Saints Alive: June 2021

Next Goal:

A New Gym

Our Next Goal: A NEW GYM

When you have a small community such as ours, engaged with a shared vision, incredible things can happen. When I arrived, one of the first things we did was put together a vision of what our School would look like in the years to come. For many schools, those visions are purely aspirational – in essence a wish list – because we all know that a vision without a plan will never come to life.

But we have a plan and we’ve stuck to the plan. And because we have worked together as a community, six of the seven projects on our Master Plan have been completed. And now, I’m excited to launch project number seven: a new Gym.

Our new Gym will feature two courts running from east to west. It will include a viewing area for spectators, an enhanced weights room, change rooms, storage areas, workspace for our wonderful PE and Sports staff, and a vibrant Tuck Shop facility.

In recent years, Saints Girls has been the best performing school in the Independent Girls’ Schools Sporting Association (IGSSA) competition. We are the current Swimming and Athletics champions, we won a record six titles at this year’s Rowing State Championships, and we claimed premierships in Badminton, Water Polo, Lacrosse, Touch Football and Hockey, along with wins in Aerobics, Cross Country, the State Triathlon Championships and more.

Sport isn’t just about exercise – it’s about mental wellbeing, it’s about collaboration, communication, confidence, and it’s about leadership.

And so, it is an integral part of what we do here at Saints Girls.

In recent years, we have delivered an amazing Middle School, a stunning Library and a state-of-the-art Science Centre. Now, it’s time for a new Gym which will be unlike any other, as it draws in the stunning surroundings of Ferguson Park.

The last time the School ran a major fundraising campaign was for the Arts Centre well over a decade ago. So now, I lay down a challenge: if we as a community can raise one million dollars over the next financial year, we will bring the build forward by an entire year and commence work in December 2022 –that’s December next year.

So, the ball is very much in your court. Will you be the game changer who helps make our shared vision a reality?

“WITH YOUR HELP, WE CAN HAVE IT SOONER.”

Excitement Builds at Stonyfell

St Peter’s Girls’ School is delighted to announce another ground-breaking project as part of our campus-wide rejuvenation.

We are embarking upon a leadingedge expansion of our Middle School to provide even more dynamic spaces for our girls.

With sweeping views across Ferguson Park, it will feature two new classrooms and a large breakout space for individual and group-based learning. As we will be building up, the extension will not impact upon our green space and will instead provide shade across the popular Middle School deck.

Scheduled to be completed early next year, the project will provide the flexibility to turn our attention to the revamp of Senior School classrooms in St Michael’s Wing.

It follows on from transformations already completed across our Middle and Junior Schools. With the latter, our girls are thriving across our fantastic new Junior School corridor with reimagined classrooms designed alongside dedicated project rooms and breakout spaces. As with other recent building works, the spaces provide agility for differentiated learning experiences, openness has been created with floorto-ceiling glass and Ferguson Park has never looked better.

So, with these and other fantastic developments at Stonyfell, the future is brighter than ever for Saints Girls.

“We are embarking upon a leadingedge expansion of our Middle School to provide even more dynamic spaces for our girls.”

Podium Finish for Multitalented Athletes

Saints Girls past and present blitzed the State Multi Event Championships at the start of the year, competing in Hurdles, High Jump, Shot Put, 200m, Long Jump, Javelin and 800m over two days in searing heat at the SA Athletics Stadium.

Congratulations to (L-R) Open Gold medallist Christine Gayen (Patteson 2014), U16 Silver medallist Carys Kinsella-White, U16 Gold medallist Charlotte McAuliffe and U18 Silver medallist Olivia Kelly.

Charlotte summed up the girls’ amazing experience:

“The State Multi Event Championships was unlike any other event. The weather was very hot which made it a lot harder, but we pushed through and all did very well. It was really fun and I was able to meet new people and participate in events that I wouldn’t usually do. It was a great experience.”

Congratulations girls!

Saints Girls Scoop the Pool!

March, Saints Girls claimed the coveted Independent Girls’ Schools Sporting Association (IGSSA) Swimming Shield for an incredible fifth time in six years.

swimmers performed admirably throughout the age groups,

in the U14, 15 and 16 categories.

was this consistency across age groups that led to Saints’ success in a tight overall carnival.

by

IGSSA PENNANT WINNERS

Historic Medal Haul at State Rowing Championships

Our rowers achieved an historic medal haul at the South Australian State Championships in late February, claiming six titles.

St Peter’s Girls’ crews took out all but one of the U19 events and also retained the title in the Schoolgirl Coxed Four during the two-day regatta at West Lakes.

U19W4+ – Letitia Page-Thomson (Cox), Sophie Barr, Clare Romaniuk, Milla Barei, Charlotte Parker

U19W4x – Clare Romaniuk, Milla Barei, Chloe Porter, Georgina Wakeham

SG4+ – Stella Rasheed (Cox), Sophie Barr, Clare Romaniuk, Milla Barei, Charlotte Parker

U19W2x – Sophie Barr, Clare Romaniuk

U19W2- – Milla Barei, Clare Romaniuk

U19W1x – Sophie Barr

Our rowers were also thrilled to compete in the 2021 SA Schools’ Head of the River in March. School spirit ran high throughout the day with much cheering and support from the banks.

The week after Head of the River, some of our Senior rowers travelled to Lake Barrington, Tasmania to contest the 2021 Australian Rowing Championships. Throughout the week, our students achieved a number of strong results, including:

4th – U19 W2- – Milla Barei, Clare Romaniuk

4th – U19 W2x – Sophie Barr, Sophia Wightman (University of Queensland Boat Club)

5th – SG4+ - Letitia Page-Thomson (Cox), Sophie Barr, Clare Romaniuk, Milla Barei, Charlotte Parker

Sophie, Clare and Milla then went on to represent South Australia at the Interstate Regatta in the Women’s Youth Eight (Bicentennial Cup).

At Nationals, it was terrific to see many familiar faces, with Old Scholars Olympia Aldersey (Kennion 2011), Carys Jones (Kennion 2017) and Amy Carrodus (Selwyn 2019) also competing.

Well done to all of our girls on a fantastic rowing season.

BRYNLEY MILLWARD DIRECTOR OF ROWING

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: SAINTS GIRLS AT HEAD OF THE RIVER; OLYMPIA ALDERSEY (KENNION 2011), CLARE ROMANIUK, SOPHIE BARR, LETITIA PAGE-THOMSON, MILLA BAREI AND CHARLOTTE PARKER; CLARE ROMANIUK AND SOPHIE BARR; CLARE ROMANIUK, MILLA BAREI, GEORGINA WAKEHAM AND CHLOE PORTER; ISABELLA HOWIE, MATILDA POWELL, WINIFRED VARTULI, ELLA LAWES AND JACKIE BALASIS.

Swimming Carnival

Swimming Carnival exploded off the blocks in February, with girls in Years 4 to 12 going stroke-forstroke across the four Houses at the Adelaide Aquatic Centre.

As always, determination, teamwork and participation featured throughout the day, with impressive performances in the serious races and colourful entertainment in the novelty

events, including the annual crowd favourite, the Crocodile Relay!

House spirit was in overdrive, the Year 12 costumes lived up to all the hype and it was terrific to see our girls cheering on from the stands.

By the end of proceedings with all results tallied, the 2021 overall champions were announced: SELWYN!

