Community Engagement Officer
Susie Wills (Patteson 1991) swills@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Archivist
Simone McAuliffe (nee Hall, Selwyn 1990) smcauliffe@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Acting Marketing & Communications Manager
Rachel Politis rpolitis@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
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Community is not just a word we use at Saints Girls; it’s a living, breathing embodiment of our School’s values.
At the heart of our School lies something more powerful than the activities that take place on our sporting fields, on the stage, or in our classrooms. It is our extraordinary sense of community. In my extensive experience with many schools, both here and in Victoria, I have not encountered another school with the strength of community that exists here at Saints Girls. From ELC to Year 12, every student, staff member, parent, and community member contributes to the unique tapestry of our educational experience. Community is not just a word we use at Saints Girls; it is a living, breathing embodiment of our School’s values. From our historic traditions to our progressive holistic education, every aspect of School life reflects our commitment to collective growth and mutual support.
Many events held so far in 2025 provide a testament to the shared bonds within our community.
At the start of the year, our School community came together for a lively
celebration of connection. The 'Welcome to 2025' event saw an impressive gathering of nearly 300 community members who enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and embracing newcomers with the warmth and friendliness that is such a feature of relationships at our School.
After a very successful 2025 Head of the River, where we achieved our best results ever, our Rowing Captain, Matilda Powell, eloquently captured our community spirit during the Head of the River Dinner. In her speech, Matilda reminded us that our journey is about more than just athletic achievement. It’s about embracing change, building pride and creating belonging.
Matilda said “What a privilege it is to be a part of something bigger than
What a privilege it is to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.
ourselves. When I first started rowing, we were borrowing sheds, boats, oars, trestles, basically anything you could associate with rowing. Nothing we used was branded with the School logo. What a privilege it is to now be able to row in the name of our School with pride, using the equipment we now own. What a privilege it is to have a growing community that requires us to have to buy new equipment and expand our fleet.”
The development of our rowing program exemplifies our community’s dedication and commitment to community and excellence — a journey from borrowed equipment to a proud, expanding fleet that embodies our shared aspirations.
Choral Night is a shining example of our longstanding traditions. What
began in 1943 as a simple House Choir Competition led by Mrs Horner, the President of the Saints Girls’ Music Club, has evolved into the most anticipated event of the School year. 81 years later, the 2025 Choral Night saw a record number of 1100 family and community members attend, making it a sell-out event. It showcased the extraordinary talents of our Years 7 to 12 students and exemplifies the musical heritage that continues to unite and inspire our School.
Our recent new additions to the School uniform perfectly illustrate our collaborative approach. By seeking the input of parents, community members, staff and students, we ensured that the new optional uniform items truly represent our community’s needs and
values. This isn’t just about clothing –it’s about creating a sense of identity and belonging. We are pleased to have introduced these new uniform selections this year.
As we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment to the School community remains unwavering. We are not just educating students; we are nurturing future leaders, innovators and compassionate girls who understand the power of collective achievement.
Thank you to our incredible students, parents, staff and the entire community who make St Peter's Girls' School more than just a school. We are a vibrant and committed community like no other, and I am so proud to be part of it.
CHERYLYN
SKEWES PRINCIPAL
One of the protective factors against loneliness is a sense of belonging.
In Australia, young people, aged 15 to 24 have the highest rates of loneliness among any age group. Loneliness and lack of social connection have been increasing amongst young people since 2015 and are associated with poor mental and physical health as well as poor educational outcomes. Many services and interactions have become digitalised, decreasing face-to-face exchanges which is associated with increased loneliness.
One of the protective factors against loneliness is a sense of belonging. People feel like they belong when they feel accepted and included in a group which we aim to promote at Saints Girls by encouraging students to participate in School activities and supporting girls to develop empathy and friendships. There is a strong sense of community from ELC to Senior School and many students share common values of excelling academically, in sports and/or in music.
Common values can increase a sense of connectedness, but when self-worth is
tightly linked to achievement, there can be high levels of anxiety and depression. It is often motivating to set high standards for oneself; this helps people achieve highly, but holding relentlessly high standards is discouraging and limits success. Perfectionism becomes problematic when someone sets impossible goals for themselves, is critical of themselves when they fail to reach their goals and don’t celebrate their achievements. These behaviours take people further away from, rather than closer, to their goals. When people are in a social environment in which perfection is expected, they are more likely to be self-critical of results that
are good, but not exceptional. When people believe that they are important because of who they are, separate from their achievements, their wellbeing, relationships and success all improve .
At Saints Girls, we promote an inclusive School culture, value effort and mistakes (some of the greatest discoveries originated from mistakes, including Penicillin) as well as achievement. We work hard to help students maintain healthy friendships and resolve difficulties, focus on wellbeing with Pastoral Care, EMPOWHER and the School Psychology provision, but we wonder if there could be improvements in these areas. A first step could be asking students and parents to share their views to better understand the current situation. Links between the Prefect SRC Representatives and the School Psychologists are beginning to develop student-led ways to evaluate and develop meaningful connections.
STACEY THOMSON & DEEPTI BHASIN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS
As many families would have observed, substantial progress has been made on the North West Build throughout the holiday period and Term 1. What began as an excavation has now evolved into a clearly defined building structure, marking a significant milestone in the development and bringing the vision tangibly to life.
Key construction achievements to date include the completion of the lower ground floor concrete columns, precast concrete retaining wall, ground floor footings, and the concrete slab for the maintenance and storage areas.
The suspended concrete slab for the two-court gymnasium is now approximately 60% complete, with steelwork erection having commenced in mid-March. The lift shaft precast panels have also been installed and are now visible on site. In addition, new underground services—including mains water, electricity, and fibre optics—have been successfully extended to the new facility.
Current works are focused on the continuation of steelwork and roofing installation. Upgrades to electrical and fire safety systems took place during the April school holidays. Attention is also turning to the internal components of the project, with the finalisation of design elements and the procurement of furniture, fittings, and equipment now underway to ensure timely delivery and installation.
The project remains on schedule and continues to progress smoothly in alignment with planned timelines.
Ongoing improvements at the Early Learners' Centre have continued over the past couple of terms, with several key upgrades completed:
• Hallett Room: Extended and refurbished, now featuring a dedicated projector space to enhance learning experiences.
• Pathway Room: Expanded and upgraded, including the strategic relocation of student toilets to improve accessibility and proximity.
• Kitchen: Fully upgraded to support and enhance the Centre’s comprehensive food offering.
• Hallway and Reception: The hallway has been realigned with the main entrance, prompting a reconfiguration of the reception area and foyer to create a more welcoming and functional entry point.
During the final weeks of Term 1, the ground floor of the Jeffreys Lynn Arts Centre was temporarily closed for two weeks to facilitate the replacement of the retractable seating mechanism. This upgrade ensures the space can continue to transition efficiently between seating arrangements and teaching configurations.
KAREN LIMB BUSINESS DIRECTOR
I am delighted to share the outstanding academic achievements of our 2024 Year 12 SACE and IB students. Throughout the year, these students embodied our School values of Courage, Creativity, and Compassion, demonstrating unwavering dedication and resilience in all their endeavours.
We congratulate our 2024 Joint School Duxes, Heidi Gong, 2024 IB Dux and School Assessment-based Dux (Bessie Hill Memorial Medal winner for IB), who achieved an IB score of 44/45 with Merits in English A SL, French B SL, Economics HL, Physics HL, Chemistry SL, Mathematics AA HL, and an A in Physics Extended Essay; and Ishita Chellaboina, our 2024 SACE Dux, with a 99.75 ATAR, with Merits in Chemistry, Biology, Mathematical Methods, and two University High Distinctions.
I would also like to congratulate Charlotte Norman, the School Assessment-based SACE Dux (Bessie Hill Memorial Medal winner for SACE), who achieved an impressive ATAR of 99.05. Charlotte earned awards in English Literary Studies, Research Project, Music Ensemble, and an A+ in Drama.
Over half of our 2024 SACE Stage 2 students achieved an ATAR of 90+, placing them in the top 10% of the country. 78% of Stage 2 grades achieved were in the A band, more than double the State figure of 34%.
St Peter’s Girls’ School is proud to be the only all-girls school in South Australia offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and our 2024 IB cohort continues to set a high standard of academic learning.
Congratulations to every Year 12 student on your achievement. You should feel incredibly proud of all you’ve accomplished. I extend my sincere gratitude to the teachers, parents, guardians, families, and the entire St Peter’s Girls’ School community for their steadfast support.
99.75 top ATAR achieved in 2024
1 /4 40+
One third of our students achieved a Distinction (IB score 40+) of students placed in the top 3% nationally
of SACE students achieved an ATAR of 95+
(compared with State figures)
of Saints Girls' SACE grades were in the ‘A’ band –more than double the state average of 34%
There were many individual success stories, with over half of our 2024 SACE Stage 2 students achieving an ATAR of 90+, placing them in the top 10% nationally.
