NEWSLETTER
Issue 6 Term II 2013 AICES Cross Country
Issue 6 Term II 2013 Issue 6 Term II 2013
Academic • Christian • Caring
Good Active Habit “You’re mean” was the recent cry in the Junior School play area after an apparently horrendous breach of the rules governing handball. The ‘vice’ of being mean is a quality recognised by most children as they learn the social rules that govern how people relate to each other. The virtue of ‘generosity’ is one that we would prefer our children to acquire but it seems to be a characteristic not as readily learned in the playground. A virtue is defined as a “good active habit”, one that “we love to find on others toward us but is a thing awfully difficult to develop in our lives.” Professor David Isaacs says that the best way to develop a virtuous habit is by “repeating the same or similar acts several times.” How do we teach our children to act with generosity? I recently came across the following advice which parents may find useful:
Stephen Kinsella Headmaster
• Teach children by example. Parents model ‘generosity’ when they help each other cheerfully and not from obligation, and when they habitually make light of impositions on their own time and energy. • Teach children by advice, suggesting ways to help others. • Debrief when a child falls short, teaching the child to look at the causes of his or her own behaviour and the effect it has had on others. • Have high expectations, giving children small, well-chosen jobs, and helping the child to see that each job is a way of helping others. • Teach generosity and kindness within the family. Refine a generous home culture of smiling service to each other, of hopping in to offer assistance, and of taking over when someone is tired. • Teach generosity by teaching detachment. Teach that happiness is in relationships, not in things, and that living relationships require self-giving. Avoid expensive presents that create the illusion that the more one possesses the happier one becomes. • Teach generosity by fostering solidarity with those who are less fortunate. Work with your child in the service of others - talk about the needs of others and then ‘walk the talk’. One way the School teaches students to act in a generous way is through the Service Program. Each student participates in age appropriate experiences in the service of others, starting with awareness activities in the Junior School through to the expectation of 15 hours of voluntary community service as part of the program in Year 11. The recently approved School Strategic Plan has set the continual improvement of our program of service as a specific focus for the coming 5-years. “CV5. Embed the concepts of Christian Service and Stewardship across School curriculum and programming” (The complete Strategic Plan can be found here) One of the strengths of our School is the shared sense of common purpose shared between parents and staff. The recently held ‘School Captains’ Trivia Night’ is an excellent example of Parents and Staff demonstrating a commitment to others that promotes the development of the virtuous good habit of generosity. $1,965 was raised on the night for the Year 12 charity, Barnardos. Congratulations to everyone that participated. Stephen Kinsella Headmaster
The Good Life This week the NSW Government announced it will accelerate the rollout of school zone flashing lights by adopting a cost-effective design developed by pioneering advocate Peter Olsen. This is a major achievement for Mr Olson who has been petitioning the Government about this issue since 2006. I first became aware of Peter Olson’s vision very early on in his campaign. I had just moved into Lugarno in 2006 when Peter first began trialling his safety lights. Peter’s lights were operating morning and afternoon within a stone’s throw of our family home. He would regularly take position on the street next to his lights and state his case to the media, convinced he had a cheaper option which would ensure the sort of full scale roll out that has finally been promised this week. Peter must be thrilled at the Government’s decision. It is a victory for the common man and a reminder of the luxury we have of living in a society where the common man can influence policy and law. I congratulate Peter Olson for his vision and resolve to work toward the good of our community. This has never been about Peter Olson, but the safety of our children. As I pondered Peter’s victory this week I couldn’t help but think that his initiative and resolve are the sorts of attributes we seek to shape in our students at TIGS. As our mission statement says, we want to equip our students to act with “wisdom, compassion and justice as faithful stewards of our world.” Chaplain At TIGS the framework for right decision-making is set by a Christian Worldview as that is presented to us in the Bible. We shouldn’t take this for granted. Often when working with young people the problem is not so much how to ignite their enthusiasm for action, but how to direct that enthusiasm toward the right things, the best things. This is what the Christian Worldview gives us. It gives us a vision for the good life.
