NEWSLETTER Year 6 Progression Dinner
Year 6 Canberra Excursion
Headmaster’s Message Chaplain’s Message Head of Senior School Issue 2 Term I, 2012
Academic • Christian • Caring
Head of Junior School
The Gonski Review into Funding for Schooling On Monday, 20 February the recommendations of the Review into Funding for Schooling (known as the Gonski Review) and the Government’s initial response will be released to the public. This will be a significant event for independent schools like TIGS. At the request of parents I remind our supporters of my previous advice. The purpose of the Review was to make recommendations on the shape of a new system of funding for schools that is “transparent, fair, sustainable and effective at delivering great educational outcomes for all students in all schools.” (Minister Garrett, 30/5/11) It is difficult to imagine how this might be achieved without an increase in funding for schools. Without an increase in the overall level of funding there must be winners and losers despite the Minister’s statement. Recurrent grants from the Australian Government are an important source of funds for TIGS. The School’s budget for 2012 estimates total income received from all sources will be $20.7m. Of this amount, the Australian Government is expected to provide $4.5m in recurrent funding - $5,077 for each Senior School student and $4,042 for each Junior School student. No recurrent grants are received for students in The Piper Centre. Under the current system, the level of recurrent funding that the School receives varies depending on the income level of families. This is calculated by matching census information with the addresses of families that attend the School. Each School is assigned a Socio-economic Status score (SES). Schools are then assigned grants on the basis of their SES score which are calculated as a percentage of the Australian Government School Recurrent Cost (AGSRC) which is the average cost of educating a child in a government school. TIGS has an SES score of 108 which attracts funding at the level of 41.2% of AGSRC.
Stephen Kinsella Headmaster
The higher the income levels of school families, the higher the SES score. SES scores for schools vary between 85 and 130. An SES score of 85 attracts the maximum level of Australian Government funding (70% of AGSRC) while an SES Score of 130 attracts the minimum level of funding (13.7% of AGSRC). In submissions made to the Gonski panel, the Association of Independent Schools which represents TIGS has argued on behalf of the School that: •
“No independent school or student should receive less funding in real terms;
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The value of recurrent, capital and targeted grants should be maintained in real terms by appropriate indexation;
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The direct funding relationship between the Australian Government and independent schools for recurrent funding is highly valued;
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The Association of Independent Schools and Block Grant Authorities have proved to be efficient and effective administrators of Australian Government targeted and capital funding;
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The impact of future enrolment growth will be a significant policy issue for governments in terms of both recurrent costs and capital infrastructure. Supporting the contribution of independent schools as partners with government in meeting the demands of future enrolment growth is critical;
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The lack of adequate funding for disadvantaged students must be addressed in the Review. Students needing additional support should not be further disadvantaged because their parents have chosen an independent school.”
It is important that the view of our political leaders be understood and that they are asked to explain and justify their policies. For example: •
Minister Garrett announced on 30 May 2011 that “no student will lose a single dollar per student as a result of this review.” This statement echoes a similar statement by the Prime Minister. Students of Economics will quickly point out that funding that is not indexed loses value over time.
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The Coalition has indicated it will support the current system. There is still a need for clarity regarding how they would calculate SES scores and the costs included in AGSRC.
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The Greens (who have the balance of power in the Senate) have made a series of alarming policy statements regarding the funding of Independent Schools, such as “funding for private schools should be frozen at its year 2003 level adjusted from inflation” (a 40% decrease on current funding levels).
The School does not budget for a large surplus and it does not have any reserves of funds. All the income received from governments and families is spent on providing services for our students. Any reduction in funding from the Australian Government will place pressure on fees and the provision of services - an undesirable outcome. A hung parliament means that our political leaders and policy makers are sensitive to swings in the mood of the electorate. It is important that the voice of Independent School parents be heard by our politicians. We look forward to understanding the content of the Gonski report and the intentions of our political leaders.
Chaplain’s Message C.S. Lewis on the Merits of Reading Literature
This week our Senior School students have been asked to order their English literature texts. I know that because I am a parent of three in the Senior School. Filling out the order forms for my children gave me time to ponder and appreciate how much richer I am because of reading. As I thought about that I was reminded of something C.S. Lewis once said about reading.