In IB, a third of our students achieved a Distinction (IB score 40+), and three quarters of ALL subject scores were in the ‘A’ range. A special mention to the following students:
HEIDI GONG
2024 IB DUX AND SCHOOL DUX, BESSIE HILL MEMORIAL MEDAL WINNER (IB)
IB SCORE 44/45
ISHITA CHELLABOINA
2024 SACE AND SCHOOL DUX ATAR 99.75
(KAYLAH) PARK
JINGYAN (JESSICA) ZHANG 2024
NORMAN
IB SCORE 43/45
BESSIE HILL MEMORIAL MEDAL WINNER (SACE) ATAR 99.05
Jasmin Baker
Music Performance - Solo, English and Music-Ensemble
Lilli Bennett Physical Education
Lydia Burrough General Mathematics
Ishita Chellaboina Chemistry, Mathematical Methods and Biology
Amy Dillon
Spanish AB SL, Biology HL and Chemistry SL
Sophie Edwardes Modern History
Huong Giang (Steph) Nguyen Research Project
Heidi Gong
English A SL, French B SL, Economics HL, Physics HL, Chemistry SL and Mathematics AA HL
Shanta Holloway
English Literary Studies
Matilda Joy Research Project B
Daisy Kennett
English and Music - Ensemble
Emily McCorley
Economics HL, Chemistry HL and Biology HL
Alexandra Nguyen Dance
Charlotte Norman
General Mathematics, English Literary Studies, Research Project and Music Ensemble
Zoe Min-O'Callaghan Dance
Abigail Papps
English Literary Studies
Olivia Park Research Project B
Youn (Kaylah) Park Physics and English Literary Studies
Zoe Pool
Music Performance-Ensemble, General Mathematics and Dance
Yaning (Lynne) Qi English B HL
Yincheng (Yvanda) Qu Mathematical Methods
Jingxi (Grace) Ran Film SL
Ella Ridge
General Mathematics
Kunyu (Winnie) Tian Research Project B
Neya Titus
Spanish AB SL and Global Politics HL
Alysa Trinh
Psychology HL, Biology HL, Chemistry SL and Mathematics AI SL
Alyssa Walpole Dance
Jingyan (Jessica) Zhang Biology
As well as achieving outstanding academic results, the Class of 2024
Accumulated
14,533
Pocket Points
In 2024, Year 12 students...
Participated in 36 different co-curricular offerings, including sports, performing arts, debating, philosophy and so much more!
Played in 514 competition sport matches across 16 different sports in 45 teams, and completed 1831 trainings collectively. They also participated in 297 non-competition and social sports sessions.
48% of the cohort gave back to the community through involvement in our Service Learning programs.
This year's Academic Excellence Assembly celebrated the exceptional achievements of the Class of 2024. This remarkable group of students not only excelled academically but also contributed to the rich fabric of our School community, demonstrating the School values of Courage, Creativity and Compassion that define the Saints Girls education.
Academically, the Class of 2024 achieved outstanding results. Their achievements reflect not only the students’ hard work but also the expertise of our educators and the invaluable support of families.
The Class of 2024 embodied a commitment to holistic education. They excelled in academics as well as co-curricular pursuits, participating in sports, music, drama, debating, and service-learning programs. Nearly half of the cohort took part in servicelearning, giving back to the community and demonstrating the compassion and generosity that underpin a Saints Girls education.
Their efforts extended into leadership, creativity, and innovation, paving the way for a future filled with promise.
Their accomplishments have translated into a broad range of tertiary opportunities, with more than 90% of students receiving offers for their firstpreference university courses in fields
Their success was underpinned by curiosity, which inspired them to delve deeply into their learning and explore new ideas.
such as medicine, law, engineering, health sciences, psychology, education, and the arts. Many gained entry into highly competitive programs both locally and internationally, reinforcing the effectiveness of our tailored pathways for success.
As I shared during the Academic Assembly, the Class of 2024 offers many
lessons. Their success was underpinned by curiosity, which inspired them to delve deeply into their learning and explore new ideas. They showed courage in stepping outside their comfort zones, whether by pursuing challenging courses, taking on leadership roles, or presenting their creative work to the wider community. They embraced vulnerability, recognising that growth often comes from seeking support and learning from setbacks. Optimism drove them to act and persist through challenges, while integrity ensured they did so with kindness, respect, and collaboration.
At St Peter’s Girls, we are deeply committed to fostering a culture where every student can thrive through diverse academic offerings, co-curricular activities, and programs like tertiaryrecognised learning and vocational education, ensuring that every Saints Girl is empowered to reach her fullest potential. As we look to the future, I encourage all students to embrace the opportunities available, embodying the values of curiosity, courage, and resilience in their learning journeys. Congratulations once again to the Class of 2024 and my best wishes to all students as we embark on another exciting academic year.
KATE FRYER DIRECTOR OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
At the Academic Excellence Assembly, Mary Brownridge (Selwyn 2019) returned to the School as a guest speaker and shared her experiences at Saints and her inspiring career as a Marine Ecologist and current PhD candidate at Adelaide University.
Mary left our graduates with the following ‘SAINTS’ advice as they navigate their post school life.
Start reading. Read books that are informative and educational, but also read books that are imaginative and fun, because they will keep you creative.
Ask questions. It will save you so much time and stress.
Invest in people, because those same people will want to invest in you.
Never turn down an opportunity because you think you can’t do it. Chances are you can do it, and if it’s a challenge, then it’s probably good for you.
Try having hard conversations with people you disagree with. Not only do they make you wiser and more mature, but they also broaden your view on the world.
Stop worrying about what you can’t control and do what you love.
At Saints Girls, we are fortunate to have a dynamic group of Prefects dedicated to enhancing our School community. As Head and Deputy Head Prefects, inspired by the enthusiasm of our peers, we created an initiative to address a critical issue affecting many of our students.
Statistics reveal that teenage girls are twice as likely to experience low self-esteem compared to their male counterparts. Furthermore, girls generally participate less than boys in various activities, including sports, physical activities, and other extracurricular pursuits. These trends are often influenced by societal expectations, lack of encouragement, and a perceived lack of opportunities.
To tackle these challenges and strengthen our sense of community, we launched the I'mPossible initiative. This theme is built on the belief that anything is possible when you create the right environment and make the necessary moves to make it happen. Each term, we will introduce a new aspect of the initiative, following the progression of I’mPossible through a series of empowering statements. We began with “I can”, emphasising that change starts with the individual. Next, we moved to “We can”, reflecting our strong sense of community at Saints Girls and the power of collective action. Finally, we conclude with “You can”. “You” symbolises the transition of impact, change and possibility, inspiring younger generations to continue the journey.
One of the key priorities for our year of service was boosting participation and enthusiasm. We introduced the 'Poster & Spirit Stick Competition', where students create posters and decorate spirit sticks to support their teams and friends. The
results are incredible – at the Head of the River 2025, West Lakes was transformed into a sea of Saints Girls blue and white, with our Prefects leading the cheering for our crews.
In January, some of our Prefects had the privilege of connecting with student leaders from girls’ schools across Australia and the world at the International Coalition of Girls Schools’ Conference in Sydney. We had the opportunity to share initiatives from our respective schools, engaging in collaborative learning and idea-sharing. One standout tradition was the powerful role of war cries in fostering school spirit and unity. Inspired by this, we introduced new war cries at Saints Girls, giving our students a fresh way to show their pride and enthusiasm. The response has been fantastic - at sporting events, assemblies and School celebrations, our war cries have quickly become a symbol of our collective spirit.
In March, we hosted an International Women’s Day (IWD) Assembly, aligned with this year’s theme "Accelerate Action". We invited three guest speakers from diverse fields: Karen Limb, our Business Director, brought invaluable financial expertise, Emily Morris, an actor, now a Food Technology Teacher at our School, and Jaimi Baker, owner of PEAQ Gym, with a background in Psychological Science. These women shared their journeys, challenges, and insights, inspiring students to take action in their own lives.
We are proud of our achievements so far and are excited to keep building momentum throughout the year.
MOLLIE KENNETT & OLIVIA PARK HEAD & DEPUTY HEAD PREFECTS
At St Peter’s Girls’ Early Learners’ Centre, our units of inquiry are intentionally designed to align with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and are inspired by the principles of responsive, relational pedagogy. During Term 1, our central idea ‘Belonging supports wellbeing’ has empowered children to explore their identities, build strong relationships, and experience the joy of learning in meaningful, authentic ways.
Learning Community 1: Building Identity Through Connection
In Learning Community 1, educators created calm, nurturing environments where children felt secure, connected, and ready to learn. The emphasis on responsive and respectful relationships supported the development of essential social-emotional skills. Daily rituals provided rhythm and predictability, fostering a sense of trust and safety.
Children explored their identities through self-portraiture, using a
range of mediums including collage, painting, and loose parts. These creative expressions became powerful tools for developing self-awareness, pride, and belonging within the group. As affirmed by research in early childhood education, when children feel known and valued, their capacity to learn and flourish expands profoundly.
