State Funeral for Mark Scott

On Tuesday 20 March, Fiona Godfrey, Tina Twigg, Sarah Cattermole, Lennie Blinksell and I attended the State funeral for Mark Scott, a member of the Australian Federal Police and a parent of the School. Mr Scott lost his life in the recent plane crash in Indonesia.

The service was both formal and poignant. Mr Scott was held in high regard by his colleagues in the Australian Federal Police and it was clear that he felt privileged to hold a position in which he could play a significant role in maintaining the safety of all Australians. He was also a good friend and a committed family man. As I watched his family and the members of the congregation, I felt a deep sadness that a man of such wonderful qualities should have lost his life so tragically.

I would like to give my thanks to the students of the Motet Choir and Mary Tatchell who participated in the funeral.

Our School community offers our sympathies to Mrs Sally Scott, Stephanie, James and Emily.

School Registration

In early April, CGGS will be undertaking School Registration. The Senior School was registered two years ago and the Junior School was to have undertaken full registration in 2006.

After a review of the legislation, the Non-Government Schools office has reached the conclusion that schools with a Junior School and Senior School should be registered as a single entity. Therefore for two days, we will have an external panel undertaking registration for both campuses and we will then be a registered entity for the next five years.

The external panel will visit classes and speak with teachers in both Junior and Senior Schools. Students will also be invited to speak with panel members and we hope that the panel will have an opportunity to observe an Assembly and some other school activities. Parents will be invited to speak with the panel and shortly some parents will be receiving telephone calls from the School in relation to this.

We have spent a considerable amount of time preparing the necessary documentation for School Registration. It is positive to note that, since the registration of the Senior School in 2005, we have had to make amendments to a number of our programs and procedures, as a result of changes which we have implemented.

Communication of Concerns and Issues

I have chosen to provide the protocols which we have developed for parents to communicate their concerns and issues to staff members in the Junior School, Senior School and Boarding House.

It is important to communicate with the School when there are concerns and issues. In the Senior School, the classroom teacher or Tutor should be the first point of contact for concerns and issues. If concerns and issues cannot be resolved, then Heads of Department and Heads of House will become involved. Our Directors of Pastoral Care, Faculty and Curriculum will become involved when issues or concerns remain unresolved.

In the Junior School, the teacher is the first point of contact. Our Assistant Deputy Principals, Lee Wilde and Damaris Patterson will become involved when a concern or issue remains unresolved.

Our Head of Junior School, Head of Senior School and I become involved when other forms of communication have been used and a resolution has not been reached.

Parents may choose to send an email to Heather Ablett, Fiona Godfrey or myself without first having used other lines of communication. Our response will be to seek information from the teachers, Heads of Department, Heads of House and Directors. The communication protocol has been put in place so that concerns and issues can be resolved in a timely manner. I believe that it is important for parents to respond to concerns and issues in a fair and reasonable manner and therefore give members of staff an opportunity to respond.

Our aim is to find a resolution to the problem which is in the best interests of the student. There will be occasions when parents are not satisfied with the response of the School on a particular issue. The response provided by the School will be based on sound professional practice and with appropriate consideration given to the student.

Susan Just
Principal

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Twilight Open Evening

The first Open Day for 2007 will be held on Friday 30 March from 5pm to 7pm. Any parents or friends of the School, who know of families considering CGGS for their children, may consider informing them of this date. I have called for volunteers to assist as tour guides on the evening and, as has been the case in previous years, I am confident that they will again do an excellent job. Cabaret Night will be performed in the Drama Centre during this time so current parents may like to take the opportunity to have a tour of the School also at this time.

Transition Tips for Year 7 Students

At this time of the year it is not uncommon for students in Year 7 to begin to feel that the demands of Senior School are all too hard. The novelty of a locker, constantly moving around the School and an array of different teachers can, for some students, start to wear thin at the same time that the expectations of work start to increase. As our students progress through the Senior School the demands on them in terms of work, organisation and commitment steadily increases. This aspect of school life is often particularly complex for Year 7 students who are making the transition from primary to secondary school. Many students find it difficult to organise themselves sufficiently to move swiftly from class to class, keep up with homework, remember to bring the correct equipment and work steadily on major assignments and reports. Whilst the Tutors, Heads of House and subject teachers are constantly supplying advice and helpful tips to the students, it would be beneficial if parents reinforce the ideas discussed at school. While each subject has particular needs and demands some of the more general ideas that have been discussed are as follows:

