MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
Fiona Godfrey
As another very busy semester draws to an end, it is timely to sit back and reflect on all that has been achieved, not only by individual students and teachers but the School as a whole. In what has been a very difficult semester, we have undergone a full School registration process, launched the Masterplan, delivered a number of excellent professional development opportunities, embarked on an organisational restructure and experienced a range of inspiring co-curricular events.
Boarders’ Parents’ Dinner
Last night, over 60 Boarders’ parents/guardians and staff gathered in the Boarding House for the annual Boarders’ Parents’ Dinner. This year, Tina Twigg in her first year full year as Head of the Boarding House, spoke about the importance of the close relationship with the parents and how much she values their input into the successful running of the Boarding House. Tina took time to introduce two people who will now be around the School a great deal, her husband, Paul Twigg, and our new Caretaker, (and husband of our School Nurse, Lindy Latta) Alan Latta.
The evening began with drinks and nibbles in the Visitors’ Sitting Room (VSR) with piano entertainment supplied by a number of boarders. Afterwards guests moved into the dinning room where Sarah Carlson, Boarding House Captain, delivered a welcome and Katherine Harley, Boarding House Vice Captain said grace. After dinner, Susan Just outlined the School’s Masterplan and the refurbishments in the Boarding House. The evening concluded with the drawing of the Boarding House raffle and further refreshments in the VSR.
The evening was a very special way to end the semester and it is always particularly pleasant to have an opportunity to talk to parents in a less formal setting. A special thank you is extended to Penny Crawford and Renea Alenaje from the Community Relations Department, Kate Bagnall, our artistic gardener,Tina Twigg and the rest of the Boarding House staff for their work and planning for what was a very enjoyable evening.
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Salvation Army Winter Appeal
We have been approached by the Salvation Army to participate in The Salvation Army Winter Clothing Appeal. Currently, Salvos Stores have a shortage of warm clothing to give to those less fortunate. The appeal is designed to get donations from the public in the form of warm clothing such as jumpers, sweaters, cardigans, scarves, blankets, thermal wear etc.
Over the School holidays we ask that you have a look through your cupboards and wardrobes and if there is anything suitable to give please put it aside. The Salvation Army will be visiting our School in the first week of Term 3 (24 July) handing out bags to take home and fill. The filled bags just need to brought back to the School on 31 July and you will be helping to share the warmth this Winter.
For more information please do not hesitate to call Tony O’Connell, Retail Manager, Salvos Stores on 62390124 or 0404835418.
Student Achievements
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| Congratulations to Rochelle Dew (10D) who last Friday participated in the main vocal eisteddfod for NSW - The McDonald Performing Arts Challenge. She entered into all the sections for her age group; the 16 years and under Classical Song, World Song (usually classified as Folk Song) and Musical Theatre. Rochelle was amazingly placed first in each of her three sections which endorses the quality of our musicians at CGGS. |
Congratulations to Aurora Casadei (7G) who recently obtained an ‘A’ with Honours in her Grade 4 Piano exam. |
All the best to Amanda Clifford (9D), Georgia Hardy (8K), Elly James (12D) and Charlotte Marshall (11B) who have all qualified to represent the ACT in the Australian Secondary Schools Swimming Competition to be held in Hobart in the coming weeks.
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Congratulations to Caitlin White (7K) who has been selected to represent the ACT at the School Sport Australia football (soccer) exchange to be held in Brisbane from 16 to 21 September. |
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Congratulations to Lane Sainty (10W) and Elizabeth Pearson (9K) on being part of the U15 ACT girls soccer team. The team will compete at the Australian Youth Soccer Championships in July. |
 Congratulations to Jenna Denley (12R) who has recently been awarded the Queen’s Scout Award. This is the highest award that can be achieved in the Venturer’s Section (14-18 year olds) of Scouting and is the most recognised award in the Scouting movement across in 216 countries around the world. Obtaining the Queen’s Scout Award involves undertaking challenges and completing activities in the four major areas of Adventurous Activities, Community Involvement, Leadership Development and Personal Growth. The Award aims at challenging the Venturer to expand their knowledge, strive to reach their potential and to become a well rounded citizen in an ever changing world. Recipients of this award must demonstrate a high level of Community Involvement (outside of the Award scheme), strong leadership qualities in all aspects of life, and demonstrate that they incorporate the Scout Law and Promise into their everyday life. In addition to completing at least 150 hours on these activities and challenges, the applicant is interviewed to assess whether they are a worthy recipient of the award. Jenna has achieved this award whilst striving to complete her gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. This is a remarkable achievement!
