Newsletter Issue 5 Term IV 2016

Newsletter Academic Christian Caring

ISSUE 5

TERM IV 2016 Daniel Michelmore, Year 7

TI G S

The Illawarra Grammar School

Headmaster It is also common to find beliefs and behaviours consistent with the Christian faith embedded in co-curricular programmes of schools. For example, at TIGS there is a wellplanned sequence of experiences across the whole school that teaches students about ‘service’ to others. There is an intrinsic ‘good’ about serving others that is recognised by psychologists but at TIGS we see it as an expression of the beliefs and behaviours of the Christian faith. So by the end of Year 12 a student has had the experience of serving others, understands through personal experience the worth of serving, and understands that the Christian faith includes the call of Jesus for his followers to serve others.

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

In his book Finding God in Unexpected Places, Philip Yancey tells the story of Joanne, a young woman of mixed race who lived in South Africa as the era of Apartheid ended.

She took on the seemingly impossible task of reforming “the most violent prison in South Africa. Tattoo-covered gang members controlled the prison, strictly enforcing a rule that required new members to earn their admittance to the gang by assaulting undesirable prisoners. Prison authorities looked the other way, letting these ‘animals’ beat and even kill each other.”

She visited the prison each day, bringing the Christian message of forgiveness and reconciliation. “The year before she began her visits, the prison recorded 279 acts of violence; the next year there were two.” When asked by Philip Yancey what had happened to transform the prison she answered “Well of course, Philip, God was already present in the prison.

I just had to make him visible.” (pp 5-6) I like this story because the belief that “God is already present” is similar to the TIGS philosophy to Christian education that underpins our teaching. The TIGS Statement of Mission and Values says (2.3): “The School is committed to developing and implementing curriculum that reflects a Christian world view. This is achieved through the public celebration of the Christian faith and through the embedding of a Christian world view in all that we do.”

It would be difficult to find a Christian or faith based school that does not publicly celebrate their beliefs. Chapel, Christian Studies, Chaplain’s reflections, public praying, mission statements are found in most schools and are accepted as part of the school routines.

Service activities, environmental responsibility, the role of leaders, approaches to discipline and the myriad of activities, programmes and procedures found in schools can sometimes appear to be very similar. At TIGS we see them as an extension of what we believe as a Christian school and intend that they form a part of a student’s understanding of what people of the Christian faith believe and do.

The comment made by Joanne that “God was already present” and that she “just had to make him visible” captures an additional dimension to learning about the Christian faith happening in classrooms at TIGS. The Apostle Paul had a similar perspective when he wrote: “For in Jesus all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together (Colossians 1:16-17).

Teachers, under the direction of the Chaplain, are looking for opportunities to consider Christian beliefs in the course of their teaching and learning activities. Our intention is that, amongst the many different and often conflicting world views that permeate textbooks, video presentations and teaching resources, our students will also reflect on the teachings of the Christian faith.

This provides an interesting challenge for teachers. Is there a Christian perspective on learning spelling words? Probably not: at least I can’t think of one. When there is no clear relationship between the learning and the Christian faith TIGS teachers do not try to invent a connection. It may be there in theory but to artificially create a connection lacks credibility and does nothing to enhance an understanding of the Christian faith in students.

Is there a Christian perspective to be considered when learning about pollution, or relationships, or the distribution of wealth, or the beauty of a flower? The Christian faith does provide a perspective on so much of what students learn.

At TIGS we are not interested in telling our students what to think. As an IB World School we plan for our students to develop the characteristics of the Learner Profile: to

Chaplain’s Message UNITY IN DIVERSITY We are seeing a significant shift in the world at the moment. There is a retreat from the incessant drive towards globalisation. While we have come too far for a complete reversal into isolationism, there are certainly limits being put on globalisation’s reach.

It began with Brexit, was followed soon after by our own election of four members of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party to the Senate in the 2016 Federal elections, and culminated (perhaps most emphatically of all) in the election of Donald Trump to the Presidency of the United States.

While it would be simplistic to say that the retreat from globalisation is the root cause of each of these events, it is hard to argue it was not a factor.

There appears to be a resistance to the loss of particularity that can come with globalisation. People and nations are ruing their loss of identity and individuality, their ability to determine their own destiny apart from external forces outside their control. It’s not that we are opposed to the riches which globalisation brings; it is the personal cost that is the problem. We want both international fair and individualism. I think that’s because reality is structured that way.

