Menu
The Vine Issue 10 – 2025
ACTING PRINCIPAL
Mrs Mandy Hore
Welcome back from the mid-year break. I do hope this was a time of renewal and opportunity to share time with family and friends. One of my favourite passages from the Bible is from Ecclesiastes.
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven Ecclesiastes 3:1
The rhythm of the school year, much like the seasons, dictates pace and purpose. Just as the sun rises and sets, and the weather shifts from winter’s chill to spring’s promise, school life also moves through its cycles and transitions. A new school term is more than just a return to routine; it’s an opportunity to embrace these transitions, to begin fresh, to recognise God’s constant presence and purpose woven into the everyday.
As we step into this new term, we embrace a renewed sense of purpose and a deep gratitude. A special welcome to those joining the Pedare community, including the Mid-Year Reception students, as they begin their educational journey here at the College. We look forward to walking alongside each of them.
Mid-Year Reception First Week at Pedare – Monday-Friday, 21-25 June
The Catford Building, our new learning centre for the Senior students, continues to take shape with great progress, particularly in the landscaping.
Catford Building Progress – Thursday, 31 July
CONGRATULATIONS!
“What you talking about, Donkey?” They were Pedare students, not professional actors or musicians.
I had the pleasure of attending Shrek The Musical this week and would like to congratulate all students, staff and volunteers involved in bringing this truly wonderful and mesmerising production to life.
For students to deliver a performance of such calibre is a credit to everyone involved. The skill, passion and courage on display were remarkable, and the quality of costumes, props, sets and choreography is a testament to the extraordinary dedication and effort behind the scenes.
On behalf of the community, thank you for the joy and smiles shared with everyone lucky enough to experience the show.
Year 12 students sat their trial exams last week, and we look forward to supporting them as they enter the final full term of their educational journey at Pedare.
There is much to look forward to this term, including the Junior School Disco, Community Dinners and Foundation Day; this will be a special occasion marking the beginning of Pedare’s 40th year celebrations.
I look forward to sharing these occasions with you and working in partnership with you again this term. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time.
Community Dinners and Disco Flyers
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – TEACHING & LEARNING
Mrs Kat Elliott
Welcome back to Term 3. It has been wonderful to see students return with renewed energy, ready for the semester ahead. This positive start was perfectly complemented by the Academic Assembly this week, where we gathered as a community to celebrate the outstanding academic excellence and endeavour from Semester One.
First Day of Term 3 2025 – Monday, 21 July
The Assembly provided a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the focus for 2025, Empower, particularly in the sense of having the capacity to make choices. Every day, students face choices that shape their learning journey: how they approach an assignment, how they use their lesson time, how they reach out for support and how they, in turn, support those around them.
There is a common saying that knowledge is power, but it is what you do with that knowledge that truly defines empowerment. In an age of instant information, the real challenge is how we use what we learn to interact with and shape the world. The excellent results we celebrated are more than just grades; they represent the foundation students are building for their futures. They are a testament to the critical thinking, creativity and resilience they are developing every single day.
I extended a challenge to award recipients: How will you use your academic gifts to empower others? Success provides a platform, and I challenge all students to be a leader in the classroom, a mentor to peers and a positive force within the community.
Congratulations again to the high achievers of Semester One. Let’s continue to empower one another to be the very best we can be, and look forward to continued growth in Semester Two for everyone.
Middle and Senior School Academic Assembly – Thursday, 31 July
HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
Ms Lisa Daws
A warm welcome to all new students and families joining this vibrant community in Term 3. A special greeting goes out to Mid-Year Reception students, who are embarking on their incredible learning adventure. We also extend a big welcome to Georgina Saunders, our new Mid-Year Reception teacher, and Jemma Zielonka, who has joined us in 2OZ. We’re thrilled to have you all on board!
We are extremely proud of Year 3 and Year 5 students who received their NAPLAN results this week. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their hard work and dedication. We would also like to thank their teachers, both this year and in previous years, for the incredible work they do.
Reception and Year 1 classes recently celebrated a fantastic milestone: 100 Days at School! It was a truly special day with all things ‘100,’ recognising their incredible growth, learning and development since the start of the year. What an achievement!
Reception and Year 1 Celebrating 100 Days at School Celebration – Thursday, 24 July
Year 4 students also embarked on an enriching excursion to the Museum and Art Gallery, where they had the chance to explore history and creativity firsthand.
Year 4 Art Gallery and Museum Excursion – Monday, 28 July
Throughout Term 3, students will continue to engage in a wide range of enriching experiences, from exploring and mastering new concepts in literacy and numeracy to unleashing their creativity in the arts and physical activities. Every day offers a chance for discovery and progress.
We believe that parents are our most valuable partners in this educational journey. You can be actively involved by fostering a love for learning at home. This doesn’t mean hours of homework; it’s about spending quality time together. Engage in conversations about what they’re learning at school, read together and encourage their curiosity by asking open-ended questions like, “What was the most interesting thing you learned today?” or “What made you proud today?”. These simple, heartfelt conversations make a world of difference, reinforcing their classroom adventures and building a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning.
