TIGS Review, Issue 3 2010

TIGS

TI G S

The Illawarra Grammar School

TIGS Review 3 2010

T From the Headmaster Mrs Rhoda Lavinia Victoria Rees played a significant role in the establishment of TIGS in 1959, yet few people know who she was or how she contributed in the early days.

Mrs Rees was the daughter of a Wollongong businessman and she married into a family of farmers and orchardists. She and her husband acquired 5 acres of land on Geard’s Hill and established a successful farm growing vegetables and flowers for market.

They lived in a 19th Century cottage set on the hill in the centre of their farm overlooking the escarpment of Mount Keira. They had no children and when her husband died Mrs Rees continued to live by herself on the farm which became overgrown with lantana and scrub.

Mrs Rees had a strong association with St Mark’s Anglican Church, West Wollongong and the lectern in that church bears a plaque telling that it was her gift.

When it became known that members of the Parish were looking for land suitable for the establishment of a new Anglican school she offered her property for sale.

Rees Farm was sold to the School in three stages: • On 18 December 1958 the contract was completed for the sale of land at TIGS (roughly the site of the current Senior School) for 2,500 pounds ($5,000). The School held its first lessons at St Mark’s Church during 1959 while the first building (the current main office building) was constructed. The generosity of Mrs Rees was reflected in the sale price which was well below market value and she became a benefactor of the School giving most of the sale price back.

• In 1961 she sold an additional acre of land (roughly the current site of the Piper Centre and the Junior School Car Park) to the School for 1,500 pounds ($3,000).

• In 1977, she sold the final part of her property (roughly the site of the current TAS building, including her cottage, known as Rees Cottage) to the School for $35,000.

Mrs Rees is an important figure in the history of the School. She provided the property on which much the TIGS campus is located; she was a generous benefactor to the School; she lived for many years in her cottage as the School grew around her; her cottage was eventually used as a place for girls boarding and then as a teaching space for Art and Cooking.

The Illawarra Grammar School Council has agreed that the name of the downstairs multi-purpose space in the new Junior School building will be known as Rees Hall in recognition of the contribution made by Mrs Rees to the development and success of TIGS. Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

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The Dedication of Rees Hall The School community of TIGS gathered together to celebrate the dedication of Rees Hall during the ‘Back to TIGS’ alumni picnic day on Sunday 19 September 2010. A wonderful new addition to the School campus, Rees Hall is named after Mrs Rhoda Lavinia Victoria Rees, the original owner of the land on which TIGS is built.

In the Golden Jubilee history of TIGS “TIGS 50 YEARS From Strength to Strength’’ Jan Hales writes that Mrs Rees was one of the key benefactors who made it possible for the School to be developed.

The Dedication was conducted by another well respected figure in the history of TIGS, Right. Rev. Dr. Reg Piper. The opening marked a significant new facility for the whole School providing not only numerous meeting spaces but also Junior School classrooms, sports area and examination room. A service of dedication and thanksgiving included representatives from all the year groups across the School and recognised the contributions of the broader TIGS community past and present in the ongoing development of the School.

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‘Back to TIGS’ Alumni Picnic Day

Sunday 19 September 2010 saw the sun shine on TIGS as hundreds of the extended community gathered to enjoy the now annual event ‘Back to TIGS’. Led by Lynda Webb and the graduating class of 1990 many alumni returned again to TIGS, this time to not only tour the School but also to participate in a service of thanksgiving and dedication for Rees Hall. Year 12 2010 held their last fundraiser for their chosen charity Triple Care Farm with proceeds from the food sales adding to the final total they are presenting at their graduation. Rotary very kindly gave their services for the sausage sizzle and many families, young and old enjoyed coffee and snowave ice confection whilst the children launched themselves down the slide and across the bouncy castle.

The alumni cohort of 2000 have planned their reunion for late in October this year whilst the class of 2001 are already ahead with their plans for next year - if you would like to know more about about TIGS alumni please contact the Development Office at the School.

