Issue 5 Term IV 2017
NEWSLETTER
Sports Presentation Night An International Baccalaureate World School
Academic • Christian • Caring
HEADMASTER
Mr Stephen Kinsella Headmaster It is not unusual in modern Australian culture to hear reference to ‘luck’ in conversation – it was especially common during the week of the Melbourne Cup. ‘Luck’ is also a word often used by students who are not prepared for examinations, hoping for ‘good luck in the exam paper’.
From Prep to Year 12, students have the opportunity to develop skills and talents, have new experiences and to find what it means to be the best they can be. This is a process, not an end in itself, allowing students the freedom to experience success and failure along the way.
I was intrigued to read in the press the following list of tips to improve your luck:
It is not surprising that we consistently receive advice from employers and tertiary institutions that they prefer TIGS students because they are well prepared for employment and study. Our students are consistently described as exhibiting highly developed academic ability, confidence, a wellrounded approach to life and an understanding that excellence is a result of hard work. This year 99% of pur Year 12 applicants received early entry at university before they sat for their HSC examinations. To describe this outcome as ‘luck’ would be to deny the hard work of the students, the skill of our teachers and the sacrifices made by parents and families in supporting their children at TIGS.
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Be open to new experiences and breaking out of your normal routine.
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Spend a few moments each day remembering things that went well.
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Visualise yourself being lucky before an important test or telephone call. Luck is very often a selffulfilling prophecy.
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Be nice to everyone you meet. You never know who will be a new friend.
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Expect things to go well and they often will.
Two things came to mind when I read this list. First, people tend to make their own luck. Gary Player, the world’s number one ranked golfer for many years, once said when asked what part luck played in his success: “What I have noticed is the more I practise, the luckier I get.” The successful achievement of our goals is usually the result of hard work and dedication to the task over a long period. TIGS Statement of Mission and Values captures this belief, saying: “The School Community supports students in developing their abilities, empowering them to become fulfilled individuals” (1.1) and “The School sets excellence as its standard …which is viewed as neither elitist nor exclusive and is accessible to all who aspire to be the best they can be.” (1.6)
The second thing that struck me about the list of behaviours is that luck is usually associated with success as measured by wealth, prestige or the avoidance of personal injury or catastrophe. Those that are ‘lucky’ achieve unearned advantage though some form of financial or personal risk taking. At TIGS, we see success as being measured by the outcome of our relationships: with God, with each other and with the environment. Our Statement of Mission describes our hope for our students as being that they “are equipped to act with wisdom, compassion and justice as faithful stewards of our world”. There are many advantages that a TIGS education provides. These advantages are the product of the sacrifices of parents and families and the expertise and commitment of staff. How ‘lucky’ our students are depends on how they choose to take up the opportunities available and is measured by the impact that they have on their world.
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:48 NIV)
CHAPLAIN
Rev. James Rogers Chaplain Toys ‘n’ Tucker I mentioned a few weeks ago that we are again partnering with ANGLICARE in their Toys ‘n’ Tucker campaign this Christmas. I want to take this opportunity to remind you that donations can now be brought in. Students in the Piper Centre can deposit their items at the reception office; students in the Junior School can give their donations to their classroom teachers, and students in the Senior School can hand their donations over to their mentor teachers. I know ANGLICARE greatly values the generosity of TIGS. We are one of the campaign’s biggest supporters. I hope this year will be no exception. To assist, I have included ANGLICARE’s suggestions for appropriate donations. Let’s share the spirit this Christmas.
TIGS STRATEGIC VISION Focus Groups
TIGS School Council will be running a number of focus groups over the coming weeks to receive feedback on the draft Strategic Vision before it is published in early 2018. Bookings are essential and places are limited to allow quality discussion. Parents who are interested in taking part can submit an expression of interest at the following link. The School will contact you prior to the event to confirm whether you have secured a place. We will accommodate as many parents as possible but unfortunately places are limited. The focus groups will take place at the following times; •
Junior School parents 8.00am – 9.00am Wednesday 22 November
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Senior School parents 5.00pm – 6.00pm Tuesday 21 November
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Parents from any Year group 6.30pm – 7.30pm Thursday 30 November
If you have any questions about the focus groups, please contact the Director of Marketing and Strategy, Helen Bugg, by email at hbugg@tigs.nsw.edu.au.
