The Iris - Edition #03 May 2024

Real Time, Not Virtual Time

Like many of us, I really enjoy catching up on reading during the holiday period. Over the last break I managed to read “The Anxious Generation”, a book recommended to me by a colleague.

The author, Jonathan Haidt, is a social psychologist and his central claim in the book is that “overprotection in the real world and underprotection in the virtual world” are the major reasons why children born after 1995 have become more anxious. He is the first to acknowledge that his work is not a peer reviewed scientific piece, and he notes that “I will surely be wrong on some points”, however, much of what he says rings true from the discussions I have with parents and fellow Heads and the observations of our students and children more generally.

Unfortunately, the data tells us that after more than a decade of stability or improvement, the mental health of adolescents in the western world declined in the early 2010s and continues to be of major concern today.

In summary, he investigates why children need play and independent exploration to mature into competent adults. He shows how the “play-based childhood” began to decline in the 1980s, and for many children, how it was nearly wiped out by the arrival of the “phonebased childhood” in the early 2010s. He then presents the mechanisms by which this “great rewiring of childhood” has interfered with children’s social and neurological development.

As educators, we have observed that for some of our students their ability to think, focus, consider the needs of others and build close

relations has diminished. That is, there seem to be more children struggling with these core skills.

The book is not all doom and gloom and Haidt does suggest four key reforms. As a true boarding school (that is a school where most of the students are boarders) we are well on the way to meeting his first two suggested reforms.

Firstly, he advocates for phone free schools. This is key to our approach with students, only having their phones for a short period each day, primarily to call their parents.

Secondly, we need to ensure our children have more time to play unsupervised, ideally in the outdoors. “So that they can develop the independence, social skills and healthy risk taking that is essential for their growth and development.” Secondary schools particularly are busy places and we like our children to be occupied and challenged. We also need to recognise that our younger students, particularly our primary aged and lower secondary students, need free time together, that is ‘real’ time together, not ’virtual’ time together. This was certainly a recommendation that came out of the Boarding Forum last year.

We also need to recognise that our younger students, particularly our primary-aged and lower secondary students need free time together, that is ‘real’ time together, not ’virtual’ time together.

His last two reforms are perhaps more difficult to achieve, requiring the support of our parents and community. He argues that parents should delay their children’s access to the internet by only giving them basic phones up until the age of 14. And, finally, we should allow our children to get through the most vulnerable period of their brain development without the influence of social media. This would mean no social media access until the age of 16. Certainly this is not the case for the majority of our students with many of them having social media access from Year 7 and some even earlier.

Interestingly, these suggested approaches to school management and parenting are gaining support not only in the education sector but also from social commentators, scientific researchers as well as mental health experts.

So, having said that, the students at Frensham and Frensham Junior School have made a great start to the Term. We are living and operating in a ‘real’ community. The highlight of the first week and corresponding weekend was the occupational certificate for the new Sports Hall being granted and despite the rain, Frensham hosted 12 basketball games indoors on the first and second Saturdays of Term.

The facility itself is magnificent and I would encourage you to drop in and see it in action. How fortunate we are to have a Foundation with the drive and capacity to support our schools.

Geoff Marsh Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools

THE NEW FRENSHAM SPORTS HALL

Embracing Clarity A New Approach to Semester Reports

In the pursuit of continuous improvement and clarity, Frensham will be making a significant change in the way we present our student reports. We believe this change will provide a more precise, clear, and comprehensive understanding of each student’s progress. Further, our new reports will align with our on-time reporting through Schoolbox, which students and parents can read any time on their student’s Grade Page in the profile.

Comments

Traditionally, our reports have included prose comments, a narrative that provides an overview of a student’s performance. While this method has its merits, it can sometimes lead to ambiguity and lack of specificity. To address this, we are transitioning from prose comments to dot points

Why Dot Points?

Dot points offer a clear and concise way to present information. They break down complex ideas into easily digestible pieces, making it easier for parents and students to understand the key points of a student’s performance. Here are some benefits of this new approach:

• Clarity: Dot points are straightforward and to the point, reducing the chance of misinterpretation.

• Efficiency: They allow readers to quickly grasp the main points without having to read through lengthy paragraphs.

• Focus: Each dot point can highlight a specific aspect of a student’s performance, allowing for a more detailed analysis.

What to Expect

For example, instead of a prose comment like:

“Winifred has shown a good understanding of historical concepts this semester. She participates actively in class discussions. Winifred is being supported in her essay writing.”

The new report would present this information as:

In History, Winifred:

• Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the causes of change.

• Actively participates in class discussions.

• Is focused on developing comparative language in her essays.

Outcomes

We will also be changing the levels of reporting against a subject’s outcomes. In previous reports, we have used the levels “Highly Competent”, “Competent” and “Developing Competency” to report on outcomes.

In future reports, we will be reporting on a five-point scale; extensive, thorough, sound, basic and elementary. Each is aligned with the NESA Common Grade Scale, thus corresponds with an A – E. We feel that this will provide more granularity to parents and students and will make the alignment between outcomes, grades and learning comments clearer.

Other changes

In future reports we will also be including:

1. A term-based grade on the report for each course.

2. Days absent for the student.

Looking Forward

We believe this change will enhance the way we communicate student progress, providing a clearer, more focused picture of each student’s academic journey. We look forward to your feedback and continued support as we implement this new approach to our school reports.

Nathan Bessant Director of Studies (Years

7-12)

The Iris Logo Story

The current Frensham Schools logo was designed and implemented in the late 1990s. There have been some name changes over this time; Winifred West Schools was changed to Frensham Schools in 2018 and Gib Gate has recently been changed to Frensham Junior School, however apart from these name changes, the style of the logo has not changed. The time had come to revitalise our logo so that we can strengthen our brand and better communicate who we are now. This change was also needed so that we could provide visual consistency across the Frensham Schools’ brand and its sub-brands; Frensham, Frensham Junior School, Frensham Fellowship and Winifred West Schools Foundation. It is important to note here that Sturt, from a branding perspective, has always had its own identity and thus its logo and branding will not change at this time.

In creating a new look, it was important that we were respectful of the past and the tradition that lies at the heart of Frensham whilst also reflecting Frensham now. We asked our archivist, Joanne Birkl, if she could do some research on how the Iris has been used since Frensham began. After conducting some research, she reported that “we sure have been obsessed with our Iris”.

