Issue 1 Term I 2013

NEWSLETTER

Issue 1 Term I 2013

TIGS New Parents Evening

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Academic • Christian • Caring

Welcome to 2013 at TIGS I wish to extend my best wishes to all members of the TIGS family for 2013.

We welcome many new students starting their TIGS journey and hope that their time at TIGS will be enriching. It was wonderful to meet new parents at the New Parents’ Evening held last Friday. We welcome them and their children to the TIGS community and look forward to a long and happy partnership.

This year we welcome the following new members of staff to our school: • Mrs Margaret Jakeman - (Teacher of Mathematics) • Mr Shane Rodgers - (Teacher of Mathematics) • Mrs Amanda Lowe - (Teacher of HSIE) • Mr Marcello Dardanelli - (Teacher of HSIE) • Ms Renae Van Woerden - (Teacher of English) • Mrs Rebecca Grneski - (Jnr School Admin) In welcoming our new staff I have reminded them of the expectations incumbent on TIGS teachers: • They must love our children • They must love teaching and always be seeking to improve their skills as teachers • They must be committed to the School’s Mission and Core Values: • Academic Excellence • Christian Beliefs and Behaviour • Caring Community

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

We are privileged to have such qualified and capable staff joining our school and look forward to celebrating their achievements with our students.

A number of teachers have also been appointed to new roles: • Mrs Jean Burton - Acting Head of English • Rev Mark Grieve - Kogara House Patron • Ms Jane McIntosh - Wolgal House Patron • Mr Adrian Deck - Dean of Year 11 • Mrs Naomi Sullivan - Dean of Year 8 We were thrilled with the performance of our students in the 2012 HSC which confirmed that TIGS has no equal in the Illawarra. A summary of our HSC achievements is provided on the website. Three things stand out which should give great encouragement to students and parents yet to tackle the final hurdle of Year 12: • • •

90% of students received a first round offer of a course of their choice at tertiary level.

88% of applicants received an offer of a place at university before they sat for their HSC examinations. These offers were based on their academic results, interview and CV which included all the experiences they have had at TIGS. There were 13 nominations by the HSC Examiners for special exhibition at Board of Studies events: Encore (6 Music), InTech (3 Industrial Technology), Call Back (3 Dance) and Art Express (1 Visual Arts). These nominations are for the elite of the elite. To receive 13 nominations is outstanding.

As we start the academic year it is appropriate to remind ourselves of the values and traditions that have underpinned the achievements of our students since TIGS opened its doors 55 years ago on 3 February 1959. Our Statement of Mission states: “The achievement of academic excellence in a caring environment that is founded on Christian belief and behaviour, so that students are equipped to act with wisdom, compassion and justice as faithful stewards of our world.”

The full Statement of Mission and Values is worth reading again as it reminds us of what is at the heart of a TIGS education. It can be found by clicking here.

I wish all members of the TIGS community a successful and fulfilling 2013.

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

Congratulations Macinley Butson (Year 7) who last week was placed third in the National BHP Billiton Science and Engineering Competition.

A Hard Day’s Night At last week’s Commencement Service in the Senior School I chose to talk on the topic of work. As I searched the Scriptures on this topic I found much food for thought. I was personally stimulated and challenged by what I learned. I thought I would share some of those observations with you.

First, work is highly valued in the Bible. God himself is a worker. His creation of the universe is presented in the Bible as the first of his great works. But God didn’t stop there. God continues to work. Jesus made this clear in John 5.17. God’s ongoing work is to uphold the good order he established in creation. Without God’s moment by moment care of his creation the universe would simply collapse in on itself.

As God is a worker so are we. The very first command God gave humankind was to get to work (see Genesis 1.28). We are to maintain the good order that God established in creation, tending to it and cultivating it, such that we elicit from the creation its full potentialities. Those who work hard at this noble task are considered wise; those who shirk their responsibilities, choosing to be lazy instead of industrious, are considered fools (see Proverbs 24.30-34).

While work is greatly valued in the Bible, the frustration that we often experience in our work is also accounted for in the Bible. God has frustrated our work as a judgement for our rebellion toward him (see Genesis 3.17-19). The writer of the Book of Ecclesiastes expresses this frustration well. As he sees Chaplain it, death ultimately renders our work meaningless. Death robs us of our ability to enjoy the fruits of our labours. Instead, we have to live with the dread that all that we have accomplished through our work could be lost in a moment by a fool who doesn’t know how to (or is not inclined to) manage it rightly. “Meaningless, meaningless,” says the writer (see Ecclesiastes 2.17-23).

Rev James Rogers

As with every area in life, Jesus makes a world of difference. As we put our trust in Jesus, so we are reconciled to God. It follows that we begin to serve his interests in the world instead of our own. The assurance we are given in the New Testament is that our work in the Lord is never in vain (see 1 Corinthians 15.58). That’s because we entrust our work to one who is fully wise. And God will always use our work to accomplish his good and perfect purposes for the world.

