TIGS Review Issue 3

TIGS

Issue 3 2011

TI G S

The Illawarra Grammar School

Students in a remote village in Tanzania with Sam Jones, Alumni 2010 wearing the TIGS uniforms donated by the TIGS community

From the Headmaster One of the features of the interviews that have been conducted this year for student leadership positions is the commitment of our students to serving others in the community. During the Easter School holidays some of our Year 11 students travelled to live and work in the remote Aboriginal community of Emu Point, a four hour drive southwest of Darwin. This is the sixth occasion our students have travelled to Emu Point and we are very proud of our friendship with the community and grateful for their generosity in hosting us each year. This year our boys became the first non-aboriginal people to view their traditional rock painting – what a privilege. We are working toward hosting students from Emu Point Primary School in 2012.

The TIGS Statement of Mission and Values includes the statements “as the School Community cares for each of its members, so it seeks for its students to be caring of others in the wider community” and “the School recognises that its community is inclusive and seeks these outcomes for all who are part of the School Community”. There was a wonderful example of parents modelling care for others at the Daffodil Ball held at TIGS on Saturday 30 July. TIGS is a major sponsor of the event, providing the venue and logistical support as well as support from our Student Hosts. It was a wonderful evening with 350 people, including many TIGS parents, staff and ex-students enjoying the evening and contributing to what is the major fundraising activity of the Cancer Council in the Illawarra region. At the last count, over $45,000 has been raised and will be used to fund cancer research at the University of Wollongong.

Congratulations to the adult members of the TIGS community for demonstrating the School’s values in support of this worthy cause.

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

Katoke Trust TIGS first got involved with Katoke after current parent Megan Kovac and her family travelled to Africa in July 2009. Upon their return, Megan realised that she needed to purchase new sports uniforms for her children due to a uniform change. This made her wonder ‘what was going to happen to the old uniforms and the new stock of the discontinued uniforms?’ Megan soon discovered that items bearing the TIGS logo are unable to be placed in community clothing bins and therefore converting them into rags would be the only viable disposal method. Not happy with this and determined that these quality used items of clothing could find a new home, she began collecting and collecting.

It took twelve months before her connection with Katoke was made, in which time she spoke with community service organisation, refugee groups and “anyone who would listen”.

A friend and also current TIGS parent, Linda Cortie, remembered that Leonie Cox, a former TIGS parent, was a key fundraiser and volunteer for the Katoke Trust. Leonie was contacted and arranged to send the uniforms to Tanzania. Blake Kovac (Year 10 2011) helped load a borrowed trailer and together, Megan and Blake transported 34 striped storage bags of TIGS Uniforms, shoes and soccer boots to Gymea in preparation for their shipment in a container, which left late 2010.

The Katoke Trust has built a secondary school in Katoke, a remote village in Tanzania. It is here that Sam Jones (Alumni 2010) arrived on his own volunteering mission and to his amazement witnessed many children wearing the TIGS uniform, and even saw members of staff at Katoke wearing Prep Uniforms! When Megan first saw Sam Jones’ photos, she cried. “Those beautiful smiles made the effort worth it. I would be so grateful if the TIGS community could do more to support and connect with Katoke by making a donation or sponsoring a student” she explained.

The Katoke Trust is a voluntary, grass-roots organisation with big goals. They are making a sustained, multi-pronged attack on poverty in the Katoke area of Tanzania. Their activities have three themes; Educate, Care, Grow.

You too can help. One person can make an impact, one decision can bring change, one step can start a journey. For more information or to show your support, please visit www.katoke.com.au Megan is also still collecting discontinued uniforms for her next shipment. If you are interested in supporting her cause and recycling your discontinued uniforms, please contact Megan via email mdkovac@bigpond.net.au

Students in a remote village in Tanzania wearing the TIGS uniforms and holding signs which say ‘Thank you TIGS’

Megan Kovac (center) with family during her trip to Africa in July 2009

Students and Sam Jones, Alumni 2010 enjoying time together

Sam Jones (center) with children wearing the TIGS uniforms

TIGS Uniform Project

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T I G S T rophy

Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active

The 11th TIGS Trophy was held on Thursday 25 August at Judy Masters Park. Teams from Orange, Moss Vale, Nowra, Shellharbour, Manly, Penrith and Liverpool participated.

The 2010 boy’s champions, SCEGGS Redlands were defeated 1-0 by TIGS in the semi final. TIGS went on to win the final 1-0 against Thomas Hassall Anglican College.