I
Literature enlarges our being by admitting us to experiences not our own. They may be beautiful, terrible, awe-inspiring, exhilarating, pathetic, comic or merely piquant. Literature gives the entrée to them all. Those of us who have been true readers all our life, seldom fully realise the enormous extension of our being which we owe to authors. We realise it best when we talk with an unliterary friend. He may be full of goodness and good sense, but he inhabits a tiny world. In it, we should be suffocated. My eyes are not enough for me. Even the eyes of all humanity are not enough. I regret that the brutes cannot write books. Very gladly would I learn what face things present to a mouse or a bee: more gladly still would I perceive the olfactory world charged with all the information and emotion it carries for a dog…
Rev James Rogers Chaplain
In reading good literature, I become a thousand men and yet remain myself. Like the night sky in a Greek poem, I see with a myriad eyes, but it is still I who see. Here, as in worship, in love, in moral action and in knowing, I transcend myself: and am never more myself than when I do. It’s great stuff isn’t it? I am encouraged to keep on reading. It is interesting to consider this quote from the perspective of being a Bible reader. It is true, is it not, that when we read the Bible we see the world through another set of eyes - God’s eyes - and we are better for it. When it comes to understanding the true nature of reality my eyes are not enough for me. I need God’s eyes. And that we have in the Bible. God is the primary author. He has revealed the truth about his nature and his purposes for the world in his word the Bible. We deprive ourselves of too much good if we do not read this most primary of “literary” texts - and much else besides. Happy reading! Rev James Rogers Chaplain
Senior School That sense of “we” not “me.”
When new students come to TIGS they often comment on how surprised they are by students’ commitment to House activities. Commitment to House extends well into post school years: often when ex-students enrol their children their first requirement is that the continuity of House membership is maintained. This can be a problem if Mum and Dad came from different Houses! It is usually settled amicably .... I think. I have even had representation made by an ex-member of staff that her great nephew be assigned too ‘the best House.’ I did have to ask what House that might be! Term I House Competitions really exemplify TIGS House Spirit. All students are expected to attend the Swimming Carnival, participate and represent their House. Every student can contribute to winning House points, no matter what their skill level. Everyone can achieve a Personal Best on the day! If students are injured or unable to swim then they can still come along, help in the running of the Carnival and in supporting their House until the end of the day. We ask that if parents are also attending that they too support the School’s Mission and Values by ensuring that students stay until the conclusion of the Carnival caring for and supporting each other in the School Community.
Monica Watt
The other BIG EVENT is the Music, Dance and Drama Competition. This is a proud TIGS tradition Deputy Headmaster and that sees every single member of the House take the stage to sing and represent their House in the Head of Senior School House Song. Other sections of the program may have evolved and changed over the years but since its beginnings over 30 years ago when it was a whole day devoted solely to Music alone, there always has been the House Song which exemplifies that corporate sense of “we” rather than “me”. The introduction of the Dance section to the Competition has seen House Competition hit a never before imagined level of corporate commitment and dedication. Rehearsals began for this year’s competition at the end of last year! Please come to the Music, Dance and Drama Showcase on Friday 30 March to see what your children can and do achieve in the name of House, in their commitment to the School Community and to support others by fundraising for the Year 12 Charities The Disability Trust and Nganambala School (previously known as Emu Point). It is about “we” not “me”. Mrs Monica Watt Deputy Head and Head of Senior School
Vaccinations
2012 National Adolescent Vaccination Program for Years 7 – 10 will commence on Tuesday 28 February. You should have received the parent information pack Please complete the consent forms and return to school as soon as possible. If you have any enquiries please contact Lisa Dent on 4220 0227. 1 Visit Year 7 Students 28 February 2012 Year 10 Students
Hepatitis B vaccine dose 1 (2 dose course administered 4 - 6 months apart) Human Papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) dose 1 - GIRLS ONLY (3 dose course) Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis booster vaccine (single dose)
Junior School
Year 6 Canberra Excursion - Article by Year 6 students
This term Year 6 have begun learning about governmental systems and social justice. To give us a firm foundation for extending our understanding, we spent two days in Canberra last week exploring all things political. We grasped any opportunity to learn something new, even questioning Mr Yeo’s sister-in-law on her role within Reconciliation Australia and her knowledge of the tent embassy. A highlight of the excursion was being able to see ‘Question Time’ at Parliament House, where we were greatly entertained by the verbal shenanigans carried out on the floor of the House of Representatives. We were amazed to see the youngest Member of Parliament thrown out when he tried to stir up trouble by claiming that Labour had never produced a surplus. The unsubtle Liberal jests at Kevin Rudd’s push for leadership kept many of us giggling, especially when Julie Bishop directed a question at ‘Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’.
