Issue 5 Term IV 2011

NEWSLETTER

Senior Sportswoman of the Year - Tegan Richards and Emma Ramsey (joint award)

A Creative Show - 28 October 2011

Headmaster’s Message Chaplain’s Message Head of Senior School Issue 5 Term IV, 2011

Academic • Christian • Caring

Head of Junior School

The End of Year There are a number of significant events approaching which need to be recorded in our calendars. These are important events at which we recognise the achievements of our students. They provide recognition for the students who receive prizes and inspiration for younger students to emulate the attainments of older students. Students and teachers always appreciate the support of families at these events.

It is an expectation that all students will attend their appropriate end of year formal presentation event: Infants Pageant, Years 3-6 Presentation Evening, or Senior School Presentation Day. Honours Program Presentation Evening Tuesday 29 November from 6.00pm to 8.00pm in the IGC (The work of our most gifted students is amazing and should not be missed).

Year 6 Exhibition Thursday 1 December from 4.00pm to 6.00pm in Rees Hall (This is the culmination of the learning that has taken place in the Junior School under the PYP).

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

Infants Pageant Saturday 3 December starting at 10.00am in the IGC. Years 3-6 Presentation Evening Monday 5 December starting at 6.00pm in the IGC. A Christmas Celebration Wednesday 7 December starting with a Picnic Dinner from 5.30pm and then the performance starting at 7.00pm. This year, the theme is ‘The A to Z of Christmas’ and will feature the telling of the Christmas story through performances by students from across the whole school, the reading of familiar passages from the Bible as well as some community singing of favourite Christmas carols. It will not be a long night as the performance is planned to last just over one hour. Please plan to join us in celebrating the story of the birth of Jesus.

Senior School Presentation Day Friday 9 December starting at 10.30am in the IGC.

Parents of students in the Senior School should keep checking the advice provided by the School regarding the use of ICT by all students from 2012. The advice is updated regularly, including information regarding special deals on offer from local suppliers to TIGS families.

Parents wishing to make application for the use of a portable ICT device from the School should make their request known through the website as we intend to distribute these devices before the end of this year where possible. These devices will be made available at no cost until a student has access to their own device. It is intended that no student will be excluded from the benefit to learning that access to ICT will provide.

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

Chaplain’s Message

My Daily Manna

I don’t think any Christian would dispute the need for or benefit of daily Bible reading. Even so, it’s never easy to put this conviction into practice. A few years ago I was introduced to an approach to daily Bible reading that I have found very fruitful. Here’s how it works: Begin by choosing a reading program that is achievable for you. Examples of reading programs include reading through the Bible in a year (about four chapters a day) to reading through selected books of the Bible at the rate of one chapter per day or even less.

Once you’ve settled on a reading program the next step is to prayerfully read the day’s passage asking God to give you at least one thought to take into the day (or to end the day with!) Once you’ve identified the thought for the day, you then journal that thought under four headings: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. (Note the acronym S.O.A.P.) Under the heading ‘Scripture’ write out the verse(s) that contain the thought in your journal (any exercise book will do). Then under the heading ‘Observation’ write out what it was about that verse that captured your attention. Then under the heading ‘Application’ describe how you think this thought might apply to your life today. Finally, under the heading ‘Prayer’ turn the application into a written prayer and then pray it!

Rev James Rogers Chaplain

Just to show you what this looks like on paper I have reproduced one of my entries from this week.

I read Psalm 19 and the idea that captured my attention was in verses 4-5.

Scripture: Psalm 19.4-5: “In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.’

Observation: The Psalmist describes the sun’s movement not so much as it is (stationary) but as it appears to us (on the go). He depicts it as rejoicing in the fulfillment of the purpose for which it was created. Of course, the sun knows no joy. The psalmist is using a figure of speech to express the way the creation abounds to God’s glory when it fulfills the purpose for which it was created.

Application: Do I experience joy as I run the course that has been set for me? Not always. I have much to learn from the sun!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that I do not always rejoice in the path that you have set before me. Grant me grace this day to rejoice in you always, come what may. Amen.

I have found many benefits to this approach. Perhaps the greatest is that it encourages me to turn an observation of God’s word into an application in my life. I wholeheartedly commend this strategy to you. If you would like to know more about it I would be happy to talk with you. Otherwise, just give it a go! You won’t regret it.