The Bible reveals God to be unity in diversity. There is one God existing in three harmonious Persons – Father,

Son and Holy Spirit. The Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit is not the Father. They are three distinct Persons, but not three Gods. There is one God and this one God has existed for all time in three Persons. It is a mystery that cannot be fully comprehended by us, but this is what is revealed in the Bible. This is the most perfect expression of unity and diversity. It precedes all things.

Unity and diversity is at the heart of the universe. It always has been. And it is the pattern of all that has been made.

When we lose our individuality, as in the rush towards a globalisation which does not respect the unique characteristics of individual entities, we run into trouble.

We might not understand why we might recoil but we will. From a biblical perspective we recoil because we have not given due recognition for the worth and value of the individual as we must. We have transgressed the ‘unity in diversity’ principle. Similarly, when we elevate the rights of the individual at the expense of community, things start to lose their shape. Again, we are not ordering our world according to the true shape of the world that God has established: unity in diversity.

The solution is to strive for unity in diversity – to honour the individual without succumbing to individualism; to celebrate the collective without crushing the common man.

be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, reflective. This requires students to develop the ability to consider a range of perspectives while learning, including a Christian world view.

To paraphrase Joanne: “God is already present; we just have to make him visible” or as Philip Yancey’s book title suggests, we should look for God in unexpected places, even in the classroom.

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

Rev. James Rogers Chaplain We attempt to order our School along these lines. We aim to give true value and recognition to each person within our School community even as we seek to have them work towards the betterment of our whole School community. In other words, we strive for unity in diversity at TIGS. It is not easy, but it is necessary if we are to move in agreement with how God has shaped all that has been created.

Rev. James Rogers

PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE PIPER CENTRE IN 2017 Last week’s Newsletter outlines the proposed changes to the Piper Centre next year. Details of the changes have also been posted to Kinderloop.

Please contact the Piper Centre on 4220 0251 or pipercentreadmin@tigs.nsw.edu.au if you have any questions

Junior School I have been made aware of an error in the newsletter last week whereby the names listed as receiving awards were a reprint from the previous week rather than the correct names. This has caused inconvenience for several families and disappointment for some of our students. I need to apologies for this error and the impact felt by families and students.

Judi Nealy Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior School

MERIT CERTIFICATES

Rebecca Winn Samarth Sirohi Ambrose Nicolaou Thomas Kirby Tania Kalsi Scarlett Ford Naomi Fock Ella Fennell Daniel Cox Samantha Cowie Jawad Aly Michael Marzano Alizeh Syed Samuel Stevenson Annabelle Sheargold Vishaal Rindani Daniel Radojicic Isabella Nicholson Miranda Di Marco Rhys Chieng Thomas Binks

Lost Property Merit Certificates will be presented at Assembly 12.10pm Thursday 24 November

Year 5 are currently involved in the process of choosing new student leaders for 2017. This is an important task. It must be considered carefully by those willing to lead but also by those choosing the leader. At TIGS we are looking for leaders who represent the values and beliefs of our school. We are seeking servant leadership. The concept of servant leadership begins by being a servant first. A servant leader must first learn to serve before taking on a leadership position. Servant leaders serve because they are motivated by love and humility. Jesus is the perfect example of servant leadership. Jesus humbled himself and became a servant of all. “Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant... just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26-28).

Leadership is observed throughout Year 5 in decisions and choices made by each student, reflected in their conversation and their action.

Students nominate themselves for actual positions. These students fill in a nomination form and have it signed by parents, who are agreeing to support their child in this role, their teacher and a specialist teacher. These students prepare a speech reflecting what they believe it means to be a leader in the Junior School. Year 4 - Year 6 and staff vote for who they believe would make a suitable leader.

Considering each of these aspects of nomination a number of students are invited to an interview with Mrs McRae, Rev. Rogers and Mrs Cook. School Captains are announced at the Year 3 - Year 6 Presentation Day. The rest of the leadership positions are announced in 2017.

All of Year 6 are expected to act as servant leaders within our school community, modelling kindness and thoughtfulness to the younger years.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:3-8 Leadership at our school is a fantastic opportunity to grow and contribute to our school community. Consistently our students perform beyond expectations in this area of school life, both in official and unofficial positions of leadership.

I congratulate the current student leaders of 2016 for a job well done and I look forward to working with the next group of students.