Judi Nealy
Head of Junior School
We learnt how to vote at the Australian Electoral Commission and toured Old Parliament House learning about the history of democracy in Australia and role playing the different roles with the House of Representatives and the Senate. We also developed a greater appreciation for the sacrifices of our servicemen and women as we explored the Australian War Memorial. As a small step away from the political, we enjoyed exploring the Australian Institute of Sport and learning about all the high tech equipment used to develop and refine Australia’s Sporting Champions.
Excursions are an important aspect of many Units of Inquiry and are used with real intention and purpose. They are far more than a fun day out, although we always aim for them to also be a fun experience for the students. This excursion for Year 6 to Canberra was planned at the very beginning of their unit. In the Transdisciplinary theme “how we organise ourselves” the central idea of this unit is ‘Governmental systems and decisions can promote or deny equal opportunities and social justice’ with the key concepts being: ‘Function and Responsibility Related Concepts: Equality and Government’. When excursions are planned at the beginning of a unit it is to serve the purpose of “front loading”. This means the purpose is to provide the students with information and experiences that will assist them in unpacking the central idea. The excursion is one of the initial steps in the inquiry process, giving opportunity to discover information, talk to first hand sources, observe real life situations that apply to the Unit of Inquiry and experience real life, real time learning. Frequently front loading creates many more questions to be understood and answered. The children will refer back to their excursion as they work through their unit for the next six or seven weeks. Other Units of Inquiry time their excursions in different ways. It’s great when the children are able to discuss their learning on excursions and how they apply to the learning happening in the classroom with their families. Please take the opportunity to be informed of your child’s current learning and how their excursions this term will compliment their learning. This week we also inducted our Student Leaders for 2012. It is wonderful to see our students look for opportunities to serve their School and each other. I am looking forward to working with such an outstanding Year 6 group of Student Leaders and with the Captains and House Captains this year.
Cer Merit tifi cat es Ch ris Nhi T tina Bock hu Tr inh Ajay Rind ani
Connect with TIGS on the Web TIGS has joined the world of social media and is communicating through Twitter and Facebook.
Please follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/tigswollongong
Please like us on Facebook: facebook.com/illawarragrammar
English Texts Thank you to all the parents and students who purchased English text books from our Campion representative last week. The day went smoothly and most students now have the text books they need for their English studies throughout the year. Any students who forgot their form on the day or who, for any other reason, have not yet purchased their text books can still purchase them from Campion by faxing their order to (02) 9460 7122. We would like all students to have their text books by Week 6 of Term I in preparation for text based units of work studied in Terms II and III.
P&F Year 8 Parent Meeting All Year 8 parents are invited for coffee and/or lunch at the Wollongong Golf Club from 12.30pm next Friday 24 February 2012. This will be just before the kids get back from camp. Everyone is welcome. Toni McMillan and Kim Gibbs TIGS P&F Year 8 Parent Rep
TIGS Foundation AGM When: 21 February 2012, 8.00am - 10.00am Where: TIGS Boardroom If you are interested in attending or have any further enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Allison Collins, Foundation and Publicity Assistant via email on acollins@tigs.nsw.edu.au.
2012 Student Address Collection Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will be collecting student residential addresses from all non-government schools from 1 March 2012. Please click here for the attached Privacy Notice regarding the purpose of the collection and disclosure of information.
Canteen News Please check the TIGS Website for our menu. We would welcome any new volunteers at the Canteen. Forms are available on the School Website Save time and order online using FlexiSchools Go to www.flexischools.com.au and click “Register Now” in the Login Box. Then enter your student’s name, school and class, and add funds (say $50) into a pre-paid account. You can log into the website at any time to place orders, up until 9.00am on the day of the order. As purchases are made, the funds are taken from your pre-paid account. The account can be topped up again in the same way, or set to automatically top-up via credit card when the balance falls below a pre-set minimum. Each order is sent automatically to the kitchen, where an easy-to-read label is produced with the student’s name, class and order details.
Canteen Roster Week 4 Term I 2012 Monday 20 Feb Jan Osbourne
Tuesday 21 Feb Barb Mandelson Alice Martin
Wednesday 22 Feb Pat Calchi Daniell Burton
Thursday 23 Feb Lana Tut Help Needed
Friday 24 Feb Melanie Smith Help Needed
Senior Sport AICES Tennis
Congratulations to Stella Crick (Year 12) and Lily Tuivaga (Year 8) for their selection in the Open Girls AICES Tennis Team.
