Pedare - The Vine Newsletter Issue 9 for 2024
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The Vine Issue 9 – 2024

June 21, 2024
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IMPORTANT NOTICE

A reminder to families that Term 2 will finish next week on Friday, 28 June.

Students will be dismissed at the normal time of 3:15pm on that day. During the 3-week break, the College Office will be closed from 4pm on Friday, 5 July and re-open on Thursday, 18 July.

Should you need to contact the College during that period, please email community@pedarecc.sa.edu.au or leave a message on 8280 1700.

The Junior School Office will be closed for the full 3 weeks of the term break, Monday, 1 July – Friday, 19 July.

We look forward to welcoming you again for Term 3 on Monday, 22 July.

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

Mr James Tamblyn

 

It was lovely to welcome the incoming Head of Junior School, Lisa Daws, to Pedare on Tuesday, 18 June. Lisa spent the day meeting with staff and students and looks forward to joining us at the beginning of Term 3. Lisa’s background in leading learning, wellbeing, and community life in junior schools shows that she is exceptionally well-prepared to lead our junior school community into the next phase of growth and continued improvement, serving the needs of our youngest learners and their families. My thanks to Deputy Principal Mandy Hore for her leadership of the Junior School throughout Semester One. Mandy will continue her role as R-12 Deputy Principal in Semester Two and be a great support for Lisa as she transitions into the role.

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.


DEPUTY PRINCIPAL & HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Mrs Mandy Hore

 

It is hard to believe that Semester One is drawing to a close. Our second term in the Junior School has been fabulous, filled with many opportunities to learn and grow. While there are too many highlights to share, we have recently enjoyed several key events:

Welcoming Mid-Year Reception

Mid-Year Transition Visits are designed to facilitate a smooth and seamless transition into Reception. With a focus on pre-literacy and numeracy, our students are well-positioned to begin their formal schooling. The play and inquiry-based approach fosters curiosity, nurtures passions and talents and engages students, igniting a love of learning. We can’t wait to have them as full-time members of our Junior School community beginning in Term 3.

Year 4 Camp

Held at Mylor Adventure Camp, Year 4 classes went on their first overnight stay. Located in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, Mylor Adventure Camp is set on 20 acres along the banks of the tranquil Onkaparinga River. Students enjoyed connecting with their classmates and teachers in a different setting. The program utilises the natural environment to provide challenging, exciting and educational outdoor experiences. Bouldering, the flying fox, and the low ropes course were particular hits.

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.


HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Mrs Eliza Buckoke

 

Friday, 7 June was an exciting day for Year 8 students as they participated in the Science Fair. Year 7 students will have their turn on the last day of this term, just one week away. These events are fantastic for motivating students and allowing them to showcase their learning in a fun and engaging way. From these Science Fairs, we’ll select the students whose projects will go on to represent us at the ONE+ Science Investigation Awards in Week 4 of Term 3. We can’t wait to see who makes it through!

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!


HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Mr Josh Willis

 

From Tuesday, 11 June, to Wednesday, 12 June, Year 11 students braved the cold and wet weather for their two-day Outdoor Education Challenge. These challenges served as a platform for students to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new experiences, engaging in activities that tested their leadership qualities, problem-solving abilities, communication skills and adaptability to unfamiliar situations.

The first day was filled with activities at Woodhouse Adventure Park in Piccadilly. Whether it was the 320-metre-long Flying Fox, the 8-metre-high Mega Swing or the 18-metre-high abseil, each student showed remarkable determination and a willingness to overcome their fears.

The second day featured a community competition around the Adelaide CBD. Students collaborated to find landmarks throughout the city, gaining valuable experience in navigation and teamwork. The challenge required them to apply critical thinking and effective communication to solve clues and determine the best routes to their destinations. As they moved from one landmark to another, students had the opportunity to explore significant cultural and historical sites, enhancing their understanding of the city’s heritage.

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.


FRUITFUL REFLECTION

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


GETTING TO KNOW

Mrs Catherine Noack

As the Director of Senior Studies (Years 10-12), Catherine is passionate about collaborating with students and families, leveraging her extensive knowledge of the education system to identify pathways that align with both the academic and emotional goals of each student.

