Issue 3 Term I 2013 by The Illawarra Grammar School

NEWSLETTER

Issue 3 Term I 2013

Junior School Swimming Carnival

Academic • Christian • Caring

Evaluating Excellence In 2012, the School employed the services of the Association of Independent Schools (AIS NSW) to conduct an independent assessment of the School. The process was called Evaluating Excellence in Independent Schools (EEIS). A series of surveys designed to identify strengths and areas for improvement were conducted with parents (813 responses), students (327 responses covering Years 3 to 12) and all teaching and non-teaching staff. A number of parent, student and staff focus groups met to discuss the results of the survey and contribute to the final report. During the process, the AIS met regularly with a Consultative Committee that provided advice as the final report was prepared. The Committee consisted of representatives of the School Council, Staff and Parents. Some of the outcomes of the review were reported to the School Community over the course of 2012. However, the final EEIS report has been received and has identified the following strengths of The Illawarra Grammar School: 1.

The Vision, Values and Ethos of TIGS “There is an overwhelming understanding of, and commitment to the values and beliefs of The Illawarra Grammar School amongst staff, students and parents.”

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

The Christian Faith “The School’s staff recognises that the formation of the young people of TIGS in the Christian faith is a core responsibility. The Christian faith is celebrated and proclaimed in the school community. This commitment manifests itself in teaching and learning, in the relationships between students and teachers and the deep commitment of students and staff to the needs of others.

The School’s Commitment to Students “The TIGS leaders and staff have a deep commitment to the students of TIGS. This was evidenced by the survey data and validated by the Focus Group conversations and the AIS observations of school operations.”

Learning and Teaching “The School has successfully implemented inquiry-based learning in the Junior School and is embedding these practices in the Senior School. This is an enormous benefit for all learners. TIGS’ commitment to the achievement of academic excellence for all students emerged as a key strength of the School. The quality of learning and teaching at TIGS and the Executive’s articulated vision for learning at TIGS make it a leading school in the Illawarra region. Throughout the EEIS process the staff, students and parents demonstrated their shared commitment to achieving academic excellence.”

Student’s Connection with the TIGS Community “The students have a very positive perception of TIGS. They recognise the benefit to them of being a member of The Illawarra Grammar School. Students who participated in the EEIS Survey recognised the quality of the facilities and resources of the School. They articulated their high levels of happiness, pride and deep sense of belonging. Additionally they were able to highlight the overall quality of the learning environment, the learning opportunities provided by TIGS and the level of support provided by the teaching staff.”

There were also a number of very helpful observations made in the EEIS report that are being incorporated into the Strategic Plan: 2013 – 2017 which is currently being finalised. Some of the issues raised by students are: • •

Ensuring all students feel safe at school Giving students a stronger voice in learning and in the development of school programs, policies and procedures

Parents expressed a strong desire for improved communication with teachers at the School, including: • • • •

The use of ICT as a means of communication Reporting of student progress to parents in a timely and accurate way Opportunities for parents to respond to communication and reporting from teachers The format of formal reports

Thank you to all parents, students and staff that contributed to the EEIS Review. All comments were given consideration and will contribute to school improvement. The strengths of TIGS identified by the EEIS should be an encouragement to us all as we work together to make TIGS an even better place for our children to learn and grow. Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

Don’t Waste Your Life John Piper is a Christian pastor, preacher and writer who rarely fails to pack a punch in what he says. Here’s something from his book Don’t Waste Your Life. ‘In April 2000, Ruby Elison and Laura Edwards were killed in Cameroon, West Africa. Ruby was over eighty. Single all her life, she poured it out for one great thing: to make Jesus Christ known among the unreached, the poor and the sick. Laura was a widow, a medical doctor, pushing eighty years old, and serving at Ruby’s side in Cameroon. The brakes failed, the car went over a cliff, and they were both killed instantly. Was that a tragedy - two lives driven by one great passion, namely, to be spent in unheralded service to the perishing poor for the glory of Jesus Christ? No, this is not a tragedy. This is a glory. These lives were not wasted. And these lives were not lost. As Jesus says: “Whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.”’ (Mark 8.35) Piper continues: ‘I will tell you what a tragedy is. Consider a story from the February 1998 edition of Readers Digest, which tells about a couple who “took early retirement from their jobs in the Northeast (of the United States) five years ago when he was 59 and she was 51. Now they live in Punta Gorda, Florida, where they cruise on their 300 foot trawler, play softball and collect shells.”’

