Meet the Principal
Year 11 's Natash a O'Farrell donned her journalist's cap last month to conduct an interview with new IGS Principal, Michael Maniska
NO'F: What drew you to IGS?
MM: IGS is a school I've had on my radar for a tong time particularly because it has a realty strong commitment to diversity When I went to school I was one of five non-Anglo Saxon students in my whole school.
I loved that fact that IGS has a strong emphasis on languages. I had the feeling that I would be able to relate to and really embrace the views and perspectives of th1s school. In the past I'd taught in very traditional pnvate schools and then more recently I was the principal of a government school-! like the fact that IGS seems to sit realty nicely in the middle.
NO'F: How did your passion for languages come about?
MM: Like a lot of migrant children I went to school and learnt in a language that was different from the
one I went home and spoke to my family. And like a tot of migrant children I was used to moving between languages and two ways of thinking.
I learnt French and German at school and I found I had a real aptitude. This was partly because I had the experience of going between two languages and had enough understanding to determine that each language had its own system. So when I was in Year 7 and started studying French and German, my passion grew from the fact that in studying these languages for the f1rst time, I understood how to approach them and had an ear for them.
NO'F: Why didn 't you study (your native language) Greek?
MM: That's a good question. In those days the only languages offered 1n schools (especially a fairly Anglo one like mine) were French, German and Latin so my native Greek wasn't offered.
I liked Latin and my sister actually won the Sydney Univers1ty Latin competition but I thought to myself,
hang on, I need to study a language I can speakl So I pursued French.
One of the things I really like about IGS is that teachers speak to you in the language you're studying all the time. My French teacher was an amazing teacher who had a great knowledge of grammar but she couldn't speak French which was the case with lot of language teachers in those days.
I also studied Italian at university and if I had the time now-which unfortunately my job won't allow at present-l'd really love to study Spanish.
NO ' F: What do you like about IGS?
MM: Oh, lots of things. I find the students are articulate and they're always willing to express an opinion and I really like the fact the student body has an angle-they're students who are willing to share and explore ideas. I've had some amazing conversations with students and I think that's just fantastic!
Students aren't marginalised in this school. Everyone's welcome whether you've got black hair, blond hair or blue hair, you're equally part of the school community and that's really important to 'Tle. It's a relaxed school community that knows how to have a good time, to have fun.
The location is great, the school is in a very stimulating part of Sydney and I love the downtown setting-! don't know if you've seen the film called
Fame where everyone runs out of the dance studio? Well, the school reminds me of that. I love the fact that students have good relationships with teachers and that they can and do, sit in cafes and talk about things. There's a very mature interaction.
NO ' F: Are you excited about our Arts Fest (30 May)?
MM: I'm looking forward to Arts Fest day-1 don't know what to expect but I have been watching rehearsals in Room 222 after school and I'm really
" ... in this school it doesn't really matter what you're good atyou've got the ability to shine".
excited to see what students are going to perform. I'm also really looking forward to International Day next semester.
NO 'F: I read your philosophy about learning. Would you be able to explain to me how that works?
MM: One of the things that really struck me about my own learning experience was that I was a successful learner because I'd learnt how to assimilate to expectations of
my learning which were presented in fairly traditional and uninteresting ways.
I've come to understand how the IGS community embraces learning! I think that the time for just mastering content has passed. In its stead we are embracing the learning experience and understanding the world differently. What we really need to do is prepare tomorrow's leaders, who are students in schools such as IGS.
To give you a good example, I was very strong in French at school but I was also quite good in Maths. My language achievement was never celebrated because it wasn't valued by the school whereas Maths was. What I love about IGS and what really underpins the philosophy-is that I see students who are celebrated for everything from the arts, languages, thinking hyperbolically, maths and sciences-it strikes me that in this school it doesn't really matter what you're good at-you've got the ability to shine.
This is certainly integral to my belief about learning.
NO 'F: You mentioned you 'd study Spanish if you had more spare time . Are there any other interests you follow?
MM: Well, aside from travel which is a necessary side effect of my passion for different cultures, I'm interested in commercial aviation itself I'm now running a lunchtime club in aviation.
