Newsletter Edition Four 01 April 2021
Year 7 Camp, 2021
Contents From the 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 Science ......................................................................................... 9 From Health and Physical Education ....................................................................... 11 Head of Year 7 ..............................................................................................................13 From the School Chaplain ......................................................................................... 15 School News ............................................................................................................... 16
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 Principal Tina Campbell
As we come to the end of Term One and enter Holy Week, marking the last week of the Christian season of Lent which leads to the celebrations of Easter, it seems right for me to acknowledge all that we have at St George’s and the joy in our lives because of our strong connections here.
We have seen joy shine within the school in these final few weeks of term. We have come together as a whole school community to undertake the Colour Run and raise money for the bushfires as part of Gandhi Charity Day. We have seen students and staff show both bravery and courage in having their heads shaved for the World’s Greatest Shave. Our Year 7 students have celebrated their unique bonds and connections as the newest members of the St George’s School family by enjoying a fun and exciting camp at the Swan Valley Adventure Centre and the Year 10, 11 and 12 students were full of smiles and excitement as they boarded the Crystal Swan for their river cruise.
Finding joy within a school and in each classroom is indeed an important part of education. If we describe ‘joy’ as being ‘the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something good or satisfying’, then we can absolutely say that St George’s students experience joy during their time here. Many of our greatest joys can be attributed to learning. By helping our students to find pleasure in their learning can allow them to experience a greater sense of joy within their lives. I have seen and experienced this joy in the many different classes that I have been lucky enough to attend as I have shadowed Cosette, Ali, Tom and Cooper this term in my endeavour to understand more clearly what it is like to be a St George’s student. From the drama improvisation activities in Year 11, to swimming at UWA pool with the Year 9s, Advanced Music in Year 10 to Specialist Maths in Year 12. From learning the delights of Pythagoras Theory in Year 9 to spending lunch in the city as a Senior Student. From the Noble Pathway presentations on ecosystems in Year 9 to learning about a variety of chronic health conditions in Year 10. It has been an array of joyful experiences for me and bore witness to the many wonderful adventures that St George’s students are able to enjoy each day.
We also came together in the Cathedral this week to recognise the importance of the Easter story in our own lives as Christians and to share a special Eucharist Service together before heading off on holidays. 1
St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter
Maundy Thursday is our last day of term. It marks the night of the Last Supper which Jesus shared with his disciples, his betrayal by Judas Iscariot and his arrest at the Garden of Gethsemane. Maundy Thursday reminds us of the new commandment that Jesus gave his disciples to ‘love one another as I have loved you’ (John 15:12) – a love that is demonstrated by Jesus willingly giving up his life on the cross on Good Friday. What better message to enter the holidays than this – a message of striving to show service to others, a message of having the heart to love and to care for others and to be kind. Such unconditional love, hope and renewal is the significance of the Easter message that brings such joy to me. I wish you all a wonderful Easter break, a time for reflection and I hope a time where you can also each experience joy in your own lives. I look forward to welcoming you back next term. Term Two begins for students on Wednesday 21 April. As a reminder all students will be returning to school in their winter school uniforms, and I ask for your support in ensuring that they begin the term wearing their uniforms and presenting themselves in a manner that demonstrates their joy and pride in being a member of the St George’s School Community. A very Happy Easter to you all, Warmest wishes,
Tina Campbell Principal
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From the Head of School Operations - Acting Mrs Susan Lazenby
In the last part of this term, the School has bustled with activity and events: Biology Camp, Gandhi Charity Week and the Colour Run, the River Cruise, Year 7 Camp, our Easter Eucharist and then The World’s Greatest Shave for the Leukemia Foundation with our students breaking the School record for the most money raised for a charity since 2015. Thank you to the many students and families who donated to this cause, and to those teachers and students who shaved their hair. We are so grateful to your commitment and willingness to show how much you care.
One of our highlights as teachers is the opportunity to meet parents and guardians to partner with you in the education of your children. If you haven’t managed to book an interview, you are welcome to contact your child’s teacher. In parent-teacher interviews, we have limited time to meet and chat, therefore, do keep in touch with your child’s teachers either by email or Direqt Message. There are two important dates to remember: Thursday 1 April is the last day of the term, about which the students need no reminder! It is a normal school day that ends at 3:30 pm. The next important date is Wednesday 21 April when students return to school, rested and ready for the start of Term Two, wearing full winter school uniform which includes the blazer. This is to be worn to and from school each day. 3
St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter
Next term is an eleven week term with examinations for the Year 10, 11 and 12 students. Some of the early events to look out for on our calendar are:
the Heath Ledger Theatre in the State Theatre Centre. Opening night is Thursday 20 May. Do not miss your chance to attend; invite family and friends. From my office I can hear the rehearsals, and I will be one of the first to book tickets.
