Issue 4 Term I, 2011

NEWSLETTER

Headmaster’s Message TIGS Sweeps the Pool Head of Senior School Head of Junior School Issue 4 Term I, 2011

Academic • Christian • Caring

Chaplain

TIGS Sweeps the Pool There were fantastic results achieved at the NASSA swimming carnivals held this week. Students from Years 3 to 6 competed in the Primary Schools carnival on Tuesday and students from the Senior School competed on Wednesday.

The School is a member of the New Anglican Schools Sports Association (NASSA) which provides, amongst other things, a representative pathway through to State level and beyond. The other schools in NASSA are Penrith Anglican College, St Luke’s Grammar School, Broughton Anglican College, Macarthur Anglican School, Thomas Hassall Anglican College and the recently renamed Georges River Grammar (formerly Bankstown Grammar).

Congratulations to our Junior School swimmers for again winning the NASSA Junior School Shield. TIGS has won this shield for all 9 years that competition has been held - what a great achievement by all our swimmers, past and present.

Victory for TIGS in the ‘Best of the Best’ relay was particularly exciting with the last swimmer for three schools all entering the water at the same time. Well done Hugo Mackenzie - Wood, Justus Bacic-Johnston, Austin Pallone and Ruby Tilden.

The Senior School swimmers began their carnival with an emphatic win by the girls in the 6 x 50m Freestyle. The team, Laura Gibbons, Kaitlin McKeon, Olivia Poate, Kate Martin, Emma Poate and Emma McKeon were taken from each age group and together won by over half a pool length, setting the pattern for the whole carnival. TIGS won all the shields: Junior Division, Intermediate Division, Senior Division and Overall winning school.

Stephen Kinsella

We are very proud of the achievements of our swimmers – these results are Headmaster wonderful. However, the thing that impressed me most was the way the team approached the competition. They were impressive because they went out of their way to support and encourage each other and to succeed as a team. They were proud to be competing for TIGS and we are proud of their achievements in and out of the pool. Congratulations to team captains Olivia Wallace and Jason Bujaroski.

Congratulations are also due to Mrs Val Mann who was awarded the prestigious Cathy Parkes Award at the CIS Presentation Dinner held last Friday. This is deserved acknowledgement for service to the sport of Basketball.

My School data for 2010 was released on Friday, 4 March 2011. TIGS has already released most of its data either on the TIGS website or through the reporting of NAPLAN results last year.

The data on schools released on My School is likely to attract a lot of attention by the media. The desire to produce league tables and to pass judgement on the worth of schools on the basis of a narrow group of measures is unfortunate to say the least.

The School’s position regarding the release of the My School data is: •

We regularly assess the academic progress of our students across a wide range of measures and over a range of skills.

NAPLAN results focus on a few of these measures that occur for a child once every two years. Despite the excellent results gained by TIGS students, the School chooses not to elevate the importance of NAPLAN testing above that which it is due.

TIGS does not focus on NAPLAN testing to the cost of other programs and does not view outstanding NAPLAN results as the purpose of its educational programs.

•

TIGS rejects any judgement made about the worth of any school on the basis of NAPLAN results. To reduce a school, its programs and the outcomes of its students (be they favourable or unfavourable) to such a narrow set of measures is an insult to the school, its families and the professional standing of its staff.

•

The release of financial data by the School occurs every year through the School’s website. Parents are reminded that the cost to all governments of educating a child at TIGS is less than half the average cost of educating a child at a government school. That TIGS parents are willing to pay fees to ensure their children attend a school that shares their values and is properly resourced is a cause for celebration, not ridicule. It is hard to understand why parents that spend income on holidays and flat screen TV’s are lauded within society while those that choose to spend income on the education of their children at the school of their choice are often derided.

•

The School budgets for a small surplus each year and uses this surplus to improve the educational resources available to the students. Basically, every dollar of income is spent on educational resources and services for its students. TIGS has not accumulated the large reserves of funds reportedly available to some independent schools. TIGS relies on careful financial management and the generosity of families and on occasions governments to improve its facilities.

Parents requiring assistance in understanding the information provided on My School should not hesitate to contact the School.

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

Chaplain’s Connection

In a world where we have seen so many bad news stories in recent years, my ears pricked up (or whatever the visual equivalent is, since it was my eyes, not my ears, that were at work) when I read a news story proclaiming good news. What was this good news? An end to a war? A cruel dictator hands himself to an international human rights tribunal? No, the good news turned out to be this: plastic surgeries are up in America.

Apparently, the number of cosmetic surgeries carried out in America increased by 5% last year to 13.1 million, having fallen in 2008 and 2009. It seems that nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, and liposuction are all the rage again.

