TIGS Newsletter, Issue 2 Term 1 2010

NEWSLETTER

Headmasters Message A Competitive Spirit Head of Senior School Chaplain Junior School Issue 2 Term I, 2010

Academic • Christian • Caring

A Competitive Spirit There is something quite seductive about statistical information that compares students and schools.

The recent release of information that compares school literacy and numeracy levels on the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) My School website attracted 9 million ‘hits’ in the first 24 hours. Information that parents already receive about their child following the NAPLAN tests suddenly created enormous interest when aggregated into league tables and published through the web and the media.

Maybe it says something about the Australian competitive spirit as much as it does about our interest in the education of our children.

Students at TIGS performed very well in public testing in 2009. Broadly cast measures like the HSC and ATAR results as well as narrow measures like the NAPLAN results on My School all indicate that 2009 was a great year at TIGS. However, measures such as these do not tell the whole story about the educational experience and success of students at school. NAPLAN, for example measures literacy in 5 areas: Reading; Writing; Spelling; Grammar and Punctuation; Numeracy. Educators and statisticians are quite good at measuring these basic skills and have been since the emergence of the traditional model of schooling in the 19th Century.

These skills are still important but are not sufficient to equip our students for success in the 21st Century. Cornell University has published a list of the basic skills a student must acquire to successfully participate in modern society.

These are:

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

Basic Skills: Read critically, write persuasively, think and reason logically, solve problems in mathematics and science - beyond what was required in the 19th Century.

Visual and Information Literacy: The world of the internet and digital information has added to the list of skills a student must acquire. A child in 2010 that cannot understand, interpret and communicate using ICT is as disadvantaged as someone that cannot read.

Cultural Literacy and Global Awareness: Globalisation and the speed of communication mean that the world has shrunk. Our students will live, work, shop and travel in a global context regardless of national boundaries and distance (our Year 8 students happily exchanged email addresses with our visitors from the People’s Republic of China last week). It is now necessary to know, understand and appreciate people from other cultures.

While the composition of this list of basic skills may be up for debate, there is no doubt that the basic skills that our students must acquire are far more extensive and complex than the information captured on My School.

The curriculum at TIGS is constantly being reviewed and improved to cater for the rapidly changing needs of our students. For example, our wireless network has allowed students to bring and use their own ICT devices to enhance their learning. Narradan (the student portal) is providing new ways for students to learn and interact with their teachers, equipping them to develop and master their Visual and Information Skills.

In a similar way, the network of schools world-wide that have established partnerships with TIGS provide the opportunity to develop cultural literacy and global awareness skills. Our students are involved in exchanges with students from schools in Japan, China, Thailand, France, New Caledonia and the remote Northern Territory.

Our Statement of Mission and Values records our commitment to “the development of the whole child” through “offering a broad curriculum, adopting a holistic approach to each student’s academic, spiritual, physical, aesthetic, cultural, social and emotional development.”

The intention at TIGS is to celebrate our success in public testing but not to be distracted from our goal which is to provide the best educational opportunities for each student.

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

Chaplain’s Connection They say you can buy anything on eBay. Certainly it seems people will try to sell anything on eBay. Take old games consoles, for example. Surely with all the modern marvels of the Xbox 360, the PS3 and the Nintendo Wii, nobody could possibly want those old machines that are collecting dust in the back of the cupboard?

How wrong one can be. It turns out that there is a collectors market for everything, including old games consoles; as one woman in America discovered recently, when she advertised her old Nintendo Entertainment System for sale on eBay. She advertised her “original Nintendo game system lot/ controller/ 5 games” on eBay, saying: “I have had this stored in the closet for years for my kids to play but the way that electronics come & go and change from one year to the next they wanted all of the new hot items of their own now and now it’s time to get rid of things that are no longer being used or wanted.”

Imagine her surprise when the bidding went to $US 13,105!

