Newsletter Academic Christian Caring
Year 6 enjoying the Year 10 Personal Projects
ISSUE 6
TERM III 2016
Headmaster
Jesus said “Love others as you would love yourself” I went on to speak specifically about the issue of sexting – “the use of persuasion, coercion or just plain bullying (usually by a male) to prey on and convince someone else (usually a female) to share a compromising photo (usually a naked image) with them via social media – such as Instagram, Snapchat, Skype, Facebook, … Sexting must be one of the great curses of our age – I am sure every student in the Senior School: • Has been approached to provide an image; or • Knows of someone who has been approached to provide an image; or • Has been bullied into actually providing an image; or • Has had to console someone who has provided an image and now is living to regret it. To be clear - sexting is unacceptable behaviour - it is certainly unacceptable at TIGS. I have specific advice for three groups of students: First, advice to our young women 1. Each one of you is a much loved and valued member of our TIGS community. You are loved and respected for who you are and not what you do. The Psalms describes you as being ‘wonderfully made’ you don’t have to prove anything to anyone.
Stephen Kinsella Headmaster
Usually at School assemblies I have the pleasure of announcing or celebrating the wonderful achievements of our students. This week at the Senior School assembly I had the unfortunate task of warning the students about a matter which is not so pleasant - the risk that our students (primarily young women) face from predators engaged in sexting. As an introduction I read two short texts that describe the belief and expectations we have as a School community about the worth of the individual and how we should relate to each other. Matthew 22:37-40 refers to Jesus’ description of the two most important commandments, the second of which is “love others as you would love yourself.” The Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13: • “Love cares more for others than for self; • Love doesn’t force itself on others; • Love isn’t always “Me first,” This passage doesn’t say: • Love is all about me. • Love is about using people to make me feel good. • Love is about treating others like they are objects, not people • Love is not caring about the feelings of others • Love is about dumping others when I am finished using them • Love is 7.4 billion people in the world all loving me, me, me, me.
2. Anyone that claims to be a ‘friend’ but asks you for a compromising image of yourself should be immediately ‘unfriended’. • No matter what they say; • not matter how smoothly they talk; • no matter how much you think you can trust them, even if you know them; • no matter who they claim to be a friend of; In making such a request they show they only care about themselves and do not value you for who you are. By providing such an image you are boosting their ego and reducing yourself to an object. You do not have to do this - remember that you are ‘wonderfully made’. 3. If you are subjected to a request from a predator, report it immediately to a responsible adult such as a teacher or your parents. Tell a friend if you have to and report the predator together. If you are aware that a friend of yours is being subjected to requests from a predator then help them to make a report. 4. I am disappointed to say that there have been instances where young women at TIGS have been requested to provide inappropriate images to predators. To any of our young women that have been subjected to such bullying: I am truly sorry that this occurred, both personally and as representative of the School. Be assured that TIGS staff will continue to do all we can to keep you safe
Secondly, advice to our young men
Finally advice to any boys involved in sexting
1. I know that the overwhelming majority of you have not been drawn into the world of sexting. I congratulate you on standing firm and doing what is right. To value the worth others and not reduce them to a commodity or a game is to be applauded. It is the right thing to do. 2. We have a responsibility to the young women of our School community to protect them from the creepy behaviour of predator boys. If you become aware of predators preying on our young women in the world of sexting then you must help them by reporting the sexting to a teacher or your parents. This is what ‘loving others as you would love yourself’ is about.
