Issue 7 Term III 2010

NEWSLETTER JuniorJulie School Father’s Day Stall Donnelly - Winner 2010 ‘The Works’ Acquisitive Art Prize

Headmaster’s Message The Teacher Head of Senior School Head of Junior School Issue 7 Term III, 2010

Academic • Christian • Caring

Chaplain

The Teacher “Research has shown that it is teacher quality which counts most in achieving results.”

So said The Hon. John Watkins, NSW Minister for Education and Training in a speech to graduating trainee teachers on 22 March 2002. Few people would disagree with this statement by the Minister and yet in the eight years since, Australian teachers are being trusted less and less to use their professional skills in the best interest of students.

TIGS is blessed with teachers of great quality. Typically, most teachers have added to their four years of tertiary training with study at Masters level or higher. As a group they chose in 2006 to adopt an industrial agreement with the School whereby progression on salary scales is on the basis of attaining higher levels of professional accreditation, not years of service which is the method used in most other schools.

This commitment by TIGS teachers to on-going professional development is crucial as the role of the teacher continually changes. Teachers are no longer the gatekeepers of knowledge controlling what is to be learnt and when it is to be learned. Our understanding of how students learn and the exponential growth and availability of information through digital media means that teaching is now are a far more complex process. Child-centred, enquiry based learning would not be possible if teachers were not continually refining and improving their skills.

The role of the teacher has also changed as society has changed. The void created by the diminishing role of what were the institutional pillars of society, such as the family and the church, which previously provided children with a stable environment in which to grow, has been filled more and more by schools. Teachers are now required to act as counsellors, social workers, careers advisers, agents of social change, planet savers… the list seems endless and still growing.

It is odd, therefore, that in a society that is more and more dependent on the professional skills of teachers to teach and nurture children through a rapidly changing and sometimes unstable world, teachers are being trusted less and less to exercise their professional skills.

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

Let me give two examples that illustrate this trend:

In just two weeks our Year 12 students will graduate and then complete their HSC examinations. This will conclude what has been, for most, 13 years of schooling - a process that started with the relative freedom and excitement about learning that takes place in the early Junior School years and concludes with the rather narrow and constraining curriculum framework of the Assessment Tasks and Examinations required of the HSC in Year 12. This is even further reduced to a single ATAR number, which is then used as the basis for gaining placement at university. Through this process, the NSW Board of Studies specifies what teachers must teach and even how many hours must be taught. There are even strict guidelines that must be followed in assessing student progress.

The universities seem not to be convinced of the suitability of this system for assessing students for placement in courses. Typically, 30% of students at TIGS receive an offer of early entry to university prior to sitting for the HSC examination. This is on the basis of previous school results, where TIGS students have a reputation for doing well, and on other evidence of the interests and commitment of students beyond their studies - where TIGS students also do well. The opportunity to demonstrate this broader learning is provided at TIGS because of the commitment of our teachers. Imagine what our teachers would do if they were freed from just some of the bureaucratic constraints imposed upon them. It seems that ‘teacher quality which counts most’ does not extend to allowing teachers to fully exercise their professional skills.

The My School website is another example of the professional autonomy of teachers being set aside. My School publicly reports on the NAPLAN results of students in literacy and numeracy, allowing for the publication of tables comparing results in different schools. NAPLAN results have always provided useful diagnostic information for teachers when planning the educational programs of their students. However, teachers and schools are now under great pressure to deliver outcomes that appear favourable when comparisons are made between schools using My School data (the actual relevance of the data is another story). The public focus is now on literacy and numeracy results assessed on one day of each year. Sadly, on the basis of this information, erroneous judgements are being made on the quality of teaching in schools. Data that was a very useful tool for professional teachers is now the focus of learning, not the students.

Teachers know that there are many skills that need to be developed by students to be successful learners in the 21st Century. Melbourne University recently published a list of 10 such skills: • • • • •

Creativity and innovation Critical thinking, problem solving and decision making Metacognition (learning to learn) Communication Collaboration (team work)

• • • • •

Information literacy ICT literacy Citizenship Life and career skills Personal and social responsibility

Literacy and numeracy skills (the 19th Century skill set) are an important subset of the skills for the 21st Century but receive inflated importance due to the focus given by the media using My School data.

This provides a dilemma for the teaching profession. What teachers know to be good teaching practice is at odds with what is mandated and celebrated by those that regulate the work of teachers. They seem determined to reduce the role of a teacher to that of a curriculum implementer rather than a professional practitioner. This is an unsatisfactory state of affairs.