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On 20 September 2010 all Year 3 students visited the Jumbulla Discovery Centre at Bulli Tops and the Wollongong Botanic Gardens. Year 3 very much enjoyed their day out, the exploration of new places and the new experiences to be had in the company of their friends. What a thrilling day!

Year 3 Excursion

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The BIG Day In

Whilst the Senior School enjoyed the Great Race at Jamberoo, the Junior School’s extended community took over the School campus for the Big Day In.

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Generations of families enjoyed a day of wonderful weather, classroom tours and marvellous performances capped off by a scrumptious picnic. The students’ enjoyment was only exceeded by that of the proud parents and grandparents!

The Great Race

The much anticipated Great Race was held for Senior School students at Jamberoo Recreation Park on Thursday 23 September 2010.

The Great Race is a compulsory School event promoting participation in novelty activities for all students.

On this day points are awarded for a number of novelty events and the well known House “Haka� to go towards the famous Shell Shield. Students this year enjoyed themselves enormously particularly those from Wolgal who won the day!

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‘The Works’ 2010 Exhibition The Illawarra Grammar School community joined together to celebrate art and design and continued the tradition at TIGS with the ‘The Works’ 2010. The exhibition featured Artworks, Film, Design, Furniture, Photography, Ceramics and Textiles from HSC 2010 and from past and present students, teachers, parents and friends.

The official opening was held on 27 August with former TIGS teacher, guest speaker, photographer and digital artist Dianne Goodman returning to officiate.The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the $2000 Acquisitive Prize, donated by Westpac, which was judged by Wollongong City Gallery’s Program Director John Monteleone and prominent local photographer Tom Dion. Julie Donnelly, a TIGS alumni parent, submitted the winning entry. TIGS is very proud to acquire this work and acknowledges the ongoing support of Westpac as corporate sponsor of this prestigious prize.

During the weekend there were floor talks from alumni film maker Jack Dobinson about an exciting venture into his world of body boarding. Alumni artist Larissa Bennet had her story to share - from TIGS photography studio to her own studio in digital masterpieces through studying at Billy Blue. Matt Hipsley, alumni 2006, is an award winning surf photographer who captures the local area and all its expressions of surf. Past student Angela Jones shared her experience of studying at COFA and what inspires her digital media creative artworks.

Following The Works 2010, talented artists in the Junior School were nominated to participate in a special creative workshop inspired by the exhibition. Parents enjoyed a quiet hour with morning tea in the gallery.

Following the Works, selected works from the exhibition travelled to the Red Point Gallery Association at 100 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla.

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Year 10 Camp

The Year 10 Back Country Camp was held in August and was blessed with good weather. The program was challenging and gave students a taste of the winter environment through cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The students also experienced an overnight expedition on the snow which built on their outdoor education gained from previous years.

The students returned exhausted but happy.

Thank you Mrs Melinda Sharpe, Director of Sport/Outdoor Education and all the teachers involved who volunteer their time and put in the hard work to ensure that this camp was one of abiding memories and happy times.

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From the enthusiasm of the Kindergarten students through to the cool dances in Year 4, it was easy to see that everyone involved with the annual K - 4 Disco had a great time.

Congratulations Karobran on another fantastic night and thank you to the many Junior School parents for all their wonderful support on and before the event. Without you this disco would not have been such a huge success. Thank you.

K-4 Disco

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Fathers Day What would the Junior School students do without the support of the mums who organised the Father’s Day stall and their teachers who came in very early to assist in the hosting of the Father’s Day Breakfast ? Thanks go to all involved as a wonderful breakfast was enjoyed and some great gifts smuggled home resulting in some very happy Dads!

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Year 12Trivia 2010 Night Year 12 2010 graduated TIGS on Friday 24 September. A dedicated, hardworking and cohesive cohort, they reflected on their time at TIGS and expressed their thanks to their teachers and the staff throughout the day. ‘’We can now safely say that there is not one Year 12 student who hasn’t gained something from the sacrifices our parents have made to facilitate our TIGS education.

From years of waking up early to make our lunch, to putting up with pre trials tantrums and meltdowns, our parents have shaped who we are today. As students in the class of 2010, we can say that the sacrifices on their behalf will never be forgotten as we make our way out of the TIGS bubble and into the big bad world.