Rev James Rogers Chaplain

When Piper first read this he admits to thinking it was just a joke—some sort of tongue-in-cheek take on the Great American Dream. But as he read on he learned this couple were dead serious about making this the last great work of their one and only precious, God-given life before giving an account of themselves to their Creator—playing softball and collecting shells.

Piper finishes with these sobering words: ‘Picture them before Christ at the great day of judgement: “Look, Lord. See my shells.”’ Piper concludes, ‘That is a tragedy. Don’t buy it. Don’t waste your life.’ Of course, there is nothing wrong with pursuits in life which capture our interest and attention. The enjoyment of life in this way can be a sure sign we have understood and embraced God’s creation ordinance to affirm his good order. The problem is when this becomes our sole focus for existence. That is idolatry. In the Apostle John’s first letter he finishes with this tender warning: “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5.21) May God give us grace to be like Ruby and Laura - to never retire from his service. That needn’t express itself in the same sort of missionary enterprise that captured Ruby and Laura’s heart. But it will express itself in ultimate allegiance to God wherever he has called us, until that day he calls us home. Dear friends, let us keep ourselves from idols. Rev James Rogers Chaplain

Senior School

For Your Information: A Cyber Safe School

In 2012, the Senior School commenced the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program, allowing the School greater flexibility in the delivery of programs and lessons. This introduction was also a stepping stone along the path towards concept-based inquiry-learning in the classroom and at home, and the adoption of the IB’s Middle Years’ Programme (MYP.) As Millennial, or 21st Century learners, our students can now easily access information and there is a need for our students to become competent in communication, critical thinking, creativity and collaboration. This requires staff and students to be engaged in collaborative learning using a range of Web2 tools. For this to be effective, it is important that the School allows a variety of learning tools to be employed, with students having access to a wide range of sites and online resources.

Monica Watt

Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School

We are constantly evaluating and improving our systems and programs. As part of this process, the School has upgraded its web filtering system, using a product provided by Netbox Blue, called CyberSafeSchool. This means that while students are using the school network with their own devices, their traffic will be monitored. Monitoring has always been part of our Policies and Procedures but this system is a refinement of those previously employed. The system allows the alerting and flexible reporting of cyber abuse and the blocking of inappropriate content. It will identify communication risks and provide appropriate controls over all web and social media sites. It will allow us to be proactive not just retrospective in our management of traffic through our systems.

The aim of this initiative is to open up learning opportunities for students by allowing greater access to a wide range of tools, rather than a blanket blocking of sites. In this way we will be providing a richer safety net while students are using their devices at school. In order to facilitate this process students will be instructed how to switch on the system, on their own device, during the course of next week.

Monica Watt Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School

Junior School Australian National First Lego League Championships

Wollongong teams have achieved outstanding results at the 2012/13 Australian National First Lego League (FLL) Championship, held on the 24 February at Macquarie University. The National Championships were the culmination of this challenging science and robotics tournament that began in September 2012. Representing the top teams in the country, Australian children aged 9-16 met for a day of intense competition in an atmosphere of excitement, music, and celebration of the FIRST values and mission. The 2012/13 FLL season saw children delve into the world of “Senior Solutions”, where children engaged with senior citizens and discovered ways to help seniors remain active and engaged within the community. Teams were required to work with nominated Senior Partners to discover the challenges faced by those aged over 60, inventing solutions to an identified real-world problem.

