Newsletter Academic Christian Caring
ISSUE 4
TERM I 2016
Gardening time in the Piper Centre
Headmaster When compared to other independent schools, TIGS is still a relatively young school. The 3rd of February this year marked the 57th anniversary of the commencement of our school. While this may look insignificant compared to the 576 year history and tradition collected at Eton College in the UK, TIGS can still point to a rich history and growing tradition that underpins daily life at our school. There are seven buildings on the TIGS campus that have been named after individuals who were significant in the establishment and development of TIGS. Naming buildings provides perpetual recognition of the contribution made by those that laid the foundation for TIGS as it is today. How many of these ‘named’ buildings at TIGS can you identify? How many of the people named are familiar to you? Delbridge is the three storey classroom block (Building B) located next to the Uniform Shop. It was opened in 1984, originally as a Middle School building. It is now used mainly for Senior School English and HSIE classes.
Stephen Kinsella Headmaster
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QUESTION:
Name the seven buildings located on the TIGS campus that are ‘named’ after members of the School Community that have made a significant contribution to the development of our School over its 57 year history?
ANSWER:
See article to the right
Bishop Graham Richard Delbridge was the third Chairman of School Council and served in the position between 1969 and 1975. Under his leadership the School significantly consolidated its financial position and he oversaw some major improvements in the campus, including the construction of the Junior School buildings (now H Block in the Senior School) which were opened in 1972. He was Chairman during the initial stages of the amalgamation of TIGS with SCEGGS Gleniffer-Brae. Begbie is the small building located in the middle of the campus currently used as our Dance Studio. It was opened in 1984 as a library and has since been used as a teaching space for Drama and for meetings. Archdeacon (later Bishop) HGS (Gordon) Begbie moved to Wollongong in 1949. He was the first Rector of St Michael’s (now St Michael’s Anglican Cathedral). It was his vision and energy, shared with the Rector of St Mark’s, Rev Roy Gray, for an Anglican school in the Illawarra that saw the gathering of a small group of likeminded community leaders in the 1950s. Without their commitment the School would never have started. It was as a result of Gordon Begbie’s vision and determination that The Illawarra Grammar School ordinance (1958) was passed by Synod and the School commenced lessons on 3rd February 1959. He was Chairman of the first School Council.
The Goodhew Research Centre is more usually referred to as the Library. It was officially opened on 26 May 2008 and was significantly refurbished in 2012. The Most Reverend Dr RH (Harry) Goodhew still regularly attends many School functions. He served on School Council as Deputy Chairman, Chairman (appointed in 1982) and later as President following his appointment as Archbishop of Sydney. He maintains his interest in the School as a proud grandparent. The Kevin Donald Science Centre is located at the east end of Senior Square and was officially opened on 16 September 2003. Planning is underway to add two additional laboratories and it is hoped that they will be ready for occupation in 2017. Mr Kevin Donald OAM is a great champion of our School. He served on the School Council between 1986 and 2011 and since his ‘retirement’ he continues to attend meetings as an ‘emeritus’ member of Council. He attends almost every TIGS event and is greatly respected and admired by students and staff. The Piper Centre is the location for our Preparatory and Pre-Preparatory programme. It was originally opened in 1963 as an Infants School and was reopened as The Piper Centre at The Great Fete on 24 May 2008. The Right Reverend Dr R Reginald (Reg) Piper served as President of the School Council between 1993 and 2006 during his term as Bishop of Wollongong. His children and grandchildren attended TIGS as students and one served as a member of staff. He is still a strong supporter of the School and is regularly seen at School functions. Rees Hall is the Junior School multipurpose space located below the infants classrooms. It was opened on 19 September 2010. How did we ever cope without it? Mrs Rhoda Rees owned a market flower and vegetable garden on the site that is now part of the TIGS campus. She continued to live on site in her house (where the current TAS building is located) while the School developed around her. When she left, her home was used by the School for boarding and then as an Art and Craft facility. She sold the land in three stages under financial arrangements that were very favourable to the School: • the original block in 1958 (roughly where the Senior School is currently located)