Catherine has dedicated over 20 years to independent education, amassing significant experience and knowledge. Her passion lies in enhancing academic rigour to improve outcomes for students of all abilities. Catherine has taught a diverse range of year levels, from Year 6 to Year 12, and is currently a teacher of Biology and Workplace Practices.


COLLEGE NEWS/NOTICES


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!


LEARNING HIGHLIGHT


Year 2 Winter Solstice Program

On Thursday, 20 June, Year 2 students participated in the Winter Solstice Program. They began by creating their own lanterns. This hands-on project allowed them to explore their artistic skills, work with different materials and take pride in creating something unique. Mr Zankov then joined us for a VEX Robotics session where the students learned the basics of robotics. They developed their skills in building and programming VEX Robots, which encouraged problem-solving and teamwork. It was an excellent opportunity for the students to explore technical skills in a fun and engaging environment. They enjoyed socialising during their pizza dinner, followed by an adventurous night walk through the Middle School where they were able to test out their new lanterns. Finally, the students settled down to watch ‘The Croods,’ giving them a chance to unwind after an action-packed day.


Year 4 Camp

Year 4 students enjoyed their first off-site camp experience at Mylor Adventure Park. Despite the rain, they had an amazing experience engaging in activities that develop teamwork skills, build relationships and create lasting memories. The flying fox and low ropes challenged them to step outside their comfort zones. The scavenger hunt and prison break activities encouraged students to explore the campgrounds and work as a team. Students formed new connections and strengthened existing bonds through shared experiences.

Mrs Rebecca Wallace

“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


Year 10 Visual Art Exhibition

On Tuesday, 11 June, the College hosted the “Generation Plus” exhibition, showcasing the talents of our Year 10 Visual Art students. The exhibition featured portraits that offered glimpses into the lives and memories of individuals from an older generation. Students used visual conventions and mediums to tell unique and emotional stories through their art.

The event was a proud moment, with students sharing their work with the community. Visitors engaged with the artworks and the narratives behind them, creating a buzz of excitement and admiration.

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our young artists. Congratulations to all the ‘Generation Plus’ artists for their outstanding work and dedication.

Mrs Emily Kenny


Year 9 & 3 Face Painting

Year 9 Drama

This term, Year 9 Drama class has been focusing on stage makeup and special effects. Following the success of last year, Year 9 students teamed up with Year 3 students on Thursday, 20 June, for an exciting and fun-filled activity! Year 3s were asked, “How would you like someone to feel when they see your face or arm painting?” The Year 9s considered their Year 3 buddies as clients and collaborators, designing and delivering the face paintings based on the Year 3s’ requests.

This activity aligns with the Year 3 URStrong unit, emphasising the expression of emotions. We are incredibly proud of both the Year 3 and Year 9 students and continue to value our sub-school connections to create enriching learning experiences for our students.

Mr Christopher Bond


Science Excursion to Tonsley Drill Core Library

Year 12 Earth and Environmental Science students travelled to Tonsley recently to complete a tour of the South Australian Drill Core Reference Library. The tour was facilitated by Geologist Holly Cooke, who helped students explore the resource sector, with a strong focus on the importance of the sector in a transition to a greener economy. Students learned the importance of critical minerals in our modern lives, how Earth Sciences are used to identify and extract those minerals, and the career pathways and opportunities in the resource sector. A highlight for students was walking through the actual library, which displays drill core samples from across the state that are up to 150 years old.

Mrs Bronwyn Dutch

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Sonnex Industry Visit

Sonnex, a supporter of our Year 12 VEX Robotics team, welcomed our Stage 2 Materials and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) students for a tour of their advanced manufacturing facility. Specialising in state-of-the-art CNC machinery, this Australian family-owned company manufactures a range of parts from agricultural to defence and transport-related components and has the largest CNC plasma cutter in Adelaide.

As part of their Stage 2 assessment tasks, students had the opportunity to see up-close how modern manufacturing is done and organised. They learned about the complete manufacturing process—from initial hand-drawn sketches to advanced CAD designs and finally to project creation and delivery. This experience provided valuable industry insights, aiding their upcoming major projects. Thanks to the Sonnex team for hosting and Mr Zankov for organising the visit.

Mr James Walsh


Extra-Curricular

NEWS, UPDATES AND RESULTS

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.


COMMUNITY NEWS

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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.

 

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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

 

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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

KEY DATES