WEEKLY AWARDS

Lara Vujic KD Thomas Tarrant

KD

Akilan Kumaresan

KP

Sophia Johnson

KP

Jannah Kermali

1S

Samantha Cowie

1S

Ambrose Nicolaou

1Y

Jude Lozenkovski

1Y

Alexander MacKay

1Y

Lachlan Taylor

2C

Nicole Choi 2C

The Arts

INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT DATES

Upcoming instrumental concert dates: •

P-12 Singing Concert – Monday 21 November

•

P-12 Piano Concert – Wednesday 30 November

All concerts commence at 6.30pm and are located in the Recital Room, in Senior School. The Singing Concert and Piano Concerts will have an additional time for Junior School students commencing at 4.00pm.

Isaac Turner 2M Tom I’Ons 2M Yasmin Matar

2T

Daniel Llewellin

2T

Cate Giason 3C Nelle-May Makowski

3C

Naoka Hutchins

3C

Lexi Mitchell 3R Samuel Lowe

3R

Oscar Kiely 3S Kieran Reveley

3S

Eloisa Tresidder

4M

Nicole Mau 4M Samarth Sirohi

4R

Diya Mehan 4R Jamaya Wayne

4Y

Xavier Druett 4Y Ree Reh 6C Mikayla Okely

6C

Alexia Loeser 6C Weekly Awards will be presented at Assembly 12.10pm Thursday 24 November

Co-curricular Club JUNIOR DANCE COMPANY TIGS Junior School Dance Company began in 2011 and has grown to become a strong part of the Performing Arts life of the Junior School and larger community. The dedicated students meet every Monday morning at 8.00am, and learn vibrant, fun and engaging dance routines over the course of the school year under the wings of dance teacher Ms Randell. The students were given the opportunity to perform at various events throughout the school year, including school functions, the Junior School Assembly and the Senior School Elective Dance Evenings. These students have had a great time learning different routines over the year including Musical Theatre, Modern and Jazz routines. Below is a picture of the 2016 Junior School Dance Company.

Senior School House Mentor Teachers

Mentor teachers play a valuable role in providing students with a consistent point of contact each day. The routine of starting each morning with a small group of familiar faces provides structure and security and offers an important balance to the business of school life. Because of this regular contact, Mentor teachers get to know each student very well and are often the first to detect changes in student’s demeanour and behaviour that may indicate a need for extra support. The rapport developed between students and their Mentor teacher is often a special one, and evidently grows from year to year.

Naomi Sullivan Acting Head of Senior School

Recently, I was part of a small group of staff who met with representatives from the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) to discuss the way in which we address student wellbeing in Senior School. These meetings took place as part of the verification process to become an authorised Middle Year Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) School. Our approach to student wellbeing was well received by the IB team who acknowledged the efforts of all staff in providing a supportive and positive environment for our students.

Student wellbeing is addressed on many different levels, and it is because of this multifaceted approach that the issues our students face very rarely go unnoticed or unchecked. The relationships that students form, and the opportunities and experiences available to them, serve to build confidence, resilience and engagement. The systems and practices in place to support students do not function in isolation from each other, but are instead complimentary in their shared purpose of facilitating positive student wellbeing.

Deans

A Dean is responsible for each year group and works closely with Mentor teachers to provide support to students.

They also provide an important link between parents and the School. The high level of communication that often exists between Deans and parents creates a valuable partnership in meeting the various needs of students.

Director of Student Wellbeing

The Director of Student Wellbeing meets regularly with the Dean of each year group to determine the various needs of students and collaborate on how these needs can be best met. They also work closely with the Director of Teaching and Learning, School Counsellors and Learning Support staff to allocate appropriate resources required to assist students.

School Counsellors

The School employs qualified psychologists who specialise in the care and support of young people. They provide an invaluable resource which allows students to seek expert advice in a confidential environment and provide expert input into the teaching of Student Wellbeing classes.

House System

House activities promote connectedness and a sense of belonging and collegiality with students across Year 7 to Year 12 through participation in competitions and activities that are fun and inclusive.

School Camps

The progressive nature of our school camps ensures that students are constantly challenged, developing resilience, perseverance and the opportunity to recognise character strengths in themselves and others.

Students are impelled to move outside their comfort zone and realise their full potential.

Year 12 Special Mentors

Year 12 students are offered the opportunity to nominate a teacher with whom they connect with and trust, so they can access individualised support from experienced teachers whom they relate to. Year 12 Special Mentors have played an important role in the care and support of our Senior Students, particularly working through the stress and challenges that come with the final year of schooling.

