The Vine Issue 9 – 2024

Mrs Lisa Daws – Incoming Head of Junior School 

On Monday evening this week, Pedare hosted the installation ceremony for our PCC Leo Club (a chartered club as part of Lions Club International), which commenced this year. Lions Club International is the world’s largest service organisation, with more than 1.4 million members worldwide. Our Leo Club, for students aged 12-18, is the first new Lions Club chartered in our district since 2015 and has been embraced accordingly by the Lions community. The charter of the Lions aligns very closely with Pedare’s commitment to service and a focus on supporting students to look beyond themselves in their search for what matters most. Congratulations to all students who were installed as Leos this week. We look forward to supporting this club to grow and flourish in the years to come.

Leo’s Club Installation Ceremony – Monday, 17 June

As we head into the mid-year break next week, I express my gratitude to all community members for your support throughout the first half of the year. As always, your commitment to work in partnership with the College to ensure the very best learning outcomes for your children is highly valued and greatly appreciated. Particular thanks for your patience and support through the initial phase of the Senior Learning Centre build project. I hope the upcoming term break provides you all an opportunity to spend some quality time with family.

Junior School Disco

We also enjoyed our Junior School Disco last Friday evening, 14 June. Supported by our wonderful Parents and Friends Association, it was great to see our students dancing, socialising and having a good time with their friends.

Junior School Disco – Friday, 14 June

Reports

As I write, teachers are putting the final touches on reports, which are expected to be available online during the school holidays. Your child/ren’s report should provide a clear picture of their current achievements and progress made. I encourage you to discuss the report, where appropriate, with your child.

These discussions could include:

•  Asking your child if they are satisfied with their report and why or why not.
• For younger children, asking what they think their teachers might have said and if they feel they have tried their hardest.
• Reviewing teachers’ comments together, including the number of absences, effort grades, conduct and attitude, which are as important as academic achievements.
• Discussing goals for the next semester and planning the next steps together.

If you have questions following these discussions, please do not hesitate to contact the College. It is important that we work together to ensure your child achieves their best and is supported in their learning.

Next term, I look forward to introducing, welcoming and supporting Mrs Lisa Daws as our new Head of Junior School. We also welcome Mrs Rebecca Greenhalgh, who will teach in 2O alongside Mrs Millie Orlando as Mrs Jasmine Orlowski commences her parental leave.

As I return to my substantive role as Deputy Principal, I am grateful for your support and have loved getting to know our youngest students and families better. Thank you. I will still be around and will not be a stranger to the Junior School.

To families heading away, enjoy your travels and please do so safely. Enjoy a restful and relaxing holiday with family and friends. I hope the winter sun shines and everyone stays well.

Year 8 Science Fair – Friday, 7 June

In Week 7, several students had the amazing opportunity to attend an excursion called ‘The Power to Thrive,’ organised by our Defence Mentor, Kerrie Stevenson. This event featured AFL players who led sessions on mindset and goal setting, plus plenty of interactive activities and an AFL skills session.

We’ve also been busy with various sporting events, particularly the Netball and Soccer knockout competitions. A big well done to all the students who took part. Our teams have done exceptionally well, showing great skill and sportsmanship.

Our Middle School student leadership team recently took part in the Combined Anglican Schools Worship Service at St Peter’s Cathedral. The day included workshops in the morning to prepare for the service, where many of our students played key roles and represented Pedare with pride. It was a wonderful experience that highlighted the strength and unity of our community.

Next Thursday evening, 27 June, we will have the Year 9 Community Project Display Evening in the Mallee building. This is a significant event for our Middle School, as the Community Project is a major undertaking for each Year 9 student and a key part of their IB MYP journey. We’re very excited to see what our Year 9s have accomplished and can’t wait to see their presentations next week.

With just one week left in this term, thank you all for your continued support and involvement in our Middle School community. We’re so proud of our students and look forward to sharing more of their achievements soon!

Year 11 Outdoor Education Challenge – Tuesday, June 11

2025 Senior School Student Leadership

Learning to lead is a key part of a well-rounded education at Pedare. This week marked the beginning of our process to elect formal Senior School Student Leaders for 2025. To launch this process, current Year 11 students participated in a Leadership Lunch on Wednesday, 19 June, which brought together students, staff and former student leaders as special guest speakers. This event aimed to provide a platform for our future leaders to gain valuable insights into effective leadership and understand the significance of the opportunities available to them.

Our guest speakers shared their leadership journeys, offered advice and recounted stories of their own experiences as leaders. Students have been encouraged to consider applying for one or more of the following roles:

• College Captain
• Community Captain
• Sports Captain
• Arts Captain

We understand that pursuing leadership roles can be a challenging journey, and we are committed to supporting all students through this process.

Year 10 & 11 Exams

Year 10 and 11 students will undertake their Semester One Examinations starting on Monday, 24 June. This will be the first exam experience for our Year 10 cohort as we prepare them for SACE exams in the coming years.