Please stop: 1. Stop before you are arrested by the police 2. Stop before you acquire a police record which will follow you for the rest of your life 3. Stop before you are removed from the TIGS community 4. But most importantly, stop before you demean and traumatise another young woman by your creepy, selfish, illegal behaviour We all have a responsibility to work together to keep everyone safe. Please discuss this matter with your peers and with your teachers. Let’s work together to protect our young women from predators engaged in sexting.” Parents that become aware that their son or daughter is being preyed upon should contact the School immediately. Stephen Kinsella Headmaster
Chaplain’s Message THE HOME STRETCH A few months back I joined a team from TIGS in the annual ‘Ride Around the Lake’ fundraiser. All funds raised were directed towards breaking the cycle of youth homelessness in the Illawarra. During the journey I had a bit of fun making connections between what I was experiencing on the ride and the Christian life. I recorded some of those reflections in last week’s newsletter; I wish to mention a few more this week. While I had not participated in the ‘Ride Around the Lake’ event before I was familiar with the basic route I would travel. There were times, however, when I was directed to go in a direction I hadn’t expected. For a moment I wondered whether I was going the right way. It called for trust in those who were directing me. I was reminded how in the Christian life sometimes we are not sure of the path we are taking. It all seems wrong. We have to exercise trust in the direction God gives in his word, even though in the moment we are not too sure that we are going the right way. There were a couple of refreshment points along the way – welcome places of rest. I was reminded how in life God provides these points of repose and refreshment to encourage us and equip us to go the distance. It might be a timely word from a friend; it might be a hug; it could be a generous gift to meet a need. As James 1.17 reminds
us, God is the ultimate source of all this good. At one point along the track I saw a muesli bar wrapper that someone had discarded. And I was reminded that while the Church has done so much good in the world it has not been perfect. Sometimes things have happened that have brought disgrace on the name of Jesus. This is unacceptable. At another point, a couple of riders who were riding beside me veered off the track and rode away. They abandoned the race. They didn’t go the distance. I was reminded how some people fall away from following Christ and how this can be disturbing and unsettling. As I was going around the lake, others passed me, going in the opposite direction. They looked happy enough. Could their journey have been just as legitimate? Were there many roads that led to the same destination – all equally legitimate? Jesus said no. And we simply have to accept that. When I finally crossed the finish line the first thing I saw was a DJ spinning some vinyl. Can you believe that? Vinyl! I was reminded how great heaven is going to be and of what is written in 1 Corinthians 2.9: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined,
Rev James Rogers Chaplain what God has prepared for those who love Him.” I had a really sore bottom by the end of the ride. It is no longer sore. I am furthermore reminded that in heaven there will be no more death or mourning or crying or sore bottoms! Rev James Rogers
Junior School This week we had visitors from the IB in the Junior School evaluating our Teaching and Learning programme specifically with regard to the PYP. This was an exciting opportunity for us as a School to continue to reflect on our practice and programmes and look for the next opportunity to grow and develop. The children were a part of this process, lessons were observed and students had opportunities to explain how they are learning in the Junior School. Parents will be pleased to know that our children were impressive, speaking with confidence and insight about the learning opportunities occurring each day. The PYP evaluation process is powerful as we reflect on our programmes and learning approaches in the Junior School. The IB provides us with insight into how we are travelling against world best practice standards and gives direction as to future initiatives that we might undertake as a learning community. I am looking forward to receiving the final report and to sharing it with our School Community in due time.
Judi Nealy Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior School
I am also very thankful for the professionalism of all of our staff in the Junior School in preparing for and participating in this process. The teachers demonstrated the Learner profile and their willingness to be reflective and open to learning practitioners - what a wonderful team! Mrs Judi Nealy
Junior School Sport PARKER’S SCHOOL HOLIDAY TENNIS CLINICS WESTS ILLAWARRA UNANDERRA DATE: Monday 26 September to Wednesday 28 September (3 days) TIME: 9.00am – 12.00pm COST: $80.00 (Ages 4-14 years)
FARMBOROUGH HEIGHTS COMMUNITY TENNIS CLUB DATE: Thursday 29 September and Friday 30 September (2 days) TIME: 9.00am – 12.00pm COST: $60.00 (Ages 4-14 years)
Bookings are Essential. For more information: Phone:
Andrew on 0407 029 731
Email:
arparker@bigpond.net.au
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/parkerstennis
ASSEMBLY/CHAPEL
Next week 1S will be hosting Chapel. Chapel begins at 12.10pm in Rees Hall
DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES
Thursday 22 September - Big Day In Classroom visits 10.50am – 11.50 am Assembly in the IGC 12.00pm – 1.00pm Lunch 1.00pm – 1.45pm Book Sale 1.00pm – 2.30pm
Co-curricular Club Highlight GARDEN CLUB – GREEN THUMBS AND WRIGGLY WORMS Garden Club meets on Monday and Thursday lunch times from 11.25pm – 12.05pm. Each week we weed, plant seeds and water our vegetable patch at the bottom of the Junior School Oval. Enthusiastic small hands enjoy digging in the dirt and discovering the joys of growing food. Simple things such as finding an earthworm brings squeals of delight. Sometimes we explore and care for the ponds, looking for tadpoles and other small aquatic insects. The dedicated group of young children always enjoy themselves. Mrs Julie Johannesen and Mr Andy Carroll PLEASE NOTE: All permission notes for excursions and camps will now be emailed to parents. Please make sure you have notified the school of any updates to your email address. These permission notes will also be available on OLLE.
