TI G S
Newsletter The Illawarra Grammar School
Academic Christian Caring
Issue 3
TERM III 2014 2015 SCHOOL CAPTAINS
From Left: Emily I’Ons, School Vice Captain, Tahlia Jackson, School Captain, Titus Grenyer, School Vice Captain and Dominic Mortimer, School Captain
Headmaster LIFE IS CO-ED
“Life is co-ed. Co-ed schools are a more natural way for kids to learn and interact, it normalises all forms of relationships.” Professor Judith Gill, University of South Australia (1) I was reminded of this quote recently while discussing the merits of co-educational schooling with the principal of a single-sex school. Some people mistakenly believe that a single-sex learning environment is the key factor in determining educational outcomes for boys and girls. This view does not hold up when reviewing the educational literature. By far the most significant factors that account for educational outcomes are: •
The excellence of the teachers
•
The quality of the curriculum
•
The learning culture within the School and at home
•
The support services and resources available
•
The partnership between parents and the School
There is a strong correlation between these factors and the educational outcomes of students. For historical reasons some singlesex schools also have these qualities. The academic performance of boys and girls at TIGS, which has all these qualities and is a co-educational school, is without peer in the Illawarra. For single-sex schools to claim superior academic performance on the basis of being a boys only or girls only learning environment does not survive comparison with TIGS.
Our understanding of the development of adolescent brains informs us that the development of social awareness and the skills of social interaction occur during puberty. During this time the brain undergoes dramatic change in the way it organises and processes information. This includes developing a synapse framework that gives order and meaning to the adolescent’s social world. A neuroscientist once described this stage to me as being of critical importance in the development of adult social behaviour. He advocated the exposure of adolescents to positive social experiences involving males and females and the planned interaction of adolescents with positive role models. This is the significant advantage that an education in a co-educational school such as TIGS provides for adolescents. As Professor Gill says, “Life is co-ed” and it is important that adolescents have the diversity of experiences in the formative years to develop the social skills necessary to succeed in a world of men and women. Adolescent girls and boys learn to understand, communicate and interact with each other when they learn together. Hearing a perspective in an English lesson, interacting in the playground, performing in a musical, hiking on an outdoor education camp or even lining up at the canteen - all these experiences contribute to the formation of strong social awareness and the skills of social interaction. In a similar way, the Senior School’s Student Leadership programme provides positive role models for students. Captains, House
Captains, Prefects and Student Leaders all provide models of leadership, male and female, that contribute to the development of a healthy understanding of authority and how to behave appropriately. So the next time your adolescent son causes you to be exasperated because you believe he is incapable of interacting with the rest of humanity, be encouraged. It is all happening in the brain as you watch. Be thankful that he is in a co-ed school and be patient; the social development of the adolescent male brain is about two years behind that of our girls of similar age. In a similar way, the next time you are impressed by the high degree of sophistication and social maturity of your adolescent daughter, be thankful that she has developed her social skills in a co-ed environment where self-confidence and resilience amongst males and females is fostered and promoted. Stephen Kinsella Headmaster
(1) Gill Judith (2004): Beyond the Great Divide: Single sex or coeducation? UNSW press
Chaplain’s Message WHAT TO EXPECT
by the misconception that heaven will be populated by spiritual beings who will do nothing but sit around on clouds and play harps. On the contrary, the Bible pictures God’s people in the new heaven and earth building, planting and enjoying the work of their hands, unencumbered by the myriad frustrations so often experienced in this life (see Isaiah 65.21-22). The creativity which characterizes human life will be given free reign in heaven. In heaven we will live productive lives.
