Newsletter Academic Christian Caring
ISSUE 2
TERM IV 2015 Kye Gosling waterskiing in the NSW Malibu Series
Headmaster
unique in their extent and combination. Student learning is organised so that each child is given the opportunity to identify and develop their gifts and talents to the fullest extent.” (TIGS Mission and Values)
It is for this reason that we have adopted the approaches of the International Baccalaureate in teaching the NSW BOSTES curriculum. Through the use of concept-based, child-centred learning strategies our students are able to engage in learning in a variety of ways enabling them to connect with the learning in ways that suit their unique needs and learning styles. Well, that is the theory and in the majority of cases at TIGS it works.
One of the great pleasures of my role as Headmaster is walking around our playgrounds and chatting with students. It is a welcomed antidote to the meetings and endless paperwork that can fill my day. Just today, I was shown a favourite toy by one of our Kindergarten students, was beaten in a handball challenge by a ‘gun’ Year 5 boy, discussed the possible choices for the musical production in 2016 with some Year 8 students and celebrated the completion of the ‘last HSC exam’ with one of our Year 12 students – all in one 20 minute walk. Each of our students, from Prep to Year 12 are unique. They have their own personalities, interests needs and learning styles. How boring it would be if they were all the same. Yet, the approach to learning that many parents experienced in their schooling was based on the assumption that all students were best taught the same way. Strength in mainstream academic subjects was an advantage and rewarded. Those whose strengths were in other areas were grouped together and taught in a way that reinforced the notion that they were not as clever as the high fliers in the ‘A’ class.
However, there are some students that need additional opportunities and strategies to succeed in their learning. In educational jargon, these students are identified as ‘exceptional’ students. Most people immediately assume that ‘exceptional’ refers to students who are gifted and talented but in the world of education ‘exceptional’ also refers to students that are not experiencing success in their learning because of an identified learning difficulty. There are some students that are identified as ‘twice exceptional’: being both gifted and having a learning difficulty. At TIGS we have established programmes and strategies for students in addition to mainstream curriculum that enable ‘exceptional’ students to experience success in their learning. These programmes include: 1.
Programmes and provisions for gifted and talented students. These programmes are managed by our specialist teachers: Mrs Walker in the Junior School and Mrs Dubowski and Mrs Toland in the Senior School.
2.
The clustering of students that share gifts and talents in the same area. These include mainstream academic areas such as Mathematics, Science, English and Languages as well as specialist subject areas. The clustering of students also occurs for our talented athletes and musicians. Students gain inspiration from spending time with other students who share a similar level of ability.
At TIGS our fundamental assumption is that each child is unique and special: “It is recognised that students learn in different ways and at different rates and that the gifts each child possesses are
3.
The provision of co-curricular opportunities specifically designed to encourage and nurture talented
students in the development of their area of interest and expertise. These opportunities cover the whole range of the TIGS experience, including Academic, Sport, The Arts, Leadership and Service activities.
4.
The Arrowsmith Program is for exceptional students that have specific problems in their cognitive development. This programme is limited to a total of 10 full-time students drawn from Years 4, 5 and 6. From 2016 a limited number of TIGS students in other year groups will have the opportunity to benefit from the Arrowsmith Program by participating in a part-time programme that will be offered after school hours. Families interested in accessing the Arrowsmith Program at TIGS should contact Mrs Nealy.
5.
Learning support is provided to ‘exceptional’ students identified as having specific learning difficulties. Mrs Henry in the Senior School and Mrs Worthington in the Junior School manage the provision of extra support for these students that directly assist them to access the curriculum and supports their individual learning needs so they experience success in their learning. It is usual for students to receive this assistance while maintaining their position in their normal classes.
6.
Support is also provided for students with more significant learning difficulties. The School has an open enrolment policy but has only a limited number of positions for students who meet the criteria for our Integration Unit. A quota of 15 students enrolled across the whole school is set at TIGS for students that require this level of support, which represents the limit of the School’s capacity to provide for students requiring this level of additional support.
