A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL CARE
Jeanette Widmer
Posted CGGS Newsletter No 21 -1 August 2008
THE WOMEN’S COLLEGE – UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
WINTER STUDY DAY – THE ROCKY ROAD TO RIGHTS
Exploring the reality beyond the rhetoric
Study Day: 16 August 2008, 9.00am - 5.00pm
The Women's College Alumnae are hosting a study day at the college on
Saturday 16 August 2008on the topic of human rights.
There is still a large gap between the promise of women’s human rights embodied in legislation and their realisation. W e have daily reminders that for millions of women to be oneself means battling danger, confronting prejudice and fighting discrimination. Many women have done so, sometimes on their own, often with the help of individuals and organisations who promote and protect women’s rights.
Speakers include:
- Rosalind Strong President Unifem Australia
- Cecily Michaels APHEDA
- Samia Hossein Edmund Rice Centre
- Somali Cerise Senior Policy and Research Officer, HREOC
- Sharon Bonython-Ericson and Kristy Kennedy Women's College students and community activists
Cost (including morning and afternoon tea and lunch)
$50.00 ($45 earlybird before 1 August) or $25.00 Students / Concession
Download the flyer and booking form here.
Parking is available close to College in the Western Avenue carpark:
http://db.auth.usyd.edu.au/directories/map/largemap00a.html (coordinates M8)
For travel information click here.
For futher information contact Merilyn Bryce Tel: 9660-0473 or merbryce@bigpond.net.au.
Jeanette Widmer
Director of Pastoral Care
Click here to return to CGGS Newsletter No 21 - 1 August 2008
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Posted CGGS Newsletter 20 - 25 July 2008
Students in the Senior School attend Tutor Group each morning. The timetable for pastoral care activities held in each House is maybe found at the link below for your information.
http://www.cggs.act.edu.au/pages/images/PC%20Timetable%20S2%2008.pdf
The Pastoral Care personal development program is a 50 minute session held each Day 9. Please select the below for the programs being held for each Year level.
http://www.cggs.act.edu.au/pages/images/PC%20PD%20Program%20S2%202008.pdf
Jeanette Widmer
Director of Pastoral Care
Click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 20 - 25 July 2008
Posted CGGS Newsletter No. 18 - 20 June 2008
Safe School Breakfast
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Johna Malkovich and his daughter Angelina (ELC) |
The Safe School Committee Father and Son/Daughter breakfast was a wonderful opportunity for connecting families with the School.
Over 700 people attended, with students from the ELC to Year 12 attending the function with their fathers, grandfathers or male guardians. Our sponsor, John Malkovich, Managing Director of SOS Recruitment, addressed the audience and revealed why he chose to generously sponsor our Safe School event.
Other speakers included Phyllida Behm, Eden Milne, Miranda Cookman and Grace Elliott. They presented an overview of the numerous significant achievements undertaken by the Staff/Student Committee across the ELC to the Senior School. Peldon Tenzin prepared the PowerPoint presentation.
Thank you to all those who attended from near and far; Melbourne, Sydney, Wagga and Griffith to name a few.
Thanks to the Safe School Committee for their tireless work, Community Relations, Catering, Grounds Maintenance staff and fellow staff committee members, Anna Hyslop, Melissa Musgrove and Julie Smith.
The event proved a resounding success in creating connections in social relationships and in highlighting our approach – ‘Speak Up’ focusing on a safe and supportive environment for students across the School.
Jeanette Widmer
Director of Pastoral Care
CGGS Safe School Committee with Director of Pastoral Care, Jeanette Widmer, sponsor John Malkovich, SOS Recruitment, with daughter Angelina (ELC), Principal, Susan Just and Senior School Counsellor, Julie Smith.
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter No. 18 - 20 June 2008
Posted CGGS Newsletter No. 14 - 23 May 2008
CGGS Safe School News
The Safe School Committee is all about ‘speaking up’, and that’s exactly what three members of the committee did when visiting the Junior School this week. They presented at both the Senior Primary and Junior Primary Assemblies.
The presentations outlined different types of bullying such as verbal, physical and cyber. The students demonstrated the concept of ‘speaking up’, whilst publicising the Father & Daughter/Son Breakfast to be held on 18 June 2008.
The Junior School students seemed to really enjoy the skits, almost as much as the committee members enjoyed performing and participating in their assemblies. Bea Tapp, Ellen MacKinnon and Mimi Pierce presented the skits.
Remember to RSVP for the Safe School Breakfast before 6 June.
