Issue 4 Term 1, 2015

Newsletter Academic Christian Caring

Senior School Swimming Carnival 2015

ISSUE 4

TERM I 2015

Headmas In my office are a number of gifts that have been accumulated over my years as Headmaster of TIGS. One that is often commented on by visitors is a cup given to me by some generous parents in 2008 following an article I wrote for the TIGS Newsletter. The cup has these words on its side:

“Ubuntu: A person is a person because of other people.”

Samuel L Jackson The words I wrote that prompted such a lovely gift were as follows: “According to the Oxford Dictionary there are “at the very least, a quarter of a million distinct English words”. (1) In our everyday lives, a quarter of a million words should be more than enough to communicate effectively. The challenge of spelling them all correctly and using them in the right order to convey meaning confronts our students every day and mastery of the use of the English language is an empowering skill.

Even with such a large resource at our disposal there are still times when the English language is unable to provide the right word to clearly convey our meaning. The Jewish concept of shalom, for example, is commonly translated as ‘peace’ in English but its meaning also captures the concepts of wholeness, completeness, balance, healing, wellbeing, tranquillity, prosperity, security and justice. (2) It is much easier to say shalom than the cumbersome list of English equivalent words but its meaning is lost if we use shalom as a substitute for the idea of ‘peace’ alone.

A word that captures the essence of our TIGS commitment to educating and caring for the whole person much better than any combination of English words is ‘ubuntu’ which comes from the African Bantu language and was used by Archbishop Desmond Tutu in discussing the notion of ‘the common good’. Bishop Tutu says: “Ubuntu is the essence of being a person. It means that we are people through other people. We cannot be fully human alone. We are made for interdependence, we are made for family. When you have ubuntu, you embrace others. You are generous, compassionate.

Chaplain’s Message THE ATTITUDES: APPRECIATION

This year in the Junior School we are focusing on developing our cognizance of the PYP Attitudes.

Within the PYP framework the Attitudes are those habits of mind we hope will ultimately characterise our students. They are the sorts of things we want our students to regularly feel, value and demonstrate. The Attitudes consists of the following: Appreciation, Commitment, Confidence, Cooperation, Creativity, Curiosity, Empathy, Enthusiasm, Independence, Integrity, Respect, Tolerance.

As is our practice at TIGS, we submit these Attitudes to the scrutiny of God’s word. We want to ensure all we do is commensurate with his counsel. One of the ways we have chosen to do

that this year is through chapel. Each chapel talk this year will include a reflection upon the focal Attitude for that week.

Last week in chapel I had the opportunity to reflect upon the Attitude of Appreciation. I didn’t have to look too far in the Bible to see this was a significant concern.

The Bible teaches that we are fully dependent on God for life. All good gifts come from him. For sure, he has secondary means in the distribution of his good gifts (such as a mother’s nurture of a child) but ultimately we are to trace all benevolence back to God. For this reason, the Bible says it is right that we regularly express our appreciation of God’s goodness

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It embraces hospitality, caring for others, being able to go the extra mile for the sake of others… A person is a person through another person, that my humanity is caught up, bound up, inextricably, with yours. When I dehumanise you, I inexorably dehumanise myself. The solitary human being is a contradiction in terms.” (3) In the School’s Statement of Mission and Values a whole page is devoted to explaining what we as a school mean by the word ‘Caring’, one of our three core values. So much of our commitment to the care of our students, the members of our broader school community and those beyond TIGS, is captured by the concept of ubuntu that there would be a strong case to change our three core values to ‘Academic, Christian and Ubuntu’ (this is not being proposed I hasten to add).

Having connected with the concept of ubuntu it is not hard to notice it in action within our school and the life enriching benefit it brings those who are touched by it.”

In recent days I have observed: •

Year 10 students assisting students in Year 7 and 8 at camp. This is part of the leadership training programme for students in the Senior School but our Year 10s went far beyond what was expected - the younger students really appreciated and were inspired by their care;

•

TIGS staff organising a ‘meals roster’ for colleagues that have been unwell for some time;

•

A letter from a mother expressing gratitude that a Year 9 boy helps her children cross a busy road after alighting from the school bus every day;

•

A parent stepping in to assist students from the Junior School when they appeared to be at risk;

•

Junior School leaders committing to “encourage others to do their best and help those in need” at their Captains Induction Ceremony;

•

Students from the Senior School rehearsing in their own

toward us.