Heaven is the great Christian hope. It is the end of all ills, the answer to all our best human aspirations. The contemplation of heaven forms a significant part of our Christian Studies curriculum at TIGS. Children and young people are always fascinated by the subject. Our consideration of heaven in Christian Studies culminates in an in-depth study in Year 10. In this month’s Southern Cross, the news magazine of the Sydney Anglican Diocese, Ed Loane writes an article about heaven which accords with our approach at TIGS. I thought I would detail his main points. First, heaven will be a physical reality. As Jesus was raised bodily from the dead so will those who have put their trust in him be raised bodily to enjoy a new physical heaven and earth (see 1 Corinthians 15.20-23). The teaching of the Bible blows apart the popular notion of heaven as a spiritual domain inhabited by disembodied spiritual beings. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Heaven will be a physical reality. Second, in heaven we will enjoy productive lives. Young people often express concerns that heaven will be boring. Again, this is largely because their portrait of heaven is often shaped
Third, heaven will be a social reality. Some of the pictures used in the Bible to denote heaven include a city, a banquet and a kingdom. Each of these pictures highlights the corporate nature of the future life. The happiest wedding reception or the most jubilant Christmas lunch is but a foretaste of the social life that will mark our heavenly experience. Heaven will be a social reality. Fourth, heaven will be perfect. The classic text is Revelation 21.4. It says that God will wipe away every tear from our eyes and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away. In addition to this, nothing impure will plague heaven. Our characters will undergo the same transformation as our bodies. Heaven will be perfect. Finally, heaven will be God-centred. This is the sum and substance of eternal life. As we were made for God so in heaven will we enjoy him completely, unhindered by all that robs us of him in this life. God will be all in all. The great news about heaven is that we are all offered a place there as a gift. Perhaps the most succinct text is Romans 6.23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” That surely is good news. Rev James Rogers Chaplain
Senior School LEADERSHIP
As you would have seen on the front page of last week’s Newsletter we have just announced the names of the new Leaders for 2015. We are so proud of the number of students who seek to serve in the School as leaders because our belief is that every student has the potential to be a leader. Our leadership programmes and opportunities are in place from Year 7 when students are encouraged and supported to be involved in Community Service and in the Student Representative Council, the SRC. The actual appointment of students to leadership positions is not based on popularity. While the student body is given the opportunity to express their opinion, an appointment as a student leader requires far more than just popularity with peers. The qualities considered in the appointment process are: •
Commitment to the School and its Mission and Values
•
Evidence of service to others
•
Demonstrated leadership qualities
•
Level of respect and support from other students and staff
It is so good to see how many of our students have proved to be outstanding in this regard. All of the leaders will be officially inducted into their positions of responsibility in Week 1 of Term IV, when their Term of Office will begin. We wish them all well in this exciting stage of their school careers. Bailey Sheehy Adrian Whitehall Olivia Day Lauren O'Neill Joel Bloomfield Aislinn Turner Margot Allison Joshua King Kaitlyn Matias Alexander Brodie Brenda Tekkol Zac McLaren Robert Jover Rachel Craft Kelsea Latham Chloe Aubin Stephanie Thomson Kyle Del Maudie Skyring Jesse Price Clara Davidson David Mcmahon Miriam Birt Bryce Prior Lily Tuivaga Jonathan Fowles Claire Bonaccorso Isaac Osborne Olivia Poate Brady Rengger Maria Kyriakoudes Joel Moore Stephanie Mcewan Teagan Johnston Hannah Kim Caleb Stamper Titus Grenyer Emily I'Ons Dominic Mortimer Tahlia Jackson
Performing Arts Senior Leader Performing Arts Prefect Photography Prefect Photography Prefect Science Prefect Science Prefect Sport Prefect Sport Prefect Sport Prefect Sport Senior Leader Sport Senior Leader Sport Senior Leader Technology Prefect Visual Arts Prefect Visual Arts Prefect Visual Arts Prefect Visual Arts Prefect Aranda House Captain Aranda House Captain Aranda House Vice Captain Aranda House Vice Captain Coligan House Captain Coligan House Captain Coligan House Vice Captain Coligan House Vice Captain Kogara House Captain Kogara House Captain Kogara House Vice Captain Kogara House Vice Captain Wolgal House Captain Wolgal House Captain Wolgal House Vice Captain Wolgal House Vice Captain Chapel Prefect Chapel Prefect Chapel Prefect School Vice Captain School Vice Captain School Captain School Captain
Monica Watt Head of Senior School Deputy Headmaster
2015 Enrolments Interviews for all 2015 enrolments are now being conducted. If you need to enrol another family member for 2015, please contact the Enrolments Department on 4220 0216 or via email: enrolments@ tigs.nsw.edu.au
‘THE WORKS’ EXHIBITION
An inspiring exhibition of the creative major works of our 2014 HSC students
FRIDAY 22 AUGUST 2014
7.00pm - 8.30pm in the IGC
SATURDAY 23 AUGUST 2014
11.00am - 2.00pm in the IGC
‘Float’ by Angus Cochrane Year 12 2014
The Arts
WORKS EXHIBITION
This year’s Works Exhibition promises to be an inspiring glimpse into the efforts of our Higher School Certificate students in the areas of Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Dance, Drama, Music and Extension English. The Exhibition showcases the major projects of over forty students and is the culmination of the year’s work. There will also be an exhibition of artwork by students of the Junior School running alongside The Works. This is an excellent opportunity for those contemplating subject selection from one of these creative areas to view the outcomes and possibilities of courses offered at The Illawarra Grammar School. Everyone is welcome to attend the Official Opening on Friday 22 at 7.00pm. If you’re unable to make this, there is an extended viewing opportunity on Saturday from 11.00am – 2.00pm.