Meet our New Director of Sport

Sport has always played an important part in my life, providing opportunities for travel, work and many friendships. In my youth, growing up in a small country village, I would take any opportunity to play sport, with football (soccer), cricket and running being my three main passions. The PE teachers at school were all influential in my school life and I went on to play socially in their staff teams. In a career meeting with one of these teachers, I decided to work towards a career in sport and chose to study Sport and Exercise Science, graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in 2009.

for teams, colleges and on residential camps. This was a fantastic learning experience and provided opportunities to reflect on my coaching and to develop my session planning and communication skills. It also provided a fantastic opportunity for travel, as I was able to live in New York and work across eight of the eastern states.

In 2012, I moved to Australia and Queensland’s Gold Coast, where I soon accepted the role of Director of Coaching and Operations at Viva Soccer, a non-profit coaching organisation which worked with many schools and clubs in South East Queensland.

to in excess of 80 students across two campuses who participate in strength and conditioning, high-performance mental skills and growth planning.

I am passionate about using sport as a vehicle to improve mental health and wellbeing, by accepting challenges and managing both success and failure as an opportunity for progress. At Saints Girls, I aim to continue to develop the strong Sports program and sense of school pride through quality, exciting and innovative opportunities for our girls.

Throughout my time at university, I was conscious of gaining experience working in sport and was heavily involved in coaching, refereeing and sport administration, in addition to working in a professional football academy in the Sports Science department. After graduating, I moved to America where I spent two years coaching football

My first role within a school was at Redeemer Lutheran College, where I oversaw a strategic overhaul of the Sports program, changing associations and introducing a high-performance program. This initiative continued in my previous role at Grace Lutheran College, where we established a highperformance program which has grown

I am a Harry Potter fanatic and will happily challenge anyone to a game of Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit! Here, you’ll see my competitive side really come out!

I look forward to seeing you all soon and supporting Saints Girls on the courts, field, track and water.

Summer Interhouse Shines at Stonyfell

Fitness and fun rounded out Term 1 at our annual Summer Interhouse. Middle and senior girls competed across Touch Football, Basketball, Tennis, Volleyball and, for the first time in this format, Rowing. In addition, some of our Junior School students had a taste of the action with Years 3 to 6 battling it out in Interhouse Teeball.

These opportunities provide students with a fantastic platform to participate and perform in front of their peers and teachers in a competitive yet social setting.

TOUCH FOOTBALL

VOLLEYBALL

ROWING

BASKETBALL

TENNIS

TOMMY PEAK DIRECTOR OF SPORT

“I am passionate about using sport as a vehicle to improve mental health and wellbeing, by accepting challenges and managing both success and failure as an opportunity for progress.”

Congratulations to our Choral Night winners for 2021: KENNION!

The girls in blue electrified with their heavenly harmonies and magic moves, snaring the coveted shield in what the adjudicators described as an extremely tight contest.

The event, held in March at Influencers Church in Paradise, was an arena spectacular for those in attendance and also for those at home as we livestreamed the event to our families for the first time.

A breathtaking highlight was a guest appearance by recent Old Scholar Izzy Norman (Patteson 2020) who was last year’s Music Prefect and Head Chorister. Not surprisingly, her powerhouse vocal performances received standing ovations from the admiring crowd.

Well done to all of our girls for their hard work and House spirit – it was truly a night to remember!

Top Honours for Music Stars

We are incredibly proud of two talented Saints Girls who were awarded the Don Maynard Music Prize for the most outstanding achievement in a SACE Stage 2 Music subject.

Cheri Wong received her award for Ensemble Performance – a phenomenal feat given she was in Year 11 last year! Recent graduate Izzy Norman (Patteson 2020) was honoured for Solo Performance. This year, Izzy is studying at the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

The accolades are testament to the passion and dedication of our Music students, supported by our wonderful staff, tutors and renowned guest artists.

Songwriting Saint Hits Global Stage

Towards the end of 2020, I applied for the International Songwriting Competition after releasing my debut EP in November. I had entered this contest previously and reached the semi-finals four years in a row. However, this year, I made it as a finalist for my song ‘Breathing to Prove That I Can’, the title track of my EP.

This was a very exciting achievement for me as it put me in less than 1% of 26,000 entries to make the finals, which were judged by some amazing

Have a read as Cheri reflects on her music journey so far:

“Flashback to 2009, the 6 year old me had just walked into my first group violin lesson at the Adelaide Youth Conservatory Program. That was the moment I realised my love for music.

My music journey kickstarted when I began participating in ensembles including the Primary Schools String Orchestra, Adelaide Youth Orchestra, and later Senior Strings, Extension Strings and Stage Band when I became a Saints Girl. By immersing myself amongst other musicians, I was able to develop my musicality not just as a soloist, but also as an ensemble player.

When the opportunity of completing the SACE Ensemble Performance subject was offered, I was well prepared. Not only was I judged for the musicality and technique of my violin playing, but also for my ability to collaborate with other musicians. The repertoire chosen by Mrs Noble included a diverse range of genres, from the musical theatre ballad-styled ‘Meadowlark’, to the romantic lullaby of the theme from Schindler’s List.

All the planning by Mrs Noble and Miss Rounsevell, and the long hours of rehearsals/practice by the Extension String members and me contributed to my Merit and Music prize in Ensemble Performance.”

CHERI WONG MUSIC PREFECT

artists such as Coldplay, Dua Lipa and Bebe Rexha.

I am very lucky to have been selected in this competition, as well as being able to further my singing and songwriting

with the amazing help of the Music staff in my Music Explorations course this year.

GEORGIA RAFTOPOULOS STUDENT

ABOVE LEFT: MUSIC PREFECT CHERI WONG; ABOVE RIGHT: IZZY NORMAN AT CHORAL NIGHT 2021.

Music Camp Hits Right Notes

Our annual Music Camp was a hit! In February, girls from 11 of our ensembles swapped notes with some of Adelaide’s top artists. Another highlight was worldrenowned jazz pianist, composer and conductor Kym Purling who delivered a special concert, ran improvisation workshops and conducted our combined items featuring 100 girls!

Here are some reflections from the experience:

Camp was a little different this year, as we headed down to Malvern Uniting Church instead of Ardrossan. The girls made the absolute most of it, participating in bands, singing groups and activities. The singers had an amazing workshop learning about the Estill technique, a singing model we hope to incorporate more into our choirs. We had a wonderful few days to bond as leaders with the younger girls, and focus on improving our musical abilities in a fun and inspiring learning environment.

GEORGIA RAFTOPOULOS CHORISTER

Every year since Music Camp began at Saints Girls a decade ago, my family and I have travelled to Ardrossan to watch the concert. This was my sixth camp, but my older sister was at the very first camp back in 2011! It is so important for our Music program to have a camp every year, not only to get a head start on the year’s music, but also to build relationships with each other.

STEPHANIE

I have been to Music Camp every year since I was in Year 6, with this one being especially special as it was my last. Music Camp has always been one of my favourite school events. Not only am I able to improve my music skills through the many tutorials, but it is also such a great opportunity to create friendships with likeminded girls from different year levels.

CHERI WONG MUSIC PREFECT

It was such a pleasure to have spent the day and evening performing, talking about my career and doing workshops with students from St Peter’s Girls’ School. It was a very productive day and I was impressed by the level of the students and their enthusiasm. Keep up all the great work girls and thank you very much for having me!

KYM PURLING (PICTURED RIGHT)

The Friends of The Arts (FOA) were delighted to support the fabulous Music Department led by Sally Rounsevell, preparing food for over 100 girls at Music Camp. Those involved in the FOA agree it is a great way to learn more about the many Arts opportunities on offer and to connect with other parents. Working behind the scenes at Music Camp has the added bonus of seeing our enthusiastic, talented Saints Girls in action – it really is a treat!