Rev James Rogers
I remember as a young man not having the moral compass of a Christian Worldview to inform my decision-making. I had the initiative to do good, but no clear direction as to what the good life involved. I had to construct meaning for myself, never totally sure that my constructions had any real basis in reality. That is not the case with a TIGS student. The Bible presents to us reality as God sees it. It gives us a clear direction for living the good life. Our hope is that our students might align their energy and initiative with the Bible’s vision for the good life so that they might have a deep impact for good in our world. Rev James Rogers Chaplain
Senior School
What Teenagers Need; What Teenagers Want. Last week I attended a presentation by Dr Andrew Martin, Professor of Educational Psychology at Sydney University http://fdp.edsw.usyd.edu.au/users/amartin on Motivation, Engagement, Learning and Personal Potential within the High School context. His paper was based on solid research but so many of the messages that were then drawn from the research were simple, straightforward and what one might call ‘common sense.’ I’ve asked our Librarian, Leanne Windsor, to order in two of Professor Martin’s books that he has written for parents: “How to Motivate Your Child” and “How to Help Your Child Fly through Life.” I think you’ll find them interesting.
Monica Watt
Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School
But I thought I would share some of his comments about empowering parents to take control of their children’s mobile phone use. One of the reasons for parents taking such control is because teenagers’ brains are a work in progress and the region of the brain most involved in self-regulation and impulse control, the pre-frontal cortex, is not yet fully developed. The latest research indicates that this doesn’t fully develop until around 25 in females and 27 in males. Surprise, surprise! Teenagers can do things impulsively if unregulated and being given unfettered access to social media presents them with too many risks on lots and lots of levels. So his suggestions are that parents should take control. We shouldn’t berate our children for being illdisciplined but support them to reduce the risks of distraction and the risks which come from posting to the internet information, images and responses to others which could compromise them.
Other research also indicates that the more time students spend on social media the more likely they are to have lower grades and weaker study habits. They also are more likely to be anxious, hostile or depressed because of disturbed sleep patterns if they are accessing social media late at night, and all the research says that they do. If REM cycles are affected then brain development can be compromised. So, what is his simple, common sense advice? Have access to all your children’s passwords. No mobile phones in bedrooms. Schedule all homework on e-devices to the earlier sessions and allow them to wind down by ‘reading books’ or doing other non electronic activities. Turn off all computers/mobile phones at least a half hour before bedtime. Simple, but effective. And the good news from the latest research on teens and technology by Dr. Karen MacPherson, which dispels quite a few myths, is to be found at http://www.canberra.edu.au/monitor/2013/june/11-acs
Monica Watt Deputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School
Junior School This week we sent 18 students off to the Specialist in Residence Camp at Waterslea. This is a great opportunity for children to mix with like minded students from other schools and pursue a line of inquiry and learning in particular discipline areas. Students went to explore Visual Arts, Science, English, Claymation and Drama and they were accompanied by Mrs Walker. This is an initiative developed by our school in collaboration with Youthworks Camps and involves several other NASSA schools. Attendance is through application and is open to students in Years 5 and 6. Our campus is a busy place in the afternoons with many co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities for Junior School and Senior School students available. It is important that Junior School families are clear on the dismissal procedure for our students and that we ensure all students are safe and cared for until their parents arrive to pick them up. Please do not arrange for your Junior School children to wait for you either at the Uniform Shop or the IGC car park as these are not adequately supervised areas for younger students. This week all families will have received an email requesting that they fill out an enrolment form for the Extend@TIGS facility which is our after school care facility in the Junior School. We will be collecting these enrolment forms from all students and keeping them on file each year. This will allow us to place children into Extend@TIGS when there has been an unforseen pick up issue. Please fill out this form and return to the Junior School Office as a matter of priority.