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 19 - 29 June 2007
The article below was published in CGGS Newsletter 18 - 22 June 2007
End of Semester
Finally, I would like to extend my best wishes to all CGGS families as we begin our mid year vacation. I hope that you have a very relaxing and memorable holiday period and we look forward to seeing all of our students returning safely on 23 July.
End of Semester
This week marked the end of assessments for Semester 1 with examinations concluding at the beginning of the week and Checking Day on Wednesday. Reports for all Year levels are now being finalised and parents can expect to receive them by post early in the second week of the holidays. Semester 2 classes began today for all students except those in Year 7, who will not change language and creative arts classes until the start of Term 3. Senior students are reminded to make sure they have submitted their English choices for Semester 2.
Employability Skills
During the week I had the pleasure of being involved in the launch of Australian Jobs 2007 at Parliament House. The publication, released on an annual basis by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, is an excellent resource not only for students planning subject selection and career paths but people entering or re-entering the job market.
Australian Jobs 2007 clearly defines the changing nature of the Australian labour market. In the last 20 years we have witnessed an increased participation of women in the workforce, a much greater focus on skilled jobs, an associated increase in educational participation of youth and an ageing work force population. As a strong advocate for girls’ education, I find the increasing participation of women in the work force very heartening particularly when a large number are able to balance work and family responsibilities. Statistically, it is interesting to note, that more women in the 15-24 age group now hold vocational or higher education qualifications than their male counterparts. In a labour market,where there is a greater reliance on skilled jobs, this trend may lead to a significant change in gender numbers in some occupations in the future.
Sound guidance and advice is essential for students as they move through school and eventually into the work force. While resources such as this are invaluable for schools in providing information and direction to teachers, students and parents, on a more strategic level, the sort of information detailed in this publication, allows educational strategists and planners to gain an insight into the curriculum refinements required to develop ‘employability skills’. The employability skills outlined in Australian Jobs 2007 provide a framework for curriculum planning. In the ACT, where the majority of course development occurs at a school level, at both the pre and post compulsory schooling level, the eight identified employability skills can be imbedded into the curriculum. The eight skills are defined as:
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Fiona Godfrey with Senior students and
the Hon Joe Hockey,
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations | Communication
- Team work
- Problem solving
- Initiative and planning
- Self-management
- Learning
- Technology
Whilst each of the skills listed here would at first glance appear to be rudimentary skills for job seekers, for many adolescents these skills need to be taught in a sequential manner over a number of years. Schools and tertiary institutions are able to reinforce these generic skills in the assessments they set and their pedagogical approach both inside and outside of the classroom.
So how will Australian Jobs 2007 be used at our school? All students currently in Year 10 will receive a copy of the publication and structured lessons using Australian Jobs 2007 along with a number of other government resources including Job Guide 2007, Getting a Job - Future Directions and websites including Job Juice, My Future and Australian Job Search. The use of these resources have and will continue to be taught to Year 10 students in CCCC (Civics, Citizenship, Careers and Community Service).
In addition to what is formally done in class, our Careers Advisor, Mrs Teresa Bubear, will use this document when counselling individual students or in meetings with students and their parents. While we always encourage our students to follow their passion, aptitude and interests when considering career choices, it is helpful to look at those areas where there is a strong demand for skills or where the prospects are good.
ACTION Bus Services from Majura Rise
We have been contacted by ACTION about the feasibility of running a school bus service from the new suburb of Majura Rise. ACTION would like to hear from any parents whose children may be interested in using this service on 6207 7707. They need to know the number of students who are likely to use such a service and the name of the street in which they reside.