What a transformation! This doesn’t mean we won’t experience any more frustrations in work. We will. We are not in heaven yet. Even so, our frustrations will be overshadowed by the knowledge that God can make much of our labour for him - more than we could possibly imagine. Buoyed by that assurance let’s work with all our might in 2013, entrusting our labour to God. Rev James Rogers Chaplain

Senior School Last Friday, at the New Parents Evening, Vanessa Goodhew gave a welcoming address on ‘the essence of a TIGS parent’. It resonated so deeply with both staff and parents, as it was both aspirational and inspirational, that I wanted to share it with all parents. You will not have the benefit of Vanessa’s wonderful delivery but I hope it will inspire you at the beginning of a new academic year.

“None of us would pull up outside a house and drop our children off in the street. Allowing them to go inside and remain there for long periods of time, even years, without some knowledge of the occupants and the values and behaviour they exhibit or the influence they will bring to bear on our children. So why would we think that is acceptable at school?

Monica Watt

TIGS has an open door policy and welcomes interest and input from our parents. A typical TIGS parent is seeking to model to our children the behaviour we would like to see them demonstrate in their own TIGS experience. TIGS parents want to be engaged and involved. We recognise that we have joined a community which, like all communities, is based on relationships. We need to engage with the staff and the other families, build relationships, develop communication, support one another and contribute as well as receive. The School is transparent and we all benefit from a respectful and robust dialogue about all areas of the School’s Mission and Values.

The Headmaster and staff recognise that parents are becoming increasingly busy. In many families both parents work. And yet parents still want to be involved in the School. There are traditional avenues for this especially in the Junior School with classroom assistance and excursion support. There are numerous sporting and performing arts events throughout the year.

The P & F bodies of Orana in the Senior School and Karobran in the Junior School welcome your involvement and contributions.

The TIGS Great Fete involves more of the school community than any other event and there are the various services at Easter, Anzac Day and Christmas. Opportunities are also increasing to interact with the School through technological developments including the provision of parent workshops to increase our skills. Naturally the current parents of the Kindergarten year do it all through Facebook.

Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School

Finally, if you have questions or concerns as “new parents” it is very likely someone else is wondering about a similar matter.

Do not be afraid to raise these with other parents and, while they might not be able to answer your specific question, I am confident that they will be able to point you in the direction of someone who can.”

Monica Watt Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School

Junior School A Great Start!

What a happy start to 2013 we all had in the Junior School. The children were so pleased to see their friends and their teachers and we were very quickly back into the swing of handball and other games on the first day of school.

Our kinder children began their school adventure on Tuesday, with a lovely welcome morning tea provided by the Year 1 parents for our new Kinder mums and dads. Thank you to all of our parents who have worked hard to send the children back to School with their uniforms looking fantastic, I’m sure we can keep up this great standard for the rest of the year!

Cyber Smart Parents Link

Judi Nealy

Head of Junior School

This is a useful site I came across when researching some information during the holidays. As your children return to school and access technology to support their learning, parents can use this resource as a conversation starter. Don’t forget to read through the ICT Acceptable Use Agreement in your child’s diary and sign this with your children so that they can access IT at school. http://engage.acma.gov.au/cybersmart/2012/11/the-abcs-of-online-etiquette-a-guide-forparents/

Meet the teacher nights were held this week on Tuesday and Thursday. These evenings are a great way for parents to get a feel for their children’s new classes and to find out about opportunities to get involved and support learning.

Holiday news

It was great to see many TIGS students participating in the Aquathon on Australia Day and also quite a few parents!

Congratulations to Austin Pallone who was awarded “Player of the Tournament” at the Oztag State Competition last weekend.

Merit Certificates

Weekly Awards

Georgia Webb - Merit Rory Swainson - Merit Lili Fellowes - Merit Xia Lian Wilson - Merit Clara Swainson - Service Niamh Christopher

KP 1C 1T 2M

Charlotte I’Ons Joel Turner Mayank Aurangabadkar, Adhum Hegazi Euan Christopher

Judi Nealy Head of Junior School

Library News Book Lovers Month To kick off the New Year we are celebrating Book Lovers Month in February. We are challenging the students to take a risk and read something new for Book Lovers Month.

The Library is holding a Book Swap. Bring in a book you have already read and are prepared to donate. Wrap the book up and label it with Junior, Middle or Senior so that your book will end up in the hands of another book lover in your age group.

During February bring your pre-loved book to the Library and on the last day in February (Thursday 28th) you will have the chance to choose another book and maybe even win a prize!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Petra Pollum in the Library via email librarystaff@tigs.nsw.edu.au or phone 4220 0275.