All our students are exceptional in their own way and it is our intention that at the end of their TIGS education they will have received the level of support required for them to “be the best they can be.” (TIGS Mission and Values)
Stephen Kinsella Headmaster
Chaplain’s Message FROM THE INSIDE OUT
About 20 years ago I was working in a Christian School as a classroom teacher and I had to write biblical rationales for all the subjects I was teaching. One of those subjects was drama. Where to begin? As I thought about the discipline of drama it struck me that it is a wonderful vehicle for the cultivation of empathy. Through drama one assumes the identity and circumstances of another. The best dramatic performances are those where the actor becomes the character through intimate identification. This does not happen by accident; it is usually the product of hard work involving detailed research and real-life role-playing. Thus was born my rationale for drama. Drama has a place in a Christian School because (among other reasons) it cultivates empathy and therefore positions us better to know others and be more inclined to serve them with heart-felt understanding. Jesus was a great storyteller. Many of his stories have transformed our world for good. An example is the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10.25-37). It is a simple story of need, neglect and then extravagant service. The term “Good Samaritan” has come to define those who act with kindness and compassion towards people in need, often at great expense to themselves. Imagine being able to change the world for good with a story. Jesus did – many times over. I can’t help think that the power of the stories Jesus told is not unlike the legitimate place drama has in a Christian School – it cultivates empathy and then inculcates action. As Jesus tells stories - like the Good Samaritan - we begin to
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
Information Session
10.00am and 4.00pm Wednesday 28 October RSVP: Monday 26 October 2015 Visit TIGS website www.tigs.nsw.edu.au/events-and-bookings Academic • Christian • Caring
An International Baccalaureate World School
identify with the characters. As we do, we are changed from the inside out. We begin to imagine what it would be like to lay by the side of the road and see people pass us by. We shudder at the thought that could be us one day. We would hope people would come to our aid. Or we begin to imagine ourselves in the shoes of the Priest and Levite who abandon their responsibilities to their needy neighbor. We wonder at their motives. Their ugliness appalls us and we hope we might never be like them. Or we begin to picture ourselves in the shoes of the Samaritan. We wonder at the obstacles he had to overcome to lend a helping hand. His persistence inspires us. We hope to be like him. We hope to be good neigbours ourselves. All this in a little story! It is quite remarkable really – the power of story. I celebrate the presence of drama in our curriculum at TIGS under the lead of our primary drama teacher Ms. Jane McIntosh. There is so much potential in this discipline to transform our students for good – from the inside out.
Rev James Rogers Chaplain
Your child’s education is a series of stepping stones and decision points. To gain insight into the path ahead and how best to navigate the journey to a world class education, parents from across the school are invited to join us for this important information session. You will come away equipped with a clear understanding of how the IB Diploma Programme (DP) works, how it stands alongside the HSC and the opportunities this will present your child to choose the courses that will shape their future. TIGS will be offering the DP to students in Year 11 and 12 commencing in 2017. Students will have the choice to study either the HSC or DP.
Senior School
At this time of year, we are finalising planning for 2016: the timetable, camps, overseas trips, excursions – everything that can be planned is planned. We are preparing the new Calendar and Diary and putting together the Co-curricular activities and schedules. 2016 is going to be bigger and better. There will be at least 85 activities that students can choose from our co-curricular activities in the Senior School alone and that doesn’t include the Private Music Tutor Programme, the eight different types of Homework Help available in the Library in the morning or afternoon and the six interstate/overseas trips that are scheduled for 2016. What learning opportunities they will be for our students! Every activity addresses our philosophy of education enshrined in our Mission and Values and, as you know, we encourage and support students in these years of development to take risks and try new things, in order that they can identify and develop their gifts and talents and be the best that they can be.
