NEWSLETTER Year 1 Year 6 Progression Dinner
Headmaster’s Message Chaplain’s Message Head of Senior School Head of Junior School
Year 6 Canberra Excursion
Issue 6 Term I, 2012
Academic • Christian • Caring
We Set Excellence As Our Standard This Saturday (17 March 2012) is TIGS Expo Day with the School open for prospective and current families to sample the daily routines, facilities and opportunities at our school. The doors will be open from 10.00am until 2.00pm and this is a great opportunity for anyone that wants to understand what makes TIGS such a special place to meet with our staff and students. This year our Library will not be a part of the Expo Day tour as it is in the final stages of transformation into a 21st Century learning space. The project is on schedule and we expect to start moving in within the next few weeks to be ready for use from the start of Term II. A feature of the Library will be the greater use of technology to facilitate excellent teaching and learning. The Professional Leaning Day/Pupil Free Day held last week was used by teachers to refine their ICT skills and to learn new approaches to using technology. The adoption of the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiative in the Senior School has, as expected, opened up many new opportunities for teaching and learning. I congratulate all staff, Headmaster students and parents on the mature approach taken to the initiative and for maintaining the focus on good teaching and learning and not the technology. Our Director of Information Services, Ms Leanne Windsor, has spoken at a conference in Melbourne and has been interviewed now on three occasions by the media on the approach taken at TIGS and the successful implementation of the initiative. Many schools, including several from Victoria have requested a visit to TIGS to see how we do it. Well done to everyone for making the BYOD initiative a success.
Stephen Kinsella
Success has also been achieved by our swimmers. We celebrated great results in the pool at both Junior and Senior NASSA swimming carnivals last week. This week we hope for great results from our elite swimmers, present and past, at the Olympic Swimming trials being held this weekend. Our best wishes go to: Emma McKeon (Year 12) competing in 50, 100 and 200 Free, 50 and 100 Fly Jarrod Poort (Year 12) competing in 800 and 1500 Free Aaron Cannon (Year 11) competing in 50, 100 and 400 Free, 50 Back David McKeon (Class of 2010) competing in 100, 200, 400 and 800 Free (Stop Press: David won the 400m freestyle and is off to the London Olympics) Robert Hurley (Class of 2006) competing in 200, 400, 800 and 1500 Free TIGS students were also honoured with top awards by CIS at the recent annual sports dinner. Tegan Richards (Year 12) received a CIS Secondary School Blues Award for Hockey and Ashley Dribbus (Year 6) received a CIS Primary School Red Award for Athletics. The awards are not lightly given and to achieve such a level of success is a great honour. At TIGS we set excellence as our standard. Our statement of Mission and Values describes excellence at TIGS “as neither elitist nor exclusive and is accessible to all who aspire to be the best they can be.” Whether it is in the classroom learning in new ways or in the pool achieving new personal best times, we all benefit from the success generated when members of the TIGS community seek to be the best they can be. Stephen Kinsella Headmaster
Did you know that 18 students from Year 12, 2011 have gone on to study in the field of Arts? • • • • • • • •
1 Music 2 Visual Arts 3 Communication and Media 3 Journalism 6 Arts 1 Arts/International Studies 1 Creative Arts 1 Fine Arts
Chaplain’s Message God’s Gracious Reminder This week marks the first anniversary of the tsunami which devastated the north-eastern coastline of Japan. We will do well to prayerfully remember the Japanese people this week as they reflect upon their loss. Events like last year’s tsunami raise enormous questions about the nature and purposes of God. How can a loving God allow such pain and misery? What is God doing? These are fair questions. They are also profound questions. Even if I could provide adequate answers to such questions it could not be done in a short article of this nature. I want to reiterate, however, that it is fair to ask such questions. While we might struggle to find sufficient answers to the ultimate question of suffering in this world I believe there is one thing we can know for sure. Jesus teaches us that suffering in our world acts as a gracious reminder from God that our own days are numbered and that it is imperative that we find peace with God through Jesus before we pass over into eternity. In Luke 13.1-5 Jesus refers to two tragedies in his own day which took the lives of many. He then goes on to provocatively question whether these tragedies took place because the victims were more sinful than others. His answer is a categorical “no”. Those who lost their lives simply fell victim to the dangers inherent in living in a world which is to some degree under God’s judgment due to human rebellion toward him.
