Edition Thirteen | 17 SEPTEMBER 2021
THE DRAGON
Know le d g
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FORTNIGHTLY NEWS AND EVENTS FOR ST GEORGE’S PARENTS
From the Principal Tina Campbell
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away” Maya Angelou This quote is indeed a wonderful yardstick by which to aspire to live our lives as it reminds us to have moments of joy and awe within our daily lives that allow us to experience all the many good things that life has to offer.
that has just whizzed by. I cannot quite believe that I have now been here at St George’s for a little over six months and we are approaching the end of Term Three with Term Four just around the corner. I have loved every minute of the journey thus far.
The Inter House Theatre Challenge and Glee Dance Off were two of these moments. It was such a wonderful event for the whole School Community that made me enormously proud of being a part of the St George’s Anglican Grammar School family. It was a night where the audience was entertained – we all smiled, laughed, and giggled throughout the evening and were amazed by the spontaneity of the many actors on stage who challenged themselves, developing new skills to enhance the performance of their House.
We are now beginning to share many ‘lasts’ with our Class of 2021 and are starting to move our thinking and preparations towards 2022. I am getting excited about welcoming our new students for 2022 into our School and for the announcement of our Student Guild of 2022. I would like to thank the Class of 2021 for all that they have contributed to the School. They have been such a warm, welcoming, positive, collegial, and cheerful group who have been such a delight to work alongside. They have had new ideas and initiatives, they have worked hard to make improvements to school life, they have maintained important traditions, they have been inclusive in all that they have done, and they have brought much sunshine and laughter to the place. I thank each one of them for their many positive contributions in striving to make the School a better place for everyone. I especially thank the Student Guild which have been ably led by Charlie Beck and Cozi Pachioli as our Head Boy and Head Girl.
Mandela House were crowned champions, yet it was a tightly fought battle with only a few points ultimately dividing each of the three Houses. My sincere thanks go to all the students involved and to our amazingly talented and passionate Heads of House for whom the success of the evening was the culmination of much planning and preparation. In a world that seemingly spins faster by the day, it is sometimes easy to forget to stop and reflect on the week, the month or even the term 1
St. George's Anglican Grammar School – THE DRAGON
It is now time for them to begin to focus on themselves, to learn to prioritise their wants and needs and to prepare themselves fully for their ‘next steps’, whatever these might be. I hope that those studying for their MOCK examinations will work hard to ensure that they give of their best but that they also remember to plan effective study breaks and have something special to look forward to each day - a treat for their efforts. We will farewell and thank them more formally as a year group in the series of special goodbyes which are scheduled for Term Four, culminating in our Valedictory Service held at St George’s Cathedral on Wednesday 20 October. I look forward to seeing our Year 12 families at this important finale of their St George’s school journey.
extend these students both inside and outside of the curriculum. Mr Hilton Hardman, working together with the Student Representative Committee, is developing a range of new pastoral care initiatives for next year which I will share with you once they have been finalised. These are exciting new developments and 2022 will certainly be an exciting year at St George’s and I look forward to introducing you to the people appointed to these significant new roles next term. I would like to thank you for your continued support and wish you all a wonderful September school holiday break. Warmest Wishes, Tina Campbell
As we begin to look forward to next year, it gives me great joy to share with you a glimpse into the handful of initiatives that we are planning for the 2022 school year which supports our desire to continue to improve all that we offer within the School.
Introducing New Staff In Term Four we will welcome a number of new staff to the St George’s Family. Mrs Leanne Fowler will join us as the Music Administrator to
assist in managing the music timetable. She will be working closely with Mr Michael Newton and will be located on Level 1 to be easily accessible to students and peripatetic music teachers. Mrs Deborah Kerfoot will join us to replace Mrs Gaile Racey as
she heads off on long service leave for Term Four. Mrs Kerfoot will be teaching in the Mathematics Department. Mr Thomas Dempers will join us to replace Mrs Natalie McCann
who is leaving St George’s at the end of Term Three to enjoy some time being a full-time mother prior to the arrival of her second child. Mr Dempers will be teaching in the Science Department.
