MESSAGE FROM
THE PRINCIPAL
Sunday Series
Concert
While I was involved
in hosting part of the Association Heads of Independent
Schools of Australia (NSW/ACT Branch) on Sunday afternoon, I
was able to watch some of the performances Choral and Flute
Concert. The Concert involved all CGGS Senior School Choirs,
the Flute Ensemble and the Combined Canberra Grammar Schools’
Motet Choir. It was a wonderful afternoon of choral music and
I would like to thank the students and staff involved. It was
good to see a large audience made up of family members,
including grandparents and younger siblings.
Senior Council Talent
Showcase
I would like to thank
the members of the Senior Council for their organisation of
the Talent Showcase. This was an opportunity for students from
all year levels to perform in front of friends and family
members. The teachers did not want to miss out on an
opportunity to perform, either. Thanks to teacher, Richard
Kent who arranged a group of motley musicians and singers
which included teachers, Rob Marshall, Tim Briggs, Mary
Tatchell, Joy MacArthur and myself. Our thanks to Chris Brown
who assisted us when Rob Marshall broke his wrist and was
unable to play guitar. Year 11 student, Chloe Natterer, did a
fine job on percussion.
Interview
Day
I was very pleased to
participate in this activity organised by Careers Advisor, Ian
Denman. Our Year 12 students had the opportunity to be
interviewed for jobs by a group of volunteers from various
career areas. This is an excellent opportunity for our
students to develop their skills in writing a curriculum vitae
and undertaking a job interview. These are skills which need
to be constantly improved and I am sure that the students
gained valuable points to remember for the
future.
National Curriculum
Board
The Federal
Government has established this Board which will be
responsible for investigating and implementing a national
curriculum. Along with the key learning areas of English,
Mathematics, Science and History. The Board will also look at
standardising the teaching of Languages and Geography across
the states and territories.
The decision to
include Languages and Geography has been made after the
release of two government reports which highlighted problems
with the subjects.
A study into the
teaching of geography in Years 3 to 10 reflected teachers’ concerns about
geography since it was amalgamated with other subjects into
the studies of society and the environment (SOSE). "Teachers
find students taking up geography in the final years of high
school lack much of the basic knowledge needed for that level
of study", the report said. The fall of the number of students
taking geography is a national phenomenon that has been
occurring since the early 1990s, the report found.
‘The Group of Eight’
universities has described the decision to include languages
on the list of key subjects as "an important step forward".
The government report "An investigation of the state and
nature of languages in Australian schools" found secondary
school students believe studying a language will negatively
affect their university entry scores and is not relevant to
their future careers. ‘The Group of Eight’ universities
believe that studying a language other than English to Year 12
earns bonus points for access to many universities.
Deputy Prime Minister
Gillard said "The reports are basically saying the study of
languages other than English is the weakest part of key
learning areas in Australian schools and point to the fact
that more than 85% of students who graduate from high school
today do so without a language other than English."
The Australian
Federation of Modern Language Teachers pointed out that
students in countries in Europe and Asia are coming out of
secondary school with second, third and even a fourth
language. This will mean that Australian students will not be
able to compete internationally.
I have been asked by
the Association of Independent Schools ACT to participate on a
sub-committee which will provide information and opinions to
the National Curriculum Board.
Teaching
Australia
Teaching Australia
has developed a charter for the Australian teaching
profession.
A statement
of values and commitments
-
Teachers believe
in the power of education to make a difference to the lives
of individuals and to society. As teachers and principals we
are committed to giving students the best education possible
for them to lead fulfilling, purposeful and productive
lives. We bring to the role high levels of professional
knowledge, expertise and ethical
commitment.
Teaching
-
Teachers set high
standards for every student and respond to individual needs.
We challenge students to be all that they can be, to set
demanding goals for themselves and to make a contribution to
others.
-
We provide a
stimulating learning environment. We create schools that
welcome students and foster the development of values, so
that all students, whatever their personal circumstances,
can participate and thrive. We provide experiences that
engage each student’s capacity to learn.
-
We inspire
students to discover the joy of learning, drawing them into
a world of knowledge, ideas and creativity. Our ambition for
all is a lifelong engagement with
learning.
The
Profession
-
Our practice
reflects the essential balance between conserving and
renewing what is, and anticipating and building what can be.
We work in partnership with colleagues, families, other
professionals and the wider community.
-
We take
responsibility for the development and renewal of our
profession. We act to advance the quality and reputation of
teaching through professional learning and
reflection.
-
We are
specialists in teaching and learning. We have expertise in
student development, including how young people gain
knowledge, learn to think critically and develop
creativity.
