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The Vine Issue 8 – 2025
COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
Mr James Tamblyn
Pentecost: A Time of Empowerment
The Christian season of Pentecost, celebrated fifty days after Easter, marks a pivotal moment in Christian history: the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus’ disciples. Pentecost is celebrated this Sunday (8 June). Pentecost is sometimes referred to as the birthday of the Church because it was when the disciples, previously fearful and uncertain, were empowered to boldly share the message of Jesus with the world. The Bible describes a powerful wind and ‘tongues of fire’ appearing above them, enabling them to speak in different languages and be understood by people from many nations. For Christians today, Pentecost is a reminder that the Holy Spirit is still at work. It calls us to be open to God’s guidance, to use our gifts and talents to serve others and to share messages of hope and love within our communities and beyond. It’s a call to action, to live out faith with courage and conviction, just as the first disciples did.
Catford Building
The Catford Building project continues to progress well. At this stage we anticipate being able to occupy Catford in the early part of Term 3. Year 12 students will be the first to start utilising the building and we’ll work closely with these students and their families to ensure this is done in a way which minimises disruption and enhances learning. We very much look forward to welcoming all students and families through Catford in a series of tours and open days. The schedule of these opportunities will be finalised once handover of the building has taken place.
Catford Building Progress – Friday, 6 June
Sabbatical Leave
At the end of Week 8 (Friday, 20 June), I will commence a period of sabbatical leave. I will return to work on Monday, 11 August. During this period, I’ll spend a week at a British International School in Jakarta, followed by just under three weeks in the USA, where I am undertaking a course for school principals at Harvard, Boston. During my leave Mandy Hore will act as Principal. Mandy knows all three of our schools well, having led each of them in some capacity over the past couple of years. Her leadership as Acting Principal will enable Kat Elliott to focus on her regular duties as DP – T&L through a busy period including timetabling, semester reports and her leadership of our move away from IB.
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – TEACHING & LEARNING
Mrs Kat Elliott
As Week 6 draws to a close, there’s an energy that often comes at this point in the school term. Assignments are being finalised, assessments completed and the holidays are almost within reach. It is important that we take time for reflection, not just on the academic endeavours of the past weeks, but on the moments that have shaped our students’ learning and growth. It’s also the perfect point in time to consider a theme that is woven deeply into the fabric of life at Pedare: the incredible power and presence of opportunity.
School life, from the vibrant play-based learning of the Reception students to the exam preparation and summative assessments of the Year 12s, is a rich tapestry woven with threads of opportunity. These are not always grand, signposted events; often, they are subtle moments, daily interactions and fresh challenges that invite our students to become more than we were before.
But opportunities are not simply laid out before us, waiting to be passively received. They require an active response. They call for the courage to try something new, to risk failure, to ask for help or to take on a challenge. They demand engagement, the willingness to be present, to listen, to contribute and to learn. And they flourish with reflection, the ability to look back on an experience, understand its impact and carry those learnings forward.
For these reasons, we continue our commitment to Checkpoint in the Middle and Senior Schools, so that students actively reflect and are invited to engage in conversations with their teachers. At Pedare, students have agency and are encouraged to see themselves as active participants steering their individual learning.
As we approach the end of term, I encourage every student, from Reception to Year 12, to take a moment to reflect. What opportunities have they embraced this term? What did they learn from those experiences? Perhaps it was mastering a new concept in Maths, contributing to a class discussion, helping a friend …Every single one of these moments is a testament to growth, and we thank you, parents and caregivers, for the role you play in supporting your child through each one.
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
Mrs Mandy Hore
Reconciliation Week
The College recently acknowledged and celebrated Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June). Highlights of the week included a colourful leaf art installation, where all students and staff reflected on past and current reconciliation initiatives and committed to a shared responsibility in achieving a reconciled Australia.
The Eldergreen Assembly, opened by Mr Valadian playing the didgeridoo, shared significant historical events of the reconciliation journey. It also challenged and reminded students of their responsibility in ensuring equity and opportunity for all.
This week, the Junior School Assembly, hosted by Year 5 students, also focused on our reconciliation commitment.
My thanks to the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) committee, Eldergreen community and the talented Arts team who contributed to the Reconciliation Week activities.