Chaplain’s Message WHAT IT MEANS TO BE HUMAN Year 7 has settled in well to the new routines and disciplines of the Senior School. The shift from Primary School to High School is enormous. It is gratifying to see our Year 7 students negotiate that shift with such maturity. It says a lot about our procedures and support systems that they have been able to make the shift so successfully. The first unit of inquiry for Year 7 in Biblical Studies asks the question what it means to be human. We consider what the Bible says about that as well as what other belief systems have to say. We focus on three aspects of the biblical teaching: (i) human beings are made in the image of God; (ii) God makes each human being unique; (iii) human beings are made with a purpose by God. What it means for human beings to be made in the image of God is expansive. It includes the mandate to exercise authority (loving service) over the universe that God has made (always, of course, under his ultimate authority and never matching his limitless authority). It also includes our ability to be creative; to communicate verbally with others and with God; to be relational; to be moral; to be selfreflective; as well as a range of other attributes. The result is that we are able to relate to God unlike anything else in
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the second block in 1961 (roughly where The Piper Centre is currently located)
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The third block, including her house, in 1977 (roughly where the TAS building is located)
Most people I have spoken to could name these six buildings but could not name The Arthur Evans Memorial Library Building. This building is located to the south of the Library Lawn and is now used as office space, staffrooms and The Arts Faculty. It was originally opened as a library on 24 June 1967 and the original plaque is to the left as you enter the Arts and PD/H/PE, Languages, Sport staffroom.
the created universe; and we are more precious to God than anything else in all creation. The value placed on human life, which has always been a key component of the Christian tradition, flows out of the teaching that human beings are created in God’s image. I witnessed a lovely expression of this at TIGS last Friday night. Once a term we host a disco for friends of the Disability Trust. The disco provides a safe environment for people of varying stages in life and varying disabilities to enjoy a dance and social evening with others. Some of our Year 11 students attended the evening as a part of their Community Service. They played music for and served supper to our guests. The three staff members attending the disco from the Disability Trust included two former TIGS students who developed a love for the service of those with disabilities during their time at TIGS.
Rev James Rogers Chaplain
Why would we bother to include this sort of activity in our busy schedule? Because people matter. They are God’s image-bearers. This is the ultimate basis of human worth and dignity. Within a Christian tradition, the worth of a person is not measured by their ability but by the fact that they are God’s image-bearers. Not all belief systems have such a high view of
human beings. I love that the Christian tradition has such a strong rationale for human dignity; and I love that our School makes it a priority to express this value with events like the Disability Trust Disco.
Arthur Evans was one of the Founders of TIGS and a member of School Council from its inception until his ‘untimely death’ in 1961. Without his knowledge of the local business community and his commitment to establishing our School, TIGS may not have survived the early years.
We have a few years to go to match Eton’s 576 years, but already we have a history that is worth celebrating. These champions of TIGS inspire us and challenge us to contribute to our School so that those who follow will benefit from our endeavours.
While it is not a building, Drummond Drive was named after David Drummond in 2012. David was our transport manager for many years and his love and care for our students in ensuring a safe drop off and pickup each day in the Junior School was widely appreciated. The naming of the Princes Highway entry road after him is a tribute to his dedication to the School and our students.
Stephen Kinsella Headmaster
Rev James Rogers
Junior School FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The U/12 Boys performed admirably at the South Coast Regional Futsal Championships. The team had a disciplined and balanced approach to each game and as a result they won every game. The team scored many quality goals (about 70) and conceded two. Well done boys, 2nd last year, 1st this year. Keep working hard and all the best for the State Championships. The Team: Ben Giason Massimo Forte
Nathan Molnar Joshua Franco
Zac Birch Cooper Kerridge
Christian Vujic
Thanks to Terry Robinson, Jane Martin, Mark Yeo, Peter Agnew and Kylie Dribbus for all the support they give to the TIGS Junior School Football Programme.
NASSA SWIMMING CARNIVAL
What a fabulous evening of interschool competition from all of the NASSA schools! Our TIGS swim team demonstrated not only their swimming skills with many excellent results but also their great sportsmanship and team spirit. Our School was placed 2nd overall which was an excellent result and testimony to the training and effort of our swimmers.
