Newsletter Academic Christian Caring
ISSUE 7
TERM III 2015
The Year 6 PYP Exhibition Year 6 students presented their Exhibition learning to our community
Headmaster The Year 6 Exhibition is held this time each year and is a must attend event. It is a ‘must’ for the parents and families of Year 6 students to celebrate the culmination of their years of learning under the Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the IB. It is also a must see event for students and their families in Years Prep to 5 so that they can be inspired (and get ideas) for their exhibition when they reach Year 6. It is easy to get carried away by the evident quality of the presentations and the erudite explanations given by the students. What an achievement to be so knowledgeable in such a diverse range of research topics: Youth Health, Animal Welfare, Obesity/ Healthy Eating, Body Image, Climate Change, Future Foods, Terrorism, Racism, Migration, Corruption, School Achievement, Addictions, Australia becoming a Republic, Social Media, Gaming and Mental Health. What was most impressive about the Exhibition was the quality of the learning about learning that has taken place. By the end of Year 6, our PYP graduates have demonstrated they can:
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Tackle world confidence
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Know how to reduce complex issues to manageable lines of inquiry
What a contrast to the content-based, teacher-driven approach to learning that characterised schooling designed for the 19th and 20th Centuries. TIGS students have a significant advantage over students from other schools as they enter the secondary school years. This advantage continues as our students enter the Middle Year Programme (MYP) in Year 7 to 10. By the time they reach Year10 their understanding of learning, research and presentation will be given expression through the Personal Project. The first students to complete a MYP Personal Project at TIGS will be Year 10, 2016. Completing the MYP Personal Project will “encourage and enable students to: •
participate in a sustained, self-directed inquiry within a global context
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generate creative new insights and develop deeper understandings through in-depth investigation
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demonstrate the skills, attitudes and knowledge required to complete a project over an extended period of time
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communicate effectively in a variety of situations
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demonstrate responsible action through, or as a result of, learning
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appreciate the process of learning and take pride in their accomplishments.”
great
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Identify the contributing questions
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Engage in research, differentiating between reliable and unreliable sources and using primary sources
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Collaborate with each other in achieving a desired outcome - an essential 21st Century skill that many adults are unable to master
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Present the outcome of their research in a way that makes their learning accessible to others
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Plan and take action in response to their learning that is for the benefit of others.
The Personal Project is assessed against the MYP criteria by IB examiners located around the world and satisfactory performance will contribute to the award of the IB MYP Course Results document, an internationally recognised certificate that will be awarded to MYP students in Year 10. Students that then choose to study the IB Diploma Programme (DP) will demonstrate their skills in research through the preparation of an Extended Essay (EE), a university standard research project on a topic of their own choice. IB graduates understand the enormous advantage they have over other
Chaplain’s Message students in understanding how to research and present an assignment that conforms to university requirements before they commence university study.
THE WORD FROM THE CORRIDORS
“TIGS is an incredibly supportive school that has provided a great foundation for my education. I feel like the School has equipped me with the skills needed to enter the real world. The teachers have been extraordinary in every aspect. They put in so much time and effort to get the best out of our TIGS experience.”
I am not certain our Year 6 students understood the pathway of learning they were on when they made their presentations at the Year 6 Exhibition, but I do know they are acquiring skills that empower them in their study and life beyond TIGS. Our Statement of Mission and Values describes this as “empowering them to become fulfilled individuals who can successfully participate and provide leadership in society for the good of others and to the glory of God.”
“Thirteen years of support, inspiration and friendship.”
Congratulations are also due to our Year 12 students who complete their formal years of schooling this coming Friday, 18 September. As graduates of The Illawarra Grammar School we know they are well prepared for the HSC and for life beyond TIGS. We wish them every success and God’s blessing as they make the transition from being a TIGS student to a TIGS ‘Grammarian’.
Stephen Kinsella Headmaster
“The teachers are very caring and genuinely interested in your success.” “TIGS has afforded me a holistic educational experience.”
