TI G S
Newsletter The Illawarra Grammar School
Academic Christian Caring
NASSA ATHLETICS CARNIVAL Issue 5
TERM III 2014
Headmaster THE WORKS EXHIBITION 2014 ‘The Works’ Exhibition for 2014 held last weekend was just fantastic. The major works of Year 12 HSC students were on display last Friday and Saturday. Students displayed their Art, Design, Photography, Furniture, Video, Dance and Drama and all who viewed the display came away inspired by the creative endeavours of our soon to be graduated students. Students from Junior School also had their work on display. It was wonderful to see the level of skill and artistry in their work and to imagine what they will be producing when it becomes their turn to sit for HSC assessment. Congratulations to Shay Harper, Sarah Tubman and Maya Soligo who received $50 encouragement awards, sponsored by the TIGS Foundation. As our Year 12 students enter the ‘end game’ of their compulsory education which will incorporate final reports, graduation, the HSC examinations and finally the release of HSC results and ATARs, it is easy to be caught up in all the hype and emotion that goes with these momentous events. The aim of a TIGS education is not just to maximise HSC and ATAR results. This statement may surprise some given the outstanding results our students achieve each year. The teachers at TIGS are experts in assisting students to achieve the highest results possible at all ability levels.
However, excellent HSC and ATAR results are just a part of what we seek to achieve as a school. The TIGS Statement of Mission and Values includes: “Success in learning involves the development of the whole child. The School is committed to offering a broad curriculum, adopting a holistic approach to each student’s academic, spiritual, physical, aesthetic, cultural, social and emotional development.” (TIGS Website) What I found exciting about the work displayed at The Works was not just the aesthetic appeal of the major works, as glorious and as inspiring as they were. Each student also gave some insight into their personal view of the world through their creative expression. Noted education writer Sir Ken Robinson has written: “The arts especially address the idea of aesthetic experience. An aesthetic experience is one in which your senses are operating at their peak; when you’re present in the current moment; when you’re resonating with the excitement of this thing that you’re experiencing; when you are fully alive.” Those that observed Harrison Heycott’s time lapse photography of the night sky, Lucy Donovan’s intricate pen drawings, Jessica Kuit’s critique of the plight of boat people through the videoing of her expressive dance and drama skills, or the beautiful design and cabinet work of Jordan Scocco will know that our students have had that “fully alive” experience.
I have no doubt that the strength of the performance of our students in public examinations is more than good teaching in what are wrongly perceived to be mainstream academic subjects. Through the expression enabled by our creative faculties of The Arts (Music, Dance, Drama, Art, Photography) and Design, through Sport and the many Cocurricular activities offered across the Junior and Senior Schools, our students know how to experience and express what it means to be human. In this context, learnt within the framework of a Christian world view, learning and performing in examinations has sense and meaning.
Chaplain’s Message OLD SCHOOL CHAPEL
is called An Australian Prayer Book. It was from this book our chapel service of last week was taken. The chief jewel of this rich liturgical tradition is the notion of “common prayer”. A prayer book service gives voice to the congregation. We share the prayers together; we say the creeds together; we recite scripture together. As we do this we give voice to the truth of the Bible that says “there is one God and one mediator between mankind and God, the man Jesus Christ.” (1Timothy 2.5) Consequently, “through him [i.e. Jesus] we both [i.e. Jew and Gentile] have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Ephesians 2.18)
“The fact is that given the challenges we face, education doesn’t need to be reformed -- it needs to be transformed. The key to this transformation is not to standardize education, but to personalize it, to build achievement on discovering the individual talents of each child, to put students in an environment where they want to learn and where they can naturally discover their true passions.” (Sir Ken Robinson) Congratulations to everyone that contributed to The Works Exhibition, 2014. Stephen Kinsella Headmaster
Last week in Senior School chapel we did things a little differently. We participated in a traditional Anglican Prayer Book service. It was a moving occasion. The Anglican Church has a rich liturgical history. It dates back to 1549 when Archbishop Thomas Cranmer issued the first version of a prayer book for use in the Church of England. Cranmer’s first book was to receive a significant revision in 1552 and then again (but to a lesser degree) under Elizabeth I in 1559. These initial versions would culminate in what would come to be the definitive version for the Church of England – the Book of Common Prayer published in 1662. Along with the Bible (but not equal to its authority) the Book of Common Prayer became the standard for public worship in the Church of England. While the Anglican Church of Australia has always accepted the 1662 Book of Common Prayer as its standard for public worship there have been a number of home-grown revisions. While none of these have superseded the 1662 book they have become more widely used in recent times. The first revision in 1978 was the edition that gained the widest acceptance and use. It
It was a great delight to hear our students voice these ancient prayers and creeds. While for many of them the experience was new (and rather unusual) I was thrilled with the way most gave themselves wholeheartedly to the experience. I have had a number of conversations with students following the service and have yet to speak with anyone who was not moved by the service. There were a few reasons I wanted our students to experience this service. For our Year 9 students it will form the basis of an assessment task in a Christian Studies unit on Church History. They will be required to compare and contrast the traditional service with our more regular contemporary chapel service. A second reason was that I wanted to educate our students on a type of service that is still current in many of our churches today. I want them to be able to hold themselves well if they find themselves in such a service some time. But more importantly, I wanted our students to experience this service because of its strong biblical leanings. Cranmer was a significant theological thinker. He knew what was appropriate for human beings when they gathered in the name of Jesus Christ. I wanted more than anything for our students to come under the tutelage of one of the Church’s primary worship leaders as they engaged with God. Rev James Rogers Chaplain