Judi Nealy

Head of Junior School

After the research and development has been completed, FLL teams compete in tournaments. Teams go head-to-head in the “Senior Solutions” robot challenge, where robots painstakingly created during the season have 2.5 minutes to autonomously complete challenges and navigate obstacles. Teams also have to present an invention and accompanying research to panels of judges, be tested on their ability to overcome challenges as a team, share their work within the community, and show how they adhere to the FLL Core Values – principally, the application of Gracious Professionalis.

Our Pyrotechnic Pandas were very successful in these competitions placing 7th in NSW and 12th nationally. All in their very first year of competition! Particularly impressive is the fact that this team was award the Gracious Professionalism award, a fine result!

Dates for your diary:

Monday 4 March – Professional Development Day (Pupil Free Day) Monday 4 March – TIGS Parenting Adolescents Quiz with Dr Michael Carr-Gregg Tuesday 5 March – NASSA Swimming Carnival Thursday 7 March – Junior School First Assembly Friday 15 March – Junior School Twilight Picnic Weekly Awards Thursday 28 March – Junior School Easter Service Thursday 4 April – Junior School Cross Country KD Saxon Parrish, Scarlett Ford Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 April – Parent Teacher Interviews KM Ting-Ting Cook, Matthias Simon Thursday 11 April – Acknowledgement of ANZAC Day Assembly KP Ashley Brewer, Samuel Lowe 1M Allegra Fock Judi Nealy 1T Anika Rindani, Ethan Bywater Head of Junior School 2H Thomas Kirby, Jessy Harman 2M Jessica Bradley, Pippi Fuller 3R Taylan Arapali 4S Dean Borbilas, Ruby D’Rozario 5Y Piper Kimberley-Mastalir, Jett Norris, Maxwell Okely 6W Jarod Tuckwood, Chivonne Barrett

Junior School Sport Term I

In Term I, Years 1 to 6 classes are involved in a swim program that is run by McKeon’s Swim School. They are coached in all aspects of swimming at their appropriate level with the intention of improving their competency and confidence in the water. Kindergarten is developing their fundamental movement skills with their Year 5 buddies who lead them through a range of activities in small groups. The children are enjoying the sessions as well as the new relationship with Year 5. This Term the Stage 3 students have the opportunity to trial for a team that will represent TIGS and compete against the other NASSA schools in basketball, football, netball and tennis. This along with the swimming carnivals and upcoming cross country carnivals makes Term I a very active and busy sporting Term for all.

Basketball

NASSA Basketball Trials were held at Beaton Park on Thursday 21 February. Schools from Broughton, Macarthur, Thomas Hassall, St Georges River, St Luke’s and Penrith trekked to the Illawarra with primary school boys and girls teams. St Luke’s won both the boys and girls competitions which reflects the high profile that basketball has in their school sports curriculum. Our TIGS’ teams were outstanding. Although their basketball skills were limited, their effort and teamwork was a real credit to everything TIGS expects from its students. Congratulations to the boys’ team who finished second on the day, and to the girls who finished third. Players were: Nick Peros, Austin Pallone, Jarrod Tuckwood, Michael Kyriakoudes, Luca Fierravanti, Connor Kyriakou, and Trent Ledwidge and the girls were Benae Kuiper, Margaux Chauvet, Cartia Taranto, Annalise Chadrawy, Sophie Correa, Annabel Malouf, Sarah Kingsman, Ruby Tilden and Zoe Dribbus. Special mention goes to Benae Kuiper who has been selected to trial at the next level for CIS to be held at North Sydney on Friday 1 March. Good luck Benae. Thank you also to the parents who were able to support us on the day.