Reconciliation Week Activities and Assemblies – Tuesday-Friday, 27 May-6 June
Finding Balance with Screen Time
Each week, I receive a notification on my phone summarising my screen time. There are weeks when I am a little horrified at just how much time I have spent online.
Screens are an undeniable part of our daily lives. From smartphones and tablets to computers and TVs, digital devices offer incredible opportunities for learning, connection and entertainment. However, for many of us, navigating screen time, especially for our children and grandchildren, is a constant juggle.
The key isn’t to eliminate screens entirely, but to find a healthy balance. Just like with anything, moderation is crucial. Excessive screen time can impact sleep, physical activity and even social development. It’s easy to get caught in endless scrolling or binge-watching, losing track of time and other important activities.
There are a few simple tips that can help us all approach screen time mindfully.
Firstly, set clear boundaries and expectations. This might involve establishing “screen-free zones” like mealtimes or bedrooms, or setting time limits for different activities. Involve your family in creating these rules; when everyone contributes, they’re more likely to stick.
Secondly, prioritise quality over quantity. Not all screen time is created equal. Educational apps, creative projects, or video calls with distant family members offer far more value than passive consumption. Encourage interactive and engaging content that sparks curiosity and learning.
Thirdly, model healthy habits. Our children learn by observing us. If they see us constantly glued to our phones, they’re likely to follow suit. Be present, engage in offline activities and show them that there’s a rich world beyond the screen.
Finally, encourage alternative activities. Ensure there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor play, reading, creative arts and face-to-face interactions. These activities are vital for development and well-being.
By thoughtfully managing screen time, we can harness the benefits of technology while safeguarding our family’s health and happiness. It’s a journey, not a destination and open communication is always the best tool.
You may wish to read more at https://pedarecc.sa.schooltv.me/newsletter/managing-screen-time
This week, we have introduced a new section of the Vine, Wellbeing Matters. We hope that you will find this helpful as you navigate the tricky business of parenting.
Enjoy the long weekend and the winter sunshine. Please do not hesitate to reach out at any time.
Mrs Mandy Hore
HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
Ms Lisa Daws
Welcoming the Newest Learners & Celebrating Student Achievements
We are delighted to extend a warm Pedare welcome to the new Mid-Year Reception students, who have begun their transition visits this week! These visits are a crucial step in ensuring a seamless start to their formal schooling journey. We are also thrilled to welcome their families and dedicated teacher, Georgina Saunders, to the Pedare family.
The Mid-Year Transition program is thoughtfully designed to immerse the youngest students in the joy of learning with a strong emphasis on pre-literacy and numeracy, ensuring they build essential foundational skills. Through play and hands-on, inquiry-based activities, we aim to spark their natural curiosity, nurturing individual talents and inspiring a lifelong passion for discovery. We eagerly anticipate welcoming them as full-time members of the Junior School community in Term 3!
Mid-Year Reception Transition – Friday, 6 May
Beyond the classroom, students continue to impress with their engagement in a diverse range of enrichment opportunities. This term, we’ve seen fantastic participation and preparation in events that challenge and inspire. Budding poets have showcased their creativity for the IPSHA Poetry Competition, while student scientists are busy exploring and innovating for the upcoming Oliphant Science Awards. On the sporting and music front, students have been honing their skills in SPiN Netball and we’ve had enthusiastic representation in various SAPSASA opportunities. We’re incredibly proud of the outstanding musical achievements, with some excelling at this year’s Adelaide Eisteddfod Music Competition, reflecting their commitment and musical growth. These experiences are invaluable in developing skills, fostering teamwork and providing avenues for students to explore their interests and talents.
We’re incredibly proud of the students’ efforts in all their pursuits and appreciate your continued support in fostering an environment that inspires excellence across all endeavours.
HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mrs Eliza Buckoke
It’s been another busy and enriching couple of weeks in the Middle School!
On Wednesday, 4 June, Year 9 students took part in a Science and Humanities excursion to the Food Forest in Hillier, where they conducted fieldwork and attended workshops relating to Biomes and the Carbon Cycle.