Monica Watt Head of Senior School Deputy Headmaster
Each year we adapt our offerings to respond to student requests, to reflect current developments in education and to ensure that there is a range and diversity in our programming. There has been tremendous growth in the uptake of a number of activities. The groups have just been getting bigger and bigger in Chess, Guitar Ensembles, Public Speaking and Debating, Dance, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Model United Nations (MUNA) to name a few and credit must go to the teachers who have adapted to meet the growing demands. In a number of other activities such as Da Vinci Decathlon, the interest has been so great that Mrs. Dubowski has taken it upon herself, together with other interested staff, to organise our own Illawarra Regional Da Vinci Decathlon which we hosted this year, to satisfy the demand. The overseas tours - to Europe for French and History students and to China for Mandarin students - were planned to address the developing need for extension experiences so critical in rich and rewarding senior study. 2016 will see students and staff encouraged to support local community events such as Fun Runs, Tri the Gong and the Australia Day Aquathon. There will also be an extension to the specialist sporting programmes for those with a passion and/ or interest who would benefit from extra coaching and training in SnowSports, Athletics or strength, conditioning and mobility training for other specialist areas.
Please join us any time between 5.00pm and 8.00pm to catch up with Monica and wish her well in her retirement DATE Friday 20 November 2015 AT The Illawarra Grammar School In the Goodhew Research Centre (Library)
RSVP Essential - Friday 13 November 2015 Visit TIGS website
www.tigs.nsw.edu.au/events-and-bookings
Academic • Christian • Caring
An International Baccalaureate World School
Mrs Merchant is planning to introduce Makerspace where students will have the opportunity to tinker which is a playful way to approach and solve problems through experimentation and discovery. As your children; they will know what this is about. And we will be extending Lego Robotics to address the senior students and their interests. The new schedule will be on the website before the end of the year so please take the time to discuss options with your children and to encourage them to try new activities that will develop them in rich and rewarding ways.
TIGSFOUNDATION Fundraising Event
"Not so secret" Men's Business “Rugby World Cup Wash Up” with
Glen Ella
Former Australian Rugby Union Player
TIGS Foundation HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT ADVERTISING YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH OUR TIGS COMMUNITY? Have you been online recently to visit the new initiative of TIGS Foundation? The TIGS Community Business Directory is enabling TIGS families to promote their business/s by advertising their details on the TIGS Website. There is an annual fee of $300 per business each calendar year for advertising in the Directory. Upon approval, immediate applications for 2015 will receive a bonus of several weeks’ free advertising, expiring 31 December 2016. Applications for 2016 are currently being finalised.
6.30pm Friday 13 November 2015 North Beach Surf Club, North Wollongong
Tickets
Includes gourmet BBQ, beverages and entertainment SPONSORED BY
TICKETS ON SALE NOW Visit www.tigs.nsw.edu.au or enquiries to Lisa Wilson on 4220 0264
The Business Directory will provide an opportunity to strengthen and tighten the bonds between the School, parents and the businesses contained within the School Community. If you are interested and would like to be involved please phone, Lisa Wilson on 4220 0264 or Joanne Danckwardt 0426 264 771, or email: foundation@tigs.nsw.edu.au TIGS reserves the right to decline any advertisement or request changes before accepting any submissions.
Junior School Uniform is important!
I am noting a few uniform issues and seek support from our parent community in ensuring that our children look fantastic in their summer and sport uniforms. Please note that sports shoes are to be mainly white with TIGS school socks worn. Students often tell me that they could not find any mostly white sports shoes, if you are having difficulty in sourcing appropriate sports shoes, please contact the Junior School office and we will provide you with the contact details for a supplier in the local area. A reminder also that for girls, buckle school shoes are not permitted and lace ups must be worn. Please ensure that if you are needing to purchase bigger school shoes either this term or over the Christmas break that you purchase the correct lace up style. During Term IV students are not required to wear their blazers to and from School due to the warmer weather. However, the no hat, no play rule is enforced without exception, so please ensure that a hat is brought to School each day. Jewellery is not permitted at School with the exception of plain sleepers or studs for girls and a plain watch for all students. Lastly please ensure that girl’s hair that is below the collar is worn up and boy’s hair must be kept above the collar and neat and tidy. One of the things I am told frequently about our students is how fabulous they look in their uniforms, thank you for your support in ensuring that this continues right up until the end of term and in making sure your children wear their uniforms with pride when they are out and about in the Illawarra.
