The Vine Issue 6 – 2026

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – TEACHING & LEARNING

Mrs Eliza Buckoke

It has been wonderful to see students embracing the new term and all the opportunities that come with it. We began the term with staff continuing the significant work on curriculum development as we refine our Pedare curriculum, aligned with ACARA, as we transition away from the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

This transition allows us to be incredibly intentional in our program development, ensuring that every learning experience is thoughtfully designed to stretch and challenge students at their point of need. By moving toward a bespoke Pedare framework, we are able to more effectively foster innovative and engaging learning that prepares our students for the future, while encouraging critical thinking, creativity and the transfer of knowledge across disciplines.

We regularly draw our focus back to Pedare’s Guiding Principles for Learning: Thrive, Enrich, Empower, Connect and Belong. Recently, we have seen the principle of Enrich come to life through a variety of curriculum-based activities and excursions:

Year 12 Outdoor Education: Students took to the water for a kayaking expedition, embodying the spirit of experiential learning in a supportive environment.

Year 12 Digital Tech & Physics: Our Senior students attended the Quantum Open Day, gaining a high-level look at how they can apply and transfer their learning to new, cutting-edge contexts.

Year 1 Gorge Wildlife Trip: Some of our youngest learners are participating actively, investigating the natural world with curiosity and interest.

This week, many students also embraced an academic “stretch” through the National Geography and Mathematics Competitions, with History following closely. These competitions provide a platform for students to think creatively and critically when approaching complex challenges.

Staff have also been collaborating to share specific examples of what Enrich looks like within the classroom, building our shared understanding of how we invite students to think more deeply and make meaningful connections. These snapshots of practice, ranging from Year 9 Health and Physical Education students using “empathy circuits” to investigate real-world barriers to fitness, to Year 12 English students engaging in deep ethical discussions, demonstrate our commitment to learning that goes well beyond surface-level responses.

Across all year levels, we are ensuring that our students are not just passive observers, but active investigators prepared to apply their learning to the world around them. We look forward to further steps in our curriculum development as the year unfolds.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – STUDENT LIFE & WELLBEING

Mr Josh Willis

This week, our theme across the College has been Appreciation. From Home Group discussions to this week’s Brooklyn Assembly, students and staff took a moment to pause and consider the impact of a simple “thank you.” It is easy to move through our busy lessons, extra-curricular activities and social lives, while taking the constant support systems around us for granted. 

However, as we discussed in the Assembly, appreciation isn’t just a quiet thought; it’s an action. To drive this point home, we shared several powerful messages, including William Arthur Ward’s words: “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” I do wonder how many “wrapped presents” we are sitting on right now. Whether it’s a teacher who stayed late to explain a concept or a friend who listened when things were tough, those unexpressed thanks are gifts that perhaps haven’t reached their destination yet.

A central focus of our conversations this week was the unwavering support of mothers and maternal figures. We encouraged students to take a proactive approach to acknowledging these incredible women in their lives. It doesn’t always require a grand gesture; often, it’s the small, intentional moments that mean the most.

Reflecting on this, I know how fortunate I am to be part of the Pedare community. The culture of care we enjoy here isn’t accidental; it is intentionally built every day through the collective efforts of our students, staff and families. I am constantly inspired by the way our students show up for one another, the dedication our staff pours into every lesson, and the special partnership we share with our families. I want to express my sincere appreciation for everything you contribute to making Pedare such a special place to belong.

Let’s make it a habit to unwrap those “presents” of gratitude and share them freely this week. When we acknowledge the good in others, we don’t just make them feel seen; we strengthen the entire fabric of our community.

ACTING HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Mrs Lisa Lacy

On an unseasonably warm and beautiful autumn day last week, we held the rescheduled Junior School Cross Country. It was a joy to see students so determined to give their very best effort, challenge themselves and contribute to their Community’s total points.  We were also delighted to be joined by a large audience of family members, as well as Year 12 buddies, who supported our Reception students as they ran the event for the very first time. Congratulations to the Eldergreen Community on taking out the win, and to all participants who gave their all toward their personal goals and created lasting memories.

During our first week back for the term, we reflected thoughtfully in a Worship Service on ANZAC Day observances. Students listened intently as we discussed the difference between ‘celebrations’ and ‘commemorations’, and how we continue to respect and acknowledge the many sacrifices that were made then, and still benefit us today. Students helped place wreaths and rosemary as important symbols of our respect, and observed a minute’s silence.

Our Junior School students also continue to be involved in more celebrations for Pedare’s 40th Year, and our very special Quilt Project is nearing final completion!  I shared a sneak peek with students at our Welcome Back Assembly, and there was much excitement as they tried to spot their own creations. To every student and community member who contributed so creatively to this project – our sincere thank you. It is looking amazing, and we can’t wait to share the finished product with everyone as we share it with the College as a 40th Year gift from the Junior School.

Beyond this morning’s Junior School Mother’s Day Breakfast, students enjoyed the accompanying Mother’s Day Stall shopping opportunity, thanks to our Parents & Friends supporters. Students busily considered and selected some special items today – but ‘ssssh’ mums, enjoy the secret! and…Happy Mother’s Day for Sunday. 

Looking ahead to Week 4, we remind families of our upcoming Learning Journeys on 19 and 20 May. Classrooms will be open for parents to visit and engage in a student-led discussion, reflecting on their progress so far this year. We will also celebrate the Reception Commencement Service on Friday, 22 May, formally welcoming our youngest learners to Pedare for their schooling adventures. We look forward to welcoming families to these upcoming opportunities.

ACTING HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Ms Simara Conroy 

We were delighted to welcome everyone back for Term 2. 

We began Term 2 with a Middle and Senior School ANZAC Service Assembly. It was inspiring to witness the respectful and reflective participation of our students during this moment of remembrance, setting a meaningful tone for the term. We extend a special thanks to Year 10 student Jayden W for sharing his personal connection through his cadet service. 

During Week 1, we saw the exciting launch of the VEX Robotics Season for the year, with many Middle School students eagerly taking part. These extra-curricular opportunities are so vital, offering students valuable channels to explore new interests, collaborate effectively with their peers and challenge themselves. 

As Term 2 continues, our focus remains on building a culture where kindness, service and giving of ourselves are central to our identity. It is through these essential values that our Middle School remains an environment for our students to thrive.

HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Mr Joel Cockerill

It has been a wonderful privilege to welcome our students back last week. The energy throughout the Senior School has been unmistakable as everyone settles back into the rhythm of school life following the Term 1 break. I hope all families enjoyed a restful holiday and are feeling ready for the term ahead.

There was a distinct buzz in the Year 12 Common Area this week as the Class of 2026 received their highly anticipated Year 12 jumpers. This garment is a significant rite of passage, symbolising their leadership and the unity of the cohort as they navigate their final year together.

Additionally, we wasted no time diving into competition with the annual Senior Anglican Cup on Wednesday, 6 May. It was a fantastic display of athleticism and school pride as our students faced off against Pulteney Grammar, St John’s Grammar and Woodcroft College. Our teams represented the College with immense grit across a diverse range of sports, including AFL, soccer, basketball, netball, hockey and table tennis. Beyond the scores, the camaraderie shared between the schools was a testament to the spirit of our Senior School students.

To support their academic journey, Mrs Catherine Noack, Director of Studies and Pathways (6-12), delivered an insightful presentation to Year 12 students regarding the science behind learning. Mrs Noack explained the cognitive mechanics of memory, breaking down ongoing study habits and scientifically proven strategies, such as active recall, to help students revise effectively in the lead-up to tests and exams. It has been a stellar start to the term, and I look forward to seeing our students flourish.