f rom th princi pal
The opening of the Northcott mural with students, staff and
The latter half of 2006 has seen the fruition of several ong-term projects. It takes time and planning to finally reap the rewards. It can be a little like completing the jigsaw puzzle when the pieces finally fall into place - there is a moment of joy and relief, the fulfilment of a long-term goal. This sense of completion is how I perceive this period at IGS.
The commencement of the air-conditionir.g project is but one example. It has taken five years to get to this project up and running.
I have no doubt that the improved physical environment next year, not just in terms of heat management but also noise and dust control, wil be significant for everyone.
The third Antipodeans trip emerged from an extended period of preparation as the students not only organised themselves for the expedit on, but raised money to assist with the community work they undertook in the Tibetan refugee centre. Their return to IGS this term brought an injection of energy and compassion, the outcome of such an experience in a developing country amongst people with serious difficulties in meeting their own material needs.
In September the mural project on the Northcott estate at Surry Hills was opened. Students began work on this project just on three years ago. It was a special day when the local community could proudly celebrate
the completion and share their pleasure with our students.
The Year 12 students completing their schooling this term are the largest cohort in the School's history. The group were the first to enter High School with three classes. The vision back many years ago, to expand the High School to its current size, has now been realised. This group leaves school carrying with them the benefits of the expanded program. They have enjoyed opportunities to study across a wide curriculum, from the Literature focus in Extension 2 English, or a Science/Mathematics focus, to Music, Languages, Humanities and the creative and performing arts. The products of their creative drive were a feature of this semester, with various performance and exhibition evenings in Drama, Music, Design and Technology and Visual Arts.
This period in the School's history carries important examples of tenacity, determination and persistence which, over time, have brought results. These are important attributes for our students and it is hoped that they have learnt from the experiences of others that hard work and commitment will bring results.
It is without doubt most satisfying when the pieces come together and the picture is complete.
Kerrie Murphy, Principal
Clover Moore, Loiü Mayvi 0! 5aL lay
Every Friday this past semester, Year 4 and Year 9 have waited with impatience for 2.00 pm "Buddy Time". The Year 4/9 Mentoring Programme is about building connections within our school community. It provides Year 4 with a "big" person to talk to other than a teacher and at the same time Year 9 are developing their communication skills and confidence as leaders.
Through a variety of activities such as sport, poetry writing, art and juggling, the students are given time to get to know each other and share experiences.
The success of the programme needs only to be measured by the active involvement of both groups of students and the obvious pleasure they get from participating in it. One Year 9 student was very annoyed that a prize-giving ceremony in Mathematics was going to interfere with her "Buddy Time". Parents are warned against daring to schedule a medical appointment during this time. Year 9 approach me constantly in the corridor with "I love my buddy", "My buddy is cool" and "When do we see our buddies next?"
spart of oar ur mentoring programme up of Ye 9s and Mr Reitmans Maddy Hunt with her buddy Freya Krishnan prepared a stencil for the others to paint.
This took place over Term 4 with each Year 4 class participating with their buddies.
On behalf of all participants, students and teachers, I believe I can unanimously claim that "Buddy Time" has been the highlight of our week!
Sarah Vitel, 4 Green Teacher
Ben Strum with Kenzo Harmelin
s p o r t i n g a c h ie v e m
High School Sports
Athletics Carnival
The annual IGS Athletics Carnival was held at ES Marks Athletics Field on Friday 18 August. The weather was fantastic and many people commented on the excellent level of participation throughout the day. Basea just on participation points, all 3 Rouses were very evenly matched. After all the field and track results were added the final results were Kuyal first, Baado second and Gura third.
Age Champions were:
12 Yrs: Jaspar Millner-Cretney, Amy Teutenberg;
13 Yrs: Oscar Nimmo, Sam Harding, Rommy Pettersen;
14 Yrs: Simon Comensoli, Courtney Chipperfield, Rebekah Delaney, Emilie Edwards;
15 Yrs: Gong Wen, Alex Haupt, Hannah Kitchin;
16 Yrs: Gus Malfroy, Anna Peck;
1 7+Yrs: Marc Love, Alice Beasley.
CDSSA Netball Gala Day
On Friday 15 September, IGS hosted the annual CDSSA Netball Gala Day at Moore Park. It was a beautiful day and seven schools travelled from all over Sydney to compete in the carnival. The carnival was broken into 2 divisions, Junior (Yrs 7-9) and Senior (Yrs 10-11). IGS had 2 junior teams and 1 senior team competing. The junior teams competed well, ending up in 6th and 7th position (out of 9 teams in that division).
