Mr James Tamblyn
One of the iconic figures of Anzac Day is someone who wasn’t a fighting soldier at all. He was an ambulance man. His name was John Simpson. He was a man with a donkey, who carried wounded soldiers out of the battle zone at Gallipoli. And as much as anyone in that battle, he encapsulated the two ideals with which ANZAC Day has become synonymous; mateship and sacrifice.
After the landing at Anzac Cove, he found a donkey at an abandoned Turkish hut, and during the weeks that followed, he used the donkey to bring wounded men down to the beaches from the trenches up on the hills. The story goes that he managed to transport 12-15 men a day. In the trenches he’d give the wounded soldier first aid, then put him on his donkey and bring him to the field hospital on the beach.
His route up into the hills was along a gully the Australians called “Shrapnel Gully”. And because it was the main route up into the hills, it was constantly shelled by the Turks as well as coming under sniper fire. It was here that Simpson was shot and killed on May 19, 1915. He was 23 years old.
Most of us will be familiar with another story, a Bible story, about a different man with a donkey, who stopped to help a Jew who had been beaten up and robbed by thieves. I refer to the tale of the Good Samaritan, and the message of this story is very closely connected to that of Anzac Day.
In very similar style to John Simpson, the Good Samaritan gave this beaten-up Jew first aid, put him on his donkey and took him to an inn where he paid to have him looked after. This story is most remarkable because Jews and Samaritans were such staunch enemies. They hated each other.
Simpson is a hero and his deeds rightfully see him entrenched as an ANZAC icon. He looked out for his mates, risked his life for them. This is one of the legends of Anzac Day. Sacrificing for your mates. And it’s one of the things we’re most proud of as Australians; one of the earliest rules of life we learn: that you always stick by your mates, that you never let them down, that you can depend on them and they can depend on you. And from people like Simpson we learn that, if necessary, you die for your mates.
In Jesus’ story about the original Good Samaritan, he does the same thing. But he takes it one step further and he does it not for his mate, but for his enemy. And here at Pedare, that’s what we are challenged to do. To be someone whom everyone in our community can rely on. Someone as selfless as Simpson, who takes every opportunity to make the place better for everyone else, through a genuine and complete commitment to positive relationships. Not just with our friends. But with everyone. All the time.
That’s the challenge.
Mr Andrew Whiteman
It has been a busy time at the College over the past two weeks as students returned from the term break. The holidays were a time to unwind and change the routine for students as they completed their fast paced 11-week first term. We have focused on the students getting back into the routine of school and to ensure that our Senior Students step straight back into good study routines. Term 2 is a short term with only 9 weeks and our students must understand there is no time to waste.
The College Winter uniform must be worn in Terms 2 and 3 and we thank families for their continued support with this. We understand that some families have experienced delays from our uniform supplier, and it is hoped that any issues will be resolved shortly. Please remember that the College Blazer must be worn to and from school each day, except on days that students are permitted to wear the PE uniform.
Our Year 12 students know that every assessment task is another step closer to the finish line. In the short term, the importance of using their study lessons cannot be overstated. Students have been reminded that the Library and Wattle Centre are the two spaces set aside for them to study. They will be most productive in these spaces. Time that is not used effectively whilst at school will be time that needs to be made up towards the end of the year. The skill of using class time and study lessons are ones that will hold all students in good stead for the future.
Students will soon be advised of their Semester Two subject choices via email. Students will be given the opportunity to review their choices as we understand different options may be of interest to students. The College aims to accommodate all requests but, on occasions, the line structure or choices of students can impact on this.
Next week sees our Year 10 cohort travel to Barmera for 3 days of rafting and canoeing along the Murray River. We wish them well as they experience the great outdoors and no doubt some cool evenings. Best wishes to them as they step out of their comfort zone and experience new challenges.
