Issue 1 Term II, 2011 by The Illawarra Grammar School

NEWSLETTER 5S Involved In An Experiment

Headmaster’s Message The Start Head of Senior School Head of Junior School Issue 1 Term II, 2011

Academic • Christian • Caring

Chaplain

The Start What a way to start the term. TIGS was the Champion CoEducational School in both the medal tally and point score at the NSWCIS Swimming Carnival held last week. Congratulations to all the members of our Swimming Team, supervising teachers, coaches and parents. A marvelous result for the Team and the School. Congratulations are also in order for two of our teachers: • Ms Margaret Dubowski, the Coordinator of Gifted Education, has been invited to present a paper at the 19th Biennial World Conference for the Council for Gifted and Talented Children (WCGTC) to be held in Prague in August 2011. • Ms Leanne Windsor, the Director of Information Services, has been invited to present a paper at the European Council of International Schools (ECIS) conference to be held in Istanbul, Turkey this coming week. We congratulate both of these excellent teachers on having their expertise recognised on the world stage.

Stephen Kinsella

The start of Term II finds the School in the unusual position of not Headmaster having a Chaplain. Rev John Reed has taken up the position of Rector of St John’s Anglican Church, Keiraville after more than six years of service at TIGS. We were glad to see him back officiating at the Senior School ANZAC Day service and he has promised to be a regular attender at School functions as a parent. The School has commenced its search for a new Chaplain. An appointment to such an important position is significant and the search for a suitably qualified and capable person may take some time. In the interim, a number of arrangements have been put in place to ensure the duties of the Chaplain are covered. One of these duties is the regular Chaplain’s feature in the Newsletter. Local members of the Anglican clergy have agreed to contribute to our Newsletter and we look forward to reading their wise words each week. We thank them for supporting our school community in this way. The term ahead has many highlights, not the least of which is the TIGS Great Fete. The organising committee of the P & F are still in need of volunteers. More details are found in this Newsletter. The Great Fete is a wonderful occasion and this year looks bigger and better than ever. Ms Sharon Bird will officially open the Fete and the new Junior School building. Rees Hall, the downstairs part of this building was officially opened by Bishop Reg Piper last year and the opening of the whole building by Ms Bird will mark the completion of the formalities required by the Australian Government as part funders of the project. The annual NAPLAN tests will be held in Week 3 for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. NAPLAN tests assist schools by providing important information on the development of abilities in literacy and numeracy by students. They were designed to inform teachers on the needs of each student and to help shape strategies for teaching and learning. Unfortunately, they have gained significance beyond this for some through the publication of aggregated data on the My School website. The School does not place disproportionate significance on the NAPLAN tests and does not vary its teaching programs to focus on these tests. Our advice to students is to have a good night’s rest before each test and do their best. Parents are encouraged to help their children keep a balanced perspective about the NAPLAN tests. Excellent academic results come from good teaching and learning which is our focus at TIGS. Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

Anzac Day: Abide with Me

This week’s article comes from Rev Sandy Grant, St Michael’s Cathedral, Wollongong. Friends, it’s just past Anzac Day and I thought I’d tell you the story behind the hymn often sung on the day: Abide with Me by Henry Lyte. Some battalions used to sing Abide with Me every day just before dusk, with the deepening darkness of nightfall. The second verse goes this way... Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day, Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see, O thou who changest not, abide with me. You can understand how such words might comfort soldiers in the midst of the chaos of war, just before going into battle. The hymn-writer based his lyrics on Luke 24:29. In the King James Version, it goes this way: But they constrained (Jesus), saying, “Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And he went in to tarry with them. As Anzac Day always falls soon after Easter, it is appropriate to note the context of this request to “Abide with us” was the resurrection of Jesus! Two disciples were walking with Jesus, whom they’d thought dead. But now they realise he’s alive - no ghost - but alive and kicking, flesh and blood, back from the dead. They were so excited as Jesus spoke to them, but because it’s late in the day, they fear their time together with him is running out. So they ask him to stay: “Abide with us.” It’s these words that became the basis for the famous hymn. Lyte intended it as a prayer to Jesus – the “help of the helpless”, the one “who changest not”. Some verses get omitted at Dawn Services because of the hymn’s length but in them, Lyte spoke of God’s care for him all through his life. Even though Lyte felt himself often, “rebellious and perverse”, he knew that “Thou hast not left me, oft as I left thee.” He knew Jesus was not only mighty “King of Kings”, but also “kind and good… friend of sinners”. My research tells me Lyte completed Abide with Me on the day of his early retirement for medical reasons, from which he soon died. I guess the stark possibility of sudden death made his hymn so applicable to those entering military conflict. But Henry Lyte knew Jesus had conquered the grave and it shows in his words. He meant Abide with Me as a prayer not that Jesus would stay the night with us, nor just see us through a tight spot, but that he would enter our lives and abide with us always. Rev Sandy Grant St Michael’s Anglican Cathedral, Wollongong www.wollongong.anglican.asn.au