Rev James Rogers Chaplain
In answering in this way Jesus alludes to a principle which runs right throughout the scriptures – all sin leads to suffering but not all suffering is a direct result of sin. Jesus is a case in point. He suffered greatly; but he was without sin. All this, however, is preliminary to Jesus’ main challenge. Tragedy of any sort is a gracious reminder from God that our own days are numbered and that before we too pass from this life to the next we need to be reconciled to God. Furthermore, the Bible offers only one way to be reconciled to God. It is through faith in Jesus the one who suffered for us. So let’s remember to pray for the Japanese people at this time. At the same time let’s remember the lesson tragedy has to teach us all. Rev James Rogers Chaplain
Senior School
There are two important events happening in the School over the next few weeks which should be of interest to both the School and the broader community. The first event is the annual School Expo day, which is this Saturday, 17 March and I encourage and invite the School Community to attend this day and spread the word on what TIGS has to offer. The second event is a series of workshops and seminars on cyber safety presented by Susan McLean. Susan is Australia’s foremost expert in the area of cyber safety and was a member of Victorian Police Service for 27 years. Widely known as the ‘cyber cop’ she was the first Victorian Police Officer appointed to a position involving Cyber safety. Susan has appeared on a range of national television shows including Insight, Four Corners, Sunrise, State Focus and Today Tonight and has spoken on a variety of National radio stations. Susan will be speaking to groups of students from Years 5 through to Year 12 on Monday 26 March and Tuesday 27 March. These seminars will focus on a range of issues relevant to using the internet and mobile devices in a safe and responsible way. The School recognises that our students are often referred to as the ‘digital natives’ with technical skills way beyond their parents and teachers. The School is aiming to harness these skills to enhance student learning, but recognise that there are inherent potential dangers associated with using technology. Susan will discuss with students how they can avoid some of the pitfalls of internet access and inappropriate use of social media that can sometimes result in misuse or cyberbullying.
Monica Watt
Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School
Susan will also be addressing a seminar for educators from 4.00pm to 5.30pm on Monday 26 March in the IGC. This event will be open to interested educators from across the region. For parents and members from the broader community, Susan will also be presenting a seminar followed by a Q & A session, on Monday evening 26 March, from 7.00pm to 8.30pm. The main areas that she will be covering in the seminar are: • • •
What are kids doing online? Misuse of technology Potential dangers and known risks
This seminar will be free, but bookings are essential via the link on the school website. Please invite friends to join you and we would be most happy to welcome them to the School. Mrs Monica Watt Deputy Head and Head of Senior School
Junior School
Raincoats
The children need to have good quality, yellow raincoats in their bags each school day. They get wet, cold and uncomfortable very quickly without them and this is easily avoided by the use of raincoats. Car line is particularly uncomfortable for those children without wet weather gear. Can I request that this weekend, all of our families take a look at the wet weather gear for their children and replace or purchase if required so that the children can stay dry and warm. Excellent raincoats can be purchased from the uniform shop.
Car Line
I would like to thank our community for their ongoing commitment to ensuring our car line is safe and efficient. You will have noticed some streamlining of the process, most obviously in our request to parents to do another lap if their child is not ready to be loaded. It is a great commendation of our community that this instruction is generally followed with courtesy and grace. Thank you!
Assemblies and Chapels
Judi Nealy
Head of Junior School
You will have noticed this year that we have decided to trial separate Infants and Primary assemblies. So far we are pleased with the feel of each and the fact that we can now tailor the singing and items to our audience. We will however have one joint assembly and chapel each term as a whole Junior School. The Easter Service will be the next joint chapel and I invite all school families to mark the date in their diary so that they can share this important Christian event with their children and our school community.
Karobran Meeting
It is with great excitement that I note the number of parents who have volunteered to be Karobran representatives this year. The first planning meeting for this group will occur on Monday 26 March. I am looking forward to working closely with Karobran representatives to ensure that our community relationships are strengthened.
