SC: The idea of leading a school that puts languages at the centre of its educational program excited me. Then I read Learning Journeys, that amazing gift to the School on its 30 th anniversary. I was so inspired by the history of a little school that struggled to survive in its earliest days – a real ‘David and Goliath’ story. Reg St Leon, our founding Principal spoke about global education in 1984 when not many educators did. He believed that monolingualism wasn’t good enough for Australian children. He drew a picture of Sydney Harbour Bridge and wrote the word 'excellence' above it! What a special place! Then, of course, as a city person who loves the arts, the fit just seemed to be right.
JP: Is the School different from other schools you’ve taught in?
SC: In some ways very different and in other ways so similar. What I love about teaching is that no matter where you are, the way it feels for the teacher has such a similar quality. That’s been my experience anyway. What I love about IGS is what’s different: little kids and big kids often learning and socialising together; walking in every morning to see our youngest children and their parents with their hugs and kisses, farewelling each other for the day; primary assemblies with their celebration of music and languages; Gadigal Country painted on a bold pink wall; so many student voice opportunities; the freedom for our older students to chat in a coffee shop with their mentors; respect, warmth and kindness. The students here are so warm. The school values seem to be in the air. My overwhelming impression so far is that this is a warm school with a soft culture. Strong relationships seem to infuse all that happens here.
From the Principal
JP: How did your passion for teaching and learning come about?
SC: I was lucky. I had very inspirational teachers. I looked up to my teachers and wanted to be like them. For me, teaching is like the air that I breathe. I love to teach. It’s been a constant in my life since I was 21. I also love to study and to learn. I’ve had many amazing opportunities. One of the highlights of my career was the chance to study cinema at New York University. It changed my life and gave me the chance to study 'the school' as a complex organisation. My MBA, on the other hand was the most creative learning experience I have had. I learned so much across so many faculties and disciplines. It’s nice to be part of a learning community with like-minded people. I see myself as the Head Teacher here at IGS, working collaboratively with committed professionals, never too far away from the classroom which is such a transformational place in the lives of students.
JP: What is your philosophy on learning?
SC: I believe in the kingdom of childhood and as teachers we have a special responsibility to protect and prolong childhood through inspiring early experiences in school.. Educare from the Latin means to draw out that which is within. This is our role as teacher; locating the gifts of the child and bringing these to the fore. We
2015 Student Leader Jordan Pardoel interviewed the Principal Shauna Colnan during her first term at IGS.
Jordan Pardoel interviews the Principal
should aim for deep levels of understanding and give students opportunities to perform their understanding in real life situations. Learning should be challenging and fun. Respect should be the currency of the classroom and of the School. In my experience, when you respect students they respect you. I believe deeply that global education is now a learning entitlement of all children Finally, an enduring belief of mine is that parents are the child's first teachers and in the best situations, the partnership between the child, the parent and the school is open and strong.
JP: Tell us some more about your background in Drama?
SC: I remember as a 10-year-old girl, sitting in Ashcroft High School Hall. The lights went down and the strains of Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story could be heard as the curtain rose on the New York tenement block of Tony and Maria. I was mesmerised and have been hooked on the magic of the theatre ever since. My Masters is in English Literature and Drama and some of my most enjoyable and rewarding experiences in schools have been when I directed Annie at Ravenswood and Pirates, Oliver and Les Misérables at Barker. Les Mis is my favourite musical and I have a dream that we could stage it here at IGS in English and in French. A bilingual Les Misérables! Imagine that!
Global competence is now a learning entitlement for all children. Our students need to be flexible, open minded, discerning, creative problem solvers, independent and collaborative, curious and communicative. They need self-control and self-awareness. They must think about others. Tech savvyness is now a given. World savvyness is the new frontier.
Shauna Colnan, Principal, Speech Night Address
JP: What are you excited about for next term/year?
SC: I’m excited about seeing IGS through a whole year from start to finish. I am excited about getting to know more people more deeply. I’m excited about taking my Year 12 English Extension 2 class through the major work journey. I’m looking forward to Shakespeare Bootcamp for Year 7 and Archaeology Pop Up Project for Year 8 as we shape the new SAGE program which will be a unique curriculum offering for students at IGS. I want to enhance what we do and look for opportunities to do so. Finally, I can’t wait to work with the school community to forge a new strategic direction that honours the past and takes us into the future with courage, energy and optimism.
Speech Night at the State Theatre was described by a parent as a mix of “excellent speeches, music and emotion”.
The Paul Jarman-commissioned 30 th Anniversary piece Love for the Turning World filled the elegant theatre with beautiful music, in addition to performances by Mi-kaisha Masella; Hestea Cook, Nicola Irvin and Amandine Petit
Principal Shauna Colnan spoke of her warm welcome by the IGS community in her first term at the School and the amazing achievements of IGS over the past 30 years She acknowledged the work of former Principal Michael Maniska and paid special tribute to founding Principal Professor Reg St Leon and to the 12 teachers who have dedicated over 20 years of service to the school (see pic page 25)
Board Chair Larissa Cook joined Ms Colnan in presenting special prizes including the inaugural Global Scholar’s Prize with winning essay to Samuel Garrett and Academic Dux of 2014, awarded to Marita O’Grady
Julia Zemiro
How can you not love languages? They’re like songs to me. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have two languages, at once, ready to go.
Being a good listener, hearing the little things, looking for the subtleties. We live in this world full of wonder, but it’s also a place of fear, and intolerance. People who are good at sharing information and communicating with one another are the most important resource we can have … and can become.
Julia Zemiro
A world of celebrations rocks IGS
With this year’s theme of ‘Global Celebrations’ to match our 30 th Anniversary year, International Day started with a ’red carpet ‘reception for special guest, television host and bi-linguist Julia Zemiro. The party continued with a day-long program of special assemblies, international food stalls, virtual Italian gondola and Indian Taj Mahal rooms; face painting, music, dance and more dance – and even a re-enactment of a Jewish wedding.
Director of Languages and Co - ordinator for the day, Rosalba Genua-Petrovic was amazed by the number of workshops and activities, many run by parents and friends of IGS.
Special guest Julia Zemiro and her mother Jane (writer of widely-adopted series of French text books Tapis Volant) both attended the assembly and activities and were ‘mobbed’ by students and staff. As Julia modestly quipped,”this time my mother is the star!”