Senior School Welcome Back! Term II has just begun and already there have been great wins in Sport, particularly swimming; Wolgal has been awarded the Andrew Jefferson Cross Country Trophy; Biology, Commerce, and lots of Sporting and Cultural excursions have departed and returned; new students have arrived and rehearsals are well underway for the Production. The Term is already in full swing. Some aspects of the cycle are the same but some things have changed. One of the most significant changes in the teaching and learning area is occurring in the library: both the physical space and the virtual presence. There has been some reconfiguration within the building: it’s very inviting to browse the new titles on display just as you enter the Goodhew Research Centre and also dotted about the shelves. There are graphic novels, picture books, biographies, new magazines.

Monica Watt

Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School

Please visit the Library website through the Libray page on the TIGS website and explore the online resources that are now being prepared by Mrs. Alison Rout in collaboration with classroom teachers. These LibGuides are for specific topics and units of work being studied by various classes. They introduce students to resources and research methods which will equip them well for not only their School Certificate and Higher School Certificate study but also for tertiary study, for Mrs. Rout has been working in the library at Wollongong University and is very well aware of the research skills necessary for University success.

Junior School

School photos more than just a day of tidy hair and shiny shoes!

I have been reflecting this week on the tradition of School Photos and why they are so important. Possibly this is because Photo Day occurred right outside my window and I was able to view the process in action! It is well known that connection, community, history and belonging impact on student wellbeing. We take photos of things that are significant to us and to keep in our memories over time. Looking at School Photos as adults allows us to reconnect with past relationships and learning that was significant to us personally. This intentional recording of each student’s growth into adulthood is as important as the tracking of academic subjects and I would imagine that looking at a photo of our Kindergarten year would evoke more memories than reading our Kindergarten report cards! Time is very precious in the school day and we are careful in the way we use it. In spending time on School Photos we are highlighting the importance of the relationships they develop in their classes each year with each other and with their teachers and providing our students with a visual record of their social and physical development. By purchasing and treasuring these photographic records, our families are giving a clear indication to each child that the learning community for each year is important, valued by them and worth remembering.

Judi Nealy

Head of Junior School

Thank you to the children and their parents for coming to school on Photo Day looking fabulous. I am sure you will be very pleased with the photos when they arrive home later in the year. Mrs Bryant and I were happy to send off our International Baccalaureate Pre Authorisation documentation this week, which included many examples of our children’s individual and class work. The Pre Authorisation Officer will be travelling from Regional Office in Singapore to spend 2 days in our school on the 31 May and 1 June. We are looking forward to the feedback that we will receive in continuing to deliver excellent 21st Century Learning to our children in the Junior School.

Bottle Stall for the Great Fete

We are in desperate need of donations for the bottle stall. Some ideas for donations are bottles of: • Shampoo • Cordial • Wine • Olive Oil • Perfume • Fruit Juice Or jars of: • Lollies • Sundried Tomatoes • Jam

• Pasta Sauce • Olives

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With every donation your name will be put in the barrel to win a Ride Arm Band to be used at the Great Fete.

Dates for your diary • • •

Naplan - Tuesday 10 May - Thursday 12 May Change of Uniform (Summer to Winter) Monday 16 May Great Fete - Saturday 21 May

Junior School Sport

The NASSA Netball team had a great day winning 5 of their 7 games and taking 2nd place for the day. Natasha Pather and Julia Devitt now go onto PSSA in Newcastle on the 19-21 July. Natasha Pather and Julia Devitt

AWARDS KA

Reid Gunther

Euan Christopher, India Strangman

Michela Cavallarin, Sarah Partland

Charlotte Atkinson

Faith El Homsi, Eloise Malouf

Jade Hyde, Alana Newhouse

Anthony Damcevski, Racquel Burgess, Aydin Arapali

Aria Bacic-Johnston

Lauren O’Hanlon, Charlotte Tregonning

Cartia Taranto, Aanya Rakheja, Connor Harvey, Hunter Danckwardt-Bruce

Niamh Christopher, Joseph Fraser, Mark McAlary

Gianluca Fierravanti

Benae Kuiper

Holly Kiteley, Grace Summerill, Aiden Wingate, Stephanie Moustoukis

Lachlan Phillpott

Lucy Chester-Crowe

Meena Jasim, Natasha Pather

Remi Moores

Che Stubbs, Logan Brailey

Only 2 weeks to go! Saturday 21 May 2011

It’s time to get those donations to the container in the Powell St car park and get your name down to help at a stall or activity. We are desperately seeking volunteers throughout Fete day and before. If you are not sure where to help please email or call and we will make suggestions so you can choose where would suit you best. We can be contacted by email pandf@tigs.com.au or phone 0409 969 044 for Barb or 0409 822 273 for Sheridon. If you are unable to volunteer but would like to be a part of the success of the day we are sourcing donations of cash or supplies for the various food stalls. For more information please click here to see the latest Fete Newsletter. Ride band, Country Fare, Krispy Kreme and other pre order forms can also be found with the newsletter on the website. We look forward to seeing you all on 21 May for the TIGS Great Fete.

