TI G S
Newsletter The Illawarra Grammar School
Academic Christian Caring
FIRE Station Visit YEAR 1 Issue 4
TERM III 2014
Headmaster THE TIGS ADVANTAGE The following is an up-date on advice originally given in 2012. I am amazed by the number of parents who tell me that they regularly have to justify their decision to send their children to TIGS. It is a sad comment on society that a decision to spend after tax dollars on holidays, cars and wide-screen TVs is lauded while a decision to spend the same dollars on an independent school education for a child can attract derision. Parents armed with some facts are best placed to counter those that argue on the basis of stereotypes and uninformed opinion. I hope parents find the following encouraging as well as useful. Funding: It costs all governments (2012 figures) on average $15,770 to educate a child in a state school and only $7,200 to educate the same child in an average independent school. At TIGS the average level of government funding was $6,392 per student.
abilities. In 2013, 90% of graduates received an offer of a university course of their choice. 90% of applicants received an offer of entry to university before they sat for the HSC. No other school in the Illawarra region achieves this outcome. In 2013, three students from TIGS (a non-selective school) received the Premier’s Award (achieving the top band in their top 10 units of study), which is the same number of students as the local selective high school. Elective Choices: Students in the Senior School have more elective choices than any other school in the region. These choices include Mathematics at all levels, all the Sciences, three languages (Mandarin, Japanese and French) and Music (Music 1, Music 2 and Extension), Dance and Drama. All the available Extension courses are taught at TIGS. Co-curricular Programme: There are more opportunities at TIGS for students to develop their gifts and talents than any other school in the region. In the Junior School students can choose to participate in over 20 activities outside the classroom. In the Senior School this number extends to over 40 activities. No TIGS student can claim they have nothing to do.
Enrolments: Across Australia, approximately 35% of students attend a non-government school. In metropolitan areas this increases to over 50% at senior secondary school level. The independent sector is the most rapidly growing education sector.
Disadvantaged Families: TIGS provides scholarship and humanitarian assistance to refugee families and families whose circumstances would otherwise prevent them from attending TIGS. We do this as an act of service and do not seek public recognition for this programme.
Outstanding Academic Results: TIGS accepts students across a range of academic
Sport: TIGS has an outstanding sports programme offering over 20 different sports
to suit all ability levels. TIGS is the dominant school at representative level and students regularly achieve national representation. TIGS had two students compete at the London Olympic Games. Our Junior Girls Futsal Team recently became State Champions, winning the State Final by an astonishing margin of 8-0. Performing Arts: TIGS offers courses in Music, Drama and Dance. There are 29 Music ensembles covering students from the Piper Centre through to Year 12, including the TIGS Symphony Orchestra. Musical productions in recent years have been Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story, CATS and The Secret Garden. We expect and achieve excellence in all that we do. Co-education: “We all know that a student’s genetic and socio-economic background has a huge impact on their learning, but educational researchers such as John Hattie and the late Ken Rowe have demonstrated that the next huge factor is not the gender factor – that’s way down, if there at all; it’s the quality of teaching.” (John Hattie (2009) ‘Visible Learning’: Routledge) TIGS is blessed with excellent teachers. International Reputation: TIGS is part of an international community of 3,882 schools (just 152 in Australia) accredited as an IB World School. It is authorised to teach the Primary Years Program (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate Organisation for Years Prep to 6, and is currently implementing the Middle Years Program (MYP) for Years 7 to 10. TIGS has sister school’s in Japan, Thailand, France and with Emu Point in the Northern Territory.
Chaplain’s Message THE GREAT BIBLE SWINDLE
place on education and so on. We take for granted so much of what we value in Western culture. It is the air we breathe. Because of this we are at risk of failing to recognize the significant place the Bible has had in creating the context in which we live. Greg gave some personal examples of his own experience studying Literature at Sydney University. Many of the poets he engaged with in the course used the Bible as their primary conversation partner. Greg acknowledged the difficulty this caused to those students who didn’t know the Bible; they were unable to intelligently interact with the text. Those who recognized the biblical allusions were in the minority - the numbers were scary.