Student Achievements
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Congratulations to Kate Gilmore (8D) and Ros Quincey-O’Neill (10D) who have both been selected in the ACT 16 years and under Secondary Girls Hockey Team to play in Melbourne from 4 to 11 August. We wish them well. |
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Good luck to Hannah Bragg who will be representing the ACT at the Australian Secondary Schools Orienteering Championships in Dubbo from 7 to 15 July. |
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Congratulations to Sarah Dobbie (9W) on being selected to represent the ACT at the Australian National Cross Country Championships in Perth in August. Great work Sarah, we wish you well. |
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 18 - 22 June 2007
The article below was published in CGGS Newsletter 17 - 15 June 2007
Colours and Awards
Next week all students in the Senior School will receive an updated Colours and Awards Booklet which contains three completely new sections and a revised Co-curricular Colours and Awards section.
The Co-curricular section includes criteria for the recently included activities of Touch Football, Mountain Biking and Technical Production and revised criteria for a number of other activities. We have also streamlined and reviewed the Appeals process so that students are fully aware of what they need to do if they feel they have not been treated fairly in the awarding of Colours, Half Colours and Recognition for Service.
The three new sections are House Colours and Awards, Boarding House Colours and Awards and end of year special prizes for students in Years 10 and 12. Each section clearly delineates the grounds and criteria by which an award is made and the timing for those awards.
I would encourage all parents to familiarise themselves with the booklet and encourage their daughter to seek to achieve recognition for her efforts in all facets of school life. It is anticipated that after this year a hard copy of the booklet will only be given to students new to the School and an updated version will be stored in the public area of the Portal.
Absences During Term Time
Whilst we are cognisant of the benefits of family holidays and in particular overseas ventures, I would ask all parents to consider carefully the implications on their children’s academic studies when request for leave is made during term time. We are very fortunate to be able to offer an extended holiday period mid year, however, it should not be assumed that the last week of this term is unimportant and that an even longer holiday should be sought. I thank all parents for their support in this matter.
Student Achievements
 Congratulations to Lydia Dobson (11W) on passing her AMEB AMusA exam in piano performance and on achieving an Associate Diploma of Music (Piano). Pictured left is Lydia at the presentation ceremony held at the University of New South Wales with Hannah Donohoe (2005) with her AMusA for violin performance.
 Congratulations to Madeleine Barnett (10K) on being selelected to represent the ACT in the Girls U15s State Squash team. The team will compete over the weekend in Orange at Green Shields - the NSW/ACT regional squash tournament.
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 17 - 15 June 2007
The following article was published in CGGS Newsletter 16 - 8 June 2007
National Eisteddfod Comes to CGGS
Last Saturday the four concert bands from the combined Canberra Grammar Schools performed at the Australian National Eisteddfod, held in the CGGS Hall. All bands performed admirably and competed against some fine bands from interstate and around Canberra.
In the age group sections all performers received a gold, silver or bronze trophy. The adjudicator was fair but firm in his judging and only three gold trophies were awarded across five sections. In the 16 years and under C grade, the Hultgren Concert Band narrowly missed being awarded gold. Four silver awards were given in this section.
The Stanhope Concert Band also performed exceptionally well and received a silver trophy in a very tough field. The Grainger Concert Band performed extraordinarily well and won the first gold trophy for the combined Canberra Grammar Schools in the competition.
In the evening the Symphonic Wind Band (SWB) competed in two sections against professional adult musicians and interstate competitors. Only first and Highly Commended awards were announced in the open age divisions. In the Open C the SWB impressed the audience and adjudicator with their musicality and precision, and were awarded first place playing A Cause for Celebration. In the more competitive Open B division SWB narrowly missed out on the first prize by one point.
Congratulations to all musicians and conductors for their excellent performances throughout the Eisteddfod. I would also like to thank Friends of Music for all of their hard work in providing the catering for the duration of the weekend.