Ever since the school began the Iris has been used in so many different ways. The Iris was chosen as Frensham’s emblem for its beauty, strength and ability to flourish in all conditions and, as outlined in “Frensham: 100 Years On”, the Iris (and the earth) gave us the distinguishing colours of purple, green and brown. Jo was kind enough to sift through the archives for us which uncovered a multitude of Iris iterations and we have provided just a few examples.

CORPORATE ICON

Apart from being so important in the history of Frensham, the Iris icon is also a differentiator for the Schools; nearly all other independent schools use a crest or coat of arms. We wanted to make sure that all of this was taken into account when we embarked on the logo refresh and our designer has cleverly enhanced our Iris icon without making any dramatic changes. The design has been changed slightly to make the distinction between the flower, stem and leaves clearer which also makes the Iris more prominent. She has also elongated the bottom of the petals and tapered the stem making the overall look more elegant. The Iris icon can now be used in different colour variations and this enables flexibility and increases awareness.

The new look also incorporates a few other changes:

• The logo text has changed from all uppercase to sentence case which gives a more elegant and approachable look and feel.

• The purple and the green have both been changed to deeper more sophisticated hues.

• We have a tailored set of primary and secondary colours for the corporate Frensham Schools brand and the two main sub-brands to ensure consistency across all of our collateral.

FRENSHAM SCHOOLS

Finally, and reflected in the samples here is the use of our new design in situ. It looks modern and striking and is designed to further highlight the logo with the ‘V’ in the design culminating above the Iris icon.

We are very excited about the new look – a fresh, elegant and modern design for our schools which will help to set us apart and guide our brand story as we move forward. The next step is a complete redesign and rebuild of the Frensham Schools website. The new website will reflect our new look, it will be simplified and targeted, and it will be a central channel for both Frensham and Frensham Junior School. We look forward to delivering this to you soon.

Tina Griffin-Hunt Director of Marketing and Communications

Indra Deigan Creative Director

Samples

Over 70% of our students are boarders

For families in Wagga Wagga and surrounds, come and discover the life-changing benefits of boarding at Frensham at:

• Meet & Greet – Thursday 20 June Scan to register your interest

• Boarding Schools Expo –Friday 21 & Saturday 22 June

Boarding & Day School for Girls | Range Rd Mittagong NSW 02 4860 2000 | enrolments@frensham.nsw.edu.au www.frensham.nsw.edu.au

Frensham Heads of Houses

Sally Edwards – Director of Student Life

As a child I always followed the shiny objects, often being distracted by things I spotted in my periphery. My parents often ‘lost’ me but I always knew where I was. I was, and still am, fiercely independent and was never really concerned about not finding my way back to where I was needed. Instead, I was caught up in exploring the world around me, my childhood was magic. Our afternoons growing up were spent running around the bush surrounding our home and playing games until dinner. It was fun, it was entirely wholesome and it was free-range. It is these times that fortified the values I hold now - always explore, find the challenge and embrace the opportunities in front of you. Splitting much of our time between the busyness of Sydney and the magnificent beauty of the family farm at Glen Davis in the Capertee Valley, I developed a deep appreciation for nature and adventure. Exploring the rugged landscape and ruins of the old oil refinery on the farm fuelled my curiosity and sense of wonder and led me to a career as a History and Geography teacher. Away from School, my interests reflect my adventurous spirit and love of exploration.

Travel is my greatest passion, with each trip serving as a source of inspiration and enlightenment. My upcoming trip to the Philippines is the next adventure that will take me on the road less travelled to the untouched Balabac Islands. I look forward to sharing the experience with the girls on my return.

The majority of my teaching and leadership experience has been within boarding schools. I have a strong belief in the transformative power of a holistic education within the nurturing and challenging environments that boarding schools provide. Stepping into the role of the Director of Student Life in 2022, I have embraced the opportunity to work alongside a wonderful team in Boarding, who always have the wellbeing and best interests of all our young people at the heart of everything we do. I am incredibly grateful for the trust placed in our team by our parents to care for their daughters and humbled each day by the girls. At Frensham, we are blessed with a community of brilliant young women with diverse interests, from all over the country who have so much to offer each other, our community and the world beyond the green gates. I look forward to the conversations I share each day with the girls and enjoy being witness to their journey. It is truly the best part of our job.

The advice I was always given by my dad, which still serves me well, is to slow it all down and take one step at a time.

Kimberley Jones – Head of Kennedy

Having worked in rural boarding schools for over 25 years, I have developed an understanding and passion for working within the boarding environment. It is a unique and rewarding experience. Building positive relationships with students and being involved in their development are significant aspects of the role. Having parents put their faith and trust in the school and acting in a loco-parentis role is an important responsibility. At Frensham I thoroughly enjoy being Head of Kennedy House and also a Mathematics teacher.

Family is exceptionally important to me. Moving to Mittagong in 2022 has been a positive experience for all of us. It is a lovely region to live-in and explore and is close to our extended family both in Sydney and Kiama. Our eldest children Noah (23) and Mackenzie (21) study down the Hume Highway in Albury and Melbourne and love coming home. Charlotte (Year 12) has flourished in the Frensham environment.

One of my favourite things to do is watch the mighty Sydney Swans. I have always enjoyed playing sport, especially netball. Most holidays I catch up with family but love relaxing near the ocean. My advice to my younger self would be - control the controllables.

Sally Arnold – Head of Linden Turner

I am happy to reflect and to share with you a glimpse into my journey here at Frensham—a journey that has been filled with passion, purpose, friendships and endless discovery.

I love to learn and have been privileged to pursue a range of academic interests obtaining a teaching degree in English, a Masters in Sociology, and a degree in psychology. Over the past 8 years, I’ve had the privilege of continuing my learning journey, on a daily basis, from Frensham students, both inside and outside of the classroom.

My decision to transition into boarding life was deeply personal, inspired by the departure of my own children for university. I arrived in Linden Turner House in 2016, determined to continue enjoying interactions with young minds and fostering relationships and boarding presented the perfect opportunity for me to extend my passion for education beyond the classroom.

