. These skills are crucial in Australia, where water activities are a significant part of our culture.
Surf Day, (Year 4) Monday, 4 March, (Year 3) Tuesday, 5 March, (Year 5) Wednesday, 6 March
PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS
We eagerly anticipate welcoming parents to the Junior School on Tuesday, 12 March, and Thursday, 21 March, for Parent-Teacher Interviews. These sessions provide an invaluable opportunity for you to connect with your child’s teachers, discuss their progress, celebrate achievements and address any concerns or issues you may have. Our commitment to fostering genuine connections, actively listening and providing support underscores our dedication to building an authentic and meaningful partnership between home and school for the benefit of your child(ren). Sharing evenings like these exemplify our collaborative efforts to empower your child to shine.
NAPLAN
A friendly reminder that our students, along with schools across Australia, will be undertaking the annual National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) testing in Week 6, commencing March 13. NAPLAN provides valuable insights into students’ literacy and numeracy skills, with assessments administered to students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. All participating students will take the same tests simultaneously, allowing for fair and consistent measurement against nationally agreed benchmarks.
Students are reminded to ensure their devices are fully charged and equipped with headphones and keyboards for the testing period.
For more information about the NAPLAN tests, please visit https://www.nap.edu.au/.
As always, should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Enjoy your long weekend.
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.
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:
How are You Settling in?
This is a question I’ve been asked almost daily since commencing at Pedare this term. My best response is to say that as I leave at the end of each day I am filled with gratitude for the school, its students, staff and families. I know how blessed I am to have been welcomed into a community that so highly values connection, encouragement and support.
So, how about you? How are you settling into this school year? Each year brings aspects of change for everyone and this can throw us into a spin for a time unless we find our new normal. If you’re still feeling off balance, I encourage you to reach out to one of our chaplaincy team as we are here to support all members of our school community.
Now, I know that reaching out to someone you don’t know isn’t in most people’s comfort zones – so here is a little introduction to let you know a little more about me.
For almost 20 years now, I have been working in Christian ministry spaces with young people. I am passionate about helping young people to know that they are seen, that their dreams and passions are important and that God has gifted each one of them with a way to make a difference in this world. I love to bring to light ways in which the Bible still brings wisdom and hope to us today, even thousands of years after it was written. I love to learn and have studied everything from Electrical Engineering to Physiotherapy, Ministry, Counselling and Theology – and I’m not done yet! One huge passion of mine is dance. I have been dancing since I was three and continue to compete in Hip-Hop competitions around Adelaide as well as teaching regularly during the week. If you were at the Junior School Swimming Carnival recently you might even have seen me having a little dance with the students during break time!
As the year progresses I look forward to meeting many more of you. I’m always ready for a chat so don’t be afraid to say hi.
Mrs Alaina Frost, College Chaplain
Join the Costume Sewing Team for Aladdin Jr!
Exciting news! Our Junior School is gearing up for the magical production of Aladdin Jr. and we are on the search for talented volunteers to join our sewing circle and help bring the vibrant costumes to life.
If you have a knack for sewing or simply enjoy being creative, we invite you to join our sewing team. Whether you’re a seasoned seamstress or just starting out, your contributions will play a crucial role in making our production truly magical!
If you are interested in this opportunity, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Let’s come together and make some magic!
For any questions, or if you are just ready to shout “Sign Me Up!”, contact Rochelle Bartlett at rbartlett@pedarecc.sa.edu.au or 08 8280 1700 and ask for Rochelle.
Term 2 Extracurricular Registrations
Have you registered your child for Term 2 Extra-curricular Sports and Groups? Whatever your child’s interests are, there will be something for them in Term 2.
Registrations are still open and will close at 9am, Tuesday 12 March. Use the following links below to register.
Register for Junior School activities here.
Register for Middle & Senior School activities here.
If you have any questions please contact the Extracurricular team at extracurricular@pedarecc.sa.edu.au
Rachel Hajek’s (2023 Stage 2 Visual Art Student) insightful work, “Just an Ordinary Sandwich,” has earned a spot in the prestigious 2024 SACE Art Show, showcasing her unique perspective on the beauty of daily life. This recognition celebrates Rachel’s talent and offers her the opportunity to share her vision with a broader audience. Our community is proud of Rachel’s achievement.
The exhibition will display the works of 130 talented students, including Rachel’s series of oil paintings that invite viewers to find solace and joy in routine. By focusing on the simple act of making a sandwich, Rachel’s work poignantly underscores the importance of finding contentment in the mundane, highlighting the potential for positive mental health impacts from our everyday rituals.
Our Year 11 and 12 Visual Art and Design students, guided by Mrs Benyk and Mrs Graziano, are eagerly anticipating their visit to the exhibition. This excursion promises to be an invaluable opportunity to draw inspiration from the exceptional talents of Visual Art students across South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Exhibition Details:
Dates: March 19 – April 12
Hours: 9 am – 4 pm (Monday to Friday), 10 am – 3 pm (Saturdays, excluding public holidays)
Location: Light Square Gallery, Adelaide College of the Arts, 39 Light Square, Adelaide 5000 SA
Mrs Emily Kenny
Book Tasting Experience, Tuesday, 5 March
The Lomandra Library welcomed students from Years 3 to 5 to an exciting Book Tasting experience. With tables set and doors open, students had the chance to explore books from various genres in the hope of expanding their reading horizons.
During the Book Tasting sessions, students read (or ‘tasted’) snippets from different books within a specific genre and provided short reviews and ratings, akin to a restaurant review. This interactive approach allowed students to delve into genres they might not typically explore, fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse literary styles.
These sessions will continue over the coming weeks during class Library visits, providing students with the opportunity to sample multiple genres. We are eager to see if students discover new genres that resonate with them, broadening their reading options and nurturing their passion for reading.
Ms Sarah Mossel and Mrs Susan Kretschmer
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
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
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
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
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.
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
On Thursday, 29 February we had phenomenal success competing at the SSSA Swimming Championships!
The following results are congratulated:
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
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
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 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 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, 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