At TIGS our teachers are very effective ‘implementers’. The Board of Studies, DEEWR and DEET to mention just a few of the bureaucracies that demand compliance are well satisfied with our conformity to their many requirements. My School causes us no problems and our Year 12 HSC and ATAR results are the envy of other schools.

When our students graduate in two weeks’ time it will not be compliance that we will be celebrating – it will be the growth, development and character of our students.

John Watkins sent the graduate teachers of 2002 off on their careers with these words: “The skills you teach, the values you impart, and the behaviours you model, will be carried with your students throughout their lives.”

The professionalism and commitment of our teachers is the great asset possessed by TIGS. (They readily acknowledge the support they receive by the non-teaching staff at TIGS) We appreciate the wonderful way they nurture and care for our students each day, using their skills as highly trained professionals to bring out the best in our students and to set them on the course “to act with wisdom, compassion and justice as faithful stewards of our world” (TIGS Mission Statement)

Chaplain’s Connection There is a story of an Atlantic passenger laying in his bunk in a storm, suffering from seasickness. A cry of “Man overboard” was heard. The passenger thought, “God help the poor fellow - there is nothing I can do.” Then he thought at least he could put his lantern in the port-hole, which he did. The man was rescued, and recounting the story next day he said, “I was going down in the darkness for the last time when someone put a light in a port-hole. It shone on my hand, and a sailor in a lifeboat grabbed it and pulled me in.”

So often in life we feel weak, helpless and inadequate. But that is not an excuse to do nothing. Rather, we should do what little we can, humbly trusting that God may be able to use our feeble efforts in ways we cannot imagine to achieve his purposes.

Life has a way of confronting us with our own inadequacy. Physical problems leave us weak and unable to cope; relational troubles bring confusion and stress; battling with bad habits leaves us feeling defeated; financial and work demands can damage our self-worth.

In fact, however, it may be that our inadequacies turn out to be blessings in disguise. It may be that it is right at that moment when we feel at our most helpless that we are most ready to turn to God and to depend on him. Awareness of our own inadequacy can teach us humility and provide the opportunity to see what God can do.

Many people reading the New Testament are struck with the vigour and confidence of the apostle Paul, whose adventures we read about in the book of Acts and whose letters fill much of the rest of the New Testament. Such is his apparent confidence and self-assurance that some have found him a little disconcerting.

In fact, Paul spoke openly about his own inadequacies: “When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God … I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words …” (1 Corinthians 2:1-4).

John Reed Chaplain

So where did the forcefulness come from, in one so deeply aware of his own inadequacies? It came from his confidence in what God could do: “Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God …” (2 Corinthians 3:4-5).

In a world where we are often encouraged to stand tall and show no sign of weakness, here is a helpful corrective: humbly admit your own inadequacy, and put your trust in a God who is able to do great things even through you.

Senior School

Every week there is yet another student achieving success in a ‘different way.’ They bring honour to themselves and to the School by having involved themselves in developing their gifts and talents ‘to the fullest extent.’ They are excellent role models for younger students, showing them what is possible in many and diverse fields of endeavour. Last week, the Mountain Biking Team of Miles Waring (Year 12), Sam Jones (Year 12) and David Manton (Year 11) were acknowledged for their outstanding achievement of first place in the All Schools Cross Country Relay Championships.

This week at the AICES Athletics Carnival TIGS was awarded First Place in the Overall Medal Count out of over 60 schools. James Belcher (Year 10) was acknowledged as Boy Athlete of the Meet and Emily De Brot (Year 11) Girl Athlete of the Meet. These are outstanding achievements about which we can all feel great pride not only for the accolades but also for the sportsmanship which each student has demonstrated. These sporting achievements complement two Colour Awards given for Swimming to two Year 10 girls who have represented the school with outstanding success and dedication over a number of years: Emma McKeon and Jessica Hort.

Not only is there success on an individual basis, but it can also be seen in a Year Group.

Last week on Assembly it was Year 10 who featured:

Monica Watt

Deputy Headmaster

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with a group presentation from their very successful Year 10 and 11 Drama evening;

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achieving Peer Support Certificates in Recognition of their commitment to working with Year 7 on the Peer Support Program

•

being acknowledged for the Science Team successfully moving on to the next, State level of the Science and Engineering Challenge.

The leadership and commitment being demonstrated by this year group bodes well for the future as they aspire to be Senior Leaders in the school.

Junior School When I look around at our children both on site and off site they consistently look fantastic!

Many times when I meet prospective parents they mention that a key draw card for their interest in TIGS was initially our uniform and the way it is worn.