Judi Nealy Head of Junior School
Stage 2 & 3 Camp Student Reflections While those of us back at School last week quite enjoyed the “ghost town” of car line with half the School at camp, we are pleased to welcome back our Year 3 – Year 6 students. Camp was a great experience for our children and their teachers and we hope you will enjoy the photos and quotes from our students.
Stage 2 Camp - Waterslea Camp is so much fun, we REALLY wanted to stay there forever because it was so much fun. The part that everybody LOVED was the pool and the WATER SLIDE!!!! We all can’t wait to go back there again. The other activities we did were bush cooking, navigation, the river ride, the games room, the movie night and the free time. The breakfast was very tasty, the lunch was also very tasty, but dinner was OK. This is an experience we all will never forget! Alexander Vartazarian and Jessica Llewellin
Stage 3 Camp- Deer Park Camp overall was an amazing experience, we really enjoyed the Big Day Out. The Big Day Out was a day where we hiked, canoed and abseiled. Deepika enjoyed canoeing the most because it was funny, we couldn’t canoe against the current and we had to get towed back. Xia Lian loved the swim at the water hole. It was an amazing camp and we wish we could go again. Deepika Parajuli & Xia Lian Wilson- Year 6
In my day activity group one of my favourite activities was rock climbing. My role was to help pull the rope tightly when someone else was climbing and for me to climb to the top when it was my turn. Our groups goal was to have a go and that is what everyone did (even Ms Hutchins.) My achievement was that I was the only girl in the group that touched the roof of the rock climbing facility. My goal was to touch the roof and I did so I was very happy. I learnt that I can do anything that I put my mind to. Sophie Grasnick- Year 5
The Stage 3 Deer Park Camp was a wonderful three day camp full of activities and adventure. Youthworks, the people who ran the camp, made the experience fantastic! Year 6 had an amazing time at Big Day Out hiking, canoeing, and abseiling. It was a great last primary school camp! Hollander Petersen- Year 6
A highlight for us was definitely the waterslide, because it was nice to cool off after a big day of activities, and go crazy with our friends. Our favourite activity was archery, as it was challenging and something that neither of us had ever tried before. As it was our last primary school camp, we tried to make the most of every activity and experience. Ella Vartazarian and Jessica Hall- Year 6
‘Together Group A’ developed a significant bond and we trusted and respected each other during every activity. Navigation involves a variety of selfmanagement skills and research skills such as spatial awareness, gross motor, observing and organising data. All of these skills I feel were not only needed but were used correctly and therefore led each group auspiciously through the challenge. Isabella Atkinson- Year 5
One of my favourite activities was navigation which involved using a compass. The attitudes I used in this activity were cooperation because we worked together to find and answer the questions. I also showed tolerance as we helped each other out. Bowen Kimberley-Mastalir- Year 5
Junior School Sport PSSA Athletics Championships Congratulations to the following students who competed last week in the PSSA Athletics Championships at Homebush. Such outstanding results for each student to place in the top 15 in the state, you should all be very proud of your fantastic efforts: Samuel Lowe: Selene Chadrawy: Jamaya Wayne: James Healey:
8th in 8 years boys 100m finals 8th in 12 years girls shotput 8th in junior discus 10 years and under 12th in 12 years boys 800m finals
McKeon’s Swim Squad
McKeon’s Swim School is now back in action after some urgent repairs. From next week 27 October every Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7.00am - 8.00am Year 3 - Year 6 Morning Swim Squad will start up again. Once each morning session has finished the TIGS school bus will bring students back to School.