However, there was no doubting Julia’s own star quality when she told the captivated senior assembly audience that she was “delighted to be swapping the sticky carpet of the Esplanade Hotel in St Kilda Melbourne where we film Rockwiz, to be here with you today at this wonderful school for International Day”.
Julia spoke warmly and wittily of her childhood, growing up with two languages. She spoke of the ongoing joy and curiosity of learning about other languages and culture and her experience as the Australian co-host of the Eurovision telecast over the past few years.
Julia, merci beaucoup de IGS!
Thank you to Tony Mott for many photos.
Tribute to Keren Skyring
Keren Skyring may have put her last IGS book back on the Biggs Family (Primary) Library shelf, however, reading and books will still play a big part In her retirement!
You are leaving IGS after 15 years …
KS: It is with mixed emotions that I farewell the Primary Library. Working with the teachers, children and books for the past 15 years at IGS has been such a privilege and a journey. I have had the opportunity of observing the many changes in the children’s book industry and the way our students love their reading, their books and their stories.
“The crow let out a long, dry, croak and flapped away. Kathleen stood next to the track, clutching her book, and sighed. It was all over. She watched as the train palled slowly away. Metal on metal. It screeched out of town. Through the saltbush and past a lonely bent acacia, it disappeared into the distance”.
That is small paragraph from the last book Mrs Skyring read to my class, called Tea and Sugar Christmas, by Jane Jolly and Robert Ingpen.
Once a week, Mrs Skyring would read a story to each primary class. This was a highlight in the week for all of us. Over the 15 years that Mrs Skyring worked at IGS, over 8,000 students and teachers have walked through the Primary Library.
Tatum Faber, Year 6
What will you miss most about being Teacher Librarian for Primary School?
KS: It has been a pleasure to share the children’s ideas about the stories I read to them and the books they are reading themselves. It is wonderful to watch their growing enjoyment of reading and increasing ability to share their ideas with each other. I have been inspired by the belief that sustained silent reading has inherent value in this contemporary world where distractions abound. It encourages focus, empathy, imagination and curiosity. A library has been called a room with open arms. It is a shared space for supporting learning across the School. It is a safe space where children and teachers can read, play, learn and recreate. It is impossible not to be optimistic about the world when one works with young children and watches them blossom and develop. Thank you IGS.
You have also been the School’s Indigenous Studies Co-ordinator and our Indigenous students look up to you and enjoy your Koori Club gatherings. They will miss you!
KS: It has been a privilege to be part of the journey of Indigenous education at IGS and to have the opportunity to observe the Koori kids grow and develop – and to be part of their lives. I shall always cherish my memories of Koori Club.
What are your plans for retirement?
KS: Well, for a start I’m going to read more adult books, grow better roses and travel when it’s not school holidays! I hope to go to a writer’s festival or two and spend more time with friends.
Indigenous Connections
This semester, IGS continued to celebrate and explore Indigenous learning and culture.
Koori Club and welcome tea
New IGS Indigenous scholarship students and their families joined current Koori Club children and families for a special ‘welcome’ afternoon tea in the Primary Library.
IGS leads the parade
Vox Pops for SBS series First Contact
Year 4 and some of our Indigenous students from other years led the Gurung Parade with over 3,000 children attending in November to mark the start of Corroboree 2014 –a major festival in Sydney. As festival co-ordinator Hetti Perkins said, her father (the late Charles Perkins) “would have loved this day –he loved children”.
Several of our Indigenous students and their friendship groups helped SBS Television film some ‘vox pops’ as promo clips online for the series, First Contact, showing in November
Three of our IGS girls featured first on the SBS Facebook site and all the students really enjoyed the experience, especially the hair and make-up!
A life-changing experience. If you ever get the chance to take part in a Red Earth Connections trip, please take it. It was an excellent bonding experience and a chance to learn about our country. Sybila
The trip was the most breathtaking experience, and I really enjoyed it and got so much out of it.
Ben
Red Earth Tour –a ‘life-changing’ experience for IGS travellers
The twenty-three IGS students from Years 9–11 who undertook the first Red Earth Connections tour in September/October declared the experience of going outback and helping the community in Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands APY) Lands in remote South Australia to be “a life changing and unforgettable experience”
Lucy Howard-Shibuya and Thom Marchbank accompanied the group The students helped a community build an outdoor shower block and veggie garden They also visited sacred sites including Uluru media including the Sydney Morning Herald, the National Indigenous Times and the Inner West Courier relayed their story
This immersion was such an amazing and unique opportunity and I will never forget this wonderful experience. It not only benefited their community but also ours. Jess
Staff Profile– Meet Kygim
Kygim King is assisting in communications at IGS on a part-time basis while she studies Law at UTS. Jigsaw caught up with her at the end of Term 4.
What do you enjoy about working part-time at IGS?
KK: I enjoy my time at IGS because it allows me to be a part of a diverse community of staff and students My part-time role as Communications Assistant has challenged my creative side of writing which I don’t focus much on at university – legal writing is more methodical and a completely different style� What about Koori Club?
KK: I really enjoy going to Koori Club meets and mingling with the Indigenous students because I can get to know them and I like the way the students bond and have their own community at IGS I especially like seeing the way the younger primary kids look up to the high school students
What are you doing right now?
KK: I have just finished my second year of Law at UTS These summer holidays, I have obtained an internship at Macquarie Group with the help of Career Trackers (an organisation that helps indigenous uni students find internships within the private sector) I’ll be interning during the holidays in the Banking and Financial Services team overseeing the role of in-house lawyers and helping on different projects Next year, I begin the third year of my degree and look forward to finishing the following year Ed: IGS appreciates the time Kygim spends at the School, helping with the publications workload and sharing her experience and perspective with the students and the community. We look forward to welcoming her back in 2015.
Tell and show!
Activities on several special days during the last semester encouraged our students to live, tell and show stories in many ways –and different languages!
Book Week
Early Learning embraced Book Week in August and there was no story (certainly costume-wise) left untold!
Kindy enjoys a French and Japanese showcase
The languages of French and Japanese told stories side by side during a special Kindergarten afternoon in September. A puppet show was followed by craft activities.
