Issue 3 Term IV, 2011 by The Illawarra Grammar School

NEWSLETTER

Year 3 Camp Waterslea Shoalhaven

Headmaster’s Message Chaplain’s Message Head of Senior School Issue 3 Term IV, 2011

Academic • Christian • Caring

Head of Junior School

Why Now? The decision to require all students in the Senior School (7-12) to have a portable Information and Communication Technology (ICT) device available at their desk from next year has prompted some interesting questions from parents. One of the most common questions has been why now? This question is not as straightforward as it seems because some have implied that it should have happened earlier while others wonder what benefits, if any, will impact on the way students learn. Fundamentally, the School has believed up until now that the benefits to teaching and learning from an integrated approach to the use of ICT have not justified the change. The School is proud of its academic record for students at all academic levels and is not prepared to compromise good teaching and learning for the latest ICT device or software. Alan November (2010), a leading thinker and author on the use of ICT in education captures the fear of most people considering the adoption of ICT in education. “It is unlikely that technology will improve learning without a powerful vision and without thoughtful and creative teachers challenging students to go beyond traditional expectations of achievement. Educators can certainly bolt technology on top of the current curriculum, and students can use the computer as a $1,000 pencil with which to write a five-paragraph essay for a grade.” There is no justification for the expense of an ICT program if teaching and learning is not improved as a consequence.

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

‘Automating’ is the term used by November to describe “bolting” technology onto traditional teaching and learning processes. Word processing rather than handwriting is just one example. A lesson based on PowerPoint can look very professional but achieve the same learning outcomes as when the same lesson was delivered on an overhead projector. An assignment submitted electronically instead of on paper does not mean that the student has embraced 21st century learning. “In an automated model (of learning with ICT), the technology is the vision.” At TIGS our focus is not on the technology, it is on improved teaching and learning. Rather than automating learning, November uses the term ‘informating’ to describe how ICT can enable improved outcomes in teaching and learning. “In an informated environment, more people have timely access to information. Parents and students have access to grades every day instead of twice a year (through Edumate at TIGS). Students have access to content information that was previously only available to the teacher. Teachers have access to knowledge about brain research and new technologies that was only available in staff-development workshops.” Students can collaborate with students locally or world-wide and publish their work for a global audience. For a short while the focus at TIGS will inevitably be on the technology as students and teachers become comfortable with ready access to ICT and familiar with the capabilities and opportunities that ICT will afford. However, we believe that the reliability of technology, the capability of software and programs and the skill level of staff has now reached the point where the focus can be on improved teaching and learning outcomes and not the technology itself. Information about the requirement that from 2012 all students in Years 7 to 12 have a personal ICT device at school is on the School website under the technology tab and is regularly updated.

November, A. (2010) Empowering Students with Technology (2nd Ed) USA:Corwin See also http://novemberlearning.com/alan-november-at-tedxnyed-2/

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

Chaplain’s Message

The Creator Incognito

I read an article in the paper a while back about some pranksters who conducted an experiment in a railway tunnel in Sydney. The experiment involved having a world-class violinist play the part of a busker to the passing commuters in the tunnel. The experiment aimed to see whether the commuters would recognise the genius of the violinist or just dismiss him as a common busker? The violinist played for about an hour and to everyone’s surprise attracted hardly any notice. He did earn $51 for his efforts but few paused to listen for any length of time. One of those who stopped to listen only did so because he sensed what was going on after having heard of a similar experiment recently conducted in the US. When interviewed later some said they sensed something different about the violinist and were quite moved by his playing but given his attire and situation just assumed he was a normal desperate busker. As I considered this story I couldn’t help appreciating the comparisons between this violinist and Jesus. Although Jesus was in very nature God, He made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself to death on a cross! (Philippians 2.6-8) Jesus’ very human death on the cross was the grandest revelation of the heart of God there has ever been. You could say that on the cross, in the Person of his Son, God played the greatest love song that has ever been played. But so few stopped to listen. The disciples certainly didn’t. They totally abandoned Jesus. Surely this couldn’t be the Christ. Surely God wouldn’t take upon himself human flesh and then hang upon a cursed cross. Maybe Jesus was just a common criminal after all.