Art show paints bright future r In enous studen s
Our Indigenous Art@IGS exhibition fundraiser held at the school from 16-18 June in conjunction with Tali Gallery amazed the school and wider community with its range of bold, rich and innovative paintings and artefacts
The show sold over 20 significant pieces.
"IGS already has 10 Indigenous students enrolled under the Indigenous Scholarships program, however, sustaining and expanding the program requires a dedicated fund," Principal Michael Maniska explained.
In opening the exhibition, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of NSW, applauded IGS for providing an education which
truly embraces diversity from the early years through to Year 12.
Emerging young independent artists' works included those of Sarrita King and Chris Edwards who attended the show over the weekend Several young students watched in complete awe as Sarrita painted
IGS Board Chair David Baker echoed the thoughts of everyone when he referred to the spectacular range of art on display-and the rich culture that the works represent
Exhibition goers' remarks included "it's really cool" and "I've never seen so many beautiful paintings in one room".
A Zoomobile featuring native wildlife and stories also visited.
Thank you to the PTF and school bands who helped on the second night of the exhibition and a special thank you to IGS staff Dharma Murugiah and David Hamper who organised the event
Several works were also available for sale online at IGS's new events website: www.igsevents.com au up until 20 July.
Direct donations can also be made to IGS's Indigenous Scholarship Fund Contact admin@igssyd.nsw.edu.au for a form.
teo. Porter SiSTero Colfabora!/Orl vOI,'[':' Tjar''r'i ki Ce1 •/'", AA ld0tail'
Mia Sharma takes IGS science to the international stage
The Science Teachers Association of NSW invited IGS science teacher Mia Sharma to attend the annual International Science and Engineering Fair in the United States. A convention with over 2,000 participants from around the world, the May event showcased the best scientific investigations students had
conducted over the past year and had a number of teacher workshops to discuss science teaching.
Mia was invited to present a workshop on the IGS's innovative science program. She gave an interesting presentation about 'contextualised and differentiated learning' and how to construct a framework that teachers could use internationally to improve teaching.
"I was awestruck by the level of student achievement from other countries," Mia said,"one student had cultured algae on a mesh that could be placed over the exhaust pipe of a car. The algae would remove most of the damaging carbon emissions from the exhaust fumes and convert th em into oxygen".
Nobel Laureates blow things into proportion
A highlight of the convention was the session given by four Nobel Laureates-they revealed how they became involved in science (usually by blowing things up in their garages)* and suggested ideas to help engage students in science.
Since returning home, Mia and IGS's science department have started to contact local universities to see if our students can work in real laboratories on short projects.
"It just makes science so much more interesting and fun if you can do real research that helps people," Mia said.
IGS runners across the line
IGS may be an urban school but we know how to go Cross Country. A total of 33 junior and senior runners reached the Combined Independent Schools (state) level Individual senior runners in the top 15 in their age group at the CDSSA carnival included Gabriel Wahl, Kip O'Rourke, Dominic Cox, Ella Spear, Connor Denton, Caitlin Bickerton and Jeremy Horniblow
Top 10 at ASISSA in the ir ag e grou p included Sebastian Robitsch ko, lzaak Haupt, Timothy Pritchard, Evan Fi lo, Elise Brennan, Layla Riley, Ph oe ni x Levy Bell, Stephanie Potter, Isabe lla Clifton, Charlotte Howden, Apnl Brennan, Freja Andersson, Molly McGrath, lsobel Kanaley, Lara Di Qual, Erin Doyle, Imogen Brent and Frances Howe.
Left. IGS juntor runners Hannan Kroeg'"r ancJ lsobel Kanaley across the 111re
Meet our student leaders
Jigsaw caught up with head girl Charlotte Kitchin an d head boy Lewis Evans to find out what student lea de rship is about.
How long have you been at IGS?
CK: I sta rted IGS in year 7 so this is my sixth year here.
LE: I have been at IGS as long as I can remember. I started in preschool going twice a week when the school was still at the Surry Hills campus. How did you come to be head girl/boy?