Farewell MR STEPHEN KINSELLA Please join us to farewell the 7th Headmaster of the Illawarra Grammar School
5.30pm Thursday 23 November
Academic • Christian • Caring
An International Baccalaureate World School
To be held on Library Lawn. Canapés and refreshments provided. RSVP online or phone the Headmaster’s Office on 4220 0287. RSVP by Friday 17 November 2017
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Mrs Judi Nealy Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior School Kinder Orientation It has been wonderful to watch the 2018 Kindergarten cohort getting to know their environment, and each other, at orientation with the final session being held this week. The children are growing in confidence and looking forward to their first day at ‘BIG’ School after Christmas. We look forward to seeing them in their school uniforms and welcoming them to our School.
Stage 3 Camp Stage 3 are away at camp this week and we are hearing lots of great stories about happy, busy children. We look forward to hearing about their adventures next week when they return to school.
Class Construction Process The Junior School teachers have just commenced the class construction process for 2018. The aim of this process is to design learning communities based on student needs both academically and socially. The current teachers look at the cohort, they then ‘cluster group’ children into learning groups which form the basis for classes. At this point the process, the teachers have yet to be allocated a class for 2018, so teacher selection is not part of the decision-making process. Every year a small number of parents communicate a concern or area of need for their child which might impact on the class construction process. Parents can do this by emailing or phoning myself or Mrs McRae. The vast majority of our class placements are successful and productive for our learners in the Junior School. Our children are capable and resilient and can adjust to new social groupings and teacher styles very well and it is through the changed groupings each year that new strengths and friendships are forged. Of course, if you have any concerns either at this stage of the process or at the beginning of next year please feel free to contact Mrs McRae, Mrs Wallace or myself.
EXTEND @ TIGS Last week at Extend we discussed the importance of sustainability and how our service can be more sustainable. Ideas such as recusing used paper, turning off lights when we are not in the room and our favourite-growing our own fruits and veggies. Children made window green houses, decorated reused paper planters and planted apple seeds from their afternoon tea. We are coming up with more ideas that can help us be more sustainable at Extend and we would love your suggestions. We also kept active with Tennis, Cricket, Dodge ball and the all-time favourite, Handball. Pancake creations were a suggestion from one of our Extend students. He then led the class as we made our own pancake batter and poured it into a sauce bottle to design a pancake picture. Once it cooked for a minute we poured more batter to cover it and flipped it to reveal our design. Such a great experience to get the children involved. A reminder, we are still running our share kindness project over November. If your family or community is doing acts of kindness, we would love to hear about it.
Our Extend Superstar is:
Sophia Windsor - for being a fantastic role model to her younger peers and always paying attention during news time.
What’s on next week? Monday Cartoon completions
Tuesday Making Playdough and One-legged Racing Wednesday Create your own find-a-word and Rob The Nest Thursday Loom weaving and handball Friday Tower/Bridge building and Play Gym To check out what’s on visit our website at extend. com.au and book via the Parent Portal. Book 14 days in advance to receive the lowest rate.
JUNIOR SCHOOL
OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL Acrobatic Gymnastics
Dance
Earlier this year Scarlett Ford competed at the State Championships and National Qualifications for Acrobatic Gymnastics. Scarlett performs in an “Acro Trio”, comprising of a top and two bases. The Trio performed two routines and placed fifth and sixth in the state, but missed out on making the National Championships by 0.01 of a point!
James Gardner has competed in many dance Eisteddfods throughout 2017, receiving a multitude of medals and trophies for his outstanding achievements.
Scarlett’s training in the lead up to the competition consisted of three hour sessions, four nights a week and five hours on a Saturday. Scarlett displayed great self-motivation, hard work, commitment and should be very pleased with her results. Well done Scarlett!
Wollongong Song and Dance Festival 2017 • Junior Champion – Song and Dance • Junior Entertainer of the Year Wollongong Eisteddfod 2017 • Junior Song and Dance Champion ‘Get the Beat’ Regionals 2017 • King of the Boys ‘Get the Beat’ Nationals 2017 • 4th Place Musical Theatre Well done James!
JUNIOR SCHOOL AWARDS MERIT CERTIFICATES
Assembly/Chapel 6C will be hosting next week’s Chapel in Rees Hall from 12.10pm.