-
The teaching
profession sets itself demanding standards. We act with
judgement, integrity and respect to build the trust and
confidence necessary for successful learning.
Susan
Just
Principal
MESSAGE FROM
THE HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
Respect and
Responsibility
I have been asked on
many occasions whether I am enjoying my role at CGGS and the
answer in all cases has been a resounding yes. There has been,
however, one area that has been a great frustration to me and
the School is putting in place some strategies that will
hopefully improve the situation. I am talking about the lack
of respect the students show towards the condition of the
Senior School grounds. The situation has become so bad that
visitors to the School are commenting on how bad the litter is
and the staff are spending an enormous amount of time cleaning
up the mess left by the students.
It is disappointing
that, when you speak to the students, they openly admit that
there is a huge problem and individually they do not like the
condition of the grounds and the amount of litter that is left
after recess and lunch. They are not, however, prepared to
take responsibility for this, often stating that it wasn’t
their rubbish. It is important that the education process
about being responsible for your own mess is not only the
responsibility of the School but the message must be given
across all areas of the student’s life. With a concerted
effort from all I am hoping that all students will quickly
develop a respect for the condition of the School grounds and
some responsibility for ensuring that the litter is kept to a
minimum.
Vending
Machines
There has been a
great deal of discussion regarding the vending machines that
are on the School grounds. Many staff are concerned regarding
the amount of soft drink and snack foods that are being
purchased. In addition, there has been an increasing number of
times where food has stuck in the machine and students are
then trying to rock the machine to dislodge the food. The
machines are extremely heavy and this is an extremely
dangerous practice as they are not secured to the wall.
Consequently, a decision has been made to remove the vending
machines as soon as possible. Investigations are currently
being made to replacing the Coke machine with an alternative
machine offering bottled water, juices and possibly sports
drinks.
Swim-a-thon%20web.jpg)
The Swim-a-thon
planning is in full swing and more information appears later
in this Newsletter. Swimming Captains, Charlotte Marshall and
Sarah Martine, have been working closely with Canberra Grammar
School and they are appreciative of the support they are
getting from CGS. Ribbons are now on sale for $2 and students
will be permitted to come to School out of uniform on Friday
20 June, the day the 24 hour swim-a-thon begins. The theme is
‘pink’ and students must wear their pink ribbon in a prominent
position. Students who do not have a ribbon will be asked to
purchase a ribbon on the day or ring their parents for a
School uniform to be brought to school for them to change
into. CGS is also selling ribbons and are having an out of
uniform day on the Friday.
Charlotte and Sarah
have set a goal of raising at least $6000 for the National
Breast Cancer Foundation. At least one live radio interview
has been arranged and they are hoping more will follow.
Sunday Concert
Series
Instead of my usual
fix of AFL and Rugby League on a Sunday afternoon I had the
pleasure of attending the second concert in the Sunday Concert
Series held in the CGGS Hall. This was the most amazing
concert with seven choirs, a combined Chapel Choir and the
Flute Ensemble all performing. The talent that was on display
in all the choirs made the afternoon memorable with the
highlight being the performance of the gold medal winning
Motet Choir. Special thanks to the staff, students and parents
who give up a great deal of their spare time to prepare for
such a successful event. I would also like to praise Tess
Bennetts (9W), Louise Underwood (10W), and Lydia Dobson (12W),
who accompanied the various choirs during the afternoon. This
is definitely not as easy to do as the musicians made it look.
June Long
Weekend
I have repeated the
information regarding the June long weekend from last week’s
newsletter.
There are a number of
students who are frequently picked up from the Boarding House
well after the 5pm closing time of the Library. On Friday 6
June, the Boarding House closes at 5pm as the boarders have an
exeat weekend. Consequently, other arrangements will need to
be made as all students will need to be picked from school by
5pm.
Transborder Bus
Changes
Transborder have
advised the School of some changes to the Transborder Bus
Timetable commencing on 10 June. I assume that families have
been informed of the changes. There is little change to the
Emu run although pickups would have been adjusted to occur
slightly earlier than they currently occur. The new timetable
indicates that the bus will arrive at CGGS at 8.39am, a few
minutes earlier than it currently arrives. Please note that
the earlier time also applies to the departure time as it will
depart CGGS at 3.29pm.
Year 10 Semi
Formal
It is always amazing
how much responsibility students are prepared to take when
given the opportunity. The Year 10 students were asked last
term whether they felt that they were capable of organising
their Year 10 Semi Formal. This was met with enthusiasm from
the students and nominations were asked from students who
would be interested in being part of the organising committee.