Career Check at Girls in Tech

Our annual Girls in Tech Expo was bigger and better than ever!

Our students joined forces with girls from neighbouring schools in early March to fly drones, test out virtual reality goggles, rub shoulders with humanoid robots, and so much more. It’s a fantastic opportunity to expose girls to tech and the rewarding careers associated with the field.

The event was opened by South Australian Minister for Education the Hon John Gardner MP who later used an address during Question Time in parliament to salute our School and Girls in Tech Coordinator Monique Green for this outstanding initiative.

Well done to all involved!

Introducing Our New Careers Program

We are delighted to announce the launch of our revamped career education program ‘Career.Ready’. It forms a pivotal part of our Strategic Plan in establishing a future-focused and personalised careers program that suits the needs of our girls and connects them with industry to set the foundations for success.

To ensure our girls are well prepared in this changing space, Career.Ready is a bespoke program designed specifically for our girls. Lessons have been devised across Years 7 to 12 and teaching content draws from

the Australian Blueprint for Career Development as well as intensive programs that are taught in other Australian states. As part of the program, students will complete career action plans, and data will be shared with parents and explored by students so that they are able to revisit and adjust their plans each year.

Our careers team includes Karen Alderson (Careers Advisor/ Coordinator and SACE Coordinator), Carolyn Farr (Careers Coordinator) and me. Carolyn, who is also our IB Coordinator, is overseeing links with

industry and has already made contact with many of our community members regarding our ‘JobChat’ initiative.

The platform allows our girls to talk with industry professionals who can offer insights and guidance into possible career choices. Should you be interested in contributing to JobChat, please make contact with Carolyn via cfarr

KATE MORTIMER

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL/HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Newest Old Scholars Celebrated at Stonyfell

The St Peter’s Girls’ community was delighted to honour many outstanding graduates from our Class of 2020 in February during our Academic Excellence Assembly.

Special thanks to Old Scholar Theodora Galanis (Kilburn 2015) who presented certificates to our newest Old Scholars and delivered an inspiring presentation.

Theodora is passionate about solving environmental challenges through storytelling. As a PhD candidate at the University of Adelaide, she is working on the Australian Research Council Special Research Initiative in Australian Society, History and Culture, titled ‘Between Indian and Pacific Oceans: Reframing Australian Literatures.’

Theodora, who was Dux of the School in 2015, is a fabulous role model for our students and is part of the Old Scholar Tutor Program at St Peter’s Girls.

Here are some excerpts from her speech:

I graduated from Saints in 2015, and between then and now, it’s been a bit of a wild ride. Well, I’d like to think so anyway. In reality, I’ve probably spent most of the past five years reading or studying.

What is a little more exciting is the fact that I’ve recently taken up surfing. I’m really, really bad, but I have totally fallen in love with it. It has also become a source of inspiration for what I’m working on in my PhD. Believe it or not, there are a group of

TOP: AWARD RECIPIENTS AT THE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE ASSEMBLY; ABOVE: CHELSEA WALLS (PATTESON 2020), ELLIE ANDERSON (PATTESON 2020), EMMA CARRODUS (SELWYN 2020), THEODORA GALANIS (KILBURN 2015), ELLA LIDDY (SELWYN 2020) AND MICHELLE RUPERT (SELWYN 2020); OPPOSITE LEFT: NATACHA ZISOGIANNOPOULOS (SELWYN 2020), CHRISTINA SONG (KILBURN 2020) AND MAHALA TRUSCOTT (SELWYN 2020); OPPOSITE RIGHT: THEODORA GALANIS AND PRINCIPAL JULIA SHEA.

“TO OUR AWARD WINNERS, CONGRATULATIONS. YOU HAVE ALL CAUGHT AN INCREDIBLE WAVE.”

scholars out there who are researching the movement of oceans and are mapping that onto world literature trends.

So, I have been thinking a lot about waves - and I realised school is a little like surfing. Instead of water, you’re facing waves of assignments, sporting commitments and social events. At times, this can be a little scary! And sometimes, it feels like you’ll never get on top of it all.

When you’re ill-prepared and feel unsupported, you flounder or get caught in the dump. But with a little preparation and perseverance, everything changes.

So after thinking I could teach myself how to surf (which was a very bad idea), I finally got some lessons. I learned the basics of

water safety, and the proper technique to actually catch a wave. Over time, the waves stopped appearing as panic-inducing walls of water, and they started to look like exciting opportunities for growth.

To our award winners, congratulations. You have all caught an incredible wave. After all of the hours you’ve dedicated to studying, reading, engaging with your teachers and working with your peers, you’ve finally earned the joy of surfing this wave into the shoreline and being celebrated for it.

As we look to the future, I’d like to remind us all to celebrate everyone who catches a wave. Whatever that wave may be.

Because there aren’t only academic success waves, there are also sporting achievement waves and being-a-goodfriend waves. As well as more personal ones, like getting better at managing your time, or your mental health.

It is also important to be generous. Share your wave, give the wave you wanted to catch to someone else, help someone up, offer a hand to someone in trouble. Trust that even if you’re not riding the wave, even if you’re caught in the dump, you’re doing the hard work of building resilience and practising your skills – just by being here. Your wave is coming.

Our First Scientist in Residence

As St Peter’s Girls’ School’s Scientist in Residence, I am very excited to be working closely with the girls this year to showcase the breadth of scientific careers available to them and to mentor them as they begin their STEM careers.

When I was a young girl, I watched a documentary on climate change showing melting ice caps, forest fires and the animals that would die as a result of this.

conservation of mangroves, seagrass and saltmarsh. My love and passion for the ocean stems from the peace I find when I am in the water or walking along the beach. I love the intricacies of life beneath the waves and really want future generations to be able to experience the same joy for the ocean as I do.

My Science journey has been interesting, to say the least; I started with a Bachelor of Science (Advanced) at the University of Adelaide. During my third year, I worked at the university as a research assistant, conducting field and laboratory work on the Coorong to quantify decline in seagrass communities and develop recommendations to prevent further losses. I then completed my Honours degree, which took me to White Island, New Zealand, where I spent time scuba diving and conducting underwater experiments. The natural carbon dioxide vents beneath this volcanic island were a glimpse into future ocean acidification impacts.

Disheartened, I tried reassuring myself that scientists, somewhere, were working on this problem and would solve it. Then it hit me, why should I wait for someone else to do something? Why don’t I do something? Fast forward 12 years and I am finishing my PhD in Science focusing on coastal plant habitats and the management and

I then pursued a PhD with an entirely different focus: I developed a new method to assess how coastal plant habitats have changed over time using DNA buried in sediments. I spent time collecting sediment cores and took these to ANSTO (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation) to carbon date them myself.

I then conducted DNA analysis to detect the presence of coastal plants in sediments thousands of years old. Developing a method to reconstruct the history of our coastlines is just the start; now, I want to use this information to restore and protect coastal plants. This is my goal. I want to communicate my science to governments and the broader public so that we can learn from the past and create a more sustainable future.

As Scientist in Residence, I am at the School every Monday where I sit in on the girls’ Science classes and I also run lunchtime enrichment activities which build upon concepts covered in class. I am passionate about encouraging scientific curiosity in young people and am grateful I get the opportunity to do this at St Peter’s Girls.

DR NICOLE FOSTER SCIENTIST IN RESIDENCE

The Significance of Belonging in our ELC

At St Peter’s Girls’ Early Learners’ Centre, we have established a learning environment that invites everyone to feel a sense of belonging. Identities and connections form through the unique journey we provide from ELC to Year 12 on the same campus, delivering powerful and diverse relationships across the year levels.