TIGS Extended After School Care

After School Care is available at TIGS each school day from 3.00pm to 6.00pm. TIGS Extended is an approved childcare service which means families are eligible for a rebate of 50% of out of pocket childcare expenses. Please visit the school website for further information or email Karen Buckley on kbuckley@tigs.nsw.edu.au.

Vacation Care

Enrolments are now being taken for the July holidays (18 - 22 July 2011) and are filling up fast. Please visit the school website for further information or email Karen Buckley on kbuckley@tigs.nsw.edu.au.

School Uniform Change Over

The change from Summer to Winter School Uniform for both Junior and Senior School students will commence on Monday 16 May, Week 4.

Measles

Measles is currently circulating in NSW and to prevent the spread within our school and protect you and your family please read the following information: • Piper Center • Junior School • Senior School

Canteen Corner New Menu for Term II Now Available Online Ordering

Don’t forget our online ordering system, please go to www.flexischools.com.au or alternatively you are still able to leave your order at the far Canteen window before School starts. If you don’t order you may miss out on your favourite items. We would welcome any new helpers for 2011 at the canteen. If you could spare a few hours once a month, we would love to have you on board our team of dedicated volunteers.

Deleted Items JJs and Pretzels

Week 3, Term II Monday 9 May

Leilani Donovan Janene Sunderland Lauretta Bussoletti

Tuesday 10 May Jan Scott Sunita Rajpal

Wednesday 11 May Heather Rugg Nichole Anastas Pam Parkinson

Thursday 12 May Vanessa Cross Assunta Disibio

Friday 13 May Help Needed

Senior School Photography Club

Afternoon photography workshops are being held each Tuesday from 3.30pm - 5.00pm Click here to see the flyer.

Science News On Monday 2 May, a group of our Year 11 Biology students, lead by their teachers, Ms Fiona Fisher and Mr Brenden Parsons, visited Wooglemai Environmental Education at Oakdale to carry out a local environment study as a part of their HSC studies in Biology. The Centre’s Principal, Mr Peter Nicholl, has written to Mr Kinsella commending our students and their teachers on their participation on the day. In his letter, Mr Nicholls commented that (he) “…was extremely impressed with the teacher/ student interaction and how well the students responded to Fiona (Ms Fisher)and Brenden (Mr Parsons). During their stay the Year 11 students from your school made a lasting impression on all members of the EEC staff that they met. Not only was their work ethic excellent, but the students communicated well, were respectful, enthusiastic and generally very pleasant to deal with. They were the best possible ambassadors your school might possibly hope to present to the community. I consider it to have been a privilege to spend time with such professional staff members and excellent students and thought it appropriate to relate to you my feelings in this regard. I look forward to continued contact with the members of your Science faculty and of course the students of Illawarra Grammar School.” I would like to pass on my personal congratulations to Ms Fisher and Mr Parsons, and to the Year 11 Biology students, for representing the School in such an admirable way. Martin Sormus Head of Science

Opportunities for budding young scientists in Years 9 and 10 The Science Experience 2011-2012 The Science Experience is a three-day program involving a range of activities, including: • short lectures in university lecture theatres • experiments and activities in a university laboratory • excursions to local industries and places of scientific interest The program will be held in 35 universities and tertiary campuses Australia wide. The cost of the program is $110 and all students in Years 9 and 10 are eligible to attend. The Science Experience is a Rotary supported project, and as such, local Rotary clubs are often willing to sponsor students. The Science Experience will be held at UNSW on 26-28 September 2011 and at Wollongong University on 18-20 January 2012. The closing date for applications for the Wollongong University event is 28 October 2011. See Mr Sormus or your Science teacher for details. For further information about the program, and dates for other universities, visit www.scienceexperience. com.au. Applications may be made online at the same website.

