Moderation Day
As you will be aware from the School Calendar, Tuesday, 6 March is the first Moderation Day for 2007.  Moderation Day is an integral part of system-wide moderation for Years 11 and 12.  All schools and colleges offering the ACT Year 12 Certificate are expected to participate in its discussions and activities.  Most staff in the Senior School teach Years 11 and 12 students and will be required to attend the Moderation Day activities.  As for previous Moderation Days, Tuesday, 6 March will be a pupil free day in the Senior School. 

There may be some parents of students in Years 7 and 8 who are unable to make arrangements for the care of their daughters on this day.  If so, please leave a message at Reception and the School will arrange for a small group to be supervised here.

Student Drop-Offs
In the interests of student safety, all parents are requested to drop off their daughters in the designated drop off areas on the lower section of Melbourne Avenue (near the tennis court gate) and behind the bus stop in Gawler Crescent. Parents should refrain from coming into the School to drop off their daughters or parking over driveways. These actions add to the traffic congestion in and around the School, particularly at peak times. I thank you for your co-operation in this matter.

Uniform
As mentioned in previous Newsletters, the correct wearing of the School uniform is a visible sign of pride in the School. While we recognise each student as an individual, there is the need for a consistent approach with regard to uniform regulations and I ask that parents support us in enforcing the dress code. The following points are of particular concern:

• The blazer should be the outermost garment when travelling to and from School or when students are out of the School. If the weather is warm sufficiently that students do not require a blazer, they are permitted to wear just the summer dress or the summer top and skirt (Years 11 and 12).  Students may, while in the School grounds, wear the School jumper as the outermost garment. This applies all year.
• Students must have a plain black or green crested backpack. Currently, there are a large number of students who are using alternative bags.
• School shoes must be black, polishable, lace-ups. Slip-on shoes, shoes with buckles, ballet type shoes or black running shoes are not permissible.
• Students in Years 7 to 10, whose hair is shoulder length or longer, must have their hair tied back at all times.
• Year 7 students must wear the sunhat to and from school and at Recess and Lunchtimes. All other students are encouraged to wear the sunhat.
• The PE cap is to be worn in PE lessons all year.

All students should be aware of the Uniform Guidelines as outlined in the School Diary.

I trust that all students have a clear understanding of the uniform requirements and regulations and I look forward to their co-operation in this matter.

Fiona Godfrey
Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

After nearly two weeks at school the students from both the Early Learning Centre and Junior School are now very settled.  After completing the formal Transition Program, students in the Reception and Prep classes are now attending full days. I am delighted to report that teachers from all levels have reported a good start to 2007.

Thank you to all the parents who have attended the Sharing Sessions with class teachers over the last couple of weeks. During the Sharing Sessions, parents have had an opportunity to advise the class teachers of their child’s strengths, challenges, needs and interests. Everyone should also be aware that any concerns about a child, should be directed to the child’s class teacher in the first instance.  

These meetings are extremely important.  A strong partnership between school and home is something we value highly.  At these meetings the teachers have been seeking information about your child that perhaps only his or her parent knows.  To provide a program that best suits his or her needs and to provide the high quality pastoral care, to which we aspire, we rely on parents and carers keeping us informed.  We, in turn, will communicate regularly through the Newsletter and reports, and more personally and informally through the School Diary, email or phone.  Parents are encouraged to make an appointment with the Class Teacher whenever the needs arises.

Curriculum Information Evening
We ask that all parents make this evening a priority
Primary:           Prep to Year 6                                     Monday 26 February
ELC:                 Reception and Pre-Prep                        Tuesday  6 March

Teachers will explain the learning goals for the year ahead and will share with you the content of the curriculum for the particular Year level and how they will be approaching this work.  We want every child to optimise their learning opportunities and are acutely aware that each is an individual, with his or her differing needs. Within the classroom the differentiated curriculum will be outlined as well as the programs for support, extension and enrichment.