Subject Choice Advice
Last Monday, the Heads of House spent the day in CGGS Hall interviewing and counselling our current Year 10 students in relation to subject choices for Years 11 and 12 in 2008/09. Teresa Bubear, Careers Advisor, was also available to give advice to individual students about career options and tertiary requirements while the Director of Curriculum, Jenny Bartley, provided additional support in relation to the suitability of subject packages and ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) requirements. We would encourage parents to continue speaking with their daughters about choosing the best combination of subjects based on informed decisions and the right reasons. Subject selection forms for 2008 will be given to all students in the Senior School at the start of the first week of Term 3 and will be due back at the end of that week on Friday 27 July 2007.
Year 9 Social
Last Friday night, students from CGS and CGGS came together in CGGS Hall for a night of excitement, frivolity and ‘socialisation’. The theme for the evening was Sea you there and it was pleasing to see that a number of students had explored the nautical theme. Much of the organisation for the Social was due to the hard work of the Senior Council members, who along with some senior students from CGS, arranged the tickets, decorations, drinks, music and security and then on the night acted as bouncers, compères, entertainers and even cleaners! They demonstrated an extraordinary quality of relaxed organisation mixed in with a delightful sense of fun. Thank you girls!
Student Drop Offs
Parents are reminded that students should not be dropped off inside the School grounds. In recent days we have experienced an increasing number of parents who are driving into the School via the Melbourne Avenue, Gabriel Drive and Chapel Drive entries. In the interest of student safety and traffic flow management I would ask that all students are dropped off outside of the School grounds.
Student Achievement
 Good luck to Pip Marques (8G) who will participate in the Icon Girls’ Surf Showdown this week at Lennox Head in NSW. This is a significant ‘girls’ national competition, the largest and most competitive for the winter season, and may provide opportunities for the summer series. We wish her well.
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 16 - 8 June 2007
The article below was published in CGGS Newsletter 15 - 1 June 2007
Advice from the School Counsellors
Last Monday night, we held the Year 8 in 2008 Information Evening for parents and students of the current Year 7 cohort. The evening began with very informative presentations from both our Director of Faculty, Jennie Harris, and Director of Curriculum, Jenny Bartley, outlining our philosophy of teaching and learning and the need for balance and considered decision making when choosing electives. Year 7 students were given a similar presentation on Tuesday morning and we would now encourage all parents and their daughters to discuss the options available so that informed decisions can be made.
The second half of the evening was taken up with a presentation by one of our two Counsellors, Julie Smith. Julie spoke about some of the emotional, social and educational issues often associated with Year 8 students. While many of the issues that Julie covered were particularly relevant to Year 8 students, much of her advice could be applied to all Year levels.
Julie spoke about the importance of communication between adolescents and their parents and spoke about strategies to promote openness, honesty and trust. She stated that the Counsellors encourage students to develop strategies to improve communication and work toward parental involvement to solve difficulties.
Students generally present to the Counsellors for one of the following reasons:
Social Issues
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friendship issues
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bullying
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relationship issues
Family Issues
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relationship issues; parent-child, sibling, separation-divorce
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feeling misunderstood
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desire for greater independence
Mental health Issues
Parents also regularly make contact with the School Counsellors and the most common reasons are:
Social Issues
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concern about child’s friendship group eg. bad influence, risk taking behaviour
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concern about friendship/bullying issues
Academic Issues
Behavioural Issues
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girls testing limits
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risk-taking behaviour
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parent-child relationship eg. lack of respect, limited communication
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concern regarding MSN, mobile phone
On Monday evening, Julie presented an outline of Twelve Tips to Assist Parents.
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Be informed. Read up on adolescence and the issues facing your daughter and her friends. Then share your knowledge with your daughter to show that you are open to talking about the issues.
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Negotiate the rules. As early as possible draw up together as early as possible rules that relate to her safety, clearly defining the boundaries and the consequences and rewards attached to breaking and keeping the rules.
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Work at improving and maintaining communication with your daughter. Talk less and listen more. Avoid lecturing, nagging, pleading and criticising.
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Maintain family rituals. Rituals provide opportunities for you to connect and often create a haven for teens away from the rough and tumble of the peer world eg family dinner, family time on weekends etc.
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Know your daughters’ friends. Be involved with her friends and know who their parents are. Talk to them and compare stories. Don’t ever accept the line "but everyone is allowed to do it".