Why is this good news (other than for plastic surgeons)? Dennis Gartman, economic commentator and publisher of The Gartman Letter, says this is a sign that consumer confidence is on the increase, despite the fact that U.S. unemployment remains above 9%: “Traders will look at all kinds of things. Handbag sales, how things are going at Tiffany’s, where people are going on vacation. This is another anecdote for them that helps confirm things are slowly picking up.”

So, while it may seem odd to announce an increase in plastic surgery as good news, it is a sign of a possible change of fortunes in an economy that desperately needs it.

Similarly, one might wonder how the birth of a child in humble circumstances might be good news for the world. And yet, of course, that is what the angels announced to the shepherds of Bethlehem, a little town just outside Jerusalem, just over 2000 years ago: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:11-12).

The good news was not simply the birth of a baby, but who that baby was. This was the one who had been promised through the prophets of Israel; the one of whom Isaiah wrote: “You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” (Isaiah 40:9).

John Reed Chaplain

With the birth of this child came the dawning of the kingdom of God in our world. And so Jesus preached: “The time has come ... The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15).

In a world full of bad news, the in-breaking of the kingdom of God is indeed good news – far better than plastic surgeries being up. But the still-open question is: how will we respond?

Communication

Senior School

I’m always so envious of the Junior School because of: their easy communication with parents; the natural appeal of any Prep Student no matter how dishevelled; the enthusiasm and wonder that the children demonstrate in their Primary Years Programs.

That’s not to say there isn’t enthusiasm and wonder in the Senior School or a jaunty appeal in the terminally dishevelled but all of these phenomena are manifest, experienced and ultimately valued in very different ways. In particular, communication between home and school in the Senior Years is not the simple matter it once was.

In order to improve communication we work tirelessly. Recently we have improved the Diary and the information it contains, produced a new Parents’ Handbook, worked with Orana and the P & F and more recently we have updated the website. You have probably visited the new site and have enjoyed reading the information that is available and viewing the images, including the new Photo Gallery. You can also access Library Resources and the Parent Portal which gives you information from Edumate, our School’s Administrative Package, including School Reports, Assessment information and Attendance details.

This week on Assembly students were given a demonstration on how to access Narradan via the Website, where there is valuable information and great resources, including permission notes (if students have lost one that they were given) assessment outlines, homework details and class work.

Monica Watt

Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School

The English Department also has its own website at www.englishcentral.net.au where there are numerous resources to ensure that there is ‘always homework for English’ even if it is only private reading for 30 minutes or reviewing class work.

So may I encourage you to use these resources so that you might feel more informed about what’s happening in the Senior School and of course, you know you can always contact us for more personal and individualised discussions.

Junior School

Parent Partnerships

Organisations and individuals are often defined by their actions. We can all remember an occasion where someone’s actions did not match up with their stated beliefs. This is the case for schools also. This week we hosted our first Karobran Meeting. The parent group in the Junior School is a great example of actions and beliefs in alignment. Karobran is an aboriginal term for together. It was chosen as the name for our parent group because we recognise the importance of the partnership between home and school at TIGS and particularly in the early years of learning.

On Thursday we hosted an information session through Karobran. The topics covered included the nuts and bolts of Junior School life: car park etiquette, the canteen, the uniform shop and awards. We also provided insight into nutrition for learning, the development of speech and how this impacts on learning and our program of inquiry.

It was a wonderful example of collaboration across our community, teachers as experts, school staff as experts and parents and community members as experts. Most importantly though it was a clear demonstration to our children of lifelong learning. Thank you to everyone involved. I enjoyed the session very much and went away with things to think about.

For Year 3’s report on their first swimming carnival experience please click here.

Judi Nealy

Dates for your diary • Monday 7 March - Professional Development Day for staff – Pupil Free day • Friday 11 March - Prep to Year 2 Twilight Barbeque. Click here for more details

Head of Junior School

Junior School Sport Swimming Carnival It was a great day of swimming and team competition for our Years 3 to 6 students last Wednesday. The House spirit was high and the competition strong thanks to our enthusiastic House Captains who cheered and encouraged their teams to new levels. We saw great swims through all of the heats with many students attempting events for the first time. Well done everyone.

The House competition was closer than most expected with Kogara winning narrowly from Wolgal and the close relays proved to be the difference.

Kogara – 1006 Wolgal – 988 Aranda – 887 Coligan – 842 Age Champions 8 Years 1st Annie McLearie 1st Robert McGrath 9 Years 1st Sarah Van Vreumingen 1st Joseph Druett 2nd Ruby Tilden 2nd Rory Hanrahan 10 Years 1st Ashley Dribbus and Taylah Pather 1st Austin Pallone 2nd Zac Ashby - Abell 11 Years 1st Stephanie Moustoukis 1st Justus Bacic-Johnston 2nd Holly Kiteley 2nd Ethan Jackson 12 Years 1st Sarah I’Ons 1st Hugo Mackenzie- Wood 2nd Hailey Van Vreumingen 2nd

Daniel Laing

Karobran Meeting

Library News Reading is fundamental!