• Recording due dates for all assessment tasks as delineated in the Unit Outline for each subject
• Encouraging students to record all homework and required equipment in their School Diary
• Recommending that students have multiple copies of their timetable to place in their School Diary, on their desk at home and perhaps even on the fridge door
• Ensuring that important dates from the Fixture List are recorded in the School Diary and on the family calendar
• Encouraging students to work on the ongoing tasks (eg major assignments) each night as well as completing the immediate work.
• Ensuring that some time over the weekend is devoted to homework
• Suggesting that students regulate the amount of homework devoted to each subject area and make sure one subject does not dominate the available time
• Encouraging students to research information from a variety of sources rather than just the Internet
• Ensuring that students have some time for personal reading each night.

If parents require further assistance in helping their daughters make the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 they are encouraged to seek guidance from the Tutor, Head of House, School Counsellors or Jeanette Widmer, Director of Pastoral Care.

Indepedent Girls’ Schools Sporting Association (IGSSA) Regatta

While many families were enjoying the spoils of a much needed long weekend, the staff and students of the CGGS Rowing Squad were making their way up the Hume Highway on Saturday to compete in the lead-up to the Head of the River, the IGSSA Regatta.

The Regatta, which allows for competition against the Sydney independent girls’ schools, is traditionally held on the Canberra Day long weekend which means our Year 9 rowers are recovering from the Year 9 Camp. This year was no exception. However, unlike in previous years, the Year 9 rowers acquitted themselves admirably, winning a gold medal (the 1st Year 9 Quad), a silver medal (the 2nd Year 9 Quad) and two bronze medals (the 3rd and 4th Year 9 Quad). This is an outstanding achievement and one that has never been emulated.

The Year 10 crews were also well represented on the dais, with all but the 1st Year 10 Quad being in the first three placings. The senior crews also rowed exceptionally well with the 1st VIII battling with injured crew members and having to row in a borrowed boat as a result of an accident at the Nationals last week. The highlight of the senior races was the event where our first, second and third Quad crews were racing against a number of crews from other schools. The third crew was the eventual winner in a tightly contested race.

While there is still an enormous amount of work, effort and consolidation of training required between now and the Head of the River, last weekend’s results certainly bode well. We look forward to another excellent performance at the Head of the River in a fortnight’s time!

Drama in Sydney

Last week, the senior Drama students went to Sydney for the annual Drama excursion. Over a busy two days they saw performances of Rubymoon at the Wharf Theatre and  Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at Star City. Both shows were excellent and much enjoyed by the students. They also had a tour of the Wharf Theatre, home to the Sydney Theatre Co, met Andrew Upton, the Director of Rubymoon, and did a full day of workshops at the National Insititute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), in Kensington. Martin Krippner, Head of Drama and Dance, reported "The standard of our students’ work much impressed Natasha and Tom, the NIDA tutors; it is wonderful to be told that the NIDA staff always look forward to our visits because of the commitment, enthusiasm and friendliness of CGGS Drama students".

Fiona Godfrey
Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Whilst browsing a professional journal recently, I came across an article on the importance of making mistakes. I often comment to teachers, parents and students alike that if we are not making mistakes, we are not learning. For this reason, students are encouraged to take risks and to be unafraid of making mistakes because they learn from those very mistakes.

Progressing from one level of achievement to the next requires striving or attempting what is beyond you. Skilled teachers will plan tasks to stretch the students in this way. It is when the students then experience some level of failure and from their own observations, with teacher, and perhaps, peer feedback, they are able to analyse the errors, make the necessary adjustments and try again. The greatest sense of satisfaction is derived when students succeed after this process.

High achievers are learners who know how to work hard, despite failure along the way. If we deny children opportunities to experience, and to learn from failure or mistakes, we do them a great disservice.

In the classrooms of CGGS, and also beyond, students are invited and encouraged to value their errors and to reflect on them and learn from them. We focus on positive self talk, encourage persistence and guide the students whilst expecting a level of resilience. After all, each failed attempt is one closer to success.

