TIGS Review, Issue 2 2010

TIGS

TI G S

The Illawarra Grammar School

TIGS Review 2 2010

From the Headmaster We seem to have arrived very quickly at the end of the first half of 2010 and as you will see in the following pages, we continue to have much to acknowledge and to celebrate.

I have previously referred to the African concept of ubuntu. It is a word from the Bantu language that does not easily translate into English but captures what I believe is the essence of the TIGS community. One description of ubuntu reads: “Ubuntu is the essence of being a person. It means that we are people through other people. We cannot be fully human alone. We are made for interdependence, we are made for family. When you have ubuntu, you embrace others. You are generous, compassionate. It embraces hospitality, caring for others, being able to go the extra mile for the sake of others… A person is a person through another person, that my humanity is caught up, bound up, inextricably, with yours. When I dehumanise you, I inexorably dehumanise myself. The solitary human being is a contradiction in terms”.

This year’s Great Fete was an excellent example of the spirit of ubuntu. There were over 300 volunteers working for our community. The generosity shown by the volunteers and the eagerness of so many to contribute to the School community was amazing. TIGS is a special place and its strength is the strong commitment and affection that people develop for each other and the School.

On the 19 September 2010, we will come together as a school community for the official opening of Rees Hall, a wonderful new facility in the Junior School. I hope that you and your family will join us for a service of dedication and thanksgiving as part of ‘Back to TIGS’ Day. Everyone is welcome to join in the celebrations in Rees Hall and participate in a charity BBQ in aid of TIGS Year 12 2010 chosen charity “Triple Care Farm’’. So please put the date of Sunday 19 September 2010 in your diary – I will look forward to welcoming you to TIGS. Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

Tertiary Information Evening

The Tertiary Information Evening was held on Tuesday 1 June for students of Years 10, 11 and 12 and their parents. It began with an Expo in the IGC where representatives from universities, TAFE and private tertiary institutions provided written information and fielded questions from students and family members on an individual basis. After the official opening address by Mrs Monica Watt, a panel interview of recent TIGS Alumni, was then conducted with the aim of encouraging students to think ‘outside the square’ on alternate post secondary school options. Gayani Gunasukera spoke about her overseas gap year through the Lattitude Global Volunteering Group. Chris Lewis outlined his option of a cadetship with Tarrants Financial Services while studying at the University of Wollongong. Chris Wenzel spoke on his TAFE studies in Fitness , combined with two leadership experiences with Camp USA , before recently entering the University of Wollongong to study Physical Education. Mark Rooney, who is currently in his third year of Exercise Science, discussed the advantages of studying full time immediately following the HSC year. Information seminars by each of the Expo exhibitors were then held - it was very pleasing to see past students including William So, Alexander O’Donnell and Mark Rooney from UOW and Gayani Gunasakera, Katie Patterson and Polly Yau from the University of Sydney. From the accounts of students, parents and other members of our School Community, the evening was an overwhelming success.

Junior School Rees Hall

The Big Move In

It was a great occasion on the last Tuesday of term when the stage 1 classes moved into their new rooms. Our community spirit was again on display as we had many parents come along to help us with the big move.

In only a few hours the children had put away their equipment into their new places and were looking settled in the new classrooms.

Mrs Martin also enjoyed teaching the first sports lesson in Rees Hall. We cannot wait to see the many benefits that these great facilities will bring to the Junior School children.

TIGS Great Fete

The weather was kind and the sun shone upon the TIGS campus. The smell of many different cuisines wafted across the grounds enticing the crowd, as they exited the shuttle buses, to succumb to the temptation. All of our various food stalls sold out as people who came to watch relatives perform, grab a bargain, thrill on the rides or chance their luck at winning a raffle indulged their senses. The TIGS Community came out in force to welcome a multitude of visitors. We cooked, baked, sewed, knitted, sorted, kept the grounds clean, organised rosters, collected and counted money, arranged flowers and gift baskets, supervised games, sold raffle tickets, gained retail sales experience and joined the construction and deconstruction crews as the grounds changed from their normal School day set up to a Fete extraordinaire and back in the space of 9 hours. As the saying goes, “What a difference a day makes�. There was a wonderful atmosphere that lasted the length of the Fete and beyond. The feedback from stall coordinators has been positive with suggestions for some tweaking here and there to capitalise on the fabulous goodwill received. TIGS P & F wishes to extend their thanks to everyone who contributed to the 2010 TIGS Great Fete.