WEEKLY AWARDS
MERIT CERTIFICATES Academic
KD
Joshua Mumford, Thomas Tarrant
KH
Amelia Murray, Tayla Weeks, Megh Gupta
KP
Arya Mahantesh, Eva Still
1M
Harrison Stone, Joshua Llewellin
1S
Om Kothari, Damon Glynn
Joshua Mumford
1Y
Poppy Bambrick, Johanna Hernandez
Arya Mahantesh
2C
Lotte van Oijen, Calix Langton
2M
Isla Brown
Joshua Llewellin
2T
Leonardo Attorre, Alexandra Da Deppo
3G
Charlotte Wall, Bora Kim
3R
Kayden Merritt
Johanna Hernandez
3S
Astrid Sperring, Reuben Grundy
Reuben Grundy
4M
Daniel Peden, Femke Duursma
4Y
Thomas Devlin, Bhaavya Gupta
5H
Loren Yusuf, Ashley Armstrong
6C
Nathan Molnar, Joshua Happe, Nicholas Chiaverini, Zoe Turner
Nicholas Chiaverini Charlotte Wall Lotte van Oijen
Calix Langton Om Kothari
Senior School other students in the middle years, with Personal Projects completed by Year 10 and so many students involved in a myriad of co-curricular activities and end of term curriculum assessments. I have been reporting on successes in many of these areas over the last few weeks and want to make sure that we recognise the achievements of students who are extending themselves through their involvement in activities beyond the classroom.
Greg Lanyon Head of Senior School This Term is a particularly busy and sometimes stressful one for our senior students in Years 11 and 12. Year 12 have just completed their Trial HSC, while Year 11 are currently completing their final Preliminary HSC examination. For a number of students studying subjects with a practical component, such as Visual Arts, Drama, Music, Dance and Design and Technology, their HSC has commenced with major works and performances having been already marked. Those who were able to view their performances and final products at The Works exhibition would have seen outstanding examples of students’ creativity and skill. Term three is also a demanding time for
Macinley Butson from Year 10 achieved first place in the IIATE Models and Innovations section of the Young Scientist of the Year Awards, organised by the Science Teachers’ Association of NSW. Macinley has developed a copper mesh shield which is used to protect the opposite breast from radiation during radio therapy in the treatment of breast cancer. This shield, if successful, would replace the single-use lead shields currently used with this procedure. The shield has the advantage of being more flexible and more cost effective because of its multi-use capability. Four of our Year 8 students, Archie Long, Zach Hah, James Gorham and Dylan Koster, reported to the Student Assembly this week their experience in attending a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) workshop held at the University of Sydney recently with Mr Gollan. The group were invited to attend the workshop by former student Ben Morrell (2009 alumni), which was titled ‘The
STEM of Planetary Exploration’. The aim of the day was to provide the students with an insight into the challenges of space exploration and how STEM is applied to solve these challenges. Archie spoke about his experience in a workshop with Dr Randii Wessen of NASA’s Jet Propulsion laboratory, where the students learned about the challenges of slowing and landing a spacecraft travelling at 320,000 km per hour! Students were also introduced to a virtual reality system used to train astronauts and given information about future careers in the field of astrophysics. Also at Assembly this week the following students received a Head of Senior School Award. This award is achieved by students who have received recognition for effort and achievement in a combination of academic, cocurricular and sport. The pathway to this award is found at the front of the School Diary. Congratulations to Aria Bacic-Johnston and James Healey from Year 7, Prathamesh Agalgaonkar, Mary Bul, Kyra King, Amy Logan, Finley McLaren and Kayla McNamara from Year 9, Ryan Baker, Year 10 and Joshua Buchanan from Year 11. I would encourage all students to “be the best they can be” and continue to be involved in the many and varied activities available at the School. Greg Lanyon Head of Senior School
Charity Obento Day
FOR STUDENTS FROM YEAR 7 TO YEAR 12
The Language Department is happy to announce that there will be a Japanese Charity Obento day. This is to raise money for the Year 12 charity. Obento Boxes will be delivered on Tuesday 20 September for the students in Years 7 to Year 12 to collect at lunch from the undercover area in M block. There will be two types of Japanese style lunches available, chicken or vegetarian. If you would like to order one, please visit the flexischools website and place your order by Tuesday 13 September. The cost of obento is $12.00 of which $2.00 will go to the Year 12 charity. Thank you for supporting our event!