In 2022 we will have a library within the School. For me, a library is at the heart of any teaching and learning community. It is where students can be inspired to develop a lifelong love of learning. It will be the academic centre of the School and provide a warm and welcoming place for reading, study, and imagination to be developed, grow and flourish. It will be a place to connect students, teachers, parents, and the wider School Community - a St George’s gathering place if you like. The newly appointed Teacher Librarian will support our teaching of study and organisational skills, and the library will be somewhere that students and staff can be before and after school, at recess and at lunchtime. Plans are afoot to have the new library ready and open for business from the start of 2022.
Mrs Kim Greener will join us to replace Ms Courtney Evans who
is leaving St George’s for a Humanities role in the country at Geraldton Senior High School. Mrs Greener will be teaching in the English and Humanities Departments. Mrs Amanpreet Bhabra will join us to replace Mr Paul Smith who
is leaving us at the end of term. Mrs Bhabra will be teaching in the Mathematics Department.
In 2022 we will have a dedicated Alternative Pathways Experiences (APEx) and Careers Coordinator. This person will support all students in helping them to make good subject selections based on their individual strengths and skills. They will especially work closely with our APEx students and their families. Part of the role will also offer careers counselling, develop a unique city-based work experience program for our Year 10 cohort and seek to build stronger connections with our parent body, to allow us to utilise the expertise and experiences of our parents in mentoring and supporting our students in their career paths and future aspirations. In 2022 we will have a dedicated Inclusive Education Coordinator. This person will look to promote and further support our inclusive educational practices throughout the school and help to create an environment where all students are able to reach their potential by focusing on the development of the whole child. They will support many of our students across the learning needs spectrum as well as working to develop a Gifted and Talented Program to assist us to 2 St. George's Anglican Grammar School – THE DRAGON
Chaplain’s Corner
4. Don’t take up all the space. If you are dominating, loud, forceful, your children are highly likely to become passive, lacking spirit and personality … and/or sullen.
As a Chaplain, I am committed to listening and supporting rather than judgement and advice giving, but as a parent, these words from John Marsden (published by the Victorian Parents Council) give me comfort, hope and a reminder to pay attention to my child.
5. Believe about 40 per cent of the dramatic stories your children tell you of the injustices, corruption and satanic practices happening at school.
I wish you all well for the holidays, my prayers are with you.
6. Teach them empathy. For example, after their jubilant victory celebrations when they win a sporting match, remind them that their jubilation was only possible because someone else – the losers – have been made to feel awful.
Chaplain Sarah
7. Help them develop language skills. Don’t finish their sentences for them. Don’t correct them when they mispronounce a word – they’ll work it out sooner or later. Ask them open-ended questions, that need a detailed answer, not Yes/No questions. 8. Make sure they have regular jobs/duties at home and that those jobs are done to a consistently high standard.
1. Give children space. Back off. Let them roam. Let them be bored. Don’t over-plan their lives. Cut way back on the afterschool activities programs.
9. Don’t whinge endlessly about the miseries of your adult life. A lot of children now are fearful about growing up because their parents paint such a grim picture of the awfulness ahead.
2. Keep away from all those ghastly, soulless, sterile playgrounds. Keep away from shopping malls. Look for real places. Wild places.
10. Teach them to be very wary of people who Absolutely Know the Absolute Truth about Absolutely Everything! The colour of truth is always grey. Extreme positions are for the ignorant. Every creature, every person and every situation is complex. The universe is a wonderful mystery.”
3. Be an adult. Say no to your children at least once a day. If the role of Adult in your family is vacant, then one of your children will fill it. And it won’t be pretty.
School Operations Susan Lazenby
Notification of important events and some reminders. Next term, the Co-Curricular Program has a variety of options for students to choose from. We are introducing Park Play for our juniors. Students in Years 7 to 10 will have the opportunity to go out each lunch time on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. There are different venues on each of the days which also means that the activities will be varied. Other Co-Curricular options are run before and after school, or during lunchtime. There is a range of activities from which students can select when the Co-Curricular Booklet is published next week. We encourage all our students to participate in the Co-Curricular Program in Term Four, learn a new skill and meet new friends.
17 September 20 September 21 September 23 September
The opening night of the Art Exhibition is on Tuesday 19 October in the foyer of 108 St George’s Terrace. This is a splendid opportunity to view the creativity of our student artists and celebrate their hard work and skills. As the spring weather warms up, it is also a reminder that students return to school in Term Four in their summer uniform. The holidays are a good time to check that uniforms are ready for the new term. Dress hems must touch the top of the knee and trouser lengths should be on the top of the school shoe. A reminder that the school bag is part of the uniform and is to be used daily.