Judi Nealy
We have been consulting with parents to design our new Junior School reports and have just about finished writing them to go home in the last week of term. On the 27 June at 4.00pm we will hold a parent information session to explain the new report format however we will also hold a “flipped meeting”. Flipped meetings are where we send home a presentation with all of the information that we would normally deliver in a face to face information session. It allows parents to view in their own time and then to ask questions as required. Please take advantage of either the face to face meeting or the flipped meeting so you are familiar with the new reports and can get good insight into your child’s learning and progress this semester.
Head of Junior School
Dates for your diary: •
Wednesday19 to Saturday 22 June – TIGS Production Performances of ‘CATS’
•
Thursday 27 June – Report Information Session
Junior School Awards Weekly Awards KB KD KM KP 1C 1M 1T
Isabella Perri, Ryan Molnar Hamish Lepp, Samra Tarrant Thomas Partland, Riley Grundy Samuel Robinson, Nikita Nicholson Alexander Vartazarian, Tyler Sullivan Hussen Bangamwabo, Teerth Khanna Ethan Bywater, Anika Rindani, Samuel Stevenson
2M 4R 4S 5Y 6W 6Y
James Gardner Harrison Kiteley Amy Lendrum, Aria Bacic-Johnston Kye Griffiths, Niamh Christopher Benae Kuiper, Trent Ledwidge, Sophie Correa, Kirby Golding, Heidi Rogers, Gianluca Fierravanti Emmanuela Franco, Kaitlin Garbo, Lana Atkinson, Nickita Peros, Michael Kyriakoudes
Late Pick-Up and After-School Activities Students who stay at school after normal classes have ended and school buses have left are to go to the following areas: P – Year 5 Years 6 – 11 Year 12
Extend@TIGS Signed in to work in the library Common Room
Or they are to go to their designated co-curricular location. They are not to be in the School grounds, unsupervised. Students are not to leave the premises in between the end of school and the beginning of the next activity. All activities in the School conclude and the last buses leave at 5.00pm. Any students not picked up by that time will be taken to Extend@TIGS. This will incur a fee.
Senior School Sports U/14 Rugby Gala Day On May 17, TIGS entered an Under 14 Rugby team in the Southern Region Under 14’s Rugby Gala Day. The Team had four games, winning one and improving each and every game. Standout players were Jasper Greenwood (Year 8), Noah Gibbs (Year 9) and Jonty Negus (Year 9). The rest of the team consisted of: Daniel Laing, Ethan Hennessy, Nicholas Gulaj, Blake McDougal, Vincent Chauvet, Samuel Okely, Nathan Thompson, Elliot Hutt, Joshua Fullerton-Harvey, Ethan Jackson, Noah Koder, Aaron Bell, Joe Daley, Morgan Jackson, Henry Jenkins, Zachary Miller, Mathew Logan, Joshua Shalala and Samuel Shalala.
Senior School Carnival
from 8.15am at the track. Buses will also run from the School down to Beaton Park from Western Avenue at 8.30am. The carnival is expected to finish at 3.00pm and all students must stay for the duration of the day. The Senior School Athletics Program is available for download on Narradan. If the weather looks inclement please listen to 96.5 Wave FM for cancellations.
students who successfully made the podium at the carnival. Ashley Dribbus 12 years
2nd place
Rebekah Hutton 13 years
3rd place
Maudie Skyring 16 years
1st place
Alexander Seal
1st place
17 years
Over 20 students have run their way into the CIS event at Eastern Creek Raceway.
AICES Cross Country
We wish them all the best at this event.
Equestrian Save the Date - Tara Equestrian Day - 1 September 2013. More details to come soon.
Athletics
Parker’s School Holiday Tennis Clinic At Wests Illawarra, Unanderra
The Senior School Athletics Carnival is on Wednesday 26 June at the Kerryn McCann Athletics Field.