Commencement and Induction Service
At the Junior School Commencement Service this week the Year 6 students leaders for 2007 were inducted, taking a pledge before the student body and assembled parents and guests. This fitting service, lead by the School Chaplain the Reverend Paul Harris, illustrated that leadership is about service.  Our student leaders have taken a pledge to serve the School community.  We are confident that these girls, chosen by their fellow students will undertake their roles with distinction and be fine role models in the Junior School.

Punctuality
Prep-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 occurrence.

Students are dismissed by their Class teacher at 3.20pm each day. Students are not dismissed early, unless there are special circumstances.  Parents who arrive early are requested to gather away from the classrooms to talk and avoid distracting the children who are still in class.

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.

Uniform
It was wonderful to see all of our students looking pristine on their first days of school. There have been some queries about uniform that the following may clarify.

The School Hat is compulsory for all students . It must be worn, not carried, to and from school each day. We ask that all students arrive wearing the straw hat and after school, the hat remains on their head until they arrive home.  During the day, students wear the navy, soft, wide-brimmed hat for outdoor play.  As a Sunsmart School, we insist on hats being worn outside for play or Physical Education during Terms 1 and 4.

School shoes in the Junior School are black, lace-up, polished and flat.  These shoes have been deemed most suitable for the stress placed on feet during a school day. We ask that parents do not buy t-bar, buckled or patent leather shoes for school.

ELC students should wear covered shoes, either runners or leather.  These can be Velcro fastened or lace up.

Picking Up and Dropping Off
When delivering children to school in the mornings and collecting them after school, parents are asked to park in the large parent carpark provided between the Italian Embassy and the Junior School on Grey Street.  There is no parent access for parking in front of the building between 8am and 4pm, unless a child is being collected from Sickbay during the day.  This area is a Bus Zone and needs to be kept free.  We ask that parents use the crossings around the school.  This example is needed to reinforce safety rules for our students. ELC parents are reminded to park in the parking bays provided in the ELC carpark to ensure the safety of all.

For obvious safety reasons students should only get into or out of cars from the kerbside.  It is alarming to see young children using the roadside for this purpose.  We ask for parent consideration of this basic safety issue.

Tuckshop
Jenni Mitchell, the Tuckshop Manager, would like to thank all those parents who have indicated their willingness to help in the Junior School Tuckshop this year. If you are interested in offering your assistance, please contact Jenni on 6202 6411, extension 509, or place a note in your child’s School Diary to be followed up. We are always very grateful for the help we receive from parents. Jenni is constructing a roster and will contact parents about their allocated days once this is completed.

The Tuckshop menu and prices will remain the same as in Term  4, 2006.  A new menu will be distributed for Term 2.

Homework Helper Club
This year we are trialling a Homework Club. This new initiative is offered to any student in Years 3 to 6 who wishes to complete homework with teacher support. There is no additional charge for this service, however, bookings are essential. The Homework Club will operate every Wednesday after school from 3.30 to 4.30pm. Please see the article included with the Newsletter for more details.

Heather Ablett
Head of Junior School

IMPORTANT DATES

• 17 & 18 Feb CGGS rowing crews at NSW Championships, SIRC, Penrith
• 19 Feb Snowgum ‘discount night’ for Y8/9 camps, 5.30pm-8.30pm
• 20 Feb Shrove Tuesday
• 20 Feb  Junior School photographs
• 21 Feb Ash Wednesday
• 21 Feb Antipodeans Parents’ Information Evening, Multimedia Theatre, 7pm,
• 22 Feb Y9/10 Asian Studies ‘Great Wall’ excursion to Sydney
• 22 Feb Y11/12 Art ‘Art Express’ excursion to Sydney
• 22 Feb Junior Primary Picnic, Junior School campus, 5pm
• 23 Feb Twilight Piano Concert, Music Centre Recital Room, Senior School, 5pm
• 23-25 Feb Dragon Boats at Chinese New Year Regatta, Darling Harbour, Sydney
• 23-26 Feb Stanhope and Grainger Concert Bands to Sydney
• 24 Feb CGGS rowing crews at Radford Regatta, Canberra
• 26 Feb Prep to Y6 Curriculum Information Evening
• 26 Feb Year 7 Parent Information Evening, CGGS Hall, 7pm
• 28 Feb Senior School Swimming Carnival, Australian Institute of Sport
• 28 Feb to 2 Mar Year 5 camp to Birrigai
• 3 Mar CGGS rowing crews at ACTRA Regatta, Canberra
• 4 Mar Lent 2, Family and Friends’ Service, Chapel of the Annunciation, 9am

