The Vine Issue 14 – 2024

The Arts (Music) Showcase – Wednesday, 18 September

Congratulations also to the students and staff involved in Pedare’s Art Exhibition which opened on Wednesday, 18 September. The quality of work on display highlights the talent of our Visual Art students, alongside their commitment and dedication. Thank you to our Visual Art staff for their support of our young artists and their work to organise such an amazing Exhibition.

The Arts (Visual Art) Showcase – Wednesday, 18 September

Progress on the Senior Learning Centre continues to track well. The formwork for the bridge joining the SLC to the College Office is almost complete, and this will be poured in the upcoming term break. Consultation with staff and students on furnishing and fit-out continues. My ongoing thanks to all community members for your support of the project and your patience through the building phase.

SLC Progress – Thursday, 26 September

Thank you to all staff, students and community members for your contributions to a very successful Term 3. Please keep our Year 12s and their families in your thoughts and prayers as they approach the final leg of their schooling journey. We very much look forward to the celebrations marking their time at Pedare in the early part of Term 4.

I hope the upcoming term break provides an opportunity for you all to spend some quality time with family, and we very much look forward to welcoming students and staff back to commence Term 4 on Monday, 14 October.

Term 3 College Highlights

While it may be tempting to fill our free time with activities, the term break is an ideal opportunity to slow down, rest and enjoy a change of pace and routine. Rest is not only about physical relaxation but also about mental and emotional restoration. Our bodies and minds need time to recharge, and our hearts need space to reflect. Caring for our wellbeing will allow us to return to our routines with renewed energy and a clear sense of purpose. Whether it’s spending time outdoors, catching up on sleep or engaging in a hobby that brings joy, rest is crucial for our overall health and productivity.

This break presents a wonderful opportunity to consciously disconnect from the usual hustle and engage in activities that foster joy and relaxation.

Year 12 students will be using their break to focus on trial exams and prepare for their final weeks of school and upcoming exams. While establishing a revision routine is critical, it’s equally important for them to schedule time for their wellbeing.

As we bid farewell to Term 3, we eagerly anticipate the start of Term 4 and the opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the Year 12 cohort. I am excited to take the lead as temporary Head of the Senior School as Mr Josh Willis goes on leave.

As you step into the break, please allow yourself to pause, breathe deeply and nurture your wellbeing. Rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity, and let’s embrace it with gratitude.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sunshine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Mark Koolmatrie Visit – Tuesday, 24 September

As we reach the end of Term 3, this time can feel like a ‘watershed’ moment for many in our community. The hard work invested throughout the year is beginning to show, though the final outcomes are still to be determined. This is a period where we can appreciate our achievements while recognising that we still have time to shape the results.

For Year 12 students, these final weeks are critical as they wrap up final tasks for their subjects, preparing for trial exams or participating in workshops during the term break. With only eight days of classes remaining, they understand the importance of seeking guidance from teachers and using every opportunity to revise and complete their tasks to the best of their ability.

Next term is sure to fly by quickly for all other Junior, Middle and Senior School students. For now, take a moment to celebrate all you have achieved in Term 3, and enjoy the opportunity to rest.

Term 3 Junior School Highlights

Year 4 Stalls – Thursday, 26 September

“Let your light shine” (Matthew 5:16 NIV)

We had the pleasure of presenting our Term 3 Junior SHINE Awards in Assembly this week, celebrating the efforts and growth of students who embody our core values: Safe, Honest, Inclusive, Neat and Engaged. It’s inspiring to witness these qualities reflected daily through their achievements, kindness and leadership.

Every student is encouraged to ‘let their light shine’ by being their authentic selves and striving for excellence. We recognise the hard work, effort and progress of each student this term. Congratulations to our SHINE Award recipients—your positive attitudes truly brighten our school! Keep shining!

Junior Shine Awards Assembly – Friday, 27 September

Junior Shine Awards Term 3, 2024 Recipients:

• Front row (left to right): Yaiden T (MYR), Harper B & Sebastian C (Reception), Emmet E & Cassidy C (Year 1), Millie G & Sophie C (Year 2)
• Back row (left to right): Samuel M & Olivia Z (Year 3), Caterina C & Jamie T (Year 4), Amrit S, Zara R & Marcus B (Year 5)

Term 4 promises to be just as exciting, with preparations already underway for end-of-year celebrations, transition activities and further opportunities for growth. I wish you a restful holiday break and look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 4 on Monday, 14 October, refreshed and ready for the final term of the year.

