THE DRAGON

From the Principal

Tina Campbell

Last week saw an excited group of Year 8 students head out after school to go bowling with the Head of Year 7 and 8, Ms Sephton. Tonight, we have the eagerly awaited Year 10 and 11 River Cruise with our Head of Year 9 and 10, Miss Wilkinson. These two wonderful social opportunities are a fabulous way to unwind together as a St George’s School Community and the positive relationships built through both of these shared experiences are an important part of ‘school connectedness’.

Whilst events like these have nothing to do with academics, they are equally as important in a student’s overall learning experience throughout their life at school. Social gatherings such as these benefit students in ways that no book, classroom activity or study session can ever fully replicate.

School connectedness is an important factor linked to one’s overall success. The interactions and conversations occurring at such events help students to build better relationships, to understand different perspectives, to broaden their friendship circles and to socialise as a whole group outside of the confines of the school day. They enhance their sense of self, build confidence within a social setting, and confirm their relations with the people and groups around them – both other St George’s students and equally and just as important with St George’s staff. These social events provide a chance to connect on a different level for students and bring with them a sense of belonging which in turn leads to heightened engagement and then hopefully greater enjoyment at school.

At St George’s such positive experiences pepper our students’ school calendars throughout the school year. School camps, excursions, carnivals, concerts, school productions, co-curricular experiences and other such celebrations provide an ever-increasing range of opportunities for St George’s students to build cohesion and create that important sense of belonging and connectedness to the School far beyond the classroom.

A focus solely on academics has been shown to clearly diminish ultimate productivity and whilst we will always continue to promote strong academic performance for all our students, this sits alongside the many opportunities that we provide for students to take their mind off their various assessments, tests, exams, and constant discussions about grades. School is so much more than this. It is a chance to participate in a range of activities that help make school life one that is surrounded by fun and friendships.

As we edge closer to the end of Term One, I warmly encourage your child to become involved in the myriad of opportunities for them to have a life outside of the classroom here at St George’s.

I wish all attending the Year 10/11 River Cruise tonight a wonderful evening and I hope it brings with it new friendships and connections.

Warmest Wishes

Mrs Tina Campbell Principal

The God Squad at SGAGS!

The only time we read about a Jesus boyhood story in the Bible is his visit to the temple in Jerusalem at age 12 with his parents for the Feast of Passover. Ironically, the other recorded visit in the synoptic Gospels was during the same festival when he was in his early 30s when he was arrested and crucified in Jerusalem.

At 12 years old, Jesus could join the adults in observing the Passover in Jerusalem. Unfortunately, on this occasion when the parents made the return trip to Nazareth, they left Jesus behind, perhaps assuming that he was with the other boys - how responsible parents journeyed that long without checking on their child’s safety! However, when they made a swift return to Jerusalem searching, they found him right in the temple, sitting among teachers, listening, and asking questions.

Luke says, all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers! Jesus was amazed that his parents were in the panic mode frantically looking for him, and he assured them that he was okay in his “Father’s house” doing “the Father’s business.” What a remarkable boy!

The story concludes by saying, “and Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.” This is what I am trying to offer to our students as School Chaplain and my door is always

Pastoral Focus Hilton Hardman

World’s Greatest Shave open for them to pop in for a chat at any time. They will find me next door to Mr Hardman, adjacent to the Pastoral Lounge.

We are excited to announce that the World’s Greatest Shave event is taking place again here at St George’s on Friday 17 March. We encourage all members of our School community to get involved in supporting this important cause. The World’s Greatest Shave is a fundraising event that raises money for the Leukaemia Foundation, which provides support and assistance to those affected annually by blood cancer.

Every year, thousands of Australians shave or colour their hair to raise money for this worthy cause. The event is a powerful symbol of solidarity with those who are battling blood cancer, and it serves as a reminder that we can all make a difference in the lives of others.

By getting involved in the World’s Greatest Shave, we have the opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of those affected by blood cancer. The funds raised through the event go towards supporting families who are dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of cancer treatment. They also go towards funding vital research that is helping to find better treatments and, ultimately, seeking to find a cure for blood cancer.

We encourage all students and families to get involved in the event. This can be done by registering to shave or colour your hair, making a donation, or simply spreading the word about the event to your friends and family.

If you as parents, guardians, or carers, are willing to allow your child/ children to be “lost in the right place,” which is ‘the Chaplain’s Office’ on Wednesdays 3.30 to 4.30pm, we are studying Mark’s Gospel, discussing how it relates and can empower our young people to grow both “in wisdom and stature.”

Currently there are six of us, but more are welcome.

Please email me if you would like your child to join us on gmakwasha@stgeorges.wa.edu.au

God Bless Father Gift http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/STG2023

As a School community, we have always been committed to supporting important causes and making a positive difference in the world. The World’s Greatest Shave is just one example of how we can come together to make a difference in the lives of others. We want to thank all members of our School community for their ongoing support and generosity, and we look forward to seeing the amazing impact that we can make together through this event.

Thank you for your support and involvement in the World’s Greatest Shave.

Please use the link below to support Team St George’s Anglican Grammar School’s quest to raise $8,000 for this cause.