Issue 6 Term III 2012a by The Illawarra Grammar School

NEWSLETTER Ms Irene Carroll, Winner of Westpac TIGS Acquisitive Art Prize 2012 with Mr John Dryden, Regional (Illawarra and South Coast Head) of Commercial Banking

Headmaster’s Message Chaplain’s Message Head of Junior School

Issue 6 Term III, 2012

Academic • Christian • Caring

Founded on Christian Principles “As an Anglican School, TIGS is founded on Christian principles”. This is the first of six statements found in the TIGS Statement of Mission and Values (2.1) and should not be a surprise for anyone that chooses to be a part of the TIGS community. TIGS was established by an ordinance of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney in 1958 and commenced lessons in 1959 at St Mark’s Anglican Church, West Wollongong. The first Headmaster was Rev Richard Bosanquet, an Anglican educator, and the first Chaplain was Rev Roy Gray, the Rector of St Mark’s. TIGS is an independent Anglican school but is accountable to the Sydney Diocese to ensure appropriate financial management. The School does not pay any dividends and receives no funds from the Diocese. The governing Council of TIGS has clergy and lay members, usually nominated by the TIGS Council but all appointed by the Diocese. Given the School’s history and governance structure it is not surprising that an education at TIGS includes teaching about the Christian faith. “The School actively promotes formation in the Christian faith. This is achieved through a commitment to the teaching of Christ and its application to relationships, curriculum, policies and procedures.” (2.2)

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

Parents sometimes ask, when considering enrolling their children at TIGS, about the School’s approach to formation in the Christian faith. The School’s approach is built on the following principles: • The TIGS community welcomes people of all faith and cultural backgrounds. • A TIGS education includes explicit teaching and a range of experiences that inform students about the Christian faith and a Christian Worldview. • During the years of schooling children form their own understanding of God based on their leaving, the influence of family, social networks, the media and the experiences of life. The School intends that an accurate understanding of the Christian faith is one of these influences. • The School hopes that children will be drawn to the Christian faith through their education at TIGS but respects the right of students to make their own decisions. Faith is not something that is learnt, acquired or inherited from someone else. It is a matter of a personal belief. • The Christian faith provides a framework for human relationships that is good in its own right, regardless of personal faith, and worthy as a framework for the education of children. The TIGS approach is best summed up as being inclusive and holistic in nature. Our ambition to apply the Christian faith to our “relationships, curriculum, policies and procedures” describes the journey we are on as a school community. We do not claim that we are the perfect expression of Christian beliefs and behaviours in a school context. We do claim to be reflective and seek to change and adapt when we identify inconsistencies between what we claim and what we do. Is our approach to discipline consistent with the teachings of Jesus about relationships? Does our teaching include the examination of a Christian perspective or are we blindly teaching the common philosophy of our time? Are our policies and procedures consistent with our Statement of Mission and Values? There are many questions that arise from such an approach. It would be so much easier to have a tight set of beliefs that everyone had to believe and follow. Easier, but not right for the TIGS community. Our inclusive and holistic approach to educating about the Christian faith means that the School, like all who choose to be part of TIGS, is also on a journey of faith. Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

Chaplain’s Message

Science in the Service of God

This Tuesday I had the pleasure of meeting with a group of Christian leaders in the Illawarra for breakfast. At the meal we were addressed by Dr Adrian Peterson, CEO of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization. Adrian is a Christian man who spoke about his life and work as a Scientist. A couple of things stood out for me. First, Adrian spoke of how he lost his faith in God as a young boy. It was the influence of his mother which caused him to abandon God. When Adrian, who was attending Sunday School at the time, heard his mother was an atheist he decided to become one as well. I was reminded how potent a parent’s influence can be. Often I hear parents say that when it comes to God they want to be fairly neutral with their children, thinking their neutrality will be the best environment for their children to make up their own mind about God. Rarely in my experience does it work like that. Children will usually adopt their parents’ stance toward God – if parents are neutral, children will tend to be neutral; if parents are opposed, children will tend to be opposed; if parents are warm to God, children will be more likely to give God a positive hearing in their own life. The second detail which struck me as Adrian spoke was how he saw no conflict between being a Christian and being a Scientist. Science and Faith are often pitted against one another as if the two have no common ground. Adrian is representative of many who find their science only ever affirms their belief in a Creator who has built into his creation a complex order which is there for us to explore. In exploring this order Adrian is led to wonder at the grandeur of God than wonder about his existence. His experience is not uncommon.