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter No. 14 - 23 May 2008
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Posted CGGS Newsletter No. 13 - 16 May 2008
Building Bridges – Finding Meaning in Relationships
Year 9 students attended a powerful and inspirational performance by Brett Hunt during the Pastoral Care personal development program on 8 May.
Brett used song, performance and storytelling to explore the themes of relationship, responsibility and choice making in contemporary Australian culture. Based on personal experience, he explored the effects of war, cultural differences and substance abuse, among other topics. It is no secret that adolescence can be a particularly challenging time in life, and without the benefit of hindsight it may appear to be wasted time. Yet, someone who has come through the painful experiences of youth culture can be a great inspiration.
Brett Hunt has a genuine rapport with young people, and was able to share his experiences of youth culture creatively, through song and with generosity and humility. The student response to this opportunity was overwhelmingly positive.
Jeanette Widmer
Director of Pastoral Care
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter No. 13 - 16 May 2008
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Posted CGGS Newsletter No. 12 - 9 May 2008
Year 12 Leadership Seminar – Securing Your Community
The Women’s College within The University of Sydney will be hosting its annual Leadership Seminar on Saturday 24 May 2008 from 9.30am – 4.00pm. The theme of this year’s seminar is Securing Your Community. Speakers will include Sam Mostyn from the Insurance Australia Group, speaking on Corporate Social Responsibility; Simon Wilkie , from the Australian Defence Force on the theme of National Security and Honours student, Annabelle Boyd Jones, discussing personal security in the use of electronic media.
Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of NSW and Chancellor of the University of Sydney, will chair a panel discussion with current Women’s students, sharing their personal experiences of leadership. Panel members include the University’s Senior Student Clare Burgess (third year Media and Communications), 2007 Young Australian of the Year Tania Major (Master of Public Policy), first year Arts student Elizabeth Watt and Sydney University Union President Rose Khalilizadeh (fourth year Arts/Law).
The cost of the seminar is $35 which includes morning and afternoon tea and lunch. You would need to arrange your own transport.
If you are interested in attending the seminar please see Mrs Widmer before Friday 16 May.
Jeanette Widmer
Director of Pastoral Care
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter No. 12 -9 May 2008
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Posted CGGS Newsletter No 10 - 11 April 2008
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
5 June every year is the day used by the United Nations to stimulate worldwide awareness of environmental issues. The World Environment Day slogan for 2008 is Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy.
World Environment Day is a day to highlight resources and initiatives that promote low carbon economies and life-styles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption.
On World Environment Day CIT would like to promote their programs in environmental sustainability, create media awareness and raise the profile of CIT as a responsible organisation. It is an opportunity to encourage our students to share their ideas for a sustainable future, to invite the local community to be a part of our event and help to develop partnerships for sustainability within the ACT and wider community.
CIT aims to promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues, to raise awareness of what these issues are and to advocate partnerships.
The day will consist of special activities targeted at students from Years 5 to 12 over a two hour period from 12 noon until 2.00pm at CIT’s Bruce Campus.
Activities include:
- Greenhouse Calculator
- Measure your carbon footprint
- Environmental Trivia Challenge
- Guest Speakers
- Environmental Displays
You are invited to share a very special part of World Environment Day with CIT. If you would like further information please contact sally.holdsworth@cit.act.edu.au by email or by phone on 6205 1877
Jeanette Widmer
Director of Pastoral Care
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter No. 10 - 11 April 2008
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Posted: CGGS Newsletter No. 9 - 4 April 2008
ACTu8 - Workshop
On 9 April the Youth Coalition of the ACT, in conjunction with Beyond Blue will hold a workshop focusing on advocacy skills. To be held at Old Parliament House, this FREE, fully catered workshop will run from 9.00am – 2.30pm and is open to those aged 16 – 24 years.
Topics to be covered include;
- Communications and Media;
- How to inspire a group;
- Campaigning;
- Political Advocacy;
- Sponsorship and Fundraising;
- Student Representation;
- Team-building; and
- Event Management.
For further information and a registration form, please see Mrs King in the Student Area.
Jeanette Widmer
Director of Pastoral Care
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter No. 9 - 4 April 2008
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Posted: CGGS Newsletter No. 8 - 28 Mar 2008
Global Leadership Convention 2008
From 13 May to 20 June 2008, World Vision will hold a series of Global Leadership Conventions (GLCs) around Australia. The GLCs are for student leaders who have the vision and values to change the world for good.