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Science News Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize Are you interested in science and in film making? Then this competition is for you.

The Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize is a film competition for primary and secondary students. Students create a short film (1-3 minutes) to explore a scientific concept, discovery or invention, or test their own hypothesis. The competition is part of the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes and is sponsored by the University of Sydney.

The competition closes on Friday 3 May 2013. Further information about the competition and on line entry forms are available at the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes website http://www.australianmuseum.net.au/eureka.

Martin Sormus Head of Science

SCHOOL SAFETY NOTICE TO DRIVERS In the interest of CHILD SAFETY there is NO EXCUSE for disobeying traffic control signs and road rules in the vicinity of a school. Please read and understand the following traffic controls around your school;

NO STOPPING Under no circumstances are you permitted to stop on a length of road to which a NO STOPPING sign applies.

(Penalty: exceeds $240 + two demerit points)

NO PARKING You are permitted to stop in a NO PARKING zone only while you are engaged in dropping off or picking up passengers. You must not stop for more than two minutes. You must stay within three metres of your vehicle. (Penalty: exceeds $130+ two demerit points)

BUS ZONE You are not permitted to stop in a BUS ZONE unless you are driving a public bus. (Penalty: exceeds $240 + two demerit points)

CHILDREN’S CROSSING You are not permitted to stop within 20 metres before the crossing and 10 metres after the crossing. (Penalty: exceeds $320 + two demerit points)

DOUBLE PARKING A driver must not stop on a road between the centre of the road and another vehicle that is parked at the side of the road.

(Penalty: exceeds $240 + two demerit points)

EFFECTIVE: 1 JULY 2009

THE COST OF TAKING YOUR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL DEPENDS ENTIRELY ON YOU

TIGS New Parents Evening Thank you to the many Parents and Guardians of our new students this year who came along to our annual ‘New Parents Evening’ last Friday. The evening was a tremendous success and provided many new families with a platform to meet and greet other respective new parents in similar year groups to their children.

It was a pleasure to look around the room and see so many new relationships developing, not only with parents, but with staff also.

We look forward to seeing you at TIGS events throughout the year.

Senior School Sports Student Success:

Mountain Biking National Series: Last weekend Sarah I’Ons and Emily I’Ons competed in Round 2 of the National MTB Series at Thredbo. Sarah won the Under 15 female event and Emily was 3rd in the Under 17 female event.

They enjoyed the day racing with the elites including Olympic racer Bec Henderson.

Congratulations to both of the girls on these results.

Tennis

Parker’s Tennis Coaching has lesson times available before and after school at the TIGS tennis court.

They also have openings available at Unanderra and Jamberoo for before and after school tennis lessons.

For more information, please call Andrew on 0407 029 731 or email: arparker@bigpond.net.au

Sailing: After competing in the 420 National Sailing Championships at Tasmania in the holidays, Alexander Marzano (Year 11) has been offered the opportunity to represent Australia at the 420 World Championships.

This event will be held in Valencia, Spain in the July school holidays.

Congratulations to Alexande - this is a wonderful opportunity.

Snowsports

Volleyball: Congratulations to Kieran Ackhurst (Year 11) for his selection in the Australian Youth Volleyball Team.

He will be involved in National camps during the year and an International tour to prepare the team for the Asian Youth Volleyball Championships in 2014. Kieran is keen for them to do well at this tournament as they then have the opportunity to compete in the Youth Olympics. Kieran is definitely one to watch as his sporting journey continues to surge ahead.

The 2013 Regional Championships will be held at Perisher during the first week of our school holidays in July (Wednesday July 3 through to Saturday July 6). If you would like to join the Snowsports team or would like more information please contact Jay Tregonning in the Senior School jtregonning@tigs.nsw.edu.au

Cycling: In the holidays Bridget Mullany (Year 11) and Natasha Mullany (Year 8) competed in the 2013 NSW Junior Track Cycling Championships. Both of their results were outstanding.

Bridget claimed the gold medal in each of the four events (Scratch Race, Time Trial, Sprint, and Individual Pursuit).

Natasha claimed two gold medals (Scratch Race, Individual Pursuit) and a silver medal in the Time Trial.

Natasha also rode up one age division with Bridget in the Team Sprint to claim the Gold medal in the JW17 age division (go girls!).

Bridget and Natasha have been selected for the NSW Junior Track Cycling Team and will be competing in the Australian Junior Track Cycling Championships in Adelaide from 27 February - 2 March 2013.

Congratulations to both of the girls on these outstanding results.

Another exciting snapshot of news is that Bridget was the recipient of the Shoalhaven Australia Junior Sportsperson award. Well done.

Each year TIGS enters a school team into the Northern Regional Snowsports Championships.