Erindale Room: Growing Independence, Connection and Exploration
In the Erindale Room, transitions have been mindfully supported through consistent routines that encourage children to independently manage their personal belongings, engage in daily rituals, and build autonomy.
Mealtimes became a rich foundation for inquiry, connection, and identity-building. Children shared their food preferences and the significance of food in their lives, sparking meaningful conversations and deepening relationships. The inquiry extended into Science, with
children using microscopes to explore the cellular structure of food. This hands-on exploration fostered curiosity, observation, critical thinking, and problem-solving, helping children make sense of the world around them.
Literacy and identity development intersected authentically through name recognition and emergent writing, celebrating each child’s individuality and their growing sense of self.
These seemingly small rituals are filled with deep learning potential building responsibility, empathy, and connection.
Pathway to School: Belonging Through Identity, Story and Symbolism
In the Pathway to School program, children continued to explore their identities through expressive selfportraits, examining how facial features can reflect emotion and individuality. These artistic investigations promoted oral language development, creativity, and a deepening understanding of self through diverse mediums.
A particularly meaningful experience unfolded during the exploration of the Palti Circle, a Kaurna term for a communal meeting place where listening, respect, and connection are valued. Drawing on the power of symbolism, children used Kaurna symbols and plasticine to represent themselves around the Palti Circle, reflecting not only their identity but also their unique place within the group. This experience fostered cultural
awareness, supported identity formation, and strengthened the children’s sense of belonging within their learning community. As part of the process, the children also engaged in a meaningful numeracy experience counting how many friends were represented in the Palti Circle and discussing who was present. This mathematical element supported number sense and oneto-one correspondence while also reinforcing the social message: we are all here, and we all belong.
Meals and Shared Moments: Cultivating Community
Term 1 saw the implementation of our full food offering, providing nutritious meals catering to the diverse needs of all children. Our relaxed, familystyle dining experience has become a cornerstone of our community, inviting rich discussions about nutrition, preference, and the role of food in our lives. As children serve one another and gather around the table, they
experience the social and emotional nourishment that comes from sharing food and conversation. These seemingly small rituals are filled with deep learning potential building responsibility, empathy, and connection.
Our much-loved Twilight Picnic, held along the Chapel path, brought families together in a moment of shared joy. Led by the Pathway children, the evening began with a heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country, honouring the Kaurna people and the land on which we learn and grow. As laughter echoed across the lawns and families gathered outside the rush of daily life, we were reminded that cultivating community is not an addition to our work—it is the foundation of it.
Whether through nature-based learning at Ferguson Conservation Park, collaborative meals, cultural storytelling, or artistic expression, a clear message echoed across all learning spaces: when children feel they belong, their wellbeing thrives. And when wellbeing thrives, learning becomes not just possible, but joyful, empowered, and enduring.
At St Peter’s Girls’ ELC, we are honoured to walk alongside children and families on this journey. As the year unfolds, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing environments where each child feels seen, heard, and valued; spaces where belonging and wellbeing are nurtured, and lifelong learning takes root.
LIZ SCHEMBRI DIRECTOR OF EARLY LEARNERS' CENTRE
Term 1 was a wonderful start to the School year, filled with meaningful learning experiences, memorable events, and a warm welcome to the many new families who joined our School community. From leadership opportunities to hands-on learning and sporting events, our students have embraced new challenges and celebrated their achievements together.
Year 6 Leaders’ Induction Service - Nurturing Tomorrow's Changemakers!
The Year 6 Leaders’ Induction Service marked a significant milestone for our Junior School students as they stepped into their new leadership roles. Each student is assigned a position of responsibility, fostering personal growth and character development. Whether in sports, the arts, technology, or peer support, they are learning that leadership extends beyond titles and badges - it is about setting a positive example, supporting peers, and making meaningful contributions to the School community. Through these responsibilities, our students are developing essential skills in self-management, collaboration, and resilience.
The inclusive nature of our Year 6 Leadership program also reinforces
that every student has the leadership potential to create positive change and make a difference. We warmly thank our community members who shared their personal leadership journeys with our Year 6 girls – your presentations were inspiring, thank you!
Years 3 and 4 Sport and BBQ Afternoon – A Fun Introduction to Co-curricular Sport!
Through these responsibilities, our students are developing essential skills in self-management, collaboration, and resilience.
The Junior School hosted the Years 3 and 4 Sport and BBQ Afternoon, an event that brought students and families together for an enjoyable and interactive introduction to our School’s co-curricular sporting program. This special event provided students with the opportunity to try different sports offered, fostering a love for physical activity and teamwork.
A huge thank you to our wonderful staff, students and families who contributed to making each event such a success. As we reflect on these enriching experiences, we celebrate the ways our students demonstrate Courage, Creativity and Compassion — values that will continue to shape their growth and learning within our School community.
Girls in Tech Expo – Empowering Young Innovators!
In February, St Peter's Girls' School proudly hosted our seventh annual Girls in Tech Expo: a full-day event designed to ignite curiosity, build confidence, and inspire a passion for technology.
More than 250 girls from St Peter's Girls and surrounding schools engaged in interactive experiences with cuttingedge technology under the expert guidance of industry leaders. Students gained invaluable insights into exciting career pathways in engineering, robotics, cybersecurity, and coding. The enthusiasm and creative problemsolving displayed throughout the day showcased our students' growing capabilities with digital innovation and their excitement about becoming future leaders in STEM fields.
MARIKA TAYLOR HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
During Term 1, the 2025 Year 9 Leaders were recognised at our Middle School Assembly in the Chapel. Year 9 Leaders are expected to support our School’s values of Courage, Creativity, and Compassion and take on active roles in School life, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to their positions. Students are appointed leadership roles based on application, considering their interests, and awarding all those who apply for a position.
All leaders work as a Year 9 Leadership team, but also in smaller working groups based on the School area they are representing. These include:
• House Captains and House Sports Captains
• Arts Leaders
• Chapel Leaders
• Events Leaders
• Library Leaders
• Music Leaders
• Reconciliation Action Plan Ambassadors
• Student Representative Council Members
Allowing students to lead within the School is a vital way to increase student voice, build their confidence, instil responsibility and accountability for self and others, and encourage teamwork. Through their experience of working with each other, as well as staff within their
specialty area, our leaders increase their ability to collaborate and communicate with a range of different people. It also allows students to recognise the impact leadership can have as an act of service for our School community, offering them opportunities to develop their leadership skills whilst increasing outcomes for all.
Congratulations to all Year 9s who have been awarded leadership roles this year.
In Week 6 of Term 1, Year 9 students and their families joined us in the Chapel to launch the Becoming Program for 2025. The Home Group Teacher team, led by Joni Combe (Head of Year 9), spoke to each of the themes of the program and its importance for students on their journey through adolescence. The Becoming Program hopes to celebrate the physical, social, emotional and spiritual growth of students throughout the year whilst nurturing their selfesteem. Exploring four main themes, each term has a different focus:
• Gratitude
• Resilience
• Compassion
• Respect
Throughout the year, students are encouraged to understand that their individual rights should be balanced by reciprocal responsibilities and service to others. Underpinning the whole program is the desire to open students to a greater understanding of themselves and awareness of their beliefs, and to encourage resilience in the face of challenge.
Following this information session, families were given the opportunity to participate in a sharing exercise with their daughter to connect and reflect on their life so far. This conclusion to the evening was a true celebration of the parent-daughter relationship.
These seemingly small rituals are filled with deep learning potential building responsibility, empathy, and connection.
In April, the Year 7 students presented an Eco-Market as part of their subject, Futures. With great enthusiasm, the girls exhibited a diverse range of upcycled products, reflecting their resourcefulness and creativity.
Throughout the project, the girls explored the process of planning, designing, creating, budgeting and marketing their products. They embraced the principles of environmental consciousness, repurposing discarded materials into unique and practical items.
By actively engaging in this handson process, the students developed important skills, such as project planning, critical thinking, problemsolving and teamwork. They learnt to manage challenges, adapt designs and optimise resources, all while fostering a genuine appreciation for the environment.
Congratulations to all Year 7 Futures students for their creativity, hard work and commitment to sustainability.
EMMA SMERDON HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
To say it has been a busy start to 2025 for the Senior School would be an understatement, with the Formal, Choral Night, Swimming Carnival, Ponytail Project and International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations all taking place in the first 11 weeks of the year. Our Senior Students have been excellent role models, leading our School with enthusiasm, pride and energy. They have involved themselves in all aspects of the important School events and have supported their younger peers throughout the process.
A highlight for many is the Senior School Formal. The theme for 2025 was ‘Old Hollywood’, and it didn’t disappoint as our students transformed from Year 11s and 12s into young women. The dancefloor was inundated all evening with, at times, some interesting dance moves from students, guests and staff alike. Under the leadership of the Formal committee, a dedicated group of Year 12 students, the event was a great
success that brought together our oldest students for a night not many will forget.