Rev James Rogers Chaplain I am writing this article from the Year 12 Camp. It is a wonderful camp for relaxation and reflection before the big business of the HSC exams begins. I asked the students to think back over their time at TIGS and say what they valued most. Here are some of their responses: “It has been my second home for thirteen years and I can’t imagine my life without it. It has allowed me to realise my potential.” “TIGS has shaped my thoughts, personality and goals. I have learnt many things about love, faith, and friendship through TIGS for which I am thankful. The teachers at TIGS are very inspirational and were always there to support and guide us.” “The wonderful sense of community and amazing spread of opportunities provided.” “Amazing people.”
school
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“The friendships I have built and the unforgettable memories.” “All the great opportunities such as the Duke of Edinburgh (especially Gold), Emu Point, Community Service and the great opportunities provided for self growth, spiritual growth and creating and strengthening friendships.” “Developing friendships that will last forever.” “Teachers that you can actually get along with.” “I feel safe.” “Cool people, cool place. Teachers who look out for you.” “The chance to grow and challenge myself.” “Being here since Kindy, I have met so many amazing people and had so many great opportunities.”
Rev James Rogers Chaplain
Senior School
THE CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMME Our timetabled academic courses provide a knowledge base and framework for understanding the world but there are also over one hundred activities and programmes that we run and which are additional to the curriculum. These additional learning opportunities, called cocurricular activities, extend our students and support them as they identify and develop their gifts and talents to their fullest. They also help our students find their passion, find ‘flow’ and ultimately become fulfilled individuals who can provide leadership in society and in whatever career they pursue in the future. They are the hallmark of a rich and full educational programme. To see what the Senior School Co-curricular Activities are this year, go to the website, click on the ‘Senior School’ tab and then click on Co-curricular. http://www.tigs.nsw.edu.au/senior-school/ co-curricular-activities
Monica Watt Head of Senior School Deputy Headmaster
This time last year we had started reviewing our co-curricular programme and I was asking parents for feedback so that we could adjust, amend, add to or even remove some aspects of the programme. As with so many aspects of school life that time has come again and I invite you to contact me if you have any requests or suggestions:
The students have already been canvassed and have made suggestions for 2016 via their SRC (Student Representative Council). There have already been a number of little changes and improvements to the published programme this year. One example is moving the Chess Club from being a lunchtime event to 3.15 – 5pm on Wednesday in the Goodhew Centre. The numbers attending have increased from about 4 to now over 20 and the team’s successes have improved markedly. In the New South Wales Junior Chess League, a very competitive knockout competition, the chess team has surpassed all expectations and reached round 5 of the competition. Our congratulations go to the following students for so successfully representing the school: Alexander Grozdanov, Matthew Scott, Julian McDonald, Tiger Miles, Jayden Grieve and Harry Smith. So even minor modifications can have a great impact on attendance and engagement. Let me know how you think we could help your child become more engaged. Monica Watt Head of Senior School and Deputy Headmaster
mwatt@tigs.nsw.edu.au
Uniform Shop HOLIDAY OPENING TIMES •
Thursday 1 October 9.00am - 2.00pm
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Friday 2 October 9.00am - 2.00pm
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Saturday 3 October 9.00am - 2.00pm
TIGSFOUNDATION Fundraising Event
"Not so secret" Men's Business “Rugby World Cup Wash Up” with
Glen Ella
Former Australian Rugby Union Player
TIGS Foundation TIGS COMMUNITY BUSINESS DIRECTORY Are you interested in advertising your business within the TIGS Community? A new fundraising initiative of TIGS Foundation is the creation of an on-line business directory, which will enable TIGS Families to promote their business/s by advertising their details on the TIGS Website. There will be an annual fee of $300 per business each calendar year of advertising in the Directory. Upon approval, immediate applications for 2015 will receive a bonus of several months’ free advertising, expiring 31 December 2016. The Business Directory will provide an opportunity to strengthen and tighten the bonds between the School, parents and the businesses contained within the School Community.