By establishing our children as the authors of their learning, and giving strong emphasis to enquiries, we provide them with the ability to navigate their own social and emotional pathways and recognise that their perspective is significant.

An important aspect of children belonging, being and becoming at our ELC involves them learning how their behaviour and actions affect themselves and others. This is better known to us adults as social skills.

We want children to build a solid foundation in self-reliance, develop their self-confidence, and relate positively and effectively towards others.

At the ELC, we do this by developing and engaging in meaningful daily rituals. We foster positive relationships and provide a variety of experiences where children can comfortably explore their social skills. We want to bring children together and encourage them to create a supportive community of learners.

We organise small groups throughout the day based on the children’s interests and daily rhythms. By being flexible, we are adjusting to the children’s needs such as offering a continual inside and outside play program.

Here, children can learn and practise these social skills in a safe and respected environment.

“Identities and connections form through the unique journey we provide from ELC to Year 12 on the same campus, delivering powerful and diverse relationships across the year levels.”

All these rituals support a strong social school program at St Peter’s Girls’ ELC. We encourage a range of communication strategies in these small group gatherings to equip all children to organise their feelings.

We know, through research, that being in control of one’s own feelings means we are on the path to great success.

In the ELC, we take a collaborative approach to teaching these skills. All educators observe, record and plan together for the future of every child. This creates a strong teaching network within the learning environment.

KATE MOUNT DIRECTOR OF EARLY LEARNING

Celebrating Joy at the ELC Twilight Family Picnic

Thank you to the many ELC families who attended our Twilight Family Picnic in March.

It was such a joy to be able to share the moment together as a community. The Friends of the ELC did an outstanding job organising the food and beverages for our community’s biggest event.

It is always special to see the children outside of their normal ELC day, interacting with their friends, families and the ELC staff. These events are pivotal in growing our strong community and we look forward to our other events throughout the year.

Dad’s Night on the Green

Proudly supported by our Saints Sport Support Group (SSSG), this year’s Community Dad’s Night Out was held in late February at Tranmere Bowling Club. There was a terrific turnout of 72 dads across 18 teams who enjoyed connecting, supporting their daughters and contributing to our Sports Program.

The dads participated in two games of bowls coached by club volunteers, and after the first match, the teams were divided into two divisions.

The Tranmere volunteers were quite impressed with the dads’ abilities, even keen to recruit some of them for more regular outings. Congratulations to the following teams:

1st place team from the Top Division: (pictured right)

Jonathan Christo David Penley Simon Birmingham Jordan Begley

1st place team from the Lower Division: Nicholas Harrington Mark Lands

Ashley Flavel Brett Woods

The raffle and lucky squares were also a huge hit. Thank you to all the dads for their wonderful support. Congratulations to Andrew Kelly who took home the $200 voucher from the Athlete’s Foot Burnside, Jordan Begley who won the $100 The Maid Hotel voucher, and Con Psaromatis who collected a beer package. Light-hearted booing broke out as the winner of the lucky squares cash prize was announced…our Deputy Principal/Head of Middle School Richard Lisle.

Thank you to the Tranmere Bowling Club volunteer members for putting on such a great event. Also, a shout out to those in our community who provided prizes for the night. As always, many thanks to our dedicated group of volunteers and staff who sold raffle tickets and lucky squares. With the ticket sales, raffle and lucky squares, more than $2300 was secured as part of the SSSG’s fundraising efforts for 2021.

MELISSA WESTGATE FOUNDATION MANAGER

Foundation Long Lunch –Asian Fusion

Don’t miss out on this year’s Foundation Long Lunch, our School’s annual fundraising event to be held on Sunday 19 September.

Tickets for our delectable Asian Fusion are available for purchase on TryBooking via www.trybooking.com/BQADN

*Limited Seats Available

We are currently forming working groups for this year’s event. If you are interested in one of the areas listed and would like to volunteer your expertise, time, goods and/or services, please contact me via mwestgate@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au or 0407 394 183.

If you answer yes to any of the questions listed, this event may be for you! Whether you’ve attended The Long Lunch in the past or would like to be involved this year, we would appreciate your feedback, advice and expertise, so please come and see me in the Community Relations Office or give me a call.

DECORATIONS

Each year, we decorate the 50mx10m marquee to match our theme for the lunch and create special place settings for our 200 guests. Do you have a flair for styling, architecture, and/or design? Do you enjoy hosting dinner parties and setting an amazing table for your guests? Set up will take place on Saturday 18 September from 10am to 5pm.

MENU/CATERING

We will provide an Asian Fusion-themed lunch for our 200 guests. This means we will require volunteers in the Food Tech Centre at the School on both Saturday 18 September and Sunday 19 September, between 11am and 5pm.

Do you enjoy cooking? Are you a chef, or do you own or work in a restaurant? Are you a caterer or do you own a catering business? Do you sell or supply food products? Are you a butcher, baker or greengrocer and can offer produce and food for our lunch?

WINE/REFRESHMENTS

We try to match our wine, beer and refreshments to the menu/lunch that we provide. For example, for our Greek lunch, we offered a selection of Greek wines, ouzo and Mythos Beer.

Are you a fine wine connoisseur or do you work in the wine industry? Do you own a winery, are you a vintner, winemaker, marketer, or do you sell soft drinks, wine, beer or alcohol?

AUCTION ITEMS/RAFFLE

We offer five live auction items consisting of aspirational ‘money can’t buy’ luxury items and a wide range of silent auction items. We also conduct a raffle on the day.

Are you creative, connected and/or can you help us source ‘money can’t buy’ experiences? Do you own a business, regularly frequent a business or offer goods and services that might be sought by our community?

MC/ENTERTAINMENT

Are you connected to someone who would make an amazing MC? Do you have creative ideas for entertainment options that match our theme? Do you have connections in the community who would be willing to perform on the day?

Thank you in advance for what will be another spectacular Foundation Long Lunch.

MELISSA WESTGATE FOUNDATION MANAGER

CAN YOU

Community Unity at Welcome Drinks

In early February, our parents and staff celebrated the start of the 2021 school year at our annual Welcome Drinks. Despite having to change venues from Chiverton Lawns to the Gym due to the weather, the turnout was fantastic as guests enjoyed socialising over drinks and pizza.

It’s no secret that parent involvement is an integral part of a successful community culture at every school. We are very fortunate at Saints Girls to have such an involved and passionate group of parents who genuinely strive towards ensuring the best education for their girls.

We are very aware of how difficult it can be to regularly attend events such as this as we all balance our family and work lives. The Community Relations Office, together with our Year Level Representatives, have a fantastic array of flexible community events in 2021 and we look forward to seeing you all throughout the year.

We encourage you to reach out to your Year Level Representatives and chat with our Community Relations staff to learn more about community events and volunteering opportunities.

MELISSA WESTGATE FOUNDATION MANAGER

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: DIANA AND LUKE CHESINI; GINA FLYNN-AGRAWAL, LIZZY MITCHELL AND CECILIA NG; WARWICK SMITH AND JONI COMBE; TAMMY AND MITCHELL PAPPS.

After a challenging year in 2020 with events impacted by COVID-19, it was wonderful to gather together (in person!) for the first major event for the Old Scholars’ Association in 2021, the OSA AGM in the Arts Centre.

I’m honoured to say that I have been re-elected as President, Charlie Aykroyd (Kennion 2010) has been re-elected as Treasurer, and Anne Daniell (nee Crisp, Kennion 1969) has been re-elected as Secretary. We have also welcomed a number of new members to Council, but are always keen to welcome more, so if you are considering coming on board, we would love to have you and your ideas!