And Year 7 Languages Immersion Day
The four languages taught in primary school – French, German, Italian and Japanese – treated their students to a special day of activities both on and off campus when the whole of Year 7 was immersed in the study of their language From Italian ‘Master Chef’ to French petanqué (bowls), a German interpretation of a visit to Taronga Zoo and the Japanese display at the Art Gallery, Year 7 was transported to other lands through language and culture
Topic of Choice
Independent Research
Tasks (IRT)s are a great way for students to fully follow their curiosity in learning Students take the time to independently hone in on a subject of special interest and explore several facets of the topic through research, art, writing, modelling or film – and presentation to their peers
This page applauds the amazing range and passion of some of the Year 6 projects this semester
Home and away …
IGS recognises the enormous advantage to our students, both linguistically and socially, of being immersed in another culture and language.
Three groups of exchange students from Europe (Valbonne France, Madrid Spain and Rovereto Italy) came to IGS mid-year to study with their hosts at school and enjoy some other intercultural activities. Their visit also coincided with International Day.
Fifteen of our own Year 8 and 9 IGS students also travelled to Spain with languages teacher Juliette Bates and Head of HSIE David Miller in September and October for a stint at the Colegio Ceu San Pablo Monteprincipe, Madrid
My Exchange experience was phenomenal: one of the best experiences of my life… I can’t wait to go back to Spain
Elie Hebden
Elie Hebden wrote about it: Intercambio Español
Mi experiencia de intercambio era fenomenal: una de las mejores experiencias de mi vida. Me encanta todo de Madrid, pero la ciudad es muy diferente de Sidney. Una de las mayores diferencias es que todo ocurre más tarde que en Sidney.
En España, visitamos el museo del Prado con todos los alumnos de IGS. También, visitamos un antiguo pueblo medieval llamado Toledo. Nos divertimos mucho durante todas nuestras visitas y nos asustamos en el parque de atracciones.
Conocimos a muchas nuevas personas y vamos a quedar en contacto con nuestros nuevos amigos por mucho tiempo. Durante el intercambio yo aprendí una lengua extranjera. Me ha dado muchas oportunidades y no puedo esperar para volver a España.
Three IGS students also extended their second language study of French, however, this time their exchange took place closer to home and not across the seas Oliver Lawton, Georgia Pullham and Chad Martin spent a week at the end of term in class at the Lycée Condorcet (French School) in Maroubra The annual exchange between the two schools is proving popular
They are pictured here
with Denise Hamilton, Deputy Principal of the Lycée
I thought this expedition was an amazing trip and I got to see things and meet people from a different part of the word and different culture. This trip made me realise how lucky I am to live where I live but I would definitely go back to India.
Florian Hasche
Performing an ancient Greek play we had spent so many hours working on, in an actual ancient Greek theatre, was one of the most amazing experiences one could hope for in the field of drama. We had an amazing time performing ... On top of all this, we got to visit some local Greek schools, and see how they learnt as well as meeting (and playing basketball) with some of the students.
Distant roads lead to closer community
This year, IGS took part in a phenomenal series of trips to different parts of the world to enhance the students’ intercultural understanding, their sense of social justice and creativity. In addition to the inaugural Red Earth Connections tour (see page 6) and the exchange to Spain (see page 9), teams travelled to India and Greece.
Antipodeans to India
The Antipodeans tour to India included two teams (40 students) and teachers Stephen Pace, Sophie Jones, Julian Kennard and Jodie Blacker. They ventured to northern India to experience the delights of Darjeeling, a town in the Indian state of West Bengal that spreads over a steep mountain ridge, surrounded by green tea plantations with Himalayan peaks in the background. Along with a few nights in Kolkata, students interacted with the Tibetan community in Sonada, to the south of Darjeeling, whilst constructing a basketball court and painting the dining hall at the Central School for Tibetans, their community project.
The expedition also gave students the opportunity to trek the Singalila Ridge, with spectacular views of the highest and third-highest mountains in the world – Mt Everest (8,848 m) and Kanchenjunga (8,586m).
Martin Gossow
I went to places I may never see again. This is why it was worthwhile. I have gained knowledge and experience from this, leaving me as a more open person.
Andrew Salkeld
Taking to the stage of history in Greece
Seven young thespians and history students travelled with to Greece with Head of Drama Rita Morabito and History staffer Maky Tsomis to perform ‘ancient Greek theatre’ in an international event. They performed an ancient Greek classic The Wasps in an original amphitheatre.
The first thing that really struck me about Greece was the countryside. Although most of the country’s forests were cut down in ancient times, the largely mountainous terrain, with its vast olive groves, truly gives a sense of being in a different world. “We went ahead with our performance in front of a fairly sizeable audience of 700 students on the Thursday. Afterwards, a good portion of the audience came down to the stage, eagerly seeking photo after photo with the cast. This was, in my mind, the highlight of the trip!
Sebastian Kringas
Popular destination for educator delegations
IGS hosted a record three overseas educator delegations last semester –Thailand, China and Japan
IGS puts the ‘i’ into iTunes iBook
IGS students under the guidance of Music Director Alison Housley, Visual Arts Head Sophie Lampert, composer-in-residence Marjery Smith and former composer-inresidence Samuel Wright continued their innovative journey this year to publish what is the first of its kind –an iBook by high school students with original music, words and artworks
Finding Home pays tribute to the School’s 30 th Anniversary and reveals beautiful drawings and painted images to accompany the story of the mythical Kangoose and friends as they visit Sydney’s iconic sites and find their way home to IGS The project received endorsement from the sites including the Metropolitan Aboriginal Lands Council
Go online now (via free download on iTunes iBook app to the link below) to enjoy this extra special work It makes a lovely bedtime story for children too!
Link itunes apple com/au/book/ finding-home/id933460321?mt=11
Showtime for showcases
This year’s Year 12 cohort kept up the IGS tradition of excellence in their ‘body of works’ exhibitions and results. Showcases for English, Visual Arts and Design, Music and Drama treated the school community to a wonderful range of works and performances.
Not surprising then, that at time of print, several students’ works were nominated or selected for state showcases.