SCHOOL SHOP

T: 02 6202 6486 

CGGS GENERAL NEWS

GABRIEL BOARDING SCHOLARSHIPS

HOMEWORK HELPER

An opportunity for students in Years 3 to 6 to receive free assistance in homework and projects!

WHEN: Wednesday 3.30pm-4.30pm
WHERE: Learning Enrichment Room, Junior School
WHAT TO BRING: Assignments/homework, a snack and a drink

Please email Sue McCarthy for individual times or for the whole term bookings: sue.mccarthy@cggs.act.edu.au

There is a maximum of twelve children per session

STARTS: Term 1 Wednesday 21 February
ENDS: Wednesday 4 April

ANTIPODEANS PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT – BORNEO 2007

This exciting expedition is open to all Year 10 and 11 students and has already attracted interest!

There will be a presentation by a representative from Antipodeans Abroad in the Multimedia Theatre on Tuesday 21 February, at 7pm.

All welcome!

Please click here for 'In the News' - more articles on School news, activities and events.

JUNIOR SCHOOL NOTICES

Excursion / Activity	Date Handed to Students	Date of Activity	Staff Member / Department
Creative Dance Classes	9 February 2007	Commencing Monday 12 February	Jenny Johnson, Head of Music and Performing Arts
Junior Primary Picnic	9 February 2007	Thursday 22 February	Damaris Patterson, Assistant Deputy Principal (ELC-Y2)
Basketball Program	9 February 2007	Various	Greg Cross, Basketball Coordinator
School Photos	12 February 2007	Tuesday 20 February 2007	Lee Wilde, Assistant Deputy Principal, (Y3-Y6)
Y2 Information	15 February 2007	Various	Y2 Class Teachers
Sailing Program	12 February 2007	Commence Monday 19 February	Antonia Matthew, Head of PDHPE
JS Swimming Carnival	14 February 2007	Wednesday 7 March	Antonia Matthew, Head of PDHPE
Drama Club	14 February 2007	Rehearsals - Wednesdays	Drama Club Teachers 2007
Winter Sporting Activities	16 February 2007	Various	Antonia Matthew, Head of PDHPE

SENIOR SCHOOL NOTICES

EXCURSION / ACTIVITY	DATE SENT TO STUDENTS/PARENTS	DATE TO BE RETURNED	STAFF MEMBER / DEPARTMENT
Textiles excursion to the National Gallery – 8TX2, 9TX2, 10TX2 – 12 February	9 February	-	A Bozsoky, Head of Textiles Department
Senior Big Band to Government House – 13 March		2 March	M Tatchell, Director of Music
Textiles excursion to the National Gallery 10TX1 – 13 February	12 February	-	H Smith, Teacher; A Bozsoky, Head of Department
Y11/12 Senior Physical Education, BSSS requirements	13 February	-	J Hall, Head of PDHPE
Y8 English to watch ‘Looking for Alibrandi’	14 February	15 February	M Gscheidle, Teacher
Textiles excursion to the National Gallery 8TX1 – 16 February	14 February	-	A Bozsoky, Head of Department
Textiles excursion to the National Gallery TEXT1 – 19 February	14 February	-	D Mitchell, Teacher
Textiles excursion to National Gallery TEXT2 & TEXT2A– 20 February	14 February	-	A Bozsoky, Head of Department
Textiles excursion to National Gallery 9TX1 – 21 February	14 February	-	A Bozsoky, Head of Department
Y9/10 Asian Studies excursion to Sydney – 22 February	14 February	19 February	L McInnes, Teacher
Y9 PDHPE excursions – various dates	15 February	-	R Macdonald, Teacher; G Dixon, Teacher; J Hall, Head of PDHPE
Debating and Public Speaking letter	19 February	-	P Marman, Debating Coordinator

 P&F ASSOCIATION

I hope your Valentine’s Day was happy, however, I extend a plea for next year – let’s collaborate with staff to keep Valentine gift giving and receiving away from school where it is intended to divide the haves and have-nots, which is unfortunate on a day meant for better feelings.

