Issue 5 Term IV 2010

NEWSLETTER

Headmaster’s Message Our Community Head of Senior School Head of Junior School Issue 5 Term IV, 2010

Academic • Christian • Caring

Chaplain

Our Community The Illawarra Grammar School has a proud history which includes the delivery of Christian education to children of the Illawarra region.

TIGS opened its doors in 1959 as a result of the commitment of a group of local Christian people who chose to establish an Anglican Church in the Illawarra region.

• The Foundation Headmaster, Rev Richard Bosanquet, said he could see the day when students would march “out the front gates of the School into a wider life, determined to serve God and mankind.”

• The School motto de virtute in virtutem (from strength to strength) was chosen based on Psalm 84:7 which says “they go from strength to strength, ‘til each appears before God in Zion.”

• The School Hymn Soldiers of Christ was chosen because it also includes the words of our School motto.

• The TIGS crest was designed and includes amongst other things a golden book that represents the Word of God which was established as our ultimate authority and source of wisdom.

In the 52 years that have followed, the School has built on this foundation and has developed an approach to Christian education that is faithful to the vision of those who struggled to establish the School as well as meeting the needs of students in the 21st Century.

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

Our approach to Christian education has these characteristics: • Clearly Stated Our Statement of Mission and Values has been written to ensure that those considering joining our community know what the School stands for and what it aims to achieve. This includes Academic excellence and the development of a Christian community that is Caring of others.

• Inclusive Our School welcomes those who understand the TIGS history and its Mission and Values and wish to be part of our community. This includes many people from a range of faith and cultural backgrounds. The unifying force in our School is the commitment by all our families to be part of our community that is shaped and defined by our Statement of Mission and Values.

• Celebrates Christian Traditions All students participate in Chapel, Christian Studies and other expressions of the Christian faith. As an Anglican school we are committed to teaching the stories and traditions of the Christian faith so that students are able to make informed decisions about their own faith.

• Embedded in Curriculum When teaching our children we include an examination of a Christian world view as they learn in class. Critical thinking requires the consideration of a broad range of ideas and perspectives and, at TIGS, this includes the consideration of a Christian world view.

• Models Christian Behaviour We believe that relationships at TIGS are to be defined by the model of Jesus Christ. This shows itself in our commitment to restorative processes when relationships are damaged through to our strong programs of Service, Servant Leadership and Stewardship.

• Respects Choice At TIGS we teach about the Christian faith but respect the right of our students to form their own beliefs. Our intention is that when these decisions are made, they will include an informed consideration of the Christian faith and world view.

The TIGS approach to Christian education is deliberate in its intent and sophisticated in its design. We believe that a TIGS education is not just valuable because of the outstanding academic outcomes of our students. It is equally valuable because our students grow to be well-rounded young adults who have a broad experience of life and learning and who have an understanding of the beliefs and behaviours of the Christian faith.

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

Chaplain’s Connection

You would think that most people would dread the prospect of spending New Year’s Eve on one’s own, away from family and friends. But it seems that not everybody feels the same way. Last year (or rather, at the beginning of this year) international news agencies carried the story of a Sicilian man who spent New Year’s Eve in jail under somewhat unusual circumstances.

The 35-year-old showed up at the local police station asking to be arrested. The police rejected his request, on the grounds that he had not actually committed a crime. The man immediately went to a tobacco shop next door and grabbed a few lollies and a packet of gum while threatening the owner with a boxcutter. He then calmly waited for the police to come and arrest him for robbery.

Why was this man so determined to be arrested? He said that he preferred to spend the night in prison rather than be with his wife and her relatives!

He may have gone to unusual lengths to avoid it, but sadly this man is not the only person in the world who finds the prospect of a family gathering to be daunting.

It’s particularly sad because of the importance that family ought to play in our lives.

At the heart of being human is the need and desire to be in relationships. Even in this age of ever-increasing technology, what are we using it for? Social networking. Whether it is online or in the flesh, we are by nature social creatures, yearning for relationships.

This is the way God made us to be. God said from the beginning: “it is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). The two great commandments tell us that life’s all about love: first for God and then for our neighbour. In the Ten Commandments, the first four tell us how to show love for God, and the last six how to love our neighbour.

And what is the first of these ‘neighbour’ commandments – before the bans on murder, adultery, lies, theft and coveting? “Honour your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12).

John Reed Chaplain

Our first neighbours are our family. As the old saying goes, ‘charity begins at home’. We must learn to love our family before we walk out of the door to confront the rest of the world. Children must honour their parents; parents must not embitter their children but give them a godly upbringing (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21); and husbands and wives ought to love another as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:21-32; Colossians 3:18-19).