The Inter-House Cross Country at Kings Park Botanical Gardens in Week 2. The students are looking forward to their Our St George’s Day celebration on Monday 3 holidays and a break away from school. Teachers May at the Cathedral. are too! Thank you for your support this year, parents and guardians. Have a blessed time with Make sure that you keep an eye out for when your family as we celebrate in the resurrection bookings open for the musical production of our Saviour. of The School of Rock to be performed at
Susan Lazenby Head of School Operations - Acting A reminder of the winter uniform requirement for Term Two. We also ask students to be mindful of the jewellery guidelines at St George’s which need to be upheld by all members of the community.
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From the Head of Curriculum Ms Victoria Kelleher
Parent-Teacher Interviews Thank you to all parents who took time to speak with our academic staff on Wednesday 31 March. There is no doubt that parents have a massive impact on their child’s educational success. In fact, research shows that parental engagement is crucial for children and young people’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. If you have any questions following these meetings, please know that you don’t have to wait for another parent-teacher interview to come around to discuss any concerns you have about your child’s social or academic development.Your child’s teacher will be happy to arrange a time to meet and talk about any issues.
knowledge and skills into practice to yield some strong results. For the Year 11s, this first round of examinations is fundamentally an opportunity to learn – to learn what examinations are like and how to prepare and study effectively. Some of this will come in the form of trial and error, but that’s all part of the learning journey. Referring to my last newsletter piece, success in exams is not just about having a high IQ – any student can do well in exams if they study better rather than harder or longer. To achieve success, character is as important as IQ and every student can achieve success with the right mindset, support, and strategy.
To achieve their personal best in school, in every subject, our Year 11 and 12 students should consider the following over the upcoming break: • Start your revision early (earlier than you think you should!) • Get organised - use a study planner, daily Remember, our goal is the same as yours – timetable, and exam checklist to help our students, your children, thrive • Do a little bit of study each day rather than spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally cramming and develop into well-rounded young adults. • Take a break from one subject by studying Parent-teacher interviews are just one strategy another in the partnership with us to achieve that end. • Schedule in ‘study-free days’ to take a proper break Study Tips • For each subject, come up with a list of While the end of Term One will signal holiday specific topics or skills you need to improve relaxation for some of our students, work and brainstorm strategies for how to work will not entirely cease for our Year 11 and 12 on each of them; and students who will start to prepare for the • Practise, practise, practise! Semester One exams, commencing on 27 May • When you complete practice questions, for the Year 12s and 9 June for the Year 11 get feedback as much as possible (writing a students. practice essay is a good thing to do, but if you don’t know how good it was, you’re not Examinations can certainly be stressful; however, going to be able to improve). thinking about them more positively can improve the chances of success. For the Year 12s, it is an opportunity to put their subject 5
St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter
Careers Expo 2021 & VET Expo Perth’s longest-running careers, training and employment expo is back. This year marks their twenty-first anniversary. They are WA’s only careers event that brings together local and some eastern states universities, together with a huge range of vocational and professional training organisations, industry associations and employers. This year’s Careers Expo 2021 + VET Expo is lining up as their best yet they already have more than 70 exhibitors committed, including all of those that were booked to attend last year’s event. Careers Expo 2021 + VET Expo will be hosted at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) between Thursday 29 April and Sunday 2 May 2021. Entry is free.
have about the various degrees, diplomas, programs, study options, departments, student life, accommodation, living costs and much, much, more. An Open Day is a great way for students to get a feel for a place that could become their place of study for the next few years. Communications regarding these will be sent to you and your child via Direqt Message including the date, time, and schedule for the day. Please message me if you have any questions regarding these, or if you would like information on how you can attend.
Victoria Kelleher Curriculum Coordinator
University Open Days Several West Australian Universities are holding Open Days over the holidays or at the start of Term Two. Visiting an Australian University on one of their student Open Days is the perfect opportunity to get the answers to all the questions you or your child may 6
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From the Head of Pastoral Mr Hilton Hardman
Worlds Greatest Shave 2021 At the start of this fundraiser, the Student Guild set themselves the goal of $5000; this was the number that would see me shave my head in support of this charity.
Where does the money go? • $30 provides an information pack to a family to help them prepare for the challenges ahead following a scary and confronting new diagnosis.
Two weeks later, we had ten students signed up along with three staff members. These individuals, along with the support of our school community, saw the school raised $7909.
• $80 provides the first night of accommodation for a family who has urgently relocated for lifesaving treatment with nowhere to stay. They can stay as long as they need through treatment with your support.