Values: TIGS has a clear set of values expressed in its Statement of Mission and Values. Students learn and grow in an environment where the values at home are in synch with the values at school. At TIGS we know who we are and we know where we are going. Christian Education: TIGS is an Anglican school and employs a Chaplain and an Assistant Chaplain. It is working with the Anglican Education Commission to develop a fully integrated approach to Christian education across the whole school curriculum. Community minded: Students at TIGS learn to serve others. From The Piper Centre through to Year 12, students learn that a TIGS education brings with it the responsibility to care for others. TIGS students are personally engaged with many local organisations, including the Disability Trust of NSW, Cancer Council Illawarra, SCARF – Strategic Community Assistance for Refugee Families, Anglicare Illawarra and Manna House. We are proud of our school and the achievements of our students. Stephen Kinsella Headmaster
On Monday at our Staff Professional Development Day we were privileged to have Dr Greg Clarke speak to us on the importance of the Bible in the School curriculum. Greg’s thesis is simple. He holds that Western civilization has been so informed by the Bible that it is impossible to be fully conversant with Western culture without a good knowledge of the Bible. Indeed, given how thoroughly the Bible has formed and fashioned Western culture one can hardly consider oneself fully educated without a good working knowledge of the Bible. Greg’s thesis is elaborated upon in his most recent book ‘The Great Bible Swindle’. The book was recently awarded the 2014 Christian Book of the Year prize. In it, Greg details just how profoundly our culture has been shaped by the Bible – we see it in our laws, in our language, in our literature, in our songs, in our art, in our welfare, in our freedoms, in our concern for the rights of human beings, in the importance we
One of our aims at TIGS in teaching the Bible is to set up our students to be fully conversant in the culture in which they live. We want them to be able to take a university class in Literature and spot straight away a biblical reference so they might engage intelligently with it; we want them to study Law and spot straight away a law which is based on biblical precedent so they might be better placed to assess its relevance for contemporary life; we want them to study Science and be able to explain how and why those who worked from a biblical perspective were the pioneers of the Scientific Revolution in the 16th and 17th centuries. The title of Greg’s book – ‘The Great Bible Swindle’ - alludes to a problem. The problem is that there is a somewhat sinister attempt by some to shelve the Bible in contemporary education. To do this is to do our young people a great disservice. It is to send them out into a world without the language to suitably engage with the world. We will not be so unkind to our precious students here at TIGS. Rev James Rogers Chaplain
Senior School CREATIVITY
So often when you hear people say ‘I’m not creative,’ they then usually follow with the statement ‘I can’t draw, or paint or play the piano’ or some other skill which lies in the domain of the subjects we loosely term The Creative and Performing Arts. But is that really what creativity is about? There can be some very mechanical and non-creative performers and there can be some very creative thinking in Mathematics, in Commerce and in that important realm of Homework Excuses. It is inventiveness, originality, problem-solving, a way of thinking laterally and outside the square. It is the expression of thoughts and ideas in different forms: metaphor and symbol, vision and sound, texture and touch, drama and dance. In our holistic approach to learning we aim to support and facilitate such thinking - which is now recognised as the highest form of cognitive activity in Bloom’s Taxonomy and numerous other educational theories. By adopting the IB philosophy, allowing student-centred enquiry to guide their learning, we are acknowledging the neuroplasticity of the brain and supporting the development of these higher order processes for each and every student, which will be so critical for them as they take their place in the world of the future. We have always nurtured and supported such creativity in both the curriculum and in co- and extra- curricular activities. This week’s ‘The Works’ Exhibition demonstrates the wonderful and varied achievements of those students who have extended themselves and through their endeavours expressed profound ideas that will enrich us all.
