From the Principal

As we conclude our second week of the academic year, I look forward to seeing as many parents as possible at the annual P&F Welcome to the New School Year Cocktail Party to be held this Friday (10 February) evening from 6.30-9.00pm in the Arts Centre. In particular, we look forward to seeing as many of the new parents as possible as it will give them an opportunity to meet other parents in their daughter’s year level. The P&F will supply all drinks and nibbles and we look forward to a large turnout of parents for what is always a fun night.

In only two weeks' time, on Saturday 25 February, the P&F will conduct their major fundraising event for this semester, the Twilight Cinema. While the film for the night will be verified shortly, I can confirm that the night will feature a range of fun activities for all ages including, music videos on the big screen, live entertainment, amusements and a raffle (prizes include a weekend Getaway to Authenticity Spa Retreat at Port Elliot, vouchers and much more). A range of food and drinks will also be on sale such a BBQ, popcorn, lollies, ice blocks, gourmet coffee, cupcakes, beer, wine and soft drinks. In previous years the Twilight Cinema has been a huge success and we are hoping to have a large turnout of families again this year to raise funds to assist with the Home Economics and Textile Room refurbishment.

Concerns Regarding the SACE and its Review

I was very interested to read newspaper articles over the holiday period criticising elements of the new SACE, which was fully implemented last year. The articles, which appeared in the Sunday Mail during mid to late January, cited concerns from a University academic and a former independent school Headmaster who shared fears about the “watered-down” Year 12 certificate. One of the articles mentioned that Dr Paul Kilvert, SACE Board Chief Executive, stated that there would be an evaluation of the first full year of the new SACE, but refused to give any further information about the details of the review.

Since the announcements regarding the arrangements for the new SACE were made public during 2008 and 2009, I have been concerned about a number of aspects. First and foremost, I am concerned that in Year 12 (Stage 2) under the new SACE, students only need to complete 4 subjects and the Research Project to gain an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank). By comparison, prior to the implementation of the new SACE, students were required to study 5 subjects in order to gain an ATAR (or TER as it was known prior to 2010). Whilst the SACE Board may argue that this Research Project substitutes for a subject and provides students with general capabilities which can be used in all areas of life, I am concerned that the reduction in the number of subjects studied limits educational offerings. Languages and some humanities subjects appear to be the subjects that have been most affected by the changes to the SACE, with 1006 students statewide studying Geography in 2010 compared to only 384 in 2011.

This alarming reduction in the number of students studying these subjects comes at a time when we are, more than ever, trying to encourage our students to study a language other than English. Our students are growing up in a very mobile world where they need to be able to engage, communicate and often work with people who are culturally and linguistically different from themselves. We should be encouraging our students to take a range of subjects in order to fully prepare them for their tertiary studies and life beyond School.

Although the Research Project has been designed to be a substitute for the fifth subject, many schools, such as ours, are providing opportunities for students to complete their Research Project in Year 11. Last year our Year 11 students undertook the Research Project and nearly 70% of the cohort received an ‘A’. Whilst I am not in any way diminishing the amazing work of our teachers and students to obtain such results, it does bring into question whether the Research Project should be completed in Stage 1, which would then allow for the re-introduction of a fifth subject at Stage 2 level.

I also have concerns about the moderation process used under the new SACE. Previously, the SACE used a statistical moderation process whereby a student’s internal work was marked by his or her teacher and moderated against external assessment items (ie examinations). Under the new SACE, a student’s work is moderated against performance standards which detail the knowledge, skills and understanding students have acquired as determined by the teacher. This is then linked to an A-E scale. My concern is that even though teachers have undertaken training in the application of performance standards this sort of system opens up a great deal of subjectivity in relation to marking, in turn causing a greater work load and stress on teachers.

Last week I wrote to the Minister for Education requesting some feedback as to the terms of reference for the review of SACE that was cited in the media. I had previously spoken to an official at the SACE Board who told me that the terms of reference were yet to be determined, but an announcement would be imminent. A copy of the email sent to the Minister is as follows:

Dear Minister Portolesi,

I am writing to you in regards to the proposed review of SACE referred to by Dr Paul Kilvert, SACE Board Chief Executive, in recent media reports.