Swimming Carnival

Years 3 to 6 students competed at the swimming carnival last Monday with great spirit and sportsmanship. It was a fabulous day. Thank you to the Year 10 students who assisted on the day and were a wonderful support team, particularly to our less confident swimmers. Results The champion swimming house for 2013 is Wolgal. They narrowly defeated Aranda in the final events of the day. Well done to the mighty green team. Age Champions 8 years 1. Clara Swainson 1. Benjamin Lu

9 years 1. Amelia Druett 1. Ben Giason 2. Tamara Matar 2. Jack Worthington

10 years 1. Aria Bacic-Johnston 1. Harrison Kiteley 2. Sarah Hutchison 2. Harrison Webb

11 years 1. Cartia Taranto 1. Joseph Druett 2. Ruby Tilden 2. Aydin Arapali

12 years 1. Georgia Webb 1. Austin Pallone 2. Evelyn Parrish-Gibbons 2. Grifiin Spicknall

Dear Parents / Guardians The Illawarra Grammar School will again be participating in The NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge. The Challenge offers a fabulous opportunity for children to explore and read from an extensive list of great literature. If you would like your child to participate please obtain a permission slip from The Junior School Office, the Library, or download a copy. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Library staff by phone 42200275 or email librarystaff@tigs.nsw.edu.au

TIGSFOUNDATION TIGS Foundation AGM 2013 All members are cordially invited to attend the TIGS Foundation Annual General Meeting. If you know others who are interested in the work of TIGS Foundation or have been part of the Foundation’s history, we would welcome their attendance as a guest. When: Wednesday 20 March 2013 Where: Goodhew Research Centre (Library - Entrance via Powell Street) Time:

6.00pm - 7.00pm Welcome drinks and canapés, 7.00pm - 8.00pm AGM

Dress: Smart casual RSVP:

13 March 2013

Phone: Lisa Wilson (Foundation Coordinator) 4220 0264 Email:

foundation@tigs.nsw.edu.au

TIGS EXPO Day

Saturday 9 March 2013

Experience A World Class Education at tigs Scholarship information and applications ARE now available Open day from 10.00am to 2.00pm.

2014 Enrolments Enrolments for 2014 are now open. All students currently enrolled at TIGS are automatically enrolled for 2014. Interviews for new 2014 enrolments will be held: Pre-Preparatory – late Term II and Term III Preparatory – Term II and Term III Kindergarten – Term II and Term III Years 1- 6 – Term II and Term III Year 7 – Term I and Term II Years 8 -11 – Term II and Term III If you have any questions, please contact our Enrolments Secretary, Ms Nicci Fripp, on 4220 0216 or email: nfripp@tigs.nsw.edu.au

Homestay Parents Wanted Short Or Long Term Stay Short or Long Term Stay International students studying at The Illawarra Grammar School are accommodated in family homestay situations throughout Wollongong. Homestay plays an important role for these students as it gives them insight into the Australian way of life and an opportunity to experience the host culture first hand. We are seeking new families interested in joining the homestay program to host students for short or long term stay. Hosts are paid a weekly fee for their service. If you would like more information, please contact Sally Ann Gail, Manager International at the School on 42200269 or email sgail@tigs.nsw.edu.au

Extend @ TIGS Weekly Recap

Last week we continued with The Homework & Reading Club Program after the outdoor activities. We will continue with this throughout the school terms. The children participated in Sponge Printing using “Creatures from Under The Sea” stamps. The centre is looking cosy and colourful and we recently purchased more Board Games/Lego for both the boys and girls. Soccer with Tom has become really popular on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Our Extend Superstar is…

Micah S. for helping supervise the weekly routine and offering his help around the centre.

Next week’s activities:

Monday 4 March: PUPIL FREE DAY Tuesday 5 March: Friendship hand printing Wednesday 6 March: Junior handball play Thursday 7 March: Twister dance DVD Friday 8 March: Recycled crazy craft construction

ONLINE BOOKINGS: extend.com.au

CALL OUR OFFICE: 1300 366 437

Senior School Sports CIS Awards Presentation Evening Last Friday evening three TIGS students received awards at the CIS Awards Presentation evening at Waterview in Bicentennial Park, Homebush. The evening recognises the 2012 achievements of our most dedicated and talented athletes. Congratulations to: Kieran Ackhurst (Year 11) – CIS Secondary Blue Award for Volleyball Jonathan Fowles (Year 10) – CIS Secondary Blue award for Cricket Ashley Dribbus (Year 7) – CIS Primary Red Award for Football and CIS Primary Red Bar Award for Athletics. Ashley was also awarded the VM Medway Award for Outstanding Girl – Primary Sport. These are brilliant attainments particularly for Ashley who has been recognised as the most outstanding female athlete in CIS primary schools for 2012. Congratulations Ashley.

