Dragon Boating National Titles

Along with David Blue and Bill Weigall, I attended the Dragon Boats National Titles on the Saturday of the Easter long weekend. CGGS entered its own teams, as well as combined teams with Canberra Grammar School.

Our students participated against such teams as Snowy Mountain Grammar School and the Gold Coast Young Guns. There are a large number of adult teams which participate and our students also competed against some of these teams.

Once again, our teams have been invited to participate in the World Titles which will be held in Penrith later in the year.

Dragon Boats is not a sport in which many schools participate but there are enormous benefits for the students in their skill development and team building skills. Our teams worked very well together and were serious in their intentions during each race.

It is not often that young people have the opportunity to represent Australia and I would like to congratulate the teams in achieving this honour.

The support of parents was very evident during the time we spent at the National Titles and this is greatly appreciated by both the schools and the students. I would like to thank our Dragon Boats staff, Kel Hathaway and Ros Johnston for their organisation and hard work throughout the season. Kel sustained a leg injury prior to the National Titles, therefore Ros was assisted during the weekend by Jenny Hunter, Bilijana Trkulja and Sue Harrison. I would like to especially thank these members of staff who agreed to assist at short notice and gave up part of their Easter long weekend. Jenny Holbrook, the Dragon Boats coordinator at Canberra Grammar School, is to be commended for her excellent organisation and commitment to this activity which she also participates in.

It was a pleasure for us to also cheer on Val Field, Personal Assistant to the Head of Junior School, who participated in the National Titles with her club, the Titans.

Family and Friends Service

It was very pleasing to attend our Easter Family and Friends’ Service along with nearly 200 members of our community. Since the first Family and Friends’ Service which was held in 2006, we have seen a steady growth in the number of families who attend our services on the first Sunday of every month.

On Sunday we celebrated new life and new beginnings. We also enjoyed listening to members of our Motet and Senior Choir. We welcomed a number of Canberra Grammar School students who are members of the Motet Choir. Many voices certainly filled the Chapel and I hope, our nearby suburbs. The morning ended with an Easter egg hunt and morning tea.

I would like to recommend the Family and Friends’ Services to you. They are indeed family friendly and it is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together in worship.

Early Learning Centre and Junior Primary Easter Hat Parade and Concert

While I know that Heather Ablett will make comment about this event, I would like to convey my enjoyment in being part of the parade and concert last week.

The children created wonderful Easter Hats and their concert pieces were terrific. It was wonderful to have many parents attend this special morning of activities. I very much appreciated the opportunity to join in and I know that the students appreciated the teachers also wearing Easter hats.

School Registration

Both the Junior and Senior School campuses have recently gone through a joint registration which will be our last until 2011. You may remember that the Senior School was registered in 2005. With a review of the Education Act, it was decided that schools with a Junior and Senior School campus should be registered as a single entity, rather than as individual campuses.

The Registration Panel visited both the Junior and Senior School campuses over a two day period. The members were provided with a tour of the campuses and they visited classrooms, as well as Assemblies. The members spoke with members of the Board, staff, students and parents. Under the Guidelines there is a considerable amount of documentation, which must be provided on all aspects of the School, from our curriculum offerings to information about the professional development undertaken by members of staff. This material was reviewed and renewed by our Executive, Senior School and Junior School management teams prior to the registration visit.

We have yet to receive the full report but we have been provided with commendations and some recommendations. It is pleasing that the recommendations were few and focused on some practical improvements to documentation.

Commendations:

1. The Strategic Plan is well developed and provides a solid base for the School. Of particular relevance are the goal areas related to Change and Innovation and Staff Development.
2. The educational counseling programs within the school are excellent.
3. Staff members demonstrate enthusiasm and pride for their Departments and the School.
4. Much significant work has been undertaken on the National Safe Schools Framework and there has been a strong emphasis given to student ownership of policies and actions.
5. There is a commitment to the culture of pastoral care within the School. Care and respect are demonstrated by students and staff.
6. There is a School commitment to embracing the Essential Learning Achievements.
7. Students use ICT as a tool for their learning.
8. There are many co-curricular opportunities with a high level of participation and student enjoyment.
9. Students, staff and parents use a common language when articulating the values of the School.
10. There is an evident commitment on the part of staff to meet student and parent needs.

The registration process not only provides us with certification to continue the operation of our School but the work that we are undertaking for the continued improvement of the education provided to our students has been affirmed.

Masterplan Concept 2007

On Tuesday 10 April I presented to parents the School’s Masterplan Concept 2007. A PDF of the presentation is available on our website. http://www.cggs.act.edu.au/pages/images/CGGS%20masterplan%202007%20presentation%20notes.pdf

End of Term 1

During the last weeks of term parents have been attending our Parent/Teacher interviews on both campuses. Parent feedback that I have received highlights that parents were provided with sound information and advice about the progress of their children.

We endeavour to ensure that Parent/Teacher interviews are well organised so that parents can focus on communicating with the teachers. We appreciate any feedback for improvement which parents might like to provide to us.

I would like to wish our students, staff and parents a well earned Term 1 vacation. The term has been busy and there have been a wide range of activities to participate in. I hope that our students and staff are able to rest and prepare for Term 2.

Susan Just
Principal

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

The Dangers of Bebo and MySpace

In Assembly this week I reminded all students of the importance of adhering to the ICT Users Guidelines which appear in both the Student Handbook and the School Diary. Upon entry to the School, all students are given access to the School’s network once they and their parents have signed the ICT Student Acceptable Use Contract. While the Policy delineates a number of principles, in recent weeks I have been concerned that a growing number of students have been looking to use alternate sites (proxy sites) to gain access to sites blocked by the School system. Many have been providing, most often through Bebo or MySpace, online personal information such as their name, school, where they live and in some cases a photograph that could easily identify them.

The dangers of online chat rooms are well documented but in recent times the social networking sites such MySpace, Facebook, Friendster and Bebo, which are used most frequently by adolescents to display personal details and in some cases intimate photographs of themselves, are potentially even more dangerous as their home page allows for an array of information to be exposed to strangers without any questions being asked. Many students are extremely naive about the potential dangers they face when providing personal information online. An article in the Sydney Morning Herald last year quoted:

Some may argue that education rather than censorship is the way to tackle this alarming issue but in a school situation it is neither possible nor practical to monitor the content of homepages created by students or the resultant dialogue in a safe and sensible manner. While we have had representatives from ACT Police speak to students about the dangers of providing personal information online, this is an issue that we all need to keep addressing and monitoring. In the meantime, students who break the CGGS ICT Users Guidelines risk having their access to the School’s Network revoked and will certainly be given a consequence for their behaviour. Winter Uniform

Parents are reminded that winter uniform is required from the start of Term 2. The School Uniform Shop will be open during the holidays on Friday 27 April (10.00am - 5.00pm), Saturday 28 April (10.00am - 3.00pm) and Monday 30 April (8.15am-4.00pm).

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Lauren Simpson (11D) who has again been selected to represent the ACT in the Pizzey Cup, the National Schools Tennis Tournament. The event, which will be played from 5 to 13 May, is this year being hosted by the ACT. We wish Lauren and the rest of her team mates well in the competition. 

Congratulations to Natalie Klomp (11R) who was recently selected as a successful recipient of an Equity Trustees Aspiring Leaders Summit Scholarship, which is presented by Outward Bound at their base camp near Tharwa, from 10 to 16 June 2007. This is a wonderful opportunity for Natalie as the Summit gives students from all over Australia a chance to explore leadership potential as well as developing and enhancing personal confidence, teamwork, self-reliance and resilience.

Congratulations to Katrine Ross (12R) who again won the U19 Junior Piccolo section and was named the Junior Champion of Champions (woodwind section) at the National Band Championships in Melbourne over the Easter weekend.Happy and Safe Holiday

At the conclusion of a busy term, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all members of the CGGS community a relaxing and safe holiday. Please be reminded that second term begins for all students on Monday 30 April at the normal starting time of 8.50am.

Fiona Godfrey
Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

The end of term always seems to take me by surprise and it is certainly the case this week. The last week or so has been a time of reflection and celebration as we have acknowledged Easter with wonderful Chapel services, in the Chapel at the Senior School campus and in the Junior School. Those that were lucky enough to attend the Family and Friends’ Services on the last two Sunday mornings could not help but feel a strong sense of community among the congregation of parents, friends and students of all ages. With over 200 people attending last Sunday, the support of the Family and Friends’ Service is growing each month and I strongly recommend it to all families looking for an inclusive and child-friendly service. Everyone is welcome.

The ELC and Junior Primary Easter Hat Parade was a highlight last week. A huge contingent of parents, friends and grandparents wielding movie cameras and the like, welcomed the students as they made their way through the Courtyards. What a spectacle it was with hats of all shapes and sizes adorned with rabbits, Easter eggs, tinsel, ribbon and a huge array of other decorations. The hats were a credit to the artists who designed them and made a wonderful display as the students paraded to the delighted cheers from the older students who lined the balconies to support their younger peers.

The parade led into Clements Hall, followed by far more parents and friends than could comfortably squeeze into the hall, for the mini concert prepared by the students under the guidance of Megan Hodge. Each class performed a song or dance; all with an Easter theme of course! It was a very special morning which concluded with hot cross buns for the family morning tea in the ELC Piazza and on the Junior School Oval.

When the students are so obviously the focus and the partnership with the parent community is so tangible at events such as this, it surely illustrates all that is good about the CGGS community. Junior School and ELC Non-uniform Day

On Thursday 12 April the Junior School Students Representative Council organised a non-uniform day to raise money for the Children’s Ward of the Canberra Hospital. The students of the Junior School and Early Learning Centre donated a gold coin for the privilege to coming to School out of uniform and raised $645.50. This is a fantastic amount! Thank you to all the parents for their kind generosity. The donation will be handed to a representative of the hospital on Monday 30 April during Assembly.

Staff Leavers

This week, the Junior School staff and students bid a sad farewell to Megan Hodge, Kel Hathaway and Fiona Dignan. Each of these members of staff has made a wonderful contribution to the School in their various areas of expertise in the time they have been with the School. They leave with our best wishes for the future.

May I wish all students and staff a restful Term 1 vacation and a safe return to school on Monday 30 April.

Heather Ablett
Head of Junior School

IMPORTANT DATES

• 30 Apr Start of Term 2
• 1 May P&F Association Meeting, Boardroom, Senior School campus, 7.30pm
• 3 or 9 May Y7 History all day excursion to Tidbinbilla Tracking Station and the National Museum of Australia
• 3 or 9 May Y7 Geography all day excursion to the National Zoo and local Wetlands
• 3-4 May Y11/12 Geography overnight excursion to Griffith, NSW
• 4 May Twlight Piano Concert, Recital Room, Music Centre, 5pm
• 4 May Rowing Auction Dinner, Commonwealth Club, 7pm
• 6 May OGA Family and Friends’ Chapel Service, Chapel of the Annunciation, 9am
• 7 May Junior School Founders’ Day Service, Clements Hall, 9am
• 8 May Senior School Founders’ Day Service, CGGS Hall, 12noon
• 8 May Junior School Cross Country Carnival, Years 2 to 6, Fadden Pines
• 8 May Beijing Youth Music Festival Infomation evening, Burton Theatre, Canberra Grammar School, 7pm
  8-9 May Y11/12 General Science overnight excursion to Oceangraphy
• 9 May Year 6 Concert, CGGS Hall, 7pm
• 9-11 May Y9/10 Drama Production, Drama Centre, 7pm
• 10 May Mathematics Information Evening, John Lingard Hall, Canberra Grammar School, 6.30pm
• 10 May Sex, Drugs and Fast Cars - Dr Sax Values Education Presentation, CGGS Hall, 7.30pm
• 11 May Selected students at the ACTSSA Swimming
• 11 May Year 8 Social, War Memorial Hall, Canberra Grammar School, 7.30pm-10.15pm

SCHOOL SHOP

Holiday Opening Hours
Friday 27 April 10am to 5pm
Saturday 28 April 10am to 3pm

Term 2, Week 1
Monday 30 April (Day 1) 8.15am to 4.00pm
Tuesday 1 May 8.15am to 2.00pm
Wednesday 2 May 8.15am to 2.00pm
Thursday 3 May 12noon to 5.30pm

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

T: 02 6202 6486

GENERAL WEEKLY NEWS

HOMEWORK HELPER

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

WHEN: Wednesday 3.30pm to 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 whole term bookings: sue.mccarthy@cggs.act.edu.au

There is a maximum of twelve children per session.

STARTS: Wednesday 2 May
ENDS: Wednesday 27 June  

JUNIOR SCHOOL NOTICES
Excursion / Activity	Date Handed to Students	Date of Activity	Staff Member / Department
Swimming Program for Term 2	10 April 2007	Commences Monday 30 April	Antonia Matthew, PDHPE Coordinator
Kids’ View Forum (Y5 & Y6)	5 April 2007	Wednesday 11 April	Lee Wilde, Asst Deputy Principal (Y3 - Y6)
Basketball Training Times	10 April 2007	Commences Monday 30 April	Greg Cross, Basketball Coordinator
Mathletics and Spelldrome	11 April 2007	Thursday 10 May	Lee Wilde, Asst Deputy Principal (Y3 – Y6)
Y6 Concert	13 April 2007	Wednesday 9 May	Jennifer Johnson, Head of Music and Performing Arts
Junior Primary Swimming Note	13 April 2007	Term 2	Cherylee Kuypers, PE Department
Headphones for Computer Use	12 April 2007	N/A	Damaris Patterson, Assistant Deputy Principal (ELC to Y2)
Old Grammarians Association Family and Friends’ Chapel Service	12 April 2007	6 May 2007	Community Relations Department

SENIOR SCHOOL NOTICES
Excursion / Activity	Date Sent To Students/Parents	Date To Be Returned	Staff Member / Department
Y12 Moderation Day for Dance students – 31 May	11 April	9 May	G Harris, Dance teacher
Dance Fest – Terms 2 and 3	11 April	13 April	G Harris, Dance teacher
Y7 PDHPE Health Education Guest Presentations – 4 May	12 April	-	J Hall, Head of PDHPE
Expressions of interest for Beijing Music Tour 2008	11 April	18 May	M Tatchell, Director of Music CGGS; C Woodland, Director of Music CGS

More articles on School news, activities and events are available in the section ‘In the News’ on our website.

Featured articles this week:
Year 1 News	Junior School Religion & Philosophy	Winter Netball News & SCNA Notices
Year 3 News	Senior School Beijing Music Trip	Pastoral Care - Y12 drug education
Year 6 News	Tutor Group PG5 Community Service - Quilt for the Ronald McDonald House	Y11/12 ReconciliACT

 P&F ASSOCIATION

If you are having a clean out over the break, please consider donating goods to P&F for the CGGS Fête (27 October). The P&F would greatly appreciate any books and CDs that you no longer want. Please drop them off at the P&F Shed (just to the right as you enter Chapel Drive from Gawler Crescent, Senior School campus).

I hope you all have a lovely restful holiday.

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

COMMUNITY ANNOUCEMENTS

The inclusion of announcements in this publication is in no way to be interpreted as an endorsement of support by the School. Readers are responsible for forming their own opinion as to the value or reliability of the information contained in such announcements.

Breaking Free ...

The life skills program for teenagers.

• Dates: Wednesday 18 April to Saturday 21 April
• Venue: University of Canberra Union Conference Centre

Program dates/times

• Teens: Wednesday 18 April, 7pm-10pm (registration from 6.30pm), then 19-21 April, 9.30am-6.30pm every day;
• Parents/guardians: Wednesday 18 April, 7pm-10pm (registration from 6.30pm) and Sunday 21 April, 2.15pm-6.30pm.
•  
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$530 per teen. Discounts apply for family enrolments, groups and early enrolment.

What do you do?

Explore and break through to confidence, motivation, self-esteem, accelerated learning, study reading, speed-reading, enriched relationships and much, much more. Breaking Free is high energy ... and a whole lot of fun!

What do you bring?

Teens to bring a healthy lunch with them each day (no junk food). All materials and regular refreshments are provided.

For more information and registration, please visit our website: http://www.breakingfree.org.au/