The girls didn’t have long to reflect on the fun and excitement of the Formal as attention quickly turned to Swimming Carnival and Choral Night. These two events are steeped in tradition and history and are valued immensely by our community. The Swimming Carnival was
held at the Marion Leisure Centre for the first time. I’m not sure they knew what had hit them as cheering and screams rang out all day across the pools as the girls supported their respective Houses. Each race was full of students trying their best to earn points for their House, while the Year 12s dressed in their best costumes kept the energy levels high with House chants and lollies.
Once the Swimming Carnival had finished, the Middle and Senior Schools quickly turned their attention to Choral Night. After having learnt the theme was the 70s late in 2024, the House and Deputy House Captains set to work selecting songs they believed would give their House the best chance of winning on the night. The Senior School plays an important role in this student-led event, taking responsibility for leading and teaching their Houses two songs and the accompanying band music. The Year 12s had also been busy learning dance routines since December last year. With
only 18 practice sessions to learn two songs, you could feel the excitement and tension growing in the air. Finally, the day had arrived and each House performance was outstanding as the level of musicianship was once again raised. The Year 12 dances captivated audiences with sharp routines and aerobatic tricks. It was almost too close to call a winner; however, breaking a 13 year drought, Patteson came away with the victory and bragging rights.
In addition to traditional events, throughout Term 1, the Senior School also led us in awareness and fundraising campaigns.
Under the leadership of the Prefect Team, Saints Girls celebrated International Women’s Day. The theme this year was #accelerateaction. The student leaders set about creating an IWD Assembly that highlighted women excelling in fields that have been traditionally dominated by men.
Ms Karen Limb, Director of Business, Ms Emily Morris, actress, and Ms Jaimi
They have led with a sense of purpose and passion, they have supported each other, and they have had fun.
Baker, co-owner of PEAQ Performance Centre, shared with us their experiences in their respective professions. They spoke of times they had faced challenges or barriers because they were female and ways in which they had overcome this. They also shared ways in which they believe action can be accelerated in their respective fields. The Assembly included for the first time a joint venture video between Saints Girls, Wilderness, Seymour and Walford. Traditionally seen as ‘friendly rivals’, the video was a powerful example of the potential power
the girls’ schools have when we come together to create change.
We concluded the term with the Ponytail Project, an initiative by Community Service Prefect Kate Thomas. 28 students bravely stood in front of a crowd to have their ponytails cut off, all in the name of raising awareness and funds for cancer research while also donating their hair to be made into wigs for cancer patients. The girls who had been growing their hair since late last year raised a staggering $19,000 for cancer research and patient support.
It has been a wonderfully busy and creative start to the year for the Senior School. Whilst managing increasing study demands, the girls have remained actively involved in their School. They have led with a sense of purpose and passion, they have supported each other, and they have had fun. We look forward to all that is still to come in 2025!
LAUREN SUTTON DEPUTY PRINCIPAL AND HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
The St Peter’s Girls’ Swimming Carnival was once again a highlight on the School calendar, bringing together students, staff, and families for a day of spirited competition, sportsmanship, and community celebration.
The Carnival kicked off with the Junior School (Years 4 to 6) at the Norwood Swimming Centre on Tuesday 18 February. Having excellent weather, the event saw a fantastic turnout of parents who came to support their daughters from the sidelines. It was heartwarming to see Senior House Captains attending to cheer on the younger girls and offer guidance and encouragement.
Students dived into the action, with impressive participation across all year levels. The novelty events were a crowd favourite, showcasing the girls’ ability to work together and embrace team spirit with enthusiasm and energy. Whether racing competitively or paddling together in fun relays, the joy and camaraderie were unmistakable.
The Middle and Senior School students took to the water at the Marion Aquatic and Leisure Centre on Wednesday 19 February, where participation was at an all-time high. With more students competing in events than in previous years, individual determination and a strong sense of House pride were evident.
The atmosphere was electric, with Houses rallying behind their swimmers and cheering them on with passion. The Carnival was a display of true sportsmanship, as students supported each other across every lane and finish line. The event served as a platform to celebrate our outstanding swimmers, whose efforts and achievements were inspiring to all.
McGill Shield
1st – SELWYN
2nd – KILBURN
3rd – KENNION
4th – PATTESON
Junior School Shield
1st – KENNION
2nd – KILBURN
3rd – PATTESON
4th – SELWYN
Middle School Shield
1st – SELWYN
2nd – KILBURN
3rd – PATTESON
4th – KENNION
Senior School Shield
1st – SELWYN
2nd – KILBURN
3rd – KENNION
4th – PATTESON
Individual Champions
Junior Champion Swimmer
Emily Wang (Patteson)
Middle Champion Swimmer
Chloe Sturt (Kilburn)
Senior Champion Swimmer
Elysia Scarr (Selwyn)
Spirit Cup SELWYN
2025 has thus far been nothing short of a showcase of talent and determination from all our girls! In Term 1, Saints Girls competed against Walford in the annual Summer Intercol competition. Excitingly, Saints Girls retained the Belinda Rosser / Jan MacDonald Summer Intercol Trophy with four wins to one across Basketball, Cricket, Rowing, Tennis, and Volleyball.
Basketball saw both Middle Bs (21-16) and Senior Bs (37-26) teams secure victories.
In Cricket, our Senior A team bowled out Walford for just 29 runs and successfully chased the target to win for the second consecutive year.
Saints Girls Rowing crews achieved the highest medal tally among girls' schools at Head of the River, winning seven of eight races against Walford to claim the Rowing Intercol trophy for the second straight year.
Despite strong effort and sportsmanship, Saints Girls conceded to Walford (Saints 18, Walford 70) in Tennis.
In an exciting competition, Saints Girls secured the Volleyball shield with an 8-5 set victory (297-251 points), marked by the Open A team's comeback after dropping the first set.
Following Summer Intercol, our girls concluded Term 1 with the highly
anticipated Summer Interhouse Sports competitions. All Houses claimed at least one Individual Sports Shield, with only five points separating fourth from first place in the overall Summer Shield.
Patteson dominated both Middle and Senior School Basketball competitions, winning all matches to claim the Basketball Shield.
Selwyn secured the Volleyball Shield with strong performances from both the Middle and Senior teams. These included several nail-biting matches in which scores were decided by just one point.
Kennion won all three matches in this combined Middle/Senior Touch Football competition, with Selwyn finishing second on goal difference.
Patteson continued their dominance in Rowing, winning for the fourth time in five years in this inclusive event held on the Middle School Deck.
Patteson remained undefeated to claim their first Cricket Shield since the competition's inception in 2023.
Despite venue limitations, Kilburn secured back-to-back Tennis Shield victories, narrowly defeating Selwyn by a single point in their decisive matchup.
Our students have also represented the School in the IGSSA Swimming Carnival against fierce competition. The girls competed admirably throughout the day,
with Saints Girls finishing 3rd overall— an outstanding achievement that further demonstrates our athletic strength across multiple disciplines.
Throughout all competitions, the camaraderie, growth and sporting excellence displayed by our students have been a testament to their hard work, the support of their coaches, and the vibrant sporting culture we continue to nurture.
Overall Summer Interhouse Placings:
1st PATTESON
2nd SELWYN
3rd KILBURN
4th KENNION
Basketball Placings
1st PATTESON
2nd KENNION
3rd SELWYN
4th KILBURN
Volleyball Placings
1st SELWYN
2nd PATTESON
3rd KILBURN
4th KENNION
Touch Football Placings
1st KENNION
2nd SELWYN
3rd KILBURN
4th PATTESON
Rowing Placings
1st PATTESON
2nd SELWYN
3rd KILBURN
4th KENNION
Cricket Placings
1st PATTESON
2nd KILBURN
3rd KENNION
4th SELWYN
The 2025 SA Schools' Head of the River competition, held on Saturday 15 March, presented significant challenges with hot weather forcing schedule changes and a persistent headwind creating difficult racing conditions. Nevertheless, the Saints Girls' Rowing team demonstrated remarkable resilience and achieved unprecedented success!
Our rowers secured an impressive medal haul:
• 6 gold medals (1st place finishes)
• 2 silver medals (2nd place finishes)
• 2 bronze medals (3rd place finishes)
• Our other crews finished their season strongly as well, placing 4th, 5th, 6th and 6th in their respective races.
This represents the most successful Head of the River in our School's history, breaking the previous record set just last year in 2024. Even more impressively, Saints Girls earned the highest medal count of any school in the entire Schoolgirl competition!
The Head of the River also serves as our Intercol fixture against Walford, with results determined by aggregate performance across all divisions. This year, St Peter's Girls' School dominated with a decisive 7:1 victory!
The Saints Girls' community showed exceptional support throughout the day. Students turned out in force with their ‘spirit sticks’, creating an atmosphere of encouragement and camaraderie. The creativity and compassion demonstrated by our students exemplify what makes the Saints Girls' culture truly special.
Special thanks to the Friends of Rowing for their tremendous effort in creating a festive environment at the Saints Girls' marquee and supporting our team throughout the day.
Congratulations to all our rowers and the coaching team on their extraordinary achievements and outstanding sportsmanship!
