Newsletter
ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL Edition Eighteen 04 December 2020
Contents From the Executive Principal ..................................................................................... 1 From the Head of School Operations - Acting ..................................................... 3 From the Head of Curriculum .................................................................................. 5 From the Head of Pastoral ........................................................................................ 7 From the Head of Mathematics and Science ......................................................... 9 From the School Chaplain ......................................................................................... 11 From Health and Physical Education ...................................................................... 12 From the Music Department ................................................................................... 13 School News .............................................................................................................. 15
St George’s Anglican Grammar School; an exciting, innovative co-educational secondary school based in a high-rise building in the Perth CBD. The School caters for local and international students in Years 7-12, and is a proud member of the Anglican Schools Commission network of schools in Western Australia. We are committed to child safety and protection, and expect all staff, volunteers, visitors to the School and contractors to respect and abide by all policies, procedures and practices developed and put in place by the Anglican Schools Commission (ASC) and/or the School in this regard.
From the Executive Principal The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM Dear St George’s community 2020…What A Year.
Giving In the entrance to the School, there is a Christmas tree which already has some wrapped gifts around it. Unlike the trees in the festive displays, these are real presents. Unlike Christmas comes the Christmas trees most of us will decorate but once a year in our homes, this one has no traditional as the saying goes. ornaments, no Christmas lights, no tinsel. My goodness, what Instead, we are invited to pick a gift label off a year it has been. the tree and purchase whatever is written From on there, wrap the gift, attach the label, and catastrophic place the gift under the tree. These gifts will bushfires to a be distributed to those who have experienced devastating and hardship this year. world-changing pandemic. Civil unrest and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, civil disobedience and demonstrations in some of our capital cities over alleged human rights issues such as ‘lockdowns’ and ‘mask wearing’… and the USA election to end all elections, unquestionably the most divisive in recent history, in a sadly divided and COVID-19 riddled country. 2020 will be remembered for decades to come, for all the wrong reasons. The certainty through this uncertain year has been the truly exceptional teachers, support staff and Executive Team at St George’s. In times of crisis, good people shine. St George’s is made up of great people, and it is because of their commitment to the students in their care this year, more than ever, that we have provided students with a high quality, inclusive, caring Christian education every day through the COVID-19 pandemic. That is the Anglican Schools Commission’s Core Purpose and is why we exist. St George’s didn‘t miss a beat.
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In the hustle and bustle of the end of the year, there is much to do. Christmas is a joyous time.Yet there are some in our community for whom Christmas is not joyful, so this is one small act of service that will make a difference to people who are often invisible. This year, our Anglicare Ambassadors and Guild have raised funds for charities, collected stationery and hygiene supplies for those in
St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter
need and included the whole school in acts of service. In a year of many restrictions, they have been active and ambitious. This Christmas Tree Appeal is our way of giving to our community before we go on holiday. Thank you to Chaplain Sarah and Mr Ryan McBride for organising this and to the School community who have embraced the idea, placing their gifts under the tree.
Final Comments As Christmas approaches, I thank each member of staff, for all you have done to ensure the very best teaching, learning and care has been offered to our students amid a global pandemic. Thanks also to every St George’s student and family for supporting our school throughout the year. This is a fine, caring community. We may not be able to venture far this Christmas. We may be separated by distance and closed borders, with Zoom or FaceTime being our only connection with family and friends over east or in other parts of the world.Yet as we spend time with those we love, it is good and right to look back with thankful hearts and the satisfaction of a job well done in this extraordinary (dare I say ‘unprecedented’) year that was 2020.
Chaplain Sarah Congratulations to The Reverend Sarah Stapleton who was commissioned as our School Chaplain on the 23rd and ordained a priest earlier this week at St George’s Cathedral. Chaplain Sarah’s first opportunity to preside at a School service will be the Staff End of Year Eucharist next Friday… a special occasion for us all.
The Christ-child was born into our world to bring hope to those without it, peace where it did not exist, love where hatred dwelt, comfort to those uncertain, and life and light. Each of us is called to live our life in ways that exude these things. That is the great promise Jesus brings and the challenge before us this Christmas. May God bless all in our school community this Christmas season. We look forward to 2021 with hope for our School, state, nation and world.
