The Vine Issue 6 – 2024

Mothers Day Breakfast – Friday, 10 April

Senior Learning Centre (SLC)

Work on the Senior Learning Centre continues to progress well. My thanks again to you all for your patience and understanding as we work around the inconveniences of having a building site on campus. Compaction of earth in preparation for the foundation of the building has continued in earnest over the past few weeks, with the SLC’s footprint now marked out indicating exactly where the building will sit. We look forward to keeping you updated as the project progresses. 

SLC Building Progress

VEX Robotics World Championships

I had the privilege of traveling to Texas in the term break with our NextGen VEX Robotics team as they represented Pedare, their state and their nation at the 2024 VEX World Robotics Championships. This is the third year in a row that Pedare has qualified for this global competition, and the second time NextGen has attended. 

The team of seven Year 12 boys performed exceptionally well, winning five of their ten games and ultimately placing 34th of 82 in their division, which proved to be the strongest division at the competition. In a huge coup for NextGen, they were also awarded the Sportsmanship Award for their division which is judged on the following criteria:

• Team is courteous, helpful, and respectful to everyone, on and off the field
• Team interacts with others in the spirit of friendly competition and cooperation
• Team acts with honesty and integrity, enriching the event experience for all
• Team interview demonstrates effective communication skills, teamwork, professionalism, and a student-centred ethos

Congratulations to our NextGen team for this incredible achievement and for representing Pedare so well. My thanks to the leader of Innovation and Enterprise Emil Zankov for his leadership of this tour and our Robotics program. Thanks also to staff members Chloe Veras and Ashley Gatta for attending the tournament and providing such great support for the team.

2024 VEX Robotics World Championship – 21 April – 30 April

The Annual Generations in Jazz festival was held in Mt Gambier Friday, 3 May – Sunday, 5 May. 22 Pedare students from Years 8-12 attended and performed exceptionally well. Both the Stage Band and Luminaire Vocal Group participated. The Stage Band achieved second place in their division, while the Luminaire placed seventh of 34. We congratulate all students involved on these wonderful results.  

Further to this, an inaugural award was presented this year in memory of Nick Mulder, an esteemed trombonist and Music teacher who passed away earlier this year. Nick was the adjudicator last year and was awarded the 2023 Stage Band first prize. The award is in recognition of a band and director for their ability to: 

• navigate the challenges of unusual, reduced or inflated instruments 
• present interpretation through tone, timbre and rhythmic cohesion

The award also notes the orchestration by the Director to enhance the overall sound. Pedare’s Stage Band was the recipient of this award and recognises in large part the contribution of music teacher Gerald Pederick. 

Thank you to Gerald, Nadine Stroud (Director of Music) and all other staff involved in supporting our students at this wonderful celebration of music.

One50 Dance Incursion – Friday, 3 May

While it is difficult to choose a favourite, Mother’s Day breakfast was very special and touched my heart. We had over 200 guests share breakfast with us.

Did you know that this year marks 100 years since the first Mother’s Day was celebrated in Australia and that the Australian celebration of Mother’s Day grew out of calls for peace and anti-war campaigns following the American Civil War (1861-65)?

While Mother’s Day initially began to promote peace and support women, over the years it has become an occasion for family celebrations and an opportunity to connect, acknowledge and show appreciation to the women in our lives who support, encourage and affirm us.

I grew up surrounded by strong, loving and supportive women. My mum and Grandmother remain significant in my life and I will always be grateful for their advice, care and encouragement. They helped me believe that anything was possible, and above all, that being kind and compassionate was key.

Thank you to the many different women who play this role in the lives of our Pedare students. We are grateful for your care, encouragement and support.

I am also grateful to the Parents and Friends Association and volunteers for organising our annual Mother’s Day Stall, providing Junior School students with the opportunity to purchase special gifts in preparation for Sunday. Thank you. To those who helped with breakfast – thank you.

Mother’s Day Stall – Friday, 10 May

I wish you all a wonderful Mother’s Day this Sunday. I hope the portraits, artwork and cards that the students have made bring an extra smile to your heart.

First Day of Term 2 – Tuesday, 30 April

We have also welcomed some new teachers to the Middle School; Mary Angley (English and Humanities), Anthea Tornatore (Music) and Jeremy De Kok (PE and Science).

Some of our Middle School students have made a great contribution to our success at the Generations in Jazz trip through their involvement in the Stage Band and the Luminaire Vocal Group. Well done to all of the staff and students involved!

The VEX Robotics club is back in full swing again, following the return of our World Championship team from a hugely successful and rewarding trip! It is great to see so many Middle School students involved in this and many of the other extra-curricular opportunities available here at Pedare.