Nan Tien Temple

Year 4 Excursion

As part of our IB PYP inquiry into how people’s beliefs can affect their actions, Year 4 went to the Nan Tien Temple.

Students learnt about what Buddhists do at the temple and got to experience a little Tai Chi which they found out was a little more strenuous then they had expected.

Junior School children welcomed their mums and other special ladies into our school this term to say ‘Thank you’ with a garden party morning tea. Our mums enjoyed visiting the classrooms with their precious children as well as looking glamorous in the garden party hats and dresses. Thank you to our mums for everything you do for us!

Mothers’ Day

Junior School Cross Country What a Great Day!

There was maximum participation by all of the Junior School students at the athletics carnival this year.

The house winner on the day was Wolgal.

There was great support by all the students and parents throughout the entire day.

Year 3 Excursion Our Year 3 students have been immersed in a rich and exciting study of Asia this year as they enjoyed their PYP Unit of Inquiry, Living in Asia.

Their studies took them on a journey throughout Asia studying the similarities and differences of children in Asia and children in Australia. Year 3 concluded their Living in Asia unit with a exciting excursion to The Chinese Gardens of Friendship in Darling Harbour and a delicious Yum Cha lunch in Chinatown. Every teacher, student and parent involved enjoyed a fabulous day of Chinese beauty, history, tranquillity and culinary delight!

China Town

Jesus Christ Super Star

Over 150 of the TIGS School community combined outstanding talent and a great deal of hard work over many months to stage Jesus Christ Superstar over 5 performances in June. One happy patron called to say what a wonderful production she and 20 friends saw on Saturday afternoon, saying they were all blown away with the professionalism of the production and the talent of the students. She asked to send their congratulations to all involved.

They all see a lot of theatre in Sydney and Wollongong but she said this production of JCS was far better than those. They thought the orchestra was just amazing and can’t wait for next year’s production!

Senior School Athletics Carnival

1st – Wolgal 2nd – Kogara 3rd – Aranda 4th – Coligan

Youth Achievement of the Year

Wests Illawarra Youth Achievement Award The School community of TIGS would like to congratulate Isaac Kim on his recent success in the local Youth Achievement awards. Originally here as an overseas student and coming from a non English speaking background, Isaac has worked hard and long on his studies and this was recognized with a major prize on the night. Isaac took out the prize of Academic Achievement – Junior High School and received a cheque for $1500 – a very worthy recipient. Well done Isaac!

USA Future Problem Solving In June, four Year 11 girls, Carna Feldtmann, Renate Kunz, Katrina McMahon and Olivia Wallace represented TIGS at the Future Problem Solving International Competition in Wisconsin, USA. Under the guidance of Jean Burton and the amazing Jan Hales, noted as the most successful coach during the program’s 36 year history, the girls were proclaimed winners of the Senior Division of Community Problem Solving.

Concerned with the number of tragedies occurring on our beaches, particularly involving overseas visitors, their project S.A.F.E. (Shoreline Activities and Further Education) takes a three pronged approach to familiarise newcomers to the Illawarra of the importance of surf safety, beach safety and sun safety. The rigorous competition saw the girls achieve full marks for three disciplines: their Project DVD, display and interview.

A wonderful achievement for all involved!

Quota Student of the Year Laura Sunderland and Hannah Goodhew participated at the Quota Student of the Year Awards.

Both students needed to give a 4 minute speech of their own choice and a 1 minute impromptu speech. Laura’s prepared speech was on media and its impact on our lives while Hannah’s was a reflection on her recent trip to Africa and its impact on her life. Hannah’s impromptu speech was Music and Laura drew out the topic of Windows.

The Illawarra Grammar School would like to congratulate both girls on their efforts and in particular the confidence that they displayed throughout the day and the quality of each of the speeches they prepared.

Swimming David McKeon (Year 12) competed in the Australian Schools Swimming Championships in Brisbane. He had an outstanding meet, winning 7 Gold Medals and 2 Silver Medals in the 17-19 age group. The TIGS community congratulate him on his fantastic achievements.

