Issue 4 Term II, 2013

NEWSLETTER

Issue 4 Term II 2013 TIGS Great Fete

Year 1 playing ‘old school’ games

Academic • Christian • Caring

Appointment of Student Leaders There are two aspects of my role as Headmaster that I face with trepidation: the awarding of scholarships and the appointment of student leaders. Both are a challenge because of the excellence of our students.

This year the School received 130 applications for scholarships. Almost every student is worthy of receiving an academic, performing arts or general scholarship. Unfortunately, the School does not have a large pool of funds to provide for scholarships and so inevitably there are many students who feel disappointed when advised that their application has been unsuccessful.

What should be a celebration of the achievements of the applicants instead becomes a time of disappointment. I have even had some parents describe their children as feeling a sense of failure.

Students that are unsuccessful in gaining a TIGS scholarship should focus on what they have achieved and look forward to many more achievements in the years to come.

Not receiving a scholarship is just the reality of there being too many applicants for the funds available.

The TIGS Foundation is working to change this situation. They have established the Rev Richard Bosanquet Scholarship and are in the process of establishing a second scholarship. They would be pleased to hear from members of the School community that wish to contribute (tax deductible) to the TIGS scholarship fund. Enquiries should be directed to Mrs Lisa Wilson on 4220 0200.

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

The annual appointment of student leaders in both the Junior School and the Senior School brings a mixture of delight and disappointment for those involved, including me.

Our belief is that every student has the potential to be a leader which is consistent with the commitment to ‘servant leadership’ recorded in our Statement of Mission and Values: “By modelling servant leadership, promoting service and embedding the concept of stewardship in the School’s programs, students receive guidance and practical experience in living a life that is faithful to the teachings of Christ.” (2.5) At TIGS the 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 by the Headmaster is based on 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

The process of leadership training starts in the Junior School where students are given opportunities to learn and demonstrate leadership at an early age. Student-centred learning and the problem solving challenges provided through the PYP give students many opportunities to show social and moral leadership. Current activities in the Junior School led by students that demonstrate leadership qualities include a recycling program as well as the provision of ‘buddy’ support for our Kindergarten children.

Leadership opportunities continue in the Senior School within Year groups under the leadership of Deans and Mentors. Many students use the Student Representative Council (SRC) as a means of acquiring skills and experiences in leadership. There are many informal opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate their leadership skills in Sport, Performing Arts and in Co-curricular and Extra-curricular activities. Formal training in leadership occurs at the Year 9 Leadership Camp. In Year 10, students have the chance to demonstrate their leadership qualities and commitment to the School by serving as:

• • • •

Peer Readers (with students in the Junior School) Peer Support (with students in Year 7) Student Hosts (at many School functions) Camp Leaders (with students in Years 7 and 8)

So by the end of Year 11, students have had ample opportunity to acquire knowledge about leadership and to demonstrate their ability to serve and lead others. There is no limit to the number of leadership positions at TIGS. The challenge is twofold: • To match each student willing to take on the responsibility of leadership with a leadership role that matches their leadership ability, training and interest; • To appoint a team of leaders with the right mix of skills and enthusiasm to successfully lead the students of the School.

There is only a fixed number of Captain and House Captain positions available, far fewer than the number of worthy applicants. Inevitably some students quite capable of fulfilling these roles are unsuccessful. Short term disappointment for those not appointed to long hoped-for positions is understandable but normally gives way to a generosity of spirit toward those that were appointed. Parents that identify a period of disappointment that lasts longer than is healthy for their child should contact the School.

Our congratulations will go to those who receive a scholarship or are appointed to leadership positions. Congratulations will also go to those that were not successful - their contribution to the School is also valued.

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

TIGS Great Fete The ‘Great Fete’ took place on Saturday 18 May and as predicted was an absolute success! We were blessed with beautiful weather, large crowds and a great sense of community on the day.

Although the P & F are still balancing spread sheets and waiting for accounts to come in, it is safe to say the Fete raised in excess of $50,000 – what an achievement! Congratulations goes to all involved, from those volunteers manning the stalls to those helping behind the scenes. It takes parents, staff and the greater community to put together such a great day and I thank all of those involved for making the TIGS ‘Great Fete’ 2013 such a success.

A Sea of Opportunity TIGS is the type of School which provides many opportunities for students to engage in a whole range of learning experiences. It is well known that outside the regular teaching and learning offered at TIGS, there is an enormous array of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. As the Headmaster has said on many occasions, it is simply impossible to be bored at TIGS. One of the areas I am regularly involved in at TIGS is Chapel. Chapel provides a myriad of opportunities for students to extend themselves as they serve God and others. What is exiting about Chapel is that the students themselves mostly run it. They lead Chapel, pray, read the Bible, lead singing, play instruments, control the audio and visuals, and even on occasions give the Chapel talk. Chapel provides an enormous platform for service which grows not only those who are served but also those who serve.