Before you rush out and put your old console on eBay, let me explain. It turns out that one of the five games she had for sale, “Stadium Events” is something of a ‘Holy Grail’ for Nintendo games collectors. It is extremely rare, and original manuals and boxes are like hen’s teeth. The game itself is apparently worth $2,000 to the enthusiast, while the manual is valued at around $1,500 and the box a massive $9,500. By my calculations, that makes the console and the other games worth a grand total of $105.

It makes one wonder what other valuable things are sitting right under our noses unnoticed.

In the Old Testament the prophets promised that one day God would come to save his people; but that many would overlook this salvation. Take Psalm 118:21-23, for example: “I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvellous in our eyes.”

John Reed Chaplain

In the New Testament it is made clear that this refers to Jesus. The apostle Peter, for example, said of Jesus: “He is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12).

In Jesus we are offered eternal hope and salvation. How sad it would be to have such a precious thing within one’s grasp, but overlook its value.

Senior School As parents of High School students you are probably very well aware of how important it is to involve your children in after-school activities. The more they are involved in a diverse range of experiences - physical, social, cultural - the more likely they are to experience fulfillment, develop a richer network of friendships and achieve success in areas other than the academic which can, ironically, result in real and measurable improvements in their academic performance.

They might find their passion and so experience that sense of ‘flow’ which can stimulate their developing brain and thus unlock their access to rich and deep higher order thinking.

They might learn how to find an outlet for stress by burning up all that pent up adrenalin in vigorous physical activities or they might learn how to soothe and calm themselves after exams and assessments through their involvement in music, dance, art or craft.

Each week in Assembly we are showcasing some of the more diverse Sport options included in the compulsory Years 9 and 10 after-school curriculum. Did you know that we have a class in Circus Acrobatics? We also have a Golf Pro running a class on Tuesday afternoons.

There are also the more traditional sporting activities: AFL, Soccer, Futsal, Rock Climbing, Rugby, Touch Football, Basketball, Netball, Cricket, Surfing, Swimming and many, many more than can be listed here.

Monica Watt

Deputy Headmaster

Students in Years 7, 8, 11 and 12 can also access these classes by contacting Mrs Sharpe or Mrs Hinch, via Student Reception but no matter how hard you beg, sorry, parents cannot be involved!

There is a Literary Magazine, regular ‘Art after Hours’ Excursions to the New South Wales Art Gallery, French and Japanese Clubs, the Australian Stock Market Game, a Careers Club, as well as a Sewing Club and Timber Projects Club for those who wish to extend their work in the classroom or those who just want to enjoy the physical and sensual joy of such creativity. The list continues through to Chess, Debating and other competitive pursuits.

This is an article aimed at raising your awareness of the range of activities on offer so that you can encourage and support your child’s involvement. Once we have finalized a few more details regarding times and days we will post this information on the website and distribute the information to Mentors so that students can access these great activities. Howzat?

Junior School New child restraint laws are coming!

On 4 November 2009, former NSW Premier Nathan Rees and Minister for Transport David Campbell announced the introduction of new child restraint laws for children up to seven years of age. These laws will have an impact on our car line procedure and I include an outline of the changes as well as a link for further informations for your convenience.

Most importantly, however, from March 1 it will be illegal for Junior School staff to put children under the age of 7 years of age into the front seat of your car at car line unless all other seats are occupied by younger children. Please assist us by speaking with the children about this and by finding out whether the seat belt arrangements you have currently, satisfy the new laws. The safety of the children is always a priority for us as a community and we appreciate your cooperation and assistance at our car line.

From 1 March 2010: • Children younger than six months must be secured in a rearward facing restraint.

• Children aged six months to under four years must be secured in either a rear or forward facing restraint.

• Children aged four years to under seven years must be secured in forward facing child restraint or booster seat.

• Children younger than four years cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows.

Judi Nealy

Head of Junior School

• Children aged four years to under seven years cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows, unless all other back seats are occupied by children younger than seven years in a child restraint or booster seat.

Please click here for further information.

JUNIOR SCHOOL AWARDS

TIGS Junior Chess Team

Nominations are called from students in Years 3 through to Year 6 who would like to participate in the TIGS Chess teams competing against other schools as part of the NSW Junior Chess League Primary Schools Competition. The tournament commences on Friday April 30 and runs for approximately twelve Fridays, excluding long weekends.