Dates for your diary: • • •
Monday 26 March - Cybersafety parent training and information session with Susan McLean Thursday 29 March - Karobran Coffee and IT Chat for Years 1 and 2 parents. Places limited so confirm your spots Thursday 5 April - Combined Junior School Thanksgiving and Easter Service
Junior School Co-curricular Activities
Our Junior School Co-curricular Activities are now up on the TIGS Website. A hard copy is also available from the Junior School Office if required.
Parent Training Session
We will be holding a full Parent Training Session for parents/grandparents who wish to help in the classrooms or attend class excursions and who have not as yet participated in a full training session. This session will be on Thursday 22 March from 10.30am - 11.00am. If you are interested in attending this session please book a place with Mrs Kerrie Tregonning at ktregonning@tigs.nsw.edu.au or on 42200250.
Class Awards KB KM 1C 1M 2P 4R 5N 6Y 6W
Commitment to Learning Badge
Ryder Langton, Allegra Fock Hannah Scott William Dolan, Georgie Lancaster Jessy Harman Grace Hilton, Alissa Tonkin Nadia Nagaratnam Zoe Dribbus Sarah Jansen, Ella Green, Emma Franco, Evelyn Parrish Zara Winter, Aaron Bell, Lucas Heidrich Georgia Kettle, Ethan Jackson
Merit Certificates Erynne Stone Nadia Nagaratnam Mia Mitchell Ella Vartazarian Aaron Bell
Canteen News Please check the TIGS Website for our menu. We would welcome any new volunteers at the Canteen. Forms are available on the School Website New Product: Gluten Free Product - Handroll Sushi Box (Vegetable or Tuna and Corn) $4.50. Soy Sauce Sachet Available. Coming Soon: iphone App for Flexi Schools
Canteen Roster Week 8 Term I 2012 Monday 19 March Help Needed
Tuesday 20 March Barb Mandelson Alice Martin
Wednesday 21 March Marie Mc Corquadale
Thursday 22 March Help Needed
Friday 23 March Melanie Smith Help Needed
Uniform Shop Holiday Opening Times SUMMER TO WINTER
The Uniform Shop will be open during school holidays on the following days: 9.00am - 2.00pm Thursday 19 April 9.00am - 2.00pm Friday 20 April 9.00am - 2.00pm Saturday 21 April No appointments are necessary
Connect with TIGS on the Web TIGS has joined the world of social media and is communicating via Twitter and Facebook.
Please follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/tigswollongong
Please like us on Facebook: facebook.com/illawarragrammar
2013 Enrolments We would like to remind existing families that Enrolments for 2013 and beyond are now being taken, with limited positions in several Year groups available. All students interested in attending The Illawarra Grammar School are required to complete an Application for Enrolment form. For further information please visit the website – www.tigs.nsw.edu.au – ENROLMENTS or contact Ms Nicci Fripp on 4220 0216 or email: nfripp@tigs.nsw.edu.au
P&F Year 10 and 12 Parents Lunch
All parents of students in Years 10 and 12 are invited to an informal lunch/morning tea from 11.00am at the Wollongong Golf Course Bistro on Friday 30 March 2012. You need to come down Corrimal Street from the north to enter the carpark. This is the last Friday of Term I. It is an opportunity to meet and catch up with other parents of students in these years. Please contact Barb Mandelson, TIGS P&F Year 10 Parent Rep on 0409 969044 or chatton@bigpond.net.au for more information. I hope you can join us.
Careers News The Australian Air Force Cadets
The Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) is an air-minded youth organisation open to young people aged between 13 and 18 years. Your local unit, 314 Squadron, is now recruiting. Information sessions will be held on Tuesday 13 March 2012 and Tuesday 20 March 2012 at 7.00 pm. For more information, visit www.aafc.org.au or 314sqn.aafc.org.au or contact 314 Squadron by emailing co.314sqn@aafc.org.au or by telephoning (02) 4276 3906.