Mrs Lauren Brooks
Diverse Opportunities
One of my favourite things about Pedare is the breadth of extra and co-curricular activities on offer. I often think to myself how much I would have loved to attend a school like Pedare, when I was a Middle School student! There are so many activities that students can choose to engage in, in addition to their studies in the Middle School. Although we have only just begun Term 2, already students have been able to get back into Netball, Think Club, Robotics, Year 6 Camp, Year 7 Bright Ideas Future Leaders conference, Basketball, Football, lunch time Maths Club, SAPSASA Cross Country, Jazz competitions and much more. Pedare is a busy, thriving metropolis of activities to suit the diverse and holistic learning needs of all our students.
Year 6 Camp
The Year 6 cohort recently ventured to the Riverland on their outdoor education experience to Roonka Water Activity Centre in the Riverland. The experience is based around an introduction to water activities in preparation for future aquatic journeys and the continued progression of camp skills such as cooking meals, cleaning their own dishes, erecting tents and working in small groups.
Students excelled in all the activities and found joy in learning new skills or perfecting old ones including canoeing, raft building, fishing, water ecology and trangia cooking. We were very proud of our Year 6 students who demonstrated such resilience, strength, camaraderie and collaboration. It was such a positive experience, and we thank our amazing teachers for providing such a great couple of days for our students.
Bright Ideas
We were very pleased to offer our Year 7 students an opportunity to engage in the ‘Bright Ideas’ Youth Summit via live stream earlier this week. Students were supported in working through problem solving activities, thinking innovatively, learning about entrepreneurship as well as listening to inspiring speakers from a range of different industries.
In my presentation, I shared a photo from my childhood with my older brother. When you look closely you can see we were reading a Dr Suess book.
When I was at school, it was Dr Suess and his books which inspired me to read, learn and to enjoy school. I loved his characters, I loved his rhymes, the illustrations and colour. I now know this helped me to learn because it was fun.
This, teamed with my parents’ and teachers’ love, care and guidance, I ended up loving school and ultimately became a teacher myself, with the clear intent to want to help children to also love school. I can honestly admit that I still love school, I love learning, I love reading, sharing, and telling stories.
Storytelling is a skill, going back hundreds of years, when gathering and telling stories was something that people did as a major communal activity, you’d learn that skill formally or informally from the people in your circle who were particularly gifted at it.
At the service, I assumed the role of a class teacher and read a story to the College at the service that I feel is perfect for the occasion, the story is ’The World is your Oyster’ by Tamra Jones and Illustrated by Emma SanCartier.
This story has a wonderful message that no matter what age or stage you are in, there is a lesson you can take with you, such as to:
‘Receptions, the World is your Oyster; the World is yours to explore and change for the better’.
In closing, watching Year 12s and Receptions together is pure joy, the smiles, the fun, and engagement we see as teachers. We know our Reception students really enjoy their time with our Year 12s, they feel safe to be themselves and to share their hopes, dreams and at times their concerns.
Thank you to our Year 12 buddies, Ms Robertson and Mrs Davis who work with our Reception class teachers so that a program of real care and love is developed.
Mother’s Day
Last Friday April 30, we celebrated our Junior School mums with a special worship service led by Reverend Sue Page. This was followed by a morning tea in the Middle and Senior School’s Wattle Centre. The fellowship and relaxed atmosphere allow our mums to take a moment and enjoy each other’s company and conversation.
Also, on Friday May , our wonderful P&F volunteers provided the opportunity for all Junior School students to buy a special gift for their mums for Mother’s Day. My sincere thanks to all involved in planning and preparing the service, morning tea and stall. I wish all our Mums a wonderful and peaceful day this Sunday.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Wednesday 26 May 2021 at 6:00pm
College Chapel
12-30 Surrey Farm Drive, Golden Grove
Parents, friends and old scholars of the College are cordially invited to attend the 36th Annual General meeting of Pedare Christian College Inc.
Notice is hereby given pursuant to clause 21 of the Constitution of Pedare Christian College Inc., of the intention to propose a number of motions, as special resolutions, to amend the Constitution.
