Issue 7 Term IV, 2014

Newsletter Academic Christian Caring

ISSUE 7

TERM IV 2014

Kidzwish Party Cast

Headmaster The Illawarra Grammar School is committed to educating our students within the framework and rigour of the academic disciplines.

themselves in researching content in their area of interest. Teachers responded by ensuring students give greater focus to the learning process and this was clearly evident at this year’s Exhibition when students spoke with authority about their learning experiences.

Our Statement of Mission and Values includes: “Individual academic disciplines provide a knowledge base and framework for understanding the world.

The School is also committed to students achieving an enriched understanding that comes through interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary learning, building on the academic disciplines.”

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We believe that learning based on the knowledge and rigour of the academic disciplines provides the best platform for students to gain the depth of understanding required to succeed in further study, work and life in general beyond the years of schooling.

The academic staff at TIGS regularly review the way learning is organised and delivered to ensure that this commitment to the rigour of the academic disciplines in not compromised. The School is not immune from the pressures in our society to ‘dumb down’ student learning. The School is vigilant in identifying when such pressure occurs and welcomes the questions and advice of parents when areas of concern are identified.

Improvements to our academic programme regularly occur, often stimulated by advice from parents. Recent changes include: •

The guidance given to students preparing for the Year 6 Exhibition now has a greater focus on the learning process and less on content and presentation. Parents helpfully advised that some students were exhausting

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Sport for Years 7 to 10 was moved off the timetable in 2014 to allow more teaching time in the academic disciplines of English, Mathematics, Science, Geography and History. The time given to the study of these subjects now far exceeds the hours mandated by the NSW Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES).

Parental advice about this decision is that they welcomed the increase in hours devoted to the academic disciplines. They also advised that they did not want the opportunities for their children to participate in sport diminished. The timetable changes and the level of engagement by students in the after school sport programme this year indicate an improvement in both these areas.

The extent and consistency of assessment tasks required in Years 7 to 10 varies across subjects and year groups and is currently under review.

Parental advice on the requirements and impact of some tasks alerted staff to the problem. In response, the School has appointed Mrs Sharon I’Ons as MYP Coordinator from 2015. Mrs I’Ons has impressive experience in the design of curriculum and assessment with BOSTES. She is currently Chief Examiner for NSW in HSC Japanese and her experience in assessment at this level will provide invaluable support for our teachers as they develop our student assessment processes.

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It is now compulsory at TIGS for every student to study an additional language from Year 3 to Year 10. This is because language immersion and mastery is an essential dimension of an education that properly equips students for life in the 21st Century. The advice of parents about the process and disappointment associated with choosing elective subjects, particularly in relation to the study of an additional language, provided an important perspective when this decision was made. It also informed the decision to offer, in addition to the HSC, the DP which has the requirement that all students study an additional language.

The School’s commitment to the rigour of the academic disciplines is regularly tested by external authorities at TIGS: •

TIGS, like all NSW schools, is required to comply with the requirements of BOSTES between Kindergarten and Year 10.

TIGS is next scheduled for accreditation and registration by BOSTES in 2016. The standards of BOSTES are viewed by the School as the bare minimum and we set our expectation for teaching, learning and assessment far beyond the requirements of BOSTES.

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The Piper Centre is accredited every three years by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority(ACECQA). In 2014 ACECQA rated TIGS at the highest level – ‘Exceeding National Quality Standards’.

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The School is an IB World School. To achieve this status the school was assessed by experienced educators from around the world, comparing the teaching and learning at TIGS with the exacting standards of the International

Chaplain’s Message A SEASON FOR CELEBRATING

One of the joys of being a Christian School is that the celebration of the major festivals of the Christian calendar are a chief inclusion in our school calendar – festivals such as Easter and Christmas. These occasions provide us with a wonderful opportunity as a school community to pause and recite together the great deeds of God on our behalf.

Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). The authorisation for TIGS to deliver the PYP will be up for renewal in 2016, the same year that TIGS will be presenting for authorisation to deliver the MYP. •

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Now that students no longer sit for the School Certificate, there is no external assessment of student performance at Year 10 level. From 2016 the School will be presenting Year 10 students for external assessment by the IBO at the conclusion of their study under the MYP. TIGS students will join students from around the world and have their academic progress assessed against the IBO’s academic standards. This will provide valuable feedback to students and the School on how our academic programmes sit on the world stage.

The performance of Year 12 each year in their final examinations continues to place TIGS as the top non-selective school in the Illawarra. In 2013, 90% of our applicants were successful in being offered a place at university prior to sitting for the HSC. We expect that these excellent HSC results will continue and be augmented when some of our senior students sit for the IB Diploma for the first time in 2018.