Monica Watt Head of Senior School Deputy Headmaster
Please visit the Exhibition and enjoy marvelling at creativity in action. You will be inspired.
‘THE WORKS’ EXHIBITION
An inspiring exhibition of the creative major works of our 2014 HSC students
FRIDAY 22 AUGUST 2014
7.00pm - 8.30pm in the IGC
SATURDAY 23 AUGUST 2014
11.00am - 2.00pm in the IGC
‘Float’ by Angus Cochrane Year 12 2014
The Arts
THE WORKS EXHIBITION
TIGS has a long and proud tradition of fostering the Arts. It is through the stories of our artists, designers and performers past and present that we have been reminded that the experience of the arts can be an extremely positive part of people’s lives. While reconnecting with our alumni over the years of ‘The Works’ we have found that our student s are still making, designing and performing as part of their daily lives. Whether it forms part of their work or their leisure, many of these alumni have given credit to their teachers and to their experience at school being a positive force in their creative lives. ‘The Works’ Exhibition, now in its 14th year, has been just one of the ways that TIGS has supported the Arts. It has also allowed the School and the local community to celebrate the talents and achievements of TIGS students. This year we are pleased to welcome back Noel McLaughlin (HSC 1996) to officially open ‘The Works’ Exhibition, 2014. Noel studied Photography and Visual Arts at TIGS during Years 9 to 12 and followed his passion to study and complete a BA in Visual Communication from KvB in Sydney and Rochester Institute of Technology, New York. After relocating to London in 2004, Noel has worked with broad range of photographers such as Nick Knight, Craig McDean and the infamous Annie Leibovitz. Noel has also exhibited his personal photographic work in group and solo shows in London and his imagery has been commissioned and purchased for international, corporate and private collections. Noel is currently living and working between Sydney and London. His work can be viewed on his website at www.noelmc.com This year’s Works Exhibition promises to be an inspiring glimpse into the efforts of our Higher School Certificate students in the areas of Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Dance, Drama, Music and Extension English. The Exhibition showcases the major projects of over 40 students and is the culmination of the year’s work. There will also be an exhibition of artwork by students of the Junior School running alongside ‘The Works’. This is an excellent opportunity for those contemplating subject selection from one of these creative areas to view the outcomes and possibilities of courses offered at The Illawarra Grammar School. Everyone is welcome to attend the Official Opening on Friday 22 at 7.00pm. If you’re unable to make this, there is an extended viewing opportunity on Saturday from 11.00am – 2.00pm.
Language News CHARITY OBENTO DAY!
The Language Department is happy to announce that there will be another Japanese Charity Obento Day! This is to raise money for the Year 12 Charity ‘Street Swags’ and $2 from each order will go towards providing comfortable bedding to those in need. Students from Years 5-12 will be able to purchase two types of lunches; meat or vegetarian which will cost $12 each. This year, ordering and payment is to be completed online via FlexiSchools at www.flexischools.com.au The closing date for orders is Friday Friday 5 September, with orders arriving on Friday 12 September. Thank you for supporting our event!
Junior School On our Staff Development Day earlier this week the Junior School teachers spent the day working with Maths consultant Anita Chin. Anita has a passion for hands-on activities and for making Maths visible for learners of all ages. She strives to model differentiation within the Curriculum and supports teachers and school leaders with its implementation. Anita has 20 years experience as an educator across Australia and the US. She has conducted research into the use of concrete materials to teach Number and Algebra concepts in the Primary and Middle Years. The Junior School Staff were involved in demonstration lessons, workshops and team curriculum planning.
Mrs Pat Slater – ESL/EALD Teacher It is with regret that I inform you our ESL/EALD teacher Mrs Pat Slater has decided to retire from teaching. Mrs Slater has worked here at TIGS for the past five years as both a casual classroom teacher and our ESL/EALD teacher. We thank Mrs Slater for her hard work and the dedication she has shown towards the students and the School. We will miss Mrs Slater and wish her all the very best as she begins this new stage of her life.