Next Gen on ABC Radio & Life FM

In Week 2, we were privileged to host guest speaker Brad Huddleston, who delivered an insightful session on Digital Addiction to students from Years 6 to 11. Our Year 8 Healthy Minds program continues to support our students’ wellbeing, with upcoming sessions led by guest presenter Jacinta Durrand. These sessions play a crucial role in promoting resilience and emotional wellness among our students.

Guest Speaker: Brad Huddleston – Monday, 6 May

As we journey through Term 2, let us continue to foster a supportive and nurturing environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed. Together, we will continue to create enriching experiences and cultivate a vibrant learning community.

ANZAC Service – Tuesday, 30 April

As part of our ongoing support of the Year 12 students this year, Dr Tom Nehmy joined us last week to speak with students about resilience and maintaining good overall mental health in Year 12. Tom discussed the Wellbeing Wheel, a tool for self-management of overall wellbeing. He then discussed pragmatic things students could do to improve their wellbeing in less well-developed areas. 

Primary Relationships– If the relationships we have with those closest to us are healthy, encouraging and supportive, they will enhance our wellbeing. If not, they will detract from it. 

Biological Needs & Health Status- Refers to our diet, sleep and water consumption which are essential aspects of wellbeing. 

Exercise- Discharges stress, increases our capacity for daily life and causes the release of endorphins that make us feel good. 

Fun, interest & Social Life – It is a part of being human that we need to take time from work/school to recuperate, focus on pleasurable things and enjoy social connections and pastimes. 

Psychological skills – Helpful thinking, managing emotions, making good decisions when having an emotional response to something.

Values, Meaning & Purpose – Pertains to who we are and why we are here. What gets you out of bed in the morning?

We look forward to exploring these further with our Year 12s during their Retreat in Week 4. 

Blessing Others

Times are tough for many families in Adelaide. From the rental crisis to the rising cost of living, people are struggling to put food on the table. As part of our Easter service, we interviewed students regarding things they have “had enough” of. Poverty and hunger in our wider community was a theme our students were passionate about addressing. 

As I get to know the students here at Pedare, it is of great encouragement to me to see that this passion is backed by action. Pedare has partnered with Uniting in Care Salisbury over several years to provide non-perishable food items for their Emergency Food Parcels. 

Emergency assistance is available without an appointment from 9:30am – 3:30pm, Monday to Thursday. Pedare Middle and Senior School Home Groups are rostered throughout the year to provide these donations during our fortnightly Worship services. Thank you to those who have already given this year. By the end of Term 1, our donation cupboard was full and we were able to send off our donation to restock the shelves at Uniting in Care Salisbury. Early this term, Home Groups will receive an updated list of helpful, non-perishable items as we move into the colder months. I also want to use this opportunity to thank Ella Y (Year 9) for her assistance with this vital ministry.

‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ – Matthew 25:34-36

Mrs Alaina Frost, College Chaplain

The Hamann School Mathematics Competition for Society of Petroleum Engineers

Earlier in the year, over 100 students from Years 4 to 12 participated in The Hamann School Mathematics Competition for Society of Petroleum Engineers, run by the Mathematical Association of South Australia. Students from various schools participated in this prestigious event, showcasing their skills and passion for mathematics. 

In the Intermediate division, Ojus T (Year 10) secured a Credit and Ryan F (Year 9) secured a Distinction. In the Senior division, Eugene L (Year 10) achieved a High Distinction. 

The success of these three students is a testament to their dedication, perseverance and passion for mathematics.

Mrs Nicola Fotheringham

Ojus T, Ryan F, Eugene L
(left to right)

Generations in Jazz Success

From 3 to 5 May, 22 Pedare music students and 4 staff journeyed to Mount Gambier for the 2024 Generations in Jazz festival. This national event brought together over 5000 students to perform jazz music and learn from renowned musicians.

Saturday was a whirlwind of performances and inspiration. The Stage Band captivated the audience at 8:20am despite chilly conditions. Luminaire followed suit at 1:45pm, delivering an energetic and cohesive performance.

The students were enthralled by acts like the ‘Hot Potato Band’, Kate Ceberano and Budjerah, who shared their insights and passion for music. At the final concert, Luminaire achieved 7th place in their division of 34 vocal ensembles, the results between 1st and 7th place only incremental. The Stage Band clinched 2nd place in their division and were also the inaugural winners of the Nick Mulder Memorial award. This award recognises the band and director’s ability to navigate instrument challenges and enhance overall sound orchestration.

Special thanks to Mr Gerald Pederick for his exceptional leadership of the Stage Band, Miss Belle Ballard for her work with Luminaire and Mrs Emilly Kenny for her support and enthusiasm. The students’ dedication and talent made us proud. We look forward to GIJ 2025!

Mrs Nadine Stroud

Generations in Jazz Trip – Friday, 3 May – Sunday, 5 May