Sadly, as one Sicilian man apparently knows all too well, things don’t always work out that way. But that is the ideal, for which we ought to long, and pray, and work.

Senior School

Last week I discussed the changes to the Student Representative Council which had been initiated by the School Captains. This week I’ll review some of the issues identified by the students as being of concern in the Senior School, the solutions suggested by students from the SRC, the outcome of our discussions and items which have been subjected to processing through normal School channels for further discussion and decisions.

The bathrooms were improved including fitting new windows, mirrors and seating areas.

Lighting was improved and play areas around the School re-defined.

New software was made available to senior students for specialist work. On another occasion, immediately after the SRC raised the matter that slow internet speed was of concern, the cabling work to increase the School’s internet connection was approved and completed.

Students requested that regular attendees and contributors to SRC should be issued a badge and an award to document and promote involvement in this worthwhile activity.

This has been enacted and the School Captains at the end of their Term of Office nominate those students who should be rewarded in this way.

Monica Watt

The SRC have also requested that staff be more vigilant and strict in stopping students chewing gum at School . The gum is not disposed of appropriately thus littering and despoiling their School and getting attached to shoes and uniforms. They also let us know where most of the worst spots were and the Property Department acted on this immediately.

Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School

There are a number of other issues and concerns which the SRC have raised which have not been so easy to fix because of financial or logistic constraints such as the suggestion that we build a multi-storey car park for students and air-condition all classrooms. There are other matters which are still under discussion and will probably be acted upon in next year’s scope of works: the provision of more bubblers and fixed garbage bins and some effective means of retrieving balls from the roof of H Block.

Matters which were raised because of specific student frustration and for which they suggested quick solutions - facilities in various departments, the canteen lines, towels in the bathrooms, leadership initiatives and mentor groups - prompted discussion, review, research and eventually the realisation by students that there were issues - more significant than they had considered - at stake. This was a valuable dialogue to have with students who clearly cared deeply about their School and its community. These students are well on their way to realising our mission that they ‘become active participants in society and wise architects of the future.’

Junior School While looking at the upcoming events over the next few weeks I though it timely that we clarify expectations for our school community. At our many end of year events it is important that the children wear their uniform well and represent their family and school well. This is rarely ever an issue in the Junior School and usually a case of excitement rather than anything else.

I would like to ask for our community support in managing the children who are not actually performing at our various events. I have noticed a growing trend in siblings either younger or older “playing” outside on the oval while an event is taking place in the IGC. This cannot occur as there are inadequate supervisions and it would be upsetting for our entire community were one of our children to be injured. Can I remind all parents that children attending school events in the company of their parents must stay seated with their families for the entire performance. Any students who are found outside playing will be sent back into the venue to sit with their parents or they will be seated with a staff member.

Thank you for your assistance with this matter. It will ensure that the events go smoothly, the children are safe and we all have a fabulous end to the year. I look forward to seeing you all at an event soon!

Upcoming events: • Prize Giving Assembly – Rees Hall Wednesday 24 November commencing at 9.00am • Year 5 Market Place – Recess and Lunch times Thursday 25 November • Year 6 Progression Dinner & Farewell – Thursday 25 November

Merit Certificates

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School Contact Details Have you changed contact details recently?

Current details of all students including names, addresses, emergency contact information, medical conditions and parent contact details including mobile phone numbers and email addresses need to be kept on file and accurate at all times.

Please ensure that any change of any details during the year are noted on a Notification of Change in Contact Details form and returned to the School office for recording.

Photos from the Thank You Morning Tea

NSW Senior High School Competition Congratulations both Sarah and Kascha (Year 12 2010) for both receiving an award at the NSW Senior High School Competitions Program held at the Wollongong University earlier this week.

Kascha Sheehy was awarded a ‘RTA Women in Industrial Technology’ Award sponsored by the RTA in the Year 12 Industrial Technology Competition.

Sarah Buchner was awarded the ‘Women in Design & Technology Winning Student’ Award sponsored by Swire Industrial Services in the Year 12 Design & Technology Competition.

Congratulations both Sarah and Kascha on a fantastic result.

CANTEEN NEWS

WEEK 7, TERM IV Monday 22 November Sonja Forte Julie Chiaverini

Tuesday 23 November Lauren Cunio Alison Mc Kenzie

Wednesday 24 November Pat Calchi

Thursday 25 November Students please remember that you can place lunch orders online at www.flexischools.com.au OR alternatively you are still able to leave your order at the far Canteen window before School starts.