The senior team only lost 1 game (by 1 goal) in the preliminary rounds to Pittwater House. They ended up playing this team again in the final and won convincingly, bringing home the trophy for the senior girls' competition - a fantastic achievement! Well done to the following girls: Amelia Cobb, Claudia Bagnall, Gemma Hurkett, Anna Peck, Sophia Day, Hannah Kitchin, Stella EganSoeterboek, Ella Davis, Lauren Hall and Anthea Robinson.
Krist,e Carroll, High School Sports Coordinator
9 September 2006 was officially day for Year 12 2006.
The day began with a breakfast for staff and Year 12 students. Evann Doumanis will be remembered for the laughter that his memorable speech elicited at the start of a very emotional day for everyone.
The breakfast was followed by the formal assembly in the school hall. This assembly was attended by the Year 12 students and their parents as well as by the whole
High School, and Year 1 and Kindergarten students. Loren Zammit and Laurie Horesh both spoke nostalgically of their years at IGS. Following tradition, two Kindergarten Gold students, Isobel Kanaley and Remi Roure, read a letter that their class had written in response to a letter presented to them by Year 12 student Cole Leighton. After recess, High School students farewelled Year 12 with a concert that showcased musical items as well as short films and PowerPoint presentations.
At the end of the morning the Year 12
students, overwhelmed with emotion, painfully and reluctantly exited the school
TO YEAR 12
teachers and friends. By the evening however, they had returned looking smart and glamorous and ready to enjoy the Farewell Cocktail Party with their parents.
Throughout the party more tears and hugs were shared. Harry Greenwood and Elena Collinson delivered their combined farewell speech while Toby Wilson, Sam Parkinson, Eleanor Witt and Nicki Wells entertained the congregation of parents, teachers and students with their talented musical items, and brought a very emotional day to a close.
Françoise Reeves-Smith,
Elena Collinson and Harry Greenwood cut
Enjoying the party are Nick Jordan and Hannah Burnett, Head Boy and Head Girl, with the cake at the Farewell Cocktail Party Lachlan Bennett (centre)
Kenichi Miyashita with Robyn Moloney, Director of Languages
changing perspectives
The Year 12 Japanese class enjoyed lessons during Term 3 with Kenichi Miyashita, a practicum teacher from The University of Technology Sydney.
The class and Kenichi discussed a number of social issues in Japan, from both Japanese and Australian perspectives. Japan is changing quickly from a traditional society based on the extended family and company system, to an individualfocussed society where many of the older values and relationships are breaking down. Kenichi researched various results of this change, such as young people known as "NEET", who graduate but never work, and those known as "FREETA" who reject the company system and only ever work part-time.
Kenichi found it personally challenging to think about these issues from Australia, while recognising the changes to his own perspective. Year 12 were challenged to identify values in their own families and Australian society, and were very pleased to have the intercultural challenge of such contemporary issues.
The lessons will be published as part of a national workshop on irtercultural language learning.
Robyn Moloney, Director of Languages and Cultural Programs
ref lections
Mgkt i.i Dektsoh ee Rec4e geIiciLtei ube. Wcs far toLLe Ze'tevt,... ~! lvkervt4toi..aL icu.j war tter e't scper Tag, vor ,ere ssev! Le'c(er iabe £.c4i vtI.c1it the C4Ue gel.iLt QttfAtttt.c.sc4i zt Oehe er c(& wre&' ter avwlere MgL 1l,eteI4 WO Loh ZUtM,t eispIeL t f--ic.s M&.tsI Feti-vL Ii&. Ler Tbw t-1-cLL ge tvgev.. icie. Das w&rev &ber w.r p&r Ere' gvsse c4e .c4i .4terLebt lice £.ii ever I.4.S Z,et. Te Sec iJcthre her werce Loh LvvK&er beL w,r elicftev', (Ie L_eI.irer, Ae S6iLer tuiA cs toLLe ciemeLvzoholftseefahL. 10h li&be Vov L4.S selir vieL gelerM, ic.l.'it trA&esclie Scc4'e&' so4erv,OIMS ici Lw m6r wer OLat LlOw, soLL. Le4er Lst vv..eI,v..e Zet hLer Lvu l.4.S z 4e, aber i.c4i we4 &üss c.li nLeLm z,e'.t L4.S ver Ale veroes"Sevu wer&e.