Rev James Rogers Chaplain

Senior School

Technology Challenge

As you know from the Newsletter, the Headmaster’s letter to parents and his follow-up meetings, each student in the Senior School will be required to have their own portable ICT device for use in classrooms. As a staff we are involved in reviewing class programs and assessment schedules to utilise the best ICT strategies in the future with excellent academic outcomes set as our standard.

We now have a much larger repertoire of teaching and learning strategies with which to achieve those outcomes. It’s an exciting prospect.

We will have more explicit procedures in place within our Discipline and ICT Policies to educate, monitor and manage what happens at school. What then will be the challenges for you as parents?

They’re the same challenges that you face everyday in parenting, but with a slightly different medium involved. You will still expect certain standards of behaviour, fiscal accountability, respect and responsibility. You will set boundaries - which will be breached at times - and you will set clear and firm guidelines about the consequences.

But it is important that you keep in the conversation with your children - no matter how challenging that may be in the teenage years. Be closer to your children than the competition. Talk with them about technology in a positive way – about the positive benefits of saving time, not wasting time Deputy Headmaster and with technology. Talk to them deeply about the need for sincerity in life and a loving respect for Head of Senior School others. Technology should never be used to undermine this. Share your teenager’s fascination with technology, but model the sincerity, detachment and willpower that he or she will need. Share an interest in their games, play games with them and on that basis, talk, talk and talk with them. And share, share, share.

Monica Watt

Expect open communication and constantly remind your children that whatever they write, whatever images they put on any mobile device are there for the world to see, to show, to download today and forever into the future. There are no secret places: if you write it or photograph it your Mum and Dad could see it. So by expecting open communication at home you are reinforcing that message.

Please do not hesitate to contact myself or any of the staff if you would like some tips on establishing House Rules, so that we work together to help our young people learn important lessons within a loving framework.

Mrs Monica Watt Deputy Head and Head of Senior School

Junior School

Market Day – Thursday 1 December As part of the Year 5 Unit of Inquiry, the children work together in teams to raise awareness and funds for a charitable organisation. In this unit they develop team, organisational, collaborative and practical money skills. The children have planned a range of activities for this day, including food stalls, games, talent shows, etc. The stalls will be open during recess and lunch and we are asking the school community to support this event by giving your children some money on this day to spend at the stalls.

Junior School Prize Giving Assembly – Thursday 24 November This is a special assembly held each year where we celebrate with our children a number of outstanding achievements. We look forward to welcoming parents to this assembly beginning at 9.00am.

Last week Stage 2 students Niamh Christopher, Alysha De Ruyter, Luca Fierravanti and William Young participated in the South Coast Public Speaking Competition. This was a great experience allowing our developing public speakers to mix with like minds from other schools and to improve their own skills. The feedback for our students was very encouraging and a special congratulations goes to Alysha who attained a Highly Commended and Niamh who placed 2nd overall.

Judi Nealy

Head of Junior School

Dates for Your Diary: • 24 November – Year 6 Progression Dinner •

24 November – Prize Giving Assembly

•

1 December – Year 6 Exhibition

•

1 December – Year 5 Market Day

•

5 December – Years 3-6 Presentation Evening

•

7 December – A Christmas Celebration

•

9 December – Last Day of Term IV

Weekly Awards

Merit Certificates

KM

Grace Hilton

1B

Nadia Nagaratnam, Sophie McGuire, Massimo Forte

1D

Zane Taylor

1W

Jack Worthington, Jude McCann, Ben Giason

2A

John Taiwo

2D

James Kirby, Christina Bock

3M

Dylan Koster

3Y

Joseph Druett, Winnie Cheng

4R

Heidi Rogers

5N

Mitchell Main, Grace Summerill

5S

Justus Bacic-Johnston, Ellen Manson, Erynne Stone

Xia Lian Wilson Alexia Loeser Jude McCann Zane Taylor Cartia Taranto Dean Borbilas

Canteen Corner Please remember to order your lunch, so that you don’t miss out on your favorite items.

This can be done online or by handing your Lunch Bag, clearly marked with Name, Year and Order to the Lunch Muncher in the Junior School or at the Canteen Window for High School Students, before the start of school.

