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The Vine Issue 13 – 2025
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
Mr James Tamblyn
Head of Senior School
As per communication to families earlier this week, we are delighted to share that Joel Cockerill has been appointed as Pedare’s new Head of Senior School. Joel joined us this year from Xavier College and in his brief time at Pedare has made a significant contribution as a teacher, mentor and leader. We are very excited to have him lead us through this exciting new era for the Senior School as the Catford Building nears completion. I take the opportunity to thank Josh Willis for his tenure as Head of Senior School over the past three years, and look forward to his impact as Deputy Principal – Student Life and Wellbeing from next year. It is wonderful to be able to celebrate such significant appointments to key staff already embedded here at Pedare
College Principal Mr Tamblyn (left) and incoming Head of Senior School Mr Cockerill (right).
Athletics Carnival
Congratulations to the Middle and Senior School community for such a fabulous Athletics Carnival today. This event is always a great celebration for Communities and athletes. My thanks to Director of Sport and Extra-curricular Alana Tronnolone for her leadership of the event, alongside Middle and Senior School staff. Thanks to the parents and families who joined us on the day, and to the students who participated exceptionally well.
Middle and Senior School Athletics Carnival – Friday, 12 September
Father’s Day Breakfast
Happy Father’s Day to all our dads and grandfathers for last Sunday. You play such an important role in the lives of your children and grandchildren. We hope you all had a wonderful day. It was fabulous to have so many fathers and grandfathers join us for our Junior School Father’s Day breakfast on Friday, 5 September. My thanks to the team of Junior School staff who organised the event and to the families who came along to celebrate.
Father’s Day Breakfast – Friday, 5 September
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
Mrs Mandy Hore
Community Dinners
Community Dinner season has concluded with over 600 Middle and Senior School students enjoying a night of fun and connecting with their respective communities. Highlights this year included the acknowledgement of Year 12s, the introduction of a Hall of Fame recipient and, of course, delicious food, Hollywood-themed games and quizzes.
All dinners were very well supported by College staff, the Parents and Friends Association, and students. Special mention goes to Community Coordinators and Emily Chadbourne, whose planning and support were exceptional. Community breakfasts and dinners will continue in 2026.
The Community system aims to promote a sense of belonging among students. Upon joining the College, students are allocated to a Community, which fosters a culture of engagement and pride. In Middle and Senior School, the Community system is the cornerstone of pastoral care. Students remain in their Core Class from Years 6 to 7, and in Years 8 and 9, they transition into vertical Home Groups based on their Community. The Senior School features vertical Year 10, 11 and 12 Home Groups. These groupings cater to the specific needs of each stage of student development, providing opportunities to tailor discussions and activities to suit their needs.
Surrey Community Dinner – Tuesday, 2 September
Eldergreen Community Dinner – Wednesday, 3 September
R U OK? Day:
In 2009, Gavin Larkin, a bereaved son, and Janina Nearn, a television producer and reporter, collaborated to change the behaviour and stigma surrounding mental health. Together, they developed and created R U OK? Day. Gavin focused the campaign on building the motivation, confidence and skills needed for people to have a meaningful conversation with someone who is struggling with life.
This is now a national day in Australia, observed on the second Thursday of September, encouraging people to start conversations and connect with others about mental health and well-being. The goal is to remind people that “any day” is a good day to ask someone if they’re okay, by asking, listening, encouraging action and checking in.
This week, SchoolTV has provided further information and a special report that focuses on R U OK? Day, which provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions.
Understanding the growing challenges related to mental health among young people is an important consideration. Anxiety, depression and self-harm are all causes for concern. Factors such as academic pressure, social media, family dynamics and societal expectations contribute to these issues. It’s therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health and offer accessible support to address these issues and the wellbeing of their children.
R U OK? Day – Thursday, 11 September
HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
Ms Lisa Daws
2026 Reception Families: Tour and Morning Tea
We were thrilled to welcome Reception 2026 families for a special tour and morning tea last Thursday, 4 September. It was a beautiful opportunity to connect with new faces and share what makes Junior School feel like home. We look forward to welcoming these new families into the community and can’t wait to begin this incredible learning journey with them next year.
Animals Anonymous
Reception students were captivated by the visit from Animals Anonymous, which brought them up-close encounters with native animals, sparking a newfound love for nature. This hands-on experience was a fantastic way to reinforce their classroom learning about local wildlife and ecosystems.