In my personal life, the UK holds a special place in my heart, having called it home for fifteen wonderful years. I relish the chance to revisit it as often as I am able, indulging in the vibrant cultural scene, particularly enjoying being able to attend plays and opera performances. Currently, I find myself on an exhilarating pilgrimage—two-thirds of the way through walking the Camino Santiago. This transformative journey, steeped in history and spirituality, has been a wonderful opportunity for self-discovery. Come September, I eagerly anticipate returning to Spain to conquer the final 308 kilometres from Leon to Santiago de Compostela, a journey that promises to be both challenging and profoundly rewarding.

As I reflect on the milestones and adventures that have defined my time at Frensham, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to continue to be inspired, learn and grow, from my daily interactions with our wonderful girls.

Lucy Haydon – Head of Bryant McCarthy

Born in Sydney but growing up in Hong Kong and the UK, I started my teaching career in Japan before working as a primary school teacher in Surrey, UK with a year in Virginia, USA as part of the Fulbright/British Council teacher exchange program. I returned to Australia to be closer to my family who had settled in the Southern Highlands. All of these experiences have fuelled my interest in travel and visiting new places, meeting different people and trying new things. I’m a voracious reader and enjoy arts and crafts. I also love the beach and finding seashells for my collection as well as walking my cocker spaniel, Snoopy, in the bushland.

I started working in Boarding at Frensham in Kennedy House with weekends in Hartfield, and then with the seniors in Bryant McCarthy. Having only ever worked with younger students, it has been an interesting and enlightening experience. I have been Head of House in Bryant McCarthy for 5 years and although challenging at times, working with the senior girls at the end of their high school years by supporting and encouraging them through their HSC examinations has been very rewarding. If I have any advice to give it is to study hard and do what you love, give everything a go and always try your best!

Roxy Gray – Head of Hartfield

I was appointed Head of Hartfield in 2023 prompting the move from Potts Point for myself, my husband, Ben, our two-year-old, Willa, our cat, Aslan, a whole lot of stuffed toys, a drum kit, several guitars, the coffee machine, absolutely no clothing that was truly warm enough and some excited but nervous energy.

I have been teaching for just shy of 10 years, specialising in English and Drama, finding myself continually in roles in which pastoral care was at the forefront. I was attracted to boarding and Frensham knowing that I, and my whole family, had a lot of love to give into a life spent living alongside students.

It has been no small adjustment welcoming the Hartfield girls into our lives but an incredibly rewarding and happy time. Willa is besotted with her many older sisters, and they are delighted by her. In the short time I have been at Frensham, I have already seen the fruit of maturity and grace in the Hartfield girls through the learning that comes uniquely from boarding.

It is a privilege to be able to give my girls counsel I wish I could have given to myself as a young person. In particular that your ability to ‘get back on the horse’ rather than quit is a more powerful indication of your character than never making mistakes and also that sometimes you’re not having a crisis, you just need to have a good sleep; new hope often comes in the morning!

Anzac Day 2024

Frensham and Frensham Junior School

have a long history of marching together in the Mittagong ANZAC Day march to honour the service men and women who have served and are currently serving in our Nation’s Military. Each year, we gather together, uniforms pressed, shoes polished, great grandfathers and grandfathers medals pinned proudly to our chests and rosemary pinned to our lapels to pay respects to the ANZACs and service people who have fought in wars across the decades to provide us with the freedom that we enjoy today. This year, we had a proud contingent of the Frensham Schools Community involved in the Service, including musicians and speakers. A special thanks goes to Madeleine Charters (12) and Georgie Lewis (11), who led the singing and Olivia Cowley (9) and Mae Gilkeson (8), who

accompanied them on the flute. We also held our own Anzac Service when back at school with Ms Boulton conducting the Frensham Orchestra.

This year, our Vice Head Girl, Maggie Ryan and Prefect, Luca de Manincor spoke eloquently in the address on behalf of the youth of the Southern Highlands. An excerpt from their address can be read as follow:

‘We meet today to acknowledge and commemorate those Australian and New Zealand men and women who have so bravely fought to defend our beautiful country. We also acknowledge the Gundungurra people as the traditional custodians of the land we meet on today and pay our respects to elders past and present’.

‘We would especially like to acknowledge those Indigenous Australians who fought during World War 1. As many as a thousand Indigenous men served across all the branches of the Australian Imperial Force, many on the front lines. In Gallipoli, over 100 Indigenous men served in the Light Horse, and many more would serve on the Western Front. For many years, these men have not been recognised for their service. We would like to acknowledge that these Indigenous soldiers, like all our ANZACs, were heroes for the sacrifices that they made’.

‘2024 marks the 110 year anniversary of the outbreak of World War 1. 1914 would be defined by the drumbeats of war. As the youth of the community, it is our duty to ensure that we continue to tell the story of our Anzacs, not only to acknowledge and commemorate their sacrifices, but to exemplify and live by these qualities during our own times of hardship and challenge, so that their sacrifices were not in vain’.

‘We are honoured to be standing in front of you to represent the youth of the Southern Highlands, paying our respects to the valiant men and women who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice their lives for our country.

Lest we forget’.

I would like to thank all of the Frensham and Frensham Junior School staff who assisted with the preparations and on the day, in particular, Mr Spencer for preparing our vocalists and Mr Bessant for assisting with the preparation of the address. It was an honour to be able to pay our respects together this year and we look forward to doing it all again in 2025.

Sarah Tynan Deputy Head of Frensham Deputy Head of Frensham Schools

‘EggCitement’

There was great ‘EGGcitement’ in Kindergarten last term, as we watched our baby chicks and ducklings hatch. This was the highlight of our Kindergarten Science unit on ‘Living Things’. Students investigated the basic needs of animals, including humans, and learnt how our five senses help us to stay alive and safe. Over a few weeks, students observed hatchlings hatch in the incubator. They learnt how, using their egg tooth, the hatchlings crack the egg in a zipper formation and then hatch out.

Linking this Science programme into other Key Learning Areas, was a natural way to incorporate daily journal writing, Art and Mathematics. Students created their favourite hatchling by making a model out of playdough. They represented this in a graph formation, making it clear to see that chicks were the favourite this year.

Kindergarten noted how right from when they first hatched, the baby chicks and ducklings were so independent. Each chick and duckling cleverly found food and then warmth from the lamp. We compared this to how helpless human babies are when they are first born, we found this fascinating! After recently completing our, ‘Learn to Swim’ program, Kindergarten again noted how clever the little ducklings were being able to swim so capably after only a day

or so from hatching. Students loved learning how to care for these hatchlings, finding many similarities and differences between the chicks and ducklings.

