Issue 3 Term IV 2017
NEWSLETTER
TIGS Sony Camp
HEADMASTER
Mr Stephen Kinsella Headmaster At the launch of TIGS21 last week, I referred to research by the Regional Institute that identifies the skills that are increasingly necessary for successful employment in the 21st Century. The skills were categorised into two groups: •
Specialist skills: such as science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics, entrepreneurship, design.
•
People skills: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, connectivity, creativity and culture. (You will recognise the similarity between these people skills and the IB Learner Profile Attributes and Attitudes.)
Parents may recognise some of the areas listed as ‘specialist skills’ as subjects they studied at school but few would have intentionally learnt the ‘people skills’ listed. They were probably learnt the hard way in the playground or workplace, if at all. (Working with a colleague or employer that does not have ‘people skills’ is a nightmare that we all seek to avoid.) TIGS21, the School’s building master plan for the next 21 years, will see the refurbishment of the campus to provide a learning environment that better suits learning in the 21st Century. More information about TIGS21 can be found here or at the upcoming P&F meeting Wednesday 15 November at 6.00pm. The changes to our learning environment implemented through TIGS21 will match the changes that have already been made to teaching and learning at TIGS through the adoption of the PYP, MYP and DP. It is no longer acceptable in the 21st Century for student learning to be organised as a passive transition of knowledge from teacher to student. It is through the active engagement of students in learning that students best acquire both specialist and people skills. It is easy for a school to claim its students are successfully learning for the 21st Century. It is much harder for a school to have this recognised by others from outside the school.
This week we have celebrated: •
An outstanding PYP Exhibition by Year 6. The Exhibition is the culmination of learning under the PYP before students move into the MYP in the Senior School. Staff from other IB schools visit PYP Exhibitions to compare notes and to learn from these schools. I was delighted that a PYP teacher with international experience described our TIGS Exhibition this year as the “strongest I have seen”, commenting on the quality of the research, the depth of understanding and the engagement the students had with their audience through the quality of their presentation. Congratulations Year 6 - well done.
•
60 (99%) of our 2017 HSC students that applied for early entry to a university prior to completing their HSC examinations were successful. This is an astonishing outcome, one that reflects the strong academic programme at TIGS. As an aside, only about 30% of places at Australian universities for Year 12 graduates are awarded solely on the basis of an ATAR score. Research by the universities indicates that ATAR is a poor predictor of success in tertiary study. The universities are increasingly more interested in enrolling students with both specialist skills and people skills. They monitor the academic outcomes of the students and their school. In addition, they require evidence of the student’s participation in a broader range of activities and engagement with the wider community. The advice we receive from the universities is that, in addition to academic achievement, the engagement of students in our extensive leadership, co-curricular, outdoor education, performing and creative arts and service programmes is a significant factor in the success of TIGS students in receiving offers of early entry.
•
Community Problem Solving (CmPS) is an international competition where students apply their 21st Century learning and skills to actual problems. Recently, two of our teams won their divisions and were declared Australian Champions. •
The Middle Division (Year 7 to Year 9) won for their research and presentation on ‘caring for people with dementia’
•
The Senior Division (Year 10 to Year 12) won for their research and presentation on ‘adolescent self-esteem’.
How exciting for Aria, Lucy, Daniel, Nicholas and Mackinly from Year 8 and Samuel, Stanley and Ruby from Year 12 to be off to the USA for the international phase of the competition. It is reassuring to know that our students have the specialist and people skills to win such a prestigious competition – this is the eighth time in 10 years that TIGS teams have been declared National CmPS Champions (four times in each division). At TIGS we seek for all our students to be achieving at their highest level – to “be the best they can be.”
TIGS Students Support Nganambala School, Emu Point TIGS students have contributed $10,000 toward the installation of an irrigation system at Nganambala School TIGS has developed a close relationship with the Emu Point community since 2006. Each year students from Year 11 have the opportunity to live in this remote community located in the Northern Territory. It is lifechanging for our students to experience what it’s like to live in an Indigenous Community and to learn and understand the importance of Family and Country from an Aboriginal perspective. The people of Emu Point are welcoming and caring and their generosity to the students and staff at TIGS grows each year. Over the years, students have raised funds for the Emu Point community through activities such as the ArtsFest Showcase and various cake stalls. At this week’s assembly, the Captains announced that TIGS students will use these accumulated funds to contribute to the installation of an irrigation system for the Nganambala School. No longer will the students have to play on a grassless playground in the dry season. This gift will cover about 35% of the cost of the installation. Do you want to contribute as well? If anyone else would like to add to the gift made by our students then please contact Nicole Cheetham on 42 200 268 or ncheetham@tigs.nsw.edu.au.