There was an incident in Jesus’ life that highlighted the necessity of appreciation and the ugliness of its neglect (see Luke 17.11-17). Jesus had healed ten men of leprosy. Each man was understandably thrilled to be healed. They looked forward to a bright future. Nine ran off to secure that future immediately; only one returned to express his gratitude to Jesus first.

We are meant to be appalled at this.

That is Jesus’ point. He wants us to feel how wrong it is when we fail to show appreciation to those to whom we are indebted. It is wrong to fail to show appreciation to God. But the Bible takes it a little further than that. In 1 Thessalonians 5.18, we are told

time for the coming ArtsFest (formerly the Music Dance and Drama Competition) so that their House will be well represented in the competition. The encouragement of accomplished performers to those less skilled was particularly noticeable and appreciated.

Each of these acts of encouragement, support and kindness cost the giver something but the benefit to the recipient and to our sense of community was so much greater. The way we treat each other can build up or diminish those around us.

TIGS is a special place to learn and live because we place high value on caring for each other. When we forget this we are diminished as individuals and as a community because of the impact of our actions on others.

The spirit of Ubuntu is strong at TIGS - it reflects the aspiration of the TIGS community as well as describing what we have come to expect as normal.

Ubuntu is a very useful word.

(1) http://www.askoxford.com/asktheexperts/faq/aboutenglish/ numberwords?view=uk (2) Wallace, J (2008) “Seven Ways to Change the World: Reviving Faith and Politics” (Harper-Collins) (p73) (3) bid (p72)

IB Diploma (DP) at TIGS – Update 1. The Q & A document that summarised questions at the recent DP information night is now posted on the School Website 2. A recent article published in the British publication, The Telegraph, comparing the DP with A Levels is quite informative. click here Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

that it is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus to give thanks in all circumstances. This is not so easy. We can understand the logic of appreciation when we receive good things. What is the rationale for gratitude in the difficult times of our lives?

our good. The challenge for us is to recognise that this is true always – not only in the good times but also during the difficult times of our lives – and to express our gratitude to him in word and deed.

The Bible has a sure answer to this sticky question. In Romans 8.28 we are told that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. God is committed to our growth as people.

He wants us to share his Son’s likeness.

God’s program to grow in us includes allowing us to experience difficulties in life. Indeed, it is often at the most difficult times of our lives that God does his best work in us.

Rev James Rogers Chaplain

God is for us. He is committed to

Senior School STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL SRC

Monica Watt Head of Senior School Deputy Headmaster

L

ast year’s SRC Chairpersons, Kate Martin, Hamish Paine and Stephanie Varcoe, moved the SRC forward and increased participation so that it became in their words ‘a group that was reflective of the interests of the student body as a whole, rather than just a few students.’ Their aim was to ‘reinforce the productivity of the group and to form a sense of accountability amongst the members.’

This they achieved through employing a number of different approaches and strategies. They expanded the group by no longer requiring

that membership be selective and exclusive. They actively sought applications from every year group and increased a sense of commitment by giving students positions of responsibility as ‘focus group’ leaders who would be involved in writing proposals, presenting at Assembly and attending Boardroom Meetings.

In addition a number of Year 11 and 12 students were given the added responsibility of taking minutes, holding extra meetings or running SRC. These strategies proved to be very successful. Growth in membership and participation was such that meetings had to be moved to a much larger room. With that growth came an expansion of the issues and projects that SRC are now involved in. From reactive responses to smaller issues such as facilities, timetabling, sports and property concerns SRC is now being consulted when we are reviewing policies and programmes that directly affect them such as the Technology Policy and the Cocurricular Programme. This has been made possible by the establishment of interest groups to review and make recommendations to the Executive.

In 2014 the SRC initiated the Badge Appeal System, brought the Year 11

Community Service Programme into Year 10 and started discussions with Mr. Lanyon and the Pastoral Care Team on extending and expanding a Buddy System within the school. These discussions have now been formalized and expanded to include a review of the latest Draft ‘Anti-Bullying Policy’ which incorporates all forms of potential bullying and harm including cyber bullying.