Reading is important for everyone, especially children. It’s so incredibly essential that we read to children and encourage them to read for themselves. Learn why by visiting our special Reading Matters resource page. You’ll find lots of carefully selected links, booklists, research and helpful tips.

Parent Links Parents, we think you’ll find these sites very helpful: Raising Children Network http://raisingchildren.net.au/

A very comprehensive website that provides practical, expert child health and parenting information and activities covering children aged 0-15 years. You’ll find up-to-date, research-based material on more than 800 topics spanning child development, behaviour, health, nutrition and fitness, play and learning, connecting and communicating, school and education, entertainment and technology, sleep and safety.

Moms with Apps http://momswithapps.com/

If your children have an ipad and you are looking for some great applications, check this site out. There are hundreds of recommendations including apps for reading, learning, fun and creativity.

Premier’s Reading Challenge We are looking forward to another year of reading all the wonderful Premier’s Reading Challenge books.

The Challenge commences in February and runs through until 1 September. It is designed to “encourage in students a love of reading for leisure and pleasure, and to enable students to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely.”

Please click here to view a letter from our Junior School Librarian, Mrs Petra Pollum along with a permission slip for you to complete if your child wishes to participate. Please return the completed slips to the Junior School by Friday 11 March Visit the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge website for more information.

Exciting New Lunchtime Book Club for Juniors Enthusiastic readers in Years 5 and 6 are invited to share their love of reading and all things books by joining our new Lunch Bunch Book Club. The club will meet monthly on Wednesdays at lunchtime in the library. Students will read and share a selection of books and participate in some fun and enriching activities. Interested students can sign up with our Junior School Librarian, Mrs Petra Pollum.

Should you have any questions about the library and/or our services please email library staff on librarystaff@tigs.nsw.edu.au or call the library direct on 4220 0275.

P & F News TIGS Great Fete Saturday 21 May

Orana Meeting Monday 14 March

Roll up, roll up, the 2011 Great Fete is on its way! Some great old favourites, a threatened species and much more is being planned for 21 May. Everyone is welcome to join our orgainising committee.

The first Orana (Senior School) Meeting for 2011 will be held on Monday 14 March at 7.00pm in the Library.

We would like to welcome all Senior School parents and friends to join us to discuss the year ahead, including the Great Fete on Saturday 21 May. Please bring your ideas with you and we will do our best to bring you up to date on current events being planned. Any questions please contact pandf@tigs.com.au or call on 0409 969044.

If you would like to donate a raffle prize we need to get the tickets printed before the end of term so please let us know asap. Your business logo will be on the coversheet the same as last year.

The long standing tradition of the Sticky Date Pudding is in dire need of a new custodian - please contact us (pandf@ tigs.com.au Barb 0409 969044 Sheridon 0409 822273) if you would like more information.

Parents’ Welcome Luncheon

Friday 18 March 2011 at 11.00am at the Villa D‘oro Please join our existing and new parents for a lovely lunch and a fashion parade on Friday 18 March 2011 at 11.00am at the Villa D‘oro.

Please click here for all the latest on the Fete.

Year 10 2011 ‘Meet the Parents Evening’

This year we will come together to celebrate the new School year as well as raise much need funds for a school community in Queensland.

All parents and Guardians of any student in Year 10 2011 are invited to attend a cocktail styled party to meet one another on Saturday 2 April 2011 at 7.00pm at The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant.

We would love your company and welcome any donations that you may be able to offer for raffle and lucky door prizes.

The cost will be around $30 per head plus drinks.

So call your friends and family and get your table together now.

In order to make the booking firm, we need a min of 20 people so we are asking all those interested to please email your response asap.

For more details click here.

No doubt, many parents have already met however many have not had the chance yet. We would especially like to welcome all new parents to the School this year.

Save the Date - Friday 14 October

2011 Dinner & Auction Night will be on Friday 14 October at Villa D’Oro Function Centre. Last year we had a great night and hope to have an even better time this year.

All RSVP’s or enquiries need to be sent to Anne at aejones07@ iprimus.com.au We look forward to meeting many of you then.

Anne Jones and Kathy Adams

Canteen News

Week 6, Term I Monday 7 March PUPIL FREE DAY

Tuesday 8 March Jan Scott.

HELP NEEDED

New Product

Fantastic Rice Crackers, BBQ or Sour Cream and Chive, 90c Per Packet.

Deleted Product Rice Biscuits 40c

Online Ordering

Wednesday 9 March Nichole Anastas Pam Parkinson

Don’t forget our online ordering system, please go to www.flexischools.com.au or alternatively you are still able to leave your order at the far Canteen window before School starts.