CHAPLAIN
Rev. James Rogers Chaplain An Invitation to Prayer Anyone who is familiar with the gospels will know that Jesus’ disciples struggled to fully understand who he was and what he came to do. They would often display their confusion and ignorance in words or actions which proved they had completely missed the mark, leaving Jesus with an opportunity to clarify for them his true nature and purpose.
7.30am - 8.20am Friday 10 November In the Goodhew Research Centre (Library)
Parents, staff and friends are invited to gather to pray for our School community. Breakfast and supervision is available for children
RSVP online by Wednesday 8 November Visit http: www.tigs.nsw.edu.au/events Or contact Mrs Douglas on email mdouglas@tigs.nsw.edu.au or phone 4220 0200
A good example of this is Mark 8.3138. Jesus, aware that his authority as a teacher and worker of miracles had everyone talking, asks his disciples to tell him what others were saying about him. They told him that the general talk was that he was some sort of prophet, perhaps even the re-emergence of one of the greats from the past. While Jesus welcomed these reports he was not content to leave it there. He asked what they thought. Peter, in a rare moment of insight, declares Jesus to be the Christ. Jesus affirms this contention and proceeds to explain what this will involve. It was here that Peter (no doubt speaking on behalf of the other disciples) showed his ignorance. Peter’s understanding of messiahship was very different to Jesus’ own understanding. Indeed, the difference was so great that Peter felt he had to rebuke Jesus for his distorted view of the Messiah’s mission. Jesus then rebuked Peter in no uncertain terms. He had much to learn. While the disciples might have got much wrong about Jesus, there was something they got right early on in their journey with him: the need to pray. We don’t find them disputing the need for prayer or asking the more philosophical question of why we should pray when God is sovereign. Instead, they ask Jesus to help them know how to pray effectively. What follows is a prayer which has been said ever since: The Lord’s Prayer. “Our Father in heaven hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6.9-13)
There is much that could be said about this prayer. Whole books could be and have been written on every line. Take the first line for example. The thought that we could call God, Father is totally revolutionary. I will resist comment, however tempting it is. I simply want to highlight how Jesus endorses the disciples’ unqualified instinct to pray. We are a praying community at TIGS. I would like to think we cover all that we do in prayer. I am sure we can do better. A highlight of our attention to prayer as a community is our prayer breakfasts. I would like to draw your attention to our final prayer breakfast for 2017. It is Friday 10 November in the Library from 7.30am - 8.20am. We begin with a simple yet tasty breakfast and then turn to prayer. Our approach to prayer is varied. Some of the prayers are prepared and read together; others are prepared and prayed for us by representatives, and then there is a time of extemporary prayer. You are invited to participate according to your comfort level. If that is full participation, well and good. If you would prefer to come and say the “amen” to others’ prayers then that is wonderful as well. Your presence is the vital factor. I warmly invite you to join me at the prayer breakfast. There is no cost. We also provide a separate programme for children. They will enjoy their own breakfast with full supervision. Please see the above flyer for details on how to book. The RSVP is Wednesday 8 November. I hope to see you next Friday. Rev. James Rogers
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
PERFORMING ARTS NEWS Term IV Instrumental Concerts Brass and Woodwind Concert
6.30pm Tuesday 7 November in the Recital Room
Guitar and Drums Concert
6.30pm Tuesday 14 November in the Recital Room
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
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Mrs Judi Nealy Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior School Year 6 Exhibition
What a wonderfully busy week in the Junior School this week. Our Year 6 students have presented “The Exhibition” to their community and we have celebrated one of the milestones in finishing their Junior School learning journey. To cap it off on Friday they have participated in their first Year 7 Orientation day getting ready for their transition to Senior School.
“I’m really proud of what we have achieved as a group” - Year 6 student
It was very exciting to hear feedback from our parents about the depth of understanding and knowledge on display and their amazement at what such young learners can achieve. Also pleasing was the fact that many families of younger grades brought their children to look at the exhibition and share in this important event. In our Assembly this week, I invited the rest of the Junior School to show their appreciation to Year 6 for their effort with The Exhibition, the applause was deafening and continued for a very, very long time. What a fantastic affirmation for our senior year in the primary school from their younger peers and what a great goal for the younger students to aspire to. Congratulations Year 6 and all the staff involved for a wonderful exhibition, I hope you enjoy a well earnt rest over the weekend.
