Success Magazine - Semester 2 2020

SUCCESS

SUCCESS

semester two 2020

se m e s t er t w o 2 0 2 0

Thrive Success 2020

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From the Principal

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Good food and good company

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STEMtastic!

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Introducing your School Captains 7 Career kick-start 9

< Cover: 2021 School Captains Charlotte Coakes-Jenkins and Sean Heffron enjoy a snack at the new HVGS Cafeteria.

100 days of Kindergarten!

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Wellbeing for all students

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Staff introductions

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Equal and different

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Life on the beat

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Colour her happy

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Chardonnay and a cheese board

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9

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Success is a Hunter Valley Grammar School publication.

Editorial Team: Dionne Molina Proofreading: Jennifer Long and Janelle Kelly Photography: Heather Studdy 42 Norfolk Street Ashtonfield NSW 2323 PO Box 458 East Maitland NSW 2323 P: 02 4934 2444

E: communityrelations@hvgs.nsw.edu.au www.hvgs.nsw.edu.au

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Success 2020 Thrive

From the Principal Education today is quite different from what it was ten years ago; with the rapidity of social, technological and educational change, it will undoubtedly be different again in another ten years. That is both exciting and daunting. The challenge for schools (or businesses) is to remain relevant, competitive and purposeful. As our students (and parent body) mature in their outlook and educational expectations, the School must evolve in its character and concept of self, its academic offerings and reputation.

HVGS is enviably positioned to provide not just a great educational experience here in the Hunter, but one that is world-class and affords students educational purpose and connection to their local and global communities. One of the foundational concepts of the International Baccalaureate (IB) is the focus on teaching and learning in context, but with a global perspective of shared humanity and shared guardianship of the planet.

Whilst the IB has a reputation for high-quality, rigorous education, it is crucial to understand that the IB is a framework for epistemology - how we come to know what we know and how we can apply it. The IB framework is designed to be the overarching pedagogy of the school curriculum, regardless of the national or state curriculum. The focus is on how we learn, not what we learn, with a commitment to educating the whole person.

January 2021 will see our first cohort of students take up the IB Career-related Programme (CP).

The CP incorporates the vision and educational principles of the IB into a unique program for students who wish to engage in career-related learning in the final two years of school. The CP is open to any student aged 16-19.

It provides a foundation to support studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; further studies and ensures their preparedness for success in the workforce.

It is flexible in matching their needs, backgrounds and contexts, sees students gaining transferable and lifelong skills and supports them to take responsibility for their own actions, encouraging high levels of self-esteem through meaningful achievements.

The CP prepares students for higher education, an internship or apprenticeship, or a position in a designated field of interest. Students learn about theories and concepts through application and practice while developing broad-based skills in authentic and meaningful contexts.

The CP combines highly regarded and internationally recognised courses, from the IB Diploma Programme (DP), with a unique CP core and an approved career-related study.

CP students are required to complete the DP courses, the CP core and an approved career-related study concurrently.

Students who complete the programme and met all the course requirements will receive the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme Certificate, the Australian Vocational Certificate in their chosen career-related study and, if applicable, their secondary school degree.

You can read more about the CP on page nine of this issue and hear from students Lexie and Ruby Martin about why they have chosen the CP next year.

Paul Teys Principal

From the Principal Success 2020

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Good food and good company

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Success 2020 Success 2020Thrive Nurture

It’s 9.19am and the coffee machine in the new HVGS Meeting Place Café has had its first break of the morning.

It’s been a busy start to the day with a constant stream of students and staff stopping in for their morning fix of hot chocolate, coffee and toasties. A smattering of staff linger around the cedar and sandstone seats, catching up on today’s “need to knows”. The strident tones of a piano being put through its paces by an enthusiastic student in the adjoining Music Centre enhances the vibrant energy in the café courtyard. The coffee machine isn’t quiet for long – a customer approaches the counter, and it whirls back into action.

Pumpkin and ricotta pies, gluten-free frittatas, sushi, chicken schnitzel Turkish bread toasties and nachos have all been best sellers. Naturally, traditional school favourites are also on the menu for the less culinary adventurous.

Twelve years ago, Head of Students Greg Robinson had a vision – the notion of a place that brought people together on a social level, combined with good food (and coffee!). From that initial idea, and following a few iterations, The Meeting Place Café and Treetops Restaurant (located above the café) were baked into the School’s Masterplan.

Perfectly positioned in the heart of the School, the new dining precinct is an impressive sight. Its contemporary design of timber and steel complements other school buildings and the outdoor seating areas are a fantastic place to warm up in the winter sun with friends and colleagues.