Independent acknowledgement of the excellence and rigour of our academic programmes are always welcomed and encouraging. However, our goal is to continually improve and it is this goal that drives changes to our programmes. The School appreciates the advice of parents in identifying and initiating changes that will improve student academic outcomes further.

Stephen Kinsella

There are at least two public occasions we have to celebrate Christmas together each year as a School community. The first is the Infants Pageant which is scheduled for this Saturday 29 November in the IGC. If you have never experienced an Infants Pageant before you have really missed something special. No, I mean really! The Infants Pageant always presents the Christmas story in an entertaining and insightful way with the “cute” factor running on overdrive.

It is a real delight and one you must not miss.

Let me just clarify one thing: The Infants Pageant is not only for families who have children represented in the Prep and Infants component of the Junior School. It is for the whole TIGS community. You are all welcome and I hope you might take up the invitation.

It will be exceptional.

The second major event we conduct at this time each year is the Christmas Celebration. This is an event which showcases the talents of the entire student body as we proclaim the marvelous events of the first Christmas.

You may remember last year our theme had an international flavour.

Our focus was how God sent his Son Jesus into the world to be the Saviour of all people. It was a wonderful reminder and a thrilling night.

This year the theme of the Christmas Celebration is: Jesus brings life to the

full. We want to show how Jesus has come intentionally to reverse the curse that has come upon the world through human rebellion toward God. He has not only come to bring moderate relief to some of the problems of the world but to repair our primary problem and from there bleed into the world his lifegiving presence which brings fullness and wholeness. We have an interesting way we plan to communicate this wonderful truth. But you will have to come along to find that out!

The Christmas Celebration this year is Wednesday 10 December at 7.00pm in the IGC. You can come a little earlier than that, however, and share a picnic dinner on the Senior School oval.

The picnic is a BYO affair but there will sausage sandwiches and drinks available for purchase.

I commend these two events to you.

They are wonderful ways to end our year together. They are also wonderful ways to orient us towards a more holy contemplation of the Christmas season. I look forward to sharing these occasions with you.

Rev James Rogers Chaplain

Senior School

STUDENT WELLBEING PROGRAMME UPDATE

One of the significant elements of the School’s Strategic Plan (2013-17) has been to review the efficacy of the curriculum, policies and programmes in enabling the wellbeing and holistic development of students. This review is in the context of attempting to identify and remedy inconsistencies that may exist in current student pastoral care programmes and structures that may be counterproductive to the development of positive wellbeing in students. Another reference point in this review is the emerging work in the area of Positive Psychology and Positive Education. The key element emerging from the research is the importance of explicitly teaching wellbeing to students in order to reduce levels of anxiety in young adolescents.

Greg Lanyon Director of Pastoral Care, Senior School

In Term I in this newsletter, I wrote about some of the outcomes of this review and at that stage reported on the pilot Student Wellbeing Programme, which was being implemented in Year 7. I can now report that this programme is almost complete. To recap, in the first semester, the program provided students with information and skills that helped them make good decisions to keep them safe in the on-line learning environment As well, Year 10 worked with Year 7 students to build a sense of belonging in the school community, using learning modules developed by the Peer Support Foundation. In the second semesters students were introduced to some elements of wellbeing such as building and maintaining relationships (friendship and conflict), empathy and forgiveness. The really interesting element that emerged as a result of feedback from students was the incorporation of an organisation and study skills unit as part of the programme. Through reflection and journaling, students have had the opportunity to personally integrate their learning and build awareness into their daily life and relationships.

Building on the success of the Year 7 programme, the School is planning to expand the programme into Year 8 in 2015 and Years 9 and 10 in 2016. The Year 8 program is currently in the planning stages but will include units on cybersafety, study skills and an introduction to elements of Positive Psychology, focusing on identifying and building on individual strengths. This strengths based work is aimed at having students identify the qualities which make them unique and then giving them the skills to know how they might apply these strengths to all aspects of their learning and development as a person.

TIGS P&F

RECYCLED UNIFORM SERVICE

The TIGS P&F Recycled Uniform Shop will be closing its doors at the end of Term IV but don’t worry there will still be opportunities to purchase recycled uniforms. We will be holding two events per year to give everyone an opportunity to purchase good condition recycled uniforms and help our environment.

As always we will be holding our very popular stall at the 2015 TIGS Great Fete and another event late in Term IV so you can restock for the following year. We would like to thank our very hardworking Recycled Uniform Shop Coordinator, Adele Hamilton, and all the lovely ladies in the Uniform Shop for supporting us.

HELP NEEDED Volunteers are needed to help out in our canteen in 2015.

Please contact Debbie on 4220 0241

Sport SENIOR SCHOOL SPORTS 2015 Reminder to all Year 7, 8 and 9 students the Sports selection for next year are now online until Friday 5 December.

