In my recent subject selection conversations and presentations with Middle School students, I was reminded of the importance of girls embracing challenge. Subject choices should be based on interest and academic stretch instead of the subjects students ‘like’ simply because they find them the easiest.

New York Times bestseller, David Epstein in his book ‘Range’ (2019), discusses the importance of ‘desirable difficulties’. He states, “these are obstacles that make learning more challenging, slower, and more frustrating in the short term, but better in the long term”. My advice to families is to encourage your daughter to embrace challenge and see obstacles and difficulties in their learning as positive constraints to overcome.

Epstein further highlights that when we work harder and embrace greater levels of challenge in our learning, that there is generally much higher levels of transfer and longevity in that learning. I wish all girls the best of luck with their future endeavours and have no doubt their choices will result in rewarding and meaningful learning.

Winter Intercollegiate Competition

Connecting with the concept of challenge, it was great to see the results of our recent Intercol against Seymour College. All girls played with fantastic grit and high levels of commitment. Congratulations to all girls for their fierce competition. The girls were also outstanding today at our Interhouse Athletics Carnival. Well done to all girls for your comradery and sportsmanship.

Jam Factory Collaboration

A central part of the Year 9 Inspire: Creative Product Design subject is to collaborate with industry. The Jam Factory is a unique, not-for-profit organisation that supports and promotes excellence in art, craft and design through their programs, studios, galleries and shops.

In an introductory ceramics course, the Jam Factory’s qualified staff have been teaching our Year 9 Students specialist skills, which they use to design and develop their own functional ceramic products in Term 4.

“Our excursion to the Jam Factory allowed me to develop my skills in ceramics while exposing me to the arts industry, through practical sessions and information communicated during the tour and presentation. The artists led us through two short sessions where we learned to throw clay on a potter's wheel and create hand-built pieces. I learnt a lot and had fun during this unique experience.” Jeevan Gilhotra

Thank you to Mrs Brooke Porter and our Art Department for organising this wonderful learning opportunity.

Write a Book in a Day

On Tuesday 17 August, girls across Years 7 to 12 participated in the Write a Book in a Day competition. This involved the girls working in a team to complete a book within 12 hours. The completed books will be shared digitally with children in hospitals across Australia. Thank you to Mrs Bess Smith, Mrs Danielle Kemp and other supporting staff for their organisation of this event.

Emily Johannsen (Year 9) reflected on the experience below.

Last Tuesday, 55 Middle and Senior School girls had the opportunity to participate in Write a Book in a Day, a fun and creative team writing competition with some unique aspects.

The girls worked collaboratively in teams of between five and ten people from 8.00am to 8.00pm. These 12 hours were spent writing a book to be shared digitally with children in hospitals across Australia.

Sponsorship money raised is donated to The Kids’ Cancer Project, a charity committed to funding research for better treatments and eventually a cure for childhood cancer. This year, the fundraising has been done online via the Write a Book in a Day website and due to the impact of COVID-19 interstate, the date for fundraising extended until 30 September. Currently, $1000 has been raised but the aim is to increase the donation for this very worthy cause.

On competition day, the girls were challenged to write for children aged between 10 to 16 years of age. Each book needed to include special parameters such as random words and context. This year, the words were pineapple, big brother, lifesaver, family and blue bottle. Teams were given three random main characters, a setting and an event. These parameters were unique to each team and helped the team build their story. The day was spent with friends and food. It gave girls the chance to tap into their creative side – whether it was writing amazing chapters or drawing beautiful images. Girls always enjoy Write a Book in a Day and look forward to it every year.

Crazy Socks, Beanies and Ties Day

On Friday 20 August, Mia Pyman (Year 9) led a fundraiser initiative for The Kids Cancer Project, with money raised going towards buying teddy bears for children with cancer. Girls and staff supported this event by wearing crazy socks, beanies and ties. Congratulations to Mia for her outstanding leadership.

2021 South Australian Young Writers Awards

The School received some exciting news last week that two of our Middle School English students have won prizes in the 2021 South Australian Young Writers Awards.

Lucia Andrae (Year 8) placed 1^st and Leah Berhe (Year 8) came 2^nd in the Year 7/8 Poetry category. Congratulations!

To read the girls entries, please click the links below:

• The new big bad wolf by Lucia Andrae
• The colour of racism by Leah Berhe

Welcome Back

This week we welcomed back Mrs Belinda Arnfield as Head of Middle School. I want to thank our wonderful students and families for making me feel so welcome in the role.