Academic
Amelia Vartazarian Subhaan Ul-Haq Isaac Turner Aushada Ranamuka Rallage Michael Murray Arya Mahantesh Sophia Johnson Jack Finnin James Dalton Zara Clark Emily Clark
WEEKLY AWARDS KM
Emily Clark, Xiaojia Tang
KP
Elijah Makotsvana, Xavier Knight
1S
Sophia Johnson, Jack Finnin, Tayla Weeks
1Y
Surabhi Parab, Floyd Stephenson
2M
Hollis Bridgeman-Law, Lucia Ding, Harrison Stone
2S
Zara Clark, Kaj Eriksson, Amelia Vartazarian
2T
Milla Threadgate, Addison Tarrant
3D
Connor Hutchinson, Yasmin Matar
4J
Christopher Mountifield, Ayaan Chabungbam, Natasha Karakousis
4R
Ronak Jayswal, Bora Kim
4S
Jacob Murrie, Wyatt Tolan
5A
William Dolan, Lilli Fellowes
5M
Ali Matar, Hannah Makotsvana
6H
Dania Jaber, Inaaya Kermali
6Y
Cody Maynes-Rutty
THE PIPER CENTRE
Mrs Taesha Duley-Smith Director of the Piper Centre
Transition to Junior School “A quality transition to school continues children’s development and learning” (Pianta 2004). Pianta writes that a good transition to school ensures children will start their education ready to learn and educators will be ready for children. The Piper Centre has commenced their transition to school orientation in the Junior School. The aim of these sessions are to prepare each child for Kindergarten, equipping them with the foundations to give them a successful start to school. During the three sessions the children interacted with other students and teachers by engaging in the many activities set up in the classrooms. As part of the Piper Centre’s approach to Junior School transition, educators prepare a ‘Transition to School’ Statement, for each child in their care. This statement has been developed to share information about the children’s learning and development between early childhood services and schools. The Statement summarises each child’s strengths as they start school, identifies their interests and indicates how each child’s learning and development can be supported on a continued basis.
SENIOR SCHOOL
Mrs Naomi Sullivan Acting Head of Senior School
ICT School and Home Use Since the introduction of Bring Your Own Device of sight during school hours (8:40am – 3:10pm) (BYOD) in the Senior School in 2012, students and to minimise distractions unless explicit permission teachers have enjoyed the many benefits that has been granted by the supervising teacher. accompany having access to portable devices and internet service in the classroom. However, it would • Students and parents needing to contact each other throughout the day must do so by going be reticent not to acknowledge the challenges through student reception. that also come with the use of technology in the classroom, and the necessity for effective management strategies to enhance learning in a Of course, the benefits of ICT use extends beyond the classroom, as do the challenges, and there are safe and productive environment. many great resources for parents to assist in creating One of the challenges faced by educators is the a positive environment for ICT use in the home. One dynamic nature of Information and Communication such resource is the Family Online Safety Contract Technology (ICT) and how this impacts on teaching produced by the Carly Ryan Foundation. This can be and learning. The ever-changing way in which young used as a template to personalise and devise your people access, organise and share information own family contract and is a great way to affirm paired with the increasing capacity of computers expectations and boundaries. and information available online, requires constant review of best practice within a school environment. Other tips and recommendations for positive technology use in the home include: In light of this, a recent review of the School’s ICT Policy has been conducted with changes reflecting • No computer or device in the bedroom past 10pm (or agreed curfew) the current needs and demands of our school community. This document aims to provide all • Designate a central charging station outside community members with a clear understanding of bedrooms their rights and responsibilities in relation to the use of ICT. While I encourage you to read this policy, I have • Turn off mobile phone and disable alerts on extracted some key points for your consideration: computer when studying •
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Students are required to access (online) and read • the Schools ICT Policy which specifies details of inappropriate usage. No student may bring their mobile phone to school, access the School’s • network or use any ICT equipment belonging to the School until they have read and indicated • their acceptance of this policy.
Limit recreational screen time – recommended maximum of 1 to 2 hours per day
Access to school networks is provided through • a filtered service. The filter is designed to restrict • access to inappropriate material as well as providing spam and virus protection. The School will not provide support for technical issues caused by circumventing the School’s web filtering system.
Regularly review privacy settings
Mobile phones must be turned off and kept out
Create tech-free zones eg the dinner table Encourage conversation about ICT use: new apps, social media interaction etc
Note and respect classifications and age restrictions on apps, games and social media sites
Used Textbooks Do you have textbooks you don’t need/want? Are you looking for textbooks for Year 7 to Year 11 in 2018? The P&F is running a buy/sell of used textbooks on Tuesday 21 November in the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) adjacent to Senior Square from 4.00pm to 6.30pm. Bring your used text books with the price marked on them and find a spot at the tables in the MPR. Buyers and sellers will need to provide their own change. If you have any questions please contact Debbie Gibson by email on debsotim@gmail.com
Resources for Parents: The Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner •
Helping young people have safe, positive experiences online and encouraging behavioural change, where a generation of Australian children act responsibly online—just as they would offline.
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Provides a complaints service for young Australians who experience serious cyberbullying.
eSafety - iParent •
Parents can learn about the digital environment and keep updated on their children’s technology use.
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Guidance for using safety settings on your family’s webconnected devices, tips for choosing movies and games and strategies for keeping young people safe online.
Common Sense Media •
Provides trustworthy ICT information, education, and resources to parents and educators.