Year 6 City Excursion – Thursday, 19 September

Year 9 students had a wonderful time during Languages Day, which included a Chinese excursion and a German-themed day of activities. These enriching experiences were made possible by our dedicated staff, and we are grateful for the ongoing opportunities they create for students to deepen their understanding of language and culture.

Year 9 Language Day – Wednesday, 25 September

Looking ahead to the next term, I’m confident we will continue to grow and achieve great things together. Well done to all, and I look forward to seeing what Term 4 holds for the Middle School community!

Senior School Quiz Night – Wednesday, 25 September

As we celebrate these wonderful displays of talent and leadership, we must also acknowledge the important period ahead for Year 12 students. This term break is crucial as they prepare for their final assessments and SACE exams. Next week, we will be conducting trial exams and study workshops to help them make the most of their final push to the finish line. We encourage all Year 12 students to take full advantage of these opportunities and use the break for focused study and self-care. We have every confidence in their abilities and are committed to supporting them every step of the way.

Known

It’s often difficult to grasp how God knows everything about us—our thoughts, unspoken words, grief, loneliness and joys. However, the understanding that we are ‘known’ by God can transform everything in our lives.

We have the reassurance of being held in God’s hand, loved and accepted as we are. We are a source of joy and happiness to God, who knows us before we know Him.

With billions of people on Earth, God does not see crowds like we do. He knows each one of us individually, by name. With the challenges of living well, relationships, loss and grief in today’s complex world, we can be confident that God knows our illnesses, disappointments, hurts, longings and joys. 

For our Term Worship series, “Made in the Image of God,” students have been encouraged to read Psalms 139 – a prayer from the Psalmist David who, in a world not connected with today’s technology, knew within himself that God knowing him changed everything – the way we see others, the world, the future and ourselves. In prayer, we can ask God to reveal Himself to us, to help us see as He sees, and when we do, everything changes.

Ms Miriam Smith, College Chaplain

Update Contact Information

The College maintains a database of student and family information. If your contact details or emergency contact information changes, please notify the College by emailing community@pedarecc.sa.edu.au.

Alternatively, you can update your information via Operoo using the “Request to Change Personal Details/Contact Information” form. (see image)

While a parent is always the first contact, it is important we have another emergency contact number in case we are not able to contact a parent if your child becomes unwell or injured at school.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Australian Mathematics Competition

This year, 78 students from Years 3 to 12 participated in the Australian Mathematics Competition. Across all year levels, students performed impressively, with the College celebrating 2 High Distinctions, 15 Distinctions and 36 Credits. A special congratulations to those who achieved a High Distinction or Distinction, recognised in this week’s Middle and Senior School Assembly for their remarkable achievements. Well done to all participants!

Women in Aviation Work Experience Program 

Keziah C (Year 11) and Fiona C (Year 10) were both successfully selected by the Air Force to attend the Women in Aviation Work Experience Program at RAAF Base Edinburgh for four days. Throughout the program, they immersed themselves in the daily life of Aviators, explored future career possibilities, and connected with like-minded girls from across Australia. Congratulations to both Keziah and Fiona!

Tournament of Minds

This term, a group of talented students represented the College at the Tournament of Minds (ToM), held at Adelaide High School on Sunday, 8 September 2024. The competition began with group challenges and collaboration before students selected their Long-Term Challenge in the area of Social Sciences.

Their challenge involved imagining an event that moved and reconnected continents, releasing the Spirit of ToM. Students built a 3D model showing shifts like Antarctica moving to the equator and Australia bordering Brazil, then presented how these changes would affect the environment and societies.

For their spontaneous challenge, they were given a sign reading “Code Navy Blue” and 4 minutes to create a skit. They interpreted it as an urgent but not critical issue for plants, with one student acting as a tree in need of care.

The event was a great opportunity for students to think creatively, work across year levels and form new friendships.

Ms Renee Simanis, Miss Mary Angley and the ToM team