Rev James Rogers Chaplain

The most impressive component of Adrian’s testimony, however, was his determination to use science for good in the world. Adrian spoke of his resolve to seek some utility out of science so that he might further the common good. It struck me that this was such a strong Christian impulse. Sure, one does not need to be a Christian to be concerned for the best interests of others. Even so, Christians do have a good reason to have a concern for the wellbeing of others. In both his teaching and example Jesus Christ defined true greatness as sacrificial service of others. In being determined to use his science in this way Adrian Peterson was heeding the voice and example of his Master – he was exercising true greatness. As I came away from this breakfast I reflected on how privileged I am to work in a School which has the potential to raise up many people like Adrian – people who can discover the gifts God has given them and be guided by the teaching and example of Jesus to use those gifts for the good of others. Tuesday was a good day! Rev James Rogers Chaplain

Junior School IB Attitudes

This week let’s take a closer look at the attitudes of creativity and enthusiasm. The timing is great to consider these attitudes as they were displayed in high amounts at the recent Tournament of Minds Competition over the weekend. Ask your children to identify when they observe others demonstrating these attitudes and when they demonstrate them themselves. Don’t forget to look for opportunities to peer or parent nominate a student or staff member who you have observed demonstrating these attitudes in the coming week. Nomination forms are available in the Junior School Office.

Tournament of Minds in the Junior School

Cooperation, Commitment and Creativity were on show at the Regional Finals for the Tournament of Minds in Nowra on Sunday 26 August. This year six Junior School teams were entered and as usual, there were many highs and lows along the way. After training throughout Term II and preparing solutions to Long-term Challenges during Term III, all teams performed extremely well on the day. Judges commended them on their enthusiasm, creative thinking and teamwork skills. Congratulations to the following students: Language Literature Harry Sanzone, Isabella Sandy, Aika Hammond, Lola Bond, Niamh Christopher Language Literature Samuel Goodhew, Zara Winter, Lucy Chester-Crowe, Francesca Lambert, Evelyn Parrish, Aria Bacic-Johnston (WINNERS of this discipline) Applied Technology Daniel Dragutinovich, Joshua Fullerton-Harvey, Morgan Jackson, Ashley Dribbus, Corey Read and Cody Nugara awarded Honours Social Sciences Rubey Williams, Abbey Hosking, Ella Green, Nicole Russo, Sarah Jansen, Alysha De Ruyter

Judi Nealy

Maths Engineering Thomas Bannigan, Archita Sitharthan, Aaron Doherty, Anish Abey, Jonty Swainson, Max Sanzone, Min Seo Kang (WINNERS of this discipline) Maths Engineering Zane Dema, Alexander Santos, Justus Bacic-Johnston, Harry Borbilas, Michael Kyriakoudes, Arah Mizori awarded HONOURS. The next challenge for the two winning teams takes place at University of New South Wales on Sunday 9 September. Thank you very much too all the parents for their support and encouragement of all the children’s creative endeavours. Karen Wallace, Rebecca Young, Sally Tresidder

Junior School Merit Certificates Ruby Moore – Academic Jessica Bradley – Academic Christopher Kiddall Park – Academic Stephanie Fiorio – Academic

Zoe Mandziy – Academic Reid Gunther – Academic Euan Christopher – Academic Kaitlin Garbo – Academic

Selene Chadrawy – Service Micah Sullivan – Service Austin Pallone – Service

TIGS Foundation Not So Secret Men’s Business – A Major TIGS Foundation Fundraising Event

All gentlemen from the TIGS Community are invited to join the original students of TIGS in a dinner to re-unite and connect with friends old and new. A gourmet three course dinner will be served accompanied by fine wines and beer, and entertainment will be provided by well-known Australian musician, Ross Wilson and Band. Ross was part of iconic Australia Group, Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock. Funds will be raised during the evening to benefit TIGS Foundation. WHEN:

Friday 12 October 2012, 6.30pm

WHERE: Centro CBD, 28 Stewart Street, Wollongong Who:

Men

WHAT:

3 Course Dinner, Beverages and Entertainment

COST:

$120pp

RSVP:

Friday 21 September 2012

Visit our website www.tigs.nsw.edu.au or click here. For more information phone the Foundation Coordinator, Lisa Wilson on 4220 0264.