Year 9 Food Forest Excursion – Wednesday, 4 June
Last week, we also held a Year 8 Science Fair in the Chapel. These events are a fantastic way to encourage students to deeply engage with their chosen investigations and proudly showcase their work.
Year 8 Science Fair – Thursday, 29 May
Excitement is building for the Year 7 Camp in Week 8 at Woodhouse Adventure Park. Camps are invaluable for stepping out of comfort zones, building connections with peers and interacting with teachers in a different setting. Students have been busy planning their meals for the trangia cooking in readiness for the camp.
A huge thank you to the Year 9 Emu Crossing Monitors for their wonderful work this term, ensuring student safety. We’re planning a training session for Year 8 students soon, giving them the opportunity to get involved.
Finally, mark your calendars for the Community Project display evening on Thursday, 26 June at 6pm, showcasing the hard work of the Year 9 students. We encourage everyone to come celebrate their achievements!
HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
Mr Josh Willis
Leadership plays a key role in helping young people grow into confident, capable and community-minded individuals. As part of the Senior School Leadership Program, Year 11 students recently took part in their ‘City Challenge Day’. This opportunity saw students venture into the heart of Adelaide, working in community teams to solve clues and find artefacts and landmarks across the city. The day not only tested their problem-solving skills but also offered a hands-on opportunity to develop and demonstrate leadership and collaboration.
Throughout the day, students showed great enthusiasm and maturity; their ability to work together and step up as leaders was truly impressive. Whether it was guiding their peers, managing time effectively or making collective decisions, the students exemplified the values we hope to foster in future leaders.
This experience marks an important step in the Year 11 leadership journey, which continues next week with a ‘Leadership Lunch’ on Friday, 13 June. This event is designed to inspire and inform, starting the formal process of selecting student leaders for 2026. Students will hear from a panel of guest speakers, each of whom will share personal stories, key insights and lessons learned from their own leadership experiences. At the lunch, students will also receive a comprehensive overview of student leadership at Pedare, including a detailed breakdown of each available position. This will help students make informed decisions about the roles that align with their strengths and passions as they consider applying for formal leadership positions.
Year 11 City Challenge Day – Friday, 30 May
Year 10 students have also been engaging in their own Leadership Development Program and recently had the opportunity to hear from Tom Jonas, former captain of the Port Adelaide Football Club. Tom shared his experiences leading an elite sporting team, offering advice about resilience, responsibility and leading by example.
We are incredibly proud of how students are engaging with these opportunities and look forward to watching them continue to grow as leaders within the Pedare community.
Year 10 Bloom Leadership Session with Tom Jonas – Thursday, 5 May
FRUITFUL REFLECTION
Combined Anglican Schools Worship Service
Middle School leaders joined hundreds of students from Adelaide Anglican schools to participate in faith-based workshops and a worship service at St Peter’s Cathedral on Tuesday, 3 June. Workshops included Godly play, photo language, singing and dance, ice-breaker games and the ever-popular morning tea station! This annual event is a wonderful opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a diversity of worship experiences and understand that they are part of a larger community of students across Adelaide who are worshipping in their own unique ways.
With The Most Reverend Geoffrey Smith soon to retire from his roles as the Archbishop of Adelaide and Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia, it was a privilege for the students to hear his final Combined Worship Service message, encouraging us to embrace the hope we have through Jesus.
Mrs Alaina Frost
WELLBEING MATTERS
SchoolTV
Many of our parents seek support around excessive screen time as the number one health concern affecting their children. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that there should be no screen time for all children under two, less than an hour a day for children aged from two to five and less than two hours for 5 to 17 year olds.
Dr Michael Carr Gregg outlines the important role that parents play in managing this. His research can be accessed on SchoolTV and is most interesting to listen to.
https://pedarecc.sa.schooltv.me/newsletter/managing-screen-time
Free Webinar: Digital Media Literacy & Safety (Part II)
DATE: Thursday, 19 June 2025
TIME: 7:30 pm
Join two of Australia’s leading experts in youth wellbeing and cybersafety, Susan McLean and Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, for an exclusive webinar session where they will share invaluable insights on how to empower young people to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
Topics in this webinar include:
• Artificial Intelligence
• Misinformation & Algorithms
• Sexting and Sextortion
• Online Grooming
Please note, this webinar is a one-off event and will not be available to replay later.