The whole school was invited to join in the fun, observing, drawing, and holding them. While our Year 6 buddies enjoyed spending another special time with us.

Some kindergarten comments:

‘I love watching the eggs when they are about to hatch!’

‘I love that they are so fluffy.’

‘I was so excited when they were born.’

‘I love it when they are so fluffy and we get to hold them.’

‘Every day we have been keeping a chicken diary.’

‘The ducklings are so much bigger than the chicks!’

‘Ducklings LOVE water but they are a bit smelly!’

Nicci Brigstocke Kindergarten Teacher

Peer Support

“Resilient learners persist where others give up. Persistence in the face of adversity requires a feeling of safety about not having achieved an answer yet.”

Andrew Fuller, Clinical psychologist

The Peer Support program provides a fun and engaging environment for young people to build skills to deal proactively with life experiences, develop a sense of self worth and belonging, and to encourage taking responsibility for decisions and actions. Our Year 6 students are trained Peer Leaders who facilitate weekly activities with their mixed age, small groups of students and a teacher supervising.

This term, Frensham Junior School students have been participating in a new Peer Support module, Moving Forward which focuses on resilience. This module will help students identify qualities and strengths, develop skills, respond with a range of strategies and seek support when faced with challenges. Their Peer Support experiences provide opportunities to develop and practise strategies to enhance wellbeing.

Research tells us that children who are resilient can talk with pride about their accomplishments – express a sense of connectedness, demonstrate a sense of autonomy when they talk about their lives, have positive views about their future, have at least one skill which gives them pride, are capable of initiating and sustaining close relationships, display appropriate empathy, have good communication and conflict resolution skills and a healthy sense of humour, can think creatively and flexibly about problems, can

make plans and take action, can ask adults for help when needed, show a healthy degree of independence, think or act autonomously from adults, have a well-developed sense of identity and believe in their ability to effect change and are better placed to take opportunities and turn them into positive experiences.

It is acknowledged resilience can be practised and refined over time. Children will build on their experiences and learn to move forward.

All Frensham Junior School students will benefit from participation in the Moving Forward Peer Support module by:

• identifying their personal qualities/strengths

• acknowledging their achievements

• identify people in life who provide support

• utilising the ‘Pause, Plan, Proceed’ 3-step model

• developing a range of coping strategies

• developing resilience

To overcome challenges, children learn to draw from 3 sources:

I Am - a worthwhile person

• loved and loveable

• willing to help others

• respectful of others and myself

• responsible for what I do

I Can - make a difference

• talk to others about how I feel

• find help when I need

• find ways to solve problems

• control feelings when needed

I Have - people who I trust

• show me how to do things

• want me to learn things

• help me when I need

• keep me safe

Peer groups at school are a powerful protective factor for children. They believe being connected to peers is an important factor in their own lives and friendships are most important factors in liking school. The following protective factors assist in developing resilience in young people: Environmental – feeling connected, feeling cared for and supported by adults, having a sense of belonging in the family, having a caring adult outside the family unit, being involved in community life.

Personal skills and beliefs – knowing how to think optimistically, having skills for resourcefulness and adaptivity, demonstrating competence in social skills, being emotionally literate, having a healthy self esteem.

Family Strengths that can enhance family resilience – communication, togetherness, sharing activities, affection, support, acceptance, commitment, resilience.

The Year 6 Peer Support Leaders are doing a wonderful job, demonstaring their welldeveloped leadership skills in facilitating these sessions with the other students.

Anne Graham Deputy Head of Frensham Junior School

Frensham’s Book Club

The inaugural meeting of Frensham’s Book Club, for students from Years 9 to 12, was held on Tuesday evening, 13 February in the North Room in the Main House. The beautiful and atmospheric surroundings of this historic room was the perfect setting for our first literary gathering.

Hosted by Julia Lewis and Sophie Mortlock (Heads of Library Promotions), the meeting began with a warm welcome before the book selection was revealed. Whisper, a dystopian novel by Lynette Noni, and the fantasy Only a Monster by Vanessa Len were enthusiastically received.

To mark the occasion of the very first Book Club meeting, books were exchanged and signed by all present. Everyone then settled in to discuss books currently being read and enjoyed, favourite books of all time, literary versus popular fiction, genre preferences and why books are (almost always) better than the movie version!

A supper of hot chocolate and homemade biscuits was served before the meeting concluded with a discussion of titles that might be considered worthwhile contenders for future Book Club meetings.

Susie McGlinn Teacher Librarian

Honouring Our Custodians The Winifred West Legacy Lunch

On the first Sunday in May, amidst a misty rain and a chilly breeze, the Frensham School community gathered at the picturesque Centennial Vineyards for its annual Winifred West Legacy lunch. This cherished event serves as a moment to express gratitude, as well as to acknowledge and honour our Custodians who are the generous bequestors of The Winifred West Legacy.

As guests arrived, they were welcomed by a roaring fire and the elegant setting of the vineyard. Following a welcome by the Chair of Foundation, Scott Staniforth, the ambience was further elevated by the extraordinary voices of our Madrigals choir, captivating everyone with their mesmerising harmonies.

This year, the event introduced two new initiatives aimed at fostering connections across generations. Firstly, each table was graced by the presence of a Year 12 girl, offering her insights into life at Frensham today, as well as her hopes and dreams for the future. Throughout the afternoon, our Year 12 girls exuded confidence and articulated themselves with a poise that left a lasting impression on all the guests.

Additionally, a panel interview featured two young Old Girls, Mim Hopkins and Brodie van Egmond, from the Class of 2020. Both young women were supported by Foundation’s Bursary Fund in their Frensham journey. Their stories provided a poignant narrative of the transformative power of a Frensham education.

Jackie Dalton, Director of Philanthropy, facilitated the interview, emphasising the enduring impact of support provided to students like Mim and Brodie. Their stories resonated deeply, highlighting the profound effect of Foundation’s support in their journeys.

Guests were then treated to the unveiling of our new Custodians book. This exquisite

volume, bound in leather and adorned with gold embossing, symbolises excellence, just as The Winifred West Legacy does. Through meticulous calligraphy, the names of every single one of our Custodians are now proudly displayed, underscoring their vital role in helping to sustain the future of our school. Over time, this book will serve as a timeless piece of heritage.