Annual Presentation Evening Every blessing. Next Monday is our annual Presentation Evening in St George’s Cathedral. Full details are contained elsewhere in the newsletter. Unfortunately due to COVID-19 restrictions, numbers are limited this year to prize-winners and their families. The Reverend Peter
Laurence Executive Principal
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From the Head of School Operations Acting Mrs Susan Lazenby
I wonder what summer means to you? We each have our own way of knowing when summer is near, and for me it is looking out for the jacarandas in bloom. As I commute into the city by train, I see the jacarandas dotting and filling the landscape. It reminds me of where I grew up and went to school; we would travel along jacaranda lined avenues and the summer streets and pavements were carpeted in the blossoms. Wearing my other hat, that of English and Literature teacher, here is a poem titled ‘Jacaranda Light’ by Western Australian poet Veronica Lake from her anthology Dragonfly Wings: Jacaranda light Seeps into my senses, Permeates my skin, Drenches my eyes. I’m seeing things Monet. My vision is mazed My blood thrumming Common sense skewed Swooning into silliness Swaying with laughter Dancing to secret music Feet fleet and light.
In the School, the signs are about us as we prepare for the end of the year and greet the long summer holiday. We are busy with reports, planning programmes for next year, cleaning out classrooms, moving furniture and longing for a rest! Lost Property Before leaving for the long summer holiday, we need to take care of a few bits of housekeeping. The first is the growing pile of lost property that has accumulated. Students have been reminded in the Daily Notices to collect any lost and discarded possessions. The stray possessions will be on display on the first floor for collection; other lost property will be either disposed of or distributed to those in need. Returning belongings is so much easier when there is a name to identify the rightful owner.
I’m dizzy with the quiet shimmer, That promises summer. The sky, laced with lilac Tints my world twilight. 3
St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter
Uniforms As you enjoy the peace and relaxation of the holidays, spare a thought for school uniforms that seemed to have shrunk over the term. I remember how much my own children grew over the summer weeks. So, before returning to school next year, please check that dresses, shirts and trousers are the correct length. Make sure that all items have your child’s name on them too.
Walking towards the School from the station, the Christmas decorations and adverts remind me that we are indeed very near the end of the school year. In the window of the School foyer, our Nativity scene is taking shape and soon the Year 7s will be ready to perform the Nativity play that they have written. This year, Mr McBride and Chaplain Sarah have been working with the students to create a special event for our Christmas celebration.
From 2021 we are returning to the pre-COVID uniform policy which means that to and from school, students are to wear their full summer uniform in Terms 1 and 4, and full winter uniform for Terms 2 and 3. The students will change into their sports uniforms at school.
As we say goodbye to a most unusual school year, may you enjoy a blessed Christmas and a safe, happy, healthy summer holiday. The end of the year means time to clean out the lockers. It is a good idea for students to start taking a few items a day to prevent them from having very heavy school bags on the last day. There are recycling bins on each level for wastepaper. Each year, a significant number of textbooks are left behind and they often do not have the owner’s name on them, so cannot be returned.
Susan Lazenby Head of School Operations - Acting
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From the Head of Curriculum Ms Victoria Kelleher
Year 7-11 Presentation Night The Year 7-11 Presentation Night will be held on Monday 7 December and is an opportunity to celebrate the 2020 school year. Effort Certificates, Subject Awards and Academic Excellence Awards will be announced on the evening, however, due to number restrictions in St. George’s Cathedral only students who are receiving an award are able to attend. Families are asked to limit the number of guests to two per student. Parents and guardians of award winners will be contacted on Friday 4 December. Awards Criteria Semester Two The Subject Excellence Certificate is awarded to a student at the end of each Semester. To be eligible for a Subject Excellence Certificate, the student must achieve the highest mark of 80% or higher for their overall mark in that subject. The Subject Excellence Certificate is awarded to a student at the end of each Semester. To be eligible for a Subject Excellence Certificate, the student must achieve the highest mark of 75% or higher for their overall mark in that subject (Year 11 only). The Academic Excellence Award is awarded to the student, in each year group, who achieves the highest average mark across all subjects. The Effort Certificate is awarded to the student, in each year group, who has achieved consistent effort ratings in each subject. A student who is awarded an Academic Excellence Certificate, is not eligible to also receive an Effort Certificate. 5
End of Year Reports Semester Two Reports will be available on SEQTA Engage after 4.00 pm on Wednesday 9 December 2020. This year we have introduced continuous feedback to provide you with a more relevant and meaningful update on your child’s progress. Throughout this year, continuous reporting has provided you with timely feedback on your child’s achievement and I encourage you to read this report with your child, reflect on the year that has been and set new goals for the following year.