A-f wIec4erseiev.. t.4SI
WUM
Kim-Siobhan Robitschko, Year 12
7 ingof life? "Use it to the ."
is Maureen Gill's advice. It comes that this has always been Maureen 's philosophy be brave
- has ,eéri in-contact:with the school on and oft since its incepfion. has grown as it has grown.
passion for PE, sport and student welfare, Maureen is a great pth music and languages. She greatly admires musicians for . and abilities and for the discipline involved in great playing. een, music is a wonderful aspect of young people's development t gives such a fulfilling sense of identity, and helps along with that ion of Who am I?" Languages, too, are part of seeing the bigger e world beyond the local. Maureen says for a positive outlook to learn -the more you know, the more you
"a very fortunate human being", has a ith her husband, conductor Richard Gill. with Richard in a new role. She is not
dge and skills, and her great sense of humour.
Moloney, Director of Languages
Paul Cahill I-47"eW
We are all changed by our 4 at school, and Paul Cahill is no exception.
Paul came to IGS as Deputy Principal in 2002. In the years Paul says he has grown in his appreciatioaoii great breadth of the talents and outlook o He loves the openness of the IGS culture ar! of trust in the school. Trust and integrity be behaviours and permeate a whole communi______ A school, to Paul, represents a vision of socie.. years, as the students move out of school and into I lives as adults.
Paul Cahill is moving on from IGS at the end of this to pursue the next stage of his own lifelong leAms
The writer J. wrote, "We planned, so as to have the
Jill
Franca Rod ilossa ttPeíO
Franca, who has been an Italian language tcfer and an assistant in the Preschool for eight years, was born in Sicily and came to Australia when she was seven. Her parents, who had produced nuts and wine in Italy, went to remote outback Queensland as share-farmers, living in a house with no electricity. The outback community was home to a lot of Italian families, but they were treated with prejudice by some of the AngloAustralians, and there was little mixing. For instance, a Scottish farmer refused to allow his daughter to go the local school as there were so many Italian children going there, so he kept her home to learn by correspondence. Franca remembers that it was the cooking and good food which often created a bond between communities Franca mother shared Italian food with the Scottish family, and in rernFincen Australian brown bread and butter, homemade icecream aI4*fk I
When she was growing up Franca developed her Italian program on the radio, reading a local Italian newspaper, and through writing t in Italy who corrected her grammar. Franca and her husband, also Italian, brought up their two children tospeak Italian and English.
Franca had always wanted to be a teacher. The loves teaching Italian to the 3 and 4 year olds and especially loves to see the children being able to speak, and how it "makes them feel good, to be Italian with me". They are curious and very keen to learn. A recent lunchtime argument featured a complaint from a small Anglo-Australian - "He said I'm not Italian, and I AM! "
Franca's parents came to Australia "for a better life" and she thinks they achieved that. She has been back to Italy many times and still loves it, but is glad to be in Australia. Franca is a proud grandmother, and will be able to spend more time with her grandchildren next year. We will still see her some afternoons in aftercare.
Robyn Moloney, Director of Languages
h a vi n g f u n
with sc
After looking at
computer and television screens work is because of the many tiny crystals inside. npetition to grow the "best" crystal is particularly relevant to Year 7 students, who macromolecules itly been studying mixtures, solutions and crystals. (like 'plastics')
Year 9 students of budding Year 7 scientists were involved in the Royal Australian Chemical extracted a natural :rystal Growing Competition. Eager students arrived every spare lunchtime they macromolecule to try different methods for creating crystals, and ways to improve their initial (DNA) from kiwi number of different crystals were produced, ranging from coloured to colourless, fruit. ge, diamond shaped to hexagonal. All the crystals were excellent, and the best It's as easy as selected by the scientists themselves, were entered into the competition. The ABC - but it's 'ho took part were Ella Cutler, Brigitta Summers, Adrienne Lim, Xinru Yap, Annie called DNA Carter and Christian Lambert. They came 3rd in the Junior (Years 7-8) section with a nmended' as well, and in the Open Section (Years 7 10) they came 2nd. Well done!
In September this year, 11 students from Year 6 attended the HICES Annual Camp for Gifted and Talented students. The purpose of the camp is to provide students from the HICES group of schools with the opportunity to develop new skills and learn about things that are not in the school curriculum.
Each student had been allocated a CORE or main subject that they had indicated interest in. I chose Psychology. By the end of the five day camp I had learnt a lot about myself and how the brain works, including how the synapses operate and the importance of the brain stem. We investigated learning styles and I discovered I am a Kinaesthetic Visual learner. We also did the Myer Briggs personality test - I am an ENFP meaning an extroverted, intuitive, feeling and perceptive person.