“A cafeteria is a fantastic place for people to connect, and it creates an engaging learning and working environment for students as well as staff. Seeing this come to life has been incredibly rewarding,” Greg says.

While the facilities and ambience in the new dining precinct are exceptional, it is second only to the foray of delicious and delectable goodies thoughtfully prepared by professional chef and café manager Anthony McGavin (and team). Sure to satisfy any palate, even that of fussy eaters, Anthony’s expert eye and tasty recipes have been a hit with students and staff.

“Feedback from students and staff has been wonderful.

Students have especially noticed the new food selections and the happy and uplifting atmosphere in which to enjoy them,” Greg says.

The cafeteria project showcases our maturity as a school, providing a recreational and leisure space to enjoy quality food, relaxation time and good company in a dignified way.

The Meeting Place Café serves quick, café style breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea snacks while Treetops Restaurant (opening late 2020) boasts a design-built dining room with a chef-designed menu to accommodate 120 guests for lunch.

Treetops will also provide a sophisticated function and event space for school events in the future.

Also included in the build was the extension of the Music Centre. Bright and airy music classrooms, new instrument storage spaces, rehearsal rooms and a chamber room were all thoughtfully included and are already being enjoyed by students and staff.

The cafeteria project and other capital works are funded

through the generous support of our community via voluntary

contributions to the School’s building fund. Contact our Finance team to make a contribution.

Nurture Success 2020

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STEMtastic!

Pre-schoolers are naturally and intentionally curious, so our brand-new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) room extension in the Early Learning Centre is a fascinating space. All five senses are active here, and working on complex problems and questions leads to exciting discoveries.

When young children are provided with the appropriate space and opportunity to use hands-on approaches to decode new information, learn through self-discovery, develop critical thinking and experiment with ideas, they approach new challenges and learning with high levels of engagement, innovation, curiosity and collaboration. These are essential 21st-century skills.

The STEM extension was funded by the Department of Educationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Start Strong Capital Works Program in partnership with HVGS.

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Success 2020 Learn

Introducing your 2021 School Captains

Charlotte Coakes-Jenkins

Charlotte Coakes-Jenkins and Sean Heffron are our 2021 School Captains. Lotte and Sean shared a bit about their personal strengths and values, and how they intend to draw on these as school leaders.

What are your personal strengths?

Sean Heffron

What do you think the School’s strengths are?

Sean: HVGS has offered an environment where I could learn and grow into the person I am. We are so lucky to have access to fantastic facilities and great teachers who challenge and support all students.

Lotte: I think I am a bit of a mixed bag. I love working with other people and would like to think I can find a way to make any task enjoyable! I am committed and driven and enjoy making other people laugh. The power of laughter can really change how a person feels, and I think that making someone else feel good just makes you feel good too.

Which one of our values do you most identify with and why?

Sean: My biggest strengths are creativity, confidence and communication. I like to think that these are the strengths that are most evident in my personality. They certainly have their pluses but also their minuses, like all strengths do.

Sean: Optimism - I think that this year has shown us all that life can really throw a curveball and how important it is to stay positive and focus on the things that you can change.

Lotte: Optimism – I love the idea of always searching for the best in people. Everyone is capable of kindness and even in a world filled with so much hate and anxiety, it only takes a handful of happy people to make a difference!

How do you use your strengths in leadership?

Lotte: I love using leadership as a tool to inspire people to “do good”. I feel like my teamwork skills and enthusiasm work well together. I enjoy sparking passion within people that can lead them to take action for themselves.

Read the full interview on our website

Thrive Success 2020

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Career kick-start

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Success 2020 Nuture Learn

What is involved?

Lexie and Ruby Martin (Year 10) both have a clear idea of where they see themselves post-school - working in early childhood and the hospitality industry, respectively.

Traditionally, students like Lexie and Ruby would have studied the HSC and undertaken vocational courses offered by the School, attended TAFE some afternoons and evenings or accessed a school-based traineeship or apprenticeship to kick-start their career.

However, sometimes students choosing this pattern of study can find themselves studying other HSC subjects that are not relevant to, or support, their career choice and may struggle to meet the demands of the HSC while trying to juggle their career studies and work experience requirements.

Hunter Valley Grammar School has acknowledged this and are looking to offer both the HSC and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Career-related Programme (CP) to Year 11 students for the first time in 2021. In 2022, we are aiming to add the IB Diploma Programme. These, along with our Bespoke programs, will provide four career pathways for students to consider in their final years of school.

About the CP The CP incorporates the values of the IB into a unique, international, real-world and career-focused program that focuses on vocational skills and hands-on experience.

