The Vine Issue 5 – 2025

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

Mr James Tamblyn

At the conclusion of Term 1 we will farewell College Chaplain John Morton. John joined Pedare in 2008 and has made an extraordinary contribution to Pedare over the past 17 years. He has served as Chaplain throughout his tenure, and also worked closely with the Junior School community in a counselling role for many years.

John’s unique gift of story-telling, and his capacity to connect equally well with our youngest and oldest students, have endeared him to students, families and colleagues. His wisdom, kindness, gentleness and sense of humour will be greatly missed on his retirement next week.

John will lead our community through our Easter Services next week. With Easter falling in the term break this year, our services will be held on Thursday, 10 April. We thank and congratulate him for his extended ministry at Pedare, and his leadership of our faith life. We wish John, his wife Heather, and their family every blessing and happiness in the future.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Mrs Mandy Hore

“Education plays a critical role in promoting the intellectual, physical, social, emotional, moral, spiritual and aesthetic development and wellbeing of young Australians” (Education Council, 2019, p.3). Alarmingly, half of adult mental illness begins before the age of 14, with research strongly suggesting that poor wellbeing affects school attendance, learning and, consequently, academic and social outcomes.

Prioritising wellbeing is, therefore, integral to nurturing the whole student, and it is one we are committed to.

School-based wellbeing programs help young people attain the social-emotional skills they need to succeed. At Pedare, we are focused on tailoring and delivering a wellbeing/pastoral care program that is developmentally appropriate, responsive and caters to the needs of all of its students. Such a program explicitly teaches, among other things, social and emotional skills.

Last year, the College participated in the Wellbeing Engagement Collection survey, and we will do so again this year. The insights gained have helped us respond to cohort needs and deliver sessions to support and empower our students. This data also informs the ongoing refinement and development of our programs.

HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Ms Lisa Daws

Last week in Worship, we were reminded that God loves everyone and the importance of seeing, caring and showing kindness to those around us. As we journey through Lent, a time of reflection and renewal, let us take these words to heart:

“Go with eyes ready to see everyone who needs some extra love, courage to step out of our comfort zone and offer kindness, and curious minds to find out the stories of others.”

Lent invites us to pause and consider how we can show love and compassion in our daily lives. This theme was also central to our Pedare Student Voice meetings, where students explored leadership through kindness, courage and integrity. It was inspiring to see them share ideas for what they’d like to see more or less of in the Junior School.

Our Junior School Leadership Day in Week 9 was a success, with Year 4 and 5 leaders taking on a new challenge at AFL Max. They explored the Four-Quarter Leadership Model:

• Energy – Maintaining personal wellbeing to lead effectively.
  
• Purpose – Setting meaningful goals.
  
• Connection – Communicating effectively and consistently.
  
• Performance – Following through on commitments and supporting others.

It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm and teamwork, and we look forward to watching their leadership continue to grow.

HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Mrs Eliza Buckoke

As we approach the final weeks of term, it has been inspiring to see our students engaging wholeheartedly in a range of opportunities that enrich their learning and school experience.

Year 9 students are well underway with their Community Projects, developing their skills in collaboration, problem-solving and service. These significant service projects provide an opportunity for students to explore ways they can make a meaningful contribution beyond the classroom, reinforcing the values of responsibility and active citizenship. We look forward to their display evening, planned for the end of Term 2, where they will showcase their work and the positive impact they have made on both our school and the wider community.

Last week, during our Middle & Senior School Humanities Week Assembly, we had the privilege of welcoming back Kim Catford, an old scholar of Pedare and a former staff member. Kim has a deeply personal and inspiring story, having been adopted from Vietnam in 1973, just before Operation Babylift. His adoptive father, Mr Catford, was Pedare’s very first Principal, making Kim a unique part of our school’s history.

Kim shared his journey of growing up in Australia as a Vietnamese adoptee, the challenges of identity and belonging, and his ongoing search for answers about his origins. He returned to Vietnam this week to distribute DNA kits and visit villages, helping other adoptees reconnect with their roots. His dedication to this mission was truly moving, and we thank him for sharing his story with us.

HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Mr Josh Willis

Bloom Leadership Program

We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Bloom Leadership, led by sporting icons Natalie Von Bertouch (former Australian Diamonds and Adelaide Thunderbirds captain) and Tom Jonas (former Port Adelaide Football Club captain). This program focuses on developing our student leaders through expert-led sessions that build essential leadership capabilities, strengthen their confidence and provide practical skills students can implement in service to the Pedare community. 

Year 12 leaders will gain insights into recognising leadership opportunities, enhancing communication and developing crucial cognitive, social and emotional skills. These capabilities will empower them to better represent student voices, organise meaningful College events and mentor younger students. 