After nominations and voting, a group of eight students have
been meeting this term to begin the long process of ensuring
the night is a success. They have reviewed the contract sent
to CGGS regarding the hiring of the venue and the menu
offered. The contract has now been signed and the deposit paid
with the Year 10 Semi Formal being set for Saturday 20
September at the National Museum of Australia. I have been
most impressed with the organisational skills displayed by the
Committee as they work together. They have discussed important
issues such as pricing, music, seating, tickets and
photography with students volunteering to make appropriate
enquiries. The Committee is now meeting on a weekly basis to
ensure that preparations are kept moving.
Bruce Handley
Head
of Senior School
MESSAGE FROM
THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
Women as
Leaders
Junior School
students were privileged this week to hear ABC TV News
Presenter, Virginia Haussegger, speak at the Junior School
Assembly. Virginia is also a well known journalist, author and
media commentator with over 20 years experience in broadcast
journalism and has covered national and international events
for leading news and current affairs programs.
Virginia spoke of a
number of events that she has covered and spoke poignantly of
a couple of important stories where children were involved.
One event Virginia described centred around the significant
repercussions for families in Iraq where she and a small crew
were covering the human devastation caused by the war and the
total lack of any medicines or medical supplies in the
Children’s Hospital in Baghdad. It is important for our
students to hear such stories as they become more
internationally minded and develop an understanding of what
others experience in various parts of our world.
Indicative of the
students’ engagement was the large number and broad range of
questions asked. She was indeed an engaging speaker and a
gracious guest. Virginia’s visit followed an invitation by our
Head Girl, Phyllida Behm and our desire to promote women as
leaders and role models in our community.
Pick Up
Parents are once
again reminded to observe the parking and pick up guidelines
that ensure the safety of the students of our School. This
week, on Wednesday, I was disturbed to read that a student at
a school in the ACT had been hit by a car causing serious head
injuries and a fractured leg whilst crossing the road to meet
his parents. It is of grave concern that parents at our School
continue to beckon their children into their car whilst on
Grey Street rather than move through the Pick Up area.
Although it may be appropriate for older students in Year 6,
some parents are deliberately asking their younger children to
wait at points along neighbouring streets or at other
intersections instead of the Pick Up area. One can only assume
that this is for the parents’ convenience as it is certainly
not in the interest of any child. Students are instructed that
they go to the Pick Up area unless a parent or guardian parks
in the permitted areas and chooses to walk into School to
collect them. Please be particularly mindful of our neighbours
in Grey Street and other nearby streets. When queuing along
Grey Street to enter the Pick Up area, non-school traffic is
also caught up and neighbours are often prevented from
entering their properties. Cars should only park in permitted
areas and everyone should cross Grey Street using the
pedestrian crossing. We ask for your cooperation in this
matter.
Drop
Off
Parents are also
asked to use the Drive Through Drop Off Zone each morning
unless they are prepared to park in the permitted areas and
walk their child into School. The Bus Zone in front of the
oval is not to be used as it is reserved for buses at that
time of day (from 8.00am).
From Monday 2 June,
the gates to the front carpark will be locked after the last
bus has delivered students to the School. For any parents who are arriving to sign
a child in late are asked to park in the top car park and walk
their child to Reception.
A reminder that
students must be at school by 8.45am when the first bell goes.
This has been mentioned in previous newsletters.
Travelling Art
Show
A large selection of
artworks from independent schools in the ACT and NSW will be
on display near the Art Room over the next couple of weeks.
Art from our own students is also part of the Travelling Art
Show and will be seen and admired at independent schools
throughout the remainder of the year. The Travelling Art Show
is an initiative of the Junior School Heads of Australia and
we are very grateful to our Art teacher, Peta-Jayne Smith, for
her work to ensure our inclusion.
Heather Ablett
Head of Junior
School
IMPORTANT
DATES
-
31 May National
Eisteddfod, Llewellyn Hall - Concerts Bands and the
Symphonic Wind Band
-
1 Jun ‘You will
know them by their fruit’ Gabriel Foundation Family and
Friends’ Service, Chapel of the Annunciation, Senior School
campus, 9am
-
2 Jun Y7 in 2009
Information Evening, CGGS Hall, 7pm
-
3 Jun ACT Cross
Country
-
3 Jun Y6
Excursion to Parliament House, 10am to 1pm
-
3 JUn P&F
Meeting, Board Room, Senior School campus, 7pm
-
4-6 Jun Y5 Study
Tour to Birragai
-
4-6 Jun Y9/10
Drama Performance, Drama Centre, 7pm
-
6 Jun Y9 Social,
War Memorial Hall, Canberra Grammar School
-
9 Jun Queen’s
Birthday Public Holiday
-
10 Jun Junior
Primary exchange with Canberra Grammar School
-
10-17 Jun Y11/12
Testing Period
SCHOOL
SHOP
Term Time
Hours
Mondays 8.15am to
2.00pm
Tuesdays 8.15am to 2.00pm
Thursdays 12noon to
5.30pm
T: 02 6202
6486
CGGS GENERAL
NEWS
INTERNATIONAL
BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA COURSE SURVEY
Attention parents of
students in Years 3 to 10. Please click on the link below to
access the survey regarding the International Baccalaureate
Diploma course as referred to in Susan Just’s letter of 30
May.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=D_2bnmKsUZxELV554VcFZRrQ_3d_3d
NOTICE TO
CEASE ENROLMENT - REMINDER
Please be reminded
that notice, in writing, of at least one complete School term
is required to:
a) cease enrolment;
b) change from boarding to day
student status;
c) change from day student to
boarding status.