During 2014 the Senior School Captains developed a close relationship with the Junior School Captains and this has already been reinforced and will be expanded by the 2015 Captains.

It’s wonderful to have witnessed the growth and development of the SRC. Congratulations and thanks must go to Kate Martin, Hamish Paine and Stephanie Varcoe for their vision and for the wonderful work that they did in enacting that vision. They have left big shoes to fill but our 2015 Captains have already started to show they will take on the challenge and develop student voice in other meaningful ways to ensure that our students can fully contribute to their school and to their learning.

2016 Scholarships TIGS will be offering Scholarships to students entering Years 7 and 11 in 2016. For further information please refer to the School’s website.

Closing Date is Wednesday 11 March 2015.

Public Notice Academic • Christian • Caring

An International Baccalaureate World School

TIGS EXPO DAY

10.00am to 2.00pm SATURDAY 7 MARCH 2015 TIGS – AN IB WORLD SCHOOL Visit Expo Day and experience the difference that TIGS can make for your child To book a guided tour click here. Additional tours available on the day

The Illawarra Grammar School ‘Camp Gallipoli’ Competition Years 9, 10 and 11

Yrs 9, 10 and 11 students are invited to enter a competition to design a poster which highlights the historical significance of the upcoming 100th commemoration of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli.

The winners will be awarded the prize of attending the Camp Gallipoli event in Sydney on the night of 24 April and morning of 25 April. This event will involve watching performances, sleeping out with a swag and waking up to partake in a commemorative service on ANZAC DAY. Posters will need to be handed to your history teacher OR uploaded to your history class OLLE page by MONDAY WEEK 8 for judging.

The winners will be announced on Tuesday 17 March at the Senior School Assembly. See Mr Chamberlain OR your history teacher for more details.

The Camp Gallipoli website is www.campgallipoli.com.au

Junior School One of the primary objectives of our Stage 1 swim programme is that students exit Year 2 capable of swimming 50 metres freestyle.

Approximately 90% of our children achieve this outcome.

Judi Nealy Head of Junior School

T

he Swimming Carnival was a great success last week and children from Years 3 – 6 have received their ribbons this week in grade assemblies.

Four records were broken which is a fantastic result! Our swimming carnival is a fantastic example of achieving a balance between providing pathways for excellence and representation while at the same time allowing every child to participate and earn points for their house.

Next week we head up to Homebush for the NASSA Swimming Carnival with our representative team, TIGS is always very competitive in this event and I look forward to another fantastic evening of racing.

Awards

With our Australian love of the outdoors it is imperative that our children are competent swimmers. For your child to achieve the full benefit of the swim programme undertaken here at TIGS it is wise to consider enrolling them in an outside program through the winter to further their development.

Here at TIGS we are committed to the development of all fundamental movement skills and these should be firmly established in the early years of schooling. This is important for engagement in all physical activity, learning and overall health and wellbeing.

A healthy, happy, active child is the goal!

Congratulations to Margaux Chauvet and Zoe Dribbus (Year 6 2014) who were awarded their CIS Red Award at a presentation dinner in Homebush last Friday evening (image below right). The NSW CIS Awards have been designed to recognise the outstanding sporting achievements, exceptional commitment and dedication of students and staff involved in CIS Sports. It encompasses a wide range of sports and follows students through Primary and Secondary schooling.

WEEKLY AWARDS

KD KP 1T 1Y 2Mc 2M 2T 2S 3S 3WJ 5S 6C

Zara Clark Joshua Llewellin, Maddison Tonkin Rhea Khanna, Ashwin Gogulan, Oliver Johnson, Palakh Garg Leonardo Attorre, Annaliese Brunskill Annabelle Sheargold, Sayuri Taafe, Hilton Brown Samuel Lowe, Ashley Brewer Spiros Tsaganas, Lachlan Kiang Ava Santos, Ryan Molnar Ella Smith, Glory Obinwanor, James Brewer Thomas Devlin, Femke Duursma Angus Townsend, Amarah Banks Krishnendu Gupta, Esther Bigirindavyi

Award Types The main awards medallions, Reds and Blues are nominated by the CIS Sport Convenor who follows their sport through to the School Sport Australia (SSA) level.