24 September 4-8 October 12 October 14 October
Enjoy the school holidays and we look forward to welcoming our students back on Tuesday 12 October.
19-29 October 20 October 3
St. George's Anglican Grammar School – THE DRAGON
On the Roof Sleep Out, St George’s Year 8 ORACY Years 7-11 Group Photographs Year 11 Physics Excursion, Adventure World Year 9 Outdoor Education, Orienteering Excursion Final Day of Term Three Year 12 ATAR Mock Exams First Day of Term Four Year 10 MTB Excursion Year 7 Immunisaiton Art Exhibition Valedictory Day and Ceremony
Pastoral Focus
The rest of the school were able to select from six activities that linked in with mental health. These included Just Dance, Karaoke, Music in the music room, dodge ball, Mandala art and board games.
Hilton Hardman R U OK Day 2021
The message for R U OK Day? 2021 was: Are they really OK? Ask them today. You don’t have to be an expert to keep the conversation going when someone says they’re not OK. By knowing what to say, you can help someone feel supported and access appropriate help long before they’re in crisis, which can make a positive difference in their life. At St Georges Anglican Grammar School, a significant emphasis is placed on Pastoral Care and students’ mental health. This week focused on creating awareness around this day and supporting others. The Student Guild planned and organised all activities for this week, and the success of this week is a credit to them.
JOIN the GRAMMARIANS!
Tuesday - Warm Fuzzies
All students were given a bag to write their names on. Then, during the morning PCG time slots, members of that Pastoral group could then write kind messages and leave them in the students’ bags to be read on Friday during PCG. It was touching to see some of the messages students had written for each other, and it shows that we are indeed a community that looks out for one another.
We would like to make more contact with our St George’s Anglican Grammar School and Murdoch College alumni – Grammarians. We ask that ex-students make contact with Ms Susan Lazenby to ensure that we have their correct contact details and to express an interest in remaining connected with the School.
Wednesday: Funky sock day and Raffle
Student Guild ran a raffle in the morning where staff and students could win T-shirts, Caps and Mugs. To get raffle tickets, students or staff had to answer a question about R U Ok Day 2021. It created an opportunity for students to learn some key points about the day. The number of funky socks worn around the school was a highlight of the day, which had people laugh, joking and smiling, all vital elements to mental health.
Please email Susan on slazenby@stgeorges.wa.edu.au Our aim is to invite Grammarians to key school events, to begin to have Grammarian functions and events throughout the year and to invite them to support our current St George’s students by offering their advice and guidance as young Grammarians. We hope to hear from you.
Friday: Guest speakers and Activities
Enrolments 2022 As we finalise our classes and enrolments for 2022, I ask that as per our School Enrolment Policy that any families considering making changes to their son and/or daughters’ enrolment here at St George’s Anglican Grammar School for the 2022 academic school year, make contact with the School in writing prior to the end of this term. With interest in the School continuing to grow and wait lists currently operating across both Years 8 and 9, we have decided to open an additional stream in Year 10 for 2022. This will allow for our current Year 9 students to be mixed with both new and existing students as they move into the heightened demands of Year 10. It will also provide for them smaller classes across the curriculum as they prepare themselves for their senior years at St George’s.
Three guest speakers were talking to the Year 8, 11 and 12 students to finish the week. Our Year 11 and 12 students were split into two groups (male and female) for their presentation on the Key topic: Sexual Harassment.
We encourage our existing families to tell their families and friends who may be considering a change of school of this exciting opportunity to join the St George’s School Community before these strictly limited places disappear.
The Year 8 students had a guest speaker talk them through bullying in schools and provide them with helpful strategies. Guest speakers continue to play a vital role at St George’s. 4
St. George's Anglican Grammar School – THE DRAGON
Curriculum Update Victoria Kelleher
however, they will have the opportunity to choose two full year options, one full year option and two semester only options or four semester only options. For example:
NAPLAN 2021
Two Electives:
We are very proud to note that St George’s has achieved commendable NAPLAN 2021 results. St George’s students in Year 7 and Year 9 have achieved above the national, state and statistically similar schools average in Numeracy, Writing, Spelling and Grammar and Punctuation. Growth Charts of students between Year 7 and Year 9 have shown pleasing results with growth in all five domains occurring at a greater rate than the national, state and statistically similar school comparisons. Overall, we are thrilled with these results for our students and our families and, although our focus will continue to work hard on our literacy and numeracy standards, the results are a credit to our students and our staff.