This unique pattern of study incorporates the local vocational (VET) course, the IB Language and Literature course (to strengthen writing and public speaking skills), the IB Business Management course (acquiring relevant business skills), a Personal and Professional Skills course (to develop the soft skills increasingly valued by employers) and a Language Development course (providing a greater understanding of the impact of culture and context on business relations). The courses are specifically designed to relate to the student’s career of choice and require students to apply what they have learnt to the context of their career studies.

Along with the usual work placement hours, students will also be involved in career-related service opportunities.

For example, a student commencing a hospitality career may volunteer with a community food program; helping those in need. Students acquire skills to support their future employment applications, while also gaining an understanding of how their career can make a difference to the community in multiple ways. Undertaking a research project on an ethical dilemma associated with their career empowers students with the skills to navigate the workplace, where they may encounter situations requiring difficult decisions.

Lexie and Ruby are looking forward to studying the Career-related Programme in 2021. They shared their thoughts about why they chose this course of study.

What do you want to be when you leave school?

Ruby: My passion for baking and hands-on activities made me really consider a career in hospitality.

Lexie: I would love to pursue a career in early childhood education. I’ve always enjoyed being around children and seeing them grow into creative and curious thinkers.

Why did you choose the CP Programme?

Lexie: The CP will help me gain hands-on learning experiences to support my chosen career path. I am also looking forward to learning skills that will support me in general such as workplace resolution skills, consideration of ethical dilemmas and service-learning opportunities.

Ruby: I feel that the CP will better tailor my experiences to my career path. I will learn the basic skills and knowledge to help start my career but can also look at the ethics and real-world application of those skills. I am excited to be a part of the new IB offerings at HVGS.

Keen to learn more about the CP? If you are interested in learning more about this or any of our other IB programmes, please contact Pauliene O’Grady (Director of IB Programmes) on ogradyp@hvgs.nsw.edu.au

Learn Success 2020

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100 days of Kindergarten!

From the first day our nervous five-year olds appear in the classroom to the confident students of 100 days in, Kindergarteners undertake an enormous amount of learning.

Kindy student Elizabeth shared the top five things she has learned at school.

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Success 2020 Learn

1.

Diagraphs. That is when two letters make one sound. Like CH in chicken.

2.

Transport. I always wondered what the doors on the back of buses were for. I learned they are for emergencies in our Transport Unit of Enquiry.

3.

Responsibility. I helped a friend who was sick go to the sick bay and brought her bag there too. That is showing responsibility.

4.

Year 6 buddies. They are helpful, fun and great friends!

5.

Odd and even numbers. Two is an even number and three is an odd number. Did you know that?

Learn Success 2020

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Success 2020 Thrive

Wellbeing

for all students

Wellbeing encompasses all dimensions of life as a Hunter Valley Grammar School student because a positive sense of wellbeing fosters higher levels of engagement, school connectedness, vitality, higher functioning relationships and an improvement in academic performance.

Such an essential element of student life requires a well-considered, coherent and thoroughly researched development plan that is age-appropriate for a young person’s wellbeing.

The new HVGS Kindergarten–Year 12 Wellbeing Framework was developed for this purpose, designed to map the development of wellbeing programs and goals for all HVGS students as they progress through school.

Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School Fiona Devlin and our Wellbeing Team developed a Framework that supports HVGS students to thrive and flourish, to be happy, healthy, productive, successful and engaged while at school.

Fiona says, “The Wellbeing Framework is an explicit and practical guide to inform practices that strengthen our young people’s wellbeing throughout their time here at HVGS.

“The framework takes a holistic approach to wellbeing, enhancing the whole person cognitively, socially, physically, emotionally and morally.

“It speaks directly to the quality of our graduates and their character, attributes and experiences they will take with them as they enter adulthood productive and values-rich global citizens.”

Wellbeing at HVGS is not a conceptual notion.

It is visible right across the School – on camps, through service, via presentations and conferences with students and in the skills and attributes embedded in positive education theory practised in Mentor Groups and Junior School classrooms.

Download the Wellbeing Framework from our website

Nurture Success 2020

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Staff introductions Tina Newstead Junior School Assistant

I joined HVGS in January as the new Junior School Assistant. I have spent the majority of my working life as a secretary and finance officer in various Catholic schools across the Hunter Region.

My interests and hobbies include gardening, sewing and yoga. I also enjoy walking and bike riding, especially if there is a coffee stop somewhere along the way! I love it here at Hunter Valley Grammar School. Thank you to everyone who has made me feel so welcome.