LE: From the leaders that were selected last year by students and teache rs, I be lieve that the Principal then selected head girl and boy
CK: Yes, that's right. Beyond the technical side of it though, I think I became a leader through keen participat ion within the schoo l1thi nk my enthusiasm was palpable!
What do you think your role brings to the school?
CK: Ordinarily, I would say that the head girl should represent the student voice. However, at IGS the relationship between all students and teachers is strong and doesn't usually need a school captain to fill in the gaps.
LE: I think my role as head boy and the role of the other leaders gives a sort of intimacy between the staff and students in the school I try to be a role model more than anything else.
What does being head girl / boy mean for you personally?
LE: It is quite an honour. After 15 odd years at the school it really felt rewarding to be given the badge. Being head boy has definitely been a learning experience.
CK: I've already learned a lot about leaders'lip-that being a leader means stepping up when necessary but also knowing when to step back and listen. Thus far, it has been an incredibly rewarding and humbling experience.
Would you recommend younger students aspire to the role?
CK: Definitely. It motivated me to get involved at school and gave me a really defined goal throughout my senior high schooling.
LE: Yes, I definitely would too. Throughout high school it was never really something that I aspired to openly. My advice is to never doubt yourself, IGS is full of surprises.
What are your interests at school-after academic , of course ?
LE: I have a great passion for visual arts-painting and drawing are some of my pastimes. Sport also plays a huge role in my life, especially this year playi ng socce r a few days a week has been a great mental and physical release.
CK: I play netball outside of school as well as coaching a team of 11-year-olds. I play piano (after a long line of other instruments including drums). Even though I recently stopped lessons I still enjoy play ing in my spare time.
What for the future? More study, special plans?
CK: My general plan is to take a gap year fo r work and travel. I'd then like to go to either Sydney or Melbourne Uni to study resource economics or environmental economics.
LE : More study is the immediate plan. Next year I also hope to do casual work as an aftercare teacher-1 may as well completely fulfil my role as an IGS tragic I
And Europe comes toiGS
he first gr. up of European Exchange tudents 1ved at IGS in June. From ranee, the exchange students b ow be1ng welcomed by M1chael Man1ska, Director of Rosalba de Genua and IGS
Students savour the Euro ean ex erience
At the end of last year, a group of 17 students embarked on an experience of a lifetime to Italy, France and Germany as part of IGS's annual exchange program. As always, the students returned with wonderful stories, enhanced language skills and a great desire to return to their host country one day soon. Here are some thoughts that were shared by our students while on exchange Already, after how many daystrois?-! have learnt so much in terms of language, definitely food, different people and culture. I really like it here but the cold at times is a bit hard to bear My exchange family is just perfect So welcoming, pleasant, patient and eager to make th1s the best experience possible for me.
I have also made lots of friends in the Lycee The classes are a bit tiling because they last for a long time. One thing that strikes me is the different atmosphere inside the classrooms; i/7 most classes the teachers are so engaging and funny that everybody is Interested and they do their work, but in a some others they and their teachers really seem to care . .
I had a wonderful weekend, one Saturday there were the demonstrations in town and I had my first look at La Place de Comedie. It is so pretty! I love the bwldings and their architecture I feel l1ke I'm in a totally different world, living in the 18th century or something like that Caitlin Bickerton, en France
Yesterday we went to Balzano and Merano near Austna to see Otzi the Ice Man and the churches and old buildings and especially to taste the food at the markets including strudel and strauben. Generally irs been fun with snow ball fights against the Italians and visiting both Rovereto and Trento. I have been speaking the language and understanding it, but it is difficult often with me concentrating mainly on listening and not responding but I am really try1ng to respond.
Ella Cutler, Germany
I attended a New Year's Eve party in Trieste and it was breath-taking, between the good food, loud music, spontaneous musical/ike dance rout1nes and the fireworks just outside the door- it was a night well spent.
Willem de Gouw, ltalia
IGS heads into c ber smart space
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) first presented at a Parent Teacher Forum (see page 11) in April on the topic of cyber safety-a concern for parents in this age of Internet access and social networking.
An ACMA project team then revisited the school in May to 'showcase' an interactive tutorial for students on cyber safety. IGS students from Years 5 and 6 helped ACMA test run the online activity.
