Canberra Girls Grammar School — Head of JS Message 07T4

A most beautiful Carols Service in the School Chapel last Sunday along with this week’s outstanding Junior Primary Christmas Concert, were reminders that Christmas is upon us and the end of our 2007 School year is drawing to a close.

Last night we enjoyed wonderful performances by the students of the ELC and Junior Primary at their Christmas Concert. At the final event for the year, our Presentation Day, we will recognise the achievements of the 2007 student leaders, our Year 6 students. We will also acknowledge and farewell the Year 2 boys, all of whom will be moving on to other schools. We hope to see many families and friends at this important ceremony.

At this time we bid a sad farewell to some of the staff that will not be with us in 2008. Margaret Willis, Sue Nichols, Elaine Teran, Shena Hayden and Heather Forrester are all retiring to begin new phases in their lives. Rachel Crowther and Cassandra Adams will be moving interstate. Kymme Hoadley, Lyn Pepper-Budge, Alison Collett and Julie Long have completed contracts with us. We will miss them all but wish them every happiness and success as they pursue new challenges. We thank them all most sincerely for the contribution they have made to CGGS.

We have been working to ensure that we secure the very best staff for all positions. We are delighted with the new appointments we have made and we are looking forward to introducing the new staff members to the School community in 2008.

I would like to take this last opportunity to thank the School community for the wonderful support I continue to enjoy in my role in the Junior School. I am blessed indeed to work with loyal and dedicated staff and in knowing a friendly and warm student and parent body. I have been particularly supported by the Principal, Susan Just, my two deputies, Damaris Patterson and Lee Wilde, and my Personal Assistant, Val Field.

The events of this year were only possible due to the significant contributions of our three most vital resources - our parents, our staff and our wonderful students. I record my thanks to you all for your continued support and cooperation in making Canberra Girls’ Grammar School the excellent school it is. A strong partnership between the School and the family is vital if positive educational outcomes for our students are to be achieved.

Finally, I wish all of our School community: students, parents and staff, a very Merry Christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year. I trust that you will all enjoy a well deserved break and have a wonderful time with your families over the festive season and summer vacation. I look forward with continual optimism to the challenges and rewards of 2008 and all it will bring.

THE FINAL DAYS

Monday 10 December

Students in Prep to Year 6 will enjoy class parties on Monday 10 December. The Tuck Shop will be closed at lunchtime, but a few items may be available to buy over the counter at Recess.

The Senior Choir will sing at the Woden Shopping Centre between 1.00-1.45pm.

Students will bring home all books and school materials.

Tuesday 11 December

Students in Prep to Year 6 are asked to come to school, dressed in summer uniform and blazer, but no hat. They will need morning tea in a disposable container, but nothing else. Students will be walked to the Senior School for our Presentation Assembly, which commences at 11.00am. We hope to see as many parents as possible at this very important Assembly to conclude the School year. Students will be dismissed into the care of their parents at the conclusion of the Assembly. Any children not collected will return to the Junior School with staff and will require lunch in a disposable container.

The Early Learning Centre will have a final Assembly commencing at 1.00pm. All parents and friends are invited. School will finish at the normal time for ELC students; however parents may wish to take their children after the Assembly.

Student Achivements

Congratulations to Jessica Andrikis 6R, who has recently been selected to study classical guitar at the Canberra School of Music next year. Jessie was the only student out of five auditioning students who was selected. 

Heather Ablett
Head of Junior School

 

 

 

 

 

Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 37 - 7 December 2007

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Posted CGGS Newsletter 36 - 30 November 2007

Social Issues Commendations

As a member of the Junior School Heads Association of Australia (JSHAA) I have regular contact and association with others who lead the primary and pre primary years in other independent schools. The JSHAA (NSW/ACT Branch), after discussion within the Social Issues Committee, introduced an award this year to acknowledge and encourage initiative, effort and commitment by students to address social issues within their schools, communities or the wider world. It is widely recognised that such school projects or initiatives have a positive and identifiable impact on a school, community, other people or the environment through awareness raising or fundraising. Heads of Junior School in the JSHAA were asked to invite staff in their school to submit an application for this inaugural award about the special projects in their schools. The submission needed to address specific criteria.

The Junior School prepared two such submissions. The first of these was about the work our Year 6 students undertake as part of their Global Issues Inquiry and the Mini Fete the students organise as part of their study. The second submission was for our Waste Busters Club and the work the School has embarked upon to become more sustainable.