Head of School, Geoff Marsh, concluded the formal proceedings with insights into the present-day Frensham experience, reinforcing the enduring values and traditions that define our Frensham Schools community.

The Winifred West Legacy lunch honours the past, as well as galvanising our community to continue the legacy of support, ensuring that Frensham’s values endure for generations to come.

Jackie Dalton Director of Philanthropy

Fellowship AGM & Lunch 2024

You are invited to join us for the Annual Fellowship AGM & Lunch on Saturday 15 June at Frensham.

This year we are delighted to have Edwina Waddy (1990) as our Guest Speaker.

Edwina has worked in the film and television industry for nearly 30 years. She is currently the Head of Australian Content at Roadshow Films where she’s responsible for the development and production slate of Australian and NZ projects. Prior to this, she ran programming and strategy for ABC2 and ABC COMEDY across television and iView. Edwina was also a Commissioning Editor and Executive Producer for ABC Factual & Documentary and spent a number of years with the Specialist Factual Department at Channel Four UK.

Some of Roadshow’s recent local titles include The Dry, Penguin Bloom, Rams, The Drover’s Wife – The Legend of Molly Johnson, Seriously Red, Blueback, Sweet As, Of an Age, The New Boy, Force of Nature: The Dry 2 with

The Hardest Line: Midnight Oil, Skategoat, Addition and Better Man to come.

Frensham Fellowship Annual General Meeting & Lunch

Date: Saturday 15 June 2024

Time: 11:45am for 12:00noon sharp AGM; 12:30pm lunch

Place: Frensham

Range Road, Mittagong

Cost: $60 per person

RSVP: By Friday 31 May

To make reservation and payment, please book at: trybooking.com/CRUUW

Enquiries

Penelope Ellice-Flint Fellowship Liaison fellowship@frensham.nsw.edu.au

We look forward to welcoming you back to your School.

Design & Technology – SHAPE Exhibition

The 2023 cohort of Frensham Design and Technology students enjoyed unprecedented success at a state level with 6 of the 12 students being nominated for the Shape Exhibition (the NSW Design and Technology showcase). Of these students, two were shortlisted with Lucy Arnott’s project being selected for inclusion at the exhibition. On the inclusion of her design, Lucy commented, “The opening night of the exhibition was such an amazing experience. Seeing my major works displayed alongside such a wide range of amazing major works was honestly an incredible experience.”

The journey of bringing a new product to market mirrors the process undertaken by the students of Design and Technology. It involves identifying a problem or a need, evaluating existing solutions, conceptualising potential innovations, and undergoing iterative trials to refine the design.

Lucy developed the Precision Drench Count, a multifunctional device for efficiently and accurately drenching and counting sheep in a single step. Drenching sheep involves administering medication to control internal parasites, a physically demanding task due to the unique anatomy and behaviour of sheep. Lucy’s solution streamlines this process by combining drenching and counting into one compact device, enhancing operational efficiency for farmers.

In addition to her project being one of the best in NSW, she was announced as the Spruson and Ferguson Award recipient which recognises outstanding student projects with high potential for intellectual property protection and commercial success. Spruson and Ferguson, a firm specialising in patent and trademark law, regularly engages with researchers, designers, and innovators across various fields in science and engineering. Their clientele includes both local and international innovators, ranging from startups to multinational corporations, as well as research institutions and established businesses.

Lucy stated that, “It was such an honour to receive the Spruson and Ferguson IP Award”

Lucy’s innovative design has the potential to increase profitability for wool and lamb producers, offering significant advantages over traditional methods. The features of Lucy’s device are patentable, and its practical design ensures viability in real-world agricultural settings, promising substantial commercial success.

Lucy was so appreciative of her time at Frensham and said, “at Frensham, I was highly supported by the teachers and surrounding staff members who gave me excellent advice and taught me many skills which were essential for the deign and creation of my major project. We are very lucky to have access to some amazing facilities and technologies such as the 3D printers and the laser cutter which were essential for the creation of my major work which I am extremely grateful for.”

Our congratulations are extended to all students of Design and Technology 2023 and we look forward to seeing the 2024 cohort projects as they continue to evolve.

Andrew McMillan Design & Technology Teacher

The IGSA Dance Festival with the Sydney Dance Company

In an extraordinary collaboration, the Independent Girls Schools Association (IGSA) of New South Wales joined forces with the esteemed Sydney Dance Company to orchestrate a one-of-a-kind Dance Festival program. Designed to nurture budding talents and elevate the artistry of young dancers, the event spanned two exhilarating days filled with creativity, passion, and boundless energy.

The festival commenced with an immersive journey through the world of dance, as students from participating independent girls’ schools embarked on a series of intensive 90-minute workshops. Guided by leading industry professionals handpicked by the Sydney Dance Company, each session was meticulously crafted to develop and extend the dancers’ technical skills and artistic sensibilities.

Under the expert tutelage of renowned choreographers Charmene Yap, Shelly Moore, Catrina Ralph and Jordy Russo, students explored a diverse range of dance genres and styles, including Contemporary Dance, Lyrical, Theatre Jazz, and JFH (Jazz Funk Hip Hop).

Lucy with Andrew McMillan and Paige Day at Pier 2/3 Walsh Bay Arts Precinct

From the fluidity of contemporary movements to the emotive storytelling of lyrical expressions, from the theatrics of musical theatre to the urban coolness of jazz funk hip hop, every workshop offered a unique opportunity for self-discovery and growth.

Throughout the workshops, students were led through rigorous technique warm-ups and genre-specific routines, honing their precision and grace with each step. As the culmination of their training approached, anticipation mounted for the grand finale—a series of performances at the illustrious Neilson Studio Theatre, hosted by the Sydney Dance Company.

The stage was set, the lights dimmed, and the audience held its breath as students from across the state took their places for three back-to-back shows. With hearts pounding and spirits soaring, they unleashed their passion and talent, captivating the audience with their mesmerizing performances.

Among the shining stars of the festival were Chloe Dent and Alice Fergusson, representing Frensham with grace and distinction. Their

performances were a testament to their dedication and artistry, earning praise and admiration from all who witnessed their brilliance.

