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COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

Mr James Tamblyn

This week we begin the season of Lent; a time of reflection, prayer and renewal as we prepare for Easter. Lent invites us to deepen our faith through acts of sacrifice, kindness and justice.

This week we also celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), dedicated to honouring the achievements of women globally, while also acknowledging the work remaining to achieve true equality.

In many ways, the themes of Lent align with the spirit of International Women’s Day. Just as Jesus uplifted the marginalised and empowered those who were often overlooked, we too are called to champion the dignity and worth of every individual, particularly women and girls who continue to face barriers in society.

Throughout history, women of faith have played pivotal roles in shaping the Church and the world. From Mary, the mother of Jesus, who displayed immense strength and faith, to modern-day female leaders advocating for justice and peace, we see the power of perseverance and grace. Lent encourages us to reflect on these inspiring figures and follow their example by promoting kindness, equality, and hope.

This Lent, let us walk the path of compassion and justice, inspired by the courageous women who have shaped history and continue to make a difference today. May we be reminded that just as Jesus called for love and justice, we too are called to build a world where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive.

I share the following Lenten Reflection as I have done previously, providing some thoughtful suggestions for what we might consider fasting from, and feasting on, during Lent:

Fast from judging others;
Feast on fairness and kindness.
Fast from words that hurt;
Feast on speech that heals.
Fast from discontent;
Feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger;
Feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism;
Feast on hope.
Fast from negatives;
Feast on encouragement.
Fast from bitterness;

Feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern;
Feast on compassion.
Fast from suspicion;
Feast on truth.
Fast from gossip;
Feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm;
Feast on prayer that sustains.
Fast from anxiety;
Feast on faith.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Mrs Mandy Hore

Reconciliation Action Plan

At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous people.

Many significant steps towards reconciliation have been taken, and in 2018, Pedare committed to this with its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Pedare recognises that Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that reminds us that while generations of Australians have fought hard for meaningful change, future gains are likely to take just as much, if not more, effort and education.

Now in its second iteration, our plan is currently being reviewed and refreshed as we seek to further strengthen our understanding of the culture and history of the traditional owners of the land on which we live, learn, play and work.

We are proud of the many small steps already made, and as we work to update our plan in the coming months, we are committed to ensuring that Pedare students have a better understanding of positive and purposeful partnerships that can make the world a better place. Our RAP will continue to be a living document that builds and fosters relationships.

Part of the vision of our RAP is to engage with our wider community—students, staff, parents and to this end, should you be interested in joining the Pedare RAP committee, please do not hesitate to contact me at mhore@pedarecc.sa.edu.au.

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HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Ms Lisa Daws

The last two weeks have been filled with exciting opportunities for our students to shine, both in and out of the classroom. From sporting events to moments of reflection, we continue to embrace experiences that foster growth, resilience and community spirit.

Junior School Swimming Carnival Success!

The JS Swimming Carnival was a fantastic day of energy, teamwork and sportsmanship. Students gave their best efforts in the pool, demonstrating perseverance and celebrating each other’s achievements. A special thank you to our staff and parent volunteers who helped out on the day. Special mention to Mr Perry for his coordination of the event and Ethan, our AV/ICT Technician. We are proud of every student who participated; the spirit of Pedare was on full display!�� Congratulations to Greenwith, who took out the title this year!

1 Greenwith 2.19
2 Eldergreen 2.12
3 Surrey 1.94
4 Petworth 1.87
5 Hillcott 1.74
6 Brooklyn 1.73

HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

Mrs Eliza Buckoke

Each week, we explore a theme that helps guide our reflections and conversations. Last week, our focus was contribution—how each of us can make a difference in our community, whether through leadership, teamwork, or simply showing kindness and support to others.

Tony Robbins reminds us, “It’s not what we get, but who we become, what we contribute… that gives meaning to our lives.” True fulfillment comes not just from personal achievement but from how we give, support and serve those around us. This message was clearly reflected in the events of the past fortnight.

Our Year 6 Surf Day at Grange Surf Life Saving Club included surfing, surf safety and beach games. Students not only learned important surf skills but also supported each other throughout the day. The day was a great reminder that contribution is about more than individual success; it’s about celebrating and encouraging others.

HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Mr Josh Willis

I am excited to share details about our new Leadership Development Program launching next week for Year 10 students. This 18-month program is designed to create an engaging leadership pathway that inspires students to explore future opportunities and develop essential skills that will serve them throughout their lives. By focusing on leadership skills for all students, we hope to cultivate a culture of empowerment, responsibility and collaboration that extends beyond the classroom. The program will feature interactive sessions led by our Pedare Leadership team, as well as exciting opportunities to hear from special guest leaders across sport, charities and business. Students will engage in practical activities designed to strengthen their leadership capabilities, explore leadership concepts and principles, and prepare for Year 12 leadership opportunities. Throughout the program, students will learn how to be leaders in their everyday interactions, understand core leadership principles and develop the confidence to make positive contributions to their school and broader community. Our goal is to help each student discover their unique leadership potential and prepare them for being leaders in our community.��

In recent weeks, the College has been abuzz with activity, which has shown the fantastic community spirit we have at Pedare. Middle/Senior Swimming Carnival showed our students’ competitive spirit, but more importantly, their sportsmanship. Whether competing for community points or cheering from the side of the pool, the energy and camaraderie displayed were fantastic.��

Junior School Classes and Year 8 Language & Literature

One of the best things about working in an R-12 school is the opportunity for cross-age activities. Year 8 students have been working on an intertextual study, inspired by ‘The Jolly Postman’, which required them to write their own letter to/from a fairytale character.��

However, they needed some quality control, and our Junior School students were only too happy to oblige! Giving (very honest!) feedback to the Year 8s, and enjoying some of their favourite books together, there were some lovely moments between our Receptions, 1B, 2N and 3G with their new Year 8 friends.

Ms Sarah Mossel

Stage 1&2 Chinese Excursion

On Thursday, 27 February, Stage 1 and 2 Chinese students embarked on an exciting city adventure, visiting the Art Gallery of South Australia, the Migration Museum and exploring the vibrant streets of Chinatown. Throughout the day, they uncovered the fascinating history of migration and its powerful impact on individuals and society.

At the Art Gallery, students explored ancient Chinese artworks displayed in various mediums, gaining insights into the stories behind them. Strolling through the streets of Chinatown, they experienced the vibrant cultural atmosphere firsthand. A traditional Chinese meal added to the experience, connecting language learning with real-life cultural practices.

This unforgettable excursion brought learning beyond the classroom walls, leaving students inspired and excited about their language journey.

Mrs Grace Liu

NEWS, UPDATES AND RESULTS

The Pedare Extra-curricular Portal is the central hub for information and links to our Sports and Clubs program. Regularly updated, it provides the latest news, announcements, results and important updates on Pedare’s extra-curricular activities and events.