COLLEGE NEWS/NOTICES
Shrek Musical
Featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire, ‘Shrek the Musical’ brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears.
This production brings together students from Years 8 through 12 in a celebration of joy and community that promises fun for the whole family. Don’t miss out on the greatest fairy tale never told!
‘Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….’ And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek.
Based on the Dreamworks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig
Book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire, Music by Jeanie Tesori
Originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions
Performances of ‘SHREK THE MUSICAL’ are licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia)
Casual Clothes Day Term 2
Casual Clothes Day is coming up next week, on Friday, 13 June! This term, students across the College have selected to raise funds for the Southern Koala and Echidna Research (SKER). SKER provide not only emergency rescue services for our precious native wildlife, but also veterinary care, rehabilitation and release. They also contribute to ongoing animal research and support local communities in improving and maintaining natural habitats and food sources for our native animals.
So, remember to dress in your “winter warmers”, scarves, beanies or animal-inspired warm and cuddly outfits. All donations via the Qkr! app are very much appreciated.
Photo Day Orders
The College was pleased to have MSP Photography visit on Tuesday for School Photos.
They will return on Thursday, 12 June, 8:30am – 10am to take photos of any students who were absent last Tuesday.
A reminder that photos should be ordered before 12:00pm Thursday, 12 June 2025. Ordering will remain open indefinitely, but a retrieval/delivery fee will apply for all orders placed after that date.
Pre-loved Teddy Bear Donations
Do you have any secondhand teddy bears in good condition looking for a new home? Feel free to bring your pre-loved teddies and drop them off at the Reception or the Junior School Office before the end of Term 2 (Friday, 27 June). These donations will be re-purposed into new toys for Junior School students as part of a Year 9 Community project.
Two Year 12 Essential English students, Renee N and Jacob B (Year 12), were invited to participate in the SACE Essential English Subject Renewal forum at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Monday, 2 June.
This forum sought to hear from students about their experiences with Essential English and their ideas for the future of the subject. Both Renee and Jacob conducted themselves in an exemplary manner and were able to share their thoughts confidently and articulately. Their contributions are highly valued by SACE and we commend them for stepping out of their comfort zones to serve the community in this way.
Mrs Sarah Bloomsfield
Outstanding Musical Achievement at the Adelaide Eisteddfod
We’re thrilled to celebrate the remarkable musical achievements of Year 3 student, Philip Z, at this year’s Adelaide Eisteddfod Music Competition. Philip’s dedication and talent truly shone across two challenging categories.
In the highly competitive 8-9 Years Cello or Double Bass Solo category, Philip’s exquisite performance of Bach’s Cello Suite No.1 in G Major, Prélude, earned him a phenomenal First Place among nine competitors. This is an outstanding accomplishment and a testament to his hard work.
Philip also impressed in the 7-10 Years Piano Recital Solo category, where he received an Honourable Mention. His nuanced performance of three pieces by Cimarosa, Heller and de Falla, spanning diverse musical eras, demonstrated his versatility and depth.
We are incredibly proud of Philip’s musical growth and commitment.
Football South Australia U12 Girls
Sissy A (Year 6) has been selected by Football South Australia (FSA) to join the U12 Girls State Development Program squad. We are so proud of her talent and hard work.
The program will involve a carnival in July at Service FM Stadium. We wish Sissy all the very best as she participates in this elite development program!
LEARNING HIGHLIGHT
South Australian VEX Robotics Industry Season Launch
Pedare held the first-ever South Australian VEX Robotics Industry Season Launch and Lunch event on Thursday, 5 June. STEM Professionals were invited to hear about the 2025/2026 VEX Robotics Competition games: Push Back (V5) and Mix&Match (IQ), and ways to get involved, including the very important role of judges during competitions.
Guests heard from Pedare VEX Alumni who shared how the program has shaped their career pathways, building their confidence and resilience to tackle real-world challenges. Current VEX teams shared their insights into this year’s game and how they’re preparing to take it on. From unpacking defensive strategies to discussing the gripper mechanisms they are developing, it was clear to all at the event that this program engages students in STEM disciplines and future career pathways.