BRYNLEY MILLWARD DIRECTOR OF ROWING
The vibrant community groups within our School play a pivotal role in creating a thriving educational environment. They form the backbone of support that helps our community and students flourish.
These groups serve as a crucial bridge between families, faculties and meaningful parental involvement. When parents participate in School activities through our Year Level Parent Representative Program or Friends of Groups, they gain valuable insights into their daughter’s educational journey. Our volunteer community have made remarkable contributions through creative fundraising initiatives that have directly enhanced the student experience. Recent efforts have funded additional items for Performing Arts and Sports. Our Friends of Rowing provide hospitality to all our girls and families during the season and fund new ergo machines when required.
Beyond material contributions, our volunteers foster a sense of belonging that strengthens our School culture.
Family nights, BBQs, Dad’s Night on the Green and the ELC disco are a few of the events that were organised this year.
These events would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, all who strive to create lasting connections among students, parents, and staff alike.
As we look to the future, we invite all families to find their place within our School's community groups. Whether you can offer an hour here and there, or take on a leadership role on a committee, your involvement makes a difference in creating the exceptional educational experience our students deserve. Please reach out to Belinda Mears at bmears@stpetersgirls.sa.edu. au or Fiona McGregor at fmcgregor@ stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au if you would like to know more about contributing to this wonderful community we call Saints Girls.
BELINDA MEARS DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS AND ADVANCEMENT
We are excited to share with our community that we have introduced a new range of supporter tops. A wonderful opportunity for parents, caregivers, and supporters of Saints Girls to show up at School sports games and events with your very own supporter top.
Several dollars from each sale will be donated to ‘Friends of’ Groups at the end of each year. The volunteer support from Friends of Sport, Friends of Rowing and Friends of Arts enhances our community through friend raising, and their fundraising activities provide additional funds for resources to be purchased for our Girls.
Scan the QR code to order your supporter wear:
Newsies - our Years 7 to 12 Musical Spectacular
Before the first day back at School, over 50 students arrived at the Jeffreys Linn Arts Centre to audition for a lead role in Newsies - our Years 7 to 12 Musical Spectacular!
Set in New York City, the musical tells the story of the newsboy strike in 1899 and includes incredible choreography, passionate characters, and a powerful music score.
Students who auditioned were required to sing, dance, and act, learning material during the holidays to present to our Musical Team, which provided a realistic audition process. Since then, over 100 students have signed up to be involved on stage, making this our biggest Musical production yet at Saints Girls! Additionally, students have signed up for the backstage crew and the student band.
So far, it has been such a wonderful opportunity to bring students together from all year levels, and the peer mentoring, leadership and collaboration have been exciting to see.
KATE BURNETT HEAD OF THE ARTS
Year 11 drama students took to the stage during Term 1 to perform Trap by Stephen Gregg. We spent the day at Holden Street Theatre, and it was an exciting experience being offsite and working in an alternate performance
space. The play belongs to a theatrical style known as verbatim theatre, which uses the evidence and personal accounts to tell a story.
This play explores a mysterious attack in a small Californian town. Trap delves into the unsettling details of the incident and gradually reveals the truth as the performance progresses. In preparation for the production, we dedicated ourselves to thoroughly researching and understanding the complexities of verbatim theatre. We worked tirelessly, guided by our teacher Ms Kitching, to capture the authenticity and emotional depth required, spending weeks analysing the script and exploring character motivations. As a class, our commitment to the rehearsal process and attention to detail were evident in every aspect of the performance. It was not only a chance to showcase our talents with increased confidence, but also a valuable opportunity for each of us to grow and refine our skills as actors.
EVE RILEY-MALE
YEAR 11 STUDENT
Our thriving Old Scholars’ Association (OSA) community is partly attributed to the many events and opportunities that the OSA, in conjunction with the School, provide throughout the year. These occasions allow past students to stay connected and continue to contribute to the life of the School.
One such opportunity was the Generations Breakfast held on 6 March to coincide with International Women’s Day. The breakfast saw Old Scholar mothers, grandmothers and aunts come together with their daughters to celebrate their connection with the School. Our guest speaker, Claire Newland (nee Hale, Patteson 2014), current President of The National Council of Women of South Australia, shared her experiences and spoke about the importance of community service.
As a third-generation Saints Girl, I felt privileged to share this occasion with my mother and daughter, Elodie.
The Old Scholars’ and current students’ Water Polo teams once again competed for the Lynne Spry Cup on Friday 4 April in the St Peter’s College pool.
Old Scholars and current students attended the game and showed their School spirit cheering the players on, and although it was a hard-fought
Our Old Scholars are invited to contribute to our School community through mentoring, guest speaker roles and support for our current students. We are very fortunate for these valuable contributions, as their insights, experiences, and generosity play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the School and empowering the next generation of students.
I look forward to seeing you at our Old Scholar events throughout the year, particularly our Annual Old Scholars Reunion Dinner on Friday 27 June.
If you would like to learn more about the Old Scholars’ Association and attend our events, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Susie Wills at swills@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
BEC FARQUHAR (SELWYN 1988) OSA PRESIDENT
match, the Old Scholars team prevailed 13 to 6. Current staff member and Old Scholar, Lynne Spry (Selwyn 1974), after whom the trophy is named, was in attendance for the game to cheer the teams on and to show her pride in the girls and her commitment to Water Polo at Saints Girls.
Well done to all players for a great game and congratulations to the SPGOS team for a well-earned victory!
If you would like more information about the Old Scholars Water Polo team, please contact Susie Wills via swills@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.
Fresh from her European tour, and joined by other South Australian talent, Emma Kavanagh (Kilburn 2014) brought Broadway to the Adelaide Fringe Festival with her sold out show ‘Broadway OffBroadway’, featuring iconic musical theatre hits from ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Les Miserables’.
We are immensely proud of Emma and her musical achievements including her recent international debut, touring the Netherlands as a guest artist in ‘Mirusia’s Classique’ concerts, her appearance as headline artist in the 2023 and 2024 Australia Day Live Concerts at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt, performances in The Adelaide Festival's centrepiece operas in 2023 and 2024, and her State Opera South Australia debut in ‘Pirates of Penzance’.
Emma is passionate about showcasing South Australia’s phenomenal homegrown talent, and supporting the next generation of Adelaide’s emerging artists and she took a moment to share her Fringe experience: “It was so special to return to Adelaide to perform in the Adelaide Fringe with my show 'Broadway Off-Broadway', and such a joy to make my producer and directorial debuts on home soil! The Adelaide Fringe really is an incredible event, so to be part of that and to perform in Gluttony was an absolute dream. Thank you so much to everyone who came to see the show. It was extra special to share the production with so many fellow Old Scholars in the audience. We were absolutely thrilled to open to sold out shows for our debut season! The show was a celebration of South Australian talent, and a thank you
It was extra special to share the production with so many fellow Saints Old Scholars in the audience.
letter from the cast to all the teachers and mentors who nurtured us and supported our musical endeavours as we grew up in Adelaide. We are lucky to have such incredible music educators and training programs in Adelaide. I am so grateful to Sally Rounsevell, Sari Noble, and the rest of the wonderful team at Saints Girls for their ongoing support of my career”.
We wish Emma every success in her future musical endeavours and look forward to seeing her performing back in South Australia soon.
Old Scholar Cheryle Pedler (nee Johnson, Kilburn 1989) was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of the Australia Day Honours in January, in recognition of her life-long service to the Riverland, state and country.
Cheryle has always had a passion for volunteering and community service, including the SA State Emergency Service. After moving to the Riverland in 2001, Cheryle joined the Lions Club of Berri and has now been a member for over 20 years, holding various positions within her local club and Lions International.
“Volunteering has been part of my life from a very young age. My mum set the
example and always encouraged me to participate by helping out wherever I was. Moving across the world, and SA has not made any difference to my commitment to volunteering - because I enjoy it.
For all those who would like to make a meaningful difference, reach out to your local service club, community organisation, the council, your child’s school, sporting group, or church. The contributions we make as individuals and collectively make our community what it is today. I acknowledge and thank all our community volunteers for the efforts made to provide a wonderful and inspiring community for all to enjoy”, she said.
Cheryle’s community service is recognised nationally and internationally and much of her recent volunteering is focused on urban and regional planning within her Local Government role. Congratulations Cheryle.
Open to all Alumni years and Class Reunions of 1955, 1965, 1975, 1985, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015.
Annual Reunion Dinner Friday 27 June 2025 at 7pm The Adelaide Pavilion | Veale Gardens Corner of South Terrace and Peacock Road, Adelaide
$75 per person. Includes welcome drinks, canapés and a two-course meal. Drinks are available at the bar.
RSVP Friday 20 June 2025. www.trybooking.com/CYWIV or telephone 8334 2239
School Tour: Meet at Jeffreys Linn Arts Centre foyer at 10.30am
St Peterstide Eucharist: Eucharist in the School Chapel at 11.45 am
Please direct further enquiries to the Community Relations Office via (08) 8334 2239 or swills@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
Bessie Hill’s story is one of determination, resilience, and a pioneering spirit that paved the way for future generations of women in South Australia. A distinguished former student, Bessie’s life and achievements are a shining example of academic excellence, entrepreneurship, and community contribution.
