11 June 2021
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ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Edition Eight
Newsletter Fortnightly news and events for St George’s Parents
From the Principal Tina Campbell
“We should always have three friends in our lives - one who walks ahead who we look up to and follow; one who walks beside us, who is with us every step of our journey; and then, one who we reach back for and bring along after we’ve cleared the way.” Michelle Obama This week we have the majority of our Year 8 – 10 students on three different camps at Dwellingup, Karrakup and Wattening. These are a great way for students to come together as a year group and to build new friendships and connections outside of their normal routines of school. They are considered a compulsory part of the curriculum here at St George’s Anglican Grammar School and are designed to expose our students to a variety of experiences to facilitate their learning in a variety of forms outside of the confines of the classroom. The camp programs are varied and include such activities as orienteering, canoeing, shelter building, wilderness awareness, high rope courses, mountain biking, archery, a climbing wall, kayaking, raft building, night treks and much much more. All of the activities support the development of a new A school of the Anglican Schools Commission Inc.
range of skills and capabilities for our students set amongst a background of nature. Some they may love it, and some they may not. The students will work with different staff throughout the course of their time away from school building these intergenerational relationships that are so vital to their development and growth as St George’s students. These will result in different learnings for our students. The bonds between students and teachers are inevitable strengthened when undertaking an array of activities away from the classroom and my thanks go to all of our passionate and committed staff who have enthusiastically volunteered to be part of these camp experiences with the students this week, especially given our inclement and wintry weather that they have needed to endure.
an interest in active lifestyles, they seek to drive an appreciation of nature and the world around them including that of a greater understanding of Indigenous Australian peoples and their culture with the Dreamtime Experience of the Boshack Outback Camp undertaken by our Year 8 students.
I hope that all who have attended camp will return to school with a sense of achievement, a love of the outdoors, a deeper appreciation of nature and a new friend or greater connection within their year group for the future. I am confident that they will return with many fond memories despite the mud and rain that they have all experienced. These hands-on activities will certainly add to their sensory experiences of life outside of the school environment and away from the screen time of modern technology that is a constant in their lives as students of the modern era. The inherent value of unplugging from the fasttrack life of the city with one form of technology or another constantly by their side will be a great way for all students to learn more about themselves as well as about those around them for a few days. Less screen time and more ‘green time’ is potentially a positive in my books for all young people and I hope that the students have experienced how much fun that they can have in their lives with their friends offline through the activities they have undertaken during the course of this week.
Many of the activities will challenge their curiosity, develop leadership and decision-making skills, promote a sense of resilience to help them to push themselves outside of their normal comfort zone and we hope harness their sense of independence and love of adventure. It may also lead them to beginning to prioritise their spiritual wellbeing, promote an inner self confidence in their problem-solving abilities and open the door of possibilities for many for the future.
I hope your child returns with at least three new friends amongst their year, a love of life, lots of fun stories to share and perhaps even an appreciation of the comforts of home from their camp-based experiences this week. I can guarantee there will be The competencies that our camps concentrate much chatter on Friday evening, and I look forward on include a range of social skills, including that to hearing all about the camps and the adventures of teamwork, cooperation, communication, and had next week. camaraderie. They encourage physical fitness and Tina Campbell St George’s Anglican Grammar School
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Chaplain’s Corner This week my social media and news feed has been full of discussions around the challenges and struggles that sometimes come with raising children. Although the opportunity to raise a child is a blessing, most carers of children can think of a time when they wished they could have a break from the responsibilities that come with the blessing. Whether they are toddlers or teenagers, they come with as much joy as challenge!
One comment I read suggested that we should focus less on raising perfect children and rather focus on the personal growth that can come with the job. When we focus on our own mental and physical health, when we care for ourselves and each other, we lead by example. Do Not Ask Your Children to Strive By William Martin Do not ask your children To strive for extraordinary lives, Such striving may seem admirable, But it is the way of foolishness. Help them instead to find the wonder And the marvel of an ordinary life. Show them the joy of tasting Tomatoes, apples and pears. Show them how to cry When pets and people die. Show them the infinite pleasure In touch of a hand. And make the ordinary come alive for them. The extraordinary will take care of itself. Much love and prayers for carers and students at this time of exams and camps! Chaplain Sarah
School Operations
Susan Lazenby
This week, the Year 8, Year 9 and Year 10 students have been at Camp. There was an excited hubbub as they left 50 William Street, full of expectation for the next few days. We trust that for each of them, camp has been a time to get to know other students in their year, enjoy the activities and challenges, and have fun. Year 11 Examinations continue this week and next
week, it is the turn of the Year 10s. In addition to the examinations, the Year 10 students are beginning to make decisions about their subjects for next year and beyond. The second of the Subject Selection information evenings is on Wednesday 23 June. As we creep towards the winter holidays, I trust that our School families keep well as the welcome rains fall and the wind blows in to clean the air.