This week parents in the Junior School have received an email from me asking for input regarding the timing of the Winter School Uniform specifically concerning the girls uniform.

I would like to thank those parents who have responded and completed the survey. I would also like to thank all of our parents for your ongoing support in the way your children wear their uniform to such a high standard. Personal presentation including uniform is an area of school life where alignment between home and school is crucial to success.

Thank you to the boys and girls for wearing their uniform well, for ties, shirts tucked in, correct ribbons and haircuts. Thank you also to all of the mums and dads who support our School in ensuring that the children look great each and every day.

Emails this week:

K-4 Disco Volunteers Survey for Junior School Winter Uniform

Judi Nealy

Head of Junior School

NASSA Junior Athletics Carnival

Last Tuesday 55 junior school students travelled to Campbelltown to compete against the six other NASSA schools in track and field.

Once again the students represented TIGS well, performing strongly in events and loudly supporting one another. At the end of the day we placed a commendable second to a very strong Penrith team and 16 students have qualified to compete in the NSW Combined Independent School Carnival in week 10. Well done to all our athletes.

Results

Natasha Pather – 1st 11yrs Shot Put (New Record), 1st Javelin (New Record), 3rd High Jump, 3rd Relay Sarah I’Ons - 2nd 800m Jack Mackenzie-Wood – 2nd 12yrs 800m, 3rd 100m, 2nd High Jump Flyn Kilby – 3rd 11yrs 100m, 3rd 200m, 3rd Discus Joshua Buchanan – 2nd Junior.200m, 100m Finalist Rubey Williams – 3rd Junior Long Jump, 3rd Relay, 2nd 100m Simon Mill – 2nd 12yrs Shot Put

Zoe Correa – 3rd 11yrs Shot Put Julia Devitt – 2nd 11yrs High Jump, 3rd Relay, 100m Finalist Ethan Hennessey – 3rd Junior Shot Put Caitlin Chadrawy – 3rd Junior Shot Put, 3rd Relay, 100m Finalist Emilia Bujaroska – 2nd 11yrs Javelin Hugo Mackenzie-Wood – 2nd 11yrs Javelin Jesse Pupovac – 2nd Junior Javelin

Oscar Malouf – 3rd Junior Javelin Harrison Pearce – 3rd 12yrs Javelin Ashleigh Mill – 3rd relay, 1st Junior Javelin, 100m Finalist Zara Winter – 3rd relay, 4thJun High Jump Mackenzie Roberts – 3rd Relay Emily Smith – 3rd Senior Relay, 100m Finalist

Back to TIGS Please join TIGS community for the official dedication of Rees Hall, a wonderful new facility in the Junior School. You and your family are invited to come to a service of dedication and thanksgiving as part of ‘Back to TIGS’ day. We welcome our students, our alumni and their extended families and the community to join in the celebrations in Rees Hall and participate in a Rotary charity BBQ in aid of TIGS Year 12 2010 chosen charity “Triple Care Farm’’.

Sunday 19 September, 2010 at 10.30am RSVP grammarians@tigs.nsw.edu.au

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Great Race The Great Race will be held at Jamberoo Recreation Park on Thursday 23 September.

The Great Race is a compulsory school event promoting participation in novelty events for all students. On this day points are awarded for a number of novelty events and the well known House “Haka “to go towards the famous Shell Shield.

Students this year are not to be driven to or from Jamberoo Recreation Park but are to come to School at the normal time, using the usual modes of transport.

Shuttle buses have been organised to transport all students to and from the Park. Students are not allowed to remain at the park to wait for parents.

Students must wear their House Shirts and school sports shorts to this event. They are expected to wear appropriate swimwear/ rash shirts, hats and sunscreen. The water will be cold so students may like to wear their wetsuits. Students are encouraged to bring plenty of food and water for the day as there may be limited food outlets open.

While at the Park strict safety regulations will be enforced by the attendants and TIGS staff. Students will be required to obey all safety instructions, follow safety signage and not engage in anything considered reckless behaviour. Due to changes in risk management by the Park all students must wear colour-coded wrist bands to identify their level of swimming proficiency. Students are also advised to operate a buddy system within the park, not going alone to rides, shops, cafes or toilets.

A reminder to all students to return their permission slips for the Great Race to school as soon as possible.

We are looking forward to a GREAT DAY. If you have any questions please ring Mrs Sharpe at school.