Monday Swimming 7.00am - 8.00am University Pool Surfing 6.30am - 8.00am South Beach Stand Up Paddle Board 6.30am - 7.30am Belmore Basin Tuesday Surfing 6.30am - 8.00am South Beach Stand Up Paddle Board 6.30am - 7.30am Belmore Basin Cheerleading 7.00am – 8.00am NRG Studio Rowing 6.30am – 8.00am Illawarra Boat Sheds Girls Strength Conditioning 3.30pm – 4.30pm Rekreate Hangdog Climbing 3.30pm – 4.30pm Hangdog Racquet Sports 3.30pm – 4.30pm Collegians Sporting Complex Hangtime Trampolining 3.30pm – 4.30pm Hangtime Street Dance 3.30pm - 4.30pm Street Beatz Thursday

Group Fitness 4 Fun 3.30pm - 4.30pm Uni Rec and Aquatic Centre Tennis 3.30pm - 4.30pm Beaton Park Tennis Hangtime Trampolining 3.30pm - 4.30pm Hangtime, Coniston Hangdog Climbing Gym 3.30pm - 4.30pm Hangdog Friday

Aqua Sport 7.00am - 8.00am University Pool

JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORT Parker’s Tennis Coaching

TIGS Christmas School Holiday Clinic at Harbour Street, Wollongong DATE: 15 and 16 December 2014 TIME: 9.00am – 12.00pm COST: $60.00 (Ages 4-14 years)

Parker’s Christmas School

Holiday Tennis Clinics at Wests Illawarra, Unanderra DECEMBER 2014 JANUARY 2015 DATE: 22 and 23 December 2014 DATE: 19 to 21 January 2015 TIME: 9.00am – 12.00pm TIME: 9.00am – 12.00pm COST: $60.00 COST: $70.00 Bookings are essential. For more information call Andrew on 0407 029 731 or Vanessa on 0418 299 165 or email arparker@ bigpond.net.au

Junior School OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAMME AT TIGS

The Outdoor Education Programme at TIGS is not only a significant school experience but also an important one. Our Camping Programme commences in Year 3 with the Stage 2 Camp. Children begin to develop the skills and understandings that will carry them right through the rigorous Outdoor Education Programme here at TIGS: caring for their own belongings, organising their time, participating in “challenge by choice” activities and basically being away from the family for an extended time. In Years 5 and 6 the time is lengthened, the activities are more challenging and the students engage with enthusiasm in the experience.

These Junior School experiences are important because they prepare our Junior School students for the Senior School Programme that is under canvas (no cabins or ensuites!) and involves increasing challenge in terms of hiking, kayaking, canyoning, snow camps and the Duke of Ed Programme. Each year we have significant numbers of students earning their silver and gold Duke of Ed certification, which is highly regarded by universities and employers.

Of course the camp experience from Years 3 onwards is fun, but it is far more than that. Our Outdoor Education Programme assists our TIGS graduates in developing into confident and competent adults. Please enjoy reading the Stage 3 Camp report that shares some insights into the beginning chapters of the Outdoor Education Programme here at TIGS.

STAGE 3 CAMP REPORT Stage 3 Camp this year was not only fantastic because of the magnificent surroundings of our venue, Deer Park, or because we were blessed with great weather throughout the entire time, but due to the fact that the students, teachers and camp leaders all came together to make it that way.

On arrival we were treated to some morning tea of fruit and biscuits and a quick round of games, after which we jumped straight in to our activity groups and took off.

Judi Nealy Head of Junior School

DIARY DATES:

Year 5 and 6 enjoyed a range of experiences from archery and sailing to canoeing and cooking damper over an open fire. They met their fears as they abseiled, rock climbed and tried their hand at prussiking. Each and every activity was fun and exciting.

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Infants Pageant

Saturday 29 November 10.00am to12.00pm – IGC

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P&F Meeting Tuesday 2 December 6.00pm to 7.00pm – Library

For Year 6 of course the highlight is the Big Day Out. Trekking through the bush, canoeing along the waters edge, abseiling over rock ledges and just journeying together as a grade was one great adventure. Chris entertained some of us with songs and we laughed as another fell accidently into the river.

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Year 3 – 6 Presentation Evening Monday 8 December 6.00pmto 7.30pm - IGC

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A Christmas Celebration Wednesday 10 December 5.30pm to 8.00pm - IGC

During Christian Discovery we explored our faith and took the time to see God in our lives. We studied “Bossology” and found out about how Jesus was the boss of all bosses. The camp leaders lead us through the scriptures and opened our eyes to a way of seeing Him in our surroundings.