Copies of the Agenda and details of the proposed special resolutions may be obtained from the College office, by phoning 8280 1700, or on the College website, www.pedarecc.sa.edu.au
Members wishing to attend are required to give notice of attendance by 4:00pm Wednesday 19 may 2021. Notice of attendance can be given by contacting the College office or emailing the Public Officer, akleeman@pedarecc.sa.edu.au
Please click here for all information regarding the 2021 Annual General Meeting.
MSP Photography are on their way!!!
This year, our School Photo Days are: Thursday 20 May and Monday 24 May
Have your child’s school memories captured forever. MSP Order envelopes will be distributed to students shortly. Please take time to read the relevant information on the MSP Order envelopes and make sure your child brings their envelope to school on Photo Day.
Helpful points:
For enquiries Phone: (08) 8132 1148 or Email: enquiries.adl@msp.com.au or go to Website: www.msp.com.au
Mother’s Day is a perfect time to stop and reflect on the importance of not only our mothers, but of families. Families can provide the love, support and connection that, as humans, we all need. It is the place where we feel we belong and are accepted for who we are. Families share each other’s joys and successes, as well as the struggles and our failures, for it is through all of these experiences that we grow stronger as individuals and as a family unit.
Raisingchildren.net.au is a wonderful Australian website which provides helpful and practical resources and suggestions to parents for developing strong families. One of these resources explores the importance of building positive family relationships and some of the key points are summarised below:
Some simple things you can do to develop positive family relationships include:
Positive relationships for families are important for the following reasons:
Try some of these in the next week and see how you go – building positive relationships builds a strong family and that’s exactly what we all want. Happy Mother’s Day.
Ms Jan Robertson & Mrs Joanne Murby – Wellbeing Team
On Friday 30 April, it was wonderful to welcome mums and grandmothers for a special Junior School Mother’s Day Worship followed by morning tea with some great food and fabulous coffee made by our Barista students. The special invited guests took advantage of the beautiful sunny morning and were able to enjoy the open area of the Wattle Centre as they listened to music performances by our String Quartet. Thanks go to Mrs Lyn Davis, Assistant Head of Junior School, Mrs Belinda Carter and Mrs Mandy Hopper for organising such a lovely event.
Thank you also to our P&F Association who once again put together some wonderful gifts for our Mother’s Day Stall. On Friday 7 May, Junior School students were able to purchase the ideal present for all the special mums, grandmothers, aunties and carers in their lives.
We would like to wish everyone a wonderful Mother’s Day and hope you all have a lovely time spent with your families.
On Thursday 29 April, Year 4 to Year 12 students, came together to acknowledge ANZAC Day with a special Assembly where staff and students respectfully reflected in remembrance of all who have served and died for our country.
At the start of the service, the Australian flag was lowered to half-mast before a Bible reading by PSV & Community Captains Louise and Ranya.
This was followed by The ANZAC Story being read by Middle School Captains Caitlin and Ryan ahead of Junior, Middle and Senior School Captains taking a symbol to the stage to create a memorial and to light a candle.
To end the service, Junior School Captains Stella and Charlie presented a Prayer of Remembrance and College Captain Mia read an Ode of Remembrance.
On Friday 7 May, our 2021 Reception students were formally welcomed to the College at the Reception Commencement Service. This is always a wonderful event when the Pedare Community come together to witness the newest members of our school being led into the Chapel by their Year 12 buddies before being presented with their Bibles. During Term 1, Receptions shared time with Year 12s, enjoying many activities inside and outside of the classroom. A particular highlight is always the play equipment area, which brings back memories for some of our older students as they remember what it was like when they began their school life.