Work like you don’t need the money, love like you’ve never been hurt, and dance like no-one’s watching.”

Megan Wulff and Miles Waring School Vice Captains

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Daffodil Ball I would like to sincerely thank The Illawarra Grammar School for partnering with us at the Cancer Council in hosting the 2010 Daffodil Ball held on 31 July 2010. There were many students involved in making this event a success including the String Orchestra, TIGS Tech and Student Hosts. All students were wonderful ambassadors of the School and their support is greatly appreciated by the Cancer Council.

There were many highlights on the night, and a great night was shared by all. We raised $30,000 this year and this will be used to develop a Healthy Living Illawarra Schools Cancer Prevention Program. Through this program we will work with students to educate them on the dangers of smoking; the dangers of the Australian sun and the need to adequately protect themselves from melanoma; and to support students in understanding the importance of eating healthy nutritious food matched with a physically active lifestyle to reduce their risk of cancer.

Our goal is to educate the next generation which will hopefully mean the incidence of cancer in their life time may not be as devastating as in ours. Thank you for your support and we look forward to partnering with TIGS again for the 2011 Daffodil Ball.

Merewyn Partland Manager, Southern Region Cancer Council NSW

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On Thursday 26 August 2010 Mrs Monica Watt, Deputy Headmaster/Head of Senior School was pleased to welcome back one of our alumni from 1981, Mrs Jennifer Oliver (nee Richardson).

Jennifer brought with her many beautifully kept TIGS School uniforms from 1976 – 1981 and kindly donated them to the School archives.

Monica, Jennifer, Fiona Fisher (fellow 1981 Alumni) and Olga Early shared a light lunch with much laughter as they tried on dresses and tunics which of course brought on a trip down memory lane. TIGS would like to acknowledge Jennifer for her generosity and looks forward to welcoming her back again.

Alumni 1981 Textile Wall-Hanging We have designed a textile wall-hanging to celebrate the School’s 50 years Golden Jubilee. The design depicts the establishment phase, the amalgamation of TIGS and SCEGGS through to the modern co-educational school of today. The fabric and threads have been purchased and we are ready to meet with those of you who would like to contribute your stitching/appliqué/embroidery skills to the project.

The finished art work will be an imposing 2m x 3m. We plan to make up kits for people to take home to work on and to arrange meetings at regular intervals to keep everyone in touch and to provide assistance. A talented quilter will be contracted to assemble and finish the work. The names of the contributors will be listed on the back.

Our first meeting will be 10.00am, 14 October 2010 in the Goodhew Research Centre (Library), Room G19 and you will have the chance to help finalise the design and choose the section you would like to work on.

Please RSVP to the Library Office on 4220 0275.

Thank you Meredith Hutton and Bev Pallister

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TIGSFOUNDATIONLIMITED WHAT IS THE TIGS FOUNDATION? The Illawarra Grammar School Foundation Limited is a corporate body limited by guarantee established in 1966.

WHAT IS THE MISSION OF THE FOUNDATION? To provide support that will allow the School to preserve, improve and develop its property and facilities.

HOW WILL THE FOUNDATION ACHIEVE ITS MISSION? By inviting past students, parents and friends of TIGS to become members and supporters of TIGS Foundation Ltd.

WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED?

HOW CAN I BE INVOLVED?

The IGC, Junior School, Goodhew Centre, Design and Technology Centre, Princes Highway entrance gates.

Members make fully tax deductible donations to TIGS Foundation to maintain the School as an outstanding education facility.

To contact Foundation phone: 4220 0200 fax: 4220201 email: foundation@tigs.nsw.edu.au or post: The Illawarra Grammar Foundation Limited PO Box 225 Figtree NSW 2525 Australia.

TI G S

The Illawarra Grammar School

The Illawarra Grammar School ABN 88 023 426 543. PO Box 225 Figtree NSW 2525 Australia phone: 02 4220 0200 fax: 02 422 0201 www.tigs.nsw.edu.au CRICOS No. 02300E