Unfortunately, I have been unable able to meet parents in person but am hopeful we will soon be able to meet face-to-face.

Ben Solomon Director of ICT

I joined HVGS earlier this year after heading up a team of IT professionals at a leading Victorian public school for the past four years and working as an IT and sales professional in various schools and companies for over 15 years.

I was born and brought up in Kuwait, to parents of Indian origin. I have lived in Kuwait, India and Australia for almost equal lengths of time. I relocated to the Hunter from Melbourne with my wife, who is originally from Armidale, and our three young kids.

In my spare time (very hard to come by with little kids around), I play indoor and outdoor cricket, squash, tennis or golf (very badly). I like to read, research and learn about various subject matters including digital marketing, technology, psychology, philosophy, health, ADHD and nutrition, among others. I have also coached junior cricketers and been part of committees at various sporting clubs.

I see my role at HVGS as an opportunity to solve big problems using the best available technology solutions.

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Success 2020 Staff Thrive

Equal and different The first of a new series of workshops designed for women in leadership launched late July, inspiring HVGS women to explore the central theme of Equal and Different.

The series of workshops initiated by Deputy Principal Fiona Devlin will focus on contextual leadership – building capacity in our environment, drawing out ideas from guest speakers and then putting these ideas into practice in our context.

“I’m interested in building our own strong network here at HVGS to encourage connections and collaboration and provide our women with the opportunity to form strong, trustbased relationships in a culture of support,” she says.

A passionate leader of women, Fiona has been in educational leadership roles from a young age. She understands too well the challenges women face in the workplace and the benefit of sharing her experience and journey with others.

“The theme Equal and Different was intentionally selected for our first symposium,” she says. “We are fortunate to have an equitable (equal) contemporary workplace for women at HVGS, but it’s the difference that we need to collaborate and support each other on.”

Fiona called upon the group to consider the different: learning to appreciate the diverse backgrounds, traits, personalities and experiences of women in the workplace; differences between men and women and how this may influence how we make decisions and how we react to certain situations; how we can build resilience and how to manage and balance life as working mothers.

The feedback from the first series has been compelling. Junior School teacher Justine Wilson found deep personal value in the session.

“If there was ever a time to remind ourselves that we are surrounded by an impressive group of supportive and intelligent women, it is right now,” she says.

“The session offered a timely reminder that persistence, resilience and working toward one’s aspirations is complemented by a supportive team. This is my current experience. Of particular personal benefit is the knowledge that my purpose is clear and my passion for learning continues.”

Read the full story on our website

Staff Success 2020

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Chardonnay and a cheese board On a picturesque property nestled on the Hunter River sits Tranquil Vale Vineyard â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a multi awardwinning boutique winery managed and operated by past student Connie Griffiths and her family.

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Success 2020 Alumni

Connie Griffiths (2007) We are feeling a little hungry now! Tell us something we may not know about winemaking.

I am a winemaker and the General Manager at Tranquil Vale Vineyard, but how I came to that job was a little complicated.

People have so much varied knowledge about winemaking but many people may not know that the colour of most red wine comes purely from the skins of the grapes – so if you remove the skins from the juice quickly and do not let that colour bleed in, then you could make white wine from red grapes. In fact, Pinot Noir is one of the red wine grape varieties used in Champagne.

I went on a Rotary Exchange to Mexico for a year, then did an Arts Degree at Melbourne University (double major – English and Theatre Studies/Screen and Cultural Studies). I did some independent theatre production in Sydney before moving to Asia, where I completed a Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certificate and spent four years teaching English in Hong Kong and Malaysia.

It was during this time, I realised how much I loved home and that my passion really lay with food and wine. So, the decision was made to move back to the Hunter and take over my family’s business – Tranquil Vale Vineyard.

I am currently studying Oenology (the study of wines) while working as a winemaker with my father and managing our cellar door and accommodation business.

What is your favourite wine, and what do you enjoy pairing it with?

It is hard to choose a favourite wine; it is like choosing a favourite child! But I do love our 2019 Chardonnay paired with a cheese board and charcuterie. For the uninitiated, a charcuterie is the arrangement of cured meats, cheeses and finger foods on a platter or board.

The subtle nuttiness and the creaminess of the cheeses and meats beautifully complement the toasty, oak characters in the wine.

What’s been your career highlight?

So far . . . winning a trophy for our Semillon.

A L U M N I

What have you been doing since graduating from HVGS in 2007?

What trait did you learn at school that has helped you later in life?

I learnt so much at school, so many intangible things that are hard to pin down. What I would say is that I learnt about community, teamwork and respect for others. These traits have served me very well over the years and allowed me to engage with many communities, cultures and institutions all over the world.