Reception Animals Anonymous Incursion – Wednesday, 3 September
Father’s Day Breakfast and Stall
The highlight of last week was undoubtedly the Junior School Father’s Day Breakfast. With so many fathers and father figures joining us, it was a morning of shared laughter, food and gratitude, a perfect reminder of the beautiful bonds that strengthen our community. A big thank you to the Parents & Friends (P&F) Association for their dedicated support in running a wonderful stall. The Junior School students enjoyed selecting the perfect gift for their fathers and father figures.
Father’s Day Stall – Friday, 5 September
Junior School Parent Teacher Interviews
We also want to extend a heartfelt thanks to families who attended Parent Teacher Interviews this week. These conversations are so important to us, and we are grateful for your partnership as we work together to support each child’s growth. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to connect, discuss your child’s progress, celebrate their achievements and set goals for the rest of the year. We want to be a constant source of support for your family, so never hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions. We truly value this chance to strengthen our partnership with you.
Parent Teacher Student Interviews – Tuesday-Wednesday, 9 -11 September
Junior School SACA Clinics
The South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) ran fantastic clinics for students on Wednesday. The highlight was when Big Bash League players arrived to share their skills. Throughout the day, students were able to take part in a variety of fun clinics, developing their skills and enthusiasm for the sport.
Junior School South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) Clinics – Wednesday, 10 September
Year 4 Market Day Entrepreneurial Spirit
Meanwhile, Year 4 students demonstrated incredible creativity and entrepreneurial spirit as they presented and pitched their ideas for the upcoming Market Day in Term 4 (Wednesday, 22 October), an event not to be missed.
Year 4 Market Day Presentations – 10 September, 2025
AeroKids Gymnastics
Reception to Year 2 students have been enjoying the AeroKids Gymnastics program as part of their PE classes. The sessions have been an engaging way for students to build balance, coordination and confidence in a fun and supportive environment. It’s been wonderful to see the students’ enthusiasm as they learn new movements and celebrate their achievements.
Aerokids Gymnastics Incursion – Friday, 5 September
HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mrs Eliza Buckoke
The Middle School has been a hub of activity and achievement, with students excelling both inside and outside the classroom. We’re excited to share some of the recent highlights and upcoming initiatives.
We’re proud to highlight the development of the new AICE (Agency, Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship) framework in the Middle School curriculum. A dedicated staff team led a highly successful pilot event, the Year 8 AICE Challenge Day, with the theme ‘Future City: Beyond Tomorrow.’ It was an engaging and impactful day, featuring an inspiring keynote from Matt Elding. Winners of each Challenge were announced on the day:
- Name Creation – Team 13: 13 Stories Into the Future
- Spontaneous Challenge 1 – Team 10: Green Future Thinkers
- Spontaneous Challenge 2 – Team 6: Bob the Builders
- Spontaneous Challenge 3 – Team 7: Interesting Innovators
- Challenge 1 ‘The Sustainable City Architects’ – Team 5: Energy Engineers
- Challenge 2 ‘ Urban Flow’ – Team 13: 13 Stories Into the Future
- Challenge 3 ‘The Urban Game’ – Team 7: Interesting Innovators
- Challenge 4 ‘The Future City Communicators’ – Team 7: Interesting Innovators
- Winner of the AICE Unity and Team Spirit Award – Team 3: The Urbanisation
- The AICE Challenge Champions – Runners Up – Team 13: 13 Stories Into the Future
- The AICE Challenge Champions – Overall Winners – Team 7: Interesting Innovators
We’re thrilled with the students’ collaborative and innovative problem-solving, and look forward to building on this success.
Year 8 AICE Day – Monday, 1 September
Students have been out and about, connecting their learning to the world around them. Year 7s visited the SA Museum and Art Gallery to link their learning with the Individuals and Societies curriculum.
A huge congratulations to the students for their strong results in recent academic competitions. A special shout-out to Natalie P (Year 9), who was named State Champion in the Australian History Competition. We also saw strong performances in the Maths Quiz Night and Maths Competition. Congratulations to Melinda W (Year 8), who made it to the National Finals of the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee Competition, placing her in the top 3 finalists in South Australia. These results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students.
Natalie P (Year 9) – State Champion in Australian History Competition
Melinda W (Year 8) – National Finalist, Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee Competition
We are preparing to begin the selection process for the 2026 Year 9 Student Leadership Team, providing another great opportunity for students to grow as leaders within the community.
We’re incredibly proud of our students for taking on every opportunity enthusiastically and are committed to personal growth.
HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
Mr Josh Willis
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The past few weeks have provided Senior School students with incredible opportunities to step outside the classroom. These overnight experiences prove that some of the most valuable lessons are learned beyond the classroom, as students build stronger connections with their peers and teachers.