6.30pm Friday 13 November 2015 North Beach Surf Club, North Wollongong
Tickets
Includes gourmet BBQ, beverages and entertainment SPONSORED BY
TICKETS ON SALE NOW Visit www.tigs.nsw.edu.au or enquiries to Lisa Wilson on 4220 0264
If you are interested and would like to be involved please phone, Lisa Wilson on 4220 0264 or Joanne Danckwardt 0426 264 771, or email: foundation@ tigs.nsw.edu.au
Senior School Sport ACHIEVEMENTS:
THE GREAT RACE
Claire Rogers competed in the NSW State Cheerleading Competition at Homebush on the weekend and her team went on to become the State Champions. She has now been selected to compete in Hawaii in January.
TIGS will celebrate Year 12 final day with our traditional Great Race at Jamberoo Recreation Park on Thursday 17 September 2015. It is a compulsory full school event.
Ethan Jackson is currently competing at the Australian Children’s Snow Sports Championships at Thredbo. This is his final opportunity to be selected to compete in this prestigious competition in the Skier Cross and Alpine GS.
NSW INTERSCHOOL SNOW SPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS
Please see the information below for the Great Race: When: Thursday 17 September 2015 Where: Jamberoo Recreation Park Time: 8.40am – 3.10pm Transport: All students are expected to come to School as normal. Buses will transport each Mentor Group within their Year Group to Jamberoo. Students are requested not to meet us at Jamberoo. What: The Great Race will take place from 9.30am – 10.30am and students will then have supervised access to Jamberoo Recreation Park. Uniform: Full sports uniform and House t-shirt What to Bring: Swimmers, rash shirt, hat, sunscreen, food and towel. Important Information regarding swimming: All students will be given coloured wristbands to determine their swimming ability. Blue is for proficient swimmers who can swim at least 25m of a recognised stroke and yellow is for non-proficient swimmers who cannot swim a recognised stroke or stay afloat. These students will not be able to swim on the day.
SPORT TERM IV
We had our strongest TIGS Snow Sports Team to date compete at the NSW State Championships in Perisher late August. Our team dominated the slopes with all students competing selected to represent TIGS at the National Championships to be held at Mt Buller this week. We congratulate our team and we wish them all the best as they compete against the best skiers and boarders in Australia. Skiers: Ethan Jackson, Charli Morelli, Aiden Wingate & Michael Lill. (Mika Bliokas could not attend). Snowboarders: Rory Hanrahan, Hunter Danckwardt-Bruce and Matthew Fargher. This was Tahlia Jackson’s last opportunity to compete at the National Championships for TIGS. Unfortunately the competition has clashed with her HSC Music Examination and she has had to pull out of the event. We would like to congratulate Tahlia for her outstanding commitment and leadership over the past eight years to the TIGS Snow Sports Team. She has been an outstanding ambassador for our School and has achieved some amazing results in the Alpine GS and Skier Cross.
A new Summer Sports Programme has been developed for Term IV to meet the changing needs of our students. The programme will commence Week 2 in Term IV. Most student’s sports will automatically role over from Term I, however students who need to sign up to a new sport will have the opportunity to select a new sport in Week 9.