Year 10 Personal Projects Some of our Year 10 students proudly displaying the end result of their Personal Projects this year.
Senior School Sport AICES ATHLETICS On Wednesday 31 August, 23 TIGS students competed at the AICES Athletics Championships, held at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush. There were many outstanding results for TIGS, with 12 students qualifying to compete at the CIS Athletics Championships on Wednesday 21 September. Those students are: Katherine Bodey – 13G High Jump (1st) Iluka Budai – 13G: 100m (2nd), 200m (2nd), 400m (2nd), Long Jump (3rd) Caitlin Chadrawy – 16G: High Jump (2nd) Margaux Chauvet – 14G: 100m (3rd), 200m (2nd), 400m (1st) James Healey – 13B: 1500m (1st) Elliot Hutt – 16B: 400m (2nd), High Jump (1st) Elizabeth Martin – 17G: 3000m (2nd) Natasha Mullany – 17G: 800m (3rd) Hugo Parrish – 12B: 400m (1st), 1500m (2nd) James Seal – 16B: 1500m (1st), 3000m (1st) Nina Segar – 12G: Discus (2nd) Harrison Taranto – 17B: 800m (3rd) Well done to James Seal and Hugo Parrish who set records during the day. James broke the record for the 3000m in a time of 9:06.66s and Hugo set the record in the 400m in a time of 1:06.37s. Medal Tally: TIGS - 6th overall (61 schools competing) 7 Gold, 9 Silver and 4 Bronze; 3rd – boys competition Age Champion: Iluka Budai: 13 Year Girls – 2nd
GREAT RACE The Great Race will be held at Jamberoo Recreation Park on Thursday 22 September. The Great Race is a compulsory school event. It is the last opportunity for students to win points for their House before the Shell Shield is awarded at the Year 12 Graduation Assembly. It is also an opportunity for our students to farewell our departing House leaders.
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. This year we will be adding an additional event for Year 12 as their final chance to contribute to the Shell Shield competition. Students 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. 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. Also a reminder to students who require asthma medication to have it with you at all times on the day. We are looking forward to a great day to farewell Year 12 2016. If you have any questions please contact Mrs Lane at school.
TIGS NETBALL CLUB Last weekend the TIGS Sapphires lost their semi-final in a highly competitive game. They have had a fantastic season and we congratulate the team for making it to the finals. The Club would like to invite the TIGS community to the Grand Final for the TIGS Crystals
from Year 6. Their game will be played on Saturday 10 September at 9.45am at Berkeley on Court 3. The annual TIGS Netball Club presentation evening will be held on Monday 19 September 6.00pm in the O Bar Room at Towradgi Beach for players and their families to come together for a meal to celebrate another great year for the club. Tickets are $25 per adult and $15 per child and can be purchased from the Finance Office before Monday 19 September 2016.
STUDENT SUCCESS Congratulations to James Seal who came 18th in the Under 18 Boys at the National Cross Country Championships in Canberra recently.
NSW SCHOOLS KNOCKOUT ATHLETICS COMPETITION On the evening of Thursday 1 September, a team of seven TIGS girls competed at the NSW All Schools Knockout Athletics Championships. This is a team’s competition where each athlete scores points for their team based on the time/distance that they complete for their event in. Against an extremely tough field, including many large private Sydney schools, the TIGS team held their own and were extremely competitive throughout the competition. The highlights of the evening were the middle distance relay team placing third in their race, Elizabeth Martin coming home with a strong finish in the 1500m to finish in second place, Margaux Chauvet having a fantastic run in the 400m to beat her PB and finish in second place, and Katherine Bodey bravely running in her first ever hurdles race…a very daunting event! At the end of the evening TIGS had placed 6th in the state, a fantastic achievement! The team was: Azalea Nassau, Elizabeth Martin, Caitlin Chadrawy, Claire Smallhorn, Margaux Chauvet, Iluka Budai, Katherine Bodey.