Senior School STUDENT VOICE
One of the Strategic Initiatives of the 2013 - 2017 Strategic Plan is to nurture and support ‘Student Voice’ in student learning and well-being. As you know, the IB curriculum and our educational philosophy are focused on designing teaching and learning programmes around student needs. And this is the process in which we are currently engaged. Students have to become actively involved in their education in a cycle of learning where they are first sharing observations with each other, then in extended dialogue with their teacher and finally, having practised in the way of the experts, they can with confidence speak in their own voice. Educational theory and the latest brain research indicate that learning is not acquired in a linear manner or in a simple building-blocks approach but in more complex and diverse ways where learners are actively involved in constructing mental models, relating new knowledge to knowledge they already have and then using their new understanding to problem-solve using higher order thinking skills. Student Voice is therefore being used to ensure that students are more engaged in their learning and become skilled communicators as well as confident and empowered in planning and shaping their learning.
Monica Watt Head of Senior School Deputy Headmaster
Student Voice can also be heard through the formal and structured youth forums of the Student Representative Council (SRC) which has recently been very active in facilitating dialogue at a whole-school level. During 2014 the School Captains have encouraged and supported effective discussion of student views, ideas for change and the formal presentation of such ideas to Senior School staff. The Captains have also ensured that this communication has been two-way giving regular feedback to the whole school at Assembly about initiatives that they have helped put in place in administrative matters and about the progress of other proposals that have been made regarding Pastoral Care and Community Service. The growth in student involvement has been quite marked this year and at a recent Assembly the Captains presented SRC badges to many students who have become regular and positive contributors and supporters over the year. Congratulations to our School Captains: Kate Martin, Hamish Paine, Emma Hatton and Alex Marzano. You really have empowered the student body to speak, to listen, to collaborate in order to bring about change to ensure individual student wellbeing and that of their peers.
Senior Sport
NASSA ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
On Wednesday 20 August over 80 TIGS students travelled to Campbelltown Athletics Stadium to compete at the NASSA Athletics Championships. There were a number of outstanding results on the day, including Ashley Dribbus and Maudie Skyring breaking records in the 13yr Girls Discus and the 17yr Girls 400m respectively. Another highlight was the impressive win by the Senior Girls Relay team, who blitzed the field and only just missed breaking the record that they had set last year. TIGS placed second overall on the day, narrowly missing first place by only 30 points. A big thank you needs to go to Kuiam Anu, Elizabeth Dominis, Kristen Chadrawy and Roisin Concannon from Year 12, who took time out of their Trial HSC exams to compete and support the TIGS team. All of the TIGS students who competed on the day were wonderful ambassadors for TIGS and they should be proud of themselves. Over 30 students from TIGS qualified to compete at the AICES Athletics Championships to be held at Homebush on Monday 1 September. We wish all of those students the best of luck.
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
Canteen
Parent Portal CONTACT DETAILS
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 Please remember to update addresses, phone numbers (work, home have your help. Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Aunties, Uncles and and mobile) and emergency contact details when changes occur. friends are all welcome. This includes any medical conditions, operations and illnesses. This can be updated via the Parent Portal. If you have difficulty logging To join the friendly team please phone Debbie in the Canteen on on to the Parent Portal please contact Mrs Regina Buckley on 4220 0241 or email canteen@tigs.nsw.edu.au 4220 0200.
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 5 September, with orders arriving on Friday 12 September. Thank you for supporting our event!
Junior School ‘The Works’ Exhibition
‘The Works’ Exhibition showcased the Creativity of HSC students, with the usual quality and outstanding professionalism we have come to observe here at TIGS. This year it was with great pleasure the Junior School was asked to join this most auspicious occasion. Year 6 were doing an inquiry into ‘How The World Works, with a central idea that scientific knowledge constantly evolves and impacts people’s lives. We looked at the way artists recorded and documented before the camera. The children did studies of flora and fauna concentrating on detail, texture and tone. The School awarded three students with an encouragement prize each receiving $50.00 to spend on art supplies donated by TIGS Foundation. These students were Shay Harper, Sarah Tubman and Maya Soligo. Congratulations to those students. The Year 2’s showcased a collection of works, showing a variety of inquiries and techniques they have studied. There was also a brief snapshot of Year 1 sculpture and a collegial task undertaken by Kindergarten, based on the integration of Australian Aboriginal art. It is refreshing to see the art and the creative responses the children have been involved in. Creativity plays an integral part in educating our children holistically, giving the young artist’s a voice to freely express themselves. Creativity is a medium for children to express their thoughts and feelings kinaesthetically, allowing them to take risks and explore through process. The relationship between creativity and general intelligence has been proven; therefore greater exposure should be encouraged.