The girl’s team played a rematch of last final and defeated last years defending champions, Shellharbour winning 1-0.

Both our boys and girls teams have won the TIGS Trophy 7 times each, a testimony to the football capability of our Junior School.

The Balgownie Rangers Football Club were once again excellent hosts and we look forward to their continued support. Our senior boys did a magnificent refereeing job and we appreciated their contribution.

A Activ e

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H eadmasters H andball C hallenge

The tension was palpable as the Headmaster and Year 6 students faced off for the annual Headmasters Handball Challenge. This event has been running for five years now with the students narrowly ahead 3 to 2. After fierce competition the headmaster was able to even the score to 3 all.

Year 5 need to start training so that they can reassert the student domination on the handball court!

Term III Sports

It has been a busy and successful sporting Term III for the Junior School students. Some sporting highlights to celebrate were: NASSA Cross Country and Athletics Champion School

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Zoe and Ashley Dribbus members of successful NSWCIS Cross country teams TIGS Uni Under 10 Rugby team grand final winners TIGS Under 11 Sparkles Netball finalists TIGS Under 12A Diamonds Netball team semi finalists TIGS Under 12 Girls State Futsal runners up TIGS Boys and Girls Soccer teams win TIGS trophy soccer title NSW Interschool Snow Sports participants - Charlotte Tregonning, Soraya McCann, Georgia Webb and Mika Bliokas Numerous outstanding the Berry Interschools competition

results at Equestrian

Ashley Dribbus - School Sport Australia Athletics - 1st 100m, 1st 200m, 2nd long jump 10 years

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Boys TIGS Trophy winners celebrating, Boys team in action

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Girls TIGS Trophy winning team, Boys TIGS Trophy winning team, Students showing off medals

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A Year 6 student playing against Headmaster at the annual Headmasters Handball Challenge, Mr Yeo trying his luck against the victorious Headmaster

Images this page 1st column from top

Students training for the Junior School Athletics Carnival, Headmaster speaking words of encouragement to the defeated Year 6 team, Year 6 Student celebrating his win

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Students participating in the Junior School Athletics Carnival

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NASSA Swimming, NSW Interschool Snow Sports participants – Charlotte Tregonning, Soraya McCann, Georgia Webb, Mika Bliokas and Jack Millar (Year 11) 1st Place in State Alpine Event

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Students

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The Youthworks Specialist in Residence Camp brought together Stage 3 intellectually gifted students from TIGS, Broughton Anglican College and Georges River Grammar for three days exploring the concept ‘How God’s World Works’. Students were selected to attend one of the five specialty areas: creative writing, art, clay animation, drama and science and also participated in physical activities such as archery, abseiling and initiative games. When like minds meet, exciting and enriched learning happens! This was the experience of our students as they immersed themselves in the program presented.

The writers looked at the Creation Story and related it to the process of creative writing and produced an array of different texts. Through drama students explored the concept that each of us is special in God’s eyes and delighted the audience with a reader’s theatre piece based on Max Lucado’s ‘You are Special’. Those in the science specialty explored the concept of light and how God is the Creator and sustainer of all light and enlightenment. The ‘Hand of God’ was the concept explored by the artists as they used different techniques, media and textures to represent God’s world and the clay animators explored the role of relationships in God’s world, developing short animations using plasticine and computer technology.

Three intense days of thinking, creating, playing, sharing and learning … for presenters, teachers and students alike. Intelligence at play!

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Students enjoying canoeing as a group Time for reflection in the great outdoors Out on the boat sailing Just missed a bull’s eye!

Students at the Elanora Heights camp site Enjoying one of the many social activities all together Painting

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Junior School What is your role in the Junior School?

I teach children from backgrounds other than English. Some participate in the Language Enrichment Activities Program, which takes place every morning.

We start at 8.00 and we encourage parents to participate so as to share their bi-lingualism. We have students from Years 1, 2 and 4 from such diverse backgrounds as Syria, Korea, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Sometimes this group includes children from Iran and China as well. I also work with Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 4 children who come from Chinese, Iranian, Greek, Korean and Vietnamese families.

How long have you been part of TIGS community?

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Ms Pat Slater

I started at TIGS in 2009 as a teacher on Kindergarten. At first I worked in the Junior School as a classroom teacher, then with English as a Second Language students in ELICOS in the High School, and now with the Language Enrichment Activities Program in the Junior School as well as collaborating with teachers in Year 1 and Kindergarten.