Meetings are held once a term on a Tuesday evening at 5.45pm and run for 45 minutes. Feel free to email me if you are interested via tori_moore@hotmail.com

For the remainder of the year, we have lots to look forward to including the Annual Reunion Dinner at the Adelaide Pavilion in Veale Gardens on Friday 25 June, which is sure to be a fantastic occasion. There are also a range of tailored events coming up including opportunities to give back knowledge, advice and memories to the current girls at the School.

I hope you all keep well and look forward to seeing you later in the year.

ANNUAL OLD SCHOLARS’

REUNION

DINNER AND ST PETERSTIDE CELEBRATION

This event promises to be a special gathering of our Old Scholar community Date Friday 25 June 2021 at 7pm

Venue Adelaide Pavilion

Corner of South Terrace and Peacock Road, Adelaide

Cost $65 per person. Includes welcome drinks and a three course meal. Drinks available at the bar.

RSVP By Friday 18 June 2021 via www.trybooking.com/BNBEU

Please advise of table seating preferences when making your booking.

School Tour Meet in Arts Centre foyer at 10am

St Peterstide School Chapel at 11.25am Eucharist

Please direct any enquiries to the Community Relations Office via 08 8334 2239 or mmccormack@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au

TORI MOORE (PATTESON 2009) OLD SCHOLARS’ ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

OSA COUNCIL MEETINGS 2021

All regular OSA Council Meetings are held in the Chiverton Boardroom at 5.45pm.

Tuesday 7 September

Tuesday 2 November

If you are interested in joining the Old Scholars’ Association Council or require further information on events, please contact Megan McCormack via 08 8334 2239 or mmccormack@ stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au

OSA COUNCIL MEMBERS 2021

President

Tori Moore (Patteson 2009)

Treasurer

Charlie Aykroyd (Kennion 2010)

Secretary

Anne Daniell (nee Crisp, Kennion 1969)

Committee

Helen Starr (nee Austin, Selwyn 1961)

Judith Bruce (nee Yeoman, Patteson 1962)

Jacqui Seppelt (nee Roll, Kilburn 1964)

Helen Cant (nee Geue, Selwyn 1965)

Rebecca Parry (Kilburn 1980)

Kylie Rundell (nee Schuster, Kennion 1980)

Bec Farquhar (Selwyn 1988)

Sinead O’Shaughnessy (Kilburn 2008)

Emily White (Patteson 2010)

Stephanie Hannah (Patteson 2010)

Hannah Butenko (Kilburn 2011)

Mel Stevens (Kennion 2013)

Emily Smith (Selwyn 2013)

Ellen Mitten (Patteson 2013)

Isabella Farina (Kennion 2014)

Saumya Chanana (Patteson 2015)

Georgina Sarah (Kilburn 2016)

Madison Bateman (Kennion 2016)

Lily Habel (Kennion 2017)

Hannah Brown (Kennion 2019)

Bella Bernardi (Kennion 2020)

OSA AGM and Year Leaders’ Event

The OSA AGM and Year Leaders’ Event was held on Tuesday 2 March and it was wonderful see many familiar faces and to welcome many new ones. Drinks and canapés were enjoyed in the Arts Centre foyer prior to the meeting formalities.

We are delighted to announce that Tori Moore (Patteson 2009) was re-elected as President, Charlie Aykroyd (Kennion 2010) as Treasurer and Anne Daniell (nee Crisp, Kennion 1969) as Secretary.

A warm welcome to new council members Emily White (Patteson 2010), Stephanie Hannah (Patteson 2010), Emily Smith (Selwyn 2013), Ellen Mitten (Patteson 2013), Isabella Farina (Kennion 2014), Saumya Chanana (Patteson 2015), Lily Habel (Kennion 2017) and Helen Starr (nee Austin, Selwyn 1961).

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ELIZABETH SHILLABEER (NEE MORROW, PATTESON 1967), HELEN CANT (NEE GEUE, SELWYN 1965), JACQUI SEPPELT (NEE ROLL, KILBURN 1964) AND JUDI BRUCE (NEE YEOMAN, PATTESON 1962); CHARLIE AYKROYD (KENNION 2010), STEPHANIE HANNAH (PATTESON 2010) AND EMMA WHITE (PATTESON 2010); ATHENA ZOGOPOULOS (NEE HILL, KILBURN 1978) AND JENNY LAMB (NEE OLSSON, PATTESON 1979); LILY HABEL (KENNION 2017), GEORGIE SARAH (KILBURN 2016), ISABELLA FARINA (KENNION 2014) AND ELLEN MITTEN (PATTESON 2013).

Are You Linked In with Us?

The Community Relations Office has been streamlining our LinkedIn communications.

To assist with the migration of alumni to the St Peter's Girls' School page, please follow the St Peter's Girls' School Company page if you have not already done so, and join our newly-created St Peter's Girls' Old Scholars' Association Group via linkedin.com/groups/13865514

You can also stay connected with us on Facebook via facebook.com/

Thank you for your ongoing support of Saints Girls.

Old Scholars Reunite in the West

The Old Scholars’ Perth Reunion was held on Saturday 27 March at the Millpoint Caffe Bookshop. Once again, the ladies enjoyed their annual catch up and afternoon tea.

Pictured above are Jill Simon (de Kievit, Kennion 1956), Pauline Faulds (nee Sharrad, Kilburn 1953), Sue Ridgway (nee Waite, Patteson 1961), Caroline Rainsford (Selwyn 1978) and Reunion Leader Fiona Poole (nee Newton, Kilburn 1991).

Old Scholars’ Netball

Saints Girls’ Old Scholars’ Netball enjoyed another successful season. Once again, we had four teams participate in the Wednesday night SAUCNA competition on Anzac Highway. All teams achieved success throughout the season, but a well-deserved congratulations goes to our A2 and B5 teams who made it to the semi-finals.

It was great to see so many recent Old Scholars join the competition, with the D1 and D2 teams made up of players from the 2018 and 2019 graduating classes, and Old Scholars from 2001 also signing up this season. Meantime, the senior A2 team has now played together for more than eight years.

A big thank you to the managers and to the friends, partners and parents who scored and cheered from the sidelines. If you are interested in participating in Old Scholars’ Netball next summer, October 2021 to March 2022, please contact Megan McCormack via mmccormack@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au or Emma Weber via eweber@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au for more information.

SAVE THE DATE

SYDNEY REUNION

CANBERRA REUNION

OLD SCHOLARS IN THE COMMUNITY

Congratulations Professor Katherine Daniell

At the age of 39, Katherine Daniell (Kennion 1999) has been promoted to Professor at the Australian National University. Although Katherine has held many positions at the university since her joint French and Australian doctorate in Engineering and Management in 2009 under a John Monash Scholarship, her mission to support more inclusive policy, education and action for sustainable development has not faltered. Over the past two decades, she has worked around the world to improve water governance and adaptation to new technologies and processes including responses to climate change. Most recently, this has been as a part of the Initiatives of the Future of Great Rivers, a thinktank led by Erik Orsenna, famous French author and former speechwriter to President François Mitterrand, and at the ANU where Katherine is part of the leadership team of a new Institute for Water Futures.

