Mr Mike Millard
Middle and Senior Athletics
I am pleased to be able to share with the Pedare community that Surrey has won the Middle and Senior Athletics Carnival. This announcement was made at a special assembly last Wednesday. Surrey Community Coordinator, Mr Andrew Richards, said that it was “pleasing to finally get a win for Surrey after many years of effort.” Well done to all the students who so enthusiastically supported their communities at our new trial venue of Tilley Reserve. There were many positives that came from the day.
Sabbatical and Study Leave
With the 2017 academic year now well underway, I am taking Board approved sabbatical leave combined with a few weeks of long service leave that will commence on Friday 24 March. During my absence, our long serving Deputy Principal, Mr Lindsay Jackson, will be Acting Principal. I will return to Pedare in time for the Pedare AGM to be held on Monday 29 May.
I will be attending the International Baccalaureate World Conference in Yokohama and then be joining the AISSA Leader’s Study Tour to West Coast USA.
The IB Conference is timely given Pedare’s recent moves to become a fully accredited Primary Years Program (PYP) school which will so effectively complement our existing Middle Years Program. I am looking forward to learning more about the latest approaches to the IB PYP and MYP.
The AISSA Leader’ Study tour to the USA will explore ways in which schools are responding to challenges including:
I am particularly looking forward to visiting the High-Tech Highs located in San Diego which have a curriculum focused on collaborative design and creative inquiry across multiple disciplines. The programs allow students to pursue their passions through projects.
My best wishes to students and staff as we move into the final weeks of Term 1.
Mr Randall Pearce
Harmony Day – SVC
Our diversity makes Australia a great place to live. Harmony Day is a celebration of our cultural diversity – a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home.
Held every year on 21 March, the day coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The message of Harmony Day is ‘everyone belongs,’ and aims to engage people to participate in their community, respect cultural and religious diversity and foster a sense of belonging for everyone. For me, Harmony Day and Pedare College are a perfect match, especially when we read part of the College Prayer:
‘Give us an open heart towards others knowing that our diversity inspires creativity and builds community strength.’
Alongside with the IB mission statement:
‘The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.’
Why Orange? – The Colour chosen to Represent Harmony Day
Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect.
Our Cultural Diversity
Australia is a vibrant and multicultural country — from the oldest continuous culture of our first Australians to the cultures of our newest arrivals from around the world. Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is at the heart of who we are. It makes Australia a great place to live.
Multicultural Australia is an integral part of our national identity. All people who migrate to Australia bring with them some of their own cultural and religious traditions, as well as taking on many new traditions. Collectively, these traditions have enriched our nation.
Facts and Figures
There are some fascinating statistics about Australia’s diversity that can be good conversation-starters:
These facts are taken from ABS 2011 Census Data.
Many thanks to the SVC and Mrs Bennett who have organised this worthwhile day of celebration.
Mr Andrew Whiteman
I had the pleasure this week of attending the Year 7 Camp held at the Woodhouse Activity Centre at Piccadilly in the Adelaide Hills. The students had a wonderful time and were very thankful for the experiences they shared had on camp. The high ropes course certainly pushed many students out of their comfort zones, but I was very proud to see so many boys and girls attempt to climb to the top and across the numerous wire ropes set out for them, some very high off the ground! The thrill of achieving something they didn’t think was possible was great to see and although some were a little shaky when they came back to earth they were all proud of what they had achieved. After 3 days away, I am sure they would have slept well in their own beds on Wednesday night. The enjoyment of attending camp and spending time away from the regular classroom with both classmates and teachers is invaluable and one of the reasons for the great culture Pedare has built over many years. The next camp to leave is the Year 6 camp, which is held in Week 2 of Term 2 and information about this will follow.