A Star Student and Early Leader
Bessie Hill’s connection to St Peter’s Girls’ School began long before she became a respected member of the business community. In 1913, she was named Dux of the School, and just a year earlier, she had been selected as one of the first three prefects when the prefect system was introduced at St Peter’s Girls. Her leadership and academic brilliance were evident, setting a high standard for future students.
A Pioneer in Education and Academia Her academic journey continued after School, as she worked as a part-time teaching assistant at St Peter’s Girls’ School while studying Mathematics, Philosophy, and Classics at Adelaide University. In an era when higher education for women was rare, Bessie’s pursuit of a university degree was
groundbreaking. Had she been able to complete her studies, she would have become only the second St Peter’s Girls Old Scholar to graduate from university. Sadly, Bessie was forced to discontinue her education after the untimely death of her father. Despite this setback, Bessie’s determination never wavered. She took on a clerical and bookkeeping role, marking the beginning of a successful career in commerce and business.
A Trailblazer in Business and Personal Achievement
Bessie was ahead of her time in many ways. She was one of the few women in South Australia to purchase a car with her own earnings, an accomplishment that was groundbreaking for a woman in the early 20th century. Her love for travel was another hallmark of her adventurous spirit, though ill health later prevented her from pursuing her passion as much as she would have liked.
Bessie’s journey took a significant turn when she moved to Port Lincoln after marrying. There, her husband had recently launched the Port Lincoln Times, and Bessie became involved in the business. In addition to raising her
family, she managed the newspaper’s bookkeeping and administration. After her husband passed away in 1957, Bessie continued to oversee the operations of the paper into her seventies, demonstrating unparalleled dedication and resilience.
Bessie’s professional success was a testament to her intelligence, hard work, and ingenuity. Under her stewardship, the Port Lincoln Times won numerous state and national awards, becoming a highly successful business that left a lasting imprint on the local community.
Following Bessie’s passing, her children and their families sought a meaningful way to honour her legacy. After discussions with the School Principal, Miss Pike, and Sister Audrey, they established a prize for the Dux of the School—recognising academic excellence and the same spirit of achievement that Bessie embodied throughout her life. The family designed a special medal for the prize, embossed with the School crest and motto, serving as a lasting keepsake for the recipients.
Bessie’s legacy continues to be celebrated at St Peter’s Girls, with recipients of the Dux of SACE and the Dux of IB prize being further acknowledged on the Jefferys Linn Arts Centre Honour Boards. Her story serves as an inspiration to all students, reminding them that hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence can lead to remarkable accomplishments.
Her family remains deeply connected to St Peter’s Girls, with her greatgreat-granddaughters, Nina and Hazel, currently enrolled at the School. Bessie’s granddaughters, Athena Zogopoulos (nee Hill, Kilburn 1978) and Tania Brougham (nee Hill, Kilburn 1979), both attended the School. Athena is an active member of the Friends of Saints Girls committee, and her daughters are also Old Scholars. Elleni Pearce (Zogopoulos, Kilburn 2000), Georgia Hatzis (nee Zogopoulos, Kilburn 2007), is Hazel’s mother, and Fiona Besir (nee Zogopoulos, Kilburn 2002), is Nina’s mother. In addition, Fiona serves on the School’s Board of Governors.
On Tuesday 4 March we welcomed Old Scholars to the annual Old Scholars’ Year Leaders’ Event and Annual General Meeting in the Jeffreys Linn Arts Centre foyer.
It was wonderful to see the Old Scholars in attendance and exciting to welcome our newest Old Scholars.
The official election of Office Bearers and Councillors took place, and we are very happy to announce that Bec Farquhar (Selwyn 1988) was re-elected as President and Tori Moore (Patteson 2009) was re-elected as Vice President.
Anne Daniell (nee Crisp, Kennion 1969) stepped down from the OSA Secretary role and we sincerely thank her for her diligent work and are thrilled she is staying on as a Council Member. We
are delighted to announce that Simone McAuliffe (nee Hall, Selwyn 1990) was elected as the new Secretary.
Bec Farquhar, OSA President, Principal Cherylyn Skewes and Director of Marketing, Communication and Advancement, Belinda Mears provided reports with regards to Old Scholars’ events and activities and current School
life updates, in particular the 130th Anniversary celebrations last year and the outstanding SACE and IB results.
Pat Oakeshott (nee Scrutton, Selwyn 1946) attended and Bec took the opportunity to thank her and present her with some flowers on behalf of the OSA for her 50 wonderful years of volunteering in the Junior School Library.
The OSA looks forward to welcoming all Old Scholars to events throughout the year.
PRESIDENT
Bec Farquhar (Selwyn 1988)
COMMITTEE
Tori Moore (Patteson 2009) – Vice President
Simone McAuliffe (nee Hall, Selwyn 1990) - Secretary
MEMBERS
Judith Bruce (nee Yeoman, Patteson 1962)
Jacqui Seppelt (nee Roll, Kilburn 1964)
Helen Cant (nee Geue, Selwyn 1965)
Lynda Henderson (nee Gould, Kilburn 1967)
Anne Daniell (nee Crisp, Kennion 1969)
Rebecca Parry (Kilburn 1980)
Megan McCormack (nee Walker, Kilburn 1986)
Tatum Gould (nee Hawley, Selwyn 2004)
Charlie Sykes (nee Aykroyd, Kennion 2010)
Hannah Butenko (Kilburn 2011)
Danielle Thomas (nee Schultz, Selwyn 2011)
Lily Habel (Kennion 2017)
Saskia Jonats (Selwyn 2021)
Lara Wakeham (Patteson 2021)
Daisy Kennett (Patteson 2024)
Sophie Ricciuto (Kennion 2024)
Angelina Hii (Selwyn 2024)
All regular OSA meetings are held in the Chiverton Boardroom at 5.45pm: Tuesday 3 June Tuesday 2 September Tuesday 11 November
If you are interested in joining the Old Scholars’ Association Council or require further information, please contact Susie Wills via swills@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au or 8334 2239.
The Friends of Saints Girls enjoyed a wonderful Chapel Service and lunch on the Chapel path on Wednesday 26 March.
The theme was community service and service learning, acknowledging the strong history and tradition of service within the Saints Girls’ community, we were honoured to welcome Old Scholar Fiona Dorman (nee Khor, Patteson 1996), as a guest speaker.
Fiona actively serves her community in numerous leadership roles including President of the National Council of Women Australia, Chair of the Premier’s Council for Women, South Australia and Co-Founder of the South Australian Women’s Fund.
Introduced by Community Service
Prefect Kate Thomas, Fiona spoke to guests and students about her experience and happy memories of her time at Saints Girls and the important role that community service has played in her life.
The Chapel Service highlighted the recent refurbishment of the Chapel organ, made possible by the generous bequest left by Mrs Meredyth Sarah (nee Woods, Kilburn 1954). Cassandra Moore (nee Jewell, Patteson 1978), President of the Friends of Saints Girls, welcomed
Mr Don Sarah AM and spoke about the extraordinary contribution that Meredyth and the Sarah family have made to the School.
Guests enjoyed a magnificent performance of The Blessing, by the St Peter’s Chorale Choir before enjoying lunch and the opportunity to reconnect with each other.
For more information about the Friends of Saints Girls, please contact Susie Wills at swills@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.
The Friends of Saints Girls committee is a small group of volunteers that work together to enhance the future of the School, by acknowledging the achievements of the past. Each year we organise two events where we welcome back Old Scholars as guest speakers to honour the accomplishments of the past and commemorate milestones. These events are open to anyone with an interest in the School who wishes to
socialise, participate and stay connected with the community of St Peter’s Girls.
Our next event celebrating ‘Women in Community Service’ is on 29 October at 10am. To RSVP please contact Community Relations on 8334 2239 or swills@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.
CASSANDRA MOORE (NEE JEWELL, PATTESON 1978)
CHAIR, FRIENDS OF SAINTS GIRLS
Saints Girls’ Old Scholars have a strong history of staying connected to the School and contributing in varied and positive ways to the lives of current students.
Whether it be as a sports coach, an academic tutor, participation in career expos, speaking at events, mentoring the girls or playing in an Old Scholars’ sport team, there are many ways that Old Scholars can continue to contribute to the School community.
If you would like more information about ways you can get involved with the School community, please email Susie Wills at swills@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.
On Thursday 6 March, more than 30 Old Scholars joined their daughters, granddaughters and nieces, currently attending Saints Girls, for the annual Generations Breakfast.
Old Scholars have always maintained a strong generational link with the School and the Generations Breakfast has become a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our history and the next generation of Saints Girls. It was special to see our Old Scholars, Athena Zogopoulos (nee Hill, Kilburn 1978), Jacqui Seppelt (nee Roll, Kilburn 1964) and Rosemary Farquhar (nee Smith, Selwyn 1962) celebrating three generations of Saints Girls at the breakfast.