Rev James Rogers Chaplain

Over the last two weeks at Senior School Chapel two of our Year 12 students gave the talks. Last week, Brooke Kolodjiez spoke from Acts Chapter 2. She focused on that wonderful passage which documents the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to send his Spirit upon his followers so they might be empowered to be his witnesses in the world. This week, Steven Corty spoke from Acts Chapter 4.

He focused on the reason why Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. His key verse was Acts 4.12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

It can’t be an easy task for students to get up and proclaim the message of the Bible to their peers.

In fact, I know it is not easy. I commend both Brooke and Steven for their courage and commitment to serve in this way. They did a superb job and are great examples of the type of student who makes the most of the opportunities that a School like TIGS provides.

I can’t help but contrast the opportunities enjoyed by a TIGS student and my own experience. I didn’t get the opportunity to preach my first sermon until I was 30 years old. Steven and Brooke have an enormous head start on me. I am glad for them.

There is no greater honour than to minister God’s word to others. TIGS affords them this opportunity. It really is a special School.

Rev James Rogers Chaplain

Senior School

The IB Middle Years Programme As you are aware we are changing the way in which we deliver our Years 7 – 10 curriculum in line with 21st Century models of good teaching and learning, based on sound peer-reviewed research and the global perspective of the International Baccalaureate World Schools. This will align us to the PYP which has been so well received in the Junior School and support the implementation of the Australian Curriculum changes mandated by the NSW Board of Studies.

Previously, in the newsletter, the Headmaster has explained the philosophy and theory which underpins this educational model. Now we are putting theory into practice.

All Senior School staff have been trained in a constructivist pedagogical model which underpins the MYP. It recognises that student engagement is greatest when it is closely linked to past knowledge and experience. Teachers have also learned more about current research into how the brain learns and how to apply that knowledge in ways that best empower learners. Already staff have been applying their new learning and skills with great success.

Monica Watt

Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School

By the end of this Term the Head of Department and one other department member from English, Mathematics, Science and HSIE-History together with members of the Senior Executive will have been trained in MYP methodology. This has involved staff travelling to international locations to access the specialist knowledge and skills required. They then will train all members of their department.

It’s exciting and stimulating to be involved in pedagogical change that is soundly based on research into student efficacy and empowerment and not on political expediency. The next few years will see authentic, student-centred learning become our model to best equip our students for their future lives.

Monica Watt Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School

Senior School Sports Student Success: Hockey: Congratulations to Mungo Skyring (Year 12) who has been selected in the CIS Open Boys Hockey Team.

SLSC: Congratulation to Nathan Troiani (Year 8) on being selected to represent the South Coast at the Junior Lifesaver of the Year Awards.

Football: Congratulations to Kieran Devitt (Year 12) and Zoe Correa (Year 9) who were selected for the AICES Boys and Girls Open Football team. They competed at the CIS Football Championships on Tuesday 28 May.

Career Information Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Sessions Information on what employers want, where do to find a job, how to give yourself the best chance and strategies and resources can be accessed at the following two information sessions.

Please click here to see the full flyer.

Tuesday 18 June 2013 6.00pm – 7.30pm Wollongong Master Builders Club

Wednesday 19 June 2013 6.00pm – 7.30pm The Shellharbour Club

University of Sydney Year 10 Information Evenings These evenings are designed to help Year 10 students and their parents choose subjects for the HSC and navigate through the process of applying to uni.

Topics include: • ATAR, scaling and assumed knowledge • subject selections • career pathways • University transition Date: 17 or 20 June 2013 Time: 6.00pm for 6.30pm start Venue: Eastern Avenue Auditorium, Camperdown Campus (K5/6 on map) RSVP: Register for the event here

Junior School How do we decide what to teach the children?

Have you ever wondered how the curriculum at our School is decided? What process do the teaching staff go through to decide what should be taught and how?

• • •

Judi Nealy

The PYP standards and practices The BOS curriculum Our schools statement of mission and values

We start with the schools unique perspective on what an academic education is. At TIGS we see academic excellence “as neither elitist nor exclusive and is accessible to all who aspire to be the best they can be”. We believe that academic excellence is holistic and involves a commitment to life long learning. We then look to the IB for its philosophy on inquiry based learning that promotes international mindedness and confident young men and women who display the learner profile attributes and the IB attitudes in every aspect of their lives. The IB framework allows us to take the Board of Studies NSW curriculum to design a program of inquiry and learning which covers the mandated skills, knowledge and understanding outlined in the BOS curriculum.

The difference for our School is that this process is achieved by our teaching staff collaboratively.

The team of grade teachers along with specialist teachers and the PYP coordinator Mrs Bryant, Head of Junior School meet together to design the next Unit of Inquiry. We start with the concepts that will drive our learning and then design the criteria idea which is the enduring understanding that we want the children to take beyond the actual classroom learning and into the world.