Last week, the school Athletics Carnival was held with another great turn out and many splashes of colour. The day was very busy with a number of students competing in various events from start until finish. To look over the oval and see so many students competing in their community colours, while at the same time, having a lot of fun was very pleasing. Again, many Middle School students performed to an outstanding level with a number competing in the Fast 5 events where the fastest students in the school competed in a 100m event. We had Isabella Bogan (Year 9) win the girls’ event with Tegan Murdey-Green (Year 8) coming second, a great achievement for both these girls. Congratulations to Surrey on their hard fought victory and to all competitors on the day.
A reminder about the NAPLAN tests that will take place next term in Week 2 for all Year 7 and 9 students. More detailed information will be circulated shortly about the exact times and dates and process for students. However, it is worth noting that this year, all NAPALAN assessments will be completed online on your children’s own devices. The school is currently running through the appropriate ICT requirements as per NAPLAN instructions to ensure the testing process is as smooth as possible. All students will be required to use their own personal headphones and, please note, for students who will be completing the NAPLAN online test on an iPad, the use of an external keyboard is strongly recommended. A trial in 2016 of using an iPad for the online tests proved very difficult for students to navigate the test and they were unable to edit their work without an external keyboard. If you are having difficulty sourcing an external keyboard, please make contact with the school.
The school requires all students to use their planner to record learning that is required to be completed at home. The planner is just one tool to help organise and remind students of what is required at home. The planner includes some guidelines about homework and explains that home study is to encourage students to develop positive learning patterns and is a reinforcement of work done in school. Homework should not always be an onerous task and ideally, includes some revision for upcoming assessments and nightly reading. The planner can also be used to record any Extra-curricular activities that students may be involved in. This hopefully allows them to prioritise the work that needs to be completed, depending on their weekly schedules. We ask parents to check the planner on a weekly or nightly basis to ensure students have completed any tasks and to see if there is any communication from teachers. The planner can also be used for parents to communicate with teachers if this is required.
With only a few weeks of term remaining, I hope all students continue in the positive manner in which they have started the year. Tests and assignments are regularly being completed and assessed and at the completion of the term, parents will receive an interim report for all students in the Middle School which will provide a snapshot of the learning that has occurred in Term 1.
Mrs Gillian Edwards
Congratulations to those Year 10 students who returned safe and well and positive about their experiences during the inaugural Camp Capabilities. It was designed to challenge them and to move them out of their comfort zone and they came through with flying colours. Their resilience, developed in the face of physical hardship, will stand them in good stead. A special mention to the girls’ group who did manage to successfully get their woman-made raft across from one side of the Coorong to the other.
Here are some students quotes:
“Girls rock! Our raft made it all the way across the Coorong without falling apart or sinking unlike….. you know……”
“The camp was a good experience. Overall, there was a generally positive vibe the entire trip, and everyone helped each other get through whatever we were finding difficult or out of our comfort zones.”
“Camp was an unforgettable experience and I learnt so much from it. Everyone had a positive attitude and it was great to spend time with the girls and build different skills with them. Overall, camp was great fun and I would definitely do it again.”
“Camp 2017 for me was one of the best experiences of my life! I loved how each of us girls would work together to get the job done and no one was left behind. I loved building the shelter on the second night with the girls, it was a lot of fun. The rafting the next morning was extra special as a seal swam next to us. We all made so many memories that I know we will never forget, and friendships grew stronger, I would definitely go back to the Coorong in a heart beat!”
“Camp was really fun and I would love to go back and do it again.”
“It was a camp full of bonding, pushing past our comfort zone, critical and creative thinking and most of all singing. I lost a shoe, was at the back for every activity, got stuck in quick sand and had my tent blown away but I would do this camp again.”
Thank you to the teachers who accompanied them: Mr Penny, Mr Connell, Mr Simpson, Mrs Moodley, Ms Robertson, Ms Reid and Mrs Mayer, who spoke highly of the students’ participation and community spirit. We appreciate the commitment of our staff in supporting this initiative.
As one lad said on his return, “We will have plenty of stories to share in the years to come.”
The Year 12 students are now happily ensconced in their Common/Study room, complete with new décor and furniture. Every effort has been made to provide them with a variety of study spaces and recreational areas in a more adult environment, similar to that experienced at tertiary institutions. We trust they will use it to good effect.