The GLC aims to empower students with the skills they need to transform words into action - to become the kind of leaders and globally-minded citizens we need now more than ever. World Vision is running GLCs for Year 10 – 12 students in every state capital and some regional centres. They start at 8:45am and finish at 3:20pm. The GLCs are one-day events
This year, World Vision's GLC's will delve deeper than ever before into issues of global poverty, by inviting student leaders to immerse themselves in the world and work of child labourers.
Through simulation experience students will:
- Intimately experience what a child labourer might feel and think
- Learn about the economic realities that drive child labour
- Understand the ways in which we are all connected to child labour via the global consumer market
Through learning, listening and discussing issues students will:
- Gain skills, tools and confidence to be leaders in creating change
- Make decisions as consumers that can bring about change
- Be inspired to make a difference.
For further information visit www.worldvision.com.au/glc
Women’s Forum Australia
Melinda Tankard Reist, the Director of Women’s Forum Australia, will be presenting a forum on Wednesday 23 April at St Thomas More’s School Hall in Campbell. Melinda Tankard Reist is a Canberra author, researcher and commentator with a special interest in issues affecting women.
Entitled Toxic Culture: the challenge of restoring dignity, worth and value to women and girls, this forum aims to promote thought, discussion and debate on why in an age of ‘girl power’ many are feeling powerless.
Entry is $10 per person and $3 per student (school or university and concession card holders). For further information please see Mrs King in the Student Area.
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter No. 8 - 28 Mar 2008
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Posted: CGGS Newsletter No. 7 - 20 Mar 2008
Peer Mediation Training
On 4 March, ten Safe School Committee members participated in a one day Peer Mediation Training program at school. This program was facilitated by Mrs Widmer, Mrs Smith and Mrs Prendergast. As a part of the Safe School Committee's 2008 goals, this mediation program endeavours to qualify its participants as proficient and approachable peer mediators.
We started our day of exciting training with a brief 'Have you ever…?' game. After that, we felt refreshed and energised to begin our formal training.
In the morning, we learnt about the roles, expectations and advantages of having mediators at school. We also had various animated discussions where we talked about the advantages of having identifiable peer mediators, ways to increase the potential of this facility and how to best promote a positive approach to solving conflict within the School community.
After a delightful morning tea we were trained on skills such as active listening, being assertive and retaining neutrality. It was then that we all discovered 65% of communication is non-verbal and only 15% was verbal! After learning about the pre-mediation preparation and the various stages in mediation sessions, we split into groups and began to engage ourselves in scenarios. There was a lot of hard work but also laughter and brilliant role playing. After these mock mediation sessions, we all realised that being a mediator was a fulfilling but challenging role.
When the day finished, we were all excited for we had gained many new skills. We would like to thank the facilitators for compiling a valuable program and sacrificing their day of rest. We all sincerely hope that we will soon be able to practice our mediator skills to benefit the entire School community.
Linda Chan 12W
Personal Development Program – Year 10
Penalty Shot
On Day 9, Year 10 students viewed the Jigsaw Theatre Company’s play entitled Penalty Shot. The play examined friendship across social barriers and the ways in which seemingly insignificant choices can have a major impact on the lives of young people.
Penalty Shot was about misplaced passion, friendship and the thin line between sport that unites and divides. It portrayed the message that in a penalty shoot out – it doesn’t matter how well you play the game, it can all be lost in just a moment. That seemed a powerful metaphor for any risk taking a young person undertakes.
Jigsaw Theatre Company is Canberra’s touring professional theatre company for young audiences. The performance was memorable because it stirred the students’ imagination and elicited many questions from them concerning both dramatic techniques and risk taking behaviours.
Jeanetter Widmer
Director of Pastoral Care
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter No. 7 - 20 Mar 2008
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Posted: CGGS Newsletter No. 6 - 17 Mar 2008
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Elodie, Grace and Yanna at the IWD lunch. |
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Dr Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP); Libby Lloyd, Representative for International Relations UNIFEM Australia; and Billie Hall (7R) at a IWD function. |
International Women’s Day
On 8 March each year, International Women’s Day is observed to celebrate the achievements of women, and to raise awareness of women’s issues. The largest celebrations in Australia are coordinated by UNIFEM Australia, an organisation which seeks to promote women’s rights, political participation and economic security.