Online ordering available at www.flexischools.com.au

Canteen Roster Monday 21 Nov Assunta Disibio Help Needed

Tuesday 22 Nov Rose Dragutinovich Lauren Cunio

Wednesday 23 Nov Pat Calchi Danielle Burton

Thursday 24 Nov Assunta Disibio Help Needed

Friday 25 Nov Help Needed Help Needed

Vale David Drummond It is with great sadness that I advise the TIGS community that Mr David Drummond passed away after an extended illness.

David served the School in many capacities for around 40 years, most recently as our Transport Manager. Many students and parents will remember David’s friendly welcome each morning in the Junior School car park.

Details about funeral arrangements and memorial services will be placed on the School website.

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

House T-shirts On Tuesday next week the Headmaster has given permission for Senior School students to wear House T-shirts and Sports Shorts for the whole day, including coming to and from school and Assembly. House points will be lost if the uniforms are not correct or correctly worn.

Sports Uniform It has come to the School’s attention that a number of students are wearing their sports uniform to and from school.

The School’s Uniform Policy states that all students must be wearing full school uniform when arriving in the morning and leaving at the end of the day.

The only exception to this Policy is for Year 7 and Year 8 when they have their timetabled SPORT days.

With regard to Sport Shoes in 2012 all shoes worn for both PD/H/PE and Sport must be cross trainers suitable to wear for all sporting activities.

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.

TIGS Foundation Annual General Meeting

8.00am to 10.00am Tuesday 21 February in the TIGS Boardroom.

If you would like to attend or require further information please contact Allison Collins via email on acollins@tigs.nsw.edu.au

Change to the Kiama Bus Run Due to the increasing number of buses that cannot fit under the railway underpass at Federal Street Minnamurra, Premier Illawarra have announced that there will be changes to the Kiama Bus Run which commened Monday 14 November 2011.

Please click here to download the full information letter and obtain a map showing the new route. Students are being notified by the Bus Drivers and also through the Daily Notices at school. A copy is currently being displayed in Student Reception.

Senior School Sport TIGS Netball Club AGM The TIGS Netball Club will be holding their AGM on Monday 21 November at 6.30pm in Room MG3. All welcome!

Cricket – Wiburd Shield An easy victory was gained for TIGS in Round One. International Grammar School batted first scoring only 63 runs. Our best bowlers were Joel Moore (three wickets) and Nikhil Verma (four wickets). We cruised to a win in eight overs with Jonathon Fowles not out for 30 runs and Nikhil Verma not out for 20 runs. We now take on Riverina Anglican School in Round Two. Good luck to the boys in this match.

NASSA Basketball Congratulations to all of the students who were involved in the NASSA Gala Day tournaments at Bankstown for the Senior teams and Penrith for the 7-9 teams. All team members represented TIGS wonderfully and played all games in a positive spirit. It was a long day with each team playing between four and six games separated by short rests. Well done Sports Presentation Evening The TIGS K-12 Sports Presentation Evening was a wonderful celebration last Wednesday night acknowledging students contribution and success in Sport for 2011. The event was well supported with over 400 people in attendance. Our guest speakers for the night were ex student David McKeon (Australian Swimming Representative) and Bruce Thomas (Elite Triathlete in Australian Ironman Hall of Fame). Their input into the night was invaluable as their presentations gave everyone an insight into two different stories and sporting journeys.

School Sport has excelled in 2011 with both Junior and Senior School winning all major NASSA carnivals (Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics). The Senior School has an extra step in their representation through AICES (Association of Independent Co-Educational Schools). At this level the School had outstanding results winning all the major carnivals: Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics.

Congratulations to the main award recipients for the evening: Team of the Year – Under 16 Years Boys Cross Country Team – Benjamin Goodhew, Hamish Paine, Alexander Seal, Caleb Stamper, Jaiden Fullerton-Harvey, Angus Cochrane Junior School Sportsperson of the Year – Ashley Dribbus Keith McPherson Pratt Memorial Trophy Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Julien Smith (Year 7) Hurley Trophy Intermediate Sportsperson of the Year – Hamish Paine (Year 9) Senior Sportswoman of the Year – Joint Award to Tegan Richards (Year 11) and Emma Ramsey (Year 11) Senior Sportsman of the Year – Jack Millar (Year 11) Duke of Edinburgh – Silver Hike Last week 18 Year 10 students completed their qualifying hike for their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. They hiked for three days and covered approximately 34 kilometres through the Wild Dog Mountains in the Blue Mountains National Park. All students were well prepared and coped with the warm weather and sometimes difficult terrain with ease. Congratulations to the following students for their perseverance and motivation to complete this next phase of the award.