Upcoming Dates
Week 3
Walk a Mile in my Shoes – Thursday, 7 August
Week 4
Book Fair – Monday, 11 August to Friday, 15 August
JS Coffee and Connect – 8:15-8:45am College Chapel Foyer – Friday 15 August
JAMBand Performance – Friday 15 August
HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mrs Eliza Buckoke
What a dynamic start we’ve had to Term 3. It’s been wonderful to see students re-engage with enthusiasm, and we’ve already had some truly memorable events that highlight the spirit and talent within our community.
Last Friday, 25 July, Year 7 students participated in an exciting and impactful ‘Shine Together’ day. This wellbeing immersion day was designed to educate students on key social and emotional strategies for success in and beyond college, focusing on how their actions can positively transform their lives and their communities. Students engaged in interactive sessions, collaborating on ‘commitment to action’ pledges and reflecting on the importance of kindness, respect and trust in relationships. We are hoping that the positive impact of this day will have lasting effects within our College community.
Year 7 Shine Together Day – Friday, 25 July
This week, we were captivated by the Year 8 to 12 Musical production of Shrek! The sheer talent on display from all students involved was outstanding. We were particularly proud to see the remarkable contributions of Middle School students, who showcased their diverse talents on stage and behind the scenes. Their hard work and dedication, alongside the Senior students, truly brought this fantastic production to life. Congratulations to everyone involved, it was a memorable show!
Years 8-12 Musical Production: Shrek the Musical – Wednesday-Friday, 30 July-1 August
As we begin to look ahead to future transitions, we were delighted to host the Mallee Building Open House on Wednesday, 30 July. It was wonderful to welcome Year 5 students after school to explore the Middle School facilities. This informal visit marks one of the first steps in preparing them for their exciting move into Middle School. We look forward to more transition events in the coming months, designed to make their journey as smooth and welcoming as possible.
As we continue through Term 3, we look forward to more opportunities for growth, learning and community spirit. Thank you for your continued support of the Middle School students.
HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
Mr Josh Willis
This term, we’re excited to begin the process of shaping future pathways for Senior School students. We believe every student is unique, with their own strengths, goals, interests and learning styles. We aim to help them find a bespoke pathway that sets them up for success. A big thank you to all families who’ve already booked their Future Pathways conversations in Weeks 3 and 4. These dedicated discussions with your child and a member of the Senior School Leadership team are incredibly valuable in helping to shape their journey, both here at Pedare and beyond. Please know that if your child is still exploring their options or feels unsure about their future pathway, that’s completely normal, and they are definitely not alone. We are here to provide comprehensive guidance and support every step of the way.
On the first day back this term, I met with the Year 12s to wish them all the best for what will undoubtedly be the most crucial term of their schooling journey. I like to compare Term 3 to my favourite sports of AFL and golf. AFL fans may be familiar with the term “The Premiership Quarter”, and golfers may know the term, “Moving Day”. The Premiership Quarter is when many games are won or lost, and Moving Day in golf is when players start to climb the leaderboard and put themselves in contention for the final round, while others might fall behind. For Year 12s, Term 3 is the Premiership Quarter, and it is Moving Day. The hard work students put in this term will have a huge impact on their final results. This is the time to consolidate their knowledge, refine their skills and truly commit to their study routines. Their focus now will lay the essential groundwork for achieving their academic goals. We look forward to supporting all students throughout an exciting term.
Pedare’s SchoolTV has some fantastic resources for parents to support their child navigate the challenges of Year 12. Use the link below to access the “Surviving Year 12” resources:
https://pedarecc.sa.schooltv.me/newsletter/surviving-year-12
FRUITFUL REFLECTION
#Blessed
The College has been looking at Matthew 5-7, known as the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus opens the Sermon on the Mount with a speech known as the “Beatitudes”, a latin word “beatus”, meaning blessed or happy.
Jesus lists several situations where he wants us to know, we are blessed, but most of these seem to be the opposite of what we might think of as blessed today. A quick look at the hashtag #blessed and we see images of first place wins, weddings, babies, happy celebrations and gushing speeches about family. There’s no doubt that these moments are all deserving of being labelled a blessing, but Jesus wants us to know that through trials and stresses, through sadness and mourning, God also promises to bless us.
That in the midst of them, as kind friends come closer, as people stand up for the truth or bring peace in turmoil, God’s presence and Kingdom draws near. My prayer is that you might experience God’s blessing in all of the highs and lows of your week.
Mrs Alaina Frost
Latest From the Library
Book Fair is back!
We are thrilled to bring back the annual Book Fair this year in Week 4. While we have supported Scholastic in previous years, this Book Fair will be run in collaboration with Pegi Williams Bookshop. We take pride in supporting local Adelaide businesses and regularly purchase library books from this beautiful store, located in Walkerville.
This special event allows us to generate proceeds to host visiting authors and illustrators during Book Week every year, adding an extra level to student engagement with literature. Illustrator Robin Tatlow-Lord will be joining us this year, and we can’t wait to see the creativity she brings during her class workshops.