14-15 June 16 June 18 June 21-22 June
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Year 11 Examinations State Orienteering Championships Lincoln House Charity Day Year 10 Examinations
23 June
Year 10 Subject Selection Evening
25 June
Year 12 School Ball
St George’s Anglican Grammar School
Pastoral Focus Hilton Hardman
Youth Mental First Aid
Staff who attended this course: Ms Hewitt, Mrs Racey, Mr Lim, Mrs Fassom, Ms Sephton, Ms Gamble, Ms Russell, Mr Hardman, Ms Stapleton, Mr Hansson and Mr Quan.
Year 8 Student Guest Speakers
Adolescence is a time of significant change and development, and unfortunately, it is also the time when mental health problems can first emerge. During high school years, mental health problems are among the leading causes of falling grades, issues with friends, relationships, substance use or abuse, and lifelong impacts. This is where Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training can help. With a focus on improved mental health literacy and early intervention, Youth MHFA is for adults who work, live or care for adolescents. Eleven staff took part in this two-day course that aims to empower them to identify and support students struggling in mental health. Topics covered included depression, anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
On Friday, Sergeant Ian Stewart came in talk to Year 7 students on City Safety. While our beautiful city has a reputation for being friendly and safe, the CBD changes at times and areas become more uncertain during different periods of the day. This interactive talk looked to equip our students with knowledge of the risks involved to help them stay safe and avoid becoming vulnerable. Areas of focus included: • Transport – including train station safety, catching taxis and Ubers and carpark safety; • Interacting with strangers and how to defuse or avoid potential conflict; and • ATM access and handling cards and cash safely in public. Our Year 12 students had an Alcohol Savy talk by Armed of Life. Drugs and alcohol have always been an issue for teenagers looking to medicate the pain they may be feeling or peer pressure experienced over the weekends. This session discussed why students use coping mechanisms, how they become addictions and the danger of using alcohol, not just now, but for the rest of their lives. This session used practical points on how to deal with alcohol use, and was well-received by students. travelling as a driver or passenger.
Every year thousands of students join official celebrations in the South West. This year’s Leavers event will run from 22-25 November 2021 and due to travel restrictions associated with the global COVID-19 pandemic this year’s attendance is anticipated to have the highest attendance to date. This year parents will have the option to choose from one of three information sessions that will Free information sessions to help be run across the metropolitan area and the South parents keep their school Leavers safe. West. Dates and times are as follows: Parents of school Leavers will be provided assistance North Metropolitan - Sunday 25 July 10.00amto navigate this year’s school Leavers celebrations 12.00pm - Sunset Suite, Aqua, Sorrento Book now with a free information session about efforts in the South Metropolitan - Thursday 12 August 6.30South West to keep revellers safe. 8.30pm Plympton Room, Tradewinds Hotel, Hosted by the Western Australia Police Force and Fremantle. Book now. the Department of Education, the sessions will help South West - Wednesday 13 October 6.00-8.00pm parents to talk with their children about staying Undalup Room, City of Busselton Administration safe around alcohol and other drugs and while Building. Book now. St George’s Anglican Grammar School
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Curriculum Update Victoria Kelleher
Year 12 Student Declaration and Permission There are no study days leading up to the exams A reminder that June 17 is the last date for completion of all Year 12 Student Declaration and Permission Details (relating to the release of personal information, use of schoolwork and examination responses). This information has been sent to all Year 12s however for those students who have not yet completed it, it can be accessed by clicking here.
although some teachers in Science, Mathematics, English and Humanities may offer a study period prior to their exam.