State-wide showcase nominations and selections
ARTEXPRESS
Selected for Art Gallery of NSW
❙ Georgia Briers, selected for Caught in a Daydream
❙ Elly Carantinos, selected for film My Only Enemy is Time
Nominated:
❙ Phoebe Cutler, nominated, Homage to Niceties
❙ Marita O’Grady, nominated, A Banqueting Scene
ONSTAGE
Selected for Seymour Centre
❙ Matilda Davis, Ella FitzpatrickLubowitz and Madeleine Madden, selected for Backtrack
❙ Elodie Hennessey-Trupheme, selected for Poster Design for the play Falling Petals
❙ Madeleine Goodsir, selected for Critical Analysis Applied Research Project on her chosen subject of Women in Theatre
Nominated:
❙ Nicola Irvin, nominated for Karagiozi
❙ Hestea Cook, nominated for Autumn,
❙ Sam Varian, Madeleine Goodsir, Nicola Irvin and Hestea Cook, nominated for Univershoeties
❙ Madeleine Madden, nominated for film Daisy
ENCORE
Nominated:
❙ Hestea Cook, nominated for both Performance and Composition in Music 1
YOUNG WRITERS’ SHOWCASE
Nominated:
❙ Holly Davison, Extension 2, shortlisted for the Young Writers’ Showcase
DesignTECH
Nominated:
❙ Marlo Lyda
❙ Zoe Crocker
Previous HSC Showcaser
Thuso Lekwape (Class of '11) graduated from NIDA in November.
Also on reel
Several students’ film works were also screened at festivals including the Robin Anderson Film Awards and the Newington Film Festival with Madeleine Madden’s Daisy winning the Screenplay award at the Robin Anderson and the main prize at the Newington
Robin Anderson
Madeleine Madden’s film Daisy and Naysan Baghai’s (Year 11) Crushed, both screened at Dendy Opera Quays
Newington
The Gadget (Film studies) by Himavaan Chandra (Year 10); My Only Enemy is Time by Elly Carantinos; ShatterPoint by Naysan Baghai (Year 11), and Daisy by Maddy Madden screened at Newington Film Festival
Parent community news
The Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTF) continued to oversee and run many events and activities, both on and off campus during the second half of the year.
Events included two more Thought Leadership Forums – the first by Paul Dillon on ‘Drug and Alcohol concerns for teenagers’ and the second, ‘How to keep curiosity alive in learning in the middle years’, by Dr Kimberley Pressick-Kilborn and Jacqui Baker, Assistant Principal Academic Programs.
PTF President Diana Hasche thanked her fellow committee and Class Representatives for their work and the School, in turn, thanked all its volunteers at a special breakfast at the end of term.
This page includes some photos from this semester’s activities and an advert for the year’s major project, the Learning Journeys book – there are still copies of this beautiful, award -winning book available. See advertisement below right.
IGS invited the parent community earlier this year to participate in an independent survey to provide feedback on their expectations for the School going forward. Thirty per cent of current parents and participated.carers They were asked what they liked about the School and to make suggestions for any areas needing development. See highlights from the next pages 15–18.
IGS Parental Expectations Report 2014
Background
IGS commissioned consultancy TNS to conduct a Parental Expectations Survey earlier this year. Approximately one-third of families in the parent and carer community participated in the survey and School Leadership Team found the ensuing report to be a valuable tool for reflection and planning. Jigsaw shares some of the key findings on the following pages.
Who completed the survey?
A total of 339 parents responded to the email link asking them to participate in the online survey.
❙ More mothers (69%) answered the survey than fathers (31%).
❙ Just over half of all parents only have one child attending IGS (56%), followed by 40% who have two children at the school, and 4% who have three.
❙ The majority do not have any children at other schools (85%).
❙ Most commonly parents had children who had started at the school 4 to 7 years ago (42%).
A good range of parents of children across different school years participated in the survey; there was a slightly higher proportion of Year 10 parents (14%) and Kindergarten parents (13%).
❙ The majority do not speak a language other than English at home (78%- students, 76%- mothers, 77%- fathers).
❙ Just over half (52%) answered the survey on behalf of themselves only, and the remainder (48%) answered on behalf of themselves and other care-givers.
❙ There was an even split between parents who answered the survey on an overall level and those who answered per child (51% and 49% respectively).
IGS Parental Expectations Report 2014
Summary of findings
Demographics and other research factors
The IGS student base resides mainly in the Sydney, Leichhardt and Marrickville LGAs. The socio-economic profile of IGS students’ families is relatively high overall, with considerable representation of professionals, those with high levels of educational attainment, and those residing in advantaged suburbs.
❙ While parents consider a range of independent and government schools when selecting a school for their child, IGS stands out as a result of its focus on language, desirable school values, and – particularly at secondary level – its co-educational and secular educational approach. These core characteristics form the brand identity of the school – and set it apart from other independent schools.
❙ IGS is performing strongly on an overall level, is seen to be largely achieving its vision, and is generally thought to offer good value for money. Some parents identified issues in need of attention including learning expectations at secondary school; and an increased focus on sport at pre-school and primary levels.
School culture: IGS’ school culture is one of its key selling points, and is viewed positively by the overwhelming majority of parents across school levels. There is particular endorsement of the school’s cultural diversity, its global perspective, and the warm, secure environment it offers students.
Communication is most significant on a one-on-one level between parents and teachers. While other forms of IGS communication rate strongly, parents are most desirous of accessible and timely communication with classroom teachers. The portal and website are also considered potentially useful, but may be in need of updating.
(Ed: During the survey period, a ‘new’ website was already under development and was launched in July 2014)
Teacher quality: Teacher quality emerged as by far the most significant school dimension for IGS parents. Concerns were expressed about staff continuity and opportunities for professional development.
(Ed: IGS enjoys one of the highest teacher retention rates of independent schools with absences or attrition mainly due to maternity leave, long service leave and retirement. Over 3,000 hours of Professional Development took place in 2014 and an innovative professional development program is planned for all staff in 2015.)
School programs: Perceptions of IGS’ school programs are dominated by the language program, and, to a lesser extent, the music program – both of which are important for parents and largely successful in meeting their expectations. By contrast, the subject choices available to students in Years 9-12 are considered less favourably [on the scale of importance].
Service Delivery: IGS rates strongly on two key aspects of service delivery: its co-educational and secular approach to education. This holds particular appeal at secondary school level. There is more concern, however, about the school’s infrastructure, including buildings and facilities, learning areas and IT capabilities.