Student success and congratulations to:
Year 11 student Kuiam Anu on his selection in the Flying Boomerangs AFL team. During December Kuiam travelled to Fiji to represent Australia at an International AFL competition. The experience provided Kuiam with an invaluable opportunity to work with well-respected coaches such as Andrew McLeod and Chris Johnson both of whom have played at a professional level. Although he was mentored by Indigenous ambassadors including Xavier Clarke and Des Headland, meeting his idol, Nic Naitanui was the highlight for Kuaim. In 2012 Kuiam will continue his involvement with the Sydney Swans Academy with the aim of working to further his AFL skills and knowledge. We wish him well for the 2012 season. James Belcher (Year 12) for his results at the NSW Junior Athletic Championships. James came first in the U/20 Hammer Throw, U/20 Pole Vault and sixth in the Javelin. He will now compete at the Junior Nationals in these events in March.
NASSA Cricket
TIGS Netball Club Registration
TIGS vs Thomas Hassall Anglican Juniors TIGS 86 all out Issac Osborne (32) Thomas Hassall 4-96 Matthew Galanti 1-10 Issac Osborne 1-12 Cameron McMillan 1-18 Teja Cherukuri 1-21
We have seen great interest from the students wishing to play for the School this year. Final registration day is this Saturday 18 February 9.30am – 11.00am at TIGS in MG3 (room beside IGC). If you have any questions regarding registrations contact Mrs Sharpe at school.
TIGS Senior School Tennis Gala Day
Over 20 students participated in the Senior School Tennis Gala Day at Beaton Park. The sun eventually came through and some outstanding matches were played. The students selected Seniors from this day will compete in the NASSA tennis Gala Day on the Thomas Hassall 34 all out Thomas Dougall 1-3 2 March. Sachin Gasper 1-4 Nikhil Verma 1-7 TARA Equestrian Entries Thomas Walker 2-6 Students interested in entering this event must visit the following Jonathan Fowles 5-1 links and complete the online entry forms. TIGS 3-37
Nikhil Verma 27 n/o
Year 7 Camp
The information for Tara Equestrian Carnival on 11 March is at: http://www.tara.nsw.edu.au/downloads/Equestrian%20 2012/2012%20Entry%20Form%20Complete.pdf Entries close: 2 March 2012
Camp is always a great way to start of the year and for the Year 7 students it will be a week that they will remember for a long time to come. The camp was help at Wedderburn Christian Campsite where they challenged themselves in activities including the Giant Swing, Abseiling, Rock-climbing, Pool Wrestling Challenge and riding the BMX course. While half of the year were completing these activities the other half of the year were out at remote camp. They camped for two nights in tents and extended themselves in the activities which included Waterslide, Commando Course, Rogaining and Caving. As well as all of these activities students founded new friendships and gained valuable lifelong experiences. Cricket was a popular free time choice and the night games were always entertaining. The camp was a great success and the students and their parents should be proud of the way they conducted and extended themselves throughout the week. We thank Mrs Neal, Mr Ferguson, Mr Grieve, Ms James, Mr Edgerton, Mr James and Mr Vickers for their support and organisation of the week.
Year 9/10 Sports for Term I 2012
Sport is compulsory for all students at TIGS from Years 7-10. In Years 9 and 10 this compulsory sport is conducted before and after school in a variety of activities. It is mandatory that all students in Years 7-10 participate in two hours of weekly sporting activity. Students therefore must attend compulsory school sports which have been organised. Students may formally be granted an exemption from the above requirement if they can demonstrate their participation in other regular sporting activities. The Year 9/10 Sports Program includes Winter Sports in Terms II and III and a Summer Program in Terms I and IV. The Summer Sports for Years 9/10 have begun for Term I: Badminton - Monday - IGC 3.30pm - 4.30pm Basketball - Wednesday - IGC 3.30pm - 4.30pm Rock Climbing - Wednesday - Hangdog Auburn Street Wollongong 3.30pm - 4.30pm Swimming - Wednesday and Friday - University Pool 7.00am - 8.00am (TIGS bus to school) Table Tennis - Monday - IGC 3.30pm - 4.30pm Swimming training is available to all students, please collect a permission note from Student Reception. All Sport buses for Year 9/10 Sports will leave from Western Avenue. Contact Mrs Sharpe at School with any questions regarding this program.
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