Judi Nealy Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior School
This week we also saw our Year 5 and Year 6 students head up to the Senior School for their Try TIGS days. These days are important steps in our Orientation to High School programmes here at TIGS. The transition to High School can be a stressful and anxious time for learners. One of the great advantages of a Prep – Year 12 School is the access that our students have to the Senior School facilities, staff and programmes. Our Stage 3 students enjoyed learning about some of the subjects they will enjoy when they progress to Year 7 as well as getting to know the campus and teachers. Families in Years 4 – 6 will have received an email from me earlier in the Term inviting them to attend the Treasuring Tweens event on Monday 14 March. I do hope we see many TIGS families at this event as we learn about the Tween phenomenon and how to best care for children aged between 8 – 12. I know that external interest for this event with Dr John Irvine is strong, so I encourage families to go to try booking and reserve their free place.
JUNIOR SCHOOL
Twilight Picnic FRIDAY 11 MARCH 2016 5.00PM until 7.30PM JUNIOR SCHOOL OVAL
Junior School students and their families are invited to a fun filled night to be held on our Junior School Oval. Please pack a basket with everything you will need for a picnic. Our Senior School Leaders will be organising lots of games and races for parents and their children to enjoy together.
NO RSVP is needed An email/SMS will be sent if the weather does not allow this event to take place Please be advised that this is an alcohol free event
The Illawarra Grammar School presents
Dr John Irvine
Treasuring Tweens Dr John Irvine
5.30pm - 7.00pm MONDAY 14 MARCH THE ILLAWARRA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Dr John Irvine will provide expert advice for parents of 9 to 12 year olds on: •
Raising tweens of great character
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Understanding brain development and how this effects mood, behaviour and decision making
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Adapting parenting techniques for this stage of development
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Fostering independence while helping tweens make sound decisions
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Strengthening relationships before the teenage years
Child and Family Psychologist B.A. PhD, M.A.C.E., M.A.P.S. Dr John Irvine is a high profile child psychologist, author and speaker. Dr John had an early career in the education system, and went on to become a child psychologist. Dr John established the READ clinic in Gosford with his brother Warwick. He has written several successful books and DVD’s including ‘Helping Young Worriers Beat the Worry Bug’, a handbook which is being implemented by parents and teachers in Australia and overseas. Dr John still spends a large part of his time doing faceto-face consultations or alternatively travelling to all parts of Australia delivering his much loved talks about kids and their behaviour.
Academic • Christian • Caring
An International Baccalaureate World School
Please register for this free event on our website
www.tigs.nsw.edu.au/events-and-bookings
NASSA SWIMMING CARNIVAL
FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Extend @TIGS ONLINE BOOKINGS: extend.com.au CALL OUR OFFICE: 1300 366 437
WEEK 6 ACTIVITIES:
Monday 7 March Activity: Paper Plane Contest Outdoor sport: Stuck in the Mud Tuesday 8 March Activity: About Me Outdoor sport: Dodgeball Wednesday 9 March Activity: Jurassic World Outdoor Sport: Soccer Thursday 10 March Craft: Clay Pets Outdoor Sport: Soccer Friday 11 March Craft: Medieval Armour Outdoor Sport: Handball
Parents & Friends
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Tasting Night Please come and enjoy an evening of wine tasting with friends at the City Beach Function Centre, an event organised by TIGS P&F Association.
WHEN: WHERE:
Friday 18 March 2016 City Beach Function Centre,
TIME: COST: RSVP:
7pm – 11pm $60 pp Wednesday 9 March
1 Marine Drive, Wollongong
Champagne on arrival, followed with a selection of canapĂŠs and a cheese, nut and fruit station. A variety of wines will be available for tasting and also to purchase on the night. We look forward to an evening of catching up with friends to begin the new term.