The most talented amongst us need to face challenges to improve. Even the most elite sports people have coaches, they still dedicate many hours at a time to practice and set performance goals for themselves. Personal goal setting, reflections and self assessment are integral in the CGGS learning programs because we understand the importance of making mistakes in the learning process.

Heather Ablett
Head of Junior School

IMPORTANT DATES

• 24-25 Mar Rowing crews at the ACT Championships
• 26-27 Mar Y12 AST Trials
• 27 Mar Y2 excursion to Mugga Mugga Homestead
• 27 Mar Senior Rowers’ Dinner, Elizabeth McKay Aquatic Centre
• 28 Mar Guitar and Flute Concert, Music Centre Recital Room, Senior School campus, 7pm
• 30 Mar Open Day - all campuses, 5pm to 7pm
• 30 Mar Cabaret Night, Drama Centre, 7pm
• 31 Mar CGS Fête, Canberra Grammar School, 10am to 3pm
• 31 Mar - 1 Apr CGGS Rowers at the CIS Schoolgirls’ Head of the River, Penrith
• 1 Apr Palm Sunday Family and Friends’ Service, Chapel of the Annunciation, Senior School campus, 9am
• 2 Apr ‘Understanding the ACT College System’ Y11 parents and students infomation evening, Multimedia Theatre, 7pm
• 3 Apr P&F Association meeting, Board Room, Senior School campus, 7.30pm
• 4 Apr Selected students at the Association of Southern Colleges Swimming competition
• 4 Apr Senior School Parent/Teacher interviews, 4pm-9pm
• 4-8 Apr Dragon Boats at the National Championships, Penrith
• 5 Apr ELC & Junior Primary Hat Parade, Junior School Courtyard, 10am
• 6-9 Apr Easter holiday break
• 8 Apr Easter Chapel Service

SCHOOL SHOP

Term Time Hours
Tuesdays.................... 8.15am – 2.00pm
Wednesdays.............. 8.15am – 2.00pm
Thursdays...................12noon – 5.30pm

• ELC striped rugby jumpers - sizes 3,4,6,8 and navy beanies
• Winter uniforms (except tights) including a large number of secondhand skirts.
• Overcoats and duffle coats will only be available as a made to order garment after current stock is sold.

GENERAL WEEKLY NEWS

Masterplan Concept Presentation for CGGS parents

You are invited to attend a presentation of the Masterplan Concept by the Principal, Susan Just on 10 April. The presentation is designed to incorporate the input and comments provided by parents and staff during the consultation period. It will also provide an opportunity for final input and feedback prior to the official launch of the Masterplan, which is anticipated to occur in Term 2.

Date: Tuesday 10 April 2007
Time: 6pm to 7pm
Venue: Multimedia Theatre, Gabriel Centre, Senior School campus

JUNIOR SCHOOL NOTICES
Excursion / Activity	Date Handed to Students	Date of Activity	Staff Member / Department
Prep J Mystery Readers	16 March 2007	Wednesdays	Sue O’Donoghue (parent)
Junior Primary Literacy Information Evening	16 March 2007	Thursday 22 March	Jeanette Johnson, Stage 1 Coordinator
ACT PSSA Basketball Championships	20 March 2007	Various	Antonia Matthew, PDHPE Coordinator
Hockey Teams	20 March 2007	Various	Antonia Matthew, PDHPE Coordinator
Head Lice Year 3	20 March 2007	N/A	Heather Ablett, Head of Junior School
Netball Grading Carnival – non attendance	20 March 2007	N/A	Cherylee Kuypers, Netball Coordinator
Equestrian Activities	21 March 2007	N/A	Chloe Foster, Equestrian Coordinator
House BBQ Reminder	22 March 2007	Various	Lee Wilde, Asst Deputy Principal Years 3 - 6

SENIOR SCHOOL NOTICES
Excursion / Activity	Date Sent to Students/Parents	Date to be returned	Staff Member / Department
Visiting South African Netball Team – 26 March	22 March	-	J Hall, Head of PDHPE

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:	Junior School PDHPE News	Senior School Science - Honeywell Engineering Summer School
Year 2 News	Kidsmatter program	Careers News
Year 3 Exchange with CGS	Pastoral Care - Year 10	Winter Basketball
Year 5 Exchange with CGS	Senior School Tennis News	Senior School Counsellor - 10 attributes of adolescnt girls who thrive, part 2

Well, hopefully you have all received your Entertainment Books and will begin enjoying them from today. This is a major fundraiser for the School (raising over $5,000 last year).