Wellbeing Prefects

Student Wellbeing Prefects are responsible for initiating and promoting events and activities which raise awareness about issues relating to student wellbeing. They provide essential information to students about how to access both local support services as well as support from within the School.

Wellbeing Course

The Wellbeing Course delivered to Year 7 to Year 10 further supports the Schools commitment to ensuring a wellrounded education that establishes a strong foundation for living well and serving others. The course aims to develop social and emotional skills, digital literacy skills and organisational skills. The Deans and other trained teachers deliver this course to their year group, providing them with the opportunity to target information that is timely and relevant to the needs of students at that point in their social and emotional development.

The comprehensive approach in catering for the various needs of our students is often recognised by parents and students, many commenting on the individualised care that results in students feeling valued and supported.

Toys ‘n’ Tucker is a wonderful way to share the joy of Christmas with people in need. Together we can provide Christmas food and gifts to thousands of families who would otherwise go without. We hope you’ll join with us to share the joy of Christmas this year.

Any food provided needs to be non-perishable, standard size and nothing that breaks or melts.

Senior School Sport SCHOOL SPORT IN 2017 In 2017 we will be initiating a new sport system across Year 7 to Year 10 with the vision of maximising participation, enjoyment and creating new skills and learning opportunities for our students.

Sport is compulsory, however students who participate in regular sport outside of school, i.e. they train at least once a week and participate in weekly competition can seek a sport exemption. Their coach/trainer/ manager must sign the exemption form to denote their attendance at school sport and the form must be returned to the Sport office by 30 November 2016.

Year 7 and Year 8 Sport

Compulsory School Sport will now take place for all Year 7 and Year 8 on a Tuesday afternoon between 3.30pm 5.00pm. Students will be put into groups of approximately 20 and will have the opportunity to rotate around different sports every three weeks. Our vision is that students will have the opportunity to try lots of different sports, receive specialist coaching, have fun and improve their health and fitness with their peers.

recreational sports and traditional team sports in line with our NASSA sporting calendar where possible.

picked up from the venue or return to TIGS at 4.45pm in time for late buses or appropriate transport from TIGS.

Students in Year 7 or Year 8 in 2017 must complete the 2017 Sports Permission Note available on the OLLE Sport Page and their Year Page. This must be returned to the Sports Office by 30 November 2016. This form also has the Sports Exemption section.

Please remember that not all sports offered will automatically run. We will require a minimum of 20 students to run the sport and will only be able to confirm numbers after the online sign up system has taken place.

Year 9 and Year 10 Sport

Sport is compulsory for Year 7 to Year 10 unless the student has an exemption.

Students who achieve 100% attendance and commitment to school sport will receive a Recognition Award as part of our formal award process. This is a stepping stone towards a Headmasters Award.

Compulsory Year 9 and Year 10 sport will now take place on Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoons. The system will remain the same with students selecting their sport. Summer and Winter Sports will operate as per the co-curricular handbook, however there will need to be 20 students signed up to the sport for the sport to run. All students will be expected to sign up online and must select a sport or submit an exemption.

This online system will be opened to all Year 9 and Year 10 students in 2017 on Monday 28 November 2016.

The following summer sports will be offered: •

Tuesday Surfing 6.30am - 8.00am

Sport will be fully supervised by TIGS staff and a bus will transport students to the sport, departing Western Avenue at 3.20pm. Students may be picked up from the venue or return to TIGS at 4.45pm in time for late buses or appropriate transport from TIGS.

•

Tuesday Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) 6.30am - 8.00am

•

Thursday Tennis 3.20pm - 5.00pm

•

Thursday Girls Fitness 3.20pm 5.00pm

Students will rotate around Summer Sports during Term I and Term IV. Each group will experience specialist coaching in the following sports: Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Surfing, Tennis, Touch Football, Beach Sports and Cricket.

•

Thursday Boys Fitness 3.20pm 5.00pm

•

Thursday Mixed Indoor Sports 3.20pm - 5.00pm (students will rotate every two weeks between a variety of different indoor sports such as the Indoor sports centre, trampolining, hangdog and bubble soccer)

Students will rotate around Winter Sports during Term II and Term III and each group will experience specialist coaching in the following sports: Athletics, Wollongong Indoor Sports Centre (Netball, Cricket and Soccer), Bubble Soccer, Hangdog Rock Climbing, Trampolining and Basketball.