Reds - Are awarded to primary students that perform at an exceptional level at the SSA Championships.

This week’s attitude is Cooperation •

I work well with my classmates. I work well with others and share fairly. I am patient and I wait my turn.

DIARY DATES: •

Friday 27 February – Junior School Twilight Picnic

•

Monday 2 March – Professional Learning Day/Pupil Free Day

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Thursday 5 March – Junior School First Assembly

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Saturday 7 March – Expo Day

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Wednesday 1 April – Junior School Cross Country

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Thursday 2 April – Junior School Easter Service

MERIT CERTIFICATES ACADEMIC

Lachlan Neal Sophie McGuire Emma Black Hamish Dutch Tyler Sullivan Annaliese Brunskill Adil Qureshi Aiden Da Deppo Esther Bigirindavyi

PERSONAL PRESENTATION

Ashley Armstrong Ella McIlwraith

SERVICE Odelia Aghmesheh Benjamin Lu

Sport JUNIOR SCHOOL Junior School Swimming Carnival 19 February 2015 What a fantastic day we had at Unanderra Pool, the children raced at their full potential through some unpleasant weather conditions but they didn’t let that stop their team spirit and achievements. All of the students who attended displayed great sportsmanship cheering on their Houses. It was such a close competition for all. Well done to all students involved.

The results of the Carnival are as follows: House scores 1st Coligan 495 points 2nd Wolgal 479 points 3rd Aranda 418 points 4th Kogara 310 points Age Champions 8 years Ella Fennell

9 years 1st Mackayla Hutchinson and Xavier Druett 2nd Ella McIlwraith and Alexander Vartazarian 10 years 1st Jessy Harman and Benjamin Lu 2nd Pia D’Rozario and Connor Burrows 11 years 1st Tamara Matar and Ben Giason 2nd Amelia Druett, Kiarna McIlwraith and Jack Worthington 12 years 1st Aria Bacic-Johnston and James Healey 2nd Ella Vartazarian and Aydin Arapali Congratulations to the following students who have made it through to represent TIGS at NASSA: Megan Adams Aydin Arapali Taylan Arapali Ashley Armstrong Megan Ashford Aria Bacic-Johnston Connor Burrows

Nicholas Chiaverini Pia D’Rozario Amelia Druett Xavier Druett Ella Fennell Ben Giason Ben Harman Jessy Harman James Healey Mackayla Hutchinson Sarah Hutchinson Charlotte I’Ons Cooper Kerridge Jessica Llewellin Samuel Lowe Benjamin Lu Ali Matar Tamara Matar Ella McIlwraith Kiarna McIlwraith Brandon Nugara Ella Vartazarian Alexander Vartazarian Elliot Winn Rebecca Winn Jack Worthington

Margaux Chauvet and Zoe Dribbus CIS Presentation

GAMEON

for parents of children who love ‘gaming’ A free presentation by TIGS

Monday 25 May 2015 6.30pm to 8.00pm The Illawarra Grammar Centre with

Collett Smart

Sydney based psychologist and educator Collett Smart is a Sydney based psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, freelance writer and mum of 3.

She has spent the last 20 years working in private and public schools, with children, teens and their parents around Australia, the UK, and in Africa. Collett regularly appears in the media, covering topics related to parenting and raising teenagers.

‘GAMEON’ tackles issues such as: • How does gaming fit into this generation of parenting?

• The benefits of gaming • An analysis of violent video games

For more information or to book online visit

www.tigs.nsw.edu.

• Online addictions – fact or fiction?

• Guidelines for parents on creating gaming boundaries “As parents it is our responsibility to guide our children toward healthy life choices. It is often easier to make tough decisions with and for our children when we think about the type of adult they will become.” Collett An International Baccalaureate World School

Academic • Christian • Caring

NSW Parent’s Council TIGS is pleased to host the NSW Parent’s Council Congress webcast here in our library.

Please join us for a coffee and an interactive session. Parent’s Congress - keynote speaker Bernard Salt Sunday 8 March 2015 1.30pm - 3.30pm TIGS Goodhew Research Centre Library Enter via Powell St West Wollongong.