IGS Parental Expectations Report 2014
Academic standing: While this is certainly an area of importance and always in need of attention, survey responses suggest that some parents see a trade-off between academic standing and other appealing aspects of IGS – most notably its values and culture, which are important drivers of school selection for IGS parents.
(Ed: IGS is a non-selective school but performs consistently well in NAPLAN and in the HSC –and in comparison with other independent and state schools)
While there was broad consistency of findings across school levels, the research suggests that the language program and bilingual partial immersion holds greatest appeal at a pre-school and primary school level, while school values, culture and teaching standards become more important aspects of the secondary school offer.
Achieving Vision
Findings suggest that IGS is largely seen to be achieving its vision of “inspiring and achieving diversity, personal achievement, authenticity, connectedness and vibrancy…”
This was particularly evident at pre-school and primary school levels.
To what extent is IGS meeting parents’ expectations?
At an overall level, IGS is thought to be performing strongly in terms of school culture and values, and service delivery [with some attention needed in other areas. The chart is primarily based on ‘’extremely good’ responses].
“We think the students at IGS as a whole are very well behaved, are pleasant and seem happy. We do think this is a direct consequence of the culture and atmosphere developed from the school values. More emphasis on academic achievement, language ability and sporting achievement would be welcome but not at all costs and at the expense of the students’ wellbeing. The all important balance needs to be maintained.
IGS Parental Expectations Report 2014
Recommendations
Recommendations included:
❙ Reinforcing positive brand identity through communications and continued investment – e.g. unmatched languages program; strong music program, inclusive and culturally diverse community; secular and co-educational education.
❙ Consolidating positive perceptions of IGS while drawing attention to aspects of the School about which there is a lack of awareness or understanding
❙ Investing in key areas to ensure that the IGS experience meets parents’ expectations e.g. teacher salaries, support, professional development, parent-teacher communications
❙ Updating the Portal to serve as a more interactive tool of communication
❙ Continuing to invest in Thought Leadership Forums for existing and future parents
❙ Ensuring that while IGS is positioned as the ‘school for languages’, it is also shown to offer high quality education in other areas (which it does)
❙ Enhancing existing use of space within the School (indoor and outdoor)
Conclusion
The survey provided the School Board, Principal Shauna Colnan and the Leadership Team rich feedback as they begin to develop a new strategic plan for 2016 and beyond.
Thought Leadership Forums 2015
International Grammar School (IGS) continues their successful Thought Leadership Forum series on topical educational issues. Organised by the School’s PTF and the Leadership Team, the forums are open to parents, teachers and interested community members.
Term 1
Term 2
21st Century Technologies for 21st Century mental health problems?
Professor Ian Hickie
Thursday 25 March 2015, 6–7pm
The Early Learning Years
Joseph Degeling
Friday 22 May, 9.30–10.30am
Free childcare provided onsite during the session
Term 3
Adolescent behaviour and wellbeing
Professor Kate Steinbeck
Thursday 10 September 2015, 6–7pm
Term 4
Navigating our children’s food environment
Dr Kieron Rooney and Associate Professor Tim Gill
Thursday 5 November, 6–7pm
Forums are free for IGS parents, teachers and friends. For more information, please contact IGS Reception: 02 9219 6700 or e: Reception@igssyd.nsw.edu.au
Into the Wild
IGS has a thriving culture of learning. In the last year alone, over 3,000 hours of professional development have been completed. This page gives a glimpse of a recent, exciting staff development day facilitated by Principal Shauna Colnan.
‘A campus wide conversation is underway. It’s about who we are and who we want to be.
Let’s bring the conversation that began this term into one space.
Into the Wild promises to be a fun, physical and creative day.
We’ll talk about our school, work in teams and have a go at writing a new mission and vision – who we are and who we want to be.’
This is how Shauna Colnan introduced the staff professional development day that was held in the last week of 2014. Shauna facilitated the day, with a little help from artist and IGS dad, Vincent de Gouw, who visually captured the ideas of the day in a stunning mural.
The entire staff of IGS gathered together in KMB3 to participate in a series of innovative workshops and to share insights and ideas about our school and our students.
Feedback indicates that an inspiring, energising and thought provoking day was had by all.
For me, your departure will be particularly significant, as you have been with me throughout my five years of high school at IGS ... you have always been there for me, helping, supporting and inspiring the years below you. For that reason you will be particularly missed. As a year group you have contributed so much to our school and have helped create such a supportive community.
Cosmo Reindorf, on behalf of Year 11
Last days of Year 12
The Class of 2014 was fondly farewelled at the end of Term 3 through a mocktail party, whitewater rafting, a trip to the Zoo with Kindy and farewell assemblies.
Jigsaw also wishes the cohort the best for their chosen plans for 2015.
"In an article I read recently, I was and wasn’t surprised to read that students apparently forget 95% of the content they learn while at school by the time they are 30, but recall 95% of life lessons they learned at school and the atmosphere and culture of their school, for life. …
"Year 12, your year group has been characterised by a delightful sense of vibrancy and hard work. …You are great conversationalists, always engaged, observant, willing to explore, keen to understand perspectives and views, respectful, inclusive and above all, you are keen to be you, and rightly so!
"If I had to predict, I would say that in 2034, you may be at your 20-year reunion reflecting on your time at school. You will do well to recall 95% of the content you have learned this year, but I am completely convinced, just as the article suggested, you will recollect, with fondness, your days as IGS students, the life lessons you learned here, and our IGS values of diversity, personal achievement, connectedness, authenticity and vibrancy.
Vale Year 12 2014!"
Michael Maniska Principal, September 2014
One of IGS’s most unique traits is that it will always seek to accommodate its students, whether it be by providing the opportunity themselves or simply being open to and supportive of the individual’s commitments outside of school. I can honestly say that it has been so important to me and I know for countless others throughout our schooling lives.
D’autre part, las lenguas ofrecidas at IGS are truly a gift.
The simple fact that I could have written and delivered this speech in French or Spanish, shows the quality and passion of the languages staff who spend hours on end perfecting our beloved part B sections.
Malika Berney, Year
12
After reading your letter to us, our teachers explained to us what you meant by “igs-ness” and “that thing” and now that we get it, we agree with you! We do feel very loved and fortunate to be a part of the IGS Family
Kindy to Year 12
Kindy, right now you are at the beginning of an incredible journey. I am jealous that each day you get to walk through the front gates with the chance you will find, yet another reason why this school is so special. You will uncover that from top to bottom, these tall buildings contain a magic feeling that is hard to describe.