We were delighted to hear that CGGS Junior School was successful with both submissions. This was particularly pleasing considering that there were only five commendations awarded across NSW and the ACT. The acknowledgement of the outstanding efforts and active student participation in these two Social Issues initiatives is wonderful for the School. Special thanks, of course, is extended to teachers Janet Robertson and Helen Shaw, who prepared the submissions on behalf of the School, and to the many students for their continued involvement in these important projects.

Representatives from the Waste Busters’ Club and from the Social Issues Forum were presented with the certificates this week at Assembly.

Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 36 - 30 November 2007

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Posted CGGS Newsletter 35 - 23 November 2007

House Chorals

The House Chorals Competition was a spectacular affair last Friday afternoon. Each House, under the leadership of House Captains and other students co-opted to assist, presented the compulsory song, One Voice One Song, a beautiful song with four parts. In addition to this song, each House sang a song from popular Beatles hits.

Among many compliments about the beautiful singing and presentations, our guest adjudicator, CGGS Director of Music, Mary Tatchell, commented on the diction, pitch and co-ordinated movement in the excellent performances by the students from all Houses.

The House Chorals Cup for 2007 was jointly won by Bates and Chisholm, but only narrowly from Gilmore and Mackellar. House Captains Sarah Johnson and Maria Suraci (Bates) and Anna Clinch and Holly Smith (Chisholm), graciously accepted the Cup before thanking the other Houses and the House and Music staff. Thank you to all who worked hard in supporting the students and to Ms Johnson and Mrs David, who steered the groups throughout the rehearsals in order to attain the high standard that was evident.

MS Readathon 2007

We are very proud to receive notification that the Junior school has achieved the revered status of the MS Readathon Top Fundraising School in the ACT. Students in the Junior School raised $12,398.65 for this most worthy cause. Special mention must go to Cameron Cox who was the highest fundraiser in the ACT.

A personal letter from Betty Cuthbert acknowledging our contribution has been received and was read at the Junior School Assembly this week.

An excerpt from the letter received:

The road to finding out what causes MS and the much needed cure is a long one, but there are advances everyday, new medications and constant research. The funds raised through MS Readathon participation, most importantly helps the MS Society provide care and support services to everyone living with MS. Your place as the Top Fundraising School in the ACT for the MS Readathon 2007 should be held with pride and high esteem.

Most sincerely and graciously I thank Canberra Girls’ Grammar School- Junior School for making the commitment to support Australians living with MS. On behalf of everyone living with MS in Australia, I say thank you.

Yours sincerely
Betty Cuthbert

Charities

We have a proud tradition of working to support many worthy causes and for helping those less fortunate. For a number of years the Junior School has supported a range of charities. Our SRC has proven to be active in promoting service and support and in 2007 more than $25 000 has been raised in support of the following charities and organisations:

• The Children’s Ward at Canberra Hospital
• SIDS and Kids
• Remembrance Day- Legacy
• The Heart Foundation
• Breast Cancer Research
• Opportunity International Indonesia
• MS Australia
• World Vision (Child Sponsorship)
• Human Rights Watch
• UNICEF

Acting Antics returns for the summer holidays

The very popular Acting Antics drama workshops will once again be offered in the forthcoming holidays. These programs are specifically for students aged 7-12 and registration can be made at www.actingantics.com

Program 1: Bah Humbug 17-20 December
Program 2: Space Pirates 21-24 January

Booklists

Jacaranda Educational Supplies provides the booklist items for all students at CGGS. The standard Book Pack is collected from the Hall on Welcome Day, Monday 4 February. Payment for this is charged to your School Account. For parents of Junior Primary students all requisites are included in the Standard Book Pack.

The arrangement for students in Years 3 to 6 differs in that there are some additional stationery items that parents may choose to buy from alternate retailers. Following feedback from parents who did not wish to source additional stationery items, Jacaranda is now also offering to provide stationery, as listed, for students in Years 3-6.

If parents wish to take advantage of this service, please return the order form by 8 December or lodge the order online as instructed on the notice distributed this week. Please make note of the payment options. The additional stationery items may be pre paid or paid for on collection on Welcome Day.

Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 35 - 23 November 2007

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Posted CGGS Newsletter 34 - 16 November 2007

Leadership in the Junior School

Our student leaders in 2007 have been outstanding role models in the Junior School. They have been enthusiastic, fair and organised in their respective roles. Some of them have had the daunting task of developing roles that were new to the Junior School in 2007 and have done an admirable job throughout the year.