They also attended what has become an annual presentation, How to Get the Best out of Year 12, focusing on their health and well-being in such a challenging year. Students were encouraged to pursue a balanced lifestyle, incorporating study, exercise, part-time work and a social life. Tips on nutrition, sleeping habits, learning styles, managing stress, study habits, staying on track, avoiding negative influences and maintaining a positive outlook were discussed. Students were also encouraged to set individual goals for this year, to be sure of just what they hope to achieve in 2017. They have each been emailed the presentation for further reference should they need it as the year progresses.
The Year 10 Personal Project Display evening promises to be another exciting event that celebrates the creativity and ingenuity of our students.
As the term is coming rapidly to a close, the Senior School students are reminded to remain focused on their studies, to meet the required assessment deadlines, and to make the most of any opportunities presented. We look forward to meeting parents and to discussing their student’s progress at the Parent/Teacher/Student interviews in Weeks 10 and 11.
Thursday, 23 March
On Thursday 23 March, the Athletics’ Day Carnival awards were presented to students at the Eldergreen assembly. This year, there were a number of records broken from previous years. Congratulations to the Surrey Community who won both the Community Relay and 2017 Athletics Carnival.
U12B
U12G
U13B
U13G
Equal Winners: Teagan Murdey Green- 40 & Jorja Schroeder- 40
U14B
U14G
U15B
U15G
U16B
U16G
OPEN Boys
OPEN Girls
Well done to all students who participated in this annual event.
Highlights from Pedare’s Middle & Senior School Athletics Carnival – 2017.
Original Song by the: Hilltop Hoods: Higher
Tuesday, 21 March
On Tuesday 21 March, both the Junior School and Middle & Senior Schools celebrated Harmony Day, a day where we recognise Australia’s diverse multiculturalism. As a symbolic action, students at both campuses were asked to wear something orange, this is the colour chosen to be used for the day in support of community participation, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.
At the Junior School, SVC invited students to a wear a national costume of their heritage to celebrate the day. Students had the opportunity to reflect on their heritage and place a small photo of themselves on a map to symbolise a part of their heritage. Other classes took the opportunity to bring a traditional plate of food and share lunch together to discover and strengthen diversity.
The Middle & Senior School students have participated in a Harmony Day Art project where colourful discs have been painted and students have written positive messages about celebrating diversity and promoting a strong community. The discs will be displayed throughout the Middle & Senior School to act as a reminder of Harmony Day and the importance of community.
The message for Harmony Day is that ‘everyone belongs,’ reinforcing the importance of inclusiveness to all Australians. Pedare’s involvement in celebrating Harmony Day contributes to the cultural diversity within our community which has grown significantly over the years.
Eldergreen Assembly Video - Harmony Day 2017 from Pedare Christian College on Vimeo.
Friday, 17 March
On Friday 17 March, the newly appointed Moderator of the Uniting Church, the Rev Sue Ellis, visited the Junior School. She was both impressed and entertained by the Year 4 students who led the morning Assembly, demonstrating their work on the unit of inquiry ‘Who We Are’. This included a video which showed their recent collaboration with some Middle and Senior School students on the concept of ‘Heroes.’ Rev Ellis shared a message with the students in the Assembly, describing why Jesus is a hero in her life.
After the assembly, Mr Millard, College Principal, and Mr Pearce, Head of Junior School, led Rev Ellis on a tour of the classrooms and was enlightened to see how our students engage in Christian Life lessons.
Monday, 20 March
On Monday 20 March, the Junior School Captains attended the National Youth Leaders Day at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Leadership qualities and skills can be learned from our great leaders by attending this event as students can gain valuable resources and various ideas to help them put their leadership skills into practice. This is a great opportunity for our students to be exposed to leaders in a variety of fields who reveal their own real-life stories and to confirm that young people can start to make a difference in our world now.