Year 11 Physical Education students embraced a range of water-based activities designed to challenge them and build their confidence. Students participated in a variety of water sports, including kneeboarding, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking. The camp was a chance for students to apply their knowledge of physical activity in a practical setting while developing their teamwork and problem-solving skills.
For many, the highlight was trying something new. As Koby N shared, “My favourite part of the camp was learning to sail catamarans and getting outside for a few days.” The camp also provided a welcome change of pace. “I enjoyed being with my mates doing different activities, which was a nice change from being in the classroom”, shared Isaiah H.
Year 11 Physical Education Camp – Wednesday-Friday, 27-29 August
Year 11 Outdoor Education students embarked on a challenging bushwalking expedition, where they learned essential skills in navigation, camp setup and teamwork. This camp was an exercise in self-reliance, as students navigated trails and prepared their own meals. Despite the rigours of the hike, the simple moments of connection were what made the biggest impact. Gracie B shared, “After a long day of hiking, relaxing by the campfire was definitely the highlight of my Outdoor Education camp.”
A special thank you to Director of Outdoor Education, Mrs Dutch, and Head of Health and Physical Education, Mr Cockerill, for their leadership and commitment. We are also grateful to all the staff who gave up their valuable time with their families to ensure these camps were not only educational but also safe and memorable for students.
FRUITFUL REFLECTION
The Lord’s Prayer
The question was asked, “If God knows everything, why pray?”
The Lord’s Prayer, from Matthew 6:9-13, reminds us to look up from busyness and take a moment to recognise someone bigger than us.
Jesus taught we could trust God with our daily needs and failures, and for help to walk the path of true forgiveness given and received. We can also depend on Him for protection and divine guidance in a world full of distractions and temptations.
Prayer is not about informing God of our needs; He already knows. It’s a relationship in action as we hear what concerns us and articulate our understanding for help outside ourselves.
It’s a reminder we don’t have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. God does this because of His unconditional love for us.
Mrs Miriam Smith
WELLBEING MATTERS
Healthy Study Habits
In today’s world, where distractions are abundant and the pressure to excel is high, guiding children to develop healthy study habits is more important than ever. As students aspire to achieve academic success, the cornerstone of that achievement lies not just in their intelligence or drive, but in the study habits they cultivate.
It’s essential for students to recognise that good study habits aren’t merely about spending extra hours hitting the books. It’s more about quality over quantity and having a balanced approach. Consistent study times establish a sense of structure and discipline, turning studying into part of their daily routine rather than a burdensome task.
Additionally, how students approach their study sessions is equally important. Taking regular breaks is a crucial part of maintaining focus and preventing burnout.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes sufficient sleep, a balanced diet and consistent physical activity is essential and will significantly impact students’ ability to study effectively.
I do hope you find this worthwhile and would welcome any feedback about SchoolTV. If there are any other topics that we could explore together, please do not hesitate to email me: [email protected]
Mrs Mandy Hore
COLLEGE NEWS/NOTICES
R-12 Foundation Day
Pedare’s Foundation Day is on Thursday, 18 September!
We’ll be celebrating 40 years of Pedare with special services, the annual College Dash, and cupcakes for everyone!
A few reminders for the day for all students (Mid Year Reception – Year 12):
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Students should wear their Community tops with PE shorts or track pants.
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Don’t forget a hat and a drink bottle.
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All cupcakes are nut-free, with gluten, dairy, and egg-free options available.
We can’t wait to celebrate this special day with you!
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
RACI International Chemistry Quiz
Congratulations to the Year 12 Chemistry students who entered the Royal Australian Chemistry Institute (RACI) competition. This challenge is taken by tens of thousands of students internationally each year. The quiz requires students to tackle complex problems, think critically and apply their knowledge to new concepts. We are pleased to announce that we received one Distinction and 4 Credits. The College’s average was above the state average.
Mrs Leonie Brown
RACI International Chemistry Quiz – Thursday, 28 August
CREATIVE CORNER
Art Club Unveils Mural to Benefit Modbury Hospital
Pedare’s Visual Art Showcase is set to feature a truly special piece this year. The Art Club has created a beautiful mural for a newly created courtyard at Modbury Hospital, with the hope that their work will provide comfort and support the wellbeing of the patients and visitors who will see it daily.
The project began when an old scholar’s parent, Celine Philips, who works at the hospital, reached out to the school. They were looking for a way to improve the outside space. Inspired by the Art Club’s previous work with birds in 2024 and their focus on the environment, particularly the wattle. Mrs Benyk was able to cleverly combine the students’ ideas to consolidate the graphic for us to work on together.