A student chooses Music Full Year and Mandarin Full Year Options. Three Electives:
A student chooses Drama Full Year Option, Outdoor Ed (Semester Only Option) and Visual Art (Semester Only Option). Four Electives:
A student chooses Visual Art (Semester Only Option), Nobel Pathway (Semester Only Option), Music (Semester Only Option), and Design (Semester Only Option). In selecting their study program for Year 9, students should fundamentally select subjects in which they are interested. Every endeavour will be made to enable students to study their desired elective; however, in some instances, students may be offered one or more of their alternative selections.
Your child’s NAPLAN 2021 Results are available to view on SEQTA. Should you have any queries regarding these results, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Year 8 and Year 9 Electives Information
Students will make their selections via a direct link provided on SEQTA. Elective subjects must be selected by Friday 24 September 2021. Once students have made their selection, they will be asked to send a confirmation email to their parent/carer/guardian.
On Friday 17 September, Year 8 and Year 9 students and their families will be sent a course guide outlining the elective subjects on offer in 2022. For our Year 8 students, this will be the first time they will select subjects in secondary school, a very exciting option!
I have met with all students to explain the selection process, however, should you have any questions, or queries regarding Year 9 and Year 10 2022 Elective Subject Selection Information, please do not hesitate to contact me vkelleher@stgeorges.wa.edu.au.
On Monday 20 September students will be sent a link, via SEQTA, to choose their elective subjects for 2022. Students will be asked to choose either two, three or four elective subjects. They must complete two electives each semester,
ST GEORGE’S SUPERSTARS
ART competition Kate van Olden Kate was selected for the concert band, orchestra, rock band, stage band and electronic ensemble for the ASC Combined School’s Concert and was also one of the MCs. The orchestra, rock band, stage band and electronic ensemble were auditioned groups. An amazing achievement!
We need your help in designing the 2022 Student Diary cover Create an artwork celebrating our 2022 School Theme: Dream Big. Work Hard. Make it Happen. The winning entry will become the cover of St George's 2022 Student Diary. Ent
For a copy of the entry form and terms and conditions Click Here
5 St. George's Anglican Grammar School – THE DRAGON
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Around the School
entertained. Once again, there were a variety of acts, with the likes of: Avril Lavigne, Lil Nas X, Katy Perry, and the Backstreet Boys being performed. Congratulations to Alan, Joey, Ben, August and Tony who took out first place in the competition.
Every Brilliant Thing
Katie Fassom
Theatre Challenge and Glee
The crackle that precedes the first track on a record, fresh cut grass, bubblewrap, the sun on your face on a Spring day, wearing capes, fresh oranges, sharing a book, wax on your fingertips, the voice of Ray Charles. These are just some of life’s joys and these were the focus of Duncan Mc Milllan’s play, Every Brilliant Thing. Students from St George’s attended the Perth production of the play last Tuesday evening; many of the student participating by shouting out examples of the beautiful things that make life wonderful and worth loving. McMillan combines humour and tragedy to engage his audience in a reflection on depression and mental health.
The annual Theatre Challenge was held at the Perth Town Hall on Friday evening. Once again, the three Houses entertained a packed audience with a hilarious display of their improvisational drama skills. The 2021 event also saw the return of the beloved Glee component, a dance extravaganza that challenges the Houses to showcase their best moves. Congratulations to Mandela House for taking out first place in both competitions.
To describe a piece of theatre as being “moving” is often a trite dismissal, but Johnny Donahoe’s performance of this one-man show really did leave me feeling as if I had experienced the very worst and then the very best that life has to offer. In total it led me to spend the train ride home reflecting on all the things I really do love about life. Every Brilliant Thing concludes its season this Saturday night, 18 September. Damien Kerrigan
Mandela Charity Day
Katie Fassom
Sleep Out on the Roof Students from St George’s will be sleeping out on the roof to raise awareness and funds for young people experiencing homelessness. All funds raised will go directly to Anglicare WA’s Street Connect service who work with young people on the streets of Perth, helping them get their lives back on track. Street Connect makes around 60 contacts per week with young people experiencing homelessness in Perth. The service is funded entirely by donations. Donate now
Last week Mandela House hosted another successful charity day. This year’s Lip Sync Battle raised over $1000 for Cystic Fibrosis WA. The battle was fierce, and students and staff were thoroughly
Ryan McBride 6
St. George's Anglican Grammar School – THE DRAGON
A Journey to Ancient Greece
The PE Department is immensely proud of our students and all the goosebump moments of the day. We came third in the G-Division Carnival, and we look forward to taking on the challenge again next year. You can view all results on the ACC app. We would like to highlight the efforts of the following individual award winners, in particular, the contribution of Benedict and Bernard Bolum, who will graduate this year. These two amazing athletes have put St George’s on the ACC Athletics map. We wish them all the very best in their future sporting and personal endeavours!