As the final curtain fell on the IGSA Dance Festival, a sense of pride and accomplishment filled the air. Through dedication, perseverance, and a shared love for dance, students had transcended boundaries, forged lifelong friendships, and ignited a passion that would continue to inspire and empower them in the years to come.

In the end, the IGSA Dance Festival with Sydney Dance Company was more than just an event—it was a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the transformative power of art. As dancers took their final bows, they left behind a legacy of beauty and joy, forever etched in the hearts and memories of all who were fortunate enough to witness their extraordinary journey.

Jessica Bollard Visual Arts, Drama and Diverse Learning Teacher

The Madrigals at The Winifred West Legacy Lunch

An Education in Music

On Thursday in Week 2, Year 7 students began their weekly instrumental lessons as part of Frensham’s new program to encourage students to learn an orchestral instrument. Parents might be interested to know that research presented in this ARTICLE suggests that instrumental training engenders important transferable skills such as autonomy/ self-direction, attention to detail, resilience/ perseverance, collaboration, creativity and planning/time management.

Each Year 7 student was allocated an instrument and then introduced to their very supportive instrumental teachers: Ms Andrews - Flute, Mr Antonio - Violin, Mrs DonaldsonClarinet and Saxophone, and Mr McCrowTrumpet, Trombone and French Horn.

Girls coming to us with instrumental skills already established were catered for in small groups of advanced students with Ms Boulton and Mr Spencer. After their first session, all the girls seemed excited to have started. It is hoped that at least some of them will maintain their interest and commitment across Terms 2 and 3 and consider asking for continuing tuition when the program concludes in Term 4.

In other news, the Madrigals performed beautifully at The Winifred West Legacy Lunch last Sunday. They sang two new pieces and then our traditional grace before lunch, William Byrd’s Non Nobis.

Michael Spencer Head of Music

Lessons in orchestral instruments

Frensham Presents ‘The Watsons’

“The thing is, Jane Austen isn’t just any author; she’s YOUR author”

What happens when the writer loses the plot?

Emma Watson is nineteen and new in town. She’s been cut off by her rich aunt and dumped back in the family home. Emma and her sisters must marry, fast. If not, they face poverty, spinsterhood, or worse: an eternity with their boorish brother and his wife.

Luckily there are plenty of potential suitors to dance with, from flirtatious Tom Musgrave to castle-owning Lord Osborne, who’s as awkward as he is rich.

So far so familiar. But there’s a problem: Jane Austen didn’t finish the story. Who will write Emma’s happy ending now?

Based on her incomplete novel, this sparkling, witty play looks under the bonnet of Jane Austen and asks: what can characters do when their author abandons them?

We asked the cast of The Watsons about their involvement in both this play as well as other Frensham productions and they had this to say:

“The Watsons has so far been an amazing experience to not only allow our acting skills to shine but also a great way to create new connections and strengthen old ones between Year 11 and Year 12.”

– Chloe Cowley

“It’s always so fun to be in a production with such an ensemble cast. Being in the Watsons has gotten me closer to a lot of people and it’s been a great last birthday play for me.”

– Isobel White

“Being in the Watsons has opened new experiences for me that I thought I would never have. I have created new friendships and skills I cherish.”

– Grace Wall

“People never know that drama appeals to them until they try it. It’s in the spirit of Frensham girls to give everything a go, and we’re so fortunate that the drama department offers so many opportunities for creative endeavours.”

– Jemima Sirtes

“We hope the audience laughs as much as we have while making the show.”

– Alice Fergusson

Birthday Play Cast

Emma Watson

Chloe Cowley

Elizabeth Watson, eldest sister

Kate Clifton

Margaret Watson, middle sister

Amy Wimalaratne

Robert Watson, older brother

Isobel White

Mary, Robert’s wife

Chloe White

Mr Watson, Father of the family

Claudia Henderson

Nanny, the Watson’s servant

Grace Wall

Tom Musgrave, a gentleman

Sophie Simpson

Lord Osborne, a young lord

Hannah Day

Lady Osborne, Mother of Lord Osborne & Miss Osborne

Ilsa Newby

Miss Osborne, younger sister of Lord Osborne

Juliette Kozlik

Mr Howard, a clergyman

Sophie Kennedy

Charles Howard, Mr Howard’s nephew

Alice Fergusson

Bertie, Officer of the Militia

Lauren Fox

Laura, a writer

Jemima Sirtes

Mrs Edwards, Emma’s Chaperone

Jade Cox

Mr Edwards, her husband

Asha Badhni-Chipperfield

Militia

Ella Homfray

Sophie Hanrahan

See back cover of this magazine for details on performance dates and tickets.

TSONS

The Elisabeth Maynard Writer-in-Residence Program

The Elisabeth Maynard Writer-inResidence Program has come about thanks to an incredibly generous gift that has been made to honour the memory of Elisabeth Maynard. The new and exciting Writer-in-Residence program will be implemented for the first time at Frensham in Term 2, 2025 and the recruitment process has just begun.

This program is the first of its kind at Frensham. The School will provide an emerging, or established, practitioner of the literary arts with the opportunity to work on an original text of significance whilst shaping the next generation of young writers.

Over 10 weeks, accommodation will be provided for the recipient, as they compose their literary work. At the same time, they will collaborate with Frensham staff to support students to cultivate their own appreciation of creative writing via a range of workshops, master classes and experiential learning opportunities.

The rolling hills and community spirit of the Southern Highlands have long been a source of inspiration for creatives. Frensham’s own literary alumni includes esteemed poet, Rosemary Dobson, playwright, Henrietta Drake-Brockman, investigative journalist, Kate McClymont, and 2015 Miles Franklin Award winning author, Sofie Laguna, among many others. The school is delighted to continue its rich tradition of service to Australian literature as it honours Elisabeth Maynard’s legacy.

We will be welcoming applications from writers across the nation, and look forward to supporting the deserving artist as they, in turn, contribute to our school’s reputation for creative and academic excellence.

Full program will be available soon!

ABOUT ELISABETH MAYNARD

Elisabeth Maynard (nee Delamore, 1953) had a lifelong passion for literature. She was a voracious reader with a vivid imagination. Her cherished years at Frensham gave rise to many fond memories, including Pen and Ink Club, performances in the Holt and quiet times reading in the beautiful gardens. Much of her life inspiration stemmed from her years at Frensham. For her it was a very special place where she made lifelong friends. Her bond with the school endured across generations, with three daughters and then three granddaughters following in her footsteps. Elisabeth dreamed of one day writing a novel, so it is fitting to establish this programme in her honour, to encourage, inspire and support young writers and to give back to the school she loved.