Never finding one job or disciplinary area sufficient to address our current global and national challenges, Katherine has been on secondment in her role in the ANU Fenner School (now as Professor of Environmental Policy) to work with Distinguished Professor Genevieve Bell AO FTSE FAHA, Vice President and Senior Fellow at Intel Corporation, to set up the 3A Institute (3Ai) – the ANU’s first innovation institute with the mission of building a new branch of engineering to take artificial intelligence-enabled cyber-physical systems safely, responsibly and sustainably to scale. She has convened a new Master of Applied Cybernetics to teach this emerging branch of engineering and is now helping to further scale the work as the institute transitions into the newest school at the ANU – The School of Cybernetics – which has the purpose of leading change that embraces the interconnections of human, technological and environmental aspects of systems.

During 2019-20 and the COVID-19 crisis, Katherine was acting as Associate Dean of Education of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, where she and colleagues across the university successfully transitioned to online teaching and learning, and developed more inclusive practices and cultural change to support educators and students to cope more effectively with the disruption. This year, she is relishing being back in the classroom teaching a diverse range of students, and in her spare time supports a range of professional and not-forprofit associations as President of the Australian-French Association for Research and Innovation (AFRAN) Inc., a member of the National Committee on Water Engineering (Engineers Australia), Editor of the Australasian Journal of Water Resources, and director and board member of the Peter Cullen Water and Environment Trust.

At Saints Girls, Katherine studied French, Chemistry, Physics and Double Mathematics in Year 12, and was Dux of the School. She went on to complete a double degree in Civil Engineering and Arts, specialising in French, at the University of Adelaide, and graduated with a University Medal. Katherine had many inspirational teachers at Saints Girls who drove her love for thinking and exploring the world. She credits her education at Saints Girls with providing opportunities for leadership and a diverse range of sporting, musical and extra-curricular volunteer activities. She acknowledges that the supportive environment provided by the School was an important part of building calm confidence in her own abilities and a sense of responsibility to use her education in the service of others through her career and life.

Katherine now takes much delight in seeing her young children build and code their own robots. Appreciating their imagination and potential for building new technology makes her excited to be working to support technology’s sustainable and responsible integration in the world.

Old Scholar Authors

Congratulations to Dr Janet Scarfe (Kilburn 1964) and Suzanne Scarfe (Kilburn 1968) on their wonderfully researched family history.

Janet and Suzanne spent their whole school lives at Saints, moving from the North Adelaide site to Stonyfell in 1957. Janet was Vice Head Prefect and Dux of the School, and Suzanne played in the A Softball and B Hockey teams. Suzanne’s final year coincided with the last year of the Sisters.

From the History Trust of South Australia:

“The History Trust was thrilled to be able to support Janet and Suzanne Scarfe in their recently published book, The Campbells of Anlaby: 1860-1940, through the South Australian History Fund.

A meticulously researched and fascinating family history, the book also gives a broader understanding of working life in pastoral South Australia. We get to know members of the Campbell family well, their travels, their careers and their social lives.

The lovely cover art was taken by Tanunda-based photographer Dragan Radocaj. Designed and printed by Openbook Howden.”

For more information about the book, contact Janet via janet.scarfe@internode.on.net

Friends of the Founders Gather

On a beautiful autumn Adelaide day on 31 March, the Friends of the Founders joined the whole School for their annual Friends of the Founders’ Chapel Service. This year, we are celebrating Women in The Arts and we were fortunate to have as our guest speaker Meena de Silva (Kilburn 2013). Meena spoke enthusiastically about her time at Saints and how the School fostered her love of music. After leaving school, Meena began tertiary studies at the University of Adelaide, undertaking classes in Law and Science. Realising this wasn’t for her, she decided to apply for study at the Elder Conservatorium of Music and began her Bachelor of Music in Popular Music and Creative Technologies. She has since completed her Honours and is working on her Master of Philosophy in Research.

Since leaving school, Meena has worked with several bands, writing songs and performing at venues across Adelaide. She recently released her debut album, ‘Call On Me’, which was launched at a sold-out show at the Jade in January this year. Meena’s passion for her music is obvious and we wish her well as she establishes herself in the music industry.

During the function, a light lunch was ably served by the Year 9 Leaders.

Our next function is a morning tea on Wednesday 27 October at 10.30am on the lawns of Chiverton. I would like to extend an invitation to Old Scholars, Former Staff, past parents or anyone who has an interest in the School. All are welcome.

Historic Photos Can You Help?

Can you identify your mothers, aunts or grandmothers in this photo of our School’s Girl Guide Company in 1945?

Please contact School Archivist Anne Daniell via adaniell@stpetersgirls. sa.edu.au if you can help with names.

CASSANDRA MOORE CHAIR, FRIENDS OF THE FOUNDERS’ COMMITTEE

TOP (FROM THE LEFT): CASSANDRA MOORE (NEE JEWELL, PATTESON 1978) AND MEENA DE SILVA (KILBURN 2013); MIDDLE: JILL BEST (NEE COUMBE, KILBURN 1960) AND BERNIE WHITINGTON; ABOVE LEFT: LUCILLE HADDY (NEE GUY, KILBURN 1949), DIANA WILLIAMSON (NEE SMITH, KENNION 1964) AND DIANE NICHOLLS OAM; ABOVE RIGHT: HEATHER MCINNES, BETTY HELE AND ANNE FISHER.

Former Staff Profile: Airlie Kirkham

In March, we welcomed former staff member Airlie Kirkham, her mum Pamela and her long-term carer Deb to the School’s Museum for a visit.

Airlie, who is now 55 years old, began teaching Japanese at Saints Girls back in 1987. She was the person who initially introduced Japanese language classes at Saints Girls. At first, Airlie was a paid instructor as Japanese studies originally began as a club after school which she initiated. The following year, due to popular demand, she was asked by Principal Doug Stott to teach Japanese lessons at the School part-time and offer it as an official subject.

Unfortunately, after a number of successful and fulfilling years teaching at Saints Girls, in September 1991, Airlie was in a terrible car accident. The collision happened on a gravel road on her way to a kitchen tea at Balaklava. She lost control of the car and crashed into another vehicle. She was permanently paralysed and in need of constant care.

Airlie had really enjoyed her time teaching at the School. In the beginning, she taught Year 5s, increasing the year levels over her time here. During her recent visit, she shared some of her teaching memories with us by writing on a small notepad held by her mum. She said, “I loved teaching all the classes and playing games with the students. In my Japanese classes, they wrote and acted out plays about going to the beach and played and pretended to go shopping.”

One of her most favourite times was right before the accident, when a group of Japanese students from Sapporo in northern Japan came to Adelaide for an exchange. Their family delighted in hosting one of the Japanese students in their home. Airlie and Pamela reminisced about an occasion when their homestay student spent all day cooking them an authentic Japanese meal. Another interesting story she shared with us is an example of how farreaching our wonderful Saints’ community extends across Adelaide and SA. In early 2020, Airlie was very unwell with pneumonia and was admitted to

hospital. Two of the emergency nurses were St Peter’s Girls’ Old Scholars who recognised her name and recalled her from their time at School. She was then treated by Dr Jane Conway (nee Ninnes, Kennion 1994), an Old Scholar who remembered her fondly from Saints as Airlie had taught her Japanese.

Before the accident, Airlie earned a Graduate Diploma of Secondary Education and a BMus. Ten years later, her resilience and educational prowess shone through. Against all odds, in 2001 after re-learning to write, she resumed her studies at the University of Adelaide and completed a higher degree and her Master of Music. At the top is a photo that she is extremely proud of from her graduation in April 2011.

Her story is one of inspiration, hope and determination, and we are so happy that Airlie has a special place in her heart for Saints Girls after all these years.

Following Airlie’s visit to the School, she wrote us a poem about her visit: My Visit to St Peter’s Girls’ School

My visit to Saints Girls. How I have been longing to return. My thanks to you both. My memories are strong, You have revived my love for all I lost in 1991.