Language News CHARITY OBENTO DAY!
The Language Department is happy to announce that there will be another Japanese Charity Obento Day! This is to raise money for the Year 12 Charity Street Swags and $2 from each order will go towards providing comfortable bedding to those in need. Students from Years 5-12 will be able to purchase two types of lunches; meat or vegetarian which will cost $12 each. This year, ordering and payment is to be completed online via FlexiSchools at www.flexischools.com.au The closing date for orders is Friday 5 of September, with orders arriving on Friday 12 of September. Thank you for supporting our event!
Junior School NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATIVITY
I received an email from a parent last week with the above statement as the subject. ‘Not sure if you watched this last night’ - the email continued – ‘but it was fantastic, once again reinforcing the importance of creative play (and not over-scheduling). So proud and glad that the School supports creative thinking’. Series 1 Episode 2 Creativity: Documentary: ‘The children of today will need to be creative to solve the problems of tomorrow. So what is creativity and how creative are our children? What inhibits creativity and what helps it to flourish? Here is the link if you would like to watch it: iview.abc.net.au/programs/life-at-9/DO1303H002S00
ALEA Last Thursday afternoon the Junior School hosted the Australian Literacy Educators Association (ALEA) South Coast branch ‘Insights’ workshop. Approximately 50 teachers from around the local area attended. Our Year 1, 5 and 6 teachers ran workshops that showcased their teaching techniques, strategies and resources used to teach Literacy through a transdisciplinary lens. Our main aim of the afternoon was to reinforce our belief that transdisciplinary learning must be authentic and relevant to the real world and that the learning is NOT confined by traditional subjects but is supported and enriched by them. The idea of transdisciplinary literally means beyond all the disciplines but connected to all disciplines by a unifying issue or topic of inquiry. Transdisciplinary learning is supported by curriculum frameworks adopted to promote depth of understanding as well as adaptability to skills needed to succeed in our changing world. Where better to show this than here at TIGS – an inquiry based PYP, IB World School!
Dates for your diaries: • • • • • • • • •
Thursday 21 August Thursday 28 August Thursday 28 August Tuesday 2 September Wednesday 3 September Friday 5 September Friday 5 September Thursday 18 September Friday 19 September
NASSA Athletics Carnival Book Week TIGS Trophy P&F Meeting – 6.00pm to 7.00pm Goodhew Library Father’s Day Stall Years 3-6 Father’s Day Stall Kinder – Year 2 Father’s Day Breakfast – 7.00am to 8.00am Rees Hall Big Day In Karobran Disco – 5.30pm to 7.30pm Rees Hall
WEEKLY AWARDS KD KP 1M 2C 3B 3R 4R 5S 6G
Narelle McRae Acting Head of Junior School
Palakh Garg, Annaliese Brunskill Yasmin Matar, Jawad Aly Jocelyn Ayers Aiden Da Deppo Jude McCann, Artan Karwarz, Aya Naito Pippi Fuller, Alissa Tonkin, Rosemary Zaki Shahla Green, Daniel Grieve Esther Bigirindavyi, Harrison Kiteley Zipporah Corser-Anu
MERIT CERTIFICATES
Academic
Xia Lian Wilson Nadia Nagaratnam Ashwin Gogulan Angit Jeyachandran Isaac Turner
Service
Nicholas Chiaverini
JUNIOR SCHOOL FATHER’S DAY STALL
It is that time of year again where the Junior School children have the opportunity to participate in the Fundraiser Father’s Day Stall. Once again, we will pre-purchase a wide range of presents that the children will be able to choose from.