Students from Kindergarten to Year 12 are eligible to participate in the main skiing and snowboarding disciplines and the regional championships are a great introduction to racing for new comers to the sport.

TIGS Netball Club

The TIGS Netball Club final registration day will be Saturday 16 February 9.30am to 11.00am outside the IGC. All new players welcome. Please contact Virginia Kelman virginia@kelman.com. au for further enquires.

Rugby

The School will be beginning a rugby skills program open to all boys and girls from Years 7 to 12. Mr Tregonning will be running the program based on the recently developed Junior Gold Program that is a nation wide skill development course. Training will be held from 3.30pm - 4.30pm on Wednesday afternoons starting in week 4 of this term. The program will be run until mid way through Term III. Interested students are asked to collect a permission note from Student Reception and return it to Mr Tregonning.

Years 9/10 Sport

The Summer Sports for Years 9/10 have begun for Term I 2013.

Badminton - Monday - IGC - 3.30pm - 4.30pm Basketball - Wednesday - IGC 3.30pm - 4.30pm

Rock Climbing - Wednesday Hangdog Auburn Street Wollongong 3.30pm - 4.30pm Rugby - Wednesday Senior School Oval 3.30pm - 4.30pm Surfing - Monday - North Beach 6.30am - 8.00am Swimming - Monday and Friday University Pool 7.00am - 8.00am (TIGS bus to school) Table Tennis - Monday - IGC - 3.30pm - 4.30pm Tennis - Wednesday - Beaton Park 3.30pm - 4.30pm All Sport buses for Year 9/10 Sports will leave from Western Avenue.

Swimming

Swimming training for this term has begun on Monday and Friday mornings 7.00am - 8.00am. All students who were in the School swimming team last year are expected to train at this session unless training elsewhere.

Once students complete the session a bus will bring them to school. This is a great opportunity for students to begin preparing for the upcoming swim season. What a positive way to start the day!

Please contact Mrs Sharpe at school with any questions regarding this program.

Senior School Swimming Carnival

The TIGS Swimming Carnival will be held Tuesday 26 February 2013 at Western Suburbs Pool Unanderra.

Last year saw a great number of students participating and we envisage the same for 2013. We encourage all students to participate in this compulsory school event. If students are injured they can come along, support their House and help with the running of the carnival. Notes for non-participation can be submitted to House Patrons before or on the day.

These students can act as helpers.

There will be something for everyone.

Students are required to wear their House shirt with school sport shorts to and from the pool. Please remember students must be in correct costumes.

This includes TIGS swimmers or navy blue/black speedos for both boys and girls (girls must wear full piece swimmers) and TIGS board shorts (optional).

Senior School Sport ... continued Students may make their own way to the pool or there will be shuttle buses from TIGS taking students to the pool.

We would like all students at the pool by 8.50am.

After the completion of the carnival students may be picked up from the venue or catch a TIGS shuttle bus back to school.

Supervision will be available at the pool from 8.15am.

A canteen is available, although it is advisable to bring your own food/drink.

To support our School sun safe guidelines students are advised to bring and wear hats and sunscreen. Students are also reminded to bring their asthma medication to this event.

We are looking forward to a great day and invite parents to come and spectate.

In case of inclement weather please listen to 96.5 Wave FM.

Senior School Sports Uniform

All students are reminded about the correct presentation of the Senior School Sports uniform.

Girls and Boys Sport Uniform Navy TIGS Sports shorts Navy TIGS Sports top TIGS Sports socks TIGS Tracksuit All shoes worn for both PD/H/PE and Sport must be cross trainers suitable to wear for all sporting activities.

Rugby Union

The 2013 Rugby Season is upon us.

If you are interested in your son our daughter playing in the latest sport to be included in to the Olympics games please see the links below for your local clubs.

If you have any questions or for information on other Ilawarra Rugby Clubs please do not hesitate to contact me via email jtregonning@tigs.nsw.edu. au or 42200200.

Click here for more information:

No fluorescent coloured laces or shoes are acceptable.

This will support the School’s OHS policy and the need for growing feet to be supported and well protected.

Extend @ TIGS Weekly Recap

Welcome to the new Extend Team! We have Tom Shannon whom the children just LOVE playing soccer with and Mac who is so creative and loves craft! The team got together with the children and made Coloured Chinese Paper Lanterns in conjunction with Chinese New Year that fell on 10 February 2013. This Term, we will be focused on the different cultural background each and every child comes from and we will be celebrating their festivals with them through art and craft and some fun activities.

Our Extend Superstar is…

Jett N for being such a good helper in helping Tom organise soccer in the Rees Hall.

Jett also helped remind the little ones the rules of the game.

ONLINE BOOKINGS: extend.com.au CALL OUR OFFICE: 1300 366 437

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