Families and friends are warmly invited to come along and have a browse, fulfil your child’s (possibly extensive!) wishlist, stock up on Christmas presents, or just enjoy the excitement of Book Fair, while supporting libraries and a local business. Both cash and credit card facilities will be available, during the opening times below.
‘Adventure is just a page away…’ – Robert McMillan
Mrs Sarah Mossel
Book Fair 2024 – August 2024
COLLEGE NEWS/NOTICES
Census Privacy Collection Notice
The Australian Government provides funding to Australian schools under the Australian Education Act 2013. That Act and the associated Australian Education Regulation 2013 require that schools provide the Australian Government with certain information about the school, its financial arrangements and its staff and student body so that the funding is properly calculated and accounted for.
The College must provide information about the number of students attending the school, including:
– Students’ year level and workload
– Students’ gender and age
– Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
– Students with disability
– Students on a Visa
Please follow the link if you require more information:
Walk a Mile in My Boots: Supporting Hutt Street Centre
Pedare is supporting Hutt Street Centre’s Walk A Mile in my Boots initiative on Thursday, 7 August (Week 3). Organised with the support of the Pedare Leo’s Club, this initiative aims to support those experiencing homelessness in South Australia.
Students and staff will start the day with a short walk around the College grounds. All participating students should wear their PE uniform and Community top.
Donations to Hutt Street Centre can be made in two different ways: a monetary donation via the Qkr App or by donating pantry items. Please check your emails for full details on specific pantry items needed and collection points.
Your support for this important initiative is greatly appreciated.
Junior School Disco
TIMES:
Friday, 8 August, in the College Chapel.
Session 1: 5 pm to 6.15 pm – Mid-Year Reception, Reception, Years 1 & 2
Session 2: 6.30 pm to 7.45 pm – Years 3, 4 & 5
DROP OFF/PICK UP:
For drop-off and pick-up, please go directly to your child’s classroom. A teacher will sign your child in when you arrive and sign them out when you pick them up.
We kindly ask that you ensure your child arrives at their classroom 5 minutes prior to their disco session time. Please ensure your child is picked up promptly at the conclusion of their disco session.
TICKETS – QKR:
$10 per student – Price includes disco, entertainment, glow stick, water and lollies. The Amazing Magic Mike will keep students moving with appropriate music, dance, colour and lights!
Please purchase tickets via the QKR app. Select PARENTS & FRIENDS / P&F Events. Ticket sales will close on Wednesday, 6 August. Please note this is a no-cash event.
We look forward to seeing your children there for an evening of fun!
Pedare Parents & Friends
Year 7 Art Exhibition: What’s For Dinner at Golden Grove?
Celebrate SALA (South Australian Living Artists) Festival with a selection of Year 7 artworks!
From Monday, 11 August, for the entire SALA fortnight, discover amazing 3D and 2D artworks by Year 7 students. Located in the mall near the food court of The Golden Grove Shopping Centre, these art pieces explore the theme of meals enjoyed and shared at home. The Visual Arts team is incredibly proud of their work!
Join us for the official launch on Monday, 11 August at 4:30 PM, all are welcome.
Mrs Emily Kenny
LEARNING HIGHLIGHT
RACI Titration Competition
The first round of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Titration Competition was completed last June. Pedare entered two teams of Year 12 Chemistry students (including one Year 11) who completed 2 hours of titrations on Wednesday, 25 June. This involved finding the concentration of a known base, and then they titrated this with their unknown acid. Although our teams just missed out on the finals, with individual errors ranging from 0.36% to 1.76%, the analysis and effort from all the students involved were great.
Mrs Leonie Brown
RACI Titration Competition – Wednesday, 25 June
Extra-curricular
NEWS, UPDATES AND RESULTS
The Pedare Extra-curricular Portal is the central hub for information and links to our Sports and Clubs program. Regularly updated, it provides the latest news, announcements, results and important updates on Pedare’s extra-curricular activities and events.
SAUCNA Holiday Netball Carnival
During the school holidays, SPiN Netballers took part in the annual SAUCNA Netball Carnival. Thankfully, the rain held off, and some awesome teamwork and skill were demonstrated, resulting in a very successful day, taking out first place and winning the division overall! Huge thank you to all staff, students and parents involved in making the day possible.
Mrs Kayla Gyles
COMMUNITY NEWS
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]
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 [email protected] You can even check our webpage: https://www.goldengroveuniting.org.au
KEY DATES
Want to enrol your child? Need more info?
The Vine Issue 9 – 2026
All the latest news and events in Pedare's The Vine Newsletter plus messages from the College Principal and Heads of School.
The Vine Issue 8 – 2026
All the latest news and events in Pedare's The Vine Newsletter plus messages from the College Principal and Heads of School.
The Vine Issue 7 – 2026
All the latest news and events in Pedare's The Vine Newsletter plus messages from the College Principal and Heads of School.
The Vine Issue 6 – 2026
All the latest news and events in Pedare's The Vine Newsletter plus messages from the College Principal and Heads of School.