David McKeon

Year 9 Camp Year 9 students ventured to Bungonia State Conservation Area for their Outdoor Education experience this year. They were involved in numerous activities including hiking through the Shoalhaven Gorge, caving, abseiling, and rogaining.

Trivia Night

What a Night!

The TIGS Trivia Night was an outstanding night organised by Year 12 as a fund raiser for their chosen charity – Triple Care Farm. It was organised with military precision and mathematical accuracy. The best team won - well done to the Year 10 parent’s team and well done to all the students involved who raised $4,750 for their charity. It was an impressive performance and a great night’s entertainment. It was so heartening to see so many members of the TIGS community and members of the wider community having a good time helping others.

AICES Schools Tennis Championship TIGS girls tennis team of Kirsty McRae (Year 9), Stella Crick (Year 10), Hannah Muirhead (Year 10) and Lily Tuivaga (Year 7) won both the NASSA and AICES Schools Championships.

Stella Crick

Kirsty McRae

Dominic Riordan

Diocesan Netball Gala Day TIGS entered 3 netball teams in the recent diocesan carnival at Berkeley. Congratulations to all the players and special mention to TIGS Intermediate Girls, Division 2 undefeated WINNERS. Well done!

Music, Dance & Drama

The Illawarra Grammar School invites you and your guests to

‘THE WORKS’ 2010 EXHIBITION 27 August 2010 – 28 August 2010

Please join us to celebrate art and design and continue the tradition at The Illawarra Grammar School with the ‘The Works’ 2010.

The exhibition will feature Artworks, Film, Design, Furniture, Photography, Ceramics and Textiles from HSC 2010 and from past and present students, teachers, parents and friends of The Illawarra Grammar School.

OFFICIAL OPENING FRIDAY 27 AUGUST, 2010

SATURDAY 28 AUGUST, 2010

SPECIAL EVENTS

“The Workshop” Monday 30 August, 2010 10.00 am - 11.30 am

6.30 pm - 8.30 pm in the IGC

10.00 am - 4.00 pm in the IGC

Guest Speaker Dianne Goodman.

The Works Cafe

Announcement of the $2000 Acquisitive Prize donated by Westpac

Exhibition Floor Talks 12.00 noon, 12.30 pm, 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm

‘TIGS at Redpoint’ 1 September 2010 - 9 September 2010

Back to TIGS Alumni Picnic Day

Please join TIGS community for the official opening of Rees Hall, a wonderful new facility in the Junior School. You and your family are invited to come to a service of dedication and thanksgiving as part of ‘Back to TIGS’ day – we welcome our students, our alumni and their extended families and the community to join in the celebrations in Rees Hall and participate in a Rotary charity BBQ in aid of TIGS Year 12 2010 chosen charity “Triple Care Farm’’.

Sunday 19 September, 2010 at 10.30am RSVP grammarians@tigs.nsw.edu.au

TIGSFOUNDATIONLIMITED WHAT IS THE TIGS FOUNDATION? The Illawarra Grammar School Foundation Limited is a corporate body limited by guarantee established in 1966.

WHAT IS THE MISSION OF THE FOUNDATION? To provide support that will allow the School to preserve, improve and develop its property and facilities.

HOW WILL THE FOUNDATION ACHIEVE ITS MISSION? By inviting past students, parents and friends of TIGS to become members and supporters of TIGS Foundation Ltd.

WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED?

HOW CAN I BE INVOLVED?

The IGC, Junior School, Goodhew Centre, Design and Technology Centre, Princes Highway entrance gates.

Members make fully tax deductible donations to TIGS Foundation to maintain the School as an outstanding education facility.

To contact Foundation phone: 4220 0200 fax: 4220201 email: foundation@tigs.nsw.edu.au or post: The Illawarra Grammar Foundation Limited PO Box 225 Figtree NSW 2525 Australia.

TI G S

The Illawarra Grammar School

The Illawarra Grammar School ABN 88 023 426 543. PO Box 225 Figtree NSW 2525 Australia phone: 02 4220 0200 fax: 02 422 0201 www.tigs.nsw.edu.au CRICOS No. 02300E