‘The Works’ Exhibition Just a reminder that ‘The Works’ Exhibition will be held tonight, Friday 22 August in the IGC from 7.00pm. ‘The Works’ will also be open on Saturday 23 August from 11.00am – 2.00pm. We look forward once again to the unveiling of the major HSC works by our Year 12 students and the Year 6 and Year 2 exhibition. Many thanks must go to Ms Melanie Richards for her hard work and expertise in collating the Junior School section of the exhibition and for preparing the students so successfully. Please join me on Friday evening for this wonderful event.
Dates for your diaries: • • • • • • • •
Thursday 28 August Thursday 28 August Tuesday 2 September Wednesday 3 September Friday 5 September Friday 5 September Thursday 18 September Friday 19 September
Book Week TIGS Trophy P&F Meeting – 6.00pm to 7.00pm Goodhew Library Father’s Day Stall Years 3-6 Father’s Day Stall Kinder – Year 2 Father’s Day Breakfast – 7.00am to 8.00am Rees Hall Big Day In Karobran Disco – 5.30pm to 7.30pm Rees Hall
MERIT CERTIFICATES
Academic
Maya Middleton Thomas Partland Christian Vujic Lachlan Kiang Cate Giason Annaliese Brunskill Maddison Tonkin Alizeh Syed Selma Celik
WEEKLY AWARDS KD KM KP 1M 1T 2C 2H 2M 6G 6W
Narelle McRae Acting Head of Junior School
Service
Sarah Partland
P&F 2014 Karobran Disco
Volunteers are needed for this event for various roles including canteen, supervision and BBQ (great job for dads!!). Friday 19 September 5.30pm to 7.30pm. If you would like to be part of this fun night please contact Lauren Gadson via email laurenpg80@gmail. com
The Big Day In
Luca Baxa, Tom I’Ons A picnic lunch co-ordinator is required for this year’s Big Day In. Grace Russo, Ashwin Gogulan The Junior School P&F, Karobran, organise the picnic lunches to Andrew Neal, Oliver Johnson be purchased for the Big Day In, which is to be held on Thursday Hugh D’Rozario, Nikita Nicholson 18 September. If you are interested in taking on this role please Riley Grundy, Odelia Aghmesheh contact Tanya Edgerton at tanya@tfabrications.com.au It is a Christian Vujic great way for someone to contribute to the school community who Chloe Jackson, Allegra Fock doesn’t have the time to commit to an ongoing role. Cohen Sawyer, Ella McIlwraith, Lachlan Neal Shay Harper Annie McLearie, Lily Galbraith, Selma Celik, Hunter Danckwardt-Bruce, Maya Middleton
JUNIOR SCHOOL FATHER’S DAY STALL
It is that time of year again where the Junior School children have the opportunity to participate in the Fundraiser Father’s Day Stall. Once again, we will pre-purchase a wide range of presents that the children will be able to choose from.