MERIT CERTIFICATE
WEEKLY AWARDS KD KH KP 1T 1Y 2Mc 2S 2T 3R 3S 3WJ 4Y 5G 5S 6A 6C 6K
Addison Tarrant, Muhammad Yasir Noah Bottele, Josie Lowe Ashley Parker, Aarnav Prabhu Ethan Ross, Max Clark, Ronghao Chen Alexander Mumford, Nicole Choi Harley Adams, Ting-Ting Cook Hugh D’Rozario, Cate Giason, Keiran Reveley Ben Harman, Samantha Gadsdon Reuben Grundy, Allegra Fock James Brewer, Ethan Bywater, Glory Obinwanor, Joel Turner Femke Duursma, Alexander Attorre Jessy Harman, Cameron Adams Mathilda Hoy, Adelaide Thompson Hasnain Aly Tamara Matar Nicola Wright James Healey, Harrison Kiteley, Aria Bacic-Johnston
Academic
Harrison Kiteley Jude De Araujo Tamara Matar Adil Qureshi Arwen Bowman Matilda Pead Samantha Gadsdon Harrison Stone Max Clark
Service Angus Kiang
DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES: Thursday 29 October Thursday 29 October Friday 30 October
2016 Kinder Parent Information Session 2016 Kinder Orientation Professional Learning Day/Pupil Free Day
Uniform Shop News We have now commenced fittings for children entering Kindergarten in 2016. Could all Preparatory parents please contact the Uniform Shop to ensure your child is fitted out before the end of Term IV. Please note all existing Year 6 students who are entering Year 7 in 2016 should have their uniforms fitted and purchased by 20 November 2015. Current Year 10 students should visit the Uniform Shop this term to have their complete Senior Uniform fitted. The Senior Blazers need to be ordered by the end of Term IV.
Senior School Sport NASSA SENIOR BASKETBALL GALA DAY
We had a highly competitive day at the NASSA Senior Basketball Gala Day in Penrith. Unfortunately the girls faced the strongest team in the competition in their first game and lost convincingly. The second game we maintained an early lead until Chloe Kuiper was forced off the court due to injury. The girls continued to develop their teamwork and skills and went down in the final minute of the game by only three points. In our final round game our basic skills, teamwork, strategies and tactics had really started to develop and we were playing an unbreakable defensive zone that enabled us to take the win. We saved our best game for last, dominating the court to come 5th place overall. The Open Boys team lost their first two games to Georges River Grammar and Penrith Anglican College, narrowly missing out on the win by only a point in the final minute of the second game. We regrouped and had a comfortable win against Macarthur Anglican School in our third game. We narrowly lost the playoff for fifth spot against Broughton Anglican College, finishing sixth overall. All students played with heart and made positive contributions to the team, applying themselves with a positive attitude and a strong sense of sporting fairness. Well done!
VOLLEYBALL
We fielded two teams in the NASSA Volleyball Gala Day. The girls played four games across the day, coming home with one win and narrowly losing the other three games, by only a couple of points difference, each set. The team was extremely positive and encouraging of one another with each opposing coach commending our girls on their enthusiasm and attitude. Special mention to Alanieta Kennedy who was outstanding in play and Mary Bul took on each game with an inspiring attitude. The boys lost their first game in a close match against Wollondilly. We took any early lead against Broughton in our second game, however they fought back to take the win. We were victorious in our third game against Penrith, winning 2-1. This win placed us in 5th place for the day.
AFL
With little to no Aussie Rules experience amongst the group, our AFL boys picked up the rules and skills very quickly. What they lacked in skill, they made up for in determination and attack on the ball. All the boys must be commended for their sportsmanship and effort throughout the day however they were outplayed by more experienced teams. Also with little AFL experience, the girls didn’t know what to expect of the day. During their opening game against Broughton Anglican College they learnt very quickly the skills and teamwork needed to win them their first match of AFL. Following a short break the girls backed up their first performance with a great display of offence and defence to draw with GRG. The third game they played the home side of WAC and served them a dose of TIGS camaraderie, beating them by over 80 points.
This put the girls in first position in their pool and matched them with THAC - big hitters and winners from pool 2. The girls showed courage against a team in the finals that had been training and playing together for four years and didn’t show any signs of weakness during the game. The THAC team showed they were just too quick for our girls but a solid and unrelenting effort by TIGS helped them get some numbers on the scoreboard. Our commitment and team spirit during the day saw the girls take 2nd place overall. Well done girls.