Thank You At the end of my first year as Head of Curriculum, and what a busy year it has been, I would like to thank the St George community, who have been extremely warm and welcoming. The students, parents and staff have made this year one of the best in my career and, for that, I thank them. I hope you have a wonderful holiday, and I am excited about what 2021 has planned for us all!
Victoria Kelleher Head of Curriculum
St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter
From the Head of Pastoral Mr Hilton Hardman
With this being the final Pastoral newsletter for 2020, I find myself reflecting on a year like no other. During this period of reflection, I was drawn to the 2020 Head Girl and Head Boy speech at the Year 12 final assembly.
At the event, our Head Girl, Eliza Griffin, said the following: “We have been so fortunate to experience all these things and be surrounded by the incredible community of our School where we all feel as though we are friends with every kid in every year group.You guys always make us smile every day in the stairwell as we cross paths to our next class. Please don’t ever let that go.This community and family that we have here is something that I’ll never forget and will make me miss you guys even more”.
At St George’s Anglican Grammar School, we consistently refer to our “Our Community”. During Eliza’s final speech to the School, she made it clear that this community had an impact on her and for students to maintain this element of the School. 7
This feeling of community makes St George’s Anglican Grammar School unique; interactions between year groups are promoted, and genuine connections are made between these students. Moving into 2021, it’s this feeling we wish to maintain and re-introduce into our pastoral program. From the start of next year, PCG will revert to a vertical format. For those families new to the School who may be unfamiliar with this concept, it means that each PCG will be made up of students in Year 7 to Year 12 from the same House. We are also returning to a ten minute PCG time at the start of every day to enable the essential daily pastoral contact between students and their PCG tutor. Our Protective Behaviours Program (PBP) will be incorporated into the Pastoral and Wellbeing Sessions (PAWS), and the time allocated to PBP will be reduced to align with most other ASC schools. We will have up to four PBP lessons a term to cover the required content in the Keeping Safe curriculum, and these will be delivered to Year Groups in an age-appropriate way. The remaining PAWS lessons are a range of activities for vertical PCG.
We look forward to adding to our Pastoral program and continue to refine what is a crucial element to our students’ journey through School. St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter
Preparing For The Year Ahead Rest, relaxation and time with family and friends is the main goal for students over the end of year holidays. However, there are some things that students might like to consider doing, perhaps towards the end of the holidays, that will make their school year ahead much easier, particularly senior students.
Set up term planners for the year so you can map out your due dates when the year starts. Set up a study timetable for the year, so you have clear times allocated to complete your schoolwork during the week. Think about building your skills in areas that need improving or developing new skills such as touch typing. If you can find out any of the novels you will be studying in the coming year, read them over the holidays. For senior students, consider downloading the syllabus documents for the subjects you will be studying.
Organise and rearrange your room and study space to make it a more effective learning area. Sort out all of your materials for school, decide what to keep and how to organise your work and if you can improve your filing systems. Of course, we also want students to refresh their mind and body, catch up on their sleep and take the time to focus on enjoying a healthy lifestyle.
Hilton Hardman Head of Pastoral
From the Head of Maths and Science Ms Charlotte Donovan
Here we are! The final newsletter for 2020! In finishing another year at St Georges, the busyness of this time is frequently peppered with moments of reflection and forward planning.
support of the Mathematics department and hope they remember to stay in touch!