Tuesday, 21 March
On Tuesday the 21 March, Reception students went on their first excursion of the year. We visited the Art Gallery of South Australia to continue our inquiry into how people express themselves through the arts. While we were there, the students participated in a self-portrait workshop. This workshop invited the children to reflect on portraits as a form of expression. The final task was to create a self-portrait identity box using mirrors to explore their facial features before selecting materials to use in their portrait. We also enjoyed viewing the different forms of art on display in the Gallery.
Mrs Kimberly McMahon and Mrs Rikki Hendry – Reception Teachers
The final instalment of Mural panels to complement our building names will be coming soon to the Junior School Courtyard. Blue Gum Hall has been without a panel since 2015 when the circular panels were completed. We are pleased to say the following students from Years 2-5 have completed two new panels featuring a design of gorgeous shapes drawn from Blue Gum leaves, gum nuts and flowers:
Year 5 – Izaak Brain, Lysander Haliakis
Year 4 – Alexander Hodgson, Maddison Swan
Year 3 – Harrison Barnes, Kayley Need
Year 2 – Nicolas Dinevski, Kaylah Knight
Students can look for both the interesting leaf shaped panels painted in the style of Australian Artist Margaret Preston, which will appear on Blue Gum Hall very soon.
Mrs Karan Hudson – Learning Support and Enrichment
Wednesday, 8 March
On Wednesday, 8 March, the Year 11 Art students visited the city to experience contemporary Visual Art first hand. At the Art Gallery of South Australia, we started our day with a viewing of Del Kathryn Barton surrealist short film depicting a savage tale of female power inspired by the mating rituals of the female Australian Red Back Spider. This was followed by a tour of the international section of the gallery allowing the students to explore the varieties of subjects and mediums that have inspired art. This will lead to the production of their major practical pieces in Term 2.
After a lunch break in the city, we caught the tram to the City West area and visited the Samstag Gallery to view the exhibition titled ‘Countercurrents.’ This was where the gallery curator introduced the exhibition theme of global warming and rising sea levels in the Pacific Ocean to the students in an absorbing talk. The eight artists with ties to the region presented painting, video, sculpture, installation and photography that explored the rich history of human passage that has been marred by our misuse of the marine environment. Throughout the day, the students were fully engaged and expressed a mature appreciation for this cultural experience.
Mr Tom Tymukas – Learning Area Coordinator – Arts
The year has started off with much excitement and anticipation in the Music department. In the first seven weeks of Term 1 students from R-12 have been rehearsing in many ensembles, participating enthusiastically in their instrumental and vocal lessons and loving their involvement in Music. At the Junior School, Year 4 and 5 students have started their journey of learning a new instrument for the semester, working out how to bow and blow their notes, as they discover something different that may, for some, become a lifelong joy.
At the Middle and Senior Schools, Luminaire Vocal and Stage Band have been rehearsing solidly for the Generations in Jazz competition in Mt Gambier on May 5-7; Stage Band twice a week, and Luminaire at the early bird time of 8:00am every Thursday! Their commitment is fantastic and these students are eagerly motivated to get the performances ready.
Along with rehearsals of the Generations pieces, students have been preparing amazing solos and some other entertaining group items for the Masquerade Cabaret coming up on Thursday 6 April at 7:00pm in the College Chapel. This is going to be a stunning evening of talented items from the Generations in Jazz students and all proceeds go towards the cost of travel to the event. To purchase tickets, see information below.
Also, it is thrilling that we could announce to the Middle and Senior School students and community that we will be performing Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid Junior’, from the Broadway Jr Collection at the end of Term 2. The amazing cast is into their third week of rehearsals now and we are so excited about bringing this enchanting and energetic production to the stage. Tickets will be going on sale soon, so don’t miss out.
YEAR 11 AND 12 MUSIC FRINGE EXCURSION
The Fringe is such a wonderful time in Adelaide for the Arts, and there is a lot of amazing music performed across the city. On Friday 17 March, Mr Pederick and I took the Year 11 and 12 Music students to watch a performance by the captivating and extremely talented male Accapella group, The Magnets, from the UK.