During Week 7 the Year 7s took a trip back in time to visit the Ancient Greek Exhibition at the WA Museum, Boola Bardip. With the support of several teachers including Miss Wilkinson, Ms Sephton, Ms Kania, Miss Brunton and Mr O’Hagan, the wonderful students explored the artifacts exhibited and record answers to a fun quiz based on the information provided at the museum. From learning about the 12 labours of Herakles, to the games played in Greek society, there was so much information at the student’s fingertips. The Year 7s displayed excellent maturity, curiosity, and represented St George’s proudly.
Jodie Scheele
MALE OPEN
Katie Wilkinson
ACC Athletics Carnival
Place
Competitor
Team
Points
1
BOLUM, Bernard
STG
52
2
CRONJE, Hendrik
FCC
44
3
MUKUNZI, Darsi
DCS
42
4
JAKOVICH, Lukas
LWL
38
Team
Points
MALE U/15 Place
Competitor
1
JOYNER, Harry
STG
64
2
D’SYLVA, Zidane
PRO
58
3
JANISSEN, Stephen
DCS
53
4
DECLARADOR, Hervic
SJA
53
Team
Points
FEMALE OPEN Place
Competitor
1
WIEGELE, Keira
SJA
54
What a day! From the Reserves that stepped in, to students that stepped up, when the going got tough you all pitched in. This is not easy to do when you are all feeling fatigue from all the events. To those who went for just one or two events, every point counts, and that’s why, together, you achieved such a brilliant result. A massive thank you for all your hard work and striving to do the best for your School and yourselves.
2
MACH, Ameer
FCC
51
3
GRIFFIN, Ali
STG
44
4
CONWAY-MORTIMER, Lenae
TRA
36
Place
Competitor
Team
Points
Many thanks to all our staff, parent, and student officials. There is an enormous amount of work required to run these events efficiently and effectively to the professional standards that the ACC ensure. You all did a grand job and I really appreciate your support.
1
MANALO, Khenneth
SJA
65
2
WOODHOUSE, Matthew
RCC
63
3
CROXSON, Benjamin
PRO
55
4
LANE, Owen
STG
43
MALE U/14
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Musical Notes
One of the highlight events of the year is the ASC Combined Schools’ Concert. Cancelled in 2020 due to lockdown, the concert ran this year on Friday 3 September at the Perth Concert Hall, involving musicians from all ASC schools across WA. After a long period of separate preparations, the schools came together for rehearsals in the two weeks leading up to the concert. This year’s concert featured a performance by ASC Indigenous students, Concert Band, Electronic Ensemble, Massed Choir, Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Rock Band, Select Choir, and Stage Band. https://youtu.be/mzqvsE-LcfI St George’s was the only school with students in every group, including backstage crew. This is a huge credit to our musicians and crew. The next ASC Combined Schools Concert will be in March 2023.
What’s coming up in Music • Art Exhibition Opening – 19 October (Jazz Ensemble), South32 • Graduation – 20 October (Swing Band), St George’s Cathedral • Battle of the Bands – 28-29 October, Lunchtimes in the Music Department • Kristallnacht Commemoration – 7 November (Vocal Ensemble), St George’s Cathedral • Sounds @ Sunset – 25 November, Yagan Square • Electrocity Ensemble FRINGE WORLD Workshops – 1-8 December, Music Department • Presentation Night – 8 December (Swing Band), St George’s Cathedral • FreedomFest – 9 December, Venue TBC Jemima Beal, Music Captain
ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL A school of the Anglican Schools Commission Inc. KW noiswd cee lo ed mgeGFraaitche SSeerrvviic