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Encourage your child to participate in healthy risk taking activities eg sports, dance, drama.
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Keep the computer in an open household area and watch over their MSN, Bebo and MySpace activities. Limit MSN time and consider monitoring MSN content.
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Focus on the positives and be positive in your interactions with her. Decide what you want her to do and then state it in positive terms; tell her what you want, not what you don’t want.
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Don’t be a doormat. To protect our own space, belongings, items, money and dignity parents need to have a notion of ourselves as separate human beings and a sense of worth and self respect. This is necessary not only for our own mental health but to model these qualities for our children.
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Be around the house as much as possible. Even if your daughter doesn’t want to talk, your physical presence is a comfort.
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Focus on who she is and what she does, rather than how she looks. Help her to develop a sense of competence and confidence not based on how she looks. Help her to establish ‘body comfort’.
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Make sure she is getting enough sleep. According to recent US research the average teenager needs 8-9 hours sleep.
Continuing Problems with Bebo and MySpace
Some weeks ago I wrote in a Newsletter article about the dangers of Bebo and Myspace. At the time I highlighted that a large proportion of adolescents were creating their own ‘pages’ on these sites and displaying a staggering array of personal information and photographs, many of them of an intimate nature. Public display of this sort of information is highly dangerous as it is well documented that sexual predators use these sites to ‘meet’ adolescents. Research from the federal watchdog NetAlert shows a huge disconnect between parents and their teenage children over online behaviour. A recent study conducted together with NineMSN found that 40 per cent of teens would potentially meet in person someone they have ‘met’ online.
While the issue of passing personal information to complete strangers continues to be of great concern for teachers and parents, in recent weeks we have experienced a growing number of disputes between students arising from inappropriate comments being posted on individuals’ Bebo and MySpace sites by students. These issues are very difficult for us to investigate and police as we cannot access the sites or identify the authors. The comments are posted through domestic computers but the resultant upsets and angst are often played out at school. I would ask that parents assist us in educating the students about what is appropriate to place on these sites in the first place and being aware of the ramifications if untoward comments are placed on other students’ pages.
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 15 - 1 June 2007
The article below was published in CGGS Newsletter 14 - 25 May 2007
 Anglicare’s Winter Pantry Appeal
The Junior Chapel Choir, conducted by Director of Music, Mary Tatchell, performed yesterday at Woden Plaza for the launch of Anglicare’s Winter Pantry Appeal. Donations may be dropped off at the Reception of all campuses and cash donations can be made by calling Anglicare on 6220 8131.
Autumn Concert
It was a pleasure and delight to attend the Autumn Concert last Friday evening. The standard of our music program is exceptional and the staff and students involved with Friday’s performance should be very proud of their achievements.
The first half of the program featured the Senior Big Band, the Motet Choir and the Symphonic Wind Band while the second half showcased the talents of the Chamber Orchestra and the Symphony Orchestra. While it is very difficult to highlight one particular piece or contribution, I particularly enjoyed the Motet Choir ‘s version of Walk in the Light and the Symphonic Wind Band playing Jupiter from the suite The Planets. It was quite obvious from the reaction by the students that they have also thoroughly enjoyed working under our guest conductor, Jean Louis Foresteir. The reception that they gave him was fitting of the expertise he has bestowed on the students in recent weeks.
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School Diaries
At the very first Assembly of the year, I spoke to the students about the importance of the School Diary in terms of providing regular communication between home and school. Whilst we have formal Parent/Teacher interviews, parent information evenings and from time to time special meetings, one of the easiest means of having regular, informal communication is through the School Diary.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents that the School Diary is a very important document that holds a great deal of information: School rules, procedures, policies, important dates, and the student’s own personal timetable. It also has a section where parents and/or teachers can sign and make comment. The Diary must, wherever possible, remain in pristine condition and should be taken to every class, when attending Sick Bay and to and from school every day. Tutors will sign, and when appropriate make comment, once a cycle in the Diary and students in Years 7 to 10 will be asked to have their parents, or guardians, sign and make comment once a cycle. Subject teachers will make informal contact through the Diary if the need arises. I am confident that all families will be able to make very good use of the Diary as a constant means of communication.