MOSS VALE RUGBY 7’S
TIGS entered three teams into the inaugural Moss Vale Rugby 7’s Tournament at Bowral Rugby Club. Unfortunately our Under 14 Girls did not get a game due to other teams withdrawing from the day. The girls participated in a training day the week prior and were excited to attend their first competition. Joanne Karakousis, Mary Bul, Emmanuela Franco, Charlotte Gaynor, Amy Gibbons, Alanieta Kennedy, Sarah Jane Kingsman, Claire Nguyen, Erynne Stone and Archita Sitharthan. The Under 14 Boys were short on numbers due to a few last minute withdrawals. In the true spirit of rugby, players were borrowed from opposing teams and games went on as scheduled. Coming up against Illawarra Sports High, Mulwaree High and Picton High, the team recorded two wins and a loss. Giovanni Nassau, James Pegler, William Brown, Jacob Upton, Henri Richards-Palk and Michael Kyriakoudes. The Under 16 Boys participated well throughout the day, but were beaten by some more experienced teams from Illawarra Sports High and Mulwaree High. The team displayed excellent rugby skills, scoring some outstanding team tries. Daniel Laing, Samuel Shalala, Joseph Daly, Timothee Chaperon, Ethan Jackson, Aiden Wingate, Alex Wilson, Blake McDougall, Vincent Chauvet, Elliot Hutt and Samuel Okely.
STUDENT SUCCESS
Water Skiing
Congratulations to Kye Gosling who recently competed in the NSW Malibu Series at Stoney Park. Kye skied exceptionally well, slaloming a PB (personal best) and taking out 1st place out of 11 skiers in his division. Kye was rewarded the yellow leaders bib and we wish him all the best in his next Malibu Championships.
National Cheerleading Championships Claire Rogers competed in the National Cheerleading Championships at WIN Entertainment Centre on the weekend. Her team are commended for taking out 2nd in this prestigious competition.
Women of Culture Breast Cancer Awareness High Tea On Sunday 18 October, Affinity Intercultural Foundation organised a Women of Culture Breast Cancer Awareness high tea in which many women of different cultures came together to support each other in the fight against breast cancer. Many TIGS students, along with their teachers, attended the event held at Seacliff Restaurant in North Wollongong. The night consisted of inspiring speeches about surviving breast cancer and juggling the demands of family, health and careers. The speeches were followed by a delicious array of savoury and sweet platters whilst listening to beautiful violin compositions from TIGS student, Aika Hammond and her teacher, Mrs Hammond. The night concluded with Turkish and Bollywood dancing. It was a fantastic event that allowed women from the local community to express their spirituality and support for one another through a fun and very enjoyable evening. Huge thanks must go to Mrs Bugg and Mrs Biggs for giving TIGS the opportunity to attend this wonderful event. Denali Hutt and Emily Smith
Future Problem Solving Feat On Friday 16 October three Community Problem Solving Teams from TIGS travelled to Brisbane to compete in the FPS National Finals. Versing teams from Knox, Ravenswood, Loreto Normanhurst in NSW and schools from across Australia, in the words of the Director of FPS Australia, “TIGS dominated the competition� and achieved an unprecedented 100% success. All three of our teams placed first or second and received invitations to compete internationally next year. In the Senior division: Robert Martin and Meena Jasim from Year 10 came first with a project on reducing food wastage. Also in the Senior division: Marie Russo (Year 10) and Nicole Russo from Year 8 placed second with a project on recycling. In the Middle division: Lola Bond, Min Seo Kang and Francesca Lambert from Year 8 placed second with a project on Pet care. Congratulations to all students! Jean Burton (CmPS Coach)
Year 8 Community Service
The Year 8 Community Service team is calling on all members of the TIGS community to support a wonderful initiative called Books For Africa which is being run by Figtree Anglican Church, in partnership with Nairobi Chapel in Kenya. The vision is to provide a library for a primary school in Nairobi, Kenya, through filling a shipping container with books, transporting this container to Nairobi, then converting it into a library! This is a wonderful opportunity to aid in the education of children in Nairobi and provide them with a “future and vision beyond the slums where they live” (Pastor Oscar Muiru – Senior Pastor, Nairobi Chapel, Kenya). You can support this exciting initiative by donating children’s books that you no longer need and $1 per book donated, which will go towards the cost of shipping the container to Kenya. Book donations can be made in the library foyer, while cash donations can be made at Student Reception or Junior School Reception. Please ensure cash donations are in a sealed envelope.