Surfing
Venue: City Beach, Wollongong Day and Time: Mondays and Tuesdays 6.30am – 8.00am
TAP-Cross Fit (by invitation only)
Venue: Cross Fit JAC, Viking Oval Wollongong Day and Time: Tuesdays 6.30am – 8.00am
Stand up Paddle Board
Venue: Belmore Basin Day and Time: Mondays and Tuesdays 6.30am – 8.00am Thursdays 3.30pm - 5.00pm
Girls Fitness
Venue: Rekreate Coniston Day and Time: Tuesdays 3.30pm – 5.00pm
Hangdog Climbing Gym
Venue: Hangdog Auburn Street Wollongong Day and Time: Tuesdays 3.30pm – 5.00pm
RUN WOLLONGONG 2015
Tennis
Venue: Collegians Figtree Day and Time: Tuesdays 3.30pm – 5.00pm
Beach Sport
Venue: Belmore Basin Day and Time: Thursday 3.30pm – 5.00pm
TAP-Beach/Bootcamp/Swim (by invitation only) Venue: Belmore Basin Day and Time: Thursday 3.30pm – 5.00pm Questions on sport can be directed to Ms K Lane klane@tigs. nsw.edu.au or Mrs L Hinch lhinch@tigs.nsw.edu.au on 4220 0258
Join our TIGS Team and help raise money for the refurbishment of Wollongong Children’s Hospital by entering Run Wollongong 2015. This year the walk/run will see us travel along Wollongong’s picturesque waterfront and Flagstaff Hill precinct. The 12km course will travel further north and pass through the Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort and Fairy Meadow Surf Club. Both the 6km and 12km courses will take in a number of roads and landmarks that are usually off limits to the general public. Get involved and join our TIGS Team. You can walk or run for a really important cause in our community.
TIGS DIAMONDS
After finishing top of the competition ladder in the Illawarra District Netball Association’s Intermediate C1 Competition, TIGS Diamonds won their semi final convincingly and headed off to the grand final with increasing confidence. Unfortunately they lost the grand final in an extremely close game by only three goals 20-23. The girls have had a fantastic season and will be rewarded alongside all of the members of the TIGS Netball Club at our Presentation Evening on Wednesday 16 September at Towradgi Beach Hotel.
UPCOMING EVENTS IN TERM IV Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week
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NASSA Years 7-9 Basketball Gala Day 8 October All Schools Track and Field Meet 8-11 October Year 9 Leadership Camp 14-16 October AICES U/15 Boys Cricket Trials 14 October NASSA Senior Basketball Gala Day 15 October Rugby 7’s Moss Vale School AICES U/15 Basketball Championships 22 October Schools Surfing Contest Friday 23 October
What: Run Wollongong -12km run, 6km run or 6km walk When: Sunday 18 October 2015 Cost: $52 with 100% of your entry fee going straight back into our community to support the refurbishment of our Wollongong Children’s Hospital. Register online to TIGS Team at runaustralia.com.au
GIRLS U17 RUGBY DISCOVERY DAY Women’s Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports internationally. A discovery day for any girl wishing to trial for the Illawarra Under 17’s 7-a-side rugby team will be held in Wollongong on Saturday 10 October. If this may be of interest please contact Mr Tregonning at School.
Junior School Thanks to our great dads! Father’s Day stalls and Father’s Day Breakfast in the Junior School are very important events. For many dads, getting on to campus and spending time with their children is a rare and precious opportunity, so it was wonderful to see so many of our dads at School on Friday for an early morning breakfast and some time together. What was also great to see were the games of soccer, handball and basketball that sprang up around our new oval. Our dads gave it their best, but if the truth were known, they couldn’t keep up with their kids!
Judi Nealy Head of Junior School
Thank you to the very many mums who volunteered to sell gifts to the children, set up for the breakfast, cook, serve and clean up. A fantastic community event! A special thanks to Lisa Kitely who has overseen the Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls for the last eight or more years. Her youngest child moves on to Senior School in 2016 and she has passed the baton on to another generation of Karobran parents to take on this event in the future. Thank you Lisa for doing such a wonderful job for so long and for ensuring that our children in the Junior School had the opportunity to purchase a special gift for their mums and dads.