P & F News Karobran Disco

Karobran would like to invite the Junior School children to their social event of the year. When:

7 September 2012

TIME:

6.00pm to 9.00pm

WHERE: Fraternity Club Fairy Meadow (private room upstairs) COST:

$20 per child Includes dinner and disco for all children

Restaurant and bar available for parents Tickets available through www.Flexischools.com.au until 5 September 2012 This is a Karobran organised event. Parents will need to stay and enjoy the disco with their children. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to catch up with other parents while your kids dance the night away

Year 2 Mums Lunch

All Year 2 mums are invited to lunch at Rock Salt (formerley Dunes) at 11.30am on Friday 7 September. A great chance to get together and meet new faces. RSVP Julie Chiaverini on 0414 491381.

Year 7 Family Beach Afternoon

Year 7 families are invited to get together and enjoy an afternoon in the sun on Friday 23 November at North Beach. Save this date! For more information please contact your Year 7 Representatives: Zina Ainsworth Mobile 0438 284 106 Email zina.m.ainsworth@bhpbilliton.com Alice Martin Mobile 0438 120 899 Email martin.ahmm@bigpond.com

Science News Titration Competition

Towards the end of June this year, some of our Year 12 Chemistry students took part in a chemical analysis competition at Wollongong University. The competition was held simultaneously at many venues across NSW, with nearly 450 teams, each team comprising three students, being involved. The competition required each member of the team to analyse his or her own sample, and the team score was calculated based on the accuracy of each individual member’s analysis. Twenty teams competed at Wollongong University, with three of the TIGS teams being placed 4th, 3rd and 2nd in a hotlycontested competition. The results from Wollongong, along with all the other results from the other venues were sent to the competition organisers in Sydney for verification. At this week’s assembly, I was pleased to invite Mr Kinsella to present Certificates of Merit and Certificates of Excellence to the members of the teams that achieved highly commendable results in the state-wide competition. Certificates of Merit were awarded to Alice McCosker, Rosemary Davis and Mariah Edwards who achieved 4th place at Wollongong. In 3rd place at Wollongong were Kishan Wijesinge, Evan Browne and Hugh Allison who also receive Merit Certificates. The team that came second was Lisa Fernandez, Naomi Folder and Timia Osman. Their team result has earned them Certificates of Excellence. While this team were ranked 2nd in Wollongong, their performance in the overall competition was ranked 3rd in the State, a truly outstanding achievement. Based on this result the girls have now been invited to represent the School, and the State, in the National final of the competition. I would like to congratulate each of our teams and wish Lisa, Naomi and Timia all the best in the National finals. Mr Martin Sormus Head of Science

28-30 SEPTEMBER 2012 WHERE The Illawarra Grammar School (TIGS) OPENING NIGHT 7pm, Friday 28th September VISIT www.art4refugees.org.au

artfor refugees

Premier’s Reading Challenge To successfully complete the Challenge you must have an online reading record entered by 31 of August. It will then be validated by Mrs Bowmaker and registered as finalised.

Canteen News Benefits of Healthy Eating Good food gives children and adolescents all the nutrients They need to: • grow and develop • concentrate and learn well at school • stay healthy through childhood and in adult life

Roster Week 8 Term III Monday 3 September HELP NEEDED

Tuesday 4 September HELP NEEDED

Wednesday 5 September HELP NEEDED

Thursday 6 September HELP NEEDED

Friday 7 September Melanie Smith Lauretta Bussoletti

Senior School Sport State Interschools Snowsports Championships

Jack Millar (Year 12) has claimed the title of best Schoolboy Skier in the state winning the Division 1 Skier X and Alpine races during the State Snowsports Championships at Thredbo. He has qualified to represent the School at the Australian Championships on September 8 and 9 and will be joined by Tahlia Jackson (Year 9) who qualified for the Division 2 alpine event after finishing 7th at state. Congratulations to all TIGS state snowsports representatives this year, their results were: All Results Div 4 Moguls – Ethan Jackson (12th) and Aaron Doherty (42nd) 13th as a team in very tough (wet) conditions Div 4 Alpine – Mika Bliokas (39th), Ashleigh Mill(52nd), Georgia Webb(50th), Holly Kiteley(55th) 13th as a team Div 2 Skier x - Tahlia Jackson(19th) Charli Morelli (34th) 12th as a team Div 2 Alpine – Tahlia Jackson (7th) Div 1 Skier x – Jack Millar (1st), Simon Bussoletti (41st), Lachlan Prior (40th) 9th as a team Div 1 Apline - Jack Millar(1st)