With Natalie and Tom’s leadership experience, students will learn in an authentic environment that prepares them to navigate challenges within our College community. By embracing servant leadership principles, they will be better equipped to identify needs and develop thoughtful, inclusive solutions that benefit all students.

Mobile phones during school hours

At Pedare, we value our partnership with families in creating the best possible learning environment for our students. An important aspect of this collaboration is our approach to mobile phones during school hours. To minimise distractions and encourage meaningful face-to-face interactions, we ask that all mobile phones be secured in student lockers throughout the school day. For this to work safely and effectively, we ask that each student has a reliable lock for their locker to ensure their belongings, including their phone, remain safe. Thank you for your continued support as we partner with you in nurturing our students’ wellbeing and academic success.

Humanities Week Wrap-Up

The College was alive with buzz around the different opportunities surrounding Humanities subjects last week. Students participated in a Geography Hunt, witnessed historical and geographical films, performed Humanities-themed charades and participated in Home Group activities. The highlight of the week was having old scholar Kim Catford return to the College to speak to students about his personal history and his connection to Vietnam. He spoke about how his past has impacted his identity and how his search for his biological parents continues to shape his future.

Throughout the week, some students also participated in a writing competition, where they reflected on what the world would be like if a particular historical event hadn’t happened. The responses were enthusiastic, and we look forward to presenting our participants and winners with their certificates next term!

Thank you to everyone who was involved in preparing for Humanities Week, and well done to those who participated in activities throughout the week.

Mrs Ebony Muller

Year 5 Camp

The decision to move this year’s Year 5 Camp to Port Hughes/Moonta Bay proved to be a resounding success. From the moment students arrived at the picturesque Moonta Bay on Wednesday, 2 April, excitement was in the air. The afternoon was filled with fun at Splash Town and rock pool exploration, setting the tone for an action-packed camp.

One of the standout experiences was cooking pasta on a trangia for the first time – an activity tackled with enthusiasm, creativity and just a little bit of mess! Evenings were an adventure of their own, with half the students sleeping in dorms and the other half in tents, bringing a mix of excitement and a few nervous moments.

Thursday was a whirlwind of activities, including problem-solving challenges, boomerang-making, snorkelling and fishing. By the second night, slightly more sleep was had before a final morning of beach time, culminating in a thrilling “Beach Olympics” to wrap up the experience.

Overall, the camp was a fantastic success, filled with adventure, teamwork and unforgettable memories.

Mrs Bronwyn Dutch

Stage 2 CAD CAM

On Tuesday, 25 March, the Stage 2 Digital Communication System (CAD CAM) class visited the Materials and Minerals building at the University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus. Students explored various 3D printing, CNC and materials testing equipment in the Advanced Technologies Lab. 

As part of their Assessment Type 3 requirements for SACE, students conducted impact, tensile and flexural tests on a range of 3D-printed materials. The class can now use the data collected from these tests to help support decisions they will make about their major projects later this year and submit these test results in a report for their external assessment to SACE.

Mr James Walsh

Year 12 Outdoor Education Rock Climbing

Year 12 Outdoor Education class had an unforgettable experience last week, rock climbing at Morialta Conservation Park. Students arrived with varying levels of experience, some tackling outdoor climbing for the first time. Fortunately, the weather was perfect for both days, and the stunning scenery made the adventure even more memorable.

Students were so impressive in their determination and willingness to challenge themselves. They pushed their limits while demonstrating outstanding teamwork, communication and support for one another. Their positive attitudes and perseverance were truly commendable. This exceptional group should be proud of their efforts and achievements.

Mrs Brownwyn Dutch

Year 6 Music

This term, a group of Year 6 students have been having a blast learning the trombone in their music lessons! They’ve enjoyed exploring the unique sounds of this brass instrument, using “raspberry” noises to create fun and quirky sounds. With the guidance of their instrumental teacher, Mr Bruce Raymond, many students have been inspired to continue their trombone journey beyond the classroom. It’s been a fantastic experience, and we can’t wait to hear more from our up-and-coming trombonists!

Mrs Stefanie Edmondson

NEWS, UPDATES AND RESULTS

The Pedare Extra-curricular Portal is the central hub for information and links to our Sports and Clubs program. Regularly updated, it provides the latest news, announcements, results and important updates on Pedare’s extra-curricular activities and events.

Specialist Programme in Netball (SPiN) Launch

SADNA Netball Summer

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.

On Sundays, we meet at the church at 8.30 am, 10.00 am and 6.00 pm. If you want to discover what the bible says Christianity is all about, join one of the numerous weekly bible discussion groups, or want to find out about our Kids Club (R-6) from 3:30-5pm and Youth group (Y7-12) from 7-9pm that both operate on a weekly basis during school terms.

Please visit our website (https://ttganglican.org.au/) or contact Rick Maude at rick@ttgAnglican.org.au for details.

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