Senior School Sports AICES Athletics Carnival

On Monday 6 September almost 40 TIGS students travelled to Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush to compete in the AICES Athletics Carnival. The TIGS athletes were exceptional on the day, with all of them giving their very best in each of their events. This enthusiasm and commitment from our athletes was rewarded, with TIGS winning the overall medal count with a total of 30 medals, 12 of them being gold. This is an outstanding result considering that there were over 60 other schools competing from all across the State. There were a number of outstanding individual performances, some of which included: • • • •

Boy Athlete of the Meet - James Belcher ( Year 10) Girl Athlete of the Meet Runner-Up - Emily Debrot ( Year 11) 18+ Boys Age Champion - Sam Haber (Year 12) 18+ Boys Runner-Up Age Champion - Joshua Hurt (Year 12)

Another highlight of the day was the Senior Boys 4x100m Relay team convincingly winning their race, only just missing the record.

By the end of the day 12 of our athletes had qualified to compete at the CIS Athletics Championships to be held at Homebush on Tuesday 14 September. Click here for a list of those students

NASSA Volleyball Gala day

A group of Year 8 and 9 students attended the NASSA Volleyball Gala Day at Macarthur Anglican College on Wednesday 1 September. Our girls played off successfully for third place overall after winning 3 of the matches in the round robin. The boys team showed steady improvement in their games, coming close to their opponents in most matches. For most students, this was their first opportunity to play Volleyball competitively and they have shown excellent potential. The games were played in fine spirit that was matched by beautiful, Spring weather and the students represented TIGS in very positive ways. The Volleyball teams were accompanied by Ms Sara Colville and Mrs Esposito.

Girls Team Year 9: Kirsty McRae, Madeline Miller, Kailee Cross, Kuer Bul Year 8: Play Moo, Claire Bonham, Helena Bonham, Elizabeth Dominis, Jessica Kuit, Monique Projkoski Boys Team Year 9: Jasper Kitsche, Keiran Devitt, Anthony Keating, Matthew Scavarelli, Benjamin Goodhew, Alec Adams, Thomas Oyston Year 8: Keiran Ackhurst, Isaac Brown, Ethan Butson, Alexander Marzano

Canteen R oster Week

Uniform Change Over Winter to Summer

9, Term I II

The Uniform Shop will be open during the School holidays from 9.00am to 3.00pm Thursday 7 October, Friday 8 October 2010 and Saturday 9 October 2010.

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Please note all existing Year 6 students who are entering year 7 in 2011 should have their uniforms fitted and purchased by 11 November 2010.

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Parents and Friends What a great night we had at Villa D’Oro last Friday night for the TIGS P & F September Dinner & Auction! The chance to grab a table with friends, or make new friends, was highlighted by some fast and furious bidding, particularly for a great package of Adam Gilchrist Memorabilia. Well done to our Auctioneer, John Pearman. In excess of $10,000.00 was raised to put towards the building of shelters for bus and car lines.

Many people helped to make the night a great success. Please see our list of sponsors here. The gift bags, assembled and mostly donated by Olga Early, were sold out at the door as guests arrived thanks to a great sales team. The Silent Auctions brought out the best, and worst, in some guests. Not mentioning any names, but there was some proxy bidding going on unbeknownst to the bidder – all reciprocated and in good spirit, of course. Going by the Sydney Escape packages, Laser Skin Treatments, Gym Memberships and Zoom Teeth Whitening package the School Community should be even better looking in the near future.

The Auction Committee would like to thank everyone who contributed with donations, time, their attendance on the night and their purchases. We look forward to seeing the benefits when the shelters are built in the future.

The P & F Auction Committee

Charity Art Show 8-10 October 2010 The Illawarra Grammar School (parking & entry via Powell St, West Wollongong) Opening Night: 7pm, Friday 8th October (tickets $20) Other Times: 10am-4pm, Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th October (free admission) To donate artwork and for more info visit www.art4refugees.org.au All proceeds from ART4refugees support the work of SCARF (Strategic Community Assistance to Refugee Families). Artists have donated paintings, photographs, sculpture, jewellery, textiles & ceramics to help fund programs like Homework Help, Volunteer Mentoring and L2P Learner to Provisional Driver.

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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TIGS Class of 2000

High School Reunion 20 years

High School Reunion 10 years

If you attended TIGS during your primary years from 1978 - 1984 or in Year 7 1985 to Year 12 1990 you and your partner are invited to attend the 20 year School reunion

If you attended TIGS during your primary years from 1988 - 1994 or in Year 7 1995 to Year 12 2000 you are invited to attend the 10 year School reunion

Click here to view full invitation

Click here to view full invitation