All parents are welcome Questions can sent to community@parentscouncil.nsw.edu.au

Extend @TIGS Extend@TIGS is fully operating from The Rees Hall this year onwards. We have a lot of exciting outdoor activities lined up since The Oval is open for play this week.

Week 6’s Activities:

Monday 2 March: Organised Sports - Hungry Hippos Soccer on The Oval Crazy Craft with Prep and Kinder Tuesday 3 March: Extend@Library (3:30pm-4:15pm) Basketball on The Oval Wednesday 4 March: Handball/Soccer in Rees Hall Organised Prep & Kinder Sports Hungry Hippos Crazy Craft Year 1-Years 4 Thursday 5 March: “So, You Think You Can Dance!”

Friday 6 March: Crazy Craft Movie (G) and Popcorn ONLINE BOOKINGS: extend.com. au CALL OUR OFFICE: 1300 366 437 AUTUMN HOLIDAY PROGRAM COMING SOON Our team have been working hard on the Autumn Holiday Program and bookings will soon be open. We have heaps of fun activities planned that you won’t want to miss out on! Be sure to check our website for updates and watch this space…

N

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G N I

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ŠDisney

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Production of

17 - 20 June 2015

Music by

Alan Menken

Lyrics by

Book by

Linda Howard & Tim Ashman Rice Woolverton By arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd, Exclusive agent for Music Theatre International (NY)

TIGS Foundation TIGS FOUNDATION AGM 2015 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: Where: Time: Dress: RSVP: Phone: Email:

Wednesday 18 March 2015 Goodhew Research Centre (Library - Entrance via Powell Street) 6.00pm - 7.00pm Welcome drinks and canapĂŠs, 7.00pm - 8.00pm AGM Smart casual 12 March 2015 Lisa Wilson (Foundation Coordinator) 4220 0264 foundation@tigs.nsw.edu.au

THANK YOU Thank you to those families who generously donated to TIGS Foundation through the recent 2015 Fee Commitment Form.

Your kind donation contributes to the achievement of our goals and objectives for funding of the Reverend Richard Bosanquet Scholarship, provided for students whose circumstances would otherwise not allow them to access a TIGS education, and to capital works programmes and assets which support teaching and learning at the School. This assists to drive forward the fantastic educational opportunities your children will receive here at TIGS. To learn more about TIGS Foundation, please contact Lisa Wilson in the Foundation Office on 4220 0264 or email foundation@tigs.nsw.edu.au

Academic • Christian • Caring

An International Baccalaureate World School

BEYOND BUNDANON

6.00pm to 8.00pm Friday 6 March In the IGC at TIGS A Celebration of Creativity Camp 2015

This year our Year 11 students have been inspired by their experiences of Indigenous stories and dance, the locations of Bundanon, Riversdale and Koloona on the Shoalhaven River and by their own notions of “Place” developed through a range of creative experiences.

This will be an exciting night showcasing literary works, artworks, photography, music, dance, film and performances.

NSW Health NOTICE TO PARENTS The School has been requested by NSW Health to remind parents of the risk of Hepatitis A. This follows the recent recall of some frozen berries that may be linked to the disease.

“Symptoms: Fever, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, yellow skin and eyes (jaundice). Symptoms may appear between 15 and 50 days after exposure to the virus and last several weeks but full recovery usually occurs. If symptoms appear, see your doctor immediately.”

Two informative sites that provide further information about Hepatitis A are: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ohp-hep-A-fact-sheet-consumers-frozen-berry.htm http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20150217_00.aspx

UPCOMING

EVENTS

WEEK 6

Professional Learning Day Pupil Free Day Monday 2 March

Junior School First Assembly Thursday 5 March

Beyond Bundanon Exhibition Friday 6 and Saturday 7 March in the IGC

TIGS Expo Day

10.00am to 2.00pm Saturday 7 March

WEEK 7

Scholarship Applications Close Wednesday 11 March

Year 7 Parents’ BBQ Friday 13 March

WEEK 8

TIGS Foundation AGM

6.00pm Wednesday 18 March 2015 in the Goodhew Research Centre (Library)