Teams comprise of four players, male and/or female. Games are on a home and away basis. Generally for away games teams leave school around 2.45pm on Friday to travel to other schools located in the Illawarra and are generally back at school by 5.00pm for your collection.

Transport is provided by parents on a roster basis; generally once or twice during the season. Transporting parents remain with the team. Students are provided with afternoon tea at the host school and returned to TIGS at the conclusion of the games.

3A

Taj Quaken

3Y

Michael Kyriakoudes

4B

Taylah Pather Domenic Esposito

To participate students need to have a basic understanding of chess moves. No help of any description is to be provided to players during a game. Teams can participate in either Rookie or Championship divisions.

4M

Stephanie Moustoukis Darcy Scrine

If your child is able to participate please complete the form on the TIGS website, Junior School section and return to school no later than Friday 26 February.

4R

Talitha Cannon

Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to ask.

5R

Sarah I’ons

Val Mann Chess Coordinator

5S

Ashlan Waldock, Tyler Warnest

6C

Ashleigh Doherty, Abraham Rose

Y e ar 6 E xc ur sion to Ca nb er r a

TIGS EXTENDED In Week 2 at TIGS EXTENDED we enjoyed the lovely afternoon weather and did some sand play, building sand castles and making tunnels. Some of the children started doing their homework at homework time. We also mixed our special secret MAGIC PUFF PAINT. The children have such a great time at TIGS EXTENDED. We saw our new Kindergarten children not wanting to go home when their mums/dads came to collect them, sorry mums and dads.....

By Junior School Captains and Vice Captains

Cameras in our hands, we had a guided tour through Parliament House exploring the elaborate marble staircases in the main foyer or the beautifully gardened courtyards. One group went into a viewing room and watched parliament in session passing the bill on the emissions trading scheme. Many were thrilled to have had the Prime Minister, Mr Kevin Rudd wave at them.

Doing Home work

Learning where all the chess pieces belong

The Australian War Memorial was another enjoyable place. At The Discovery Zone we had the opportunity to wear army clothes, jump into a stationary helicopter and even in a submarine. The tour was fascinating and the effects were awesome. Many of us were left speechless, wandering around the beautiful tomb of the unknown Australian soldier, admiring the stained glassed windows and the amazing mosaic dome.

When we arrived at Old Parliament House we were separated into two groups. One of the activities was to look for information using interactive screens at the Museum of Australian Democracy. We also went into the Senate where some students acted out famous members of Parliament. Another group explored Old Parliament House seeing the Prime Minister’s office and more.

our g with puff n i t n i Pa magic secret paint

Making designs with the Hexagon and Triangle shapes

There were many more highlights to the excursion including visiting the ‘Sportex’ room in the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport), learning how elections are run and about the Australia Electoral Commission (AEC) and Questacon with all of its exciting and scary activities.

Before we knew it we all boarded the bus and headed back to Wollongong.

An amazing, memorable learning experience for all!

Jack MackenzieWoods and Jessica Evans Peter Kyriakoudes and Stephanie Shalala

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g to dig i the s n andp it

with Playing uction r t s n o c Mobilo

Burying each other in the sand pit

2010 Vaccinations Each year NSW Health offers the vaccines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the school-based program. In 2010 the following vaccines will be offered:•

Hepatitis B and Varicella (chickenpox) vaccines will be offered in a catch-up program for all Year 7 students who may not have previously received 2 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine when they were a baby/younger child or, had chicken pox disease.

•

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine will be offered to Year 7 girls only as a 3-dose course over a six-month period

•

Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (Whooping Cough) will be offered in a single dose to all Year 7 and Year 10 Students

A Parent Information Kit will be sent home to all parents/guardians. It is advisable that all parents/guardians read all the information provided; complete the consent form and return it to the school if you wish your child to be vaccinated, prior to the first scheduled clinic visit.

The first dose will be held at the School on Tuesday 9 March, 2010.