ACMA's Senior Education Adviser Philip Knight told Jigsaw it's all about "getting the balance right between the great learning potential of the Web and staying safe from cyber bullying or other negatives that can come from accessing the Internet".
A small delegation from the Hong Kong Education Bureau accompanied the team, keen to see the ACMA Cybersmart Hero activity in action.
Gathering representatives
In follow-up to IGS's involvement in the cyber safety forum, Year 9's Madeleine Goodsir and Year 8's Luke West were invited by the Minister for Broadband and Communications Stephen Conroy to Canberra for a Youth Advisory gathering in May as part of the official launch of National Cyber Security Awareness Week. Their mothers also took part in the consultation.
clockvvise from top left L-R. Philip Kn1ght (ACMA) and Hong Kong delegates Pearl Chan and Cynth1a Char w1th Michael Maniska (IGS), the IGS cho11 v1eW1ng the art after they'd sung for their supper; cyber safe kids
As part of Reconciliation Week in May, IGS was 1nv1ted by the NSW Reconciliation Council to perform at the award ceremony for the Reconcll1at1on Art Challenge Thirty s1ngers, selected from the Years 3-4 Cho1 r and 5-6 Choirs and the Senior Vocal Ensemble, performed Paul Jarman 's work Dreaming in the Sky, conducted by Amandine Petit. The cho1r sang beautifully in the atmosphenc venue, the atnum of the Australian Museum.
The ceremony also featured performances by Indigenous dance troup Descendance and they invited our cho1r on to the stage to join in with a traditional emu dance from north Queensland.
The choir performed again at the school's Ensemble Concert in the Hall in June
The journey to the HSC and beyond
Students from IGS's Year 12, 2010 came to a special assembly this year to impart words of wisdom to this year's Year 12. This is what two of them had to say about getting ready for the HSC
Pace is about getting through the year steadily. Think of it as a marathon-be strong and steady, one assignment foot in front of the other! Using past papers and ta lking to you r teachers can help you to gauge how to study for different subjects. For example, memorising formulas for maths is essential but memorising a pre-prepared essay for English is not, rather, you should understand the prescribed texts and practise essay writing skills. Allot sufficient time for breaks and outings Keep it steady-work hard, play light and exercise regularly to keep mentally and physically strong.
Now studying Economics and Law at Sydney University, James Covic found his HSC year both challenging and enjoyable.
From my experience there are three key 'secrets' to success in the HSC: Selection, Pace and Reality.
Selection is about choosing subjects that work to your strengths, that you enjoy but that also perform well in the HSC ranking and scaling. Ms Bake r and other teachers can help you consider your options. Selecting subjects pure ly based on scaling is not helpful as they are likely to be more difficult ... pick subjects that cater to your strengths and that you actually enjoy I
Reality is about setting goals and keeping an eye on the finish line. Remind yourself that it is an intensive but short year and at the end of it you'll have a long holiday. Also have a firm Plan B, and C, so that if you don't get into the course of your first choice, there is always another option.
Remember, the HSC is not a 'be all and end all'. It makes the next step easier if you get it right but there are many ways of getting to where you want to be. In the meantime, enjoy the final year of high school with your friends and teachers around you, it is a good yearl Best of luck.
James Covic five::, in res 1de'1r:e "JI St Andrews College
New study centre gears
u for the 2 11 crew
Year 12 has a new study centre on Level 1, Kelly Street building. The study centre, which is located in the space that was formerly occupied by the Primary Library (which is now in the new Kerrie Murphy Building) has been reconfigured to include IT access and furniture conducive to students' needs.
"We're delighted to be able to provide Year 12 students with their own, dedicated learning space," IGS Principal Michael Maniska said
"The Year 12 study centre is a learning environment for both individual study and group work The opening of the centre is pivotal in the school's commitment to a culture of teaching and learning at IGS".