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On Monday 29 August, nine excited, nervous and curious Year 6 students arrived at the tranquil Elanora Heights camp site.

The students were involved in interesting core subjects such as Ancient Civilizations, Robotics, Animations, Problem Solving, Science, Visual Art and Words in Motion. They also participated in social activities like chess, jewellery making, soccer, Oztag, art and drama and origami.

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The evenings were just as jam packed as the days, with brain teasing trivia questions, cool dancing at the disco and entertaining performances at the talent quest.

The students enjoyed meeting new people and were excited to work with students who were just as passionate as they were in their choice of subject area. The students felt secure in the environment and described making instant connections with new friends.

Fun, exciting, interesting, challenging and worthwhile were how the Year 6 students described camp.

Staff Profile - Ms Pat Slater What training have you completed?

I have a Diploma of Teaching and a Certificate of Teaching

What do you love most about working at TIGS? I love working with a professional team of people who are happy to share their ideas and insights. I love the work ethic at TIGS. It is a pleasure to be involved with like-minded people and I have found the acceptance and support given, inspiring.

What does Pat bring to the TIGS team?

Pat brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the TIGS teams.

She effectively guides staff and students with up to date and current practices in ESL.

Pat engages the students in innovative activities that enhance and develop their English skills.

Pat has an amazing understanding of the complexities of language and language learning. She sees the importance of children acknowledging their mother tongue and builds on this as she works with them to explore the differences in syntax as they learn their second language.

What did some students have to say about Ms Slater?

Mary: We see each other every day in the morning. Ms Slater helps us with our writing and to be a lot to be better at English.

Shemun: Ms Slater is funny. She makes learning lots of fun. We draw pictures and we write narratives. Ms Slater helps us to be better at using our English.

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THE WORKS 2011 - Year 12

The Journey of the HSC Body of Work Our students have been working over many months to create artworks which both comply with the Board of Studies HSC Visual Arts Course requirements and which express deeply felt and sometimes, quite personal themes. There are few things more daunting than a blank canvas, but our students have faced this challenge and worked closely with their teachers, wrestling with the demands of their chosen media and balancing this with the demands of all their other subjects to produce artworks that are unique. They have battled and overcome artists’ block. They have wrestled with such diverse themes as identity, light, nature, grief, masks, the subconsciousness, pollution, movement, memory, nostalgia, landscape, mental illness, popular music, displacement, disability, horror genre, body image, sport and abstraction. They have researched, brainstormed, experimented, evaluated and refined many times over in the media areas of drawing, painting, ceramics, installation, graphic design, sculpture, photographic and digital media, film and documented forms. The large range of media attempted by these students, reflect the commitment of both students and teachers in engaging in a personal journey mirroring the practice of professional artists. As well as their regular art lessons, many of our students also attended the Wednesday Workshop where they developed skills and consulted with teachers, while others toiled away at home, taking over dining rooms and sheds, whilst meticulously recording their progress in the Visual Arts Process Diary. During the lead-up to ‘The Works’, students switched roles to become curators of their own exhibition, carefully hanging the work and informing the audience with artists’ statements.

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THE WORKS - Alumni

Hilary Haynes, 2011 People’s Choice Acquisitive Art Prize Winner (‘A Fisherman’s Tale’ pictured left) with Foundation Treasurer Mrs Sandra Newhouse and Foundation Chairman, Mr David Laing

Amanda Izzard with artwork ‘Sea Cliff Bridge’ 2011 Westpac Acquisitive Prize Winner

TIGS Foundation is proud to reflect on ‘The Works’ 2011.

Congratulations to all HSC students who completed their major work. Their creative and innovative artwork was both inspiring and impressive - well done.

THE WORKS

‘The Works’ 2011brought together a collection of artworks from the TIGS community. The works ranged from sandstone sculptures by Michael Pearman through to felt hats by Penny Gervaise.

Foundation hosts events such as ‘The Works’ to build relationships throughout the extended TIGS community and to raise funds for scholarships and building projects.

Foundation is very grateful to Westpac for sponsoring the Westpac Acquisitive prize of $2000. Congratulations Amanda Izzard (mother of 3 TIGS students), this year’s winner for her artwork “Sea Cliff Bridge”.