Think u Know - Parents Portal •
The Think u Know programme is a partnership between the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Microsoft Australia, Datacom and the Commonwealth Bank, and provides useful information to parents in regards to online safety and protection.
PERFORMING ARTS NEWS Term IV Instrumental Concerts Singing Concert 5.15pm and 6.30pm Monday 20 November in the Recital Room Piano Concert 4.00pm, 5.15pm and 6.30pm Wednesday 29 November in the Recital Room
SENIOR SCHOOL
SPORT SENIOR SCHOOL AICES Surfing Championships
AICES U/15 Boys Tennis
On Thursday of Week 5, four TIGS students, Tahlia Collinge (Year 9), Riley Hanlon (Year 10), Finley McLaren (Year 10) and Zachary Winter (Year 10) represented the School at the AICES Surfing Championships. In this team competition, each surfer participated in two 20 minute heats, each contributing to their team’s score. Held at Elouera Beach, the morning conditions were outstanding. Finley started the day by scoring what would be the second best wave score of the day. This was followed by a third from Zachary, a first from Riley and a third from Tahlia.
On Friday 10 November Harrison Webb (Year 8), Harrison Kiteley (Year 8), Thomas Peden (Year 8) and Nicholas Chiaverini (Year 7) travelled to Concord to compete in the AICES Tennis Championships. The boys played excellent tennis with minimal breaks between the Fast Tennis format. The boys were exhausted at the end of the day, but thoroughly enjoyed the competition. Harrison made the final series but unfortunately, was knocked out of the competition in the first round. Congratulations boys, you all competed fairly and respectfully.
TIGS was in a great position after the first round, but the conditions soured and became increasingly tricky. Finley and Riley again won their respective heats, while Zachary came third. Tahlia, competing against male competitors, was our final surfer, and with the competition very even, won her heat. For the first time in the three years that this annual competition has been held, TIGS was named the AICES Champion School. Congratulations to our four competitors.
AICES U/15 Girls Tennis The AICES U/15 Girls Tennis tournament was played at Cintra Park, Concord on Wednesday 8 November. Competing on behalf of TIGS were Elizabeth Westwood (Year 9), Maya Field (Year 7), Charlotte Tregonning (Year 8) and Lucy Koder (Year 9). Elizabeth and Maya came through the group stage to make the knockout section, with Maya making the quarter finals. Charlotte Tregonning and Lucy Koder entered the Repechage, with Lucy making the semi-finals.
Team of the Year U12 Girls Futsal Team
TIGS Sports Presentation Evening Molly Buikstra Junior School Sportsperson of the Year (Joint Award)
The 2017 TIGS Sports Presentation Evening was held on Wednesday evening in the IGC. It was a night to recognise all the sporting achievements made by students over the past year.
James Healey Keith McPherson Pratt Junior Sportsperson of the Year
Congratulations to all award recipients. A special recognition must go to the major award winners: TIGS Junior Representative Merit Award: Pia D’Rozario Junior School Sportsperson of the Year 2017: Buikstra and Rebecca Winn
Molly
Melinda Sharpe Team Spirit Award 2017: Finley McLaren Illawarra Mercury Team of the Year 2017: U/12 Girls Futsal Team Ashley Armstrong, Molly Buikstra, Pia D’Rozario, Allegra Fock, Abbey Kuiper, Jessica Llewellin, Diya Mehan, Charlotte Palmisano, Sarah Partland and Alissa Tonkin Keith McPherson Pratt Junior Sportsperson of the Year 2017: James Healey Hurley Trophy Intermediate Sportsperson of the Year 2017: Luke Wilson Rebecca Winn Junior School Sportsperson of the Year (Joint Award)
Elizabeth Martin Sportswoman of the Year
Sportswoman of the Year 2017 (Year 11 and Year 12): Elizabeth Martin Sportsman of the Year 2017 (Year 11 and Year 12): James Seal
Finley McLaren Melinda Sharpe Team Spirit Award
Luke Wilson Hurley Trophy Intermediate Sportsperson of the Year
James Seal Sportsman of the Year
UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday
20 Nov
Tuesday
21 Nov
Thursday
23 Nov
5.15pm and 6.30pm Monday 20 November in the Recital Room
Senior School Textbook Swap 4.00pm in the Multi-Purpose Room
Headmaster’s Farewell 5.30pm in the Goodhew Research Centre (Library Lawn)
Monday
27 Nov
Thursday
29 Nov
Find us on Facebook
Singing Concert
Year 7 Immunisation
Piano Concert Prep to Year 12 4.00pm, 5.15pm and 6.30pm Wednesday 29 November in the Recital Room