As a Principal of an independent School, who unfortunately has had to witness the demise of standards under the new SACE, I am writing to ask you to carefully consider the terms of reference for the review. It is my firm belief that the SACE review needs to be transparent, independent and extremely thorough, making comparisons with the requirements and standards of other higher school certificates in other states (namely the HSC and VCE). The review should consider the impact on subject choices (and the subsequent marginalisation of some subjects such as languages, specialist mathematics and some humanities), student preparedness for tertiary studies and the inherent issues associated with moderation across schools – just to name a few! It is my firm belief that the SACE Board should not be undertaking the review as they have a vested interest in the SACE remaining the way it is currently organised.

I am very concerned that an announcement about the review appears imminent and yet there is no information from anyone at the SACE Board as to the terms of reference for the review. Once an announcement has been made, it will be too late to change the parameters of the review. I am therefore imploring you to now consider the terms of reference, before it is all too late.

I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

At the time of writing this article, I am yet to get a response from the Minister.

Whilst I am extremely grateful that we have made the strategic decision 18 months ago to seek authorization to teach the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program from the beginning of 2013, I am also of the view that it is important that the SACE is offered in a way that ensures it is a legitimate alternative to the IB DP. Despite a 35% increase in the number of students taking the IB in South Australia over the past three years, we need to work hard to make sure the SACE is innovative, contemporary and internationally focussed whilst being rigorous and challenging to adequately prepare our students for higher education. I know that many of our students will continue to choose the SACE as their educational pathway, and for that and other reasons, I will continue to advocate for retention of high standards with the SACE.

Fiona Godfrey

The SPAA group of students with Amanda Kimber (Director of SPAA) and Timothy Sexton (Guest Speaker) at the launch of the Saints Performing Arts Academy.

Launch of Saints Performing Arts Academy

On Wednesday 8 February the Saints Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) held its official opening. Amid much excitement and enthusiasm, the 23 students who have been accepted into the inaugural year of the SPAA Programme, met together for the first time. Students, parents, friends, a number of the SPAA tutors, Mrs Godfrey, members of the Board of Governers  and members of staff all gathered in the Arts Centre to celebrate the SPAA opening and to listen to our inspirational guest speaker, Timothy Sexton.

The launch began with a welcome from Mrs Godfrey, followed by an outline of how and why the concept of the SPAA was developed, including an explanation of the aims and objectives of the programme. The students were then introduced to the audience; 10 dancers, 9 Drama students and 4 Music students. These students have all been admitted to the SPAA through a rigorous audition process involving over 50 candidates. They are an elite group of young artists, who will be working at an advanced level throughout the year.

The curriculum content was then outlined; Semester 1 will focus on distinct disciplinary skill development, and Semester 2 will focus on an Integrated Arts Project. The year will culminate on October 31 with a showcase of this project at the Celebration of SPAA.

The enormous list of tutors was then revealed, including current artists of the State Theatre Company and Australian Dance Theatre, lecturers from the Flinders Drama Centre and the Elder Conservatorium of Music, independent choreographers, musicians and artists with international celebrity. I will profile these in future Enews  editions, however, here is the list to date: Janet Bridgeman, Renato Musolino, Nick Parnell, Lisa Griffiths, Dean Barcello, Kailea-Nadine Williams, Allison Howard, Roz Hervey, Larissa McGowan, Peter Riley and Carol Wellman-Kelly.

Guest speaker, Timothy Sexton, then addressed the gathering. As CEO of State Opera and founder of the Adelaide Art Orchestra, he is one of Australia’s most prominent Music identities (click here to view profile). Mr Sexton spoke with passion, clarity and energy, inspiring all who heard him. He spoke about the Arts allowing us to shine and develop, and that each artist, developing and otherwise, can make a difference to the world; this is the nature of the Arts and the people who embrace it.

Mr Sexton congratulated the School on this initiative and commended the students on their success in gaining entry to the SPAA. He assured them that they are in for an incredible year and implored them to take full advantage of every tiny aspect that this experience will grant them. His speech was truly inspirational.

The SPAA is now officially open with the excitement, enthusiasm and anticipation still resonating throughout the Arts Centre among students, parents and staff. We look forward to an amazing year and I look forward to keeping you updated on the progress of the programme.

Amanda Kimber (Head of Arts, Director of SPAA)

Paul Dillon has been working in the area of drug education for the past 25 years. Through his own business, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA), he has been contracted by many agencies and organisations across the country to give regular updates on current drug trends within the community. He has also worked with many school communities to ensure that they have access to good quality information and best practice drug education.