The camp theme was Justice, and so we also participated in some whole group activities and discussions on this theme. We did a fair share and fair divide activity as well as a hunger banquet to represent real life situations in terms of food and the allocation of the world's wealth and to question if it is a just distribution. We were encouraged to think about ways we could benefit mankind and to rectify the imbalances that occur in our world.
Most afternoons we did optional subjects like orienteering, sewing, board games and basket-weaving followed by free time. At night
we experienced a Disco, Trivia Night and Talent Quest where Ennes wowed the audience with his brilliant guitar playing.
The good thing about camp is it is not like school, you get to meet lots of people from other schools and there is no uniform. The teachers were all fun as well!
Cayenne Barnum with Ennes Mehmedbasic, Year 6
In July this year, a group of 13 Spanish students and two teachers from the school San Pablo Ceu Monteprincipe in Madrid arrived in Sydney. Their plan was to spend three weeks living with families from IGS and experiencing what it is like to be a teenager in Sydney. The experience was
extremely positive and, despite the distance between the two cities, the students concluded that they actually had a lot in common.
We asked the Spanish students what they thought were the main differences between their school and ours. These are some of their comments:
"One of the things I like about Sydney is that, compared to Madrid, there is not much traffic."
"In our school in Spain the chairs are stuck to the tables."
"We don't have lockers. It's a great idea! We should have them instead of carrying all our books with us."
"Your recess is too short! We have 30 minutes!"
"We still use blackboards instead of whiteboards."
"It would be hard to say which city / prefer, Sydney or Madrid, because each of them has good things. However people here in Sydney and, in particular my host family, have welcomed me so I have felt at home anyway!"
Teresa Alonso, Languages Department
primary
lang uages
Picture this: Children of all ages watching a German film, listening and reading a French book, designing Italian board games, singing in French, learning about Australia in Japanese and receiving a 'Red Cross' award. It all happens at IGS.
But wait there's more - the best part is seeing the happiness on the children's faces while they are learning.
listening and reading
Cécile Bonneau's Year 2 French class had the pleasure of taking part in the 1st We de la Musique held in Sydney by the All ance Française. The Fête de la Musique is celebrated every year on June 21 in France to mark the beginning of the summer. The Alliance Francaise put on a special performance day for any school to take part with a song or music performance. The class sang "L'hérisson" from the well-known French musical Emilie Jolie. They did a great job and had a fun day at the Alliance Française! Well done, Year 2!
Vilma Rotellini, Head of Primary Languages
Ich heiBe dive und ich bin in der zweiten Klasse. Ich lerne Deutsch. Ich bin mit meiner Mutter ins Kino gegangen. Ich habe den Film Papillon gesehen. Es war alles in Franzäsisch. Die Geschichte war sehr gut. Das Mädchen war lustig und stark. Mein Lieblingsteil war das Schattenspiel in den Bergen. Ich habe den Film verstanden, weil es Untertitel hatte. Ich habe fast alles gelesen. Ich habe auch den deutschen Film Das C0-:
Ich mochte gern einen Film von Japan oder Italien sehen. Ich höre gern andere Sprachen.
Clive NicIson, Year 2
A French class enjoying
to a French story
Zoe Stephens and Payton Ellis (Yr 4) with their winning Red Cross posters
Yr 1 Italian designing board games
HSC Design Technology
Innovated! was the title for the first HSC Design & Technology Major Design Project Exhibition at IGS. Eight students undertook the course and presented their designs in the exhibition showcasing a wide variety of design areas and disciplines.
Student work included an orthopaedic hammock style bed, couture garments constructed from plastic bags and gloves, a garment inspired by the
Australian landscape and culture, a skate park re-design, a sustainable housing redevelopment, a laundry storage bag for high-density living, an ambient lighting product made from cast resin and a graphic corporate logo package for a local café.
These designs are the product of 3 terms of work where students explored and identified a design opportunity, researched and analysed the needs of the specific target market and generated ideas to
develop and create the final solution.
As well as taking the role of the creative designer, the students also had to manage all aspects of the project including time, finance, resources and where necessary other people and organisations. The results are a great showcase for the diversity of design in education and the role it serves in our local and global communities.
Justyn Ambrose, Head of lAS
Congratulations to the Drama HSC students who were nominated to perform at the Seymour Centre as part of ONSTAGE, a showcase of excellence. Students Harry Greenwood, Evann Doumanis, Loren Zammit, Nicholas Jordan and Hannah Burnett were nominated for their group piece entitled Bloody Mosquitoes. The group performance required them to create an original piece of theatre based on a selected group of topics which acted as a springboard into the drama. Their choice of inspiration came from the topic "Sweet and Sour" and evolved into a satire of the Australian suburban landscape. The students created mosquito characters which represented various levels of status in their mosquito community and parodied some well known characters in our society.