Collaborative planning meetings are sometimes a bit feisty and this is a fantastic demonstration of the teaching staff’s commitment to planning the absolute best learning opportunities for the children in our care. Teachers feel very strongly about what should happen in their learning opportunities and we negotiate and justify the opportunities placed before the children to do our very best to ensure that every teachable moment is planned for, considered, evaluated and implemented well. It’s a wonderful thing to walk into a collaborative planning session and to hear teachers hotly debating the best learning opportunities for your children. There is a real commitment from each staff member to be open to justifying their educational choices, to compromise and to plan fantastic learning for the children and along the way we are all learning as well.

Finally, after a unit has been taught, it is reviewed. This happens collaboratively again and the team reflects on how effective the unit was, makes notes to be considered the next time and checks that the continuum of learning is maintained from Prep – Year 6. We do return to these units the following year, but the process begins again, with a collaborative planning session checking that the previous possible activities and concept focus areas are relevant and appropriate to the new group of children. We find that for most Units of Inquiry we “tinker” with the central idea, the concepts and the lines of inquiry to make sure they really suit the children and take into account their pre knowledge and understanding. For some “tinkering” is not enough and we start again, always aiming to design excellent learning opportunities for the children in our care. You can view the Program of Inquiry by going to the library website and checking out the Junior School section or you can talk to Mrs Bryant, our PYP Co-ordinator, to find out more about our Program of Inquiry and the teaching and learning we plan for and implement in the Junior School.

Dates for your diary: • • •

Wednesday 5 June – UNSW Science Competition (Years 3-6) Friday 7 June – Pupil Free Day Wednesday19 to Saturday 22 June – TIGS Production Performances of ‘CATS’

Junior School Awards Weekly Awards KB KD KM KP 1C 1M 1T 2H 3R 3W 3WJ 4R 4S 5Y 6Y

Odelia Aghmesheh, Lachlan Kiang, Eleanor Middleton, Keiran Reveley Abha Mundada, Jacob Murrie Archer Ryan, Sasha Purvis Samantha Gadsdon, Ben Harman Jude De Araujo Lillian Glover William Dolan, Ali Matar Taylor Merritt, Chloe Shadler Daniel Aghmesheh Jack Worthington, Tatiana Suscevic, Kiarna McIlwraith Zachary Birch, Massimo Forte, Nicholas Chiaverini Ajay Rindani Jayson Cooper, Krishnendu Gupta Maya Middledton, Nicholas Makdessi Arah Mizori, Cody Nugara, Izac Saad

Merit Certificates Winnie Cheng – Academic Izac Saad – Academic Massimo Forte – Academic Adelaide Thompson – Academic Kiarna McIlwraith – Academic Andrew Brown – Academic Lina Lee – Academic Alissa Tonkin – Academic Daniel Aghmesheh – Academic Jude De Araujo – Academic Olivia Varmedja – Academic Archita Sitharthan – Academic Ryan Jinks – Academic Joseph Druett – Academic Lina Lee – Academic Josh Agarwal - Academic

proudly presents

12.00noon Wednesday June 19 7.30pm Thursday June 20 7.30pm Friday June 21 2.00pm Saturday June 22 7.30pm Saturday June 22 $15 Concession

s t e ick

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$25 Adult

g n i l l e S

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Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sensational hit musical

Tickets available for purchase online visit TIGS

www.tigs.nsw.edu.au

Extend @ TIGS Weekly Recap This week, the children had buddies to read to and it was nice to see some of the older children helping the younger ones with difficult words.

We played Soccer in Rees Hall and had a bit of fun in the rain.

The children also participated in water and sand play up on the Play Lawn.

Jigsaw Puzzles were a hit with the older children.

Jade, Kavya and Ella role played “Teacher-Student” – Guess the Word on the Wall.

We are looking forward to next week’s Cooking Activity.

Week 6’s Activities: Monday 3 June: “Bend It Like Beckham” Tuesday 4 June: Hopscotch & Hoops Wednesday 5 June: Indoor Hockey Thursday 6 June: “Our Kitchen Rules” - Mini Pizza Bread Friday 7 June: Movie (G) and Popcorn

Winter School Holiday Program bookings NOW OPEN! Monday 15 July to Friday 19 July We have heaps of jam-packed activities and incursions ranging from Winter-themed activities, plenty of games and sports, and a Christmas in July Party! Visit the Extend website at extend.com.au for program timetables, booking forms, and activity descriptions.

Bookings close Friday 28 June – book now to avoid disappointment.

ONLINE BOOKINGS: extend.com.au CALL OUR OFFICE: 1300 366 437

TIGS P&F TIGS P&F Facebook Page The TIGS P&F now has a Facebook page. You can read about the latest happenings for parents and students by clicking the “Like” icon.

It is also a useful way to contact the P&F if you have any questions. https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Illawarra-Grammar-School-PF/125427547642086?ref=hl

DID YOU

KNOW

?

Are your contact details up to date?

You can update your contact details and more through the Parent Portal http://portal.tigs.nsw.edu. au/#parent If you experience password difficulties or you forget your password please contact Mrs Regina Buckley on (02) 4220 0200 and she will be most happy to assist you.

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