NSW Minerals Council Bursaries 2012
On Wednesday 29 February 2012, 11 senior students accompanied by Mr Sormus and myself attended the Science and Careers in the Minerals Industry Dinner at the University of Wollongong. This evening was hosted by the NSW Minerals Council. Speakers at the dinner included business executives, university students and recent graduates in Science, Engineering and Commerce disciplines. An interesting insight into the wide range of career opportunities in the minerals industry and relevant university courses was provided. The highlight of the evening was the presentation to two of our Year 11 students of a Minerals Council Bursary worth $500 in Year 11 and $1000 in year 12. The two students are Alec Adams and Oscar Sargeson. Nathan Bow and Isaac Kim from Year 12 were awarded the second year of their Minerals Council Bursary Award. The students have also each been assigned a mentor in the mining industry. Congratulations to each of the students and thanks to the sponsors of the bursaries, the NSW Minerals Council and BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal. Glenis Murphy Careers Adviser
Tertiary Information Evening
Tuesday 1 May 2012 Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 along with their parents/guardians are cordially invited to attend this evening to be held at The Illawarra Grammar School. It is designed to cater solely for the interests and needs of our students. The evening format comprises: • • •
6.00pm – 6.50pm, an Expo in the IGC 6.50pm – 7.10pm, an ex-student panel session in the IGC 7.15pm – 8.45pm, three information seminars that students and parents register to attend. The information sessions will be in allocated rooms and provide an opportunity to gain more detailed information on specific tertiary institutions.
Representatives from universities, TAFE and private tertiary institutions will provide information in the seminars including: • • • • • •
new career options and newly introduced courses appropriate tertiary institutions for a chosen career scholarships, accommodation and university schemes including Early Entry, Access and Bonus Points cadetships, traineeships, apprenticeships gap year options appropriate subject selection for Years 10 and 11
Registration for this event is essential. An information booklet and registration form will be sent to parents in the coming weeks.
Creative Arts News This year all students in the Preliminary Year had the opportunity to attend a camp with creative programs that allowed for collaborative learning, academic focus, team problem solving and the communication of learning in creative and/or innovative ways. Our program has been developed over a number of years and has an academic focus and sets the bar for excellence in the students’ study in Senior School. It promotes cross curriculum links and allows students to work in small groups. To celebrate our student’s creative achievements, The Illawarra Grammar School will present The Beyond Bundanon Exhibition - Breath and Wind this Friday night March 16, between 6.00pm and 7.30pm in the IGC. This year our exhibition of individual and collaborative projects promises to be a fascinating display of artworks in a range of media including Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Music, Dance, Photography, Film and 4D Presentations. Students will present a range of creative responses to their experiences at Riversdale and Koloona. All students and TIGS family and friends are invited to attend this unique event.
Art After Hours
Yes it’s on again! Next Wednesday evening students in the Senior School will have the opportunity to view outstanding HSC artworks at the ArtExpress Exhibition at the NSW Art Gallery. Our trip includes dinner on the way at McDonalds. This event has proved to be a wonderful opportunity for students to meet and mix with others who love art and to experience art first hand. Students leave school at 4.00pm and return at 10.30pm and they should collect a note from the Creative Arts Office. See the following link for more information. (http://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/exhibitions/ artexpress-2012/)
Senior School Sport Student Success:
Congratulations to Stella Crick (Year 12) and Fred Newman (Year 11) for their selection in the NSWCIS Open Tennis Teams. Congratulations to Jarrod Poort (Year 12) on qualifying for selection in the Oceania and Junior Pan Pac’s Team that will be selected later this year.
Equestrian
Lauren O’Neill and her horse Helios competed at the NSW Equestrian Interschool Championships 3 and 4 March at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. They qualified to compete in both the 90cm and 1m Show Jumping heights. Lauren finished the weekend with top ten placing’s in the three 90cm classes and two top ten placing’s in the 1m classes. The classes were judged on height, speed and jumping style...excellent results in very wet conditions
Team Results: Jaiden Fullerton-Harvey, Hamish Paine, Harrison Steele 2nd place in CIS Natasha Mullany, Elizabeth Martin, Sarah I’ons 2nd place in CIS Bridget Mullany,l Lilli Bennett, Jessica Kuit 4th place in CIS Madeline Negus, Maudie Skyring, Kaitlin McKeon 12th place in CIS Olivia Porcheddu, Chloe Kuiper, Kelsey Cresswell 26th place in CIS James Crowther, Harry Bolton, Tom Oyston 27th place in CIS Denali Hutt, Marie Paul Ngoy, Laura Gibbons 30th place in CIS Outstanding school results with tree of our teams in the top four CIS Schools. Thankyou to Mark Grieve and Andrew Rutty for supporting and directing the team on the day.