ELISABETH MAYNARD WRITER-INRESIDENCE PROGRAM 2025

Period: One school term per year, 10 weeks When: Term 2, 2025 (29 April - 26 June)

Residency requirements:

• Four days per week on campus.

• Equivalent of 2 full-time days per week assisting students, for instance: workshops, in class, Pen & Ink (extra-curricular writing group), drop- in service (during drop-in service, resident writer would be able to work on own project if nobody attends).

• Equivalent of 2 full-time days per week to work on their current project.

• Creative writing workshops may be facilitated by the writer during the ten-week residency.

Should you, or anyone you know, be interested in this program please contact Victoria Hindmarch: (02) 4860 2000 or vhindmarch@ frensham.nsw.edu.au

Year 9 National Reciprocal Exchange Program

Experiences shape us. They challenge us and help us to grow in ways we didn’t know we could. So, how do we provide that opportunity to our students?

This year, for the first time, Frensham has joined with two other girls’ boarding schools from across the country to begin our Year 9 National Reciprocal Exchange Program. In 2024, students from Frensham will journey to The Glennie School in Toowoomba, QLD and St Mary’s Anglican School for Girls in Perth, WA. In ‘exchange’ Frensham is hosting students from Glennie and St Mary’s. What a fabulous way to celebrate National Boarding Week.

The students will be at each of the schools for two weeks where they will immerse themselves in the life of the school. The aim of the Year 9 exchange program between the involved schools is to create genuine connections and goodwill, holistic educational opportunities and study partnerships.

The schools are working collaboratively to achieve the following positive outcomes for our students:

• Provide opportunities for students to grow in confidence, resilience and develop independence

• Strengthen relationships, understanding and an appreciation of the School Values and Mission

• Support the teaching and continuation of learning of the Australian Curriculum, build a national perspective within the schools and develop friendship ties

• To develop students into citizens who are engaged, comfortable with diversity, and with the skills to operate effectively across communities with different views, traditions and ways of being.

This year, Amelia Blackshaw and Millie Riddle are heading to St Mary’s in Perth and Chloe Worner-Thomlinson and Charlotte Cooper are heading off to Glennie in Toowoomba. In turn, we have welcomed Arabella Backhouse and

Ruby Reinhardt from Glennie and Cameron Whyte and Mia Ramm from St Mary’s to Frensham. I would like to thank the Frensham students who are acting as shadows for the students during their time here.

We hope the girls enjoy their time in their respective schools and we look forward to hearing all about their experiences when they return.

We eagerly anticipate continuing the connection between the schools long into the future.

Sarah Tynan Deputy Head of Frensham Schools

Mia and Cameron from St Mary’s

Ruby and Arabella from Glennie

Frensham Livestock Team

For over 20 years, Frensham students have had the opportunity to prepare and show beef cattle, and more recently Poll Dorset sheep, pigs and laying hens, as part of the Livestock Team. Each year in Term 4, training begins with Sheep Team members training lambs (which were born at Holt Farm earlier in the year) to lead, and the Cattle Team members preparing newly arrived steers by grooming and halter training them. The Livestock Team prepares these animals and then they show them at local Agricultural Shows and at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, which signals the end of the season. All of the training, feeding, grooming and ring craft practice is conducted by the students and overseen by the Agriculture staff.

The Livestock program relies heavily on the generous support from Frensham families, past and present, as well as other members of the community, who provide livestock each year or assist with training the students on the finer points of livestock showing. Every October, trucks arrive delivering steers from farms around NSW, deliveries often provided by the cattle breeders themselves who are keen to see the Holt Farm facilities as well as the students in action. Many of these breeders also attend the local Shows and the Easter Show to see the final results of six months of hard work and to support the Frensham students.

Some of the cattle breeders have links to Frensham, such as the Day family from the Milong Angus Stud near Young, who have been supplying steers to the school for over 15 years. William Day has been a huge supporter of the program ever since 2009 when he supplied ‘Gordo’ and ‘Hector’ for his niece, Tillia Withers (2011) and a few years later, steers for her sister, Mia (2017). Both girls achieved some great results showing beef cattle and both went on to be Heads of the Livestock

Team in their final year at Frensham. William’s sister, Anita Withers (Day, 1981) and mother, Nonie Day (Scott, 1957) have continued to support the Team long after Tillia and Mia left Frensham.

Some other Frensham families who have provided steers and support over several years are Nicole and John Hopkins, ‘Wormbete Simmental Stud’, Illabo (Miriam, 2020 and Judith, 2022); Sandra and Matt Ireson, ‘Belmont’, Booligal (Ellie, 2017 and Pip, 2020); Diana & Ian Locke, ‘Wirruna Poll Herefords’, Holbrook (Annabel, 2013); Kate and Anthony Waldren, ‘Nandawar’, Nimmitabel (Kate Waldren (Herbert, 1990) – Treasurer of Frensham Fellowship and Maggie (2022)); and Mrs Susan Elder (MacKay, 1964) ‘Durness Highland Cattle Fold’, Joadja. There are many more Frensham families who have generously supplied steers to the Livestock Team over the years and we are extremely grateful for their substantial support.

Support through supplying steers and sheep has also come from outside the Frensham community and the whole Team can’t thank those livestock breeders enough because, through their generosity, the students are able to learn more about the agriculture industry and gain valuable hands-on experience.

