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First Day of 2024 Academic Year – Monday, 29 February

On Thursday, we recognised our highest-performing students from last year’s Year 12 cohort. These students had much of their Senior School journey influenced by the pandemic, making their achievements even more meritorious. Those students gaining an ATAR in the 90s, along with their families, joined us at a special assembly to formally recognise their achievements. My thanks to all parents and staff who contributed so significantly to the success experienced by the Year 12 graduating class. We wish all our graduates every success and happiness as they embark on their post-school journeys and look forward to following their progress with great interest.

90+ Academic Assembly – Thursday, 8 February

Our current Community structure began in 1991. Five Communities were established – Brooklyn, Eldergreen, Greenwith, Hillcott and Surrey – all of which have grown into thriving Communities with rich histories founded upon a commitment to connecting students and families. This year, for the first time in 33 years, we are delighted to welcome a new Community to ������Ƶ����. With 92 students from R-12, Petworth has commenced its journey with an inaugural team of students, staff and families. We look forward to supporting Petworth as it establishes itself and contributes a freshness to our integral Community system.

As I pause to reflect on the learning that has begun here in 2024, I am inspired. ������Ƶ���� is filled with moments of insight, collaboration, sharing wisdom, and, most importantly, connecting with one another. One of the greatest strengths of humankind is the very fact that we are so different, and in possession of a great range of qualities and talents; however, our other equally greatest strength is how we come together. By working together throughout 2024, we will be able to overcome the many challenges that will inevitably come our way, and we will help each other find joy and pride in our achievements.

Week 2 has provided an opportunity to celebrate the academic achievements of the Graduating Class of 2023. We recognise that this is not something a student accomplishes in isolation or in a single moment. It is the culmination of a great team of people: their Year 12 teachers, all the teachers and educators who have supported their learning journey, their family, friends and classmates. It is the culmination of a sustained effort through many challenges and a commitment to progress and continual growth.

Inspired by the class of 2023, all students at every year level can commit to personal progress in 2024. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, we find this timeless reminder: “Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing”. I encourage you to savour the joys that 2024 brings and find strength in your community to meet the challenges. It is through these connections that we achieve our best.

Parent Information Night – Tuesday, 6 February

It has been a joyful, settled and enthusiastic start, with everyone enjoying connecting with their classmates and engaging with their new learning environments and teachers.��

My thanks to our community and staff for their contributions in preparing for the new year.

One of the highlights of our first weeks was the chance to come together and connect as a Junior School.

Our first Worship service provided an opportunity to meet our new Chaplaincy team, Mr Morton, Ms Frost and Mrs Smith, and to share fellowship and pray for the term ahead.

In our first Assembly, Junior School leaders unveiled our initial themes for the year ahead.

The first theme is ‘Little Things Matter’, which encourages us to appreciate the beauty in simplicity. It prompts us, as a Junior School, to pay attention to the small acts of kindness, quiet moments of reflection, and subtle joys that make each day unique. Whether it’s a smile from a friend, a kind word from a teacher, saying ‘thank you’ or feeling the warmth of the sun on our face during recess, these little things collectively shape our school experience and create a positive atmosphere. Of course, wearing the uniform proudly and respecting and caring for each other were also high on our agenda!

In our pursuit of appreciating the little things, I reminded students not to forget the impact of our actions on the planet we call home and, more locally, our College. ‘Walk Softly on the Earth’ is a call to action, urging us to be mindful of our footprint. Each step we take, both figuratively and literally, leaves an imprint. By adopting sustainable practices and making eco-friendly choices, we contribute to the preservation of our planet for future generations. Recycling, putting rubbish in the bin, and caring for our classrooms and outdoor spaces are joint responsibilities to prepare our students to be conscientious global citizens.

As a Junior School, we have the power to make a difference by embracing these two themes. If we work together, we can create a culture of gratitude where we express appreciation for the little things that make our College special. By recognising and committing to ‘walking softly on the earth’, we can create a community that thrives on positivity, kindness and environmental stewardship.

��I look forward to getting to know you and supporting your child and family this year.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any queries or questions.��

Junior School Assembly – Friday, 9 February

90+ Club – Class of 2023

Lent – Ordering your inner world

In recent days, I’ve been revisiting the account of King Saul, the first king of ancient Israel (1 Samuel ch.9 – 16). At first, by every external criteria, Saul seemed an ideal choice for the role. However, it wasn’t long before the ‘wheels begin to fall off’ as his disobedience, his self-importance and his impatience came to the fore. On the outside, he looked the part, but his character and motivations were deeply flawed.

The prophet Samuel was then guided by God to a family that lived in Bethlehem. One of the sons in this family was to be anointed and would eventually become the new king. Samuel was certain that the oldest son would be the best fit; but God had other ideas. In fact, God not only rejected the oldest brother but all the others too, except for the youngest – David. God’s reason for choosing the youngest, despite his age and lack of life experience, was this:��

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

A book that had a profound influence on me as a younger man was Gordon MacDonald’s ‘Ordering Your Private World’. He challenged me to prioritize the state of my inner world – my character, my values, my motivations, and my faith. His guiding principle was this: an integrated and well-ordered inner world will flow outward and positively influence the outer world of activity and relationships.

During the upcoming season of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday next week, I encourage you to ask God to help you order your inner world according to his principles of truth, integrity, and love.

Mr John Morton, College Chaplain

Ash Wednesday Community Service
For Staff, ������Ƶ���� and Families

• Wednesday, 14 February
• 7.30-8.00am
• College Chapel

Join with other members of the College community to mark the commencement of Lent, a time when many Christians around the world prepare for Easter with a season of reflection and repentance.

Rev Jo Smith, from the Anglican Parish of Modbury and Golden Grove, will lead the service, which will include scripture reflection and the opportunity to receive the sign of the cross in ash for those who value that tradition.

If you would like to attend and simply observe the service and learn about this Christian tradition, you are most welcome to do so. There is no obligation to receive the sign of the cross in ash.

Please note that the start and finish times will be punctual.

All enquiries to John Morton (College Chaplain): 8280 1700, jmmorton@pedarecc.sa.edu.au

Parent Information Session
How to Support Your Child in Reading?

Parents and Caregivers of children in Reception Year 1 and Year 2 are invited to a Parent Information Session, ‘How to Support your Child in Reading’, on Tuesday, 20 Feb at 5:30 pm at Chapel.

• Learning to read at ������Ƶ����
• Practical Strategies to support reading at home

Please note that this is a parent-only session and there will not be supervision available for children.�� Please RSVP if you can attend :