on the day including a number of TIGS students breaking records. These students were James Belcher (Year 12), Phoebe Fraser (Year 12), Elizabeth Dominis (Year 10), Denali Hutt (Year 8) and Tegan Richards (Year 12). Another highlight was our Junior Girls and Junior Boys relay teams finishing their races in first and second respectively. TIGS finished the day as the overall winners, also winning the Senior Shield and the Intermediate Shield. Unfortunately we missed out on the Junior Shield by just a few points. TIGS will now send a team of 45 students to the AICES Athletics Carnival on Monday 3 September. Good luck to all students involved!

Athletics NSW Schools Knockout Competition

On Thursday 23 August, 6 TIGS girls travelled to Sydney Olympic Park to compete in the State Final of the Athletics NSW Schools Knockout Competition.

NASSA Athletics

On Wednesday 22 August, almost 100 TIGS students travelled to Campbelltown Sports Stadium to compete in the NASSA Athletics Carnival. TIGS went into the day as strong favourites, having won all four shields last year. It was a great day, with all of our students representing the School as wonderful ambassadors. There were many outstanding results

Great Race

The Great Race will be held at Jamberoo Recreation Park on Thursday 20 September. The Great Race is a compulsory school event promoting participation in novelty events for all students. On this day points are awarded for a number of novelty events and the well known House “Haka“ to go towards the famous Shell Shield. Students this year are not to be driven to or from Jamberoo Recreation Park but are to come to school at the normal time, using the usual modes of transport. Shuttle buses have been organised to transport all students to and from the Park. Students are not allowed to remain at the park to wait for parents.

Girls Schools Team Tennis

After great success and making their way to the State final our girls team Stella Crick (Year 12), Kirsty McRae (Year 11), Lily Tuivaga (Year 9) and Hannah Kim (Year 9) played against Grafton High School. In the blustery winds of last Thursday they were challenged by some very tough opponents. They were successful in winning three of the eight matches and were narrowly defeated by the Grafton team. Congratulations to the girls on coming second in the All Schools Tennis Team event for 2012. We particularly thank Stella Crick for her continued dedication and support for tennis in her time at TIGS and wish her all the best for her future sporting endeavours.

Sharpe.

This is a team competition, where schools compete against each other in different track and field events to accumulate points for their teams. The top teams are then selected for a National final to be held in December. The standard of this competition is extremely high, with TIGS competing in the Junior Girls section against 28 other schools. The TIGS girls were a little tired from their big day at the NASSA Athletics Carnival the day before, but were keen to compete at this exciting event. Our girls produced some outstanding results, the main highlight being winning the heat of the 4x200m relay. TIGS finished the competition in 7th place overall, ranking ahead of a number of sports high schools and large private Sydney girls schools. The team was: Denali Hutt (Year 8), Katherine Read (Year 8), Elizabeth Martin (Year 7), Sarah I’ons (Year 7), Alexandra Lavalle (Year 8), Ruby Pallone (Year 7).

Berry Public School Interschool Equestrian Championships

Students interested in entering the Berry Interschool Equestrian Championships on Saturday 29 September to Monday 1 October 2012. Entries close on Wednesday 5 September. Students interested in entering must see Mrs

Students must wear their House Shirts and school sports shorts to this event. They are expected to wear appropriate swimwear/rash shirts, hats and sunscreen. The water will be cold so students may like to wear their wetsuits. Students are encouraged to bring plenty of food and water for the day as there may be limited food outlets open. While at the Park strict safety regulations will be enforced by the attendants and TIGS staff. Students will be required to obey all safety instructions, follow safety signage and not engage in anything considered reckless behaviour. Due to changes in risk management by the Park all students must wear colourcoded wrist bands to identify their level of swimming proficiency. Students are also advised to operate a buddy system within the park, not going alone to rides, shops, cafes or toilets. A reminder to all students to return their permission slips for the Great Race to their Mentor Teacher as soon as possible. If your note is not returned you will not be able to attend this event. We are looking forward to a GREAT DAY. If you have any questions please ring Mrs Sharpe at school.

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