Favourite memory of your time at school?

Winning my first race at a rowing regatta, going to the state competition of Tournament of the Minds and more than anything, the drama productions – being onstage, backstage, rehearsals, the laugher the fun and the thrill. I just loved it!

Alumni Success 2020

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Life on the beat Jenna Kennedy (2017) A desire to make a difference led Jenna to pursue a career in policing. Stationed in Sydney, Probationary Constable Kennedy is ready to rise to the day-to-day challenges she will undoubtedly encounter.

Why were you interested in the police force?

I initially commenced a Bachelor of Social Science majoring in Criminology at the University of Newcastle but I just wasn’t getting any satisfaction with the course and I actually wasn’t convinced the course was really going to lead me to a career that I would be happy with, so I soon turned to policing.

I felt policing would provide me with many career opportunities and is a job where I could make a difference.

We understand that the training is tough – what was your experience?

Training was difficult and with COVID-19, even more so. I couldn’t train with large groups and our onsite gym was closed.

The most challenging aspect for training was not actually the physical/mental training but the many hours of studying required.

At the completion of my training I was surprised at how emotional I was at my attestation parade. I think the

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Success 2020 Alumni

culmination of what I had achieved at the Police Academy, under very challenging conditions, and the reality of what I was about to undertake suddenly became real.

Can you offer any advice to other students considering a career in policing?

Embrace all the training, both physical and mental, and do it with confidence. The training can be very confronting and intense, so be prepared to be put well out of your comfort zone. You will also need to be prepared for a lot of studying.

What is your ambition as a police officer?

I am currently undertaking my three years of general duties.

I will use this time to decide which path I would like to take in the force. I know I don’t want to be on general duties for much longer than three years and I am hoping to branch out to a squad or specialist unit in the future. I have also given some thought to joining the Australian Federal Police.

Colour her happy Sue Richardson

Major achievement Brendan Rowe (2005)

The interesting sculptures and artworks dotted across the School and the rise and rise of our Inspired Art Show, are a sure giveaway a creative mind is at work.

For 30 years Visual Arts teacher and Inspired custodian Sue Richardson has been sharpening students’ brushstrokes and curating campus artworks. But it is now time for her to put down the paints.

How do you feel leaving HVGS? Each day is going to feel very different. All those ideas stored away in my mind of different artworks to make, will now be a reality.

What will you miss the most?

I’ll miss the daily interaction and chats with students.

There is a secret joy when past students see me out and about and rush over to share with me what they have been doing since leaving HVGS. One past student told me she takes her daughter to art galleries and tries to teach her all the things I taught her in class.

What are you most proud of?

I’m so proud of the partnerships I formed with hardworking, dedicated, passionate students.

It is fantastic to hear feedback from students when they reach their career or personal goal and to receive postcards from their travels around the world with invitations to view their own art exhibitions.

Brendan Rowe is a Major in the Australian Army.

Currently based in Canberra, Brendan supports the development of policy and strategy associated with the Pacific Step Up – a program working with Australia’s Pacific partners to build a secure, stable and economic region.

What has been a career highlight for you?

Receiving a civilian bravery award from the GovernorGeneral was an incredible honour. I intervened in a fight where the aggressor produced a knife and threatened my life and the intended victim’s life too. I de-escalated the situation, and thankfully, no one was injured.

How has the impact of 2020 affected you?

The focus of my work shifted as a result of political and strategic changes, but primarily I haven’t had to change much. Plenty of my colleagues were deployed across Australia to air and seaports, as well as hotels to support the government’s quarantine efforts; most of them supported the bushfire relief efforts as well, so it’s been a very busy year (domestically) for army personnel.

Favourite HVGS memory?

The best memories I have are of the friends I made at school. While I wasn’t an ideal student and found myself in trouble from time-to-time; it was always my mates who made the time worthwhile.

Returning to the School in 2013 to deliver a speech to students and staff for the ANZAC Day Ceremony in my capacity as an Army Officer, was also a wonderful experience.

Read the full interview on our website

Alumni Success 2020

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42 Norfolk Street Ashtonfield NSW 2323 42 Norfolk Street Ashtonfield NSW 2323 PO Box 458 East Maitland NSW 2323 PO Box 458 East Maitland NSW 2323 P: 02 4934 2444 P: 02 4934 2444 E: communityrelations@hvgs.nsw.edu.au E: communityrelations@hvgs.nsw.edu.au www.hvgs.nsw.edu.au www.hvgs.nsw.edu.au â&#x20AC;¢

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Success 2020 Thrive