Senior School NASSA Swimming Carnival
Oxley College Bowral Equestrian Day When: 13 May 2012
Our program will be very similar to previous years. It is open to senior riders from Years 7 to 12. Schedule and all entries are via Entries close 29th April.
www.nominate.com.au
If camping and stabling is required, it can be booked through Moss Vale Show society. website: www.mossvaleshow.com.au mossvaleshow.com.au
email: secretary@
Australian U15 Cricket Tournament Congratulations to Jonathon Fowles for his selection and participation in the NSW team. NSW won all their matches, making them the unbeaten champions. The other huge highlight for Jonathon was against Tasmania, where he scored 61 runs. The other NSW opening batsman (Max Houlahan) made 51 runs, between them making an opening 1st wicket partnership of 103, which was a new record for NSW in this U15 championship. NSW beat Phil Hughes and Chris Ridley’s record of 101 runs in 2003! Well done Jonathon!
NSW All Schools Triathlon Great effort by all TIGS competitors last week at the NSW All Schools Triathlon at Penrith Regatta Centre. Individual Results: Hamish Paine (Year 10) 9th place in CIS Jaiden Fullerton–Harvey (Year 10) 14th place in CIS Sarah I’ons – 7th Place in CIS
Last Wednesday over 30 TIGS students competed in the NASSA Swimming Carnival at Homebush. The night began favourably with both our girls and boys All Age Relays winning the first two events. Our students were led through the night by our Swimming Captains Jarrod Poort (Year 12) and Emma McKeon (Year 12) with great success. TIGS were Overall NASSA Champion Swimming School. We also won the Senior Shield and came a close second in the Intermediate and Junior Shields. Age Division Point Scores were kept on the evening with outstanding performances from a number of our students: Junior Girls Division 1st Kaitlin McKeon 3rd Laura Gibbons Senior Boys Division 1st Jarrod Poort Senior Girls Division 3rd Emma McKeon A strong contingency of swimmers have been selected to represent the NASSA in the AICES Swimming Championships on the 29 March 2012. We wish all students the best for this competition.
NASSA Tennis Gala day
The standard of Tennis at the NASSA Gala Day was outstanding. In the girls the final play-offs for first and second were The Illawarra Grammar School and St. Luke’s Grammar School. The Illawarra Grammar School came out on top with a 4 sets to 2 win. There was some exceptional tennis played during this match. Congratulations and well done to the girls on winning NASSA Tennis Gala Day. The boy’s team came second in their pool and went in to the consolation final. It was again great tennis with the boys coming in fourth on the day. Girls Team: Stella Crick, Hannah Kim, Maria Kyriakoudas, Olivia Poate Adrian Haise, Luke Bussoletti, Fondas Haris, Jacob Hall, Lachlan Scott
Susan McLean Director Cyber Safty Solution and cyber safety expert
The Illawarra Grammar School is proud to bring you Susan McLean, Director Cyber Safety Solutions and an expert in the area of cyber safety. TIGS will be hosting two FREE seminars which every parent, educator and adult should attend. Susan McLean is Australia’s foremost expert in the area of cyber safety and was a member of Victoria Police for 27years. Widely known as the ‘cyber cop’ she was the first Victorian Police Officer appointed to a position involving Cybersafety. In 2003 she was the Victoria Police, Region Four, Youth Officer of the Year. She has also been awarded The National Medal and the Victoria Police Service Medal and 2nd Clasp. Susan has appeared on a range of national television shows including Insight, Four Corners, Sunrise, State Focus and Today Tonight and has spoken on a variety of National Radio stations and is NOW coming to TIGS!
by Susan McLean
FREE Seminars Session 1 - Educators Seminar
4.00pm to 5.30pm Monday 26 March 2012 @ TIGS in the Illawarra Grammar Center (IGC)
Session 2 - Parent Seminar
7.00pm to 8.30pm Monday 26 March 2012 @ TIGS in the Illawarra Grammar Center (IGC)
Bookings Essential
Visit www.tigs.nsw.edu.au for more information
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