I’ll leave you with a quote from someone you might know, Winnie the pooh: “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”!
Good luck Kindy Elodie Hennesy-Trupheme, Year 12
Co-curricular speaks out
IGS holds court …
The School’s Mock Trial team achieved the School’s best ever result in reaching the second round of the elimination trials. The team was narrowly defeated by the Sutherland Shire Christian School team. The team was led by teacher Jonathan White with former school parent David Hirsch giving invaluable assistance on legal matters The team comprised Phoebe Finlayson-Cook, Esther HannanMoon, Mollie Beehan, Luke West, Edie Bannerman, Charles Goodsir, Maxim Adams and Samuel Garrett.
… And wins the debate
In what was an even more impressive year for the debating teams, all teams reached the quarter finals and the Senior Team won the Grand Final in its division! The Middle Team came runner up in its division.
Charles Goodsir was voted Best Debater for the day and Edie, Maxim Adams and Charles all received awards as Best Debater- Runner Up for the final rounds. Maxim also received an award for Best Debater in the Preliminary rounds. Sam Varian received an award for Best DebaterRunner Up for Opens. FiFi Levy-Bell, Lukian Adams and Eoghan Kilbridge received Best Debater- Runner Up awards and Leo Payten, in an outstanding achievement, was named Overall Best Debater in the Preliminary rounds. Team coach Mr Ben Haeusler was thrilled with the students' achievements.
Duke of Edinburgh Award adventures on …
The School’s involvement with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme has continued to thrive under the leadership of Mrs Lucy Haynes. Gold Awards were forwarded to Anton Bouckley, Madeleine Goodsir, Ella Spear and Nathalie Pinson. There were also three Silver Awards and 22 Bronze Awards achieved and 30 Year 9 students went on a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh camp in September.
From music to Malawi
In honour of Valerio
Many of the IGS school community would remember the tragic loss of former student Valerio Daniel De Simoni (Class of '04) in 2011 when he was killed in a quad bike accident taking part in an Oxfam charity ride through Africa with fellow former student Jamie Kenyon and friend Teddy.
Valerio’s mother Vittoria Pasquini and his friends have lovingly kept Valerio’s memory and spirit alive in the way that he would have imagined – through his respect for community, his sense of social justice and his writing.
Beyond the establishment of the Valerio Daniel De Simoni Association (VDSA) in 2011, Vittoria travelled in August this year via the Italian arm of the organisation to Malawi with her brother Massimo to unveil a plaque in Valerio’s memory. The Italian Ambassador to Zambia, the representative of the Australian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, the Italian Honorary Consul in Malawi, the Oxfam Malawi representative, and business people and some local people who had met Valerio all attended the ceremony. Vittoria told Jigsaw that she found the ceremony “extremely moving and special”.
The duo then travelled some 500 km north to a small village called Lura where the Gamba Primary School has embraced the idea of growing an organic vegetable garden sponsored by the VDSA and SlowFood in Valerio’s name. SlowFood aids the return to traditional and organic food (non-genetically modified) growing practices around the world.
Vittoria described the experience of visiting the local school and garden at Gamba Primary as inspiring.
“Here is this small school with no desks, no windows, no stationery and yet the teachers were wonderful, the students engaged and their ‘Valerio’ garden was magnificent”. Vittoria took the students some notebooks and has thought of other ways Valerio’s sponsorship may be able to help. (See the box at right).
In fact, IGS’s Primary School is already planning a special day in 2015 for raising funds for Gamba Primary.
Valerio’s words
Following the Malawi journey, all of the IGS community enjoyed the commissioned work of Paul Jarman at the special 30 th Anniversary music showcase in November with Valerio’s words inspiring the overall Love for the Turning World theme and one of his poems providing the lyrics for the first Movement Orange Tree
Valerio’s second book, Valerio’s Travel Journals was launched at the Italian Institute of Culture in December.
Continuing Valerio’s legacy
❙ Helping the Gamba Primary School (e.g. raising funds for educational aids, gardening tools, solar panels)
❙ Purchasing Valerio’s book at Abbey’s Bookshop on York Street, Sydney.
❙ Finding out more: www.valeriodesimoni.org/ FACEBOOK: Valerio Daniel De Simoni Association www.slowfood.org
L-R: Julia Glass, Vittoria Pasquini and Shauna Colnan at the book launch
One of the things I love about IGS, is that there is no such thing as a typical IGS kid. But they do share certain qualities in common: they are invariably comfortable in their own skin and consequently confident to go out into the world around them.
This was recently illustrated to me when I was watching The Voice. There were two girls who stood out – even before I knew they were former students of IGS. Both very different but equally beautiful and talented – they shared an ease and openness which was palpable and which marked them out as the product of an IGS education. I am pleased to welcome them both here to entertain you tonight – Rosie Henshaw (Class of '04) followed by Mia Morrissey ('12).
Larissa Cook, Board Chair
IGS@ 30 –a night at The Ivy
IGS continued its 30 th Anniversary celebrations this semester with the grand community event in July – a gala evening at the Ivy. Over 300 parents, staff and former students gathered in the Ivy Ballroom to dine on the delights of gourmet food stations and enjoy entertainment from above –parent and aerialist Paige Walker – to on stage with former students and The Voice contestants Rosie Henshaw and
We will shortly farewell Michael Maniska who has in his all too brief tenure, taken us to new heights in terms of languages learning and academic success. We wish Michael bonne chance and bon voyage as he heads off at the end of this term to take up his new position in LA.
Larissa Cook
Board Chair Larissa Cook made the surprise announcement that the Kelly Street campus building will be renamed in honour of founding Principal Professor Reg St Leon.
Outgoing Principal Michael Maniska also announced that the community’s Learning Journeys: 30 years of International Grammar School had won an international book publishing award.
BrendanReadPhotos
Thank you to Brendan Read and Annie Kim for photos.
You are that community and each of you should feel justifiably proud of our achievements –whether you are one of our magnificent foundation teachers who have been here since that first day in 1984 (including our first two Principals Reg St Leon and Rita Fin); a member of our growing alumni (we have with us tonight a couple from 1987 and 1988 who met at IGS and subsequently married); our magnificent benefactors, the Biggs Family; or current students and parents. We have all bought into the IGS idea and helped it come to fruition.