I can’t thank you enough. I cherish all your words today.

- AIRLIE JANE KIRKHAM

Airlie’s spirit and writing exemplify our values of courage, creativity and compassion. Since finishing her formal education pursuits, she has published two books which she has kindly donated to our Museum. One book is a biography (in which Saints Girls is featured), and the other is a book of poetry. If you are interested in buying one of these books, they can be purchased from Pamela through the School via mwestgate@ stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au

KIRKHAM IN OUR MUSEUM; BOTTOM: 1990 STAFF PHOTO.

Remembering Senior Mistresses Miss Stolz and Mrs Paech

Quotations are from the Chronicles June 1947 and Miss M.M. Frost’s History of St Peter’s Girls’ School

Miss Sabina Stolz was Senior English and History Mistress at St Peter’s Girls from 1919. “With her work in English she had outstanding success, and her students gained Tennyson Medals in the Public Examinations on five different occasions. This in itself was an achievement, and the School is indebted to her for the splendid foundations she laid in the teaching and appreciation of the English language.

The English section of the Library was always her special care, and it was she who encouraged girls, on leaving School, to help build up the Library by donating new books. She was also keenly interested in the Literary and Dramatic Society, and at all times gave valuable advice and help in the production of plays.”

“In 1927, Miss Stolz was appointed Senior Mistress, and in this capacity her powers of organization had full scope. In the same year, on the introduction of the House system, she became Senior Mistress of Kilburn House. As head of the House she worked untiringly in its interests, and it was owing to her efforts that each year, on April 5th, Kilburn House held a special party. Miss Stolz showed unbounded energy and enthusiasm in making this occasion a success, and encouraging the girls to bring gifts for orphanages and hospitals.”

“She had an amazing faculty of keeping in touch with Old Scholars, no matter what part of the world they happened to be…. In 1945, the Association made Miss Stolz an Honorary Life Member in recognition of her valued work on

their behalf. She was also the School representative on the Parents’ Association Committee, and here was able to give many useful and helpful suggestions.”

Miss Stolz retired at the end of 1946. “Regularly at her charming cottage at Stirling she received letters from hundreds of Old Scholars and it was from this great fund of information concerning her former pupils that we gained a valuable source of news for our Magazine.” She was a much loved member of the School community and the great-aunt of Anna Stolz (Patteson 2007) and Ellie Stolz (Patteson 2012).

Old Scholar Mrs Mary Paech (nee Reynolds, 1918) succeeded Miss Stolz as Senior Mistress in 1947, after taking up the appointment of Senior History Mistress the previous year.

“From 1947 to 1955 she served with Sister Scholastica, and then…with Sister Gabrielle. From the middle of 1966 until the withdrawal of the Sisters from the active running of the School in March 1969, she was chief assistant to Sister Jessica…To Miss Pike, when she became Principal in succession to Sister Jessica, Mrs Paech’s knowledge of the School and its ways and her ready and warm-hearted support were quite invaluable.” Mrs Paech retired from our School at the end of 1969.

Miss Frost added: “As Senior House Mistress of Kilburn, Mrs Paech’s enthusiasm and strong love of her House have been an inspiration to wave after wave of new members as they have come into the School, and she spurred them on in their efforts as they moved up from class to class.“

“As Senior History Mistress she is also deeply entrenched in the hearts of the girls she has taught,

for they can remember with gratitude the vivid and interesting way in which she could bring the dead past to life and show them, too, the relevance of contemporary developments, eagerly scanning the daily papers for news items or editorial comment which might add completeness to the information of her classes and put an extra gloss of polish on their papers.”

There were “almost countless credits at all levels in the Public Examinations.” Three of her students won the Annie Montgomery Martin Prize and Medal for top of the State in Leaving Modern History and four of her students did the same in Leaving Honours Modern History.

In addition, four of her pupils were top of the State in Leaving Honours Ancient History.

Mrs Paech’s daughter Bernice Robbins (nee Paech, Kilburn 1944) and granddaughters

Frances Robbins (Kilburn 1975) and Bronwyn Robbins (Kilburn 1979) attended our School.

Bernice was also a teacher here.

Vale Marjorie Ellen Whincup

(nee Adam, Kilburn 1949) 1930 – 2020

Marjorie (Marj) started her travelling life at an early age. Her parents and uncle ran a musical comedy company, travelling from the east to the west coast of Australia, with Marj taking to the stage to sing and dance. This led to a lifelong love of music and dance, but not necessarily performance. Her pleasure in travelling continued throughout her life – whether locally (Port Elliot in summer), interstate or overseas (mainly the UK and Canada). When her parents settled in Adelaide, Marj went to school at North Adelaide Primary, and later attended St Peter’s Collegiate Girls’ School where she spent her secondary years at the Kermode Street site.

From a young age, Marj showed talent in a wide range of sports. She commenced with athletics, including both track and field (specialising in javelin). She won the Champion Runner Cup and the Senior Cup at St Peter’s Girls’ School in 1948. At this time, also, she took up hockey and subsequently cricket, and excelled at both. When she finished secondary school, she qualified and enrolled for university study. Not surprisingly, she developed a career closely related to sport. She attended the University of Adelaide where she obtained her Diploma in Education, enabling her to commence

work as a Physical Education teacher. Later in her teaching career, she obtained her Bachelor of Education from Flinders University, followed by her Master’s degree in Education from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. With these qualifications, Marj moved into a lecturing position at a number of teachers’ colleges specialising in training Physical Education teachers.

While she was studying at university, she had the opportunity to play hockey and cricket in the top teams and went on to play in State and National squads. She captained the SA Women’s Hockey Team as well as the SA Women’s Cricket Team and was a member of the Australian Women’s First 11 Cricket Team. When she went to England to work, she played County Cricket in the UK for Surrey and South England.

“Marjorie was a valued and active member of our Saints Girls’ community who leaves a lasting legacy for future generations of Saints Girls.”

Educator, Administrator, Elite Sportswoman, Treasured School Community Member

In Marj’s time, most women had to pay their own way (uniforms, travel and accommodation costs), take unpaid leave (if employed) and forego career advancement opportunities.

Over the years, her sporting interests, prowess and expertise evolved to include golf, sailing and lawn bowls. She represented the State in lawn bowls for a number of years and won the Lipton Ladies Golf Classic in Melbourne in 1997. In all of these elite achievements, Marj took a leadership role and was clearly respected by her contemporaries and administrators. She was committed to all of her sporting obligations and her achievements were recognised. For instance, in 2014, she received an award for 50 years of membership at the Blackwood Golf Club. In her heyday, she played off an enviable handicap of 6.

Following her contribution as a player at the elite level, Marj put back into the sports she loved as an administrator. She was the Coach of the SA State Hockey Team, a member of the Executive of the SA Women’s Hockey Association, a State team selector, club coach (for several Adelaide-based clubs) and an accredited umpire for over 20 years. She was also on the Executive of the SA Women’s Cricket Association, and again, an accredited umpire. In lawn bowls, over a period exceeding 20 years, Marj was a coach, umpire and regular

tournament director. She was also the driving force behind the fusion of three separate bowls clubs into one viable entity.

Marj was always very practical in her approach to life and, as a sportswoman, coach, administrator and adjudicator, ‘Measure twice and cut once’ was her axiom.

She also provided sage advice when presenting prizes at a St Peter’s Girls’ Speech Day:

• “Gain an understanding and take control of your life – including your personal growth and management of your own (financial) affairs.”

• “Become responsible for your own health and welfare – including sensible diet, physical exercise, adequate sleep, as well as maintaining friendships and family life.”