2011 saw the introduction of a new prize: The People’s Choice Acquisitive Prize of $1000. ‘A Fisherman’s Tale’

by Hilary Haynes (proud Aunt to the Lazarus children at TIGS) was chosen as this years most popular piece; congratulations.

Foundation Secretary Mr Craig Osborne, Westpac Regional Manager Ms Megan Burgess, Foundation Chairman Mr David Laing, Foundation Junior Vice Chairman Mr Craig Peden and Mrs Michele Peden

‘The Works’ will continue in 2012 with an even bigger and better exhibition.

If you are interested in being a part of the ‘The Works’ 2012 please contact grammarians@tigs.nsw.edu.au

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Sport Outdoor Education

tHE gREAT rACE Blessed with perfect weather conditions the Great Race did not disappoint. Our novelty races this year included Team Ski Relay, Swiss Tunnel Ball, House Dummy Spit and the famous House Hakka.

The Hakka’s were closely matched and congratulations to Coligan for their winning performance. The novelty event section was won by Wolgal.

This page 1. Wolgal Boys during a Team Ski Relay 2. Kogara during their Haka House song 3. Arana passionately performing their House Haka 4. All Houses before a Swiss Tunnel Ball game. Opposite page 1. Determination a key element to the success of TIGS Athletics team this year 2. Junior Girls Relay Team (4x100m) AICES 1st place winners 3. Girls Netball B3 Grade Division Winners 4. Reaching new heights on the mats at High Jump 5. Year 10 Snow Camp

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Year 10 Camp Kosciusko National Park

Senior School Athletics The Senior School has excelled in Athletics this year winning back all four NASSA shields (Junior, Intermediate, Senior and Overall).

At AICES Athletics Championships TIGS were outstanding with many brilliant individual performances.

TIGS were also named the winning school at AICES on the medal count.

TIGS Netball CLUB TIGS Netball Intermediate Team were grand final winners in the B3 Grade division of the IDNA Winter competition. Well done!

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Our largest Athletics Team ever competed at the CIS Athletics Carnival. Again our students excelled with a large number of them achieving medals.

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This was a challenging camp involving cross-country skiing and an overnight snow shoe hike to camp out in the Kosciusko National Park. The alpine environment was one that required planning and preparation on the part of all students and this was evident in their group cohesion.

Each group spent one night camping on the snow. Group members had the opportunity to make a kitchen and outdoor cooking area out of ice bricks and become familiar with low impact practices for fragile environments. The spectacular scenery in Kosciusko National Park was inspiring.

While not on the snow, students stayed in lodges with ample time for relaxation and recreational activities. During the day they cross country skied under careful guidance of their instructors.

This camp has been the culmination of the three years previous outdoor education programmes and students were well prepared. There enthusiasm and skills developed in this environment have been invaluable.

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Year 12 Graduation Ceremony

The 2011 Year 12 Graduation Ceremony was held on the last day of Term III and gave the TIGS School Community the opportunity to formally bid goodbye to all 94 graduates of 2011.

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The 2011 School Captains Xavier Hollis and Laura Sunderland and School Vice Captains Patrick Costabile and Carna Feldtmann performed their last official duty giving a touching report on their year in leadership.

One of the great traditions of TIGS since 1961 is The Shell Shield. The winner of 2011 Shell Shield was announced and Wolgal Captains Kyle Grubic and Hannah Goodhew accepted the Shell to great accolade.

Some of the amazing academic results that were highlighted during this ceremony were: Kuang Jun Li was awarded the top academic award for the School, the Peter and Elizabeth Smart Prize for Dux of the School.

Kye Adams, Patrick Costabile, Erin Cunio, Daniel Dutkiewicz, Katrina McMahon, Caitlin Miller, Sarah Stone, Laura Sunderland and Dilpreet Wadhwa all received an Overall Academic Achievement Awards which are awarded to those students who achieved total marks which place them in the top 10% of the class group.

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We would also like to particularly recognise Daniel Dutkiewicz as the recipient of the prize for Mathematics Extension 1.

At the conclusion of the Ceremony each student was presented with a TIGS jersey to signify there unity as a class and as part of the greater TIGS family.