“I was impressed at how independent he was in working through the process” - Year 6 parent
“I really liked the stalls where there were activities for us to do” - Kinder student
“By the end of the night my feet were killing me!” - Year 6 student
Om Kathari Class: 2M
Who are your friends and what do you like to play? Neel, Xander, Vincent and Jamie. We like to play Handball. What are you really good at? Maths. What do you need to work hard at? Maths and Science. How do you Improve? English. How do you do this? Practise pronouncing words.
“I’m so proud of my daughter for singing in front of her peers for the first time” Year 6 parent
What do you want to be when you grow up? The President.
“I thought there would be posters and kids showing information, but they really understood the issue and could speak with authority about it” - Visitor
JUNIOR SCHOOL
JUNIOR SCHOOL AWARDS MERIT CERTIFICATES
Assembly/Chapel
5M will be hosting next week’s Chapel in Rees Hall from 12.10pm.
Academic Muhammad Yasir
Madeleine Sheargold Ella McIlwraith Solomon Kennedy Evangeline Kennedy Eva Grimm Geraint Dodd Miranda Di Marco Hussen Bangamwabo
WEEKLY AWARDS Service
Cameron Davies
KM
Rachel Cleary, Soren Palmisano
KP
Felicity De La Fuente, Yuto Yamauchi
1R
Eva Grimm, Solomon Kennedy
1S
Lincoln Hoskins, Thomas Binks
1Y
Miranda Di Marco, Vishaal Rindani
2M
Gabriel Beebe, James Dalton
2T
Noah Bottele, Muhammad Yasir
3C
Rhea Khanna
3D
Alexander Mangan, Isaac Turner
5C
Hussen Bangamwabo, Evangeline Kennedy
6C
Makayla Hutchinson, Madeleine Sheargold
EXTEND @ TIGS What a fabulous week we have had here at Extend returning to our room and enjoying Crystal Tree making, Pumpkin Balloon making, Mystery bag investigators, Cup Stacking challenges, string, ball and cup competitions. We also had the opportunity of having two of our children at Extend who play competitive soccer teach us some soccer skills through drills and sprints, balancing and dribbling, and cone challenges. Everyone really enjoyed this activity and we plan to do it again this week. We have also been discussing our upcoming project that Extend holds yearly “The Share Kindness Project” where our Children and families raise kindness credits to win a prize of $1000 towards our chosen charity. Jovica, Team Leader
Our Extend Superstars are:
Arwen Bowman - for always participating in all Extend activates with such a positive attitude.
What’s on next week?
Monday Button Bowls and Chromatography experiments. Tuesday Marble painting and Obstacle course. Wednesday Tape painting and a Cricket game. Thursday Handball competition and drawing an appreciation picture for family. Friday Lego building challenge, sprints and races. To check out what’s on visit our website at extend.com.au and book via the Parent Portal. PARENT PORTAL: extend.com.au Book 14 days in advance to receive the lowest rate.
THE PIPER CENTRE
Mrs Taesha Duley-Smith Director of the Piper Centre
Within the context of this terms Unit of Inquiry, ‘How we express ourselves’, the Marana children have been supported with developing an understanding that the arts are a means of communication and expression. Children express themselves through many different ways or “The One Hundred Languages of Children”a poem written by Loris Malaguzzi founder of the Reggio Emilia Approach. There are one hundred ways of thinking, expressing, and discovering ourselves. As educators, we are reminded that children have one hundred languages and one hundred, and one hundred more. It is our responsibility and commitment to appreciate the children’s words, to enable them to uncover the endless possibilities. We can express ourselves; our thoughts, ideas and feelings, through multiple symbolic languages including art, movement and music opportunities. The children need to know that they can wonder out loud and that we will give each child’s voice importance as a valued learner.
Marana
From an early age, children start cultivating their aptitudes in emotional development, from identifying different types of feelings, expressing them, and managing their emotions. It directly links to cognitive development as well. Young children who experience joy, satisfaction, and achievement during a learning activity will be more eager in continuing the process. It will lead them to become more progressive in several crucial cognitive capabilities, such as the ability to think, focus on one task, and construct decisions. One of the most important aspects of a child’s emotional development is the ability to identify and understand their emotions. The importance of emotional development is evident throughout the Early Years Framework (EYF) and in the Primary Years Programme (PYP), particularly with regard to attitudes that underpin the Learner Profile and could be thought of as ‘habits of mind’: appreciation, commitment, confidence, creativity, confidence, curiosity, empathy, enthusiasm, independence, integrity, tolerance, respect. Our final Unit of inquiry for 2017 is from the Transdisciplinary theme of ‘How We Express Ourselves’ with the Central Idea “There are many different ways we can express ourselves”. The key concepts that guide the learning are ‘form’ and ‘causation’.