In addition, Harry Greenwood was nominated for his outstanding adaptation of The Tell Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe. Many audience members were lucky enough to view his performance
Performance Evening or progress throughout the interpretation held the to the madness of his ch He is to be congratu wonderful achievem
In Years 9 and 10, thyear in Dramabilitie students have embarkon of Intercultural Drama, PIaybuildifl, Non-Realistic Theatre, Stanislavsky and Realism, Comedy, Creating a Character through Mask and Animal Workshops, Commedia Dell'Arte, Improvisation and Video Making. Their engagement with this variety of theatrical forms and styles has been impressive, with some students finding their forte and preference for one style over another. Last term saw the Theatricks students engage in NonRealistic Theatre creating surrealist landscapes with their performance pieces entitled Dreaming, which they created using a variety of stimulus such as poetry, song, percussion symbolic props and
Creating characters using masks - Jianni Tien
Dramabilities explored characterisation and looked closely at how a character can be created through the use of mask to suggest status and type. Through the use of Basel masks, Commedia Dell' Arte masks, animal masks and neutral masks, students investigated the range of ways a character can come to life by incorporating the body, gesture and physical isation. To contrast this approach they have also studied the Stanislavsky System and its use in creating a realistic character for performance.
On Friday 15 September Dina Vassilevska, Stephanie Rosier, Mr Dennehy and I walked to Saint Scholastica's College at Glebe to attend the Make Poverty History Forum.
Along with a number of other schools, we listened to MP Tanya Plibersek talk about the government's commitment to reducing world poverty. We were also involved in discussions on how, as a school and as individuals, we can do our bit to help those less fortunate than ourselves. It was a worthwhile experience to hear the views of other people and to realise that even the smallest effort we make can make a difference.
We are looking forward to improving the IGS community's awareness of this issue.
English Department - Who We Are and What We Do
The IGS English Department comprises of a number of dedicated and enthusiastic staff who are all passionate about their literature which ranges from pulp fiction to great canonical texts.
We welcomed Jillian Weilby, 'funky chick' to the team this year. Jillian brought along boundless energy and excitement, as well as a fresh and youthful approach to the teaching programs. Derek Patulny is the 'grammatical gatekeeper', knower of all obscure grammatical facts and things Latin. Brad Gillieatt, 'talent scout extraordinaire',
was also welcomed to the team this year. With a Masters in Gifted Education, he has an eye and an ear fo the future 'bestseller' writers. Mona Rawlings-Way is our 'style queen' who is always able to add flair and polish to a student's work. We also have other members of staff on the English faculty from various areas of the school: David Miller 'the anchor', Stuart Daly reliable and efficient, Paul Galea, practical writing man, Neil Purcell, 'Dr Smart' with an archive of knowledge under his belt, as well as Jason Reitmans and Kelly Wilkinson, our middle school teachers.
Excursions, guest speakers, oral presentations, multimedia collages, creating film appropriations, travel guides, crafting mocels and products for thematic units, creating poetry anthologies, drama, composing radio scripts, writing feature articles, writing biographies and autobiographies, visual representations, novellas, journal writing, PowerPoint presentations analysing the opening sequence of films - all of these are just a small sample of the exciting activities that take place within the English Department.
Eleni Tatsis, Head of English
David Miller and Neil Purcell
Chloe Genion, Year 9
maths round-up
Term 3 has seen many successes and achievements in Mathematics. A large number of students sat for National competitions: Mathematics Challenge and Enrichment Series for Young Australians, The Australian Mathematics Competition for the Westpac Awards, The University of New South Wales Annual School's Mathematics Competition and the Intermediate Mathematical Olympiad.
Students who completed the Maths Challenge and Enrichment Series for Young Australians enjoyed the creative and lateral thinking areas of problem solving. Nine students participated from Years 7 to 10. Laura Parle received a Credit in the Junior division, Eren Ercan received a Credit in the Intermediate division and Georgia Tsambos was awarded a High Distinction in the Intermediate division.
A large number of students sat for The Australian Mathematics Competition for the Westpac Awards. High distinctions were awarded to AyIa Jones, Daniel Di Orazio and Zi Qi Zhou. Johannes Goldmann was awarded the highest level possible, a prize, and also received the Prudence Award for the most number of consecutive items correct.