On Thursday 6 March, Mrs Widmer, Mrs Twigg, Yanna Gouvoussis, Grace Elliott and I had the privilege of attending the UNIFEM Canberra lunch at the National Convention Centre. Our guest speakers, Romy Shapira and Wafa Abdel Rahman, were both representatives of the International Women’s Commission (IWC) for a Just and Sustainable Israeli-Palestinian Peace.
Romy, as the first Israeli coordinator of the IWC, spoke about the role of the organisation in pursuing a meaningful peace between the countries. Wafa then spoke about her commitment to ensuring that the voice of Palestinian women be heard. She addressed the importance of a woman’s perspective in enhancing political negotiations, and the need for the international community to become involved in the drive for Israeli-Palestinian Peace.
To hear from two women of such passion, and from such significant roles in terms of peace-building, was truly inspiring. Yanna, Grace and I would like to thank the School for extending us the opportunity to attend such an event.
Elodie Cheesman 12G
School Vice Captain
CGGS Safe School Committee
The Safe School Committee comprises staff members and students from the Junior and Senior School. The Director of Pastoral Care, Jeanette Widmer; School Counsellor, Julie Smith; and teachers Melissa Musgrove and Brad Griffiths, meet with the students every second Wednesday at lunchtime in the Board Room. The Committee developed the Safe School Policy booklet and its logo ‘Speak up’ was chosen from a competition across the School.
The approach used by this committee is one of creating connections in social relationships and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for students across the whole school. Student-focused activities using proactive strategies include poster and essay competitions, drama skits, assembly presentations, newsletter items, a pastoral care expo for parents and a father/son/daughter breakfast.
Recently members volunteered to participate in a peer mediation training program and these students will work with students to resolve conflict issues.
The Committee was presented to Miss Just at the Senior School Assembly on 11 March and received their badges and certificates of recognition for the peer mediation workshop.
Jeanette Widmer
Director of Pastoral Care
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter No. 6 - 14 Mar 2008
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Posted: CGGS Newsletter No. 5 - 7 Mar 2008
Personal Development Program, Year 12
Year 12 enjoyed a highly interactive session with Anne Garzoli from the Department of Broadband, Communication and Digital Economy. They were able to discuss how to protect their reputations and identities online. While many businesses and organisations have a group of marketing executives to protect their image, individuals need to rely on themselves and be well informed to give themselves the same level of protection.
Anne talked around the key points of limitations, management, wariness, scepticism and privacy. She also spoke about the need to recognise that reputation management may not be only a short term issue and that archiving sites meant that information might remain available online on a different site even after you thought it had been removed. She drew their attention to the fact that the fine print on certain sites meant that the site owned the copyright of everything that they post online. The group discussed how this might have implications for them in their future lives and how recruiters can use their online profile to make assessments beyond the image that is presented at interview.
 Anne urged the students to actively manage their public image and to only put up what they would be happy for the whole world to know. The group discussed the need for parents to be well informed about how they used online communities so that they would not be unnecessarily concerned but felt that having your parent online with you would be like having them come to the movies with you!
National Youth Week - Youth InterACT Conference
During National Youth Week, the ACT Youth Advisory Council is holding a conference. The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Generate 2008’, focussing on generating discussion on issues that impact on young people.
There will be information workshops covering topics including; Environmental Sustainability, Australia Red Cross – Save a Mate, Lifeline – Shut up and Listen, Part Safe and Human Rights and Discrimination. The afternoon sessions are designed to be engaging and fun and include circus skills, DJ Mixmaster, Drama and Drumming, Skate and Stenciling workshops.
For further information visit www.youth.act.gov.au or see Mrs King in the Student Area for a registration form.
Southern Cross Cultural Exchange
In 2008, Southern Cross Cultural Exchange celebrates its 25th year of providing overseas exchange experiences for Australian students, and also for international students coming to Australia.
If you would like further information visit www.scce.com.au or see Mrs King in the Student Area for a copy of the 2008/2009 program brochure.
Click here to return to CGGS Newsletter No. 5 - 7 March 2008
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Posted: CGGS Newsletter No. 4 - 29 Feb 2008
Year 7 students have returned from a very successful camp experience. This week, as a welcome to the Senior School, each Year 7 student received a ‘Pastoral Care Bag’ during their tutor group session. The students were handed their bags by their Tutor and House Captain/Vice Captain. Together they 'unpacked' their ‘Pastoral Care Bag’ and discussed its contents.
The items contained within the pastoral care bag are concrete reminders of our School mission and pastoral care values that occur in every day school life and reinforce the issues raised at the camp. Some of the themes include: friendship, resilience, who to see for help, community service awareness and wise decision making.