Congratulations to the following students who were presented with a Junior Shine Award for Term 1 at assembly on Friday 9 April. This award was previously named Head of Junior School award, but the values remain the same, with students being selected because they live out our College Motto and let their light shine through their good deeds, work, behaviour and attitude. The change in name is to better align with our College Motto ‘Let your Light Shine’ – Luceat Lux Vestra. The phrase is taken from The Sermon on the Mount – ‘Let your Light Shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.’ – Matthew 5:16 NIV
Pedare aims to provide extensive opportunities to enable each student’s light to shine and to foster the light in those around them and those who need support.
YEAR 5
YEAR 4
YEAR 3
YEAR 2
YEAR 1
RECEPTION
On the evening of Thursday 8 April, Pedare hosted a dazzling night of music at our Cabaret 2021. Families, staff and students were entertained by the very talented Music students we have at the College. It was amazing to see students shine, as they sang and played a multitude of musical instruments to entertain their very appreciative audience. The glamorous outfits worn for the performances were outstanding and just added to the Hollywood themed atmosphere of this wonderful night.
All proceeds from donations were made to Cancer Council SA.
A group of outstanding Geography students left Pedare on Tuesday 4 May to learn about the influence of natural and human processes on Goolwa, Port Elliot and Victor Harbor. The significance of the Goolwa Barrage was considered, and the students were amazed at the vast number of Sea Lions relaxing in the water and resting on the Barrage infrastructure. Two hypotheses were tested in the Goolwa Dunes through a range of fieldwork techniques. Students were intrigued by the significant Aboriginal middens in the dunes, further evidence of their much longer history in Australia than Europeans. Provisions were obtained from the Port Elliot Bakery and a happy bunch of students enjoyed visiting Horseshoe Bay and the beach.
Granite Island was a chance for further understanding of the impact of fetch on the coastline. We questioned whether the construction of the new causeway might impact the spawning of whales in the bay. Nunyara provided a terrific finish to the day with wonderful food and Mr Penny learning how to play MAFIA. The next day we travelled along the Adelaide coastline learning about the unique formations at Hallett Cove. We saw the impact of the breakwater on sand movement forming a tombolo. At Tennyson we studied the impact of the swale on plant biodiversity and finished with free time on the beach.
Special thanks to Mrs Parsons for joining us on the camp.
Mr Andrew Penny – Learning Area Coordinator, Humanities
On Tuesday 4 May, Year 9 Media Art students assisted in running an art lesson with Year 3 students. They responded creatively to the rainwater tank in the Junior School by using marker, watercolour paint and coloured paper to express their ideas. The fantastic work that Year 3s created will inform the designs that Year 9s will produce and then be translated into a large-scale mural in the Junior School.
Mrs Kai Benyk – Middle School Visual Art Teacher
On Thursdays after school, students attending Art Club have experimented with a range of materials, including aerosol, watercolor, clay, pencil, markers, painting and more.
Please enjoy photos of their creative displays using spray paint during Term 1. It is wonderful to see a range of year levels attending and enjoying this opportunity to develop their skills and have fun.
Mrs Leah Grant & Mrs Kai Benyk – Media & Visual Art Teachers
During Term 1, Year 8 Christian Life students made videos about Jesus. Please enjoy viewing the videos and reading some student comments on what they have learnt.
“This term I learnt more about how, when and why Jesus was born. Also, I found out in a little bit more detail who was there. We did lots of fun challenges and an assessment.” – Peyton H
“This term in 8CL we learnt 5 different stages in Jesus’ life from his birth of Jesus to The Samaritan Woman at the well, we learnt the meanings of these stories and how they affected his life in a way. I re-enacted a story of Jesus’ life through a film which we presented through whiteboard drawings making it more interesting.” – Thomas S
“I learnt all about Jesus Christ’s life and how much of a great man he was. I learnt how he never leaves our lives and is always there for us. I learnt that making video assessments about Jesus’ life is really fun.” – Angus H
Mrs Leah Grant – Art, Media and Christian Life Teacher
On Wednesday 5 May, our Year 6 cohort set off for their 3-day Outdoor Education Experience to the Roonka Water Activity Centre at Blanchetown on the banks of the River Murray. Students settled into the camping life beautifully, firstly putting up their tents before embarking on the range of activities, including kayaking and rafting. A highlight was the magnificent sunrise the group got to enjoy on their first morning at camp. Camps are great in teaching students leadership, cooperation and team development.