We were all blown away by these highly talented and entertaining vocalists who took us on a musical journey through time, genres and styles. Their beatboxer was one of the most highly respected, prize-winning beatboxers in the world, and he did things with his voice that was beyond imagination. Their performance was full of energy mixed with precise vocal, topped off with entertaining choreography and a keen sense of humor. Students will review this performance and relate it to their own performance experiences, enriching their learning and their involvement in the music world around them.
Mrs Nadine Stroud – Director of Music R-12
Thursday 6th April 2017
Pedare College Chapel, 2-30 Surrey Farm Drive, Golden Grove, SA, 5125
Book on the link below or for any questions please contact the College Office.
Ph: (08) 8280 1700
Your choice of wine and sweet or savoury food platters are available for pre-purchase when you order your tickets online.
All proceeds will contribute to Pedare students attend ‘Generations in Jazz’.
Special thanks to Edibelle Cakes and The Wine Ministry for supporting this event.
We encourage families to share their child/rens personal achievements from both within and outside of the College, as we understand learning doesn’t stop at the school gate. If your child has a special achievement, we welcome your submission. Articles of 100 to 200 words along with a good high-resolution photo can be emailed by clicking the button below.
Baxter Nickolai
Congratulations to Baxter Nickolai, Year 9, who achieved his First Dan Black Belt on 18 March 2017, following 6 years of dedicated training with the World Taekwondo Oriental Sports Academy. Well done Baxter.
Madison Smith
Congratulations to Madison Smith, Year 7, who has been selected for the TTG District in the SAPSASA Softball team for 2017. The tournament will be held in Week 10 of Term 1. Madi will mainly be a pitcher and a catcher for the team but is able to play any position. She also recently competed in Port Pirie at the State Junior Championships in the U15s Competition. Good luck Madi for the upcoming tournament.
Extra-Curricular sports feature articles below:
Congratulations to the following students who were recently selected to represent Tea Tree Gully District to compete at the 2017 state championships held at the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre, Marion. The competition was held on the Thursday 16 March.
Jack Haberfield (Year 4)
Zack Piercey (Year 5)
Oscar Dunn (Year 6)
Alexander Smith (Year 6)
Madison Smith (Year 7)
Hannah Warne (Year 7)
Extra-Curricular Fixtures are available on the Pedare App and on the College website.
Week 3
Basketball
Cricket
Tennis
Volleyball
Week 4
Basketball
Cricket
Tennis
Volleyball
Dear current and future Parents and Caregivers
As you are aware, following the release of our Strategic Plan ‘Towards 2020’, Pedare engaged the services of Hardy Milazzo Architects to conduct a feasibility study to enable the College Board to consider the future direction of the College, and whether Pedare should become one College on one site, or remain on two separate campuses. The results of this detailed study are now available and are being considered by the Pedare Board.
To enable the College Community to be kept up to date with the progress on this important issue, Pedare Board Chair, Ms Katey Elding, Acting Principal, Mr Lindsay Jackson and Business Manager, Mr Mark Watson, will be providing an update to outline the two scenarios being considered.
For more information on our Strategic Plan ‘Towards 2020’, please follow the link to the College website. https://www.pedarecc.sa.edu.au/?s=towards+2020
Please note, the intent of this information session is not to announce any decisions, but to provide an update of the options being considered.
Parents are reminded to obey road and parking signs in College car-parks to ensure the safety of all students.
Junior School
Further to the re-design of the Junior School car-park late in 2015 to improve traffic flow, parents are reminded to NOT park in the teacher spaces, loading zone and disabled car-parks. Drivers are asked to be patient, drive at the signed speed and look out for children. Do NOT park in the ‘Kiss and Drop’ zone and drive to the last park before allowing your child to alight from or enter the car.