Larissa Cook
Music showcase pays tribute to the 30th year
IGS’s annual Music Showcase at St Barnabas Auditorium turned into an even more spectacular evening than usual for this year’s 500 members of the audience and ensembles Composer Paul Jarman was commissioned to write a piece for the Anniversary and he crafted Love for the Turning World, three movements based on the concept and poetry of Valerio De Simoni (Class of 2004) Valerio tragically died in a quad bike accident in Malawi when riding for Oxfam
The choral and orchestral performances were stunning Tribute was also paid at Speech Night for the 13 teachers who have dedicated more than 20 years of service to IGS, pictured below (absent Paul Galea)
Good sports … … and good swots!
This semester featured athletics carnivals for both Primary and High School –and a mini -swimming carnival for our mini-swimmers (Kindy and Year 1).
Even though the IGS Years 5 and 6 It’s Academic teams didn’t swot, you would think they could have as they did very well indeed in October when they travelled to join over 25 other school teams at the Foxtel Studios for Channel 7 for a new series of It’s Academic!
Jigsaw is not able to provide any results as the show doesn’t air until later in 2015 However, we can say that the IGS team of 17 students had a ball Highlights, besides knowing many of the answers, were ‘getting make-up done’ and ‘practising buzzer techniques’ as apparently the buzzers required quite a degree of pressure!
Looking forward to seeing the show onscreen later next year!
Lunch with the Principal
Each Friday last term, Principal Shauna Colnan invited 10 students from one of the years in Primary (from Kindy to Year 6) to lunch in her office
They all shared storybooks, munched on sandwiches, discussed all sorts of things from Van Gogh to unicorns and several even took a turn behind the Principal’s desk Ms Colnan declared it her favourite part of the week as she found out more about her new school and her enthusiastic young students
Next semester, high school students will share lunch with the Principal
IGS Alumni news
From the Archives…
❙ Thank you to former Principal Rita Fin for the photo at far right, as well as to Hermione Vakirtzis (Class of '95) and to Marcel Lando (Class of '01) for their recent contributions to the Archives!
❙ Nathalie Pinson (at right) from the Class of ’14 has been at IGS helping to sort our Archive cupboards in order to preserve them for future generations of IGS students and community members If you would like to donate to the Archives please contact Nathalie: NathalieP@igssyd nsw edu au
Message from the Alumni Relations Officer
Dear Alumni and Friends,
2014 has been a great year of 30 th anniversary celebrations for IGS which included many events such as our IGS@ 30 flagship event at Sydney’s Ivy Ballroom. We also welcomed alumni back to the School including Winter Olympian Jarryd Hughes (Class of '13, photo at left), 3D Animator Cameron Stewart (Class of '10) and President of the University of Sydney Marketing Society Samantha Roberts (also Class of '10) for class talks and presentations, further adding to the vibrancy of our alumni programs on offer.
I would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to our new Principal Shauna Colnan who started at IGS in Term 4. Some of you may have met former Principal Michael Maniska who moved to LA to pursue an opportunity over there – we wish him well!
We hope to see you soon at IGS.
Warm regards,
Julia Glass
Alumni Relations Officer
JuliaG@igssyd.nsw.edu.au
P.S. Our Facebook group for alumni has recently reached 1000 members!
Samantha Roberts
Class of ‘10
Jigsaw: When did you start at IGS and where was the School located at the time?
Samantha Roberts: I started in Preschool at the Surry Hills Campus.
J: Which year did you graduate, and was the School located on the same site?
SR: I graduated from the Kelly St Campus, in year 12 in 2010.
J: What will you always remember from your time at IGS?
SR: The fantastic relationships I built with teachers, students and families alike. These were fostered by anything from the exchange programs to casual chats in the Hall.
J: Who was your biggest role model or mentor whilst you were at IGS and why?
SR: Brian Downton (despite not teaching me in my final years) taught me to ask for help when I needed it, helped me to become a better leader by encouraging me to step out of my shell and like most IGS teachers respected students like myself enough to treat us like equals.
J: What advice would you give to your teenage self sitting the HSC if you had the wisdom you do now?
SR: Don’t forget that all the people around you have done it before and just want to help – so don’t act like this is the be all and end all, rather remember this is the best year of your schooling.
Can you help us?
We are trying to locate some of our “lost” alumni If you have contact details for any of the people listed at right (or for anyone else who you think would like to be contacted by IGS and hasn’t yet heard from us) please get in touch with Julia Glass at Alumni@igssyd nsw edu au
J: What are you up to at the moment work and/or study-wise?
SR: I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Sydney with majors in Marketing and Management. I am also heavily involved at the University (having learnt at IGS to get involved outside of the classroom thanks to Paul Galea) as the President of the Sydney Marketing Society and working at the SRC’s used textbook shop.
I appreciate how fortunate I have been to complete my entire schooling in such a wonderful environment.
J: Have you lived overseas at all since IGS, and if so where and for how long?
SR: I haven’t had the opportunity to live overseas yet, however I did take a gap year following the HSC and travelled around Europe and Thailand for 5 months with friends from IGS.
Ed. Samantha is currently living over in the US for a university semester!
J: Do you have any final thoughts or comments?
SR: Looking back only four years on, I can already see how I have been shaped by my experiences at IGS and I appreciate how fortunate I have been to complete my entire schooling in such a wonderful environment.
Wedding news
Jannali Jones and Francis Kavanagh, both Class of ’03 were married this year at Sydney’s Curzon Hall Members of their bridal party included IGS alumni: Justin King-Lacroix (’03), Julia Glass (’03) and Chris Lee (’04)
IGS Alumni news
This issue we focus on the Class of 1994:
Ibrahim Abbas Chia-Hao Chang Tristan Jones Abdul Mourtada
Mouhamed Amine Man Lai Cheung Yuriko Kishi Pornchai Oumjham
Masato Aoki Peter Durna Jung-Mi Kyung
Maria Pakis
Chung Hang Au Yeung Yukiko Fukui Seung Hee Lee Ming Tam
Kylie Beamish Nedim Handzic Yuk Sing Li
Douglas Tonkin
Philip Bolous Simon Henderson Jacqueline Menyhart Kam Wai Yung
IGS Alumni news
Where are they now?