As a school, we are incredibly proud of the following students and staff who took part. - Lawson Forrester - Tate Orsini - Tate Rogers - Louis Furness - Nancy Hunt - Shanaye Cooper - Montana Williss - Cosette Pachioli - Blake Pearce - Zac Balding - Mr Kerrigan - Mr Quan
• $64 makes sure that a Blood Cancer Support Coordinator is by the side of a newly diagnosed patient to help them navigate the scary moments that follow diagnosis.
• $250 can give a family struggling with a new diagnosis access to a support program specific to their blood cancer. • $560 covers one week of accommodation for families facing a blood cancer who live far away from life-saving treatment. That’s one week of precious relief so they can focus solely on getting better. • $700 can fund a day’s worth of groundbreaking blood cancer research from the best minds in medical research. This research is discovering better treatments and working toward a blood cancer-free future. • $1000 helps fund an important research program for a day. This program allows researchers and clinicians to push breakthrough therapies and diagnostics from the lab into clinics faster.
Hilton Hardman Head of Pastoral
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From the Head of Science Ms Charlotte Donovan
Our Year 9s enjoyed their excursion to the Canning River EcoEducation Centre last week. A report has been written below by two of our students:
This week also sees our Year 11 and 12 Biology students head off for an overnight stay at the Perth Hills Discovery Centre in Mundaring. This overnight camp, run by Mr Quan, Mrs McCann and Nearer to Nature staff, offers our Biology students a chance to complete hands-on field work and experiential learning in the natural environment. Thank you in advance to the staff involved, we are looking forward to hearing all about your experiences!
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Term Two will bring all our students more opportunities to learn and experience Science in an authentic and creative way. Keep an eye out for information about the Year 7s Perth Zoo excursion, the Year 7 – 9 Big Science Competition and updates on our in-class activities. Happy Science!
Charlotte Donovan Head of Science St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter
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From the Head of Health and Physical Education Ms Jodie Scheele
What a fantastic Term of PE! Thanks to all the Students for doing the best you can with your uniforms and graciously adopting your new PE routine. You all took advantage of your swimming opportunities and your level of enthusiasm in PE lessons always make classes super fun.
We had some outstanding individual achievements who were awarded age-group champions. Congratulations to the following students: U/13 Female Champion: Anouk Potter U/14 Female Champion: Joss Walker U/14 Male Champion: Owen Lane U/15 Male Runner-up Champion: Harry Joyner The School was also awarded the Junior Boys and Girls Aggregate shields and Overall Boys Aggregate shield. We are looking forward to getting back in the pool in 2022. We were blessed with the morning weather this term.
The ACC F-Division Swimming Carnival at HBF Stadium was an absolute thriller. It is hard to fathom that after ninety-two swimming races the result can come down to just one point. It was a full team effort and it certainly goes to show every race counts. Congratulations to the students.You were incredible on all accounts. Since joining the ACC in 2017, St George’s have been elevated from I-Division to E-Division in 2022. Which also means we progress from HBF’s outside pool to the indoor pool. Credit to all the families past and present. Place 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Team St George’s Helena Tranby Providence Quinns Peter Carnley Geraldton Grammar Austin Cover
Over the holidays, dust off your running shoes as our Inter-House Cross Country comes up early in Term Two. The event will take place on Thursday 29 April 2021 at Hale Oval up at Kings Park, Botanical Gardens (in the case of inclement weather the back-up date is Tuesday 4 May). It is a 1.5km circular course that students will run, walk/run or walk and it is through some magic bushland. The top 6 students for each age category will go through to ACC Cross Country on Thursday 29 April at Alderbury Reserve, Floreat.
Score 856 855 803 788 704 664 617 540
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Co-Curricular Cross Country is on offer in Term Two. Training is every Monday and Wednesday. We meet in the Fitness Centre at 7am for a 7.05am start. We are thrilled to showcase Serena Lee who is a wonderful diver. These pictures are of previous State Championships. Serena was supposed to competing in the Australian Diving Age Championships for 1m, 3m and Platform diving in Brisbane during the holidays but due to COVID a rescheduling may take place.
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Happy Easter and may your new beginning bring you peace, health and happiness.