Harrison Bolton, Helena Bonham, Claire Bonham, Richard Bujaroski, Simon Bussoletti, Grace Crisp, Jessica Defreitas, Caroline Hamilton Smith, Michael Ledwidge, Kirsty McRae, Emma Poate, Lachlan Prior, Oscar Sargeson, Darshan Sitharthan, Cassandra Wallace, Andrew Waters, Zoe Wulff, Benjamin Yeatman.

TIGS P&F Prayer Group All are welcome (including small children) to attend the TIGS P&F Prayer Group.

The TIGS P&F Prayer Group meet one Friday each month at 8.50am to 10.00am in the Boardroom . They pray for and uphold the School and community. Please contact the co-ordinator, Naomi Spencer via email naomi@shoal.net.au or phone 4422 4166 for prayer points or queries.

Last 2011 date is Friday 2 December.

P&F Annual General Meeting

Location change – Please note that this meeting will now be located in the Senior School Recital room.

The Annual General Meeting of the TIGS Parents and Friends Association will be in the Recital room on Tuesday 22 November at 7.00pm. We would encourage everyone who is interested in the role of the P&F and how we can help to come along and see what has happened this year and where the P&F is headed next year. We are also seeking nominations for Junior School Class Representatives, Senior School Year Representatives for 2012 and all Executive Positions.

The TIGS P&F wish to advise that it will be seeking endorsement for the following schedule of donations to the school at this Tuesday’s Annual General Meeting. Your attendance is requested to ensure that we can pass this schedule to allow the school to begin scheduling the works to improve the learning environment for our students.

2012 H Block Air Conditioning – $60,000 Junior School Air Conditioning Phase 1 - $30,000 2013 Junior School Air Conditioning Phase 2 - $50,000 For more information please call Barb Mandelson 0409 969044 or Tracey Jansen 0402 007446.

Textbook Swap

The TIGS P&F 2011 Senior School Textbook Swap will be on Friday 2 December from 3.30pm - 6.00pm in the IGC. This is an opportunity for parents to get some money back for textbooks students no longer need and a chance to purchase for the coming year. The booklists will come out prior to this date and will need to be ordered through Campion by Monday 5 December. If you have any questions please call Tonia on 0408 678448.

To download a information sheet please click here.

We will be accepting donations for the TIGS P&F Recycled Uniform Service at the textbook swap. Clear out those cupboards of books and uniforms at the same time!

Recycled Uniform Service

The Service has now commenced in the demountable behind the TIGS Uniform Shop. The Service is operated solely by volunteers from the school community. We are still in need of volunteers to do two hour shifts in one of the following times.

Tuesdays and Thursdays 8.30am - 10.30am and 2.30pm - 3.45pm.

If you are able to help please contact Tania McGuire on 0418 448 814 or email taniam@travelmanagers.com.au .

We are keeping a record of usage of the service so we can maximise the time offered by our volunteers.

We also need more stock, so if you haven’t had your spring clean out yet do it soon and don’t forget to drop in any unwanted uniforms, bags, jackets, sport uniforms etc to either the Junior or Senior Office or to the Recycled Uniform Service during opening hours. A special thank you to all current volunteers. For more information please call Tania McGuire 0418448 814 or email taniam@travelmanagers.com.au.

Facebook

TIGS P&F are now on Facebook. To join and stay connected please search for ‘TIGS Parents and Friends’.

VET 2011 Awards On Tuesday 15 November the Illawarra Schools Excellence in VET (Vocational Education and Training) 2011 awards were held to celebrate the many achievements of students undertaking VET courses for their HSC. James Yan (Year 12 2011) was awarded a Merit Certificate for his course, Retail Services.

Katherine Mill (Year 12 2011) was awarded a Merit Certificate for her course, Tourism and Events. Katherine was also awarded the Student of the Year for Tourism and Events – a fantastic achievement!

We have also been made aware that Katherine, in the last few days has received an award for excellence for her Woodwork HSC Major Work, and has also been shortlisted for a $40 000 scholarship for an Events Management course in Sydney.

Congratulations to results!

both James and Katherine on some fantastic

James Yan and Katherine Mill (Year 12 2011)

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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