Last week I devoted some time to reading the applications of more than 45 Year 5 students for the Head Girl positions for 2008. Along with the staff and students this week at the Junior School Assembly I heard the speeches of the eight girls who were short listed for these three significant leadership positions - Head Girl, Deputy Head Girl (Safe School Committee Representative) and Deputy Head Girl (Chapel Captain). What impressive speeches! Even more impressive was the fact that so many students put their names forward by applying. As there are always more applications than positions available, this is a risk that demands courage. Some students miss out and these students will be disappointed. Needless to say, I am proud of all students who applied, as should be their parents.

The process for selection of leaders at the Junior School is a democratic one. Depending on the role, a written application is followed by short listing and either an oral presentation or an interview and then a secret ballot. We will continue to encourage all of our students to develop their leadership qualities and to take a risk by applying for the many varied roles and opportunities. I am looking forward to the next round in the leadership process as we short list the applications for House Captains, Music Captain, Burrawi Captain, Library Captain, Art Captain, Sports Captain and SRC Representative. The new position of Environment Captain will be introduced for 2008. This is a significant position as we are planning more initiatives in the area of sustainability.

Leadership is not, however, about a title (or about power). Everyone can be a leader because everyone can serve their community. To be recognised and accepted as a leader takes a willingness to engage with the community, a willingness to contribute and a willingness to do what is right- just because it is right. We are in the midst of identifying the Year 6 leaders for 2008 and whilst everyone is a leader, this group, as the senior Year level in the Junior School, has a particular role in modelling our shared vision in which students work to become informed, resilient, forthright, resourceful and ethical global citizens who seek to serve their community.

The Year 6 leaders of 2007 have represented the Junior School in public, promoted the School’s expectations of its students by serving as role models and have set the tone for the whole Junior School by embracing the breadth of school life. I have every confidence that the leaders of 2008 will be ready for the challenges ahead and will represent the School with equal distinction.

Date Claimer: Chisholm House Assembly - please note that this Assembly has been moved from 19 Nov to 3 Dec.

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Neha Chopra (6R) who has been selected to participate in the School Sport Australia Girls Cricket Team in Barooga, Victoria from the 8 to 13 January 2008.

Congratulations to Sonya Paul (3N) who received a Pass with Honours for her performance at the AMEB Grade 1 piano exam.

Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 34 - 16 November 2007

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Posted CGGS Newsletter 33 - 9 November 2007

ACT NOWaste Award 2007

I am proud to advise that the Junior School has been recognised for the wonderful work we are doing in support of our environment. We have much for which to thank Mrs Helen Shaw, who over the last number of years has inspired the Junior School to reduce waste, to recycle and move towards sustainability.

Recently the Junior School submitted an entry in the ACT NOWaste Awards for 2007. This entailed an in-depth review of everything that we do at CGGS Junior School to reduce the waste we send to landfill. We included the statistics about the reduction of our landfill from 94kg per week to 11kg (this is now down to 6.7kg) and a sample of the wonderful items the Waste Busters Club make.

Although we did not win the ACT Schools Award we have been given a ‘Commendation’ award for the great work we do. Last Wednesday, Mrs Helen Shaw accepted the Commendation from the Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, John Hargreaves MLA at the Awards Presentation at the CSIRO. It is a great thrill that the Junior School has been recognised for its achievement in the Waste Wise Program and the work that is done at the school to improve our environment and our future.

Orientation for 2008

Following information nights for parents of students entering the ELC, Prep and Year 3 over the recent weeks, the orientation programs for these levels commenced this week. The first of three Prep Orientation sessions took place on Wednesday and it was wonderful to see 60 excited boys and girls with their parents on this first visit. The children were given an opportunity to explore some activities in the Prep classrooms and to familiarise themselves with the new environment and teachers. Parents of students in Prep 2008 are invited to morning tea in the Clements Hall during next Wednesday’s Prep Orientation.

ELC Orientation sessions are scheduled for Saturday mornings (10 and 24 November) and the Year 3 Orientation Day is on 12 November. In all we expect 140 new students to join the 84 continuing students in these three entry points to the School.

Punctuality

I ask again that students arrive punctually for school each morning. It continues to concern me that there are many students who are arriving late for class and some students are late nearly every day.

Prep to Year 6

Parents are reminded that students in Prep to Year 6 are expected at school before the 8.45am bell each morning. It is desirable for students to be at school at least 10 minutes before the bell goes. Students move into class at that time .The beginning of the day is extremely important and students do not like to arrive late and can often become flustered, thus impairing the concentrated learning necessary during first period. Coming into school together enables a smooth start for the students and important instructions and notices are often given to students when the class assembles together at this time. It is already of grave concern that so many students are arriving late when this should be a rare occasion.