Jodie Scheele Head of Health and Physical Education
St George’s Anglican Grammar School
From the Head of Year 7 Mrs Gaile Racey
Throw together 75 Year 7 students, many laughs, LOTS of food, a few tears, LOTS of food, watching a movie that was produced before they were born (but still loved, laughed, and cried through it), LOTS of food, 6 different adventure activities, LOTS of food, epic game of spotlight, LOTS of food, a few ant bites, and what do you have? An amazing 3 days, 2 nights experience which brought this wonderful Year 7 St George’s family closer together. Highlights of our memorable experience where all the family members explored and discovered their character strengths included: • Channelling our inner Robin Hood at Archery. • Navigating the blackout escape room in order to retrieve the keys to the plane. • Conquering our fears on the challenging high rope course. • Tackling a variety of individual and team challenges on the commando course (which involved most students getting very wet). • Abseiling down a 30m tower. • Enjoying the refreshing dip in the Swan River when our raft building skills failed us (but never giving up!). I hope you enjoyed hearing all about your child’s adventures when they returned home, as much as the staff and I enjoyed creating them on camp.
Gaile Racey Head of Year 7
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St George’s Anglican Grammar School
From the School Chaplain The Reverend Sarah Stapleton
No matter what your traditions and beliefs are around Easter, I am pretty sure most of you will be facing the consumption of a lot of Easter chocolate.
As Christians, we are Easter people, people who understand not just the delight of tucking into a hot cross bun and some Lindt bunnies after the Easter morning vigil; but also the delight of discovering that hope has not died, that love lives on, and that good has triumphed over evil.
and the services are well worth your time. St George’s Cathedral is live streaming many of the Easter services if you are not able to attend in person. Regardless of how you spend your Easter, my prayer for us all is that we experience the moving of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and that the story of Jesus, his life, death, and resurrection reminds us that we are not alone in our hopes for peace, community, and freedom from oppression. This Easter I pray that we are reminded that Jesus came to invite the whole world to live together in mutual respect and harmony as the family of God. Happy Easter
Reverend Sarah Stapleton School Chaplain
As much as I look forward to that early morning service, I am fully aware that we are not there yet. We are in Holy Week, and on the journey with Jesus, from arrest at the hands of the authorities, to the baying for blood from a manipulated mob. Every Sunday we celebrate the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, but this week, Holy Week, we walk with Jesus in the story of his sentencing, crucifixion and resurrection. There is much to learn from the services of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It is a series, a triptych if you like, 15
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Sounds at Sunset On a balmy evening, our musicians entertained us, and passers-by, with their sounds as the sun set behind the beautiful architecture of Yagan Square. This is the first time that our School has held a music concert at this venue, although the drama students have used the space for lessons. We enjoyed the sounds of solo artists, duos, ensembles, percussion, jazz, rock bands and the award winning Electrocity ensemble against the background sounds of the city. As the sun set, the changing light and the emerging stars added a unique ambience which we hope to repeat.
which makes the long haul of transporting all the equipment to the venue and then bumping out again so much more worthwhile. Thank you to all the musicians for stepping up to audition and being brave enough to perform in such a public space. A huge vote of thanks to the music teachers and tutors who have helped the students with their preparation. Gratitude to the events crew and music teachers who spent hours preparing the equipment, planning the move, bumping in and bumping out till very late on Thursday night and again on Friday morning.
It was lovely to see our families supporting the students as they performed. We could have many more in the audience at this venue,
We are looking forward to our next musical interlude which will be the musical School of Rock next term.
2022 Scholarship Applications now open St George’s Anglican Grammar School proudly offers Scholarships to encourage and recognise students in their personal pursuits of excellence, providing part or full remission of tuition fees. Applications for these Scholarships are welcomed from current students as well as external applicants. Scholarships are awarded by the Principal under the advisement of the Scholarship Committee. 16
St George’s Anglican Grammar School offers a range of scholarships. Please refer to the website for a copy of the Scholarships Policy for full details and to download a copy of the Scholarship Application Form. Applications close on the 18 April 2021. St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter
School News Student Term Dates - 2021 Term Two 21 April - 02 July Students Mid Term Break, Friday 4 June Term Three 26 July - 24 September Students Mid Term Break, Friday 21 August Term Four 12 October - 09 December 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. To avoid fees in lieu being charged, notice of a student’s withdrawal must be received by the Principal 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. Upon withdrawal of a student from the School, all fees and charges incurred for that student are payable to the School in full within seven days of exit.
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. Battery Recycling Used batteries are being collected in the IT Manager’s office. Please take advantage of this free facility. What batteries can be collected? Dry cell batteries include AA, AAA (single use or rechargeable), C, D, button batteries, 9V, 6V and cordless power tools. What batteries cannot be collected? Lead acid batteries, such as car batteries, and mobile phone batteries cannot be collected. Please contact your local council for details of how to dispose of these batteries. More information can be found here: https://www.mrc.wa.gov.au/School-community/Battery-programs/School
If the account has been paid in full and a refund is due, payment will be processed for the full refund due within seven days of exit. 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.
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St George’s Anglican Grammar School