ROBO CLUB
ROBOTS AFTER SCHOOL
Robo Club teaches children (aged 7+) to design, build, and program robots with LEGO® Mindstorms® - and have fun in the process! Now building teams for the FIRST LEGO League Where: Rees Hall, TIGS Junior School When: Thursdays 3:30 pm – 5:45 pm. Cost: $27.50 (Inc. GST) per week.
For your child to participate please send in $10.00 for each present they wish to purchase, $5.00 of this will, as always be for school fundraising. Please enclose the money in an envelope clearly marked with:
Visit www.projectb.net.au for more information.
CHILD’S NAME, CLASS AND AMOUNT ENCLOSED (Remember NO gift is required)
Contact Project Bucephalus for more details: Email coach@projectb.net.au
All monies should be sent in to either the Junior School Office (Years K-6) or the Early Learning Centre (Pre-prep & Prep) before 29 August. It is important that your child’s money is handed into the correct office so that their names are marked off correctly and there are no disappointments on the day.
Phone: 0403 390 547
Pre Prep and Prep parents will be notified by The Piper Centre with regards to their arrangements for gift selection. The Father’s Day Stall will be held over two days: • Wednesday 3 September Years 3 to 6 • Friday 5 September Kindy, Years 1 and Year 2 For further enquiries please contact Lisa Kiteley 0407 127 550
P&F
Places are limited and bookings are essential
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
It is a tradition of the Junior School that we all work together to participate in Operation Christmas Child. This is a Samaritan’s Purse initiative that provides Christmas shoe boxes full of goodies for children around the world. It is particularly relevant for young students as they can easily identify with children their own age missing out on all the fun things they get to enjoy at Christmas themselves. operationchristmaschild.org.au This year we will again have a giving focus for each week, however, donations of shoe boxes and Christmas wrapping paper can be sent in as soon as possible. Items must be new, not pre-loved and fit into a shoe box. Week 5 Tuesday 19 August SOMETHING TO LOVE AND SOMETHING TO WRITE/LEARN WITH Teddy bear, doll, soft toy, etc. An exercise book, pencil case, pens, pencils, colouring pencils, sharpener, eraser, chalk, etc. Week 6 Monday 25 August SOMETHING SPECIAL Carry bag, sunglasses, bangles, necklaces, craft kits, stickers, note or photo of yourself (No lollies or food items –customs regulations) Week 7 Monday 1 September SOMETHING FOR PERSONAL HYGIENE - Soap and face washer, toothbrush, hairbrush, comb, hair-clips, scrunchies, etc. (No talc, No toothpaste, NO LIQUIDS) Week 8 Monday 8 September SOMETHING TO WEAR T-shirt, shorts, underwear, cap, beanie, socks, sandals, thongs, etc. Week 9 Monday 15 September SOMETHING TO PLAY WITH Tennis balls (these are the best!), cars, skipping rope, marbles, musical instrument that fits in shoebox, yo-yo, slinky, finger puppets, wind up toys, etc. (No battery items). If you would like to help with packing the boxes or can wrap boxes please call Karen Williams on 0407407763 or email kewilliams@ ambulance.nsw.gov.au
2014 Karobran Disco
Volunteers are needed for this event for various roles including canteen, supervision and BBQ (great job for dads!!). Friday 19 September 5.30pm to 7.30pm. If you would like to be part of this fun night please contact Lauren Gadson via email laurenpg80@gmail.com
The Big Day In
A picnic lunch co-ordinator is required for this year’s Big Day In. The Junior School P&F, Karobran, organise the picnic lunches to be purchased for the Big Day In, which is to be held on Thursday 18 September. If you are interested in taking on this role please contact Tanya Edgerton at tanya@ tfabrications.com.au It is a great way for someone to contribute to the school community who doesn’t have the time to commit to an ongoing role.