Marana has viewed various artworks from famous artists - Jackson Pollock, Salvador Dali, Henri Matisse and Mark Rothko. The children looked at each artwork and talked about how it made them feel. They had diverse individual responses, all showing great thought. These artworks provided a great conversation starter as well as an introduction into how we can use art in different ways to express ourselves. After looking at these published artworks and sharing how they make us feel, the children went on to create artworks of their own. The children each selected an emotion and expressed it through their own choice of media – paint, drawing, collage or a combination of the three. During their specialist Art lessons, the children have looked at colourful, pictorial drawings that depicted different emotions. The art described what each child in the drawing may be feeling and discussed why people express different emotions. Using a digital camera, each child used body language to demonstrate an emotion or feeling. Their facial expressions depicted the various emotion of their choice. The children reflected on their photographs and decided to choose one picture that portrayed an emotion or feeling that they could cut out and use as the inspirational centrepiece for of their artwork. The children enjoyed listening to the story, ‘The Feelings Book’ by Todd Parr, its vibrant images and fun text help us all understand emotions. The class had a discussion about how certain colours make us feel and the reasons why. Once they chose the colour to match their expression, they used the different textures of collage materials, watercolour, crayon and glue to create their artwork. As our Unit of Inquiry continues this term the children will continue to explore the ways that they can express themselves, through but not limited to music, dance, drama (Infants Nativity production), and construction. Mrs Virginia Herraman Piper Centre Teacher
SENIOR SCHOOL
Mrs Naomi Sullivan Acting Head of Senior School The past couple of weeks has given us plenty to celebrate, with our students continuing to exceed expectations in a variety of fields.
Oscar Wilde quotes while working with School Captains from six other schools. Throughout the day, our students were exemplary ambassadors for TIGS.
Community Problem Solving (CmPS) Success – Congratulations to our CmPS teams who performed exceptionally well at the National competition recently. CmPS is an educational programme which challenges students to think creatively, proposing strategies to address various issues facing society. Students participating in this valuable programme, enjoy the opportunity of sharing ideas and opinions while exploring solutions to a range of real-world situations.
Sony Camp – Last Friday to Sunday, 43 of our students and five staff attended TIGS Sony Camp at Berry. Our students acted as buddies to 25 young people from the Disability Trust, providing them with opportunities to engage in a range of experiences and challenges. The support, companionship, friendship and guidance not only provided the campers with a positive and fulfilling weekend away but also provided an important three day respite to parents.
Our Year 8 team and one of our Year 12 teams were named Champions in the Middle and Senior Divisions respectively which means they have been invited to attend the International Competition in the United States next year. The other Year 12 team finished fourth and the Year 7 team finished fifth nationally. The expert advice and guidance granted to these students by their supervisor Mrs Burton, along with hard work and initiative, has seen them produce outstanding results.
Participants enjoyed activities such as Bowling, beach activities, ball games, Flying Fox, the Giant Swing, rope challenges and a disco. Our students devoted themselves to these young people for the duration of the Camp, only leaving their sides when the campers went to bed. They then stayed up late each night creating personalised scrapbooks for their buddies, using photographs captured during the day by the dedicated Year 12 media team.
Sky’s the Limit – The “Sky’s the Limit Mini Olympics” for people with a disability is a great day of fun, sport and physical activity held annually at Beaton Part. Last week, our Year 12 students attended this event, playing an important role in assisting participants in competing in a variety of track and field events including 50m Sprints, 400m Race, Shotput, Vortex Throw, Long Jump and High Jump. Students volunteered their time to act as buddies to participants, providing assistance and support when needed. This event is a great initiative promoting independence, fun and friendship and is always a pleasure for our students to be involved with. Leadership Quality Speech Workshop - On Wednesday 25 October, 11 students travelled to Hunter Valley Grammar School for a HICES Leadership Quality Speech Workshop. Students representing our School at this workshop included Mary Bul, Ruby Crandell, Min Seo Kang, Benae Kuiper, Francesca Lambert, Finley McLaren, Johnathon Michalopoulos, Nicole Russo, Alexander Saddi, Griffin Spicknall, Erynne Stone and Alexandra Wall. Despite the early start and late return, the students were engaged and enthusiastic for the whole day. They heard a fascinating and lively presentation from Rio Paralympian, Christie Dawes, learnt speechmaking tips and structure from a NIDA graduate and made their own presentation on
On Sunday, the Camp culminated at Jamberoo Recreation Park. After an exhilarating day for the campers, where they were accompanied on as many rides and activities as they could take, the Year 12 students presented their scrapbook gifts to their buddies amidst tears, hugs, and high fives. The Camp was an amazing success, with Disability Trust staff reporting this group of Year 12 students had offered some of the very best service and support they had experienced over the years. So much so, that several of our students have been contacted by the Disability Trust and offered part-time work as a result of their efforts over the weekend. Our students returned home exhausted yet with a great sense of personal satisfaction. Many thanks to Mrs Previati, Mr Parsons, Mr Rodgers, Mrs Cassidy and Mrs Naito for attending and supervising this event. It is great to see so many of our students taking up opportunities to be involved in community events and co-curricular activities in such a positive way.