EXHIBITION The culminating activity of the Programme of Inquiry was held for 2015 this week. Our Year 6 students presented their Exhibition learning to our community and it was a resounding success. The Illawarra Grammar School values excellence of all kinds, and by this we mean individual excellence whereby our students and all of our staff strive to be the best that they can be. Our affiliation with the IB provides a scaffolding for us as a school to pursue excellence and this was evident at The Exhibition. What does the IB offer TIGS students? • High quality programmes of education, which support development of knowledgeable and inquiring students • Professional development that supports effective educators and collaborative professional learning communities • A worldwide network of highly respected IB World Schools, working together to share best practice The IB produces high-performing students Research shows that students in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) performed better than non-IB students in a global International Schools’ Assessment study that ran from 2009-2011. Further research indicates that Diploma Programme (DP) graduates complete college faster than their peers, feel more prepared for college-level coursework involving research, and are better able to cope with demanding workloads and time-management challenges. Our current Year 6 students will engage with the MYP in Years 7 – 10 and they will have the option to undertake either the IB Diploma or the HSC when they get to Years 11 and 12. At • • • •
the Exhibition it was easy to see the reasons why IB students are held in such high regard. Especially apparent was: Real connection with the issue being investigated In depth knowledge of their content or subject area – far beyond that of just “googling” information High levels of collaboration between students and staff Empowered learners who feel equipped to take age appropriate action (not for our students, that feeling of the world’s issues being too much for them to tackle)
I am very proud of the students and the learning that they demonstrated to our community at the Exhibition and congratulate them on their efforts.
NSW PRIMARY SCHOOLS ONE-DAY CHESS TOURNAMENT This week the Junior School hosted the South Coast NSW Junior Chess League One Day Chess Tournament with 111 Primary aged children from 10 schools within the Illawarra Region competing in this team event. The event was a great success with our visitors enjoying our fantastic facilities and a fun day of chess was had by all. Congratulations to Aditya Kumaresan, Alex Stevenson and Krishnendu Gupta whose team was awarded 3rd place in the competition. Well done also to all of our other competitors who were helpful, gracious and proud of their School.
BIG DAY IN Big Day In is just about here again. Below please find all the details for this wonderful family event. Classroom visits will be held on Thursday 17 September from 10.30am – 11.20am followed by Assembly in the IGC from 11.40am – 12.40pm featuring ‘Key Concepts’. Lunch will be from 12.40pm – 1.30pm followed by the finals of the 4 vs 4 Lunchtime Football (Soccer) competition for Years 4 to 6 on the Junior School Oval. Children are to wear full school uniform. Those children participating in the football game will need to change into their sports uniform at lunchtime. Lunch will be picnic style on the Junior School oval and surrounding areas from 12.40pm -1.30pm. Hampers will be available to order through Flexischools /Big Day In at www.flexischools.com.au OPTION A: Chicken Salad 6 inch Sub Apple Choc Chip Cookie Bottle of Water or Apple Popper COST: $10.00
OPTION B: Ham Salad 6 inch Sub Apple Choc Chip Cookie Bottle of Water or Apple Popper Cost: $10.00
OPTION C: Vegetarian 6 inch Sub Apple Choc Chip Cookie Bottle of Water or Apple Popper COST: $10.00
OPTION D: Cheese only 6 inch Sub Apple Choc Chip Cookie Bottle of Water or Apple Popper COST: $10.00
Please order your hampers through Flexischools as above. Ordering will close at 5.00pm Monday 14 September. No orders will be taken after this time. Hampers will be put into family packs and delivered to the classroom of the eldest child in the family for collection. When completing your Flexischools order, please make sure all details are completed. We are looking forward to seeing lots of families joining us for this wonderful day.
WEEKLY AWARDS KD KP 1Y 2M 2Mc 2S 3R 3S 4M 5R 6C 6K
Evelyn Sanzone, Henry Chen Noah Ristov, Damon Glynn Jemima Bigirindavyi, Grace Russo Saif Jaber, Toby Jinks Annabelle Sheargold, Riley Grundy Scarlett Ford, Ava Santos Jessica Llewellin, Anika Rindani, Daniel Peden Samuel Stevenson, Ethan Bywater, Teerth Khanna, Samarth Sirohi Jacobus Newhouse, Mena Tsaganas Alec Varmedja, Natalie Parsons Soraya McCann Ruby D’Rozario, Xia Lian Wilson
MERIT CERTIFICATE
Academic
Jessy Harman Kayden Merritt Kasim Kermali Samra Tarrant Alexander Burden Tom I’Ons Lola Stephenson Hilton Brown Daniel Cox Tobi Sweetland Spiros Tsaganas
Personal Presentation Charlotte Palmisano
Senior School Extend@ TIGS Languages OVERSEAS TRIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2016
Overseas educational tours are a way to move your learning beyond the four walls of the classroom. Current students from year 8 onwards may be interested in the following opportunities.