Year 8 Parent Information Evening
Parents of students currently in Year 7 are reminded that the Year 8 in 2008 Information Evening is on next Monday evening in the Multimedia Theatre starting at 7.00pm. The focus of the evening will be examining curriculum options and subject selection for Year 8 students. Our Director of Faculty, Jennie Harris, and Director of Curriculum, Jenny Bartley, will both give presentations. In addition, the School Counsellor will provide an insight into some of the emotional, social and educational issues relevant to students undergoing transition from Year 7 into Year 8. The evening will conclude at approximately 8.15 pm with supper and an opportunity to speak to staff.
Year 10 Semi-Formal
This week, letters will be going home to parents of Year 10 students outlining arrangements for the Semi-Formal which will be held at the National Museum of Australia on Saturday 22 September. We will also be asking for a group of parent volunteers to form a committee to work with staff in organising the event. We look forward to hearing from interested parents in the near future.
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 14 - 25 May 2007
The article below was published in CGGS Newsletter 13 - 18 May 2007
The Best of Both Worlds
%20web.jpg) The CGGS Strategic Plan (2006-2010) lists as one of the strategies under the Pastoral Care goal to: ‘Establish a yearly speaker program which aims to provide information and support to parents.’ Last year the School was fortunate enough to obtain well known adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg as a speaker and last Thursday, Dr Leonard Sax spoke to a large gathering of parents. While it is quite possible that not everyone agreed with all of the points Dr Sax raised in his presentation, the mere fact that he inspired so much discussion amongst staff and parents has great benefits for the CGGS community.
Dr Sax’s presentation to parents was slightly different to the one he delivered to staff during the afternoon. With staff he concentrated on the gender differences in how children learn and the implications for teaching methodology and assessments. Dr. Sax’s unusual background - being both a family physician (MD), as well as a PhD (Psychology) - has led him to recognise the importance of gender differences in how children learn, and to a belief that these gender differences are best served in single sex schools.
Dr Sax highlights three main reasons why he believes girls are best suited in single sex education:
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Girls have expanded educational opportunity – research has shown that girls are far more likely to explore ‘non-traditional’ subjects such as mathematics, physics, and computer science in girls only classrooms.
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Custom-tailored learning and instruction – girls process information quite differently to boys. They see differently, hear differently, use different parts of their brain to interpret information and respond differently to different pedagogical approaches.
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Greater autonomy in relationships at school – friendships are not clouded by the sexual relationships that often occur between individuals within larger groups in co-educational schools.
.jpg) After listening to Dr Sax on Thursday evening, I had an opportunity to observe our Year 8 students at their Social with the boys from Canberra Grammar School (CGS) on Friday evening. Together these events served to remind me that while there is clear evidence that single sex education better accommodates the specific developmental needs of students, it is best provided when there are opportunities provided by the School to mix socially with students of the opposite sex. At CGGS, we are able to ensure quality, targeted, nurturing education where girls’ learning needs and cognitive differences are enabled, practiced and celebrated but at the same time we are also very fortunate to provide social opportunities through our close connection with CGS. The Combined Music Tours to Sydney and Melbourne last term, the combined dragon boating competitions throughout Terms 1 and 4, the Autumn Concert this week and the Year 9 Social in a fortnight’s time are all examples of joint co-curricular activities.
CGGS philosophy is based on the proven benefits of single-sex education for girls, where academic rigour and success can flourish and where the specific social and emotional needs of our students can be met effectively. Substantial research shows that boys and girls display marked learning differences and that co-education forces compromise between teaching modes rightly targeted to these different cognitive abilities.
We are indeed fortunate to have the best of both worlds; a school that provide the best opportunities for its girls while still providing a sensible approach to socialisation of adolescents of a similar age.
Mirror Mirror%20web.jpg)
Last Friday evening I had the pleasure of attending the Year 9/10 Co-curricular Drama production of Mirror Mirror. The play, which explored the inner-life of a girl with an eating disorder, was very skillfully directed by Cate Page and assisted by our Drama Captain and Vice Captain, Rachel Battams and Anna Trundle. The issue was handled in a very sensitive and yet thought provoking manner and the end result was a tribute to all students involved.