The Illawarra Grammar School invites and welcomes all members of the community to visit the School and explore the Preparatory, Junior and Senior Schools at the annual TIGS Expo Day. This will be a great time to talk to your family and friends about our School and what we have to offer.

With Tours, Open Classrooms, Scholarship Information, Performance, Art Displays and the opportunity to meet with teachers and students, discover the advantages of a TIGS education.

Light refreshments will also be available on the day The school community of The Illawarra Grammar School looks forward to welcoming you.

TIGS Welcome Lunch TIGS parents join together in the Junior School P&F Association ‘Karobran’. As a welcome to all parents and friends within the TIGS community ‘Karobran’ have an annual tradition of hosting a welcome lunch at the start of each school year.

Please join the extended TIGS community for lunch on Friday 19 March at 11am at the Villa D’Oro, Wollongong.

Cost $50pp inclusive - RSVP essential.

Please click here to download more information and an RSVP slip

We are in need of new Volunteers this year.

If you would like to join our friendly team please download a canteen volunteer request form from our school web site, complete and return to the school attention the canteen. Alternatively you can ring the canteen directly on 4220 0241 7am – 2pm or email canteen@tigs.Nsw.Edu.Au

Please note

Rise Smoothies are no longer available from the Canteen as they have been deleted by our Suppliers.

your NAPLAN tutor Want to know more about your NAPLAN tutor and how it works?

Please click here to down load an information flyer.

Monday 22 February Lauren Cunio Sonja Forte Julie Chiaverini

Tuesday 23 February Jolanda Noel-Gough Roslyn Saddi

Wednesday 24 February Pat Calchi (9am) Pene Mortimer (10am)

Thursday 25 February Help needed

Friday 26 February Kylie Mill Christine Flint Chris Bridger

Student Success Congratulations!

Lachlan Phillpott (4M) and Holly Kiteley (4B) competed in the Under 10 Kids Aquathon at Wollongong Harbour on Australia Day as a mixed team.

Holly swam the 200 metres. She then exited the water and passed the ankle strap, (which records the time), to Lachlan who ran the 2km. They finished in 1st place. They both received a trophy, voucher to Uncle Pete’s and free entry to Jamberoo Recreation Park.

BHP BILLITON SCIENCE AWARDS

- National Winner

Ethan Butson, Year 8, competed against thousands of students from across the country and at only 14 years of age, won first prize in the 2010 national science awards, held in Melbourne this week by the Australian Teachers Association, CSIRO Education and BHP Billiton.

Ethan investigated whether radiochromic film - normally associated with X-rays could be used to measure the protective properties of sunglasses. His newfound use for the film has made it easier to detect UV radiation. Winning first place usually ensures a trip to the International finals but Ethan has had to forgo that as he is deemed too young to compete. Ethan is interested in many areas of scientific research and hopes to one day work at NASA. Congratulations Ethan Butson!!!

Senior School Sports AICES Senior Tennis

The AICES Senior Tennis Championships were held last Friday at Cintra Park Concord. There were 40 boys and 12 girls all playing for a place in the AICES team (8 boys and 8 girls) to play at CIS. Although the day had to be shortened due to the extreme temperatures and high humidity they managed to reach the elimination rounds to ensure the top eight players will progress.

Congratulations to Stella Crick (Yr 9) on winning her individual pool. Stella along with Kirsty McRae (Yr 9) has been selected to play at the CIS Championships.

Year 8 Camp

The Year 8 Camp is next Monday 22 February to Friday 26 February.

This camp will be run at Crosslands Convention Centre, Galston and the students will be involved in numerous activities including flying fox, abseiling, canoeing, hiking and initiatives.

All students attending this camp must meet in Senior Square at school by 8.45am on Monday. They will arrive back from camp at Western Avenue on Friday at approximately 2.45pm.

Interschool’s Snowsports Championships 2010

TIGS is represented by Junior and Senior School Students in the Northern Regional’s Snowsports championships. Events include Snowboard Giant Slalom and Snowboard X as well as Traditional Alpine, Skier X and Moguls for the skiers. The dates for this year’s championships at Thredbo are July 7 through to July 10.

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