In the lead up to International Women’s Day, we were privileged to welcome Old Scholar, Claire Newland (nee Hale, Patteson 2014) as guest speaker. Claire is currently the State President of the National Council of Women South Australia, a volunteer-run organisation advocating for women's rights. Gender equality has always been important to Claire and she is currently a Management Consultant at Grant Thornton.
As a third-generation Saints Girl, Claire spoke of experiences at Saints and the importance of women in leadership. Her inspirational Grandmother, Anne
Warner (nee Linklater, Patteson 1960), inspired by her own Mother’s teaching career, went on to study Pharmacy at the University of Adelaide, a profession considered quite unusual for a woman at the time. Anne forged a pioneering career in pharmacy and became an inspirational leader in the community, paving the way for generations of women to follow.
Whilst inspired by her grandmother, Claire believes that her passion for leadership service in the community started at Saints. She shared with the current girls the importance of kindness, leadership and giving back to their community to make the world a better place, encouraging them to embrace these opportunities during their school years.
Claire shared a quote her grandmother had given her as she was about to depart to study in the UK, that has inspired her education, career and commitment to community service.
In February, Old Scholars gathered at the Malvern Hotel to celebrate the Melbourne Reunion. Our Principal, Cherylyn Skewes attended and enjoyed meeting our Melbourne-based Old Scholars, whilst the guests enjoyed hearing from her about current School life and the School community.
Thank you to Angie Seekamp (Kilburn 1996) for once again arranging a great afternoon.
For more information or to join future Melbourne Reunions, please email Susie Wills at swills@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.
“A girl need not have any anxiety about the result of her education, whatever the line of it may be. If she keeps faithfully busy each hour of the working day, she may safely leave the final result to itself. She can, with perfect certainty, count on waking up some morning to find herself one of the competent ones of her generation, in whatever pursuit she may have singled out.”
We thank Claire for joining us for such a wonderful morning and celebrating the inspirational generations of Saints Girls.
If you have current relatives attending Saints Girls and would like to join the Generations Breakfast next year, please contact Susie Wills at swills@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au.
When were you a staff member at Saints Girls?
I was a staff member at Saints Girls from 1990 until 2001.
What was your main role at the School?
I was a Junior Primary classroom teacher.
What subjects did you teach?
During my time at Saints Girls, I had an interestingly varied role and taught all subjects except PE, Music, Computer Science and Japanese.
What were the key highlights of your time at Saints Girls?
As an Old Scholar, having started my education first at Kermode Street and then at Stonyfell, it was very special to return to the School as a teacher.
The Junior Primary was an enjoyable unit, where teachers worked closely together, but it was my involvement with the whole School and the happy family environment that was a real highlight for me.
Another highlight for me during my time at Saints, was reliving and participating in School activities such as Sports Days and Choral Night. I also have happy
for the Year 12 progressive dinners.
What have you been doing since leaving Saints Girls?
Since leaving, I have kept in close contact with the School as a Past President of the Old Scholars’ Association and current Council Member. I enjoy attending Old Scholar and Friends of Saints Girls’ events, particularly the Generations Breakfast where I can celebrate my family’s past and present connection with Saints Girls.
Giving back to the community has always been an important part of my life, and over the years I have spent a great deal of time volunteering with organisations
and programs including, the Learning Assistance Program, the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Meal on Wheels.
Who do you keep in touch with from Saints Girls?
I often see other Old Scholars at events and Council meetings, I enjoy regular coffee gatherings and the annual lunch with other former staff which are always wonderful opportunities to catch up.
What did you enjoy most about teaching at Saints Girls?
As a teacher at Saints Girls, it was such a pleasure to see the absolute delight on the faces of my students as they learned new things and experienced new achievements. Knowing I made a valuable and lasting impact on my students and their future education brought me the most joy.
What are your current interests and hobbies?
I like to keep busy, and my current interests include travelling overseas and within Australia. I enjoy reading and crosswords and I keep fit through regular gym classes, pilates and yoga. Of course, my greatest interest and enjoyment is spending time with family and my precious grandchildren.
Keep up to date with Old Scholar news and success stories across our social media platforms:
You can stay connected with us on Facebook: facebook.com/SaintsGirlsOldScholars
You can also find us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/3769474
And we love to post Old Scholar updates on our School’s Instagram account: @stpetersgirlsschool
If you have any Old Scholar news to share, please contact Susie Wills via swills@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au
A. Joined by Saints Old Scholars, Lucy Flynn (Kennion 2011) married Hugh Michelmore on her family property in Strathalbyn on 8 March 2025.
B. Bec Slimming (Kennion 2013) married Nathan Sexton on 20 December 2024 in the Yorkshire Dales, UK.
C. Belinda Butcher (Kilburn 2004) married Justin Jelic of Vancouver on 23 November 2024 at St Andrew’s Church, Walkerville, with Old Scholar friends in attendance.
PHOTO – PHOTO CREDIT TIED KNOT PHOTOGRAPHY
D. Chelsea Marchetti (Patteson 2017) to Arran Swanson in February 2024, on top of Japan’s Hakuba 47 Mountain.
E. Molly Ellis (Selwyn 2017) to Reece Watson in March 2024
F. Mary Brownridge (Selwyn 2019) to Josh Hart
Diana Hutchinson (nee Keats, Kilburn 1946)
Pauline Ketteridge (nee Souter, Patteson 1948)
Merilyn Fisher (nee Bagshaw, Patteson 1959)
Helen Vezis (nee Hallett, Kennion 1962)
Ronda Stevenson (nee Coverdale, Patteson 1949)
Jill Clayer (nee Stewart, Kennion 1954)
Myrith Barr (Former Staff)
Vivienne Pfitzner (nee Watson, Kennion1959) - Husband
Belinda Pfitzner (Kennion1986) - Father
Sarah Gillespie (nee Moulds, Patteson 1977) - Husband
Susan Bishop (nee Trott, Selwyn 1969) - Mother
Annabel Forrest (nee Trott, Selwyn 1976) - Mother
Old Scholar announcements will only be printed with the permission of family members.
We are immensely grateful to all the generous donors who have contributed to our School Foundation by making a tax-deductible donation. The donors made contributions between 1 November 2024 and 31 March 2025. Your support is greatly appreciated and makes a significant difference in the lives of our students.