CHINA TOUR 2016
Students in years 9 and 10 (2016) are invited to be part of TIGS inaugural China Tour from 9 to 19 April 2016. Over the 10 days students will enjoy a language and cultural experience with Chinese school stay in Shanghai City and a cultural visit to Beijing in addition to meeting local and expat families during their stay.
EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVES TOUR 2016 Current students of year 8 to 11 studying Elective French and/or History are invited to take part in this trip to France and Italy from 7 April to 20 April 2016. Students from Core French class in Year 9 and 10 (2016) are welcome to attend this information session as they will be invited once we have confirmed vacant places are available on the trip. In addition to whole group activities, this trip allows for specialised History or French language experience during part of the trip.
VIETNAM TOUR 2016
Year 11 and 12 students of Society and Culture and Geography are invited to join us next April school holidays for a 10 day tour of North and South Vietnam.
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Separate information sessions for these trips will be held on Monday 14 September in the Recital room from 5.00pm to 6.00pm for the China Tour and from 6.00pm – 7.00pm for the Europe Tour. The Vietnam tour information session will be held in the library from 5.00pm to 6.00pm. At these information sessions, a draft itinerary and the cost of the trip will be presented. There will be opportunity to ask questions of our Sydney-based tour provider who will be attending the evening.
Extend@TIGS has a lot of different and exciting upcoming events organised. We have weekly science activities as well as outdoor sport and craft. We are also expecting a special visit from Gilbert the Gecko on 15 September and would love for you to come along to meet Gilbert.
HOLIDAY PROGRAMME BOOKINGS ARE OPEN! We have heaps of fun activities planned these school holidays and can’t wait for you to attend! Create a windsock by combining science, technology, engineering, art and maths. Channel your inner architect as you design, construct and build a magnificent 3D tower. And create an amazing airplane piggy bank complete with wings and a propeller. Participate in all this and more at Extend’s Spring Holiday Programme. To check out what’s on visit our website at extend.com.au and book via the Parent Portal.
Week 9 Activities:
Monday 14 September Outdoor Sport: Soccer drills confidence builder Cooking: Raspberry cupcakes Tuesday 15 September Extend@Library (3:30pm-4:15pm) Blind folded obstacle course – trust exercise GILBERT VISITING!!!! Wednesday 16 September Indoor Activity: Musical Statues Outdoor Sport: Soccer Thursday 17 September Indoor Activity: Extends got talent Outdoor Sport: Soccer Friday 18 September Craft: Finger painting Outdoor Sport: Soccer then Cops and Robbers ONLINE BOOKINGS: extend.com.au CALL OUR OFFICE: 1300 366 437
Illawarra Relay for Life One of our parents, Anne Cannon and her daughter Elise (2014 Alumni), will be raising funds for the Cancer Council NSW through their participation in the 2015 Illawarra Relay for Life Head Shave. Sponsors can donate here for Anne and here for Elise.
UPCOMING
EVENTS
WEEK 9
Headmaster’s Handball Challenge Tuesday 15 September
Junior School Big Day In Senior School Great Race Thursday 17 September
Year 12 Graduation Ceremony 9.00am Friday 18 September in the IGC
Year 12 Graduation Formal 6.00pm Friday 18 September
Last Day of Term III Friday 18 September
WEEK 1 - TERM IV
Term IV Commences Tuesday 6 October
Senior School Leadership Induction Ceremony 2.00pm Friday 9 October in the IGC
WEEK 2
Year 12 2016 Parent Information Evening 5.00pm Tuesday 13 October in the Goodhew Research Centre (Library)