FATHERS DAY
BREAKFAST
For your child to participate please send in $10.00 for each present they wish to purchase, $5.00 of this will, as always be for school fundraising. Please enclose the money in an envelope clearly marked with: CHILD’S NAME, CLASS AND AMOUNT ENCLOSED (Remember NO gift is required) All monies should be sent in to either the Junior School Office (Years K-6) or the Early Learning Centre (Pre-prep & Prep) before 29 August. It is important that your child’s money is handed into the correct office so that their names are marked off correctly and there are no disappointments on the day. Pre Prep and Prep parents will be notified by The Piper Centre with regards to their arrangements for gift selection. The Father’s Day Stall will be held over two days: • Wednesday 3 September Years 3 to 6 • Friday 5 September Kindy, Years 1 and Year 2
You are invited
FRIDAY 5 September 2014 7.00am - 8.00am Rees Hall
RSVP: Friday 29 August 2014 - Visit website MENU
Assorted Cereals Fresh Fruit Assorted Yoghurts Sausage Sandwiches for the children Juice, Coffee and Tea DAD’S, BRING THE KIDS ALONG AND ENJOY A WONDERFUL BREAKFAST TO CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY
Academic • Christian • Caring An International Baccalaureate World School
For further enquiries please contact Lisa Kiteley 0407 127 550
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
It is a tradition of the Junior School that we all work together to participate in Operation Christmas Child. This is a Samaritan’s Purse initiative that provides Christmas shoe boxes full of goodies for children around the world. It is particularly relevant for young students as they can easily identify with children their own age missing out on all the fun things they get to enjoy at Christmas themselves. operationchristmaschild.org.au This year we will again have a giving focus for each week, however, donations of shoe boxes and Christmas wrapping paper can be sent in as soon as possible. Items must be new, not pre-loved and fit into a shoe box. Week 6 Monday 25 August SOMETHING SPECIAL Carry bag, sunglasses, bangles, necklaces, craft kits, stickers, note or photo of yourself (No lollies or food items –customs regulations) Week 7 Monday 1 September SOMETHING FOR PERSONAL HYGIENE - Soap and face washer, toothbrush, hairbrush, comb, hair-clips, scrunchies, etc. (No talc, No toothpaste, NO LIQUIDS) Week 8 Monday 8 September SOMETHING TO WEAR T-shirt, shorts, underwear, cap, beanie, socks, sandals, thongs, etc. Week 9 Monday 15 September SOMETHING TO PLAY WITH Tennis balls (these are the best!), cars, skipping rope, marbles, musical instrument that fits in shoebox, yo-yo, slinky, finger puppets, wind up toys, etc. (No battery items). If you would like to help with packing the boxes or can wrap boxes please call Karen Williams on 0407407763 or email kewilliams@ ambulance.nsw.gov.au
Extend at TIGS Spring School Holiday Program bookings NOW OPEN! Monday 22 Sept to Friday 3 Oct 2014
We have heaps of jam-packed activities and incursions ranging from Arts & Crafts, Cooking, plenty of games and sports and lots of Spring activities! Visit the Extend website at extend.com.au for program timetables, booking forms and activity descriptions. Bookings close Friday 5 September – book now to avoid disappointment.
TIGS Foundation TIGSFOUNDATION
"Not so secret" Men's Business an innings with adam gilchrist 7.00pm Friday 7 November 2014 WHO: Men (dress: smart casual) WHAT: 3 Course Dinner, Beverages and Entertainment WHERE: Victory Room Western Grandstand, WIN Stadium, Wollongong COST: $150 pp RSVP: Book online at www.tigs.nsw.edu.au or phone 02 4220 0264 A TIGS Foundation Fundraising Event
TIGS Canteen The TIGS Canteen is welcoming any new volunteers. If you could spare a few hours of your time in the Canteen, we would love to have your help. Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Aunties, Uncles and friends are all welcome. To join the friendly team please phone Debbie in the Canteen on 4220 0241 or email canteen@tigs.nsw.edu.au
Parent Portal CONTACT DETAILS
Please remember to update addresses, phone numbers (work, home and mobile) and emergency contact details when changes occur. This includes any medical conditions, operations and illnesses. This can be updated via the Parent Portal. If you have difficulty logging on to the Parent Portal please contact Mrs Regina Buckley on 4220 0200.
UPCOMING
EVENTS
WEEK 7
AICES Athletics Carnival Music 2 Concert Monday 1 September
Fathers Day Stall
Tuesday 2 September and Friday 5 September
Fathers Day Breakfast 7.00am Friday 5 September
WEEK 8
Elective Drama Evening Tuesday 9 September
WEEK 9
The Great Race Junior School Big Day In Thursday 18 September
Year 12 Graduation Ceremony 9.00am Friday 19 September
Karobran Disco
5.30pm to 7.30pm Friday 19 September, Reese Hall