In recent years, he has worked extensively with a range of sporting organisations including the Australian Cricketers' Association, the Rugby Union Players' Association and the Football Federation of Australia to provide training workshops to elite athletes on a range of alcohol and drug issues. He has also written a best-selling book for parents, titled ‘Teenagers, Alcohol and Drugs‘, which was released in 2009. With a broad knowledge of a range of content areas, Paul regularly provides media comment and is regarded as a key social commentator in Australia, appearing on a wide range of television programs including Sunrise, TODAY and the 7PM Project discussing topical issues. Paul also had a regular spot on a national radio program on Triple J for seven years where he dealt with current youth drug issues.

Our School community welcomes Paul again this year to speak to our Year 10, 11 and 12 students, staff and parents.

A parent information session will be held in the Humzy Theatre on the evening of  Wednesday 22 February from 7.30pm. We would like to invite parents from all year levels to hear Paul speak. His informative and interesting talk last year was well received by the parents who attended.

Sonya Risbey (PE/Health teacher).

Meg Mead's chosen Folio.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Meg Mead who has been invited to submit her Folio for the SACE Art Show 2012. Students produce a folio that documents their visual learning in support of their works of art or design. The SACE Art Show 2012 showcases selected art and design work created by Year 12 Visual Arts students in 2011. The SACE Art Show is one of the SACE Board’s biggest annual events, and each year the exhibition attracts thousands of visitors. The exhibition will run from Monday 26 March to Wednesday 2 May at the Light Square Gallery, from 9am to 4pm weekdays.

Kirsten Mansfield (Art/Design teacher)

In an initiative of librarians across Australia, 2012 has been proclaimed the National Year of Reading to address the downturn in literacy skills and to reignite a passion for reading. 46% of Australians struggle with basic reading skills; a figure which would shock many people. This campaign aims to make us a country of readers. Reading gives us the ability to visit new places, see the world through different eyes, challenge our ideas and stretch our imaginations.  Reading gives us the skills to embrace life and all its opportunities.

The SA National Year of Reading will be launched in Rundle Mall on Tuesday 14 February at 12pm, with many fun activities for families happening under the Gawler Place Canopy. 

Last December, the first Australian Children’s Laureate was announced. Boori Monty Pryor and Alison Lester were jointly awarded this prestigious position and they will spend 2012 touring the cities and regional areas of Australia to promote reading and literacy in schools.

Look out for The Reading Hour which will take place at 6pm to 7pm on 25 August at the end of Children’s Book Week, to celebrate the power of reading. It is a formal time set aside for everyone to acknowledge how important it is to immerse oneself in a book for at least an hour a week.

So many of the students at St Peter's Girls enjoy the benefits of reading and they will be ready participants in this important National Year of Reading. A Creative Reading Prize has been announced; if the girls wish to enter, details are available in the Senior Library. Entries open on 1 March and close on 31 May 2012.

Julie Wells (Senior Library Librarian)

Top: Agong (Misha) Longar with her family and friends at her Baptism and Ryan and Leah March (far left). Above: Amelia Joan Farr with her parents, Andrew and Nina Farr.

On Sunday 5 February two very special services were held in the Chapel of St Peter. Misha Longar, foster daughter of Ryan and Leah March ('01) and daughter of Chapal Nyuon and Longar Kenyang, was baptised in a morning service with a musical accompaniment provided by Nora Choi (Year 10). This was followed by a service of baptism for Amelia Farr, daughter of Andrew and Nina Farr (Andrews '96 ). Both services were very happy occasions, giving family and friends an opportunity to gather and celebrate while expressing their strong commitment to care for these children. As a School community we give thanks for Misha and Amelia and pray that they will know God’s love and faithfulness throughout their lives.

Rev'd Natasha Darke (School Chaplain)

L-R: Emily White, Jemma Cialini, Georgina Sarah, Ella Kollias.

Rowing at Saints Girls is going from strength to strength. We now have 23 girls from Years 7-11 involved in the Rowing Club. They train each Tuesday and Thursday after school from 4.00-6.00pm. The school bus takes them to the Scotch boatshed at the Torrens. Regattas are scheduled every Saturday during Terms 1 and 4.

This year has also seen the beginning of formal gym sessions for all rowers. Senior rowers attend on Monday and Wednesday before or after school. Junior rowers attend at lunchtime each Thursday. Ben Flannagan has generously donated his time and expertise to help our girls reach their full potential as competitive rowers.  Not only has Ben run the EFM gym at the School for the last 10 years, he comes from a rowing background, having won Head of the River with CBC 1st VIII in 1989.

Friends of Rowing is up and running and we are lucky to have great support and enthusiasm from the parents of rowers and the School community.