In case of (a) and
(b) fees for one half term are payable if sufficient notice is
not given. For example, if a student is not returning for Term
4, written notice must be received by the Principal by the
last day of Term 2. In the absence of such notice, one half of
the Term 4 tuition and/or boarding fee is
chargeable.
Barbara
Connolly
Registrar
WATER SAVING
TIP
Catch water that is
wasted while the water warms up in a bucket or container for
watering plants. In the shower, you can even collect water
with soap subs in it for use on some plants, but remember to
check that the soap will not harm the plants."
Sarah Francis
Junior School Environment Captain
YEAR 9 ARE
ANIMALS
Attention all Theatre
Lovers!
The Year 9 and 10
Co-curricular Drama production Year 9 are Animals a one act play by Richard Tulloch opens next week.The
performance dates are Wednesday 4 June (Opening Night),
Thursday 5 June, Friday 6 June, Wednesday 11 June, Thursday 12
June and Friday 13 June.There will also be Year 9 and 10 Art
and Textiles work on display in Drama Centre Studio 3 on the
night, as well as live music prior to the performance. Tickets
are $5 for students and $8 for adults. All Welcome. For seat
reservations and general information phone Sophie Benassi,
Drama teacher, on
6202 6450.
Brad Cooney
Head of Creative
Arts Faculty
|
Winter Sports Draws for the weekend: 30
May to 1 June |
|
BASKETBALL - http://www.act.basketball.net.au/fs
home.asp |
|
Team |
Day |
Opposition |
Time |
Court |
|
CGGS Red |
Saturday |
TSC Tigers |
12pm |
Tuggeranong Ct
5 |
|
CGGS Monachs |
Sunday |
Weston Creek |
1pm |
Tuggeranong Ct
2 |
|
CGGS Lynx |
Sunday |
Vikings |
10am |
Tuggeranong Ct
5 |
|
CGGS Comets |
Sunday |
TSC Tigers |
10am |
Tuggeranong Ct
4 |
|
CGGS Liberty |
Sunday |
Queanbeyan |
3pm |
Tuggeranong Ct
1 |
|
CGGS Storm |
Sunday |
Weston Creek |
3pm |
Tuggeranong Ct
3 |
|
CGGS Sun |
Sunday |
Merici |
12pm |
Tuggeranong Ct
3 |
|
CGGS Fever |
Sunday |
TSC Tigers |
12pm |
Tuggeranong Ct
4 |
|
CGGS Mystics |
Sunday |
Vikings |
4pm |
Tuggeranong Ct
1 |
|
CGGS Shock |
Sunday |
Weston Creek |
4pm |
Tuggeranong Ct
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HOCKEY
- http://www.hockeycanberra.org.au/ |
|
Team |
Day |
Opposition |
Time |
Field |
|
18 Div1 |
Saturday |
St Pats |
10am |
Carter |
|
18 Div 2 |
Saturday |
Vikings |
11am |
Watt |
|
15 Div 1 |
Saturday |
Queanbeyan
Utd |
10am |
Powell |
|
15 Div 2 |
Saturday |
Valleys |
8am |
Kjar |
|
13 Div 1 |
Friday |
Valleys
Maroon |
7pm |
Carter |
|
13 Div 2 |
Saturday |
BYE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SOCCER - http://www.soccercanberra.com.au/ |
|
Team |
Day |
Opposition |
Time |
Field |
|
SL1 |
Sunday |
ANU Anarchy |
3pm |
Mawson |
|
SL4 |
Sunday |
Weston Creek |
1pm |
Waramanga |
|
SL6 |
Sunday |
Belnorth |
3pm |
Waramanga |
|
16's |
Saturday |
Woden |
3.10pm |
CGGS |
|
14 Div 3 |
Saturday |
Radford |
1.45pm |
Radford |
|
13 Div 1 |
Saturday |
Radford |
12.30pm |
CGGS |
|
13 Div 3 |
Saturday |
Brindabella
Cougars |
12.30pm |
Calwell |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NETBALL - South
Canberra Netball Association PH:
62822763 |
|
Team |
Day |
Opposition |
Time |
Field |
|
Inters - 12
teams |
Saturday |
Varied |
12pm |
Deakin |
|
Senior Div 1 & 3 -
9 |
Saturday |
Varied |
1.30pm |
Deakin |
|
Senior Div 2 - 3
teams |
Saturday |
Varied |
3pm |