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.
Narelle McRae Acting Head of Junior School
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 the AMOUNT ENCLOSED (Remember NO gift is required) All monies should be sent in to either the Junior School Office (Kinder - Year 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 2 days: Wednesday 3 September Years 3 - 6 Friday 5 September Kindy - Year 2 For further enquiries please contact Lisa Kiteley on 0407 127 550
Tounament of Minds On Sunday the 24th of August, four teams from our Junior School travelled to Corpus Christi High School to participate in Tournament of Minds. Since the beginning of Term III, the students had been working hard to complete their long term challenges and provide solutions to problems in the following discipline areas: Maths Engineering, Language and Literature, Social Sciences and Applied Technology. Students were also asked to complete a spontaneous challenge on the day, requiring quick, creative thinking a n d teamwork skills. Each team performed very well their hard work and team spirit clearly evident. Congratulations to all students involved in such a rewarding competition.
a n d w a s t o
Students participating in Tournament of Minds
FATHERS DAY
BREAKFAST
NASSA ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
Our NASSA team did exceptionally well placing 2nd overall at the Carnival held at Campbelltown Athletics Centre last Thursday. The following children have made it to CIS and the results are as follows: 8-10yrs Boys 800m
11yrs Girls Shot Put
2nd Ben Giason
1st Annie McLearie
8yrs Boys 100m
2nd Selene Chadrawy
3rd Christian Vujic
11yrs Girls High Jump
8yrs Girls 100m
1st Isobel Kinnear
3rd Allegra Fock
11yrs Girls Long Jump
Jnr Boys Shot Put
1st Annie McLearie
2nd Bodhi Hemsley-Oades
11yrs Girls Discus
Jnr Girls High Jump
2nd Selene Chadrawy
2nd Charlotte Atkinson
3rd Aria Bacic-Johnston
Jnr Girls Discus
11yrs Girls Javelin
1st Annie McLearie
1st Selene Chadrawy
11yrs Boys 800m
2nd Annie McLearie
1st James Healey
12yrs Boys Discus
11yrs Boys 200m
2nd Thomas Main
3rd James Healey
12yrs Girls 100m
11yrs Boys Long Jump
1st Margaux Chauvet
3rd John Taiwo
12yrs Girls 200m
11yrs Boys Javelin
1st Margaux Chauvet
2nd James Healey
12yrs Girls High Jump
11yrs Girls 800m
2nd Margaux Chauvet
2nd Victoria Summerill
12yrs Girls Long Jump
11yrs Girls 100m
2nd Margaux Chauvet
2nd Isobel Kinnear
12yrs Girl Shot Put
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.
11yrs Girls 200m
2nd Cartia Taranto
1st Victoria Summerill
12yrs Girls Discus
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)
2nd Isobel Kinnear
2nd Cartia Taranto
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
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
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
MERIT CERTIFICATES Academic
Oscar Tilden Mathilda Hoy Shay Harper Kyah Dema Hugh D’Rozario Brandon Nugara Cooper Kerridge Zachary Birch Holly Jenner Astrid Sperring Tom I’Ons Ayaan Chabungbam Estella Loeser
Dates for your diaries: Tuesday 2 September Wednesday 3 September Friday 5 September Friday 5 September Thursday 18 September Friday 19 September
WEEKLY AWARDS Service
Harley Adams Kiarna McIlwraith
KD KM KP 1M 1T 2H 2M 2C 3B 4C 4R
Aahan Rakheja Max Clark James Saffoury, Calix Langton Lachlan Kiang, Nelle-May Makowski Samra Tarrant, Ayaan Chabungbam Alexander Vartazarian, Reuben Grundy Tyler Sullivan, Xavier Druett Thomas Saffoury, Hussen Bangamwabo Angus Kiang, James Gardner Kyah Dema, Zachary Birch Cooper Kerridge, Holly Jenner, Mathilda Hoy
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
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
A picnic lunch co-ordinator is required for this year’s Big Day In. The Junior School P&F, Karobran, organise the picnic lunches to be purchased for the Big Day In, which is to be held on Thursday 18 September. If you are interested in taking on this role please contact Tanya Edgerton at tanya@ tfabrications.com.au It is a great way for someone to contribute to the school community who doesn’t have the time to commit to an ongoing role.
Extend at TIGS
Spring School Holiday Program bookings NOW OPEN! Monday 22 September to Friday 3 October 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.
UPCOMING
EVENTS
WEEK 7
AICES Athletics Carnival Music 2 Concert Monday 1 September
Father’s Day Stall
Tuesday 2 September and Friday 5 September
Father’s 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, Rees Hall