While the standard of acting was excellent by all students involved, a special mention should go to Ellen MacKinnon, Sam Weaving, Jo Richards, Eloise Anderson, El Eckhardt, Katie Daubney, Lauren Jenkins, Amelia Moulis, Beatrice Tapp, Caitlin Budge and Clair Phillips who shared the main acting parts. Congratulations also to all of the students who assisted with backstage, costumes, lights, make-up, publicity and construction. Without the combined effort of all students involved, the play would not have been the success that it was.
Lateness to School
There has, in recent days, been an increase in the number of students who are arriving late to school. Whilst there are unusual circumstances from time to time, I am concerned that some students are repeat offenders. It is vital that students allow enough time in the morning to catch their bus. If parents are driving their children to school, sufficient time needs to be allowed to have the students at school by 8.45am. If students do arrive at school after this time it imperative that they sign/swipe in at Reception and should they not have a reasonable excuse an Order Mark will automatically be given.
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 13 - 18 May 2007
The article below was published in CGGS Newsletter 12 - 11 May 2007
An Important Partnership
Research into school effectiveness over the past two decades has generally focused on identifying the key characteristics associated with schools that perform better than similar schools. In essence, researchers have been concentrating on measures of ‘value added’ to ascertain the hallmarks of effective schools.
While researchers have differed on a number of elements, the majority have identified that schools which achieve high standards regardless of facilities and gender or socioeconomic status of their students have a number of features in common:
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High expectations are set for student learning;
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Strong and effective school leaders;
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Teachers have a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of their subjects and a deep understanding of how students learn particular subjects;
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Outstanding school cultures where students have a sense of belonging and pride;
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High levels of parent involvement.
The final point is a critical element in the success of the School as a whole but is also very important for the achievement of individuals. Students greatly benefit from high levels of parent involvement in all aspects of their schooling. For students of the Senior School, parent involvement can take a variety of forms including being aware when assessments are due, talking about work completed in class, giving advice and guidance about work (this does not include actually doing the work) and showing that you genuinely care about what they are doing at school. The Unit Outlines for each subject, which are given at the beginning of each semester and are available on the School’s Portal, allow parents along with their daughters to map family events around assessment and sporting commitments.
Building strong parent/teacher relationships is also an effective way for parents to become involved with their daughter’s progress through school. Through an email, telephone call or pre-arranged visit parents can easily check the progress of their child. It is very important that parents and teachers share a common view of how to get the best out of a student and there are clear established channels of communication at all times. Heads of House and Tutors are also important people in the lives of the students and it is helpful when they are kept informed of any issues that arise at home that may impact on the child’s academic or social progress.
If parents were unable to meet with teachers at the Parent/Teacher Interviews late last term, I would encourage you to follow up with your daughter’s teachers as soon as possible.
Traffic Flow Through the School
Parents are reminded that students are not to be dropped off within the School grounds before and after school. In recent weeks there has been a noticeable increase in the number of parents driving through the School grounds from the Melbourne Avenue entry through to the Empire Circuit exit. These measures are put in place in to ensure the safety of our students and traffic management at these times.
Students Waiting to Picked Up By Parents
In the interest of safety and comfort, the School has a ruling that any student who is waiting to be picked up at School after 4.30pm must wait in the Boarding House. Parents who know that they will arrive after this time or are held up getting to the School should arrange with their daughter that this will be the meeting point. Please note that the June Long Weekend is an ‘Exeat Weekend’ which means the Boarding House will be closed from 5.30pm on the Friday and parents will need to collect their daughters before this time.
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 12 - 11 May 2007
The article below was published in CGGS Newsletter 11 - 4 May 2007
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:
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School Route 840 will be starting 3 minutes earlier - now 7.53am, previously 7.56am.
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School Route 480 will be starting 5 minutes earlier - now 7.48am, previously 7.53am.
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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.
Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter No 11 - 4 May 2007
Please click here to access the Head of Senior School Messages for Term 1 2007
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