Athletics School Knockout Team 16
AICES Athletics Margaux Chauvet
SKO Azalea Nassau
AICES Athletics Finley McLaren
BILL TURNER CUP Our Bill Turner Cup Boy’s headed to Lake Make Macquarie for the Final Series of the Bill Turner Cup to compete against the final four teams in Australia. We were well received at the Civic Reception on the Tuesday morning before we headed into our Semi Final at 4.30pm against Hills Sports High School. Unfortunately, Hills outplayed us and proved too strong on the day. They took an early lead and despite our best efforts they were able to extend and maintain their lead until the final minutes of the game to keep us scoreless, finishing the game 4-0 and denying us a place in the Grand Final. We went into the 3rd/4th play offs against Kawana Waters in QLD feeling confident and relaxed, yet knowing we had a big game to play. We started strongly and had countless opportunities to score, but we could not get the ball in the net on the day and Kawana Waters took an early lead to finish the first half 3-0. To our boys credit they never gave up, they came out hard in the second half and continued to play with quiet determination. Nickita Peros finally put us on the score board and despite all our efforts we were defeated and finished the game down 3-1. Congratulations to the following stand out players: Samuel Lendrum who read the game beautifully to win us the ball on countless occasions. Thomas Main who delivered the ball exceptionally to the open space and Eden McCall who stepped up and played a number of different positions across the series and is to be congratulated for his team work and positive attitude. It was not the outcome we were hoping for, but our Bill Turner Cup boys have had a fantastic year both on and off the field. They have been exceptional role models for our school and have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, teamwork, communication well beyond their years. The coaching staff have been congratulated a number of times for their mature and positive approach to football and for their respectful behaviour in the public eye wherever they have travelled. I congratulate their coach Mark Grieve for all the time, effort and mentoring he has given these young men, as well as James Edgerton and Bruce Keating for their continued support and guidance along this exciting journey. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for our young footballers and we look forward to 2017.
Extend@TIGS WEEK 8 ACTIVITIES
Monday 12 September Science: Skittles Experiment Sport: Pac Man Tuesday 13 September Craft: Minion Peg Craft Outdoor sport: Dodgeball Wednesday 14 September Craft: Magazine Art Sport: Dodgeball Thursday 15 September Cooking: Cupcakes Sport: Wembley Friday 16 September Craft: Recycle Craft Sport: Handball
SPRING HOLIDAY PROGRAMME BOOKINGS ARE OPEN! Book by the deadline to take advantage of lower rates! NSW/SA/WA booking deadline: Friday 16 September. We have heaps of fun activities planned these school holidays and can’t wait for you to attend! Have fun with science experiments, participate in a bunch of craft activities with access to a plethora of art media, and get active with a variety of sports and team games. Join in on 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. Extend@TIGS has a lot of different and exciting upcoming events organised. Last week we had heaps of fun creating straw roller coasters, origami jumping frogs and recycle craft aliens. We also played games including soccer, Wembley, run the gauntlet, basketball, chess and handball. This week we have a range of exciting science, craft and cooking activities planned so please come along and join in on all the fun. ONLINE BOOKINGS: extend.com.au CALL OUR OFFICE: 1 300 366 437
UPCOMING
EVENTS
WEEK 8
CIS Primary Athletics Championship Wednesday 14 September
Elective Drama Evening Friday 16 September
WEEK 9
Headmaster Vs Year 6 Handball Challenge Tuesday 20 September
CIS Secondary Athletics Championship Wednesday 21 September
Junior School Big day In Thursday 22 September
Senior School Great Race Thursday 22 September
Year 12 Graduation Assembly 9.00am Friday 23 September in the IGC
Year 12 Graduation Dinner
6.00pm Friday 23 September at the Novotel Wollongong
Last Day of Term III Friday 23 September
WEEK 1 TERM IV
First Day of Term IV Monday 10 October