Jigsaw dropped in to the study centre one day in May ...
clockw1se from top· Svung study.ng1
Emily 1-!ogg, Jess1ca Guida. Isabella del Grande. Assistant Pnncipal Amhony Dennehy chats wtth Andreas Richter. Jake Hobart pictured w1th Michaei Punch
Theatre at full throttle
Thought leadership forums prove popular
Three PTF thought leadership forums were held in the first semester and a third is planned for September.
The forums have been very popular with over 130 attending the first forum in March on 'cyber safety'.
The presentation explored how to avoid the pitfalls of the cyber world whilst enjoying the benefits. A group of Year 8, 9 and 10 students worked with ACMA on the cyber safety presentation - they included Malika Berney, Eloise Brkic, Siena Grippi, Madeleine Goodsir, Rachel Delaney, Nathan Ventura, Oscar Read, Noah Armesto, Miro Astore, Oion Oovas, Millie Malfroy and Luke West.
ACMA has developed a children's cyber safety website (www.cybersmart.govau) providing an online helpline to provide a quick and easy way for children to report online incidents that cause them concern
In the May forum, UTS's Professor Rosemary Ross Johnston posed the question: 'What would make the National Curriculum truly national?' She shared with the IGS parents and staff the concept of 'deep literacy', and argued that, ideally, this notion should underpin the national curriculum.
The June forum on 'Rethinking Homework' asked the question: What evidence is there that homework results in more effective learning?
Associate Professor Richard Walker from Sydney University spoke to over 70 parents and teachers about the complex issues surrounding homework-the role of the parents, the expectations, the benefits.
A final forum in the series (15 September) discusses 'Enhancing Learning through Technology' with UTS's Or Mathew Kearney.
Theatresports spotlight on IGS teams
Theatresports may involve more treading than running of the boards but the reflexes required can match those of any other team sport. Theatresports teams compete by creating coherent and often amusing scenes, usually on a given topic and always 'on the spot'
In May the IGS Intermediate and Senior Theatresports teams played their way to win the Inner West Cup, an independent competition hosted by Newington College.
The Senior team then went on to win their first heat to progress through to the next qualifying round for June finals in th1s year's NSW Theatresports Schools Challenge but sadly they weren't able to nudge the tough competitors for a spot in the grand final. Still, a gallant effort and great result all round!
Tributes to frien ds past
GAVIN CLOSE, who spent several years as the RTA's school crossing supervisor in Kelly Street, sadly passed away in April. IGS students Olivia Borgese and Freya de Wilde-Barr attended his funeral and wrote the following tribute.
We had the great honour of attending the funeral seNice for Gav in Close. Gavin was a much loved and respected member of the IGS community and we were humbled and privileged to be included in the ceremony markin g his passing and a celeb rati on of his life.
VALERIO DE SIMONI was a former student who loved adventure and had a great social conscience.
Valerio set ou t last year with fellow former student Jamie Kenyon on a wo rld -first global challenge to drive fr om Istanb ul to Sydney on ATV Quad bikes , cove ring over three continents in 12 months. Thei r aim to raise $100 ,000 for Oxfam. Tragically, Valerio lo st hi s life in an accident in Malawi in March. On a brief visit home, Jamie came to IGS and was applauded by stud ents for h1s desire to return to Mal awi to complete the challenge, as a tribut e to Vale rio
We joined a large group of his family and friends and recounted his cheeky, too thy grin, his sparkling eyes and the joy that he brought to all around him.
We shared stories with Gavin's wife, Phyllis and his child ren and told them of ou r gratitude to have known such a wonderful person
A funeral reminds us of the fragility of life and encourages us to live well and to live with love and respectto take advantage of every minute we have with the people we love.
Thank you Gavin for always being there, we love and miss you.
Past student RAJ KHALSA also tragically died this year in a road accident.
Maths teacher Jagdish Raniga said of Raj: "I do not remembe r seeing RaJ on any one day Withou t a smile on his face. He was a good soccer player, good at many sports".
Fo rmer school friend Dano Menendez wrote (from Madagascar): "Raj tried a couple of careers but settled on being a cook which he really enjoyed. He became a family man and was an amazing father to his yo ung daughter Jasmine".
IGS has organised the planting of two trees and plaques in the memory of Valerio and Raj on the Level 4 garden area of the Kelly Stree t building