Rowing parents are enjoying the great regatta atmosphere every Saturday morning with the smell of hot lattes and bacon and eggs for breakfast while cheering on our girls.

We have been lucky enough to use the School marquee and trailer which are well branded and being admired by other schools.

Hellen McIver has been elected by the committee to be President along with Marcus Belder as Vice President, Fiona Godfrey as Patron and Bec Norton as Secretary.

Friends of Rowing will aim to assist the rowing program in the following ways:

• Providing advice on the strategic direction of the Saints Rowing program, including the development of a marketing plan.
• Supporting the recruitment of girls to the program by providing relevant information and support to potential parents.
• Fundraising to provide additional resources, such as equipment and training facilities for the program.
• Supporting Rowing SA with the provisions of volunteers to act as Boat Race Officials, with the aim of registering at least one parent or guardian per rowing family to ensure fair distribution of the workload.
• Development of rowing uniforms.

Bec Norton (Secretary, Friends of Rowing)

This year, for the first time, we will be taking our Music Ensemble students on Music Camp. Held at the lovely coastal town of Ardrossan, two hours from Adelaide, the girls will be involved in rehearsals, sectionals and workshops with expert tutors and Music teachers. This year we will also be holding a fundraising concert for the local community hospital. The 64 girls and 8 staff will be leaving on Thursday afternoon, 16 February and returning on Sunday 19 February. Parents and friends are very welcome to drive up on Saturday and attend the 7.00pm concert. Tickets are $5. The concert will include performances from the Stage Band, Concert Band, Junior Band, Senior and Middle String Orchestras, our Senior Orchestra and Enchante, plus many wonderful soloists.

Sally Rounsevell (Director of Music)

Swimming Carnival

We are seeking parent volunteers to assist with various roles at Swimming Carnival, including timekeeping etc. The more volunteers available, the more affective our carnival will run. If you can assist, please contact Dan Searle or Neil Fuller in the PE Office on 8334 2242.

Summer Sports Draws

Summer sports draws are currently being finalised and will be available for the girls in the coming days. They will also be posted on the School website  http://www.stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au/sport/

Maps of schools in the competition can be found at: http://www.igssa.org/

Old Scholars' Soccer Club

A reminder that the Old Scholars' Soccer Club trains at the School on Wednesday evenings from 6.00pm. Interested players can contact the PE Office on 8334 2242 or nfuller@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au to register their interest.
 

Interstate Team Nominations

The School can nominate students for a wide variety of Primary and Secondary sports for both District and National trials. District details will normally be distributed at School, but those wishing to be considered for interstate trials should CLICK HERE for more information. The interstate trips do have cost involved.

As we cannot cover all sports with information, I ask for you to refer to the School Sports website if you may be interested and then contact Mr Fuller in the PE office for further details on 8334 2242 or nfuller@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au

Rowing

The second term of the rowing season officially began last Saturday, with 4 crews competing in the Loreto College School Super Series Regatta. The Years 8/9 C Coxed Quad Scull (Mirnaa Parameswaram, Janie Steele, Alice Watson, Emily Hage, c: Amelia Gare) came 5th and 6th in their two races, winning over crews from Wilderness, Scotch, and Adelaide High.

The Years 8/9 D Coxed Quad Scull (Ella Kollias, Emily White, Gemma Cialini, Georgina Sarah, c: Sophie Terp) also competed in two races, placing 4th and 6th against crews from Walford, Pembroke and Wilderness.

The Years 9/10 B Coxed Quad Scull (Theodora Galanis, Emily Hage, Celeste Jagdmann, Carri Welsby, c: Sophie Terp) had successful results, placing a very close 4th and 6th in their two races, missing out on a 3rd place to Seymour by only 24 seconds.

The 1st Four (Alessia Stegani, Isabelle McIver, Sarah Parkinson, Georgina Belder) competed by invitation, placing 3rd in the first race and a close 5th to Loreto in the second.

The nine girls from the 1st Four and 9/10 Crew had also attended a four day rowing camp at Murray Bridge, staying at Avoca Dell Caravan Park. It was an excellent camp, with three rowing sessions scheduled each day and sessions off the water to improve technique. Girls from the younger crews and new rowers trained on one of the days and all crews have noticeably improved over the course of the camp. It was enjoyable and worthwhile for all who attended. Special thanks to the parents and teachers who assisted; the effort that was put in was greatly appreciated.

Georgina Belder (Rowing Captain)