ELC

The ELC day commences at 9am. It is just as important for students in the ELC to be at school ready to move into class with their friends. Students in the ELC are dismissed into the care of their parents or carers at 3pm.

Achievements

We are pleased to recognise the achievement of Anika Piira who was awarded a Junior Black Belt in Rhee Taekwondo after being graded by Master Chong Chul Rhee, the Head of Rhee Taekwondo in Australia. This is a really impressive achievement! Anika has been doing Taekwondo for three years and is now the youngest black belt in the Canberra/Queanbean/Goulburn area.

This week at Assembly, Deputy Head Girl, Sarah Naco, gave a wonderful description of the complex tasks Anika needed to demonstrate in order to be awarded this black belt grading. (Sarah was fortunate to watch Anika as she was graded last weekend so was able to give an accurate account.) It was obvious that the fact that Anika’s is a junior black belt in no way diminishes the achievement. She has had to achieve exactly the same types of tasks as a senior black belt. Among many other tasks Anika sparred against other junior black belts, in most cases teenagers, and she proved expert at breaking a board with a range of attacking techniques

Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 33 - 9 November 2007

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Posted CGGS Newsletter 32 - 2 November 2007

The Primary Years Program

CGGS is now a candidate school* for the Primary Years Program (PYP). As such we are pursuing authorisation as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. These schools share a common philosophy - a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that CGGS believes is important for our students.

I am delighted to be in a position to advise you all of an exciting initiative that will now be formally implemented at CGGS. For some time now the staff in the Junior School has been in a time of curriculum review and change and we have consequently, with the full support of the Principal and the Board, decided to embark on this exciting and innovative program.

During 2007, the staff in the Junior School has undertaken an investigation and feasibility study of the PYP. We have had visits and presentations by the Regional IBO Representative and others who are experienced PYP educators. Staff members have enjoyed visits to numerous independent schools in NSW and Victoria to talk with others implementing the program in their Early Learning Centres and primary classes. We have also undergone a PYP Preliminary visit by a very experienced PYP educator who reviewed our school, our policies, practices and facilities before completing a report for the IBO. This report gave approval for us to apply for candidacy with the program.

The PYP started about 10 years ago and is the fastest growing of the three International Baccalaureate offerings. One of its many benefits for us is that it encompasses the full range of students in the Early Learning Centre and Junior School - a curriculum framework spanning nine years. It is a program that is recognised and taught in a vast number of schools throughout the world. Schools that teach this program belong to a world wide network and, as a result, we also have the opportunity to forge links with schools in this network. As a candidate school, we are just beginning our journey.

* Only schools authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) as IB World Schools can offer any of its three academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), or the Diploma Programme. Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorisation will be granted. International Baccalaureate Organisation 2007. For more information: www.ibo.org

Click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 32 - 2 November 2007

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Posted CGGS Newsletter 31 - 26 October 2007

Tournament of Minds (TOM)

The Australasian Pacific Finals of the Tournament of Minds competition was completed last weekend. CGGS had one team of students representing the ACT at this level. This was an outstanding achievement. They competed against seven other teams, each representing their state or territory in the Primary Social Sciences section.

The seven students from CGGS are congratulated on enduring a long and demanding process to finally represent the ACT at this level. Throughout this journey they have been provided with the opportunity to extend and display their creative problem solving skills and should be pleased with their ideas, endeavours and achievements. The skills developed through the process will be long lasting.

Special thanks to Jillian Shaw, the CGGS TOM facilitator, who also served on the ACT Committee. Thank you also to Kerry Hardge, Corrie Bennett and Helen Mayfosh who gave their time to assist with last weekend’s gruelling program and to the parents and friends who were there to support the students.

World Teachers’ Day – 26 October

It has been my privilege over the last year or more to lead the vigorous energies of those who make up the Junior School Community. Whilst being dedicated to assisting students to improve their academic performance, the teaching staff members promote an attitude of striving for personal best and the all-round development of each child for whom they care. In doing so, it is important to recognise that they are enormously supported by the non teaching staff and those that support the School in other areas.

At CGGS, a clear set of expectations and consistent controls allow for growth towards independence within accepted social guidelines. There is a dual emphasis on personal endeavour and pastoral care guiding our students to grow and develop, not only physically, but in maturity and responsibility, too. At CGGS, we are most fortunate to have teachers who really care about their students – your children. They give that little extra to make CGGS an extraordinary school.