On Tuesday, unless you opted out, the books were distributed to the eldest child in each School family, except for ELC students and boarders. The cost ($50) will be charged to your account unless you return the book to the P&F by 30 March. Please return unwanted books to your child’s teacher in the Junior School or to Reception in Senior School. Some parents who do return books like to donate the $10 profit the P&F would have made. If you would like to do so, please put it in an envelope marked clearly with your name and hand in with the unwanted book.

We have a record of the students who have not received books because, for example, they were absent on the day it was distributed and those families will not be charged.

Anyone who would like an extra book including boarders and ELC parents, should email Wendy Kay wendy.kay@canberracoffee.com (Senior School) or Suzanne O’Connor Suzanne@dominionfinance.com.au (Junior School). Please contact me, if you have queries about this fundraiser.

I take this opportunity to thank all those who made the distribution work so smoothly, particularly David Blue, Director of Operations and Logistics, Jan Yannopoulous, Fees Clerk, and Carmel Mackie, Junior School Clerical Assistant, as well as all the teachers in both Junior and Senior Schools who helped the P&F. Special thanks to the wonderful P&F coordinators - Wendy Kay in the Senior School and Suzanne O’Connor in the Junior School.

The P&F looks forward to letting you know how much it has raised and what it will spend it on. Watch this space!

With thanks for your support.

Juliet Behrens - P&F Association President
E: PandF@cggs.act.edu.au, T: 6161 8140 (ah)

COMMUNITY ANNOUCEMENTS

Anaphylaxis & Allergy Seminar presented by Anaphylaxis Australia Inc.

This seminar will provide useful information for individuals who are at risk of anaphylaxis, parents, relatives, friends, carers, teachers, health professionals and members of the community who want to know more about the management of severe allergy and anaphylaxis.

Date: Monday 16th April 2007
Time: 6.00pm – Registration for 6.30pm – 8.30pm includes question time.
Please note due to time constraints there will be no refreshment break
Venue: The Canberra Hospital, Yamba Drive, Garran, ACT
The auditorium is located near the main reception desk of the hospital – Building 2, just in front of the café
Cost: $10 per person on registration

Seminar Program 

• Severe allergy and the risk of anaphylaxis
  Associate Professor Ray Mullins
  Consultant Physician, Immunology & Allergy
• How to manage a food allergy and have a healthy diet
  Leanne Elliston
  Accredited Practising Dietitian
• Management issues in the home, childcare and school community
  Maria Said
  President of Anaphylaxis Australia Inc
• Question time

Book early as seating is limited to 120 attendees.

Registration forms can be downloaded from the AAI website - www.allergyfacts.org.au

 Booking forms may be obtained by emailing mailto:coordinator@allergyfacts.org.au or call 1300 728 000 and leave your name and address. All bookings must be paid for in advance.

Bookings: Please send completed registration forms and payment to: AAI, 21 Robinson Cl, Hornsby Heights NSW 2077

Anaphylaxis educational resources available on the night for purchase

           TALK ABOUT WEIGHT

 Talk about Weight is a free two week group program for parents who are concerned their child is overweight or becoming overweight. Run by Dietitians from ACT Health, the groups will include:

• What’s the problem?
• Healthy eating for kids and families made easier
• Coping with ‘I’m hungry’!
• Getting kids more active•
• Details for continued support options

The next groups will run on 4 and 11 April at Phillip Health Centre (evening) and 14 and 21 May at Isabella Plains Neighbourhood House (daytime with childcare provided) and 24 and 31 July at Belconnen Health Centre (lunchtime). Other groups through the year at various locations. If you would like to attend please call 6207 9977.

HOCKEY ACT SCHOOL HOLIDAY CAMP

The National Hockey Centre, Mouat St, Lyneham
Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 April 2007

and

Kjar Field, Soward Way, Tuggeranong
Thursday 26 and Friday 27 April 2007

9pam to 5pm, Age Groups, 5-8 years and 9-13 years, $100 including GST

Pick up a registration form from the Hockey Centre or visit www.hockneycanberra.org.au

 DAVID BENIAMINI SCHOOL HOLIDAY TENNIS CLINICS