Year 10 General Achievement Test (GAT)
As part of an effort to improve online testing, SCSA has come to an arrangement with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and has selected several schools in Western Australia to take part in a trial of new items for their GAT (General Year 12 ATAR Examination Timetables The 2021 Year 12 ATAR course written and practical Achievement Test). The GAT assesses reading, numeracy, maths, examinations timetables are provided below: science and technology, arts and the humanities. Written Examination Timetable St George’s has been selected as a trial school. The Practical Examination Timetable trial tests are paper-based and will take place on As of Thursday, 9 September 2021, students are Monday 14 June between 8.40am - 11.30am. able to download their personalised examinations The trial is an opportunity for students to timetable and Personalised practical examination demonstrate their skills in an independent, lowtimetable from the student portal. stakes environment and to receive feedback in the The personalised written examinations timetable assessed domains. It also provides them with some will contain the date, time and examination great experience in undertaking a timed assessment centre for the student’s written examinations. The under examination conditions, perfect preparation personalised practical examination timetable will for their Year 10 exams! contain the date, time, venue and location of the Year 11 2022 Information Evening student’s practical examination. For current Year 10 students Year 10 Semester One Examinations A reminder the Year 10 Subject Selection and Parent Year 10 students will sit their Semester One exams Information Evening will take place on Wednesday on Monday 21 June and Tuesday 22 June. The 23 June in Room 2.5 from 6.00pm. Year 10 students schedule for exams is outlined below: and their families will have the opportunity to listen • Monday 21 June 8.50-11.00 (11.20 SEA) English to information about 2022 pathways and subjects on offer from the various learning areas at the • Monday 21 June 1.30-3.10 (3.30 SEA) Maths College. From 6.00pm – 7.00pm there will be a • Tuesday 22 June 8.50-11.00 (11.20 SEA) Parent Information Session for parents and Year 10 Science students explaining the subject selection process • Tuesday 22 June 1.30-3.00 (3.15 SEA) for Year 11 2022. From 7.00-7.30pm there will be Humanities a Q&A session with the Head of Curriculum and Time between exams (P3 and P4) will be supervised Heads of Learning Areas. Attendance for Year 10 study to allow students time to finalise their students and at least one parent is recommended preparation for the afternoon exam. on this evening.
ST GEORGE’S SUPERSTARS Ava Watters
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Congratulations to Ava Waters, Year 8, for her selection to the WA State Gymnastics Team. Ava will represent WA in the Border Challenge competition in Queensland at the end of June. We wish Ava all the very best for her competition.
Anouk Potter
Anouk Potter, Year 7, has been selected in the State School Sport WA Swimming Team and she will be competing in the State Swimming Championships in August. We wish Anouk all the very best with her preparations in the pool.
St George’s Anglican Grammar School
Around the School WALK FOR RECONCILIATION The annual Walk for Reconciliation was held on Thursday 3 June during National Reconciliation Week. The walk symbolises a united Australia walking together for change, truth, equality and equity with First Nations people. The theme for 2021 was “More Than a Word. Reconciliation Takes Action”. This year our school was represented by 65 students from Years 7 to 12, and staff, including Miss Evans, Mr Hatton and Chaplain Sarah. Our School was one of only a few schools in attendance and by far the largest and visible in our red blazers! The walk commenced at the WA Museum Boola Bardip at midday. We received a Welcome to Country from Aunty Liz, an Elder from the Noongar nation and then we walked through a traditional “smoking” ceremony. The walk then progressed through the cultural centre, past Northbridge and finished at Yagan Square where we walked past the statue of Noongar leader, Yagan. In Yagan Square we celebrated the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and language.
THE CREATIVE ARTS Recently the upper school Visual Art students have been out and about in the CBD enriching their art learning and gaining inspiration at the Art Gallery of WA. On Monday 24 May the Year 11 Visual Art students visited Pulse Perspective to view a range of artworks by the Year 12’s from 2020. The focus was on the many portraits displayed as part of this year’s show. One of the most beneficial aspects of the excursion is the inspiration gained by viewing works of excellence and being able to observe the details an original artwork provides, in contrast to the
use of digital photographs. Another positive of being so close to the Cultural Centre of Perth is the Art Theory opportunities the Art Gallery provides us. Students work on a range of analytical, historic and theoretic aspects of their Art courses using the State Collection as their reference. With their first semester examinations behind them the Year 12’s braved the elements on a blustery June afternoon to participate in several learning activities held at the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Students benefitted from viewing the original artworks that formed this Around 3,000 people took part in the walk in Perth, Year’s Pulse Perspective Exhibition. showing their public support and solidarity in the The analysis and assessment learning activities Reconciliation movement. Thank you to Miss were designed to enhance the students’ Evans for organising our School’s representation on the day. “Now is the time to decide how you will take action in the year ahead. No matter where you are on your Reconciliation journey, we all have a role to play. And in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.” – Reconciliation WA. Carson Pikkert | Year 12
St George’s Anglican Grammar School
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Around the School understanding of course expectations. These clarified standards and SCSA expectations for the current Year 12 ATAR and General Visual Art courses that we offer in upper school. Students came away inspired by the visit and ready for their final busy term of art making ahead of them. Motivated in their own quest for excellence. Carol Wohlnick OUR ROOFTOP GARDEN
As part of Year 9 Outdoor Education, Sustainability Studies Unit, we are creating a garden in the pots on Level 5. The students are growing a selection of natives, vegetables and herbs. This will be an ongoing project which will run all year, and develop over time. We are working alongside Ryan McBride, and his Year 9 Religion Class who will also help to oversee the project. Jackie Sullivan
ON A MUSICAL NOTE Over the past couple of weeks, the music department was not only involved in the School production of this year’s musical, ‘School of Rock’, but was able to perform each night before the show, and during intermission. All rock bands from years 7 to 11 took part in performing either before, or during the show. Our piano students performed at the ASC Piano Competition on Wednesday 2 June. All performers did a fantastic job, with special mention to Hugo Wong, who came 3rd in his Integrity category (Grade 4/5 level performance). Congratulaions Hugo!