SENIOR SCHOOL
SPORT SENIOR SCHOOL NASSA Cricket Gala Day During Week 3, Mr Ferguson took both the Junior (Year 7 and 8) and Senior (Year 9 to Year 12) cricket sides to participate in the NASSA Cricket Gala Days. The games were reduced-over fixtures aimed at involving students of all abilities and played in a friendly, courteous nature. The Senior team played three games back-to-back in hot conditions. While out-matched in terms of age and ability, our TIGS boys gave their all. Special mention to the three Year 8 boys who doubled up for both the Seniors and Juniors the following day and to Prathamesh Agalgaonkar who performed best on the day. The Junior team had two matches to play with some good solid batting by Ryan Osadczuk and Ethan McIlwraith in the first. The bowling of Nina Segar nearly got us home but we were narrowly defeated and also lost the second match. Once again, congratulations to all of the players for never giving up and representing the school with pride.
Upcoming Sport Events NASSA Senior Basketball Gala Day Monday 6 November Sports Presentation Evening Wednesday 8 November AICES Surfing Thursday 9 November
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 a 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
COMMUNITY
TIGSFOUNDATION TIGS Community Business Directory ***APPLICATIONS/RENEWALS FOR 2018***
CLOSING
P&F Fete Meeting Please remember that there is a P&F Fete Meeting on Monday 6 November at 6.30pm in the Library
FOR APPLICATIONS CLICK HERE TO SEE BUSINESSES IN THE DIRECTORY CLICK HERE Thinking of promoting your business by advertising through our School Community? Applications for 2018 will close on Wednesday 15 November 2017 for inclusion of the business in the directory for the ensuing year. There is an annual fee of $300 per business each calendar year for advertising in the Directory. A TIGS Foundation fundraising initiative, the Business Directory will provide an opportunity to strengthen and tighten the bonds between the School, parents and the businesses contained within the School Community with funds raised from the Business Directory assisting to drive forward the fantastic educational opportunities children receive here at TIGS. TIGS Foundation would like to acknowledge and thank the businesses from our TIGS community for their support of the Business Directory in 2017 and invite new businesses to the Directory for 2018.
P&F GATHERING Do you have any questions for the school? Would you like to have a clearer understanding about the schooling process? We are offering you an opportunity to share at our next P&F meeting, and to also chat with other parents. We are looking forward to meeting some new and familiar faces. When: Wednesday 15 November Where: The Goodhew Research Centre (Library) Time: 6.00pm RSVP:
For inquiries please contact Lisa Wilson in the Foundation Office on 4220 0264 or email lwilson@tigs.nsw.edu.au TIGS reserves the right to decline any advertisement or request changes before accepting any submissions. To read terms and conditions, please click here.
Monday 13 November – pandf@tigs.com.au
Monday
6
UPCOMING EVENTS
Nov Tuesday
6.30pm in the Goodhew Research Centre (Library)
7
Brass and Woodwind Concert Prep to Year 12
Wednesday
Sports Presentation Evening
Nov
8
Nov
6.30pm in the Recital Room
6.30pm in the IGC
Friday
TIGS Prayer Breakfast
Nov
7.30am in the Goodhew Research Centre (Library)
10 Tuesday
14 Nov
Wednesday
15 Nov
Tuesday Find us on Facebook
P&F Fete Meeting
21 Nov
Guitar and Drums Concert Prep to Year 12 6.30pm in the Recital Room
P&F Gathering 6.00pm in the Goodhew Research Centre (Library)
Senior School Textbook Swap 4.00pm in the Multi-Purpose Room