TO BOOK ONLINE PLEASE VISIT
www.tigs.nsw.edu.au/events-and-bookings
Senior School LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM I suspect that most of us don’t have strong memories of time spent in classrooms, but will have vivid recollections of school related events outside the classroom, particularly at school camps or sporting events. Not all of these recollections may be fond memories, but it is amazing that we can remember and recall details of these adventures, where we may have found ourselves well outside our comfort zone. We intuitively know that valuable learning happens outside the classroom, particularly in situations where we face challenges beyond where we feel confident and competent. We are also aware that some students who struggle in the classroom are much more confident and shine in the outdoor environment. Research on the impacts of school based outdoor education on student learning supports this view. Well-organised, integrated programmes “offer learners opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills in ways that add value to their everyday experiences in the classroom”. 1 The TIGS Outdoor Education Programme offers all students a sequential, integrated set of experiences that is based on the principle of “challenge by choice”. That is, providing opportunities for students to be faced with meaningful challenges, which may be outside their comfort zone, but having some choice about the level to which they want to, or are able to, commit to the experience. Some of the challenges range from Year 7, where students are involved in setting up camp equipment and learning to cook in the outdoor environment for the first time, to Year 10 where they may choose a challenging Outward Bound hike in rugged mountain terrain or cross-country skiing and camping in the NSW Alps. Both Year 7 and Year 8 have already successfully completed their Outdoor Education experiences. Year 7 were blessed with perfect weather at Cataract Scout Park and Wedderburn Christian Campsite. Year 8 were in Galston Gorge during a particularly hot week but still had a great time in a range of challenging activities, including the Great North Walk.
Greg Lanyon Head of Senior School
Year 11 have also been away at a much less strenuous camp last week. They have been actively involved in collaboratively creating pieces of writing, art, film, dance and drama, inspired by the beautiful surrounds of the Shoalhaven River at Bundanon. The culmination of work by students at the Creative Camp will be on display from Friday evening 4 March, at the Beyond Bundanon Exhibition in the IGC. The exhibition of work will also be available for viewing during Expo Day on Saturday 5 March. At the end of May, Year 9 will travel to Bungonia Gorge at the headwaters of the Shoalhaven, where they will experience an extended hike to camp and will be responsible for packing their food and gear. The Year 9 programme is a lynch pin in the sequential outdoor education programme able to draw on the skills and experiences gained from the programmes in Years 7 and 8. In Year 10 students will be able to choose between three options. The first is a winter experience involving four nights in the snow, where students will be exposed to a range of skills such as cross-country skiing and building snow shelters. There are also two summer expeditions; either the Outward Bound hike in the Victorian High Country snowy river area or white water rafting on the Snowy River in Victoria. Year 9 will also be involved in a leadership camp later in the year to provide them with a range of skills to equip them to take on leadership positions in Year 10. Finally, Year 12 will also have a short rest and recuperation camp following their Trial HSC exams. The aim here is for students to unwind and refocus prior to the final revision period before their HSC exams.
1. Dillon, J. et al (2006), The Value of Outdoor Learning: evidence from research in the UK and elsewhere, School Science Review.
IB Diploma Coffee Morning Come and meet the new IB Diploma Programme Co-ordinator, David Meredith, to discuss any queries you may have about the Diploma Programme (DP). This is a fantastic informal opportunity to ask any questions regarding the suitability of the DP for your child. This event is open to parents of students of any Year group across the School. 9.00am - 9.45am on Wednesday 9 March. Meet at the Library Lawn.