Rev James Rogers Chaplain

These are all understandable explanations. But the fact is that on the cross God was in Jesus reconciling the world to himself, not counting people’s sins against them (2 Corinthians 5.19). We need to stop and consider this Jesus who is fully human and fully God, who not only walked this earth but also created this earth. To fail to discern the true identity of Jesus is tragic. To walk past Jesus is to walk past God’s out-stretched hand. Let’s be sure we are among those who stop and listen. Rev James Rogers Chaplain

Senior School Growth and Change This week on Assembly we acknowledged the awarding of a Head of Senior School Award to students who had each accumulated over the last two years: 1. Faculty Awards for commitment and involvement in their academic studies in a range of subject areas; 2. Recognition Awards for Fundraising for their Year Group’s Charity; 3. Recognition Awards for Community Service Activities; 4. Recognition Awards for involvement and leadership in House, Sport and Co-curricular Activities. Those students were Jake Kuit, Elizabeth Dominis and Samuel Isabella. They are students who exemplify TIGS’ Mission and Values through their commitment to their studies, their peers, our school community and the community beyond. Well done! We also acknowledged Year 10 students who had served as Student Hosts and as Peer Readers for students in the Junior School. It was inspiring to hear Mrs Sue Worthington from the Junior School read her citation and I attach it to this Newsletter for you to read. Well done Year 10. In last week’s newsletter, Mr Kinsella wrote that a desire to serve others is a characteristic that is nurtured at TIGS. In the Junior School we have been fortunate to have received dedicated service from the Year 10 peer reading tutors throughout the year. You may ask, what is gained from being a tutor in the Peer Reading Program? • • • •

Monica Watt

Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School

The opportunity to contribute to developing a love of reading in our Junior School students. The development of relationships with the younger students in the School. The chance to relive the joy of being a small child and the excitement they bring to their learning. The provision of a role model, someone to aspire to be.

But most importantly, it is the chance to be that special someone who stops to take the time to listen and share. For many of our students who come to Peer Reading, the opportunity to share a story with a familiar face, to see a smile, to hear some praise is the key to the beginning of their day. Regardless of the story with which they were presented by our young students, our Year 10 students were always eager to listen. So much so that we began to have students refuse to read unless they could read with a particular Year 10 student. They would rush to be at the door at 8.30am waiting until the bell rang so that they could be assured of reading to just the right person. Where else in the School can you see young men rushing down the hill excited to listen to the adventures of the Rainbow Fairies and young ladies rushing back up the hill after having heard about the adventures of Zac Power and Anakin Skywalker. This year we had over 80 children attend the Peer Reading Program, nearly a quarter of all the students in the Junior School. Most days we had all but three children attend from one of our Year 1 classes. So, thank you to those students who have given their time to support the Peer Reading Program. You have contributed a wonderful service to the students of the Junior School. Mrs Monica Watt Deputy Head and Head of Senior School

Junior School Stage 2 CAMP Student Reports At 9.30am on the 26 October Stage 2 set off to Waterslea campsite along with our teachers. When we arrived we had morning tea and were told about our cabins. After settling in it was off to the oval for a game of Sharky-Sharky and then it was time for lunch. We were given the choice of lots of activities to join in, such as bush cooking, prussiking, jetty jumping, orienteering, swimming, billy carting and mini Olympics. After two hours of hard work (one activity) we were treated to afternoon tea followed by another two hours of hard work. We were finally given free play which included soccer, swimming, chilling in the games room or just relaxing in our cabin, then it was time for dinner. After dinner activities consisted of performing a play that we had to produce regarding selling an item and then we had a game of Pictionary. It was 8.50pm and time to brush our teeth and hit the haystack.

Judi Nealy

Head of Junior School

Up at 8.00am the next morning for breakfast and then we were busy getting ready for Christian discovery which was an activity that we all did together. We had morning tea, another exciting activity than a fantastic lunch. Afternoon activities consisted of hiking and swimming which was followed by a very delicious afternoon tea, which was still being eaten by some of us while they were doing our next activity. Tonight after eating another scrumptious dinner we were entertained by SpongeBob SquarePants the movie. Off to bed a little later than the night before ready for another fantastic morning of breakfast and activities. After lunch it was time to board the bus for the journey home. Report by Evie and Alysha

What We Experienced at Camp We arrived at camp after travelling an hour and a half by bus. We assembled in the dining hall to meet our leaders and cabin members. After settling into our cabins we went straight to the oval for our first activity. It definitely got our blood pumping. Then it was off to our first activity after we had a bite to eat. Each day we participated in activities including initiatives, low ropes, jetty jumping, bush cooking, prussiking and mini olympics for Year 4 and pool activities, billy carts, orienteering, initiatives and mini olympics for Year 3. At 5.00pm we all had free play for an hour. Fifteen minutes before each meal a group was chosen for meal orderlies. This included setting the tables, helping people with messy tables and cleaning up. Every night we had an activity. The first night was a competition putting on a performance with a random prop which we had to “sell” to the audience. This was followed by a game of Pictionary. The second night we watched SpongeBob SquarePants. Every morning we had Christian Discovery which was like going to Church. We definitely had a lot of laughs, we definitely saw a lot of smiles and we definitely shared a lot of memories. Camp was really inspiring and really built up our confidence. Report by Heidi and Breanna Correction and Apology It has been brought to my attention that I had made an error in last week’s newsletter. The Year 9 elective class who so ably assisted at the Junior School MADD concert was Ms Hollander’s Year 9 class. My apologies to the students for not acknowledging their fine work and my thanks for their efforts in making the MADD concert such a success.