Mr M Abslom and Ms P A Croser
Mr C R and Ms A T C Alexander
Dr J S and Mrs E Badlani
Mr P and Mrs A Baker
Mr N and Dr M R Balogh
Mr L J Bannear
Mr S R Barlow and Dr C M Croser-Barlow
Mr C and Dr A Barnes
Mr L D and Mrs B J Bartter
Mr P and Mrs L Bazalicki
Mr R Bembridge and Ms K Beckman
Mr A and Mrs A Bhatt
Mr K R and Mrs K J Bigg
Mr C M H and Mrs C E Birdsey
Mr M Boase and Ms Z Yu
Mr A C and Mrs K A Bohlmann
Mr P J Brooks and Ms A K Seppelt
Mr A Buhagiar and Mrs C Panuccio
Mr A and Mrs M Caldicott-Chan
Mr R M Cammarano and Mrs D Idropico
Mr J and Mrs M Capobianco
Dr R F Casse
Miss C Causer and Mr M O'Sullivan
Mr C Chan and Mrs S Ng
Mr K Chan and Mrs B Li
Ms J L Chapman
Mr P H and Dr A Charleson
Mr B Chen and Mrs Y Yu
Mr F Chen and Mrs C Xiong
Dr H Chen and Ms L Li
Mr W Chen
Mr X Chen and Ms Y Li
Mr B Chen and Miss H Zhou
Mr D Chessell and Dr J Arnold
Mr H Y Cheuk and Ms A Chen
Mr K Cheung and Mrs P Chow
Mr P Choi and Mrs Y Chan
Mr B Chong
Mrs J K Christo-Gosse
Dr J E and Dr K V Christo
Mr M Z Y Chua and Ms W Foo
Mr T Chu and Mrs P S Wong
Dr E and Mrs E S L Cleland
Mrs C Clinch-Jones
Mrs K Collas
Copyworld
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Jo, Michael and Heather Curry
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Dr M De Silva and Mrs C Karunaratne
Mr X Deng and Ms Q Li
Mr R Dew and Mrs E D'Arcy
Mr D Ding and Mrs L Tang
Mr A T and Mrs A T Doan
Mr J K Docherty and Mrs Z M Tomanis
Docherty
Mr S Dong and Mrs B Gong
Mr S W and Mrs N J Douglas
Dr H J and Mrs C C Eaton
Dr Y and Mrs R Edirisinghe
Mr J S and Mrs T N Fahey
Mr X Fan and Mrs C Wei
Dr R and Mrs A Fassina
Mr J and Dr K Faull
Mr D Foeng and Ms A Ly
Mr K Fong and Ms R Kong
Mr R W W and Mrs S J Forby
Former Staff Community Group
Mr M D and Mrs A Francis
Mr L Fu
Mr Y Fu and Mrs L Zhao
Dr A and Dr K Fuller
Mr J Gapes and Mrs S Cranston
Mrs L Gariglio
Mr B O C and Mrs K L Goldsmith
Mr H Gong and Mrs Y Liao
Mrs A Gordon
Ms A Gorey
Mrs L A Graves
Dr T L Gray
Mrs L A Graves
Mr P and Mrs R Green
Dr S and Mrs S Greenwood
Mrs E C Grieve
Mr J and Mrs L J Gu
Mr P Hanisch and Mrs Y Yang
Dr Y Han and Mrs H Wang
Mr P J S and Mrs E K Hawkes
Mr J He and Ms J Liu
Mr D Hermann and Ms Y Marchant
Mr G W Hocking and Ms A R Meeks
Mr J and Mrs S Hogarth
Mr E A and Mrs G S Holloway
Mr Z Hou and Ms L Wu
Mr D and Mrs K Howes
Mr L and Mrs J Howes
Mr X Huang and Mrs L Shi
Mr X Huang and Mrs Q Xu
Mr Z Huang
Mr N and Mrs N Humzy-Hancock
Dr T T and Ms N B Huynh
Mr S R Jang and Mrs R M Antonio-Jang
Mrs F and Mr A Jansen
Mr S R and Mrs H D Jeffrey
Mr H Jia and Ms Y Qian
Mr M Jiang and Mrs Q Diao
Mr W Jin and Mrs L Zhan
Ms N L Johnstone
Mr T and Mrs C E Jones
Mr J Joseph and Mrs N Wahba
Mr T Kabir and Mrs N Mohd Noor
Mr H Kao
Mr A C and Mrs M N Keough
Mr I Khoo and Ms H Kam
Mr Y Khoo and Mrs G Ng
Mr J Kim and Ms M Park
Mr C Kim and Mrs X Tang
Mr J and Mrs E King
Mr K R and Mrs E Knight
Mr L Kong and Ms J Li
Mr T and Mrs D Kristoris
Dr M Kullegowda Kanigere and Dr R Chowdlu Vijaykumar
Mr T R Kulatunga and Mrs A D Rathnayake
Dr S Kumar and Mrs S Kaba
Mr M P and Mrs R J Lands
Mr S Lau and Ms Y Leung
Mr M and Mrs M Layton
Mr F Lee and Mrs C Wong
Ms C Liao
Mr J Li and Mrs L Gao
Mr Y Li and Mrs J Shao
Mr S Lim and Mrs S Tio
Mr B Lin and Ms E Chen
Mr Y Lin and Mrs T Cheng
Dr M Ling and Dr C Sam
Mr C M Linke and Ms L S Zwaans
Mr B Liu and Mrs J Ye
Ms D Liu
Mr F Liu and Ms N Li
Mr Q Liu and Ms Y Chen
Mr X Li and Mrs X Dou
Mr Y Liu and Ms G Xu
Mr Z Liu and Mrs L Yu
Dr G R Lowry and Dr C J Marlow
Mr M T and Mrs J H Lucas
Mr L Lu
Mr X Lu
Mr X Lu and Mrs S Yuan
Mr Y Lv and Ms B Shi
Dr A V and Dr R L Manudhane
Mr S S and Mrs T Matthews
Mr B P and Mrs K N May
Mr W J and Ms S L McAuliffe
Mr S D and Mrs D R McBeath
Mr D R McOmish and Mrs R E Yorston
Mr A A and Mrs M Mercorella
Mr M and Mrs A M Mesisca
Mr S Miao and Mrs A Yang
Mr R and Mrs L Miller
Mr G D and Mrs S A Mittiga
Mr H M Mohammad and Mrs S Akhter
Dr J and Mrs M Morton
Mr R B and Mrs K Moser
Mr R A Neill
Dr B W Ng and Ms F M C Yuen
Mr P and Mrs D V Noskovic
Mr N and Mrs I Oakes
Mr G E Oborn and Ms S J Keil
Mr P J and Mrs A M O'Leary
Mr S Olesen and Ms Y Zhang
Mr S and Mrs V Osborne
Mr C M and Mrs K Y Overton
Dr J L Paltridge and Mrs S L Jiang
Mr C Pan and Ms B Zhang
Mrs J and Mr A Papageorgiou
Dr G R and Mrs D K Parker
Mr J Park and Mrs W Liu
Dr J Park and Ms M Lee
Mr J Patrick and Dr J Chen
Ms M Perdelis
Dr S and Mrs H Perera
Mr M and Mrs M Perrone
Mr T Phan and Mrs T Vo
Mr G J Piantedosi
Mr T R Piper and Ms M E Fairbrother
Mr D and Mrs C Piteo
Mr C N and Dr H C Polley
Mr S J and Mrs S N Pratt
Dr D Pringle and Ms J Coles
Mr H J Purvis and Ms M E Baker
Mr C and Mrs C J Pyne
Mr S Qi
Mr W Qiu and Mrs S Li
Mr G Qu and Mrs X Li
Mr H Qu and Ms H Li
Dr M and Mrs K Ramesh
Mr J Ran
Mr Z and Mrs S Rana
Mr R Rezvani and Ms S S Khalili
Mr M and Mrs S Ricciuto
Mr E and Mrs G Richards
Mr J P and Mrs A L Richardson
Mr T C and Mrs K J Richardson
Mr T and Ms J Roberts
Mr A W Roberts and Mrs C Valmorbida
Dr A Roy and Dr S Jena
Dr M I Ruknuddeen and Dr R Z Ishaq
Dr A Salmachi and Mrs Z Yarmohammadtooski
Mr A Samaraweera and Ms R U Fernando
Mr B and Mrs J Sayers
Mr T Schmit and Mrs Q Wang
Mr B and Mrs K Schnitzerling
Mr W See
Dr A Senevirathne and Dr T Sudusinghe
Mrs L and Mr H I Shahin
Mr J Shao and Mrs Y Rong
Mr W Shen
Prof Q Shi and Mrs J Hu
Mr L Shi and Ms J Wang
Mr P and Mrs E Shillabeer
Mr C K and Mrs E J Shipway
Mr C W and Mrs J Sinclair
Mr M Singh and Mrs A Grewal
Mr M J and Mrs K E Slade
Mr C and Mrs K Sproston
Dr M Stokes and Dr M Mauro
Mr P Su and Mrs X Dong
Mr L Sun and Mrs P Han
Mr X Sun and Mrs H You
Mrs C A Sykes
Mr B J Symons and Ms B E Devries
Dr E Teo and Dr N Phan
Mr H Tian and Mrs Y Guo
Mr B M Trengove
Mr K Tsang and Ms K Ho
Mr S R Tscharke and Ms A Thackray
Mr R F and Mrs L N Tulloch
Dr S and Dr A Vaidya
Mr C Van Niekerk and Ms D Abbas
Mr D I and Mrs K J Venning
Mr D Vincent Daniel and Ms G R Samiya
Mr T V and Ms L W Vo
Mr P J and Mrs K J Walls
Mr F Wang and Ms X Zhou
Mr S Wang and Mrs J Huang
Mr W Wang and Ms J Zhang
Mr B Weidenbach and Dr L Bower
Mr M and Mrs K White
Mr A J Willson and Ms M Yang
Mr B N and Mrs C H J Wilson
Mr K Wong and Mrs S Peng
Mrs S Woon
Mr S P Wright and Ms S K Nicolson
Mr J Wu and Mrs W Wang
Mr M Wu and Mrs J Wang
Mr W Wu
Mr T Xia and Mrs Q She
Mr H Xiao and Mrs Q Ai
Mr W Xiao and Ms T Tan
Mr S Xin and Mrs H Song
Mr Y Xiong and Ms Q Lu
Mr F Xu
Mr H Xu
Dr C Xu and Ms S Zhou
Mr G Xu and Mrs H Li
Mr G G Xu and Mrs D D P Zhang
Mr Y Xu
Mr C Yang and Ms Z Chen
Mr M P Yates and Ms K J Edwards
Prof A and Mrs B Yawson
Mr J Yuan and Mrs S Lu
Mr Y Yin and Mrs D Wu
Mr P Yu and Mrs X Wang
Mr I Zeng and Mrs S Xu
Mr G Zhang and Ms S Xu
Mr L Zhang and Mrs J Gao
Mr T Zhang and Mrs W Sun
Mr W Zhang and Mrs Y Sun
Mr X Zhang and Mrs X Pan
Mr Z Zhang and Ms A Fu
Mr X Zhao
Mr J Zhao and Mrs Y Li
Mr N Zhao and Ms D Zhu
Mr H Zheng and Mrs C Liu
Mr K Zheng and Mrs W Luo
Mr G Zhong and Ms S Han
Mr J Zhou and Ms L Gan
Mr J Zhu and Ms B Hu
Mr S Zhu and Mrs S Song
Mr W Zhu and Mrs R Ye
Mr X Zhu and Mrs Y Shen
Mr Z Zhu and Ms Y Zhou
Ms S Zou