Thank you all for your support. At the end of a very busy and rewarding two years as President, I wish the Parents and Friends Association all the best in its continuing support of the School.

Sally Kaye, President
Email: PandF@cggs.act.edu.au or (h) 62951427

MAKING MUSIC

We are so fortunate at CGGS to have amongst our instrumental teachers accomplished performers Minh Le Hoang (guitar) and Teresa Rabe (flute).

Minh and Teresa are giving generously of their time to perform at an evening of guitar and flute music in the Music Centre Recital Room in the Music Centre on Wednesday, 28 March at 7pm.  The Guitar Orchestra and Flute Ensemble, comprising students from both CGGS and CGS, will also be performing during the evening. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents, students and friends to hear Minh and Teresa’s outstanding playing and to witness the progress of these two terrific instrumental groups.

This Soirée is being arranged by Friends of Music and tickets (Adults $10, Students $5, which includes a complimentary glass of bubbly or soft drink served from 6.30pm) can be purchased from Judith Bingley in the Music Centre on 6202 6446 or by contacting her at judith.bingley@cggs.act.edu.au.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

PUBLIC LECTURE - 'VALUES TO LIVE BY

Tony Jarvis was President of the Headmasters' Association of the USA and served as a member of the Massachusetts State Ethics Committee.  For 24 years he has been priest associate at the Parish of All Saints in the inner Boston neighbourhood of Dorchester.  He recently received a honorary doctorate from Bowdoin College.

RHEE TAE KWON-DO CLASSES HAVE BEGUN!

Every Friday afternoon in the gym, from 3.45pm to 4.45pm, a group of students in white pyjamas take to the floor for an hour of fun and fitness! 

Come along, have a go, it’s great fun and good exercise, awesome for your flexibility and an excellent way to vent your excess energy!

Don't hold back in your curiosity, the first class is free, and if you come once there's no obligation to come again, so its always worth checking it out to see if it's for you!

If you have any questions, feel free to email Katrina Pullen (12K) - 2288@cggs.act.edu.au or Katrine Ross (12R) - 2352@cggs.act.edu.au

Co-Opera, often referred to as ‘the people’s opera company’, is delighted to announce the Opening Night of Kiss Me, Kate at Canberra Girls’ Grammar School on Wednesday, 7 March 2007.  Written by Cole Porter, Kiss Me, Kate is the now legendary musical version of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, and one of the most famous musical 'adaptations' of Shakespeare for the stage and screen.

The Co-Opera production is based on the recently revised version, which re-instates much of the original script that was prudishly cut from the 1948 stage production and the 1953 film.  Co-Opera’s version has more of the swagger and bawdiness of Shakespeare’s time; it reflects our own times too, such as including a saucy spanking scene!

This delightful musical is about a theatre company putting on a musical version of 'The Taming of The Shrew', Kiss Me, Kate, and the feuding antics of leading man Fred Graham, and his temperamental ex-wife and leading lady, Lilli Vanessi. Respectively, they portray the Shakespearean roles of Petruchio and Katherine (the Shrew to be tamed, of course!).  Throw in a deliciously naughty second lead actress Lois Lane, her gambling-addict beau Bill Calhoun, as well as a couple of gangsters mistakenly chasing after Bill's latest debt, and opening night proves to be a very big event, both onstage and off.  Can the feuding Fred and Lilli, still in love with each other despite Fred's ego and Lilli's fiancé, get their act together before the curtain goes down on the play?

Kiss Me, Kate is a favourite musical comedy, full of wonderful songs and suitable for all ages.

Please click here to return CGGS Newsletter No. 2 - 16 February 2007