What’s coming up in Music: Saturday 12 June – ASC Concert Reading Day (St Mark’s Anglican Community School) Monday 28 June – SGAGS Music Festival Tuesday 29 June – SGAGS Battle of the Bands & Festival Concert Jemima Beal | Music Captain
MUSO PROFILE
different bands from rock bands to jazz and swing bands which are offered to all year groups. Music Beth Watt concerts, ASC bands, awards, competitions and positions like music captain are also offered here Instrument: Bass Guitar at St George’s. What first got you interested Why should other people do music? in Music? Music is very important to everyone and should I began playing piano in Year 3 be practiced. Music can not only help you to for about a year, only to start understand sounds and tones and educate you on playing bass in Year 4 when pitch and tone, but it can also act as a recreational piano was no longer an option for me. I started activity to release stress which, as a year 11 listening to classic rock music in high school, which student, I can safely say is very common! has fuelled my desire to become a better musician. What’s your advice for anyone learning Music? What’s the best thing about Music at St George’s? Practice. Practice all you can. Learning an Throughout my nearly five years at this school, instrument doesn’t come easy for a lot of people one thing that has never failed, is the number and can take years and years to master but of opportunities that the St George’s music practicing and practicing will only make you better. departments offers. There are a variety of
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St George’s Anglican Grammar School
Sporting Moments
The thing that strikes everyone who goes to the ACC Cross Country Carnival is the sheer enormity of the event. This was the 55th ACC Cross Country Carnival and the largest, with 76 schools in attendance and each race comprising 450 competitors.
The North Western Associated Schools’ (NWAS) competition is wrapping-up with finals taking place this week. I am pleased to report that we have our very first St George’s sporting team making it into the finals. Congratulations to Mr Gharsallah and his Year 9/10 Boys Soccer Team for placing second on the ladder. The team will be unable to attend Finals Week at Aranmore as we are all on camp but we will be postponing the final, to be played against Aranmore at Britannia Reserve, to Wednesday 15 June. Goodluck boys, bring home the pennant!
The St George’s ACC Cross Country Team excelled on the day. Their overall combined score placed us in 28th position. Incredibly, Alexandra Griffin placed 4th in the U/19 Female Division continuing her fantastic representation of being selected in the ACC All Stars Team. Ali was awarded the highest ACC accolade, receiving her ACC Letters in The students have begun their Athletics Unit in 2020. Congratulations to Ali and her family. their double PE lessons and have been running, jumping and throwing at McGillivray Reserve in Mt Claremont. This is in preparation for the InterHouse Athletics Carnival which is taking place early in Term Three, Thursday 5 August. Following this is the ACC Athletics Carnival on 6 September, where we have been elevated to G-Division after a successful win in H-Division in 2020. Jodie Scheele
St George’s Anglican Grammar School
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18 TH ANNUAL
ST GEORGE'S ART
An exhibition of works by senior art students from Western Australian schools
SAT 17 - SUN 25 JULY 2021 ST GEORGE'S CATHEDRAL
10am - 4pm daily (12noon - 4pm Sundays) Entry by gold coin donation Catalogues $15 • People's choice voting & prize draw
GALA AWARDS NIGHT Thursday 22 July 2021 a t 6.30pm Tickets $20/$10 available via TryBooking (Covid-19 restrictions apply) Art featured: "Roots" by Isabella Cotter, People's Choice winner of St George's Art 2019
St George's Cathedral • 38 St Georges Terrace, Perth • (08) 9325 5766 www.perthcathedral.org • www.facebook.com/stgeorgescathedral
Art featured: “Roots” by Isabella Cotter, 2019 St George’s Anglican School Graduate