• “Recognise that everyone is different. We don’t have to be the same. We should develop our knowledge, skills and understanding and continue to grow as individuals.”

• “Aim high and persevere. Personal goals and dreams may be achieved if we prepare thoroughly, plan carefully and work towards them in a disciplined manner.”

Like all good cricketers, Marj had her sights set on making 100. When aiming for this goal, it is usual to slow down a bit, so she approached the 90s with caution. However, just as she entered the ‘nervous 90s’, she succumbed, having lived a principled life with achievement and satisfaction.

ANN GOREY (KILBURN 1962)

And a special thank you to family member Ray Oermann for his contribution.

Marjorie Ellen Whincup passed away peacefully on 22 October 2020, aged 90 years. Marjorie was a valued and active member of our Saints Girls’ community and will be greatly missed. The School would like to acknowledge Marjorie’s bequest to the St Peter’s Girls’ Foundation, which will leave a lasting legacy for future generations of Saints Girls.

MELISSA WESTGATE FOUNDATION MANAGER

Our Scholastica Society

A bequest is a gift specified in your Will. Through a bequest, you can make a gift that will contribute to the future of the School whilst still enjoying your assets during your lifetime.

When you become a member of the Scholastica Society, you join a special group of benefactors who have a deep affection for St Peter's Girls, and its future.

By making a bequest to St Peter’s Girls, you give a gift that makes a difference beyond your lifetime.

To ensure confidentiality, please arrange a time to speak with our Foundation Manager, Melissa Westgate, at St Peter’s Girls’ School: 8334 2244 or email mwestgate@stpetersgirls. sa.edu.au

Sisters’ Circle Set in Stone

On Wednesday 24 March, Principal Julia Shea and a special group of donors, fondly named ’The Sisters’ Circle’, paid tribute to our founding Sisters. This event honoured their continuing legacy by unveiling The Sisters’ Circle stonework. This exclusive event took place in our Sisters’ Sanctuary near the Chapel.

The stonework marks the inception of our Sisters’ Circle, a unique giving circle which commenced in 2019. This beautiful bespoke art piece was generously donated by Chesini House, our very own Chesini Family.

Luke Chesini said, “Our line of work at the moment is kitchen benchtops in stone and, as a School family, we were so happy to help out. Honestly, we were not expecting to do something so big; however, it has turned out great and we are extremely proud. The longterm vision for our company is simple: to create ground-breaking benchtop projects using the finest quality and most unique materials, combined with exceptional workmanship and service. We have an extensive range of materials in stock, all housed inside our newly built, state-of-the-art production facility at Burton.”

The art piece etches in stone and history the names of those who contributed financially in our inaugural year, alongside the names of Sisters and Principals who have been involved with the successes of the School. It also commemorates our 125th anniversary which we celebrated in 2019. Our sincere thanks to architect and current parent Peter Harding for executing the artwork and design.

In the first year of the Sisters’ Circle, funds raised went towards our new Science Centre and Art facilities. Moving forward, members will be invited each year to be part of our giving circle, with donations raised supporting a scheduled building project.

Sisters’ Circle donations are tax deductible and include exclusive membership of our Sisters’ Giving Circle which will acknowledge members in a permanent way each project, and they will be invited to special events.

Sisters’ Circle membership can be acquired at any time by contacting me via mwestgate@stpetersgirls.sa.edu.au or 08 8334 2244 or 0407 394 183.

MELISSA WESTGATE FOUNDATION MANGER

FRONT

The

of Giving:

The True Meaning of Community

While life was considerably challenging for many of us in 2020, the broader St Peter’s Girls’ community came together in true Saints Girls’ spirit and compassion to support each other.

The School and the St Peter’s Girls’ Foundation, current families, Old Scholars, Former Staff and the wider Saints Girls’ community collectively contributed to a number of vital building projects.

It is important to take a moment to reflect upon, and thank, a number of suppliers and businesses that were integral to our many successes throughout 2020.

The St Peter’s Girls’ Business Directory was designed to support St Peter’s Girls’ family businesses and suppliers by encouraging members of our wider community to search, find and access businesses when looking for goods and services.

Donations to the Foundation are tax deductible. All of our Building Fund donations go directly to our School’s Master Plan and future building projects.

Our campus has been transformed in recent years and the impact of your support is evident.

Building Fund donations of any amount are always welcome, no matter how big or small. Your involvement and participation are so valuable in making a significant difference for our students of today and tomorrow.

Thank you for continuing to put our girls first. We acknowledge and sincerely thank our whole community for your generosity and care.

MELISSA WESTGATE FOUNDATION MANGER

Online Donations: www.bpoint.com.au/pay/stpetersgirls

Direct Deposit Donations: BSB: 065 125

Account Number: 10308135

If you would like to consider a Major Gift and discuss potential acknowledgement options, please contact Melissa Westgate on 0407 394 183.

achieved by

Appeal

donations

families

Fund

Raised by 200 people attending

Long Lunch

by the

towards

Media Hub

families

each by two generous Saints’ families

received

DEATHS

Sally-Nanette Jones (nee Harrington, Kennion 1956)

Margaret (Peggy) Cooper (nee Storey, Patteson 1937)

Bronwen Church (nee Pelham, Kennion 1962)

Patricia Piper (nee Brumby, Kilburn 1952)

Beverley Aitkin (nee Benger, Patteson 1959)

Helen McArthur (nee Muirhead, Patteson 1969)

Val Roeger (nee Griggs, Kennion 1940)

Judith Dimond (nee Leditschke, Kennion 1950)

Kym Montgomery (Kennion 1961)

Gillian Mortimer (nee Barnett, Kennion 1947)

Marie Bone (nee Mune, Selwyn 1947)

June Kernot (nee Lower, Kilburn 1945)

Patricia Le Page (nee Coogan, Kennion 1948)

BEREAVEMENTS

Jane Amos (nee Piper, Kilburn 1974) Mother

Deb Pinkstone (nee Piper, Kilburn 1976) Mother

Suzie Sangster (nee Piper, Kilburn 1979) Mother Alex Rungie (Kilburn 1998) Father Ann Muirhead (Patteson 1965) Sister

Jane Muirhead (Patteson 1964) Sister

Beverley Aplin (nee Roeger, Kennion 1965) Mother

Gaenor Roeger (Kennion 1972) Mother

Wendy Archer (nee Phillips, Selwyn 1956) Husband

Mary Netting (nee Birchall, Kennion 1952) Husband

Rebecca Behrendt (Kennion 2001) Grandmother

Victoria Behrendt (Kennion 2006) Grandmother

Nanette Astley (nee Hewett, Selwyn 1945) Husband

Pamela Dinham (nee Jenkins, Kilburn 1945) Husband

Julie Meegan (nee Dinham, Kilburn 1972) Father Suzanne Dinham (Kilburn 1975) Father

BIRTHS

Lucinda Beadle (nee Doyle, Patteson 2000) and husband Andrew have welcomed identical twin boys, Samuel and Joshua (pictured above), born on 30 December 2020.

The St Peter’s Girls’ Foundation is extremely grateful to each and every one of our generous donors who have contributed to the building fund between 1 July 2020 and 31 March 2021. We invite all of our community members to please consider making a tax deductible donation before the end of financial year. We would not be the school we are today without our passionate and committed community members.

Dr O and Mrs A Ajao

Dr W and Mrs N Alkhazrajy

Mr G L and Mrs E Aplin

Mr A Atkinson

Ms N J Awerbuch

Mr N and Dr M R Balogh

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Mr W He and Ms Y Lei

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