The Vine Issue 11 – 2024

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

Mr James Tamblyn

Work on the Senior Learning Centre (SLC) continues to progress well. The first-floor suspended slab was poured on Thursday, 15 August, marking a major step that will soon allow the scaffold to be removed and the building’s external structure to take shape. We continue to engage with students on final design elements and furniture. The project remains on track for completion by June 2025. Below are some images of the most recent concept design drawings, along with progress photos of the project.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Mrs Mandy Hore

This week, the College acknowledged ‘Bullying No Way’ Week. This is Australia’s key bullying prevention initiative. This year’s theme, ‘Everyone Belongs,’ resonates strongly across the College and is one of the many things I love about our community.

Pedare values the unique differences among people and their contributions. We are committed to actively embracing diversity, ensuring that these differences are utilised to treat everyone with respect and dignity.

We recognise that the diverse talents, skills and backgrounds of our students, staff and community shape our identity and contribute to our success. We celebrate diversity because it connects us to others’ lives and experiences, strengthens our capacity for empathy and understanding, and challenges our perspectives on people and society.

HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Ms Lisa Daws

As the Olympic Games come to a close, we reflect on the thrilling celebration of athletic excellence, global unity and diversity. Our Junior School classrooms have embraced the 2024 Games, exploring the passion and skill of athletes who represented their countries with dedication. Their achievements remind us of the joy and power of coming together as a global community. This message of dedication and unity resonates throughout Junior School, reinforcing these important values in our learning journeys.

This theme seamlessly aligned with the National Week of Action, centred on “Everyone Belongs” through ‘Bullying No Way.’ Emphasising inclusion and belonging, the Junior School held a Community lunch and participated in activities throughout the week to foster a supportive environment where every student feels valued.

When individuals experience a strong sense of belonging, bullying has less of a foothold. By embracing our unique identities, respecting differences and standing united against unkindness, we create a space where everyone can thrive. This shared experience has reinforced our commitment to inclusion and respect, helping to build a community where everyone feels they truly belong.

HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Mrs Eliza Buckoke

Middle School has been buzzing with activity this term, and I’m excited to share some of the highlights with you.

Last week, Year 9 students had a fantastic time at their camp in the Flinders Ranges. These Outdoor Education experiences provide a wonderful opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new challenges and build stronger relationships with their peers. It was heartening to see our students form new connections and support each other through the various activities.

HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Mr Josh Willis

Recently, Senior School student leaders have had the chance to engage in various networking opportunities, allowing them to connect with other leaders and hear from inspiring Australians who are making a significant difference in the community. 

At the Inspiring Leaders Summit held at Botanic High School last Friday, 8 August, our student leaders heard from four Australians of the Year. These speakers shared unique perspectives on leadership and reinforced the belief that young people have the power to create real change.

• Tim Jarvis AM – An environmental scientist, author and adventurer, renowned for his work in sustainability and climate action.
• Taryn Brumfitt – A globally recognised body image activist and speaker whose work focuses on empowering people to embrace their bodies and challenge societal pressures.
• Bernie Shakeshaft – A youth mentor and founder of the BackTrack program, which helps disadvantaged and at-risk youth in rural Australia.
• Tiahni Adamson – An environmental advocate and marine scientist dedicated to protecting Australia’s ecosystems.

Hearing their journeys served as a reminder that despite the challenges we face, each of us has the potential to make a lasting impact on our communities.

Anglican Schools Student Leadership Workshop

Being part of the Anglican Schools Network offers valuable networking opportunities for our students. On Thursday, 15 August, current and aspiring leaders participated in the Anglican Schools Student Leadership Workshop hosted by Walford Anglican School for Girls. The workshop focused on the themes of service, charity and justice, giving our young leaders an opportunity to deepen their understanding of these core values and how they can embody them within the College and the broader community. Through engaging activities and thought-provoking discussions, students explored the importance of service and charity not just as acts of goodwill but as fundamental responsibilities of leadership. They learned how these actions foster a sense of connectedness within communities while promoting the dignity and respect of all people.

A significant portion of the workshop focused on the theme of justice, encouraging our student leaders to think critically about fairness, equity and the role of advocacy in their lives. They were challenged to reflect on how they can promote justice within their school and society, including addressing issues such as poverty, inequality and environmental sustainability. After hearing the ideas from the young people in the room and their plans to serve their communities, it’s safe to say that the world is in good hands. We look forward to seeing the ideas they discussed come to life at Pedare.

Year 5 Chinatown Excursion

In the unit “Where We Are in Place and Time,” Year 5 students explored trade and markets in different countries, along with various shopping styles influenced by different cultures. 

As part of this unit, they went on an excursion to Chinatown. From visiting a Chinese grocery store to dining at a Chinese restaurant for Yum Cha, students gained a deeper understanding of how culture and tradition shape lifestyles. This excursion also provided them with a valuable opportunity to practice their Chinese language skills outside the classroom.

Mrs Grace Liu

Science Week

For Science Week this year, the College buzzed with excitement as we explored the theme of Species Survival. It began with a captivating visit from Animals Anonymous, where students had the opportunity to interact with native animals and explore their unique adaptations for survival. Our Year 6 students took on the challenge of a Species Survival Escape Room, working together to solve puzzles and “escape” by applying their knowledge of ecosystems and species interactions.

We were also thrilled to host Guest Paleontologist Dr Felicity Cutts, who shared fascinating insights into the history of life on Earth with Earth Science students. The week concluded with a ‘Species Survival’ assembly hosted by Surrey with the survival of the fittest challenges. 

Science Week was a huge success, inspiring our students to think critically about the challenges species face and the role we play in ensuring their survival. 

Miss Hannah Dearman

Year 9 Camp

Year 9 students embarked on an unforgettable camp last week in the stunning setting of the Flinders Ranges. Blessed with beautiful weather, the camp provided the perfect backdrop for a series of exciting and challenging activities that tested both physical and mental limits.

Students tackled a range of adventurous activities, including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, abseiling and trangia cooking. Despite some initial apprehension, they showed determination and enthusiasm, embracing each challenge with courage and a positive attitude. The solo night was a standout experience, with students demonstrating maturity and reverence.

The camp’s atmosphere was very positive, with strong teamwork and excellent behaviour. Year 9 camp will be remembered as a highlight of the school year, teaching important lessons in perseverance, resilience and self-confidence.

Mrs Bronwyn Dutch

Year 12 PE Sports Science Excursion

Year 12 Physical Education students recently had the opportunity to visit the University of South Australia for hands-on testing within the Sports Science department. The day began with a sub-maximal test to observe how the body responds to temperature changes. Students first completed a 6-minute test at room temperature, then repeated the test in an environmental chamber set to 35 degrees with 70% humidity.

Following the sub-maximal test, students measured their body composition through hydrostatic (underwater) weighing and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The exercise physiology component concluded with a VO2 max test, where Zack P volunteered for the fatigue test, setting a new Pedare record with a VO2 max of 66.6 ml/kg/min, a heart rate of 198 bpm and a treadmill speed of 19 km/hr at a 1% incline. Well done, Zack!

After lunch, students moved to the biomechanics lab, where they collected data on their chosen activities using force plates and video analysis software.

A big thank you to the UniSA staff—Dr. Grant Van Der Ploeg, Dr. John Arnold, Ashlee Munro and the exercise physiology students—for providing such a valuable experience for the students.

Mr Damien Hutchings

Pink Round

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.

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