We have deliberately tried to mix up the programme with a variety of

Transport: Students selecting Surfing or SUP need to meet at City Beach on Tuesday morning and a bus will transport students back to school in time for normal classes. For Thursday afternoon sports a bus will transport students to the sport, departing Western Avenue at 3.20pm. Students may be

Sport Attendance

Developing Athletes Programme (DAP)

Students identified as having athletic potential in Year 7 to Year 10 will be invited to attend the Developing Athletes Programme (DAP). Students will have the opportunity to participate in a weekly Cross Fit session focusing on strength, conditioning, mobility and flexibility training one morning a week and specialist Carnival Training one morning per week. This will include specialist swimming, cross country, athletics and aquathon training.

Students will have the opportunity to complete an application form and expression of interest in Week 8 which must be returned by Friday 2 December 2016 to be considered for this programme in 2017. Days and times will be confirmed once final student numbers and student availabilities have been organised.

Extend@ TIGS WEEK 7 ACTIVITIES

Monday 21 November Craft: balloon painting Sport: soccer

P&F News YEAR 10 FORMAL PARENT DINNER Year 10 parents are invited to enjoy a three course dinner together from 7.00pm to 10.00pm at $54.00 per person.

7.00pm to 10.00pm Thursday 8 December 2016 Centro CBD (28 Stewart Street, Wollongong) Bookings close on Friday 2 December RSVP here

Tuesday 22 November Craft: foam printing Outdoor sport: handball

For inquiries please contact Kim Main – 0414 842 816, Renee Santos – 0422 995 509, Liana Bonaccorso – 0427 623 623

Wednesday 23 November Cooking: cupcake decorating Sport: hide and seek jungle gym

P&F ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Thursday 24 November Activity: balloon stomp Sport: basketball shoots

On Tuesday 15 November TIGS P&F held their Annual General Meeting. Thank you to all those people who enthusiastically attended.

Friday 25 November Science: rain clouds Sport: human knot ONLINE BOOKINGS: extend.com.au CALL OUR OFFICE 1300 366 437

Uniform Shop The Uniform Shop is open from 8.30am to 4.00pm Tuesdays and Thursdays during term time.

Avoid the queues! Make an appointment by contacting the Uniform Shop email tigs.uniforms@permapleat.com.au or phone 4220 0230.

EXTRA TRADING DAYS

Term IV • Monday 5 December • Monday 12 December

Back To School Trading Hours 2017 • • • • • •

Monday 23 January Tuesday 24 January Wednesday 25 January Monday 30 January Tuesday 31 January Wednesday 1 February

Congratulations to the following people that were elected and re-elected to the Executive of the P&F and to the Office Bearers of Orana in the Senior School and Karobran in the Junior School.

P&F President - Joanne Danckwardt P&F Deputy President - Melanie Silburn P&F Secretary - Danielle Attorre P&F Treasurer - Vacancy Orana President - Joanne Danckwardt Orana Deputy President - Rowena Harris Orana Non-Office Bearer Executive Member - Lisa Wilson Karobran Chair - Melanie Silburn Karobran Deputy Chair - Rowena Harris Karobran Secretary - Danielle Attorre The P&F look forward to welcoming you and sharing friendships. Please contact either Joanne or Melanie at pandf@tigs.com.au

STUDENT SUCCESS Daniel Michelmore (Year 7) recently participated in the NSW finals of the UN Voice Public Speaking competition. Competing against Year 7 and Year 8 students from across the state, Daniel gave a prepared speech on how we can ensure adequate health care reaches all Australians, including those in rural and remote areas. He then answered two impromptu questions regarding his prepared speech. Daniel’s performance was outstanding, placing 2nd overall. He is now off to the National finals in Hobart in April 2017.

Well done Daniel!

UPCOMING

EVENTS

WEEK 7

Year 6 Progression Dinner 5.30pm Thursday 24 November in the IGC

WEEK 8

Year 7 Vaccinations Monday 28 November

Year 2 Progression and Infants’ Pageant 10.00am Saturday 3 December

WEEK 9

A Christmas Celebration 5.30pm Picnic 7.00pm Celebration Wednesday 7 December in the IGC

Year 10 Formal

6.30pm Thursday 8 December at the Villa D’Oro

Year 10 Formal - Parent Dinner 7.00pm Thursday 8 December at Centro CBD

Year 3 - Year 6 Presentation Day 1.00pm to 2.30pm Friday 9 December in the IGC