Family & friends of Pedare are invited to see the mural before it is taken away for installation at the hospital. The big reveal will be at the Visual Art Showcase on Wednesday, 24 September, from 5pm in the Mallee Building. We hope to see you there to celebrate the students’ incredible talent and their heartfelt contribution to the community.
Mrs Emily Kenny
Art Club with Mural for Modbury Hospital – Wednesday, 3 September
Hidden Worlds : Gallery 1855
Year 8 Graphic Design classes have been having a great time learning about the fundamentals and compositional techniques in photography. Their creative responses to the task have been exciting, and a selection of students’ works has been chosen to be exhibited at Gallery 1855, Tea Tree Gully, in a collaborative exhibition. Opening night is Thursday, 25 September, and we welcome family and friends of Pedare to attend. All exhibiting artists are encouraged to attend in full winter uniform. Exhibiting artists will receive a personalised invite.
Mrs Emily Kenny
LEARNING HIGHLIGHT
Year 11 Outdoor Education Bushwalking Expedition
Last week, Year 11 SACE Outdoor Education students embarked on their first camp of the semester, spending three days bushwalking through Mount Crawford Forest and Warren Conservation Park.
Students worked hard over the first two days, hiking long distances with heavy packs. A foggy start and packing up tents in the rain on Day 2 were challenging, but the students’ perseverance paid off. The sun came out, making for a glorious lunch stop offering beautiful views from the scenic trails. One class also got to try their hand at fishing in the Warren Reservoir.
The final day was dedicated to orienteering at Chalks Campground, a vast improvement in skills shown since their excursion to Para Wirra. Throughout the camp, students focused on key outdoor skills including efficient, lightweight packing, meal preparation on the Trangia stoves, navigation and setting up tents. Evenings were spent relaxing and enjoying time around the campfire.
The students’ hard work and resilience were rewarded with dry weather for most of the camp, as well as the satisfaction of overcoming the challenges of the great outdoors.
Mrs Bronwyn Dutch
Year 11 Outdoor Education Bushwalking Expedition – Wednesday-Friday, 3-5 September
Year 7 SA Museum and Art Gallery of South Australia Excursion
Year 7 students enjoyed their trip to the South Australian Museum and Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) this week as part of their current Individuals and Societies unit.
At the Museum, they explored artefacts and analysed object panels to gain a deeper knowledge about the many artifacts on display. This gave them valuable firsthand experience with primary sources, helping prepare for their upcoming Ancient Worlds assessment.
At the AGSA, students explored how art and design can tell powerful stories. From the dramatic ‘disaster wall’ to Tom Roberts’ famous ‘The Breakaway’, they saw how clever curation creates connections and brings history to life. The visit left students inspired to look beyond the gallery walls and appreciate how every detail in curation shapes the way we experience art.
Mrs Ebony Muller & Mrs Emily Kenny
Year 7 SA Museum and Art Gallery of South Australia Excursion – Tuesday, 9 September
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.
South Australian Districts Netball Association (SADNA) Winter Netball 2025 Wrap Up
As the Winter 25 SADNA Netball Season comes to a close, we congratulate all 10 teams on completing a fantastic season.
Well done to all teams who progressed into one or more of the three finals rounds as follows:
- Primary 2: coached by Emma N (semi finals)
- Sub Junior 1: coached by Keeley D and Ruby G (semi finals)
- Sub Junior 2: coached by Georgia A (preliminary finals)
- Junior 1: coached by Amber Dinevski (semi finals)
- Intermediate 1: coached by Khayla W (preliminary finals)
Youngest Netballers, the Sub Primary team, ended with a round-robin carnival, which is always a great opportunity to play multiple games in a row and have lots of fun. Tori T bird also visited us on the day!
Congratulations to Lauren B (Year 8), who is also the recipient of the SADNA Umpires Award, awarded as the best player of the entire Junior 3 division as determined by umpires’ votes.
Thank you to all coaches, players and supporters for another amazing season! Go Pedare!
Miss Kayla Gyles
SPiN Special Training Session: Lee-Anne Cummins
Foundation, Intermediate and Senior Specialist Programme in Netball (SPiN) teams had the amazing opportunity to participate in a training session led by Lee-Anne Cummins, Premier League Head Coach at the Jags Netball Club.
The sessions were filled with valuable tips and techniques, guided by Lee-Anne’s expertise, offering tailored advice to each age group. Students thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and participated with high energy and willingness to learn.
Thank you to Lee-Anne for sharing her time and knowledge with us!
Miss Kayla Gyles
SPiN Special Training Session – Thursday, 4 September
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?
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