The select number of students who sat for The University of New South Wales Annual School's Mathematics Competition contemplated six complex questions over three hours. The items require lateral thinking and a creative approach to problem solving in a range of branches of Mathematics. Georgia Tsambos was awarded a prize and Certificate and AyIa Jones was awarded a certificate in this competition. This is an outstanding achievement for such an elite competition. Both students received their awards at a formal ceremony at the University of New South Wales.
As a result of her work in the Maths Challenge and Enrichment Series for Young Australians and The University of New South Wales Annual School's Mathematics Competition, Georgia was invited to sit for the Intermediate Mathematical Olympiad, fór which she was awarded a Credit.
The Mathematics Department wishes to warmly congratulate all students who were awarded certificates in the above-mentioned competitions, a truly outstanding achievement that deserves recognition.
Success and achievement in Mathematics is not limited to external competitions. Students of Year 10 are the first year group to sit for the new Schools Certificate. They have managed to embrace Lite Board of Studies' new Mathematics syllabus wholeheartedly and benefited from the changes.
The students of the Thinking Mathematically class engaged in the study of Fractals, Codes and deciphering codes, Networks and Matrices, Multicultural Mathematics and Financial Mathematics. They decoded messages sent by Julius Caesar and Mary Queen of Scots. Students created their own codes and challenged their peers to decode then using their knowledge of Pigpen Cipher, the Caesar Shift, Cipher Wheel, Substitution Cryptography and the Vigenere Square. These students also engaged in various projects and research. Chosen fields of research were Networks
the Network of the Surrounding Planets in our Solar System and New York City's Subway Network.
The students of the Working Mathematically class have been busily involved in projects involving car purchases and earning incomes. Students have been applying many of their mathematical skills to solving various real life mathematical problems. In addition, many of the students have shown a great enthusiasm to learning Mathematics through a new computer program called Mathletics, which has been used throughout the course.
Jacqui Baker, Head of Mathematics
and the Human Circulatory Georgia Tsambos and Ayla Jones with their certificates System, Networks of Sydney's from the UNSW Annual School's Mathematics Water Ways, Competition.
On 30 September, two groups of IGS students and teachers departed from Sydney airport to Kolkata, India, via Bangkok. Upon arrival in Kolkata at 1.00am the 37 individuals made themselves as comfortable as possible for the 4 hours of paper work that would ensue, as Thai Airways had lost the entire group's luggage!
After this introduction to India, the groups went their separate ways. Group A spent the final days of the monsoon season in Kolkata, while Group B headed off almost immediately on the overnight train. This train ride was an experience - 10 hours curled up on sticky vinyl beds. At least it was with minimal luggage!
When exploring Kolkata, Group A visited Mother Teresa's Mission, followed by the most memorable experience of our lives for many. We were lucky enough to be
exploring Kolkata on a special religious holiday called Durga Puja. This is a celebration where families make a statue of Durga (the symbol of female power) and throw her into the river for good luck. We were fortunate enough to watch and be included in this process. Due to the fact that we were westerners, we were the centre of attention - it was almost like we were celebrities. People stared and took our pictures from left, right and centre. The media besieged us!
Then it was Group A's turn to take the overnight train. The train stopped in Siliguri, where we took a long bus trip to Gangtok, Sikkim via Bagdogra Airport to pick up both groups' luggage. An immense amount of waiting took place before we received our very much missed belongings. At the same time, Group B were preparing for their 7 day trek along the Singalila
ridgeline, amusing themselves in Darjeeling by doing some sightseeing and hoping that sleeping bags and thermals would arrive in time for their trek.
Group A had just encountered a bus ride from Bagdogra to Gaitok where they drove on a road that was perhaps windier than noodles and bumpier than a bouncy ball. We lodged in a hotel called Tashi Tagay and from there caught taxis to many famous Tibetar Temples like the Rumtek Monastery (home of the Black Hat Sect) and the Enchay Monastery. We then had a cable :ar ride where we took in breathtaking views. This was the time where M Team was first introduced. M Team was the name given to the two people who woLld be our leaders for two days. They would manage and oversee everything. The two people would be chosen by the teachers and
Henry (our group leader) or by Group B's leader Wayne. Everyone else in the group also had a responsibility such as food, finance, transport, communication, accommodation, medical, etc. and had to liaise with the M Team.
We departed Gangtok by jeeps and headed straight to Darjeeling where we stayed at the Dekling hotel, a comfortable place with beautiful views of Darjeeling. The following days consisted of sightseeing. We went to the Zoo, the Mountaineering Institute, a tea estate, a Tibetan Refugee Centre, Tiger Hill (famous for the 3.00 am. jeep ride to see the sunrise) and much touring of the off-street markets of the well known Chowastra Square.