DATE: Mon 08/07/13 to Wed 10/07/13
It is a compulsory school event where all students compete for their House to claim the Inter-House Athletics Trophy. Results from this event go towards the Shell Shield. House shirt and school sport shorts must be worn by all students at this event. If a student cannot participate it is important for them to come along and help with the various jobs that need to be done and assist their house patrons.
Congratulations to the students who represented both the School and NASSA at the AICES Cross Country last week at Macarthur Anglican School.
Students may make their own way to the venue. Supervision will be available
Congratulations
TIME: 9.00am – 12.00pm
The NASSA association won the carnival and The Illawarra Grammar School came second overall competing against 65 schools. to
the
COST: $60.00 (Ages 4-14 years) Bookings are essential For more information call: Andrew on 0407 029 731 Email: arparker@bigpond.net.au
following
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, 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 University. 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
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
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$25 Adult
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 made colourful masks out of feathers, pom poms and coloured paints. For an outdoor activity, the children did a relay race by throwing bean bags through hoops and running around the skittles. Mayson, Eamon, Adhum and Isabella played with the blow up Fire Engine using it as a bus to pick up passengers at a bus stop. Kavya and Ella played ‘students and teacher’ by using the word wall as a teaching board.
Week 8 Activities: Monday 17 June: ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ Tuesday 18 June: Organised Activity-Tunnel Obstacle Course Wednesday 19 June: Indoor Hockey Thursday 20 June: Baking Cupcakes Friday 21 June: Dress Ups and Role Play
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 Daffodill Ball The Illawarra Grammar School is delighted to once again be hosting TIGS Daffodill Ball, which is set to take place on Saturday 3 August. Now in its fifth year this event has become a flagship event in the School Calendar, enjoying the steadfast support of the school community. The theme chosen for this year’s event is “The Secret Garden” and funds raised on the evening will support the work of the Cancer Council NSW. All members of the school community are warmly invited to attend, and tickets are now available by visiting the School website.
The Secret Garden Saturday
3
August
Saturday 3 August 2013 6.30pm for 7.00pm seating The Illawarra Grammar School IGC (entry via Powell St) Dress: Black Tie $150 per person or $1500per table of 10
TIGS Daffodil Ball
All tickets are non-refundable
Supporting the work of
Cancer Council NSW
Visit TIGS to book tickets
www.tigs.nsw.edu.au
P&F News Mothers and Fathers Day Stall Coordinator Urgently Needed Karobran is looking for someone who LOVES to shop!!! We are after a new coordinator for the Mothers and Fathers Day stalls. This is a fun role that only happens twice a year so a great way to contribute to the School without committing yourself all year round and so much fun!! If you are interested please contact Tanya Edgerton on 0400 472 872 or tanya@tfabrications. com.au for more information.
Karobran Disco Committee Members The Karobran Disco will be held in Term III so it is time to start organising this fun event. We have some great ideas being shared around the table so if you want to be a part of this fun event please advise me at tanya@tabrications.com.au and we will organise a time to meet over coffee and get the Disco Committee up and running.
Uniform Shop Opening Times Wednesday 17 July 9.00am - 2.00pm Friday 19 July 9.00am - 2.00pm No appointments necessary.
Year 10 Charities: Crossroads and Kids2Kids The official charities for Year 10 this year are Crossroads and Kids2Kids. On Sunday 16 June, at Oak Flats Rollerskating Rink, a special roller skating session is being organised by the Year 10 to help buy a bus for a school in Tanzania. All the details are on the attached flyer. We encourage you to print it out and put it on the fridge as a reminder. Book online for your child’s chance to win a 5th Generation iPod Touch: http://www.kids2kids.com.au/ We invite your kids to: Get active. Get social. Get on a roll. Get behind this worthy cause. Yours gratefully TIGS Year 10
Five Winter Camps and three Spring ones, all over Sydney and beyond. Created to get you ready for life during and after the HSC. 2012 prices for early birds. Call: 02 8268 3346 or visit our FB page: HSC.Study.Conferences http://www.youthworks.net/hscstudy-conferences
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