Sport SENIOR SCHOOL
Student Success Equestrian
Congratulations to Lauren O’Neill for her selection in the NSW Interschool Equestrian team to compete in the Australian Championships in late September at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre. Lauren has successfully represented the School over a number of years and we wish her all the best at this event.
CIS Rugby League 7’s Championships On Monday of Week 4, two teams travelled to Sydney to take part in the CIS Rugby League 7’s. The Under 16’s side, playing without any reserves, won their first three games, beating the eventual winners in the process. The side ran out of steam in the later stages of the day but won many admirers for their determined effort. Congratulations to the Under 14 boys who won the tournament. The boys started the tournament slowly and had a 2-2 record going into the finals. TIGS were ranked 4th and therefore had to play the 1st ranked team, Rouse Hill Anglican College who had been steamrolling opposition teams all day. TIGS boys realising a win would put them into the grand-final, played the best game. They defeated Rouse Hill Anglican College 30-18. Junior Amone played his best game of the day, scoring two sensational solo tries.
TIGS Canteen
In the grand-final the team kept their nerve against Macarthur Adventist College. They played a simple, well structured, disciplined game, defeating Macarthur Adventist College 28-18.
The TIGS Canteen is welcoming any new volunteers. If you could spare a few hours of your time in the Canteen, we would love to have your help. Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Aunties, Uncles and friends are all welcome.
The team represented TIGS with high spirit and sportsmanship. They had an enormous pride in representing the School and should be congratulated on a fantastic effort.
To join the friendly team please phone Debbie in the Canteen on 4220 0241 or email canteen@tigs.nsw.edu.au
Congratulations to the following students: Blake McDougall (Captain), Elliot Hutt, Ethan Jackson, Harley Martignago, Samuel Okely, Joshua Shalala, Samuel Shalala, Junior Amone and Giovanni Nassau.
TIGS Foundation TIGSFOUNDATION Fundraising Event
Save the Date "Not so secret" Men's Business an innings with adam gilchrist
When: Friday Evening, 7 November 2014 Where: Grandstand Rooms, WIN Stadium, Wollongong TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2014 Visit www.tigs.nsw.edu.au or enquiries to Lisa Wilson on 4220 0264
Library News BORROWING BOOKS
Don’t forget that parents can borrow from our School Library too! We have some great books in our Parent collection. We also would encourage you to come and browse our Senior Library Collection. We have some great current popular novels for parents, staff and students.
BOOK WEEK
Book Week this year will be celebrated by TIGS Library and the Junior School on Thursday 28 August. We have planned lots of “reading related” activities leading up to the students dressing up as a character from a book. Keep in mind that this is a fun activity and we do not expect you to go to a lot of trouble with organizing a costume. Just use a costume you might have at home and keep it fairly simple. Some suggestions for costumes are: Fairy tales, Nursery Rhymes, Sports, Cultural/National costumes, Dr Seuss characters, Mr Men Series, Where’s Wally, Harry Potter, Space, Favourite Book Character. Students must wear covered shoes on the day. Here is also a Pinterest page of ideas: www.pinterest.com/tigsl/book-character-dress-up-ideas/
UPCOMING
EVENTS
WEEK 5
Staff Development Day Pupil Free Day Monday 18 August
Senior School NASSA Athletics Carnival Wednesday 20 August
Junior School NASSA Athletics Carnival Thursday 21 August
The Works Exhibiton
Opening Night 7.00pm Friday 22 August in the IGC
The Works Exhibiton Back to TIGS
11.00am to 2.00pm Saturday 23 August in the IGC
WEEK 6
UNSW English Competition Friday 29 August
WEEK 7
AICES Athletics Carnival Monday 1 September
Fathers Day Stall
Tuesday 2 September and Friday 5 September
Fathers Day Breakfast 7.00am Friday 5 September