Our turn at trekking then awaited us. A bus took us to the village of Manebhanjang where we would first embark on our trek. During the afternoon we had a chance to bond with the local children. The girls taught the kids to sing, dance and play games while the boys played rugby and soccer with the boys of the village.
We now began the trek, lOOkms over 7 days, walking up and down the Singalila Ridge, reaching heights of 3,600m and covering a variety of terrain. We walked through beautiful mountain scenery
ranging from misty heathland to rich rhododendron forests and small villages mainly inhabited by Nepalese people. Tonglu rewarded us with overwhelming views of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. Group B were lucky enough to experience the wonderful sight of the highest mountain in the world, Mt Everest at Sandakphu. The trekking scenery changed from ridgelines to rainforests. The paths became smaller and windier as we descended in altitude. Trekking for both groups was physically and mentally challenging yet will remain an unforgettable experience for all.
The following day we followed Group B to Community Service. When we arrived at the Tibetan Settlement, Tashi Ling in Soriada, we were greeted with warm, happy smiles. We sat down for a cup of tea where Sonam, our community service leader, informed us about the Tibetan culture which was very interesting.
After the talk we had time to talk and play with the children staying in the settlement. The students live there so that they can attend school. After dinner we discussed our plans for the work ahead. Group B had already painted the inside and outside of the boys' dormitory and now it was Group As turn to do the same for the girls. This was accomplished as well as washing down floors ready for carpet and painting the outside of the settlement's hall. In appreciation, the Tibetan students presented an hour-long performance of traditional song and dance in the early evening which was fabulous to watch. In turn, we had to present something Australian! Various songs and dances were performed, as well as getting all the kids involved to learn the chicken dance. We completed the service with new memories and many new friends.
This was basically the end of our expedition. The days that followed consisted of many forms of transport to get us back home safely. We organised a bus to get us from Darjeeling to Siliguri where we caught the overnight train back to Kolkata. We went to some intense markets were everyone bought their last few things before heading to the airport. Our flight was due to depart from Kolkata at 2.00 in the morning.
When we emerged in the Sydney Arrivals Lounge, we were flooded with friends and family who had all missed us immensely and were waiting to see us. Hugs, kisses and stories were exchanged for it was a life-changing experience.
By Hannah Kitchin © and Sophia Day!
In July, the annual Bodies of Work and Design Exhibition was opened by the Principal, Kerrie Murphy.
It was our largest exhibition to date and the first year that we have combined the evening with students from Design and Technology. We were able to utilise the newly designed gallery space on level 4 and students exhibited a variety of media and concepts that reflected the diversity of the Year 12 group. Over 200 people, from the IGS community to ex-students and local artists, came through the doors.
The Bodies of Work truly reflected the students' thorough practical and theoretical understanding of artmaking and artistic practice.
Andrew Thompson, Head of Art
you say tomato
i'm learning to say F7 F
Forty enthusiastic adult beginners Japanese, Chinese, French and Italian in Terms 3 and 4 this year at the newly launched IGS Evening Language College.
Lessons run from 6.00 - 7.30pm on Tuesday evenings on Level 2 in the Kelly St Building. The students have already acquired an understanding of and some fluency in simple introductory language. Their teachers, Harumi, Jufen, Florianne and Pia,
Chinese.
Robyn Moloney, Director of UI Languages and Cultural Programs
s p o r t i n g a c h i e v e m e n t s
Primary Sports
Primary Athletics Carnival
The Primary Athletics Carnival was held on Wednesday 9 August at ES Marks Athletics Field. Throughout the day competition was strong between the three Houses, in the stands with colours and constant cheering, but also on the track and field with most students achieving personal best times, throws and jumps. An increased participation and improved level of competition was present throughout the Primary School. Well done to all the students that participated on the day. Final House points were Baado 1034, Kuyal 1015 and Gura 907.