Thank you to our PTF volunteers who helped make the Year 12 Farewell so special for the students by making up gift bags for them
including a copy of our 30th Anniversary Learning Journeys book!
Kesang Choden
Class of ‘02
Jigsaw: From when until when did you attend IGS?
Kesang Choden: I joined IGS in 2001 in year 11 and I graduated in 2002.
J: What will you always remember from your time at IGS?
KC: The people I knew, it is their love and strength of character that I will always remember.
J: Who was your biggest role model or mentor whilst you were at IGS and why?
KC: Mr Galea, our history teacher, I would think. I loved how our history lessons would come alive with his passion and enthusiasm. I do a lot of historical research now and always remember Mr Galea fondly when I work.
J: What advice would you give to your teenage self sitting the HSC if you had the wisdom you do now?
KC: Stop feeling sorry for yourself and work harder and be more involved with life. I had so many great people surrounding me, I miss them and wish I had appreciated them more.
J: What are you up to at the moment work and/or study-wise?
KC: I am an art restorer. My work involves working with Buddhist monks towards the conservation and restoration of my country Bhutan’s sacred arts heritage (i.e. statues, murals, paintings and monasteries).
J: Do you keep any hobbies that you picked up whilst at IGS? Linguistic, musical or sport-related?
KC: I don’t know if you would call it a hobby, but I first developed my research skills in all those history classes at IGS, and I still do some things that I picked up from friends that may be deemed very Australian!!
I am an art restorer. My work involves working with Buddhist monks towards the conservation and restoration of my country Bhutan’s sacred arts heritage.
J: Have you lived overseas at all since IGS, and if so where and for how long?
KC: I actually stayed on to complete my Bachelors in Sydney, so I stayed a total of 6 years Down Under. After that I came back to Bhutan and travel often but haven’t lived overseas since.
J: Any final thoughts or comments?
KC: I do hope that everyone else who has experienced IGS, especially those from overseas will love IGS and Australia as much as I have. Cheers!
And…Former IGS Mathematics teacher Geoff Bates met with Kesang whilst travelling in Bhutan with his wife earlier in the year. We are lucky to now have Geoff’s daughter Juliette at IGS, teaching French and Spanish in our Languages Department!
Geoff Bates withKesang in Bhutan
Sebastian Menendez (Class of ’10) visits
IGS Aviation Club
29 August 2014
Aviation Club had a wonderful reunion on Friday August 29 when former long-time student of IGS and recent recipient of his pilot’s licence Sebastian Menendez gave an entertaining and informative presentation on his journey An interested passenger was [former] Principal Michael Maniska who originally got Aviation Club off the ground Mr Maniska enjoyed renewing friendships with his fellow flying enthusiasts He also loved the Air France A380 cupcakes that were served off a trollie by flight attendant and Alumni Relations Officer Julia Glass The reunion had a tinge of sadness as Mr Maniska said something like this at the end of the meeting; “This is your Captain speaking I hope that you have enjoyed your flight with Aviation Club and that your futures are blue skies with very little turbulence ” Michael has embraced the expansion of the co-curricular program at IGS and his involvement in Aviation Club set a wonderful example to staff and students alike My sincere thanks and a hearty bon voyage go out to him
With Mr Maniska’s final week there was not a better way to finish his favourite club, Aviation! Seb Menendez, who graduated from IGS in 2010, came in to talk to us about his experience in the aviation industry after leaving school. Seb has gained his pilot licence and shared many interesting insights into how he went about his training. This was extremely valuable knowledge for many of us in the club, including myself, who wish to also become pilots. Even Mr Maniska, who admits to having wanted to become a pilot himself, enjoyed the story of Seb’s dream coming true. It was a fitting final club meeting - and extremely well attended, too - thanks to Seb’s generous participation.
Peter Livingstone, Class of ‘14
IGS Alumni news
Paul Galea
IGS Alumni news
Alumni travel photo competition
Sam Polgar (Class of '09) is the first member of the Alumni to enter our travel photo competition! Please send your photos to: Alumni@ igssyd nsw au for your chance to have them published in the next issue of Jigsaw magazine and to go into the draw to win a great prize
Cameron Stewart (Class of ‘10) recently visited the Design Hype class to talk about his experience working in a local 3D animation company. He graduated from tertiary studies last year and he tells us he loves his job! Mostly, he works on 3D animation components for car advertisements using rotoscoping techniques. Everybody was really impressed with his work and wanted to know how to get a job in the animation industry after school. Cameron said that the only way to get an animation job after
school was to study hard in D&T and listen to everything the teacher says. He said that everything he learned in Visual Arts and D&T has been put to good use in his work now, but mostly he underestimated the importance of Maths! It was great to meet an ex-design student using creative skills in a positive way and being paid a decent wage! Well done Cameron! He will definitely be hearing from some of the students soon.
Melissa Silk
Gift from the Class of 2014
Thank you to all of the members of our Class of ’14 who have generously donated a financial gift to the School to be used for a languages bursary These newest members of our alumni body hope to be able to add to the funds going forward as a legacy from their year group What a fabulous initiative! For more information on how you can support this bursary, or assist the School in some other way, please contact Julia Glass: JuliaG@igssyd nsw edu au
Welcome Back to IGS
Night and 10 Year Reunion for the Class of ‘04
On Friday 10 October the Class of 2004 celebrated our 10 Year Reunion in the IGS Atrium along with past and current staff members including Founding IGS Principal Reg St Leon. The evening provided a great opportunity to catch up and reminisce with old school mates, and was also a chance for people to meet new IGS Principal Shauna Colnan.
Despite the fact that many people had not seen each other for a full decade there was a relaxed and comfortable air about the room. People were genuinely happy to see one another and were interested to discover the various paths that had been taken since school. Whilst we had all grown up, in many ways it felt like nothing had really changed. Serious talks were had, yet it was not too long before the schoolyard banter began, nicknames came out and obscure linguistic forms became the vernacular.
Most were happy to continue the reunion beyond the more formal setting and all commented on what an enjoyable experience the event had been. I consider myself lucky to still be part of a community and environment that holds such positive and long-lasting memories for so many people.
Luke Naivasha, IGS HSIE teacher and member of the IGS Class of ‘04