When your Year 7 daughter brings her pastoral care bag home, it should provide another opportunity for you to communicate with her about how she is engaging in her learning and the activities on offer to her at the School. An overview of the contents of the pastoral care bag is listed below.
Pastoral Care Bag
- The card is to remind you that your power is within; have a strong sense of self.
- The tag is to remind you that no price can be put on how special and valuable you are.
- The eye is to remind you to be informed and look at the world with open eyes.
- The rubber band is to remind you that when you feel stretched beyond your capabilities you’ll be resilient and bounce back.
- The Smarties are to remind, you can succeed in many different ways.
- The peg is to remind you that when you think you’re falling, there’s always someone who will support you.
- The pen(cil) is to remind you are preparing for further study and life.
- The eraser is to remind you that we all learn from making mistakes.
- The bandaid is to remind you to be forthright and heal hurt feelings in others and in yourself.
- The pipe cleaner is to remind you to be flexible when adapting to new people and activities.
- The gold ribbon is to remind you that friendship binds us together.
- The stars are to remind you to shine and always try your personal best.
- The flower is to remind you to make the most of opportunities.
- The block is to remind you to think outside the square.
- The hearts are to remind you to serve others in our community.
- The toothpick is to remind you to pick wise choices confidently.
- The cotton balls are to remind you that this school community is full of kind words and warm feelings.
- The tissue is to remind you to show consideration and empathy for others.
- The smiley bag is to remind you to always keep your sense of humour.
Click here to return to CGGS Newsletter No. 4 - 29 Feb 2008
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Posted CGGS Newsletter No. 03 - 22 February 2008
YEAR 11 PEER SUPPORT TRAINING
All Year 11 students participated in Peer Support Leadership training led by their Head of House and Tutors.
The purpose of this training was to prepare students for their role as Peer Support leaders for Year 7 students and highlight the structure of the program. Training sessions included;
- how to effectively manage groups;
- effective communication;
- getting and staying on task;
- problem solving;
- decision making; and
- leadership characteristics
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The students worked in House groups and, at the conclusion of the training, completed evaluations. Most students learnt something new from this experience as their feedback showed.
“Not only was it highly enjoyable and worthwhile …. It taught me a lot and how to be a good leader”
“I didn’t know it was possible to have educational but still fun games to play in Peer Support”
“I learnt how to treat different personalities in a group, how to use everyone’s ideas as well as include everyone”
“I learnt how to get to know people better”
“I learnt the skills and qualities needed in leadership and learnt realistic situations when they occur.”
“The team building exercises helped me to relate to my peers as well as teaching me useful skills for peer support.”
“It was useful discussing leaders’ responsibilities.”
“I like the interactive and naming games, learning ways to communicate and talk to people of Year 7 age was helpful.”
“It was helpful talking about how to control a group and activities that dealt with difficult situations and how to deal with them.”
“The activities and games we played gave us a good basis of what kind of things we can do with Year 7 students eg: newspaper activities, trust walk.”
“I thought the program was well worth the time.”
“I liked that we all learnt lots of fun new games and everyone had fun and we all got along well.”
“I think this peer support training was a fun and positive experience and I learnt some useful skills from it.”
“I really felt and learnt a lot and I can’t wait to meet the Year 7 students.”
The leadership training proved a valuable opportunity for Year 11 House members to get to know each other well and also their Tutor and Head of House in a relaxed learning environment.
Jeanette Widmer
Director of Pastoral Care
Click here to return to CGGS Newsletter No. 03 - 22 Feb 2008
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CGGS Newsletter No. 02 - 15 Feb 2008
Please click here to download a PDF of the
PASTORAL CARE PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SEMESTER 1 2008
Click here to return to CGGS Newsletter No. 2 - 15 Feb 2008
Welcome all to the 2008 school year and a special welcome to those families who are joining the CGGS community for the first time.
At CGGS Pastoral Care builds and supports the entire School community making connections between its members. It encompasses all aspects of school life through a combination of structured activities and personal relationships. Pastoral Care is concerned with the total well being of individuals within the School community and with the development of the whole person.
Students in the Senior School attend Tutor Group each morning. The timetable for pastoral care activities held in each House is set out below for your information.
Please click here to download a PDF of the Pastoral Care Timetable for 2008.
May all students have a successful year in all they aspire to achieve.
Jeanette Widmer
Director of Pastoral Care
Please click here to download a PDF of the Pastoral Care Development Program for Semester 1 2008
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