All students are reminded to wear their formal winter uniform and only need to attend school for their scheduled exams. For those with both morning and afternoon exams or who wish to study at school, designated study spaces will be available.

We recognise that exam periods can be stressful, and we encourage students to seek support from their teachers or pastoral staff if needed. We wish all Year 10 and 11 students the very best for their exams next week.

Combined Anglican Schools Worship Service at St Peter’s Cathedral

On Wednesday, June 19, twenty of our Middle School Leaders joined students from Anglican schools around Adelaide at St Peter’s Cathedral for the Anglican Schools Combined Worship Service. Students participated in many workshops throughout the morning, exploring themes running through the story of Jesus calming the storm from the Gospel of Mark. Pedare leaders were able to build connections with students from other schools through workshops involving games, music, dance, stories and images depicting significant moments in this key biblical event. The culmination of the day was a wonderful celebration where all of the students combined their learning to participate in Worship together. Middle School Captains had the special privilege of interviewing the Archbishop and Primate of Australia, The Most Reverend Geoffrey Smith. We are thankful for our unique heritage as both an Anglican and Uniting Church school and the chance to further explore what this means for us at Pedare.

Mrs Alaina Frost, College Chaplain

SACE & Medicine Information Night

Dear parents,

You are cordially invited to Pedare’s combined SACE Information and Medicine Information Night. This event is designed for families with children in their Senior School, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the processes, expectations, and opportunities available through the SACE.

Date: Tuesday, 23 July

Location: College Chapel

You are welcome to attend the session/s that best apply to your child:

6:00 pm – 6:45 pm: Senior School – SACE

For families with a child undertaking senior studies, this session will introduce information regarding SACE, subject selections, ATAR and VET. It is highly recommended for families with a child in Years 10 -11.

7 pm – 8 pm: Medicine Studies: Introduction

This session will offer valuable insights into the field of Medicine by engaging presenters from the University of Adelaide and Flinders University. Guest speakers will provide opportunities for families to gain a deeper understanding of a future in Medicine. It is open to families of any year level interested in exploring medical sciences as a potential pathway for their child.

Parents & Friends News

With the School Holidays coming up, take advantage of a bonus Multi City upgrade with an Entertainment Membership purchase.

Adelaide Tertiary Studies and Career Expo

Find your passion at South Australia’s largest Tertiary Studies and Careers Expo on 30 June & 1 July at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Incorporating the South Australia Work & Skills Expo, the 15th annual Adelaide Tertiary Studies and Careers Expo (TSCEA) will deliver the latest, up-to-date career opportunities available in Australia.

With a wide range of exhibitors under one roof, this free event presents the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in education, training and seeking professional career development or employment opportunities.

More information can be found here.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

TTG SAPSASA District Representatives at the School Sport SA State Carnivals

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected as the TTG SAPSASA District Representatives for the School Sport SA State Carnivals after a thorough trial phase: Violet R (Year 6), Madison R (Year 6), Hayden P (Year 6), Charli Z (Year 6) and Abigail S (Year 5). The Girls’ Carnival games were held this week from Wednesday to Friday, 19-21 June, while the Boys’ games will be held from Monday to Wednesday, 22-26 June. Well done to all!

IPSHA Poetry Recital

In Week 7, Fiona L (Year 5) represented Pedare in the IPSHA Poetry Recital Year 5 Competition. The competition is organised for Independent Schools in South Australia, with 17 schools taking part. Students are required to learn and recite a set poem and then choose their own poem to recite. Fiona recited the set poem, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act II, Scene I,” followed by her chosen poem, “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou. Fiona performed confidently and is to be commended for her courage and dedication in taking on this challenge.

SAGTA German Poster Competition Winners 2023

At the end of last year, some of our students submitted entries into the SAGTA (South Australian German Teachers Association) German Poster Competition. We are pleased to announce that several students have received prizes.

Wir gratulieren euch!

• Fiona C: 1st Place (Year 9)
• Gracie P: 2nd Place (Year 9)
• Anne V and Taylor V D H: 3rd Place (Year 9)
• Lily D and Ella F: 3rd Place (Year 8)
• Sienna J: Special Mention (Year 8)
• Jessica K: Special Mention (Year 8)

Congratulations to all our talented students!

“It was really nice when people encourage you.” – Ava G

“Camp was really fun and it helped us to overcome fears being away from home.” – Shreyashi P

“I like the games on camp, especially Prison Break because we got to run around at night time.” – Zoe L

“Camp was an amazing experience, I enjoyed having to find the clues on the scavenger hunt with my team.” – Emerson F

“The giant campfire was fun to sit around and it looked spectacular at night.” – Corbin F, Austin G and Jamie T

“Doing the low ropes and the other activities made camp way more fun than what I was expecting.” – Olivia W.

“Camp was amazing, I loved the Prison Break and it was funny to see the teachers dressed up as police guards.” – James P

“The best part about camp for me was the Flying Fox. I was scared at first but I was brave enough to give it a go and I felt like I was flying.” – Sebastian D