Thursday 10 March

We would welcome any new helpers for the coming year at the canteen. If you could spare a few hours once a month, we would love to have you on board our team of dedicated Volunteers.

Friday 11 March

Assunta Disibio HELP NEEDED HELP NEEDED

Senior School Sport Illawarra Academy of Sport Annual Presentation Ceremony The Illawarra Academy of Sport had its Annual Presentation Ceremony on the 18 February. The Illawarra Grammar School was represented by 14 students who have been part of the Academy in 2010:

the prestigious Ted Tobin Family Award in recognition of her sensational year in swimming in 2010.

Cricket – Nikhil Verma (Year 9)

NSWCIS Awards Evening Last Friday evening the NSWCIS Awards Evening was held at the Waterview Restaurant, Bicentennial Park.

It was a night which recognises the outstanding achievements of many of our primary and secondary students in a wide variety of State and National sporting activities held during 2010. It also recognises the equally important contribution which has come from staff members within these NSWCIS schools providing tremendous expertise, energy and enthusiasm in key roles including coaches, convenors, managers and committee members.

Cycling – Bridget Mullany (Year 9) Hockey – Tegan Richards (Year 11), Ross Sharpe (Year 11) and Mungo Skyring (Year 10) Rugby Union – Stuart Mill (Year 11), James Needham (Year 11) Swimming – David McKeon (Graduate 2010), Emma McKeon (Year 11), Jarrod Poort (Year 11) Tennis – Hannah Muirhead (Year 11), Stella Crick (Year 11), Kirsty McRae (Year 10) Athletics – Hamish Paine (Year 9) Congratulations to all of these TIGS students for their contribution to sport in the Illawarra and beyond.

On the evening Emma McKeon won

Swimming Age Champions

Jarrod Poort was named the Swim Sports Athlete of the Year for his outstanding performances as a long distance swimmer in 2010.

TIGS were fortunate enough to have two students and a staff member receive awards at this evening.

Congratulations to: Jack McKenzie-Wood – received his award for being a member of the

NSWCIS Primary Team of the Year Rugby Union 2010.

David McKeon – received a NSWCIS Blue Award for his outstanding performance in swimming in 2010.

Val Mann (TIGS Staff member) – received the Cathy Parkes Award for outstanding staff contribution to NSWCIS Basketball.

The TIGS Community congratulates our award recipients.

Cricket Quarter Final – Douglas Shield A great win by TIGS against William Clarke. William Clarke was restricted to 8 - 132 from their 50 overs through some excellent bowling and fielding.

Benjamin Toussis 1-8, Robert Gyngell 3-13, Rahil Verma 3-25 and Nikhil Verma 1 - 17 were our wicket takers. Khair-UdDin Sultan also bowled well conceding only 14 runs from his 10 overs.

In reply we crossed to victory in the 20th over with our captain Rahil Verma scoring an outstanding 81 n/o. He was well supported by his younger brother Nikhil 28 n/o.

13 Year Girls 1st Kaitlin McKeon

15 Years Girls 1st Kate Martin

17 Year Girls 1st Emma McKeon

Congratulations to the following Age Champions for their fine performances at the Senior School Carnival. These students were recognised at this weeks Assembly. They will receive their medallions at the TIGS Sports Presentation Evening in November.

2nd Emily I’Ons

2nd Kailee Cross

2nd Emma Ramsey

3rd Margot Allison

3rd Jessica Kuit

3rd Nikolina Panovski

13 Year Boys 1st Andrew Dickson

15 Year Boys 1st Michael Armstrong

17 Year Boys 1st Jarrod Poort

2nd Callum Waldock

2nd Kyle Locke

2nd James Needham

3rd Evan Jenkins

3rd Jaiden Fullerton-Harvey

3rd Isaac Kim

12 Year Girls 1st Laura Gibbons

14 Year Girls 1st Olivia Poate

16 Year Girls 1st Emma Poate

18 Year Girls 1st Olivia Wallace

2nd Kelsey Cresswell

2nd Madeline Laing

2nd Lauren Hatton

2nd Emily Debrot

3rd Zoe Morrell

3rd Tahlia Jackson

3rd Amy Carberry

3rd Cassandra Bujaroska

12 Year Boys 1st Adam Autore

14 Year Boys 1st Simon Mill

16 Year Boys 1st Richard Bujaroski

18 Year Boys 1st Jason Bujaroski

2nd Nicholas Hilderson

2nd Joel Moore

2nd Jack Millar

2nd Brandon Saveski

3rd Noah Jenkins

3rd Isaac Brown

3rd Anthony Keating

3rd Xavier Hollis

TIGS Photo Gallery Major School events are now featured on our website in the online Photo Gallery.

Parents and students can also access the full gallery of photos for these events via the Parent/Student portal.

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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