Age Champions were:
7 Yrs: Clementine Landels and Mikhail Capodistrias;
8 Yrs: Tiarie O'Connor, Raphael Weir and Ringo Taylor;
9 Yrs: Sarah Teutenberg and Brendan Millar;
10 Yrs: Genevieve Gorman Deane and Regan McKee;
11 Yrs: Gabriella Bate and Griffin Hall;
12 Yrs: Adele Kozak and Luke Ivanchenko-Cooney.
New records were: EVENT RECORD NAME
Girls 10 Year Olds 200m Run 32.81 Alexandra Karikios
Girls 9 Year Olds Discus Throw 10.90m Alexia Morelli
Boys 9 Year Olds Discus Throw 14.27m Benjamin Parker
Girls 11 Year Olds Discus Throw 16.32m Gabriella Bate
Girls 12-13 Discus Throw 15.65m Adele Kozak
Girls 8 Year Olds Long Jump 2.40m Tayla Law
Boys 8 Year Olds Long Jump 2.94m Ringo Taylor
Girls 11 Year Olds Long Jump 3.85m Gabriella Bate
ASISSA Athletics
On Thursday 24 August the ASISSA Athletics Carnival was held at ES Marks Athletics Field. This Carnival provides an avenue for students to progress to CIS Athletics. Once selected into the IGS Athletics Team, students train as a team twice a week. IGS students performed extremely well at ASISSA, resulting in 20 students selected to represent ASISSA at CIS Athletics.
CIS Athletics Carnival
On Tuesday 12 September the CIS Athletics Carnival was held at Homebush Athletics Centre. IGS had 20 students representing ASISSA. The conditions were very difficult, with rain and wind present for most of the day. In spite of this, IGS had a successful day with many athletes achieving personal best times, throws and/or jumps. The IGS students that represented ASISSA at CIS Athletics are:
Annabelle Kablean, Kane Forman, Saccha-Lee Osnabrugge, Abigail Horesh, Caitlin Bickerton, Gabriella Bate, Oscar Read, Gigi Lockhardt Moisa, Genevieve Gorman Deane, Allegra Bauchinger, Nicolas Buffard, Serena Prelec, Beth Harris, Regan McKee, Charlotte Rennick, Tiane O'Connor, Alex Karikos, Samuel Greco Schwartz, Lauren Biss, Isabella Parker
Emma Chipchase, Head of Primary Sport
Snowsports
lnterschools Snowsports is aseries of school-age competitions in Alpine G.S, Cross Country Skiercross, Moguls, Snowboard G.S. and Boardercross. It is organised by the NSW lnterschools Snowsports Committee.
Schools from the NSW government and independent sectors initially compete in Regions, with up to the top 4 teams and 10 individuals in each discipline progressing through to the State, and ultimately the National, event. This year over 2,000 participants aged from 5 to 19 years old participated in the Sydney Region.
IGS had 18 students, from Years 3 to 12, competing in the Sydney Region competition at Perisher Blue. They all did extremely well and IGS had 13 teams that qualified for the State Competition and 8 teams that qualified for the Nationals Competition.
IGS Representatives were: Adam White, Joel Hagen, Phillip Mihajlov, Gregory Whitehead, Nicholas Ford, Nicolas Hilliard, Stephen Parker, Mihail Mihajlov, William Lenehan, Luciana Smith, Cecelia Ford, Gabriella Lowgren, Morgan Kain-Bryan, Olivia Borgese, Jessica Kerr, Tiffany Borgese and Laura Whitehead.
State Representatives were: Tiffany Borgese, Laura Whitehead, Luciana Smith, Cecelia Ford, Gabriella Lowgren, Morgan Kain-Bryan, Olivia Borgese, Gregory Whitehead, Nicholas Ford, William Lenehan, Mihail Mihajlov and Jessica Kerr.
National Representatives were: Tiffany Borgese, Laura Whitehead, Luciana Smith, Cecelia Ford, Gabriella Lowgren, Morgan Kain-Bryan, Gregory Whitehead, William Lenehan anc Jessica Kerr.
Emma Chlpchase, Primary Sports
"
g ooes to canada
Tjaranl Barton-Vaofanua (Year 5) was fortunate enough to go to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with her mother Vicki Barton to attend a 5 day Healing Our Spirit Worldwide Conference for Indigenous Peoples from all over the world.
Vicki works in education and was there looking at the link between health and education for indigenous children.
Tjarani had the honour of carrying the Aboriginal flag at the opening ceremony and attended many workshops with her mother.
Keren Skyring, Primary Librarian
Book Buddies
As part of our charity work for the term, Year 4 students visited a number of local Preschools to read to the younger students. The Year 4 children showed maturity and enthusiasm on their visit
After reading their favourite story book, Year 4 joined in playing games with their Preschool buddies. There was lots of laughter and squeals of excitement shared by all the students involved. Year 4 enjoyed the experience so much that they would like to do it again soon.
Michelle Weir, Year 4 Gold teacher
Thomas Stirk (Yr 4) has a clearly captivated audience
Morgan Kain-Bryan, Olivia Borgese and Jessica Kerr