Deakin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WATER POLO - http://www.sportingplus.com/ |
|
Team |
Day |
Oppostion |
Time |
Pool |
|
Girls Grammar
16A |
Friday |
Nordek 16A |
6.30pm |
AIS (A) |
|
Girls Grammar
16B |
Friday |
Merici/Dara
16A |
8.10pm |
AIS (A) |
|
Girls Grammar
14 |
Friday |
Merici/Dara
14 |
7.20pm |
AIS (A) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOUCH FOOTBALL -
http://www.acttouch.com.au/ |
|
Team |
Day |
Opposition |
Time |
Field |
|
CGGS |
Monday |
The Moose |
6pm |
Deakin
1 |
|
JUNIOR
SCHOOL NOTES SENT HOMES |
|
Excursion /
Activity |
Date Handed to
Students |
Permission Slip
Return Date / Date of Activity |
Staff Member /
Department |
|
Semester 1
Sport and Music Photos |
23 May
2008 |
Thursday 29
May |
Antonia
Matthew, PDHPE Coordinator & Jenny Johnson, Head of
Performing Arts |
|
Guess the
Weight of the Pumpkin Competition |
26 May
2008 |
26 May – 6
June |
Environment
Captain and Environment Committee |
|
Guess the
Number of ‘Worms’ Competition |
26 May
2008 |
26 May – 6
June |
Environment
Captain and Environment Committee |
|
ToM Practice
Times |
30 May
2008 |
Various |
Jillian Shaw,
ToM Coordinator |
|
SENIOR
SCHOOL NOTES SENT HOME |
|
Excursion /
Activity |
Date Sent To
Students/Parents |
Date To Be
Returned |
Staff Member /
Faculty |
|
Biology 2
excursion to National Zoo and Aquarium – 4&5
June |
28
May |
- |
M Musgrove,
Science Teacher |
|
Fantasy
Fellowship Co-Curricular Excursion to Woden Cinemas – 24
June |
29
May |
- |
J Meibusch,
Fantasy Fellowship Coordinator |
|
Fantasy
Fellowship Co-curricular move night – 20
June |
29
May |
- |
J Meibusch,
Fantasy Fellowship Coordinator |
|
ACT Cross
Country Carnival – 2 June |
27
May |
- |
J Hunter,
Co-curricular Sports
Coordinator |
IN THE
NEWS
More articles on
School news, activities and events are available in the
section ‘In the News’ on our website.
http://www.cggs.act.edu.au/pages/page416.asp
|
Featured
articles this week: |
|
|
|
Year 6
News |
Senior School
Cross Country |
Senior School
Basketball News |
|
Junior School
Art News |
Junior School
Soccer News |
Netball
News |
P&F
ASSOCIATION
Parents and
Friends Association brings you……………….
Narnia –
Prince Caspian
Narnia is coming to
Canberra and the P&F have booked the Greater Union Cinema,
Manuka, so you can be one of the first to see the movie in an
exclusive CGGS viewing. Previews can be viewed here:
http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/narnia. It looks very
entertaining and will be a welcome relief from assessment
time!
Tickets are limited
so get in early.
Follow this link http://www.cggs.act.edu.au/pages/images/narnia2caspian.pdf
to download the form and
book your ticket.
David Needham
President -
Parents and Friends Association Incorporated
‘Building
Community – Providing the Extras’
T: 02 6230 3118 M: 0417
468 655, E: PandF@cggs.act.edu.au
FRIENDS OF
MUSIC
For Instruments for
Sale go to: http://www.cggs.act.edu.au/pages/page247.asp
COMMUNITY
ANNOUCEMENTS
The inclusion
of announcements in this publication is in no way to be
interpreted as an endorsement of support by the School.
Readers are responsible for forming their own opinion as to
the value or reliability of the information contained in such
announcements
Please click here to
download full program information
PDF application form is
available by clicking here
For more information on the NIDA Open
Program go to: www.nida.edu.au or ph: 02 9697 7626.