Middle and Senior School
As most parents would know, there are two entrances to the campus and traffic should move freely through both. There is a ‘Kiss and Drop’ zone at each entrance and we ask that parents do not park in these areas to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. If you are using the ‘Kiss and Drop’ zones, please ensure that you move forward into the last park available before allowing your child to alight or enter the car. This allows other cars to park behind you. Those areas that are marked with yellow lines are ‘no parking’ areas and parents are asked to respect this for the safety of students and to allow the flow of traffic. Parents should not use car-parks designated for disabled and Rory’s.
Parents can park at the Golden Grove Recreation Centre car-park for their children to walk across the oval to the College; however, are reminded that students should not enter the College along the driveway to the Child-Care Centre due to safety reason. Access to the College along this driveway is not permitted to parents.
The One+ Careers Expo will be held on Wednesday 14 June at the Golden Grove Recreation and Arts Centre (Arts Theatre and Foyer) from 12:00pm – 8:00pm. The display includes: University Pathways, TAFE Options, Training Providers and Career Pathways. This event is open to students and families from the three schools, Pedare Christian College, Gleeson College and Golden Grove High School, and brings together a wide range of careers advisers with a wealth of information as students make decisions related to a career pathway.
The Careers Expo will be open from 12:00pm – 3:15pm to enable students in Personal Learning Plan, Workplace Practices and other subject areas to visit in class groups. The evening session is a good opportunity for parent and family groups to gain insightful information regarding their child’s career pathways. It is also an ideal time for students who engaged during the day session to re-visit.
Special guest speaker, Mr Ivan Neville, Labour Market Research and Analysis Branch Manager for the Australian Government Department of Employment in Canberra will be offering useful information to help students make informed career choices. Mr Neville will be available to chat with from 6:00pm – 6:30pm and 7:00pm – 7:30pm.
For more information, contact Mrs Debbie Hollister, Director of Senior Studies & Pathways on 8280 1700.
TSCEA will be held on Sunday 9 April at the Adelaide Convention Centre. We encourage senior students and their families to attend this informative event. Please click on the link for more details.
http://www.careersevent.com/tscea/ or for more information contact Mrs Debbie Hollister, Director of Senior Studies & Pathways, on 8280 1700.
The College has arranged for Queensford College to deliver a short First Aid course, including HLTAID003 Provide First Aid, on Monday 1 May. This is the pupil free day at the start of Term 2, so students will not miss any lessons. The course is open to students aged 14 years and over. Students who are interested in doing the course are required to have a Unique Student Identifier (USI). If your child does not have one, please follow the instructions at http://www.usi.gov.au/students/how-do-i-create-usi
Please click here to view the flyer for more information.
St Mark’s invites you to enjoy a free cafe style soup in a warm and friendly community atmosphere on Thursdays from 6:00pm – 7:00pm from May until August. Everyone is welcome! For more information phone 8289 4003 or email www.stmarksgoldengrove.org.au
Generators Kids Club 2016 (Years R-6)
Come and join us. Generators kids club meets Fridays each fortnight for great games, craft and bible time. Our next Kids club is on Friday 31 March from 3:30-5:00pm. The craft this week is making a ‘piped playdough picture’. More info can be downloaded from our website.
We meet at 19 Perseverance Rd TTG. See http://www.teatreegullyanglican.org.au for more details or phone Rick on 8264 3736.
SWAT youth (Years 7-12)
Meets Friday each week at 7:30pm. Come for great time of games, friendship and bible discussion. Next meets on Friday 31 March. We meet at 19 Perseverance Rd TTG. See http://www.teatreegullyanglican.org.au/activities-groups/swat-youth-years-7-12 for more details or phone Dave on 0403 723 953.
Weekly Services – Check out our web site for more details
Sunday@8:30: Prayer book service – weekly communion
Sunday@10: Family service and specific children’s ministries. Communion on third Sunday of every month
Sunday@6.00pm: Youth, young adult and those young at heart. Communion first Sunday of every month. There is no children’s program but drawing supplies and a withdrawal room are available for your young ones.