NSW All Schools Triathlon Last week saw a number of TIGS students participate in the NSW All Schools Triathlon. Thursday was the individual event. James Seal (Year 7) Junior Section CIS 26th, All Schools 66th

Congratulations to all of these teams on a fantastic effort. Well done to the Year 10 boys who medalled in second place in the Seniors. Thank you to Andrew Rutty, Paul Micale and Katrina Van Gils for coaching and taking the students to this wonderful event.

Sarah I’Ons (Year 8) Junior Section CIS 18th, All Schools 36th

Senior School Swimming Carnival

Emily I’Ons (Year 10) Intermediate Section CIS 4th, All Schools 12th

We were blessed with brilliant weather on Tuesday at Western Suburbs Pool, Unanderra. The participation was high and it was a lively day.

Special mention and congratulations to Emily who came fourth in CIS Intermediate girls section. The Team event was held the next day with some students participating in their first Triathlon event. Intermediates Year 8 Girls Swimmer Laura Gibbons, Cyclist Chloe Johnston, Runner Denali Hutt CIS 58th, All Schools 122nd Year 9 Girls Swimmer Kelsey Cresswell, Cyclist Mili Haber, Runner Mikayla Smith CIS 49th, All Schools 98th Year 10 Girls Swimmer Kaitlin McKeon, Cyclist Madeline Negus, Runner Maudie Skyring CIS 7th, All Schools 17th Year 10 Boys Swimmer Joshua King, Cyclist Cameron Barrett, Runner Caleb Stamper CIS 12th, All Schools 28th Senior Boys Swimmer Kyle Locke, Cyclist Jaiden Fullerton-Harvey, Runner Alexander Seal CIS 2nd, All Schools 5th

The House competition leader changed on numerous occasions and Mr Madsen (our recording guru), has been quoted ‘I don’t ever remember when the lead changed so many times and it was so close at our school swimming carnival’. The House result at the end of the day: 1st: 2nd: 3rd: 4th:

Aranda Coligan Kogara Wolgal

Well done to all Houses and congratulations to Aranda House on their win. Age champions for the day will be listed in next week’s newsletter.

Snowsports Each year TIGS enters a school team into the Northern Regional Snowsports Championships. Students from Kindergarten to Year 12 are eligible to participate in the main skiing and snowboarding disciplines and the

regional championships are a great introduction to racing for new comers to the sport. The 2013 Regional Championships will be held at Perisher during the first week of our school holidays in July (Wednesday July 3 through to Saturday July 6). If you would like to join the Snowsports team or would like more information please contact Jay Tregonning in the Senior School jtregonning@tigs.nsw.edu.au

Rugby The School will be beginning a rugby skills program open to all boys and girls from Years 7 to 12. Mr Tregonning will be running the program based on the recently developed Junior Gold Program that is a nation wide skill development course. Training will be held from 3.30pm - 4.30pm on Wednesday afternoons starting in Week 4 of this Term. The program will be run until mid way through Term III. Interested students are asked to collect a permission note from Student Reception and return it to Mr Tregonning.

Student success Cricket Congratulations to Jonathan Fowles (Year 10) for his selection in the NSW Country and City Schools Cricket Team. He will now play in the NSW Schools Cricket Association Secondary Boys Cricket Competition in March in Sydney. At this event he will compete against teams from CHS, GPS, CCC and CAS. A NSW Schoolboys Team will be selected from this championship. We wish Jonathan the best for this upcoming event.

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