Weekly Awards KH

Chloe Shadler

Charlotte Palmisano

Katie Gorham, Ameesha Gogulan, Taylan Arapali, Bowen Kimberley-Mastalir

Jordan McRae, Nathan Molnar, Georgie Moustoukis

John Taiwo, Oscar Tilden

Zara Zatman

Micah Sullivan, Sophia Santos

Zara Winter, Darcy Scrine

Zane Dema, Quincy Tut

Joshua Bond, Himali Wijesinghe, Kristopher Saad

Merit Certificates Amy Lendrum Lina Lee Aria Bacic-Johnston Ethan Jackson Joseph Fraser Hasnain Aly Tian Molnar Ben Giason Zara Winter Darcy Scrine Sarah Jansen

P&F Recycled Uniform Service

The Service has now commenced in the demountable behind the TIGS Uniform Shop. The Service is operated solely by volunteers from the School Community. We are still in need of volunteers to do 2 hour shifts in one of the following times. Tuesdays and Thursdays 8.30am - 10.30am and 2.30pm - 3.45pm. If you are able to help please contact Tania McGuire on 0418 448 814 or email taniam@travelmanagers.com.au . We are keeping a record of usage of the service so we can maximise the time offered by our volunteers. We are desperately seeking any uniforms no longer needed, to help with students coming into the School or moving into a new uniform. Please leave any donations at Senior or Junior School receptions.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the TIGS Parents and Friends Association will be in the Library on Tuesday 22 November at 7.00pm. All Executive positions are being declared vacant and many current Committee members are not renominating. Please consider becoming involved to keep the Association current with new ideas. If you have any questions about Executive or Year/Class Representative positions or would like a nomination form please email pandf@tigs.com.au .

Facebook

Thank You Morning Tea On Thursday 17 November 2011 TIGS will be hosting a ‘Thank You Morning Tea’ from 9.45am in Rees Hall for the many parents and members of our community who volunteer their time and expertise to benefit the students in our school. We would like to extend a warm invitation to all parents in the Junior and Senior School who assist in the classrooms, on excursions, through Karobran, Orana, the Canteen and in other ways. We look forward to thanking you in person on Thursday 17 November. For catering purposes, please RSVP to Kerrie Tregonning in the Junior School Office on 4220 0250 or via email ktregonning@tigs.nsw.edu.au

TIGS P & F are now on Facebook. To join and stay connected please search for ‘TIGS Parents and Friends’

Senior School Sport TIGS Sports Presentation Evening

A reminder to all Award recipients from K – 12 that the TIGS Sports Presentation Evening is on Wednesday 9 November 6.30pm for 7.00pm in the IGC. This is an important occasion in the school calendar as we recognise sporting achievements from TIGS students in 2011.

Cricket NASSA Round 1 vs Macarthur Anglican School Juniors Macarthur batted first scoring 124 from their 30 overs. Sachin Gasper was our best bowler taking 5 wickets for 9 runs with Cameron McMillan also taking 2 wickets. In reply TIGS were dismissed for 87 with Isaac Osborne top scoring with 30. Seniors A convincing win for TIGS dismissing Macarthur for only 43. All seven bowlers took wickets with Robert Gyngell 2-2 and Jonathan Fowles 3-7 having the best figures. Our fielding was very impressive with our Captain Jarrod Holdsworth leading the way with 2 fine slip catches. In reply we cruised past the total finishing 4-93 with Jonathan Fowles 25 n/0 and Matthew Scavarelli 29 leading the way with the bat.

Canteen Corner Please check the Website for the NEW MENU! Online ordering available at www.flexischools.com.au The online ordering system is faster, more accurate, and removes cash handling. Parents who have already moved across to the online system are loving the convenience, and we want to encourage everyone to give it a try. Orders can be placed in advance, so you only need to access a computer once a term to place your orders and pay. To register for an account, go to www.flexischools.com.au and click “Register Now”. It only takes a minute. To learn more about the service, visit our school’s website or go to www.flexischools.com.au We look forward to seeing your next order online.

Canteen Roster Monday 7 Nov Catherine Kirby

Tuesday 8 Nov Help Needed

Wednesday 9 Nov Nichole Anastas Heather Rugg

Thursday 10 Nov Vanessa Cross Assunta Disibio

Friday 11 Nov Kylie Mill Megan Armstrong

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

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