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DONATE
Culturally appropriate books for children 3-14 years New or second hand books (good condition) Children's fiction books Single volume children's non-fiction books (fact books) e.g. math, volcanoes, dinosaurs, science etc Money for bilingual books/educational and reading development resources.
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Thursday 12 November 2015 7.30am - 8.20am In the
TIGS Goodhew Research Centre (Library) Academic • Christian • Caring
An International Baccalaureate World School
DON’T DONATE
Damaged or old books Encyclopedia sets eg World Book Books that require electronic resources (batteries, CDs, DVDs) Culturally inappropriate material eg comic books, graphic novels, books on gambling, magic tricks etc. Toys
Parents, staff and friends are invited to gather to pray for our School community
TIGS
Prayer
Breakfast
Breakfast and supervision is available for children Please contact Mrs Douglas on 02 4220 0284 or email mdouglas@tigs.nsw.edu.au
Important Health Info WHOOPING COUGH INFORMATION FOR SCHOOLS. There is an outbreak of whooping cough (pertussis) in NSW, mainly affecting school-aged children. Coughing spreads the infection to others nearby. Whooping cough can spread to anyone at home, including younger brothers and sisters. Whooping cough can be especially dangerous for babies. Whooping cough starts like a cold and progresses to bouts of coughing that can last for many weeks. The infection can occur even in fully-vaccinated children. Older children may just have a cough that is persistent and may be worse at night. •
Children with these symptoms should see a doctor.
•
If your doctor diagnoses whooping cough in your school-aged child, please let the School know and keep your child at home until they have taken five days of antibiotics. Keep coughing children away from babies.
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Whooping cough vaccines give good protection against infection but immunity fades with time. Check that all your children are up to date with their vaccines, due at 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months, 4 years and 12 years of age (offered to all Year 7 students through the NSW school-based vaccination program). A booster is also recommended at 18 months of age.
A booster dose of vaccine is also recommended for adults that are in contact with young children, such as school staff and parents. Pregnant women are recommended to have a booster dose during each pregnancy and this is funded by NSW Health. Those who are new parents or carers of babies should consult their general practitioner about appropriate immunisation. Your local public health unit can provide advice about whooping cough on 1300 066 055 or visit the NSW Health website
Extend@ TIGS
Extend@TIGS has a lot of different and exciting upcoming events organised. Due to HSC exams we are operating from HG 1 room near Begbie. Last week we had heaps of fun creating Egyptian Pharaoh masks and mummifying apples and played lots of sports and team games including crocodile crocodile, red light green light, handball and soccer. This week we have a range of exciting science, craft and cooking activities planned so please come along and join in on all the fun. Once a year Extend launches a major Extend-a-Hand initiative that equips children to contribute to the wider community. This year we are partnering with Meals on Wheels so that the children in Extend’s programmes can make place-mats for Meals on Wheels’ recipients. Come along to After School Care for an opportunity to contribute to this great team project! To check out what’s on visit our website at extend.com.au and book via the Parent Portal.
ONLINE BOOKINGS: extend.com.au CALL OUR OFFICE: 1300 366 437
UPCOMING
EVENTS
WEEK 4
Year 7 2016 Parent Information Evening 6.00pm – 8.00pm Monday 26 October in the IGC
DP Parent Information Sessions
10.00am and 4.00pm Wednesday 28 October in the Goodhew Research Centre (Library)
Kindergarten 2016 Parent Information Session 11.00am – 12.45pm Thursday 29 October at Junior School
Year 7 2016 Orientation - Day 1 8.40am – 3.10pm Thursday 29 October in the IGC
Pupil Free Day / Professional Learning Day Friday 30 October