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1. Year 12 parents room 2. Year 12 room 3. Mr Whitton, Alumni and School Captain 1971 farewelling current 2011 School Captain Xavier Hollis. Current School captains Xavier Hollis and Laura Sunderland 5. Year 12 Boys 6. Year 12 Girls 7. Ms Previati with Year 12 students 11 TIGS Review

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6 1. Headmaster Mr Stephen Kinsella awarding Kuang Jun Li with Dux of the School 2. Wolgal Captains Kyle Grubic and Hannah Goodhew with Shell Shield, 2011 winners 3. National Anthem lead by James Yan and Justine Harman Year 12 2011 4. Year 12 2011 singing their song 5. Students after ceremony rejoicing

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Year 12 Graduation dINNER

Year 12 2011 came together as a full cohort on the evening of their graduation with a gala Graduation Dinner at the Portofino Wollongong. Celebrating with their parents, teachers and School dignitaries, Year 12 gathered in mentor groups one last time as the Captains Laura Sunderland and Xavier Hollis paid tribute to everyone who had supported them at TIGS, in particular thanking their parents for the opportunities afforded to them. Responding on behalf of the parents, June Toussis reflected that while her son had only enjoyed two years at TIGS, his involvement in so many aspects of school life was so deep, that it was hard to remember a time before TIGS. Doug Parrish gave an impassioned speech about the end of his second era at TIGS as his youngest daughter graduated- not only has Doug had 4 children graduate from the School, he himself is one of the early graduates from TIGS. He reflected on how the School has evolved during his association, with academic excellence now much more complemented by the hands on involvement of the students in a wide range of activities that are truly Christian and caring. As the students moved to their own private room to enjoy their dinner and disco, Headmaster Stephen Kinsella drew the parents attention to the passage of time as they enjoyed their own relaxed meal. Quoting Simon and Garfunkels ‘Bookends’, he remarked that ‘Time it was, and what a time it was’ - a sentiment that was applauded by all!

Community

TIGS in the HICES Music Festival

This year there were 18 successful candidates who auditioned for the HICES Music camp. These students spent 3 days at Meroo Christian Conference Centre in Kurrajong learning new repertoire and sitting alongside other musicians of their calibre. On the final day of the camp the students were transferred to The Hills Centre in Castle Hill for the grand concert. All students performed in their ensembles and as a member of the combined choir which was conducted by Mr George Ellis.

The HICES experience is truly unique and cannot be offered in a school setting. The students that attended took opportunities that allowed them to share ideas, build teams of like minds and the result was real growth as musicians and communicators.

TIGS would like to congratulate all of these students on their learning and wish them every success in sharing their new skills with their peers in their school ensembles.

Daffodil Ball

In it’s third year and after much hard work from the volunteer committee, the Daffodil Ball has truly become a highlight of the year for the TIGS community, bringing over 330 guests and 60 volunteers together on Saturday 30 July. Everyone enjoyed the wonderful food concocted by new event partner Finespun Catering and the spectacular floor show from Dancespace 383. The dance floor was full throughout the night, even the willing volunteers from TIGS Year 10 and 11 had to admit that Bjorn Again were a really great band ! The Cancer Council were overwhelmed by the generosity of the guests, with over $45,000 being raised which goes directly into a cancer research project currently underway at UOW. Planning has begun for the Daffodil Ball 2012 - if you would like to be involved in the community partnership of the Cancer Council and TIGS email grammarians@ tigs.nsw.edu.au

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Building our Future TIGS Foundation is excited to be contributing towards the Goodhew Research Centre transformation.

TIGS Foundation is raising funds to help create a vibrant, modern and inspirational interior to the centre. We believe that your valuable contribution will help to create a community of giving and unity with in the TIGS community.

Foundation

In the recent TIGS newsletter, Term 3, week 6, Stephen Kinsella shared the vision for the future of the Library and explained that the Goodhew Research Centre will undergo a significant change to better serve the learning needs of our students.

The transformation will provide a more flexible learning space which will stimulate student-centred, inquiry- based learning by providing furnishings (both soft and fixed) and displays that encourage students to think, question, research and respond in the process of learning.

The transformation will also provide access to new technology (ICT) that assists students to learn. The focus will be on mobile ICT devices that access the School’s wireless network. It will also include video conferencing that gives real time access to schools and resources worldwide.

The transformation of the Library, both physical and virtual, is an important and necessary step in ensuring that the School maintains the delivery of excellent academic outcomes in 21st learning for each student.

TIGS Foundation looks forward to you joining with other members of the TIGS community in supporting this tremendous transformation.

For more information on how to help please do not hesitate to contact grammarians@tigs.nsw.edu.au TIGS Review 14

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: 4220 0201 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