VEX Robotic Competitions are held across South Australia, with Pedare hosting the first ever competition back in 2018, with just five schools competing. Competitions are now held statewide, with 19 schools participating in 2024.
Thank you to all who attended, to Marshall and Brougham for their generous in-kind support of the lunch and drinks, and a special acknowledgement to Mr Zankov, Leader of Innovation and Enterprise, for his initiative in bringing this event together and fostering such meaningful connections between education and industry.
South Australian VEX Robotics Industry Season Launch – Thursday, 5 June
Year 12 Outdoor Education Kayaking Expedition
Year 12 Outdoor Education students set off for a three-day kayaking expedition through the stunning backwaters of the River Murray near Renmark on Monday, 26 May.
Strong winds on Day 1 delayed the start of the paddle and led to a modified route. Despite the setback, students showed determination and adaptability. Day 2 brought a demanding 15km paddle, including several tough stretches against the wind that tested both their resilience and teamwork.
Evenings at camp offered a welcome contrast, with calm weather and time to unwind around the campfire. Students prepared tasty meals on trangias and took the opportunity to reflect on their shared experiences and the breathtaking surroundings.
The final day included a short paddle before the much-anticipated stop at the Monash Adventure Playground and a bakery lunch in Waikerie.
Students should be extremely proud of their perseverance, positive mindset and the growth they demonstrated throughout the expedition. They now return with lasting memories and valuable reflections to guide them as they complete their camp evaluations.
Mrs Bronwyn Dutch
Year 12 Outdoor Education Kayaking Expedition – Monday-Wednesday, 26-28 May
Year 11 Physics on Ice Excursion
Year 11 Physics students visited the Adelaide Ice Arena on Friday, 23 May, equipped with stopwatches, measuring tapes and pucks, to test their knowledge of motion, forces and momentum on a nearly frictionless surface. Students explored the concepts of linear motion under constant acceleration, Newton’s Laws and the conservation of momentum by taking measurements of mass, time, distance and speed and performing various calculations. This low-friction environment was great for students to recap their learning from Semester One, as well as getting in some ice skating practice.
Mrs Natasha Atkins
Year 11 Physics at Ice Arena – Friday, 23 May
Year 11 DreamBIG Drama Excursion
On Tuesday, 20 May, Year 11 Drama students attended the DreamBIG – Behind the Curtain experience along with other Drama students from Gleeson College and Golden Grove High School.
Each student was given an individual itinerary, based on the preferences they submitted. After the opening panel with industry leaders, students were taken to their elected workshops. These workshops included a Technical Workshop, Stage Management Workshop, Arts Marketing Workshop, Producing Festivals Workshop, Set Design Workshop, Outdoor Event Design Workshop and Shakespeare by Design Workshop.
This opportunity gave students a hands-on experience navigating what the theatre industry is like, allowing them to network with peers and professionals alike. Students were very lucky to have one workshop co-led by an old scholar, Madison Thomas, who is the Marketing and Communications Manager at Windmill Theatre Company.
This fantastic experience allowed the Drama students to conceptualise more clearly their processes, affirm what they learn in the classroom and to be introduced to the South Australian theatre industry.
Mr Chris Bond
Year 11 DreamBIG Drama Excursion – Tuesday, 20 May
Year 1 Reconciliation Crafts
To promote reconciliation, Year 1 students have engaged in a variety of activities to spark interest, promote understanding of belonging and how to work collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as we move forward as Australians. They enjoyed sharing their sense of belonging through story stones and showed persistence in creating story sticks and woven people. Being able to gather in the yarning circles to share their crafts was extremely meaningful for this group of students.
Mrs Alisa Burne
Year 1 Reconciliation Crafts – Tuesday, 3 June
Creative Corner
Year 11 & 12 Drama Production
You are invited to experience the Year 11 & 12 Drama production of Eugène Ionesco’s darkly comic masterpiece, RHINOCEROS. This wildly imaginative and student-driven play explores the eerily relevant theme of conformity and challenges us to consider the importance of standing against the stampede. This is a wonderful opportunity to witness students showcasing their skills to the community.
When: Friday, 20 June 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Golden Grove Arts Centre
Price: FREE
Don’t miss this captivating performance. All are welcome!
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.
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
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