Of course, bunking in with our friends and sharing the responsibility of KP duty helped us learn more about getting along and meeting the needs of others. And whilst being away from familiar surrounding and our families can be daunting, we all managed to sleep, eat and play happily.

STAGE 3 CAMP

WEEKLY AWARDS KD KM KP 1M 2C 3R 4C 4Y 6G

Aston Di Donato, Boston Zeidler Subhaan Ul-Haq, Callum Perrins Miriam Al-Khalidy, Nicholas Radojicic Devesh Rajpal, Olive Windsor, Mackenzie Pead, Parrie Mizori Kain Corrigan, Jai Hemsley-Oades, Athina Pates Grace Hilton, India Stangman, Georgia Gadsdon Miranda Golding, Hasnain Aly, Zane Taylor Liam Harvey, Ryan Jinks Joseph Druett, Shay Harper

MERIT CERTIFICATES Service

Zoe Dribbus Samuel Lowe Mary Albert

Personal Presentation Zoe Dribbus

Academic

Miranda Golding Georgia Gadsdon Ryan Jinks John Perri Ali Matar Lauren Ayers Boston Zeidler Joanne Park Olive Windsor Grace Holton Euan Christopher Hasnain Aly Liam Harvey

The IB Diploma at TIGS Thank you to the 120 parents that attended the IB Diploma (DP) Information evening held last Monday evening. The meeting will be repeated in Term 1, 2015 for those that could not attend.

The meeting was extremely helpful for staff in planning for the DP and the questions asked by parents gave guidance on further information about the DP that needs to be provided.

The aspects of the DP that attracted most attention were: o

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Scaling •

In the HSC, subjects are scaled up or down by the University Admissions Centre (UAC) when calculating ATAR scores, depending on the performance of the candidates, state-wide.

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In the DP, there is no scaling - all subjects are given equal importance.

Assessment ranking •

In the HSC, marks from assessment tasks are used to rank students against each other and to show the gap between their relative performances. The actual marks submitted to BOSTES are not the marks awarded by BOSTES for assessment.

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In the IB, assessment marks, in combination with examination marks, are used by the IB to determine a student’s grade (1-7). Grades are awarded against established performance criteria and are not determined by relative performance against other students. In theory, every student can achieve the same grade.

Group 2 Additional Language •

The DP requires that all students study an additional language, either at ‘continuing’ level or at ab initio level

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Performance at both levels are awarded a grade (1-7) which are treated equally in the calculation of the final IB Score.

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The School will ensure that all DP students will have the option of an alternative ab initio language if the language they are studying to Year 10 does not have a sufficient number of students to run in the DP. For example, French students could choose an alternative ab initio language if ‘continuing’ French is unavailable.

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Students in current Year 8 that are considering the DP have received advice from Ms Sangster on the process to be followed if they wish to change their elective choices for Year 9.

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Students in current Year 7 considering the DP will soon receive advice from Ms Sangster on the process to be followed if they wish to change their current language.

Further information about the DP, including informative IB websites, can be found on OLLE or by contacting the Director of Teaching and Learning, Ms Sangster.

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

SUMMER

!

S Y A D I L O H

ms for primary kids

ra Fun-filled holiday prog

WEDNESDAY 24 DEC TO EC D 15 AY D N MO N WEDNESDAY 28 JA TO N JA 12 AY D N O M EXTEND @ TIGS LOCATION:

Junior School Powell Street, MANGERTON NSW (Entry via Senior School carpark) HOURS: 8.00am - 6.00pm Pay between $9.55 - $26.50 per session!

BOOKING DEADLINES: December bookings: Book by Friday 28 November January bookings: Book by Monday 15 December Excursions are limited and fill fast! Book now to avoid disappointment.

Receive at least 50% off regardless of income!

FOR FURTHER INFO & BOOKINGS VISIT:

.com.au

Extend at TIGS SUMMER HOLIDAY PROGRAM BOOKINGS ARE OPEN

Booking deadlines apply and excursions fill fast. Book now to avoid disappointment at extend.com.au. All holiday programs are open to primary school aged children from the wider community

UPCOMING

EVENTS

WEEK 8

Year 10 Formal

Friday 28 November 2014

Infants Pageant

10.00am Saturday 29 November 2014 in the IGC

WEEK 9

P&F AGM

6.00pm Tuesday 2 December 2014 in the Library

Honours Presentation Evening Thursday 4 December 2014

WEEK 10

Years 3 - 6 Presentation Evening 6.30pm Monday 8 December 2014

A Christmas Celebration Wednesday 10 December 2014 5.30pm Family Picnic Library Lawn 7.00pm Carol Service IGC

56th Annual Presentation Day Ceremony 10.30am Friday 12 December 2014

Last Day of Term IV Friday 12 December 2014

WEEK 1 2015

First Day of Term I Thursday 29 January 2015