This year, the Cattle Team members participated in the Sydney Royal Easter Show, showcasing their dedication to agricultural education and livestock handling. Each year, the team demonstrates their skills in cattle presentation and handling, competing against other schools and commercial beef cattle studs. Their involvement highlights the importance of hands-on learning and the long-standing tradition of excellence in agricultural practices here at Frensham. Thanks to everyone who came to chat with our students and see the wonderful Frensham display. The results from the 2024 Easter Show were:

• State Beef Parader Final 3rd – Tia Thomas

• Herdsman – Best Maintained Team Reserve Champion – Frensham

• Lightweight Steer Carcass, liveweight 426kg - 450kg

Silver medal – ‘Taffy’, bred by Mr Peter Koppman, ‘Greenethorpe Galloways’, Bumbaldry

• Middleweight Steer Carcass, liveweight 501kg – 525kg

4th – ‘T-bone’, bred by Mr William Day, ‘Milong Angus Stud’, Young Bronze medal – ‘T-bone’, bred by Mr William Day, ‘Milong Angus Stud’, Young

• Middleweight Steer Carcass, liveweight 526kg – 550kg

Bronze medal – ‘Unit’, bred by Mr Paul Kasparian, ‘Makani Meats’, Exeter

• School Commercial Egg Laying Competition 1st – Frensham

Leonie Mutch

Coordinator of Agriculture and the Livestock Team

Pictured: Geoff Marsh visited Frensham Cattle Team stall

Equestrian at Frensham

The Equestrian program at Frensham which has run for many years, consists of two components. Firstly, Frensham provides transport, twice a week, to students who would like riding lessons. These lessons currently operate out of Rosthwaite Farm in Moss Vale and are available for students learning to ride or for boarders who would like to continue developing their riding skills. Frensham also transports some students, who agist their horses around the Southern Highlands, providing an opportunity to ride their own horse they may have brought from home.

The second part of the Frensham Equestrian program is the Equestrian Team. The Team is open to any student who would like to represent Frensham, in Interschools Equestrian events, across a range of disciplines such as Dressage, Show Jumping, Vaulting and Show Horse. A broader part of the Equestrian Team, but just as important, are those students whose chosen equestrian discipline is not generally held as part of most Interschool competitions. These students compete in Polo, Polocross, Camp Drafting, Ranch Riding, Sporting events, Carriage Driving, Rodeo events etc and it is

wonderful that we have such a diverse range of equestrians who form the mosaic, which is the Frensham Equestrian Team.

A broader part of the Equestrian Team, but just as important, are those students whose chosen equestrian discipline is not generally held as part of most Interschool competitions... Polo, Polocross, Camp Drafting, Ranch Riding, Sporting events, Carriage Driving, Rodeo...

There are a few Interschool events across the calendar that the Frensham Equestrian Team can compete in. Close to home, the Oxley College Equestrian Day is often well represented by Frensham riders who compete in Show Horse, Show Jumping, Dressage and Horsemanship classes. Other schools such as Arndell Anglican College and the Snowy Mountains Grammar

Abby Weel & Reitlands Obama

Amber Thomas & Brynong Ariston

School also hold Equestrian Interschool events which the Frensham riders are encouraged to attend. The Interschool Horse Extravaganza (ISHE) is held at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) in Tamworth in October each year. This event holds, not only the more traditional English style events such has Dressage, Show Horse, Eventing and Show Jumping but also Camp Drafting, Sporting Horse events and Working Horse Challenge, allowing some of our country riders an opportunity to show off their skills. Each year in the Easter holidays, the Equestrian NSW State Interschools Championships are held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC) at Horsley Park. Riders need to qualify for this event for the higher levels of Dressage and Show Jumping, while those competing at lower jumping heights and Preliminary Dressage can freely enter to also enjoy the experience of a large equestrian event. This year, 17 riders from Frensham Schools (Years 6-12), competed at the State Championships with some outstanding results (details can be found on Schoolbox).

From the State Championships, four Frensham riders and two Reserves have qualified for the National Championships, which are being held in Tamworth later in the year. We wish these riders, and all Frensham riders, whether they be competing at a high level or just starting out on their equestrian journey, the best of luck in their future equestrian pursuits.

Leonie Mutch Acting Coordinator of Frensham Schools Equestrian

Critical and Creative Thinking Challenge

During Term 1, Year 10 PDHPE students explored the many physical and psychological benefits of physical activity. Students acknowledged how lucky they were at Frensham, with access to beautiful, expansive space and resources which allow and encourage them to participate in physical activity as they please. However, students also reflected on different groups within our global community who do not have the same opportunities or access to physical activity, which can have significant impacts on their health.

To investigate these inequities further, students were given a task where they needed to create a product or service that reduced the barriers that exist to physical activity for one group of their choice. They then needed to present their product or service as a Shark Tank proposal, requesting funding to implement their idea. All students demonstrated critical and creative thinking to develop a well researched solution to their chosen issue.

...students also reflected on different groups within our global community who do not have the same opportunities...

Millie Gale competing in the Barrels

The winning group, as voted on by the year group, consisted of Chloe Dent, Mischka Hilkemeijer, Anna Ericsson, Alexandra Frith and Maggie Maynard. They identified Muslim Women in Western Sydney to be a group of people with limited access to indoor heated pools due to their religious beliefs. As Western Sydney has a high percentage of Muslim women, the girls felt there was a need for a

women’s only, specially designed indoor pool facility to meet their physical activity needs.

See some images from their presentation below.

Lucy

Thorne Head of PDHPE

The BAMF (Bowral Autumn Music Festival) Masterclasses

The BAMF Education Days have become an integral part of the Southern Highlands’ school calendar. On 21 and 22 March, seven Frensham musicians were chosen to perform at their Education Workshops at St. Jude’s in Bowral. They were given public Masterclasses by Andrew Howes

(composition), Jay Byrnes (woodwind), David Dalseno (violin), and Konstantin Shamray and Vatche Jambazian (piano).

Sabine Madden Coordinator of Music Tuition and Gifted & Talented Music Program

Alice Mulligan, Arabella Whitehead, Madeleine Houston, Chloe White and Adeline Ahern with Jay Byrnes

Sophie Chen with Vatche Jambazian

Chloe Litchfield with David Dalseno

FRENSHAM PRESENTS

Adapted from the unfinished novel by Jane Austen

This sparkling witty play looks under the bonnet of Jane Austen and asks: what can characters do when their author abandons them?

By Arrangement with ORiGiN™ Theatrical On Behalf of Samuel French | A Concord Theatricals Company

PUBLIC PERFORMANCE

Thursday 30 May 2024, 7.30pm

SCHOOL PERFORMANCE

Saturday 1 June 2024, 7.30pm

CLUBBE HALL, MITTAGONG

trybooking.com/CQYHM

Directed by Fiona Shannon TICKETS

$20 /adult, $10 /child

FREE for Frensham Schools Staff + Family & Students

www.frensham.nsw.edu.au