Richard Allen Beilby (1932 - 2011)

We are sad to hear that Mr Richard Allen Beilby has passed away. Several teachers represented the School at the funeral of this long serving Head of Junior School. The 50th Anniversary book ‘From Strength to Strength’ describes Mr Beilby in this way:

In 1989 Allen Beilby closed his office door after 23 years of service to the School. He was appointed to the School by Jock Mackinnon in 1966, and in 1967 became the first official Head of the Junior School. He was responsible for the development of the Junior School into a vigorous and innovative department within the School. As well as promoting programs to encourage and assist the children in their quest for excellence in academic areas, he also contributed to their development in many other ways: through music and drama, for example, creative writing (through the publication of The Courier), student leadership and, of course, sport and physical activities. During the early 1970s, he was responsible for the planning and design of a new Primary Department, with specially sized rooms and creative space. He was also instrumental in establishing and nurturing the organisation Karobran, created to provide a closer relationship between Staff and parents of the Junior School.

TIGStech Information Date: Time: Location:

Thursday 12 May 5.30pm Recital Room

All students and parents interested in the TIGStech program at TIGS are invited to an information session in the backstage area on Tuesday 10 May. This meeting will be a great opportunity for parents to learn more about the learning pathways and qualifications available for their children in the area of Entertainment. TIGStech is a program that is offered to students from years 7-11 who are interested in all areas of the theatre and who would like to begin training for qualifications in this area. All workshops occur on Saturdays and are organised by the Performing Arts Faculty. Students involved in this program will have opportunities for exploring design in lighting and sound, set construction, sourcing and applying Entertainment Industry knowledge and participating in OHS processes. The program offers students a hands on experience where problem solving and working with others is a major component. The program will be taking a new direction in 2011 and I would encourage all parents and students who are interested in this program to attend. I look forward to seeing you on this evening. Carolyn Brown Director Performing Arts

School Contact Details Have you changed contact details recently? Current details of all students including names, addresses, emergency contact information, medical conditions and parent contact details including mobile phone numbers and email addresses need to be kept on file and accurate at all times. Please ensure that any change of any details during the year are noted on a Notification of Change in Contact Details form and returned to the School office for recording.

Term I Parents Welcome Luncheon - Update

We are excited to inform you that together we raised $1500.00 to help an Anglican School that was affected by the recent floods. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, our stunning school mum models and our generous raffle prize donators. We are extremely appreciative of everyone’s contribution in making the 2011 Parents Welcome Luncheon so successful. Thanks so much Tracey, Renae and Lynda

Senior School Sport Pines Surfing Academy “Teams” Competition

TIGS entered two teams in the annual Pines Surfing Academy “Team” Competition. The “B” team progressed straight to the final with a second placing in Heat 1. The “A” team were eliminated in Round 1. In the final, TIGS made a very solid start through Alexander Seal and Angus Cochrane. Hannah Muirhead and Zoe Izzard put quick points on the board and Xavier Izzard and Joel Moore finished off a consistent team performance with a couple of strong scoring rides each. We were just pipped into 2nd place once again by Kiama. But this runners-up result was promising for the enthusiasm, ability and courage shown in large and testing swell.

NASSA Netball Trials

On Monday 4 April, 14 TIGS students attended the NASSA Netball Trials at Minto Indoor Netball Centre. After an enjoyable morning of netball, the following girls were selected in the NASSA Team: U/15s: Cassandra Wallace (Year 10), Kailee Cross (Year 10) Opens: Renate Kunz 12) - (reserve)

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Cross Country Carnival House Results Congratulations to all Houses on a fantastic day: 1st Wolgal 2nd Aranda 3rd Kogara 4th Coligan

Girls Relay Team

NSWCIS Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to the six TIGS students who have made the CIS Swim team: Aaron Cannon (Year 10), Emma McKeon (Year 11), Nikolina Panovski (Year 11), Jarrod Poort (Year 11), Emma Ramsey (Year 11) and Olivia Wallace (Year 12). For the first time our 4x50m senior girls have made it through to the NSW All Schools Championships. Congratulations to Olivia Wallace, Nikolina Panovski, Emma McKeon and Emma Ramsey on a great team effort, and also to Aaron Cannon (Year 10) on his fantastic results. He managed to medal in all six of his events; four Gold and two silver.

TIGS was the Champion CoEducational School in both the medal tally and point score at the NSWCIS Carnival. Despite the great swimmers we have had in the past we have never won this title – great effort by all members of the TIGS Swim Team. Good luck to our swimmers next week at the NSW All Schools Championships.

Student success

Congratulations to: Kieran Ackhurst (Year 9) for his selection in the Open CIS Volleyball Team. Kuiam Anu (Year 10) for his selection in the Open CIS AFL Team.

To keep up-to-date with the latest news and events that are happening in and around our School, we encourage you to subscribe to the email Newsletter. Simply visit our website: www.tigs.nsw.edu.au and sign up on the home page.

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