From 2021 I will also be stepping back from the role of Head of Mathematics. As the school has grown, it is an appropriate time to split the leadership of my amazing team. We welcome Mr Anthony Bochrinis into the role, and I am very much looking forward to continuing the 2020 has certainly integration of Science with an exceptional provided its challenges to leader in Mathematics. The past two years have the Science and Maths department. I am most been a huge learning curve, and I am thankful proud of my team of exceptional teachers, who for the opportunity and the trust instilled in have learnt more about technology, delivery me to lead the Mathematics Department. of lessons in an online environment, and being flexible at a moment’s notice, than they would As always, the students continue to be offered have in any other calendar year. The teaching opportunities to extend their learning. Miss team always put their students first, and I am Hewitt, Mr Lim and Ms Valentine have all confident that each child has been given every accompanied students on some excursions, and opportunity to develop their skills and their reports are following this. understanding in Science and Maths. I wish you all a very safe holiday, Merry Moving in to 2021, I am most excited for the Christmas and Happy 2021! rollout of our signature program ‘The Nobel Pathway’, a STEM elective for year 7s and 9 From Miss Hewitt: &10s. Offering student choice and facilitating “Last Thursday, I learning in the Science and Mathematics world had the is truly at the heart of our teaching team, and privilege of the courses are shaping up to be elite and taking a group innovative. of exceptional Year 10 girls to I would like to take this opportunity to thank The Sum it Up two special Mathematics teachers for their event at service to St George’s. Mr Michael Murdoch Tamburrini is leaving us after two years, heading University.The day commenced with three speakers to a school closer to home (not his Scottish sharing their career paths and the different roles home though!). In his wake, he leaves a legacy they have held that all had the common theme of of high-quality mathematic teaching and strong mathematics. connections to all his students. Mr Jaydon Battersby is returning to his previous school, Students then participated in two hands-on his experience and quiet humour will be greatly workshops.The first workshop looked at calculating missed by his students. I sincerely thank both the biomass of trees in the bush court and the Mr Tamburrini and Mr Battersby for their second looked at using a missing person’s cellphone
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to approximate the individual’s location.The workshops were run by professionals who also discussed their current work. Lastly, students had the opportunity to ask questions to a panel regarding university, their future careers and their love of mathematics. “ From Mr Lim’s students: A week ago I had the opportunity to go to the Chem Centre at Curtin University. It was a great opportunity to see where chemistry could take me and what it would be like to work there. My favourite part was getting to see the emergency response unit van, what’s inside of it and hearing about what they do. -Louis Furness On 20 November, the year 9s and 10s went on an excursion to Curtin University to take part in Chem Centre’s Chem Day. As part of this we got to participate in a range of fun activities teaching us more about chemistry pathways for our futures! We started the day with a welcome and introduction from an experienced chemical scientist. Specifically, she worked with WA Police to detect the types of illicit drugs at crime scenes. From there, we went into some activities. First we were able to test the pH of household items.This
was amazing as it put our class learnings into real life situations. After that, we went up to the Curtin Labs, and learnt how to make lactose-free milk.This was very interesting! Then, we learnt a bit about chromatography.This was cool as we also got to work as a team and problem-solve. Lastly, we used microscopes to look at little creatures.This gave us free range to look at all sorts of bugs and life! Overall this day was an amazing experience and a great day to learn and have fun with our peers.We have learnt so much about future pathways! -Greta Bushell
Charlotte Donovan Head of Mathematics and Science
From the School Chaplain Reverend Sarah Stapleton
How exciting to be writing my last newsletter contribution for the year! There were moments earlier this year when I wondered what the end of the year would look like. This morning as I walked my dogs, I took a moment to consider how fortunate we are to live in a country and state that has taken decisive and fast action against the spread of COVID-19. We will be able to gather this Christmas, as many in other countries will miss out. For me, Christmas is a time of scratching my head and wondering why I get so stressed and cranky about buying perfect presents and serving a perfect lunch. The deadline of 25 December always frustrates me. Why does everything have to be perfect on just that day? Why does everything have to be done before that date? The frenzy and rush to get everything just so for Christmas stands in direct contrast to the Christian journey, which is about the freedom to take time, contemplate, to let go of the expectations of the world. Being a Christian is not about striving to be perfect, or look perfect, or behave in an exemplary manner, rather it is about walking into the kingdom of heaven, where our imperfections no longer matter, and God’s time is observed. God’s time has no deadlines, or pressure to get it right for the ‘big day’. God’s time is the realm of future, past, and present. We are safe there to wander, to visit the places we need to visit (and bypass the ones we do not). The movement
is not in straight, demanding lines, but in delicate, ever evolving Trinitarian circles and curves. I pray for you this Christmas: a little of God’s time, a sanctuary in the busyness of the season.
Blessings
Reverend Sarah Stapleton School Chaplain
From Health and Physical Education Ms Jodie Scheele
I am very pleased to inform you that Alexandra Griffin has been awarded the Associated & Catholic Colleges of WA (ACC) Letters.
This is the highest individual accolade awarded by the ACC. To receive “Letters”, a student must be selected in an All Star team in the same sport for a minimum of four years for Athletics, Cross Country or Swimming. Ali has achieved Letters in Cross Country for her selection in the Cross Country All Stars Team for the past four years.This is an honorary team consisting of the top 5 place getters in each of the age/gender events from the Cross Country Carnival.