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated today (26 October) and the National Institute for Quality Teaching and School Leadership hopes that students, parents and the School community will continually acknowledge, not only on one special day but throughout the year, our hard working teachers. After all, teachers are moulding and shaping our country’s future leaders.

Celebrated in over 100 countries, World Teachers’ Day acknowledges the efforts of teachers in an increasingly complex, multicultural and technological society. It is a day on which students, parents and community members can demonstrate their appreciation for the contributions that teachers have made to their community.

Teachers have a special, unique job. ‘Education is fundamental to Australia’s social, cultural and economic well-being.’ Teaching requires a daunting mix of knowledge, expertise and personal qualities. It is a difficult and demanding profession. Because it is so familiar to us all, people often don’t realise that teaching is a complex, specialist and demanding profession. Yet we know it is, when we reflect on those teachers who influenced positively the direction of our lives. Teaching is both intensely satisfying and challenging. Although they are sometimes not as successful as they would like, teachers are always striving for better outcomes for children and young people.

Teachers are strongly motivated to help their students grow intellectually and personally, and work hard for that. Often parents forget the long hours they put in as they are largely unseen. The day in the classroom is only the ‘public face’ of the job. It is important but it is but a mere part of what a teacher does. Behind the scenes, teachers plan and prepare their teaching, set and mark tests and homework, devise constructive and informative assessments and review progress, write reports, help individuals and the list goes on.

Outside teaching hours, teachers meet parents, collaborate with colleagues, attend staff meetings, undertake professional development, liaise with community organisations, complete administrative tasks and prepare reports. Many also find time to coach sporting teams, conduct choirs, run a variety of clubs and a host of other extra-curricula activities. You would be astounded if I were to list the number of after school and weekend activities our staff attend. It is common for staff members to rush off to school events well into the evening , on the weekends or even during their holiday periods.

Actually what you see is but a small part of what is done. Our School is fortunate to have teachers who give of themselves way beyond the call of duty – they give of their personal time and energy to ensure that they are making a difference and that their students are achieving their personal best.

I consider myself fortunate, indeed, to have such a dedicated, committed staff that goes that extra distance in all that they do to make our school the special place that it is.

Helen Shaw - It is with pleasure that I report that Helen Shaw has been awarded a Child Development Award for extraordinary contributions to young people, significantly improving their opportunities to learn and grow.

Helen has led the school with energy and commitment to become an outstanding example of an accredited Waste Wise School. Helen initiated the Waste Busters Club and students are trained and guided to become mentors for other classes. All waste is sorted to ensure a very minimal amount adds to the landfill. It is cause for celebration at assembly each week if the Junior School has reduced our contribution to landfill and the graphing of these results is a constant visual reminder. Since the beginning of our mission the School’s landfill waste has reduced from 89kg to 10kg, and we have actively continued to promote the recycling of paper, plastic bags, corks, foil, clothing and mobile phones.

Helen contributes enormous energy to motivate, encourage and enthuse the whole school. The language of No Waste is prominent. The system works because Helen is passionate about the planet. Our students are also passionate and conscious of their responsibility and ability to make a difference to their environment.
Taken from the citation at the Awards Presentation: 24 October 2007.

Mrs Julie Long - The Children’s Book Council ACT Branch was also recognised at the ACT Children’s Awards. The Community for Children Award - for making an outstanding contribution to young people in the community was accepted by Mrs Julie Long who, as well as being one of our Year 2 teachers, is also the President of the Children’s Book Council ACT Branch. The work of the Children’s Book Council is far reaching in Canberra. and the passion about encouraging children to read, the enthusiasm for wanting to see the best books for children and teenagers recognised and their enthusiasm for promoting and organising Children’s Book Week activities is well known and appreciated by the ACT community.
Taken from the citation at the Awards Presentation: 24 October 2007.

Please click here to access CGGS Newsletter 31 - 26 October 2007

Posted CGGS Newsletter 30 - 19 October 2007

Following winning the NSW Title in Tae Kwon Do for Sparring in her age and weight category back in August, Portia Sarris (4WL) qualified for the National Championships in Adelaide.

Portia didn’t have an opponent to spar against in her age and weight category, so instead of taking a gold medal, she opted to have a fight instead to gain experience. In order to do that, Portia had to go up an age category (10-11 years) and fought the NSW Champion and lost 9-5. This girl then went to win the championship. Portia received a Bronze Medal.

Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 30 - 19 October 2007