The Vine Issue 8 – 2024

River Torrens Recovery Project – Wednesday, 5 June

The Senior Learning Centre build continues to track well. The first half of the slab was poured this week, a significant milestone as we prepare to see the building come out of the ground. Meetings in the coming weeks with students have been scheduled to work through options and opportunities for final design elements of the building and furniture. I look forward to sharing these conversations with our students at this very exciting time for Pedare.

Senior Learning Centre Update – Thursday, 6 June

Reconciliation Week Art Activities

We collected jumpers and books for a community in the APY lands. In the lead-up to the week, Junior School students made loom bands that were sent to this community, and they loved them.

On Wednesday, 29 May, we welcomed Mr Mark Koolmatrie, a Ngarrindjeri elder. He worked closely with Year 7 classes, sharing Dreaming stories, and Year 10 History classes discussing civil rights. Year 9s enjoyed his expertise in growing and using plants indigenous to Australia, and he shared lunch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

The inaugural Petworth Assembly focused on reconciliation and highlighted key dates and messages of reconciliation. Before the Acknowledgment of Country, students enjoyed the beautiful sounds of the didgeridoo; thank you, Mr Valadian. Another highlight was listening to the poignant piece of music, “From Little Things Big Things Grow” by Electric Fields, filmed in the Adelaide Conservatorium—I commend it to you.

MS/SS Assembly, led by Petworth Community on Thursday, 30 May and JS Reconciliation Assembly on Friday, 31 May

This year, work has also begun on refreshing our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and further strengthening our commitment to reconciliation. There is still much to do, but we are proud of many small steps already made, such as flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags and acknowledging the Country at College Assemblies and events.

Diversity is not just a concept; it is a fundamental aspect of our College’s identity. By embracing and celebrating our differences, we prepare our students to thrive in a global society. Reconciliation Week emphasised the importance of working together to build a future where everyone is respected and included. Our work will continue as we seek to create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.

May our footsteps, on these ancient lands,
remind us of creation and connectedness, in our search for truth.
May the Gum Tree, from its roots to its branches,
remind us to dig deep and reach high, in our action for justice.
May the Eagle, who soars in the sky,
remind us of the power, in our call for love.
May the expanse of the lands and seas, of the sky and stars,
remind us of God’s timing in our faith in hope.
May the Holy Three, Creator Spirit, Lord God, Papa Jesus,
remind us of community.
So with grace, mercy, and peace, go in truth, justice, love and hope.

Brooke Prentis, Aboriginal Christian Leader from the Wakka Wakka peoples.

Year 9 students attended an excursion to the Hillier Food Forest as part of their Individuals and Societies studies. Students had the opportunity to explore sustainable farming practices and deepen their understanding of ecological systems, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship.

There are lots of activities on at the moment, and in particular the Knockout Basketball rounds. We’re proud of all of our students who elect to take part in sporting teams, as well as the many other extra-curricular opportunities.

SSSA Basketball Girls Year 7/8 Round 1 – Monday, 3 June

SSSA Basketball Boys Year 7/8 Round 1 – Thursday, 6 June

Week 5 was Reconciliation Week, a time for reflection and learning. We were honoured to welcome special guests Elaine Magias and Mark Koolmatrie, who shared their wisdom and experiences with our students. A special mention goes to Petworth for organising their first Assembly under the leadership of Mrs Hore. The Assembly was a great success and a meaningful contribution to our school’s ongoing reconciliation efforts.

Guest Speaker Elaine Magias – Monday, 27 May

Guest Speaker Mark Koolmatrie – Wednesday, 29 May

Well done to the Middle School student leaders who served as tour guides at our recent Open Morning. They represented our school with pride and helped make a positive impression on our visitors. 

The Year 8 Healthy Minds programme, developed by Dr Tom Nhemy and featuring guest presenter Jacinta Durrand, has recently concluded. We trust that our students have gained valuable skills in maintaining their wellbeing. This programme is an important part of our commitment to supporting the mental health and resilience of our students.

Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support and involvement in our school community. Let’s continue to strive for excellence together!

MS/SS Swimming Carnival at Adelaide Aquatic Centre – Friday, 31 May

This week was an important one for our Year 11 and 12 students as they received their Term 2 ‘Checkpoint’ Data. This progress report provides insights into their academic journey, offering an analysis of their growth and areas for improvement across all subject areas. By comparing their Term 2 checkpoint with their previous performance in Term 1 and through itemised graphs for each subject, students gain a clear understanding of their progress this year. We look forward to the meaningful, data-informed discussions with their teachers following this process, which will foster personalised guidance and support. Our ultimate goal is to empower students with the tools and resources they need to chart their course towards continuous improvement and personal growth.

Peace, I Give You…

The question was asked: what is the opposite of peace? Thinking, a student responded with, “War”. This is the expected answer from society’s perspective, but not the peace the Bible refers to. In short, the Biblical opposite of peace is fear.

Fear, a natural emotion and part of our human survival mechanism, can take on many different forms like anxiety, panic, foreboding, impatience and discontentment. God’s peace, however, evokes a sense of calm, serenity and the feeling that everything is going to work out, despite what is going on around us.

Earthly peace depends on circumstances and human ability, often sought through taking on causes and seeking distractions from troubles. But these are never done and only short-lived. Even our silence can be troubled. God knew this would happen and promised us something different.

Jesus taught us in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”. This peace goes beyond our understanding, and in Corinthians, God promises us that it will protect our hearts and minds.

With so much constantly going on in our lives and the world around us, we do not need to fear. Look to the Father and His peace, already promised to us – it’s a gift, we only need to ask Him.

Ms Miriam Smith, College Chaplain

2025 Music Scholarships

The Pedare Music Scholarship Program recognises individual musical talent, demonstrating the commitment of the College to the Music curriculum and the Musical life of the College.

These scholarships, open to instrumentalists and vocalists, will be awarded to students who display outstanding musical ability and a sound academic record. The College has a strong music culture with Concert Bands, a Stage Band, Choirs, a Jazz vocal ensemble, String Ensembles, a string quartet, percussion and guitar ensembles. The Senior and Junior Musicals are performed biennially. Applicants may have a contemporary, jazz or classical background in Music.

Applications for 2025 are now open and will close on Friday 21 June 2024 with auditions to follow.

For more information and an application form, please contact the Community Relations Manager, Julie Holland at the College Office 8280 1700 or e: jholland@pedarecc.sa.edu.au

Junior School Disco

The Junior School Disco is next Friday, 14 June 2024! Book your tickets as it will be a night full of music and fun! 

A professional disco entertainer will be keeping the children moving with appropriate music, games, dancing and karaoke!

TICKETS:

$10 per student – Price includes disco, entertainment, glow stick and lollies!

Please purchase tickets via the QKR app. Ticket sales will close Wednesday, 12 June.  Please note this is a no-cash event.

TIMES:

Session 1: 5.00 pm to 6.15 pm – Reception, Years 1 & 2

Session 2: 6.30 pm to 7.45 pm – Years 3, 4 & 5

R-12 Winter Warmers Casual Clothes Day

We continue to be incredibly grateful for the generosity of Pedare students, families and staff in considering members outside of our own community who are less fortunate than we are or in need of some extra help. The Term Two R-12 Winter Warmers Casual Clothes Day will be held on Friday, 14 June (Week 7).

This term, the students wanted to support Diabetes SA. All donations are welcome via the Qkr! App or at the College or Junior School Office on the day.

Students can wear their favourite winter warmer clothes and are asked to consider their timetabled lessons on a Friday, so their choice of casual clothes is appropriate for their day at school. Other expectations about the presentation of school uniform remains the same as for a normal uniform day.