We are very proud of Ali and congratulate her on this tremendous achievement. Ali will be presented with a framed “ACC Letter” as a memento of her outstanding achievement and will also become members of the exclusive
ACC Lettermen Club. A representative from the ACC, Mr Trent Sharpe, Sports Operations Manager, will be presenting this prestigious award at our final Chapel service on 7 December and I look forward to putting a picture of Ali receiving her award in the first St George’s Newsletter of 2021. To the students of St George’s, I would like to personally congratulate each and every Physical, Health and Outdoor Education student on their wonderful ability to try their best, have a go and actively participate in all of the Department’s activities. We rarely have an issue with students not wanting to play and participate and this is a credit to each and everyone of you.You make the most of the sporting opportunities presented to you and do it with grace and friendliness creating a fun and interactive atmosphere. These elements become really apparent in our Carnivals and I encourage the St George’s community to come along to our 2021 Carnivals and witness just how outstanding our students are. Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the amazing PE Department for their passion, commitment, and service. This year, we had two new staff members, Mrs Jackie Sullivan and Mr Daniel Caplan, who have just adapted to the St George’s way of life and worked so enthusiastically to design and implement the Heath and Outdoor Education programmes. Many thanks to both of you! To Mr Yousri Gharsallah, who has been a long serving staff member, thanks for all your expertise in PE and Fitness classes and your on-going support. I wish everyone a blessed, peaceful holiday with fun family Christmas times, along with plenty of physical activity and wellbeing for the coming New Year.
From the Head of Music Mr Michael Newton
In The Music Department It was a blustery night for On The Roof but our St George’s Musicians rose to the occasion and, with music flying everywhere, turned in some outstanding performances. A big thank you to all performers, Events Crew and staff involved for a great night!
Electrocity Ensemble is currently in their FRINGE WORLD song writing workshop, putting together next year’s show. There are some great tunes being written. Tickets will be available on https://fringeworld.com.au/ soon.
Mr Michael Newton Head of Music
Upcoming Events Monday 7 December - Presentation Evening Wednesday 9 December - Freedom Fest
School News
Student Term Dates - 2021 Term 1 29 January - 01 April New Student Orientation, 28 January Students Mid Term Break, Friday 26 February
SEQTA The St George’s Anglican Grammar School SEQTA account is not a monitored platform. Please contact the staff member directly to ensure prompt action to your message.
Term 2 21 April - 02 July Students Mid Term Break, Friday 4 June
Term 4 12 October - 9 December 2021
Computer Rental Agreement Computers are not always reliable and will sometimes fail and require repairs. This causes the student to sometimes go without a computer for a couple of weeks. The School can now offer free loan computers when required. Parents/guardians, please fill out and sign the agreement form here and allow the IT department 24 hours to prepare a computer for use.
Enrolments The School Enrolment Policy requires one full term’s notice in writing prior to the withdrawal of a student from the School. Where such notice is not received, the School will charge an amount equal to the tuition fees for that current term.
Uniform Shop Please be advised that Matrix Uniforms are in the process of moving over to a new web platform which is taking longer than anticipated. Some of the items show that the stocks are out. Rest assured they are fully stocked up and have all the uniforms.
To avoid fees in lieu being charged, notice of a student’s withdrawal must be received by the School before the first day of the School Term preceding the Term of the student’s departure. If this does not occur, families will be charged the remainder of the current Term, plus an additional Terms fee in lieu.
Battery Recycling Used batteries are being collected in the IT Manager’s office. Please take advantage of this free facility.
Term 3 26 July - 24 September Students Mid Term Break, Friday 21 August
What batteries can be collected? Dry cell batteries include AA, AAA (single use or rechargeable), C, D, button batteries, 9V, 6V Upon withdrawal of a student from the School, and cordless power tools. all fees and charges incurred for that student are payable to the School in full within seven What batteries cannot be collected? days of exit. Lead acid batteries, such as car batteries, and mobile phone batteries cannot be collected. If the account has been paid in full and a refund Please contact your local council for details of is due, payment will be processed for the full how to dispose of these batteries. More refund due within seven days of exit. information can be found here: https://www.mrc.wa.gov.au/School-community/ Battery-programs/School 15
St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter