I would like to welcome all students and parents to Term 2. The beginning of this term was particularly sad for the School community with the death of Audrey Fagan. We have offered our sympathies to Audrey’s daughter, Clair, her father Andrew, step-father Chris, and all members of the family.

Many staff, students and parents attended the funeral on 27 April and our choir sang at Clair’s request. Audrey Fagan earned our respect as a parent and through her vocation. She was a person of integrity and dignity who was able to communicate and engage with young people and adults. Clair has returned to School and we will do our best to support her through the months to come.

In Term 1, the School community was also saddened by the death of another Australian Federal Policer Officer, Mark Scott. There are a number of students and staff who have lost close relatives or have family members who are battling serious illnesses.

It is difficult for students and staff alike to know how we can best support and show our care and concern towards others who are grieving for the loss of a person they loved and admired. Parents will also want to support their daughters who are watching their friends or peers grieving for their parent or close relative. Experts in grief counseling believe that it is important for each of us to show our natural concern and sorrow in our own ways and using our own words. It is important to remember that the process of grieving will continue in the months and years ahead, therefore, we need to remain available to offer our support.

If the grieving student does not feel like talking, then it is important for each one of us to acknowledge this and wait for the student to invite us into a conversation. There will be occasions when the student will let us know through her words and actions that she is not able to speak about the person or the death.

We all need to be good listeners, accept the feelings that are expressed and be understanding. The student will not be expecting us to solve their problems for them but to listen to them with empathy and understanding. It is most important not to ask for details about the manner in which the person died. The student may offer information and it is the responsibility of friends and staff to listen with understanding. Above all it is important to treat the student as a normal person, acknowledge their loss and not dwell on this.

All students have a network of staff to turn to for guidance and support in times of grief and unhappiness. Students and their parents also offer support and encouragement. Parents may also wish to speak with members of staff about their own daughters who are caring for their friend who is grieving, in order to ensure that the well being of all students is maintained.

Dr Leonard Sax Seminar

On 10 May, Dr Sax will be presenting to parents in the CGGS Hall from 7.30pm to 9.00pm. During the day he will be speaking with students and gathering some material for the evening seminar. He will also present to members of staff during the afternoon. Having read his book, many of us are keen to hear Dr Sax and I would encourage all parents to attend the evening seminar. This is his first visit to Canberra and Dr Sax is looking forward to meeting with students, staff and parents.

Alliance of Girls’ Schools of Australasia

I am a member of the Executive of the Alliance and in 2008 I will be the convener of our annual conference for Principals and staff of girls’ schools in Australia and New Zealand. We also have member schools in South Africa and Singapore.

The theme for the conference will be Broadening the Horizons for Girls. I am currently working on the Speaker program and a number of parents have been most helpful in offering the names of potential speakers. I am keen to hear from parents who can offer suggestions about Keynote Speakers. We are also offering sponsorship opportunities to businesses and organisations.

This will be the first time that an Alliance Conference has been held in Canberra and I am giving attention to finding Canberra based speakers and Canberra based sponsors. I would be very pleased to hear from any parent who may be able to offer assistance as we plan our 2008 conference.

Susan Just
Principal

FROM THE HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

A welcome back for Term 2 to all families and members of the CGGS community. I trust you have all had an enjoyable and restful vacation period. As outlined in Susan Just’s article, our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go to Clair and her family at this very difficult time. Audrey Fagan was a much admired parent of the Senior School and I, like many of the other parents and friends of the School, will miss her professional contribution as well as her ongoing and undivided support and friendship.

Anzac Day Service

Although Anzac Day was celebrated around the country during the school vacation, we decided that it was important to recognise the Anzac message in a school ceremony early this term so that the School could come together and take time to reflect on Anzac Day as a day of national importance. At our first Assembly for the term we examined the meaning of war, camaraderie and community spirit and what the Anzac spirit means to Australians in 2007.

After a prayer and reading by our Chaplain Paul Harris, two of our talented Historians, Elodie Cheeseman (11G) and Shannon Narracott (11B), gave a stirring address about the Anzac Spirit in our community. They spoke about the courage, dedication and mateship that are hallmarks of the Anzacs and how they have affected the values that we all hold dear. A small part of their speech is included below:

Through their commitment and solidarity, the Anzacs set standards that inspired their countrymen, and continue to do so. They put aside all personal blessings – family, friends and their futures – to confront dangers in support of their nation. And so, while we reflect on the past, we must also look ahead to see how we can build on their sacrifice and spirit to enrich the Australian tradition. The Anzac spirit and values are not confined to the battlefield. They are still very relevant today, and relate to all people, young women as well as young men. Mateship, for example, is embedded in our society. We see it in our community volunteers, our sporting and co-curricular teams, and the relationship we have with our peers.

Following the talk, teachers, Chris Brown and Martin Krippner, sang a rendition of the Eric Bogle classic, And the band Played Waltzing Matilda whilst on the large screen, poignant images of the conflicts that Australia has been involved in since the Anzac legend began were shown. The service, which was sandwiched by some beautiful prayers and readings, was a fitting way to acknowledge the Anzac legend and begin the new term.

Uniform

I have been particularly concerned this week about the number of students who are not wearing their School blazer as the outermost garment to and from school. Now that the cooler weather is upon us, all students are reminded that they MUST wear their blazer on their way to school and on their return from school.

All students must also wear their blazers to Assembly each week. Any student who is unable to fulfill these regulations is expected to make an appointment with their Tutor or with their relevant Head of House to discuss the matter.

Bus Change Details

All parents and staff are encouraged to note the following ACTION bus changes that will take effect from MONDAY 14 MAY 2007:

• School Route 840 will be starting 3 minutes earlier - now 7.53am, previously 7.56am.
• School Route 480 will be starting 5 minutes earlier - now 7.48am, previously 7.53am.
• School Route 481 will be starting 3 minutes earlier - now 7.22am, previously 7.25am.

Further information can be obtained from the ACTION website www.action.act.gov.au

CGGS Victorious at the ASC Swimming Carnival

For the first time in a number of years CGGS was victorious in the female points section of the Associated Secondary Colleges (ASC) Swimming Carnival held in the penultimate week of Term 1. About 50 students represented the School and there were many outstanding individual performances. Well done to all students in attendance.

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Mary Johnson (11R) who has been 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 Mary 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 Shannon Narracott (11B) who has been re-appointed to the ACT Ministerial Youth Advisory Council until March 2009. Through the Council, Shannon has been involved with the Standing Committee for Education, Training and Young People on Lowering the Voting Age and provided input on a broad range of issues affecting young people.

Congratulations to Nicole Martine (8G) who has recently been selected by Swimming Australia in the Junior Excellence program. This is great news for Nicole!

Congratulations to boarder Laura Plevey (12D) whose photographic prints of Australian scenes were featured in an exhibition held at the Palace of the Saint-Petersburg Composers’ Society (Dom Kompozitorov), Russia. The Exhibition was held to celebrate 200 years of business relations between Russia and Australia and coincided with a concert of works by Australian composer Katia Tiutiunnik. In 2004, Katia’s choral and percussion work Ressurrection was performed by the Combined Canberra Grammar Schools. The exhibition was sponsored and attended by representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Russian-Australian Friendship Association.

Congratulations to Veronica Tamsitt (12W) who has been selected to represent Australia in Rowing at the Junior World Championships, to be held in Beijing in August 2007. Veronica secured her spot by winning her races in the Womens’ Junior Pair with past student Christabelle Northam (2006) at the National Selection Regatta.

More good news for Lauren Simpson (11D) who was named as the Captain for the ACT Pizzey Cup Tennis Team. She is looking forward to representing both CGGS and the ACT next week at the tournament. During the holidays Lauren also won the Illawarra Junior Open and the Gosford Women’s Singles consolation.

Fiona Godfrey
Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School

FROM THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

After a well earned holiday everyone arrived on Monday looking smart in their winter uniform and ready for the cooler term. It is always refreshing to see the excited faces of the students at the beginning of term. It is indeed a time when a fresh page is turned and we look with anticipation to what lies ahead. Students are encouraged to focus on the term ahead as they work towards their learning goals. As we gathered for our first Assembly we were pleased to welcome four new students into the Junior School this week: Ronan (Pre-Prep A), Eleanor (3M), Alice (4B) and Yasmin (6S). We hope all of these students and their families have a rewarding, long and happy association with the School.

The next couple of weeks, hold some important events. The annual Cross Country Carnival is on Tuesday 8 May and the students have been getting in some extra training in readiness. All students from Year 2 to Year 6 participate in this event and we would love to have parent support at Fadden Pines on the day if you are able to make it. Students may come to school in their sports uniform on Tuesday.

There are some other important events next week with the Year 6 Concert, Mothers’ Day activities and an opportunity for parents to hear renowned speaker and author Dr Leonard Sax. The Year 6 Concert on Wednesday evening (9 May) will showcase the many and varied talents of our Year 6 students. It is the first of our Year level concerts and the students are working hard in their preparations. We wouldn’t want to ignore Mother’s Day and the Junior Primary students will host a special afternoon tea for their mothers following activities with their guests next Thursday 10 May. The ELC will also have their own Mother’s Day activities with a morning tea on Friday 11 May.

We have been fortunate, indeed, in securing Dr Leonard Sax as a speaker and I highly recommend that all parents try to attend the session on Thursday evening. He is an expert in the field of gender differences and his books are highly acclaimed and thoroughly researched. The topic for this seminar is: Sex, Drugs and Fast Cars: What you need to know to keep your son or daughter safe.

Support for the Canberra Hospital

The Junior School Student Representaive Council (SRC) is committed to raising money to support local, national and international causes. Last term, the SRC elected to hold a non uniform day fundraiser for the Canberra Hospital Children’s Ward and raised a grand total of $800.  At the first Assembly, Jumior School Head Girl, Emily Greenberg, presented our donation to Patch Platypus, the Paediatric Ward Mascot. The arrival of Patch created much excitement among all students (pictured left with Hannah Whitton, Year 6 SRC representative).

The Hospital has requested that our donation go towards the upgrade and refurbishment of the paediatric ‘Quiet Room’. This is a special room on the paediatric ward that allows parents and carers to have some time out, and is also used for discussions between doctors and parents/carers in regards to the children’s care. Moira Lye, the manager of the Business Development area of the Canberra Hospital advised that the Quiet Room is very neglected at the moment and needs some new furnishings, such as floor rugs, lamps and a new couch. We are very happy to support such a worthwhile cause.

End of Day Congestion

We are concerned with the congestion around the front of the School, particularly at the exits where students are waiting for buses. At these peak times, we are requesting parents, especially those with prams and strollers, enter and leave the School premises via the exit near Clements Hall or via the barred gate exit near the Gym. This is to avoid the front of the School where the students wait for buses and to ensure the safety of all involved.

School Bus Route No 837. We have been advised that School Bus Route 837 has been altered and will now be extended to include the Beasley Street loop in Torrens. It is thought that this may now assist a number of students who previously were unable to catch the bus. As of the 14 May 2007:

• School Bus Route 840 will be starting 3 minutes earlier - now 7.53am, previously 7.56am.
• School Bus Route 480 will be starting 5 minutes earlier - now 7.48am, previously 7.53am.
• School Bus Route 481 will be starting 3 minutes earlier - now 7.22am, previously 7.25am.
• School Bus Route 520 will be departing 5 minutes earlier - now at 7.44am previously 7.49am.
• School Bus Route 521 will be departing 9 minutes earlier - now at 7.40am previously 7.49am.

Heather Ablett
Head of Junior School

IMPORTANT DATES

• 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
• 14 May Y11 in 2008 Information Evening, Multimedia Theatre and CGGS Hall, 7pm
• 16 May Y6 excursion to the Electoral Education Centre
• 16 May Y10 Geography excursion to Sydney
• 16 May Y12 AST Trial
• 16-18 May Gardasil Vaccinnations
• 17 May Dragon Boats Dinner, Elizabeth McKay Aquatic Centre, 6pm
• 18 May Autumn Concert, CGGS Hall, 7pm

SCHOOL SHOP

Tuesdays 8.15am to 2.00pm
Wednesdays 8.15am to 2.00pm
Thursdays 12noon to 5.30pm

Is your daughter interested in skiing for the School this year? Each July, CGGS provides teams from the Junior and Senior School for the ACT and Southern NSW Interschools Skiing Competition. Many of our teams have then gone on to compete at the Australian Interschools Skiing Competition. If you are interested in finding out more about skiing at CGGS or sharing information about skiing, particularly ideas on how to improve the Snowsports program, please forward your contact details to Brad Griffiths at brad.griffiths@cggs.act.edu.au or Ladner Phillips at rodlad@optusnet.com.au.

Brad Griffiths
Teacher-in-Charge of Snowsports

JUNIOR SCHOOL NOTICES
Excursion / Activity	Date Handed to Students	Date of Activity	Staff Member / Department
Basketball Singlets	30 April 2007	N/A	Greg Cross, Basketball Coordinator
Y6 Excursion to Old Parliament House	4 May 2007	Wednesday 16 May	Y6 Class Teachers
Introduction to Lyn Pepper-Budge (Prep P)	19 April 2007	N/A	Lyn Pepper-Budge, Prep P Class Teacher
Cross Country Carnival Y2 to Y6	30 April 2007	Tuesday 8 May	Cherylee Kuypers, PE Teacher
Family and Friends Chapel Service Note to Senior Choir	30 April 2007	Sunday 6 May	Jenny Johnson, Head of Music and Performing Arts
Sibling School Photos	30 April 2007	Tuesday 5 June	Lee Wilde, Asst Deputy Principal, Y3 to Y6

SENIOR SCHOOL NOTICES
Excursion / Activity	Date Sent To Students/Parents	Date To Be Returned	Staff Member / Department
Biology 1 and 2 excursion to Sydney – 21 May	30 April	17 May	J O’Brien, Head of Science Department
Y7 Green, Silver and Yellow excursion to National Zoo and Aquarium and Jerrabomberra Wetlands – 3 May	13 April	-	L McInnes, Teacher of Geography
Y7 Crimson, Purple and Orange excursion to National Zoo and Aquarium and Jerrabomberra Wetlands – 9 May	13 April	-	L McInnes, Teacher of Geography
General Science excursion to Kiama – 8-9 May	10 April	-	J O’Brien, Head of Science Department
Masterclass for flute – 4 May	1 May	-	M Tatchell, Director of Music; T Rabe, Instrumental teacher
Senior Big Band to perform at CGGS Rowing Dinner – 4 May	1 May	-	V Martin, TIC Bands CGGS; D Brown, Conductor CGGS; M Du Rieu, Conductor CGS; Anita Collins, MIC Bands CGS

 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:	Year 5 News	Snowsports
ELC News	Careers News	Netball - SCNA BBQ Manager
Year 3 News	Gymnastics Championships

Shrek 3 is coming

We are having a movie night at Greater Union, Manuka on Friday 8 June, 7pm (tbc). This is the day after Shrek 3 opens in movie theatres. Cost of tickets will be $12. This will raise a bit of money but the main objective is to have heaps of fun together. Please click here for a ticket order form. A order from will also distributed through your child’s class or Tutor Group. Tickets are limited so get in early! Thanks to Belinda Kenyon for organising this and to Judith Jones who will be the ELC contact person (where we expect the excitement will be greatest!).

Hidden Treasures?

Antiques and Collectables Valuation Day: This exciting new venture for the P&F is taking place on Sunday 3 June, 10am to 4pm in the Clements Hall, Junior School. It will be open to the general public as well as to the School community so please spread the word. The valuer will be Davidson Auctions, who are coming from Sydney and are providing their services free of charge. They can value a vast range of things. We will charge $5 per item valued and hope to raise lots of money to spend on the School (and maybe you will discover a hidden treasure!). A flier will be distributed shortly. Thanks to Jane Underwood for organising this.

Entertainment Books

I’m thrilled to report that we earned $5,000 from this venture this year. Many thanks to Wendy Kay and Suzanne O’Connor who took the lead on this. Particular thanks also to Robyn Schleiger (who sold an extra 10 books) and the Kong family (who sold an extra 6). Thanks also to those who donated $10 in lieu of keeping the book, we really appreciate it. Thanks to all of you who bought the book. Given the success of this venture, we plan to distribute the books again in 2008.

Fête (27 October)

Fête planning is hotting up, with Sally Kaye our Fête convenor working again on this. We are desperately in need of volunteers for the following jobs:

Raffle - two people to work together on the raffle (particularly on gathering donations from local businesses). Penny MacDiarmid and Nicky Sarris, who have done a wonderful job organising this for the last few years (thanks so much!), will provide a detailed handover. Please think seriously about doing this job - it can be fun if you do it with a friend!

Sign painting - our large Fête signs need replacing. If you might be able to help with the art work for these, I would love to hear from you.

Food stalls and supplies convenor - please give some thought to this job, and contact me if you would like more details.

Nomination of Mary Tatchell for National Award for Excellence in School Music Education

The P&F is currently working on guidelines for the nomination of teachers for prizes. In the meantime, a decision was made to nominate Mary Tatchell for this award. I was astonished to find out, while interviewing Mary to prepare this nomination, that she conducts all seven of the Senior School choirs, as well as the Symphony Orchestra! This is just an example of her indefatigable energy and commitment, from which we all benefit enormously. Our School’s academic and co-curricular music programs are shining examples of the highest quality music education, thanks not only to Mary’s superb work, but also to that of the other music and instrumental staff. It is great to be able to give that work some tangible recognition.

The P&F is very proud to make a financial contribution to Dr Leonard Sax’s talk on 10 May. This follows the very successful sponsorship of Michael Carr-Gregg’s visit in 2006.

With thanks for your support

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.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics Fun Run

Thursday 24 May 2007 commencing at 12.30pm

The fun run represents an excellent opportunity to encourage and promote healthy and active participation in sports for staff and students of all ages, and the ABS would be delighted should your school decide to participate in this exciting community event. The course will be a 7.3km lap of Lake Ginninderra on the bike path, commencing at John Knight Memorial Park, adjacent to Lake Ginninderra College. The focus of the fun run is on fund raising, enjoyment and participation, rather than on pure athletic competition. To encourage participation from those who would prefer to walk, there will be an optional 6km walk. The course route is clearly marked with signs and officials are also present to ensure participants stay on the correct route. Drinks stations are also provided during and at the end of the run.

The proceeds from this year’s run will be donated to the ACT Cancer Council, which is a community organisation working to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer in the ACT community. Potential sponsors are currently being contacted and it is expected that some great prizes will again be offered, for which all participants will be eligible.

Entry forms are available at http://www.lunchstakes.webathletics.com.au/absfunrun/about.htm

If you have any suggestions as to how we could encourage greater participation from schools and from the community in general, I would be very pleased to hear from you.There is a perpetual trophy awarded to the leading school based on the finishing times of its members, while special certificates will be presented to the first three junior male and female finishers (U18 years). This event would be ideal practice for staff and students interested in cross-country running in preparation for school, regional and state cross-country carnivals. I look forward to the participation of your students and staff.

Ian Clout for the Fun Run Organising Committee
Australian Bureau of Statistics, email: ian.clout@abs.gov.au, t: 6252 6737

Kids for Kids — ‘healthy kids helping sick kids’

The project is called the ‘Kids for Kids’ project. It effectively means we are looking for healthy kids willing, through their parents of course, to help sick kids in their time of need. To achieve this, there are 14 photographers nation wide who are working, in conjunction with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Australia, to produce top quality photography books of the children in their region. I have been tasked with producing the ‘Kids of Canberra and Region’ publication.

Parents are invited to nominate their children to appear in this limited edition book.They pay a nomination fee of $75 for one child, or $125 for two or more children. The $75 fee, plus $100 of the $125 fee, goes directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, whose sole task is to grant wishes to children with life threatening illnesses.

Paying the nomination fee guarantees parents that their children will be photographed at any location of their choice, doing whatever it is they like doing best. Consequently it guarantees that one photo of each of their children will appear in the final publication.

Parents who take part will be invited to a book launch sometime next year. If all goes well, each photographer in each region will be contributing $15,000 to $18,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which makes this one of the most exciting and worthwhile projects I have been associated with.

Michael Thorn - T: 6247 6577

Simply Sharing Week