The canteen is seeking NEW Volunteers for 2011. If you would like to join our friendly team please phone Meagan in the Canteen on 4220 0241 or email canteen@tigs.nsw.edu.au

Susan Cooper Jennifer Cowie

Friday 26 November Kylie Mill Lana Tut Toni Bolt

Summer Holiday Study Blitz Study courses are being held at the School during the Summer School holidays for any student from Years 7 to 12.

The courses being run are: Study Skills & Strategies - Years 7 - 9 Senior Study Skills & Strategies - Years 10 - 12 Essay Skills - Years 10 - 12 Advanced Reading Skills - Years 10 - 12 Please click here for more information and to download your enrolment form.

Senior School Sports NASSA Basketball

On Thursday 11 November, Junior and Intermediate Girls and Boys Basketball teams represented the School at the NASSA Gala Day, held at Penrith Stadium. In what was a competitive day, all players afforded themselves well both as players and in their general behaviour. The Junior Girls and Boys finished 6th and 5th respectively, with the boys having won two games and the Intermediate Girls and Boys finishing 5th and 2nd respectively, with the girls having won one game and the boys with three wins, a draw and two losses to the team finishing first.

A special moment was the minute silence in a six court stadium in acknowledgement of Remembrance Day while rain fell on the roof.

All players are encouraged to keep honing their skills in preparation for the selection trials for the NASSA representative teams which will be held early in 2011.

Congratulations for a wonderful effort and thank you to Lauren Aitcheson, Penny Killen and Brad Smith, all past students who assisted capably in the coaching of teams for the day.

Mr. Stutchbury Basketball MIC

Silver Duke of Edinburgh Practice Hike

Last weekend thirty students from Year 10 completed their Silver Duke of Edinburgh practice hike. Students walked from Berowra to Hawkesbury covering 32 kms in their three day expedition. The conditions were hot and challenging. Students demonstrated many leadership skills including helping others who struggled with their pack, working together putting up tents and generally creating a positive environment. Well done to these students as their next challenge will be in the Blue Mountains in early December which will complete their expedition component of their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. Hugh Allison, Rosmary Davis, Bradley Burt, Lauren Hatton, Mariah Edwards, Tiara Dobbs, James Early, Isaac Kim, Hamish McIntosh, Rhys Campbell, Harriet Ingall, Elena Hoban, James Needham, Jessica Hort, Katerina Dominis , Luke Moore, Alistair Martin, Nicholas Marzano, Bronte Osbourne, Lara Edmonds, Emily Beck, Alexandra Carlon, Shona Conacher, Callum McNeilly, Kishan Wijesinghe, Thomas Draginovich, Tessa McMillan and James Porteous.

K – 12 Sports Presentation Evening

On Wednesday evening 10 November the School community recognised and congratulated many significant sporting achievements for 2010.

Our guest speakers for the evening were both ex TIGS students. Melissa Eastwood (nee Simpson) is at present captain of the Australian Indoor Hockey Team, the NSW Indoor Hockey Team and the Illawarra Open Women’s Outdoor and Indoor Hockey Teams. Robert Hurley is at present an Australian Champion swimmer and was a member of the 2010 Australian Commonwealth Games Team. Both speakers gave an insight into their experiences that sport has given them and their goals for the future.

David Laing (Chairman of the School Foundation) also presented the School with the new trophy cabinet in the IGC funded by the School Foundation. We thank the Foundation for this cabinet and look forward to filling it up with many trophies.

Some of the major awards presented included: TIGS Team of the Year - TIGS Mountain Bike Team (Samuel Jones, David Manton, Miles Waring, Jake Latham) Keith McPherson Pratt Award - Junior Sportsperson 2010 Hamish Paine (Year 8) Hurley Trophy - Intermediate Sportsperson 2010 Tegan Richards (Year 10) Sportswoman of the Year 2010 - Emily Debrot (Year 11) Sportsman of the Year 2010 - David McKeon (Year 12) This year we gave recognition to three students who have represented Australia in their chosen sport.

Emma McKeon (Year 10)

Australian Youth Olympic Swimming Team Australian Junior Pan Pacific Swimming Team World Swimming Championships in December in Dubai

Samuel Chapple (Year 10)

Australian Joey’s U/17’s Football Team competed in Uzbekistan

Jack Millar (Year 10)

Australian National Junior Ski Team competed at Whistler in Canada

Congratulations to all students who received awards on this 3rd Annual Sports Presentation Evening.

To keep up-to-date with the latest news and events that are happening in and around our School, we encourage you to subscribe to the email Newsletter.

Simply visit our website: www.tigs.nsw.edu.au and sign up on the home page.

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