Scholarships 2017 ACADEMIC, GENERAL AND THE ARTS A number of part or full scholarships are available for students entering Year 7 or Year 11 Applications close on Wednesday 9 March All applicants sit the ACER Examination on Saturday 19 March Further information is available on the website. www.tigs.nsw.edu.au/scholarships/how-to-apply
Senior School Sport NASSA SWIMMING CARNIVAL
We had another highly successful night in the pool at the NASSA Swimming Carnival finishing as the Champion School once again. Congratulations to the following students who broke records across the night: Omar Matar 12 year 50m Freestyle Ethan Dorrian-Nancarrow 17 year 50m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly, 100m Freestyle Nathan De Lutiis 16 year 50m Breaststroke Alice Fox 18 year 50m Breaststroke Intermediate Girls Relay: Georgia Robson, Kyra King, Amy Gibbons, Jana Massingham I would like to thank our Year 7 students who came along and represented TIGS at the NASSA level for the first time: Omar Matar, James Healey, Paris Rix, Hugo Parrish, Daniel Jiang, Olivia Barber, Ilaria Di Noro, Iluka Budai. Our youngest students stepped seamlessly into our team. I would also like to thank our Year 12 students who showed great leadership across the night and swam beautifully to help our team finish on top: Kelsey Cresswell, Giancarlo Esposito, Alice Fox, Laura Gibbons, Kirralee Hinch, Maxwell Moore. Special mention to Austin Pallone, Aria Bacic-Johnston, Joseph Druett, James Healey, Iluka Budai, Omar Matar, Ethan Havadjia and Nathan De Lutiis who have backed up today and are representing TIGS at the NSW All Schools Triathlon. 200m Freestyle Relay Team Results Junior Girls 3rd Aria Bacic-Johnson, Caitlyn Mortimer, Illuka Bodai, Amy Logan Junior Boys 3rd Omar Matar, James Healey, Daniel Jiang, Ethan Havadjia Intermediate Girls 1st Kyra King, Amy Gibbons, Jana Massingham, Georgia Robson Intermediate Boys 2nd Timothy Gaynor, Nathan De Lutiis, Griffin Spicknall, Austin Pallone Senior Girls 2nd Kelsey Cresswell, Laura Gibbons, Alice Fox, Kirralee Hinch Senior Boys 4th Ethan Dorrian-Nancarrow, Daniel Laing, Maxwell Moore, Giancarlo Esposito 200m Medley Relay Team Results Junior Girls 2nd Caitlyn Mortimer, Aria Bacic- Johnson, Amy Logan, Cartia Taranto Junior Boys 2nd Joseph Druett, Omar Matar, Daniel Jiang, James Healey Intermediate Girls 1st Georgia Robson, Kyra King, Amy Gibbons, Jana Massingham Intermediate Boys 2nd Timothy Gaynor, Griffin Spicknall, Nathan De Lutiis, Austin Pallone Senior Girls 1st Kelsey Cresswell, Laura Gibbons, Alice Fox, Kirralee Hinch Senior Boys 4th Ethan Dorrian-Nancarrow, Daniel Laing, Giancarlo Esposito, Max Moore
UP AND COMING SPORTS EVENTS
Thursday 10 – Sunday 13 March NSW Mountain Bike Riding Championships Thredbo Saturday 12 -13 March Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Hike Tuesday 15 March TIGS Surfing Trials Friday 18 March AICES Tennis
IMAGE TOP LEFT: Alice Fox IMAGES FROM BOTTOM LEFT: Omar Matar, Nathan De Lutiis, Ethan Dorrian-Nancarrow, Senior Girl Relay
TIGS FOUNDATION TIGS FOUNDATION AGM 2016 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 16 March 2016 Goodhew Research Centre (Library - Entrance via Powell Street) 6.00pm - 7.00pm Welcome drinks and canapĂŠs, 7.00pm - 8.00pm AGM Smart casual 10 March 2016 Lisa Wilson (Foundation Coordinator) 4220 0264 foundation@tigs.nsw.edu.au
FOR APPLICATIONS CLICK HERE
TO SEE BUSINESSES IN THE DIRECTORY CLICK HERE
BUSINESS DIRECTORY Have you been online recently to visit the new initiative of TIGS Foundation? TIGS Community Business Directory enables 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. Applications are currently being taken. 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.
UPCOMING
EVENTS
WEEK 5
TIGS Expo Day
10.00am to 2.00pm Saturday 5 March
itag@TIGS 9.30am to 1.30pm Saturday 5 March
WEEK 6
IB Diploma Coffee Morning
9.00am Wednesday 9 March at the Library Lawn
Junior School Twilight Picnic
5.00pm to 7.30pm Friday 11 March Junior School Oval
WEEK 7
Parenting Information Session Treasuring Tweens 5.30pm Monday 14 March in the IGC
TIGS Foundation AGM
6.00pm Wednesday 16 March in the Goodhew Research Centre (Library)
WEEK 8
Vaccinations
Monday 21 March for Year 7