At the end of Term 1, Year 6 students enjoyed painting hollowed eggs and hanging them on an Easter tree (Osterbaum) which is an old and colourful German tradition. Students decorated (paper) Easter eggs and then hung them from our own Osterbaum. This was a lovely way of giving our students an insight on how Easter is celebrated in other parts of the world.
Ms Susan O’Connell – Learning Area Coordinator, LOTE
On Thursday 6 May, Year 2s enjoyed an excursion to the Tea Tree Gully Heritage Museum and the Golden Grove Uniting Church to learn about its history by looking through the graveyard.
Here are some student comments:
On the middle weekend of the holidays, Year 11 student, Brooke Joppich, participated in the State Finals of the Lions Youth of the Year Competition.
At this level, the standard of competition jumped another notch and Brooke found herself in a very strong field. With excellent preparation for her entry, Brooke had memorized her speech and delivered it away from the podium bringing her closer to her audience. Her clarity of speech and natural gestures, combined with her own personal story, meant that Brooke gave a heartfelt and inspirational message.
The point scoring for this component of the competition was very close and whilst Brooke did not receive a placing, several people from the audience commended her for her speech and suggested she was a winner anyway.
We are so proud of Brooke for being a wonderful representative of Pedare and the Golden Grove Lions Club. The open-minded and positive way she approached this opportunity meant that it was a real learning experience for her and has perhaps opened new doors of possibilities for the future. Congratulations Brooke!
Ms Jan Robertson – Assistant Head of Senior School
Extra-Curricular Sports feature articles and results below:
The Junior School Cross Country got off to a flying start on Friday 30 April, following on from a wonderful Mother’s Day Worship and Morning Tea. The sunny autumn day was a little warm for all our fabulous runners, but students competed well in their Community colours and put in their very best efforts.
Congratulations to the Surrey community who were our winners for the day.
TERM 1
Week 10
Basketball
Netball
TERM 1
Week 11
Basketball
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 8:30am, 10:00am, and 6:00pm in person. If you can’t join us just yet, we’ll continue to stream at 8:30am and 10:00am online using Zoom and YouTube Service times are 8:30am and 10:00am.
Please contact Dave Brown on 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 host the ‘local and friendly’ Banksia Markets on the first Saturday of each month from 8:30am to 1:00pm at 600 Milne Road, Banksia Park. Stalls inside the hall and in the car park include produce, fresh fruit and vegetables, jewellery, tools, bric-a-brac and lots more. A BBQ and delightful Devonshire Teas are available. There is also 50% off of items in the BIG shed. For more information contact the TTG Uniting Church website at https://www.ttguc.org.au/
St Mark’s Anglican Church currently have a 9:00 am traditional service. Please email office@stmarksgoldengrove.org.au to advise if you will be attending either service for COVID-19 requirements.
For further information and updates about St Mark’s services, please visit the website at https://www.stmarksgoldengrove.org.au/ or visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/stmarksgoldengrove.org.au
Golden Grove Uniting Church, corning of Crouch and One Tree Hill Road, Golden Grove, has a traditional service at 10:00am on a Sunday morning. Also, on the second and fourth Sunday of the month, we have a cafe style church, which is a relaxed contemporary worship service at 6:00pm in the Church hall.
On a Friday morning for parents/carers and children from birth to 5 years we have a mainly music programme starting at 9:30am. This is a fun, interactive 30-minute music session followed by morning tea and free play.
For further information, please contact the Office on 8251 4298 or by email: office@goldengroveuniting.org.au you can even check our webpage: https://www.goldengroveuniting.org.au