MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
Heather Ablett
Alice - The Musical
This week was the culmination of the work of a large team of students, staff and parents who have worked collaboratively to prepare the 2007 Drama Club production, Alice - The Musical. It was indeed a triumph for everyone involved and was a delight to be part of the audience on both evenings. From the busy backstage and technical crews, who overcame technical difficulties to make sure props, lighting and sound were in place; to the flurry of parents assisting with make up and an array of elaborate costumes; to the musicians and the huge cast of actors who produced their best in two outstanding shows; it was a truly memorable experience. The evidence of committed rehearsals, dedication and determination was reflected in the shared joy of the performers and their audience.
Throughout Semester 1, a team of five teachers; Jenny Johnson, Sara David, Bethany Farrell, Nichola McNally and Helen Shaw, worked with a huge cast of over one hundred students every week. The commitment increased more recently with added practices on weekends as the performance dates loomed. In addition, a team of students, led by Peta-Jayne Smith, worked on the sets and props and a team of parents organised and made the stunning costumes.
The learning opportunity for our students involved in the production cannot be measured. During the process they have all made gains in confidence, whilst needing to persevere, tolerate, empathise and co-operate. This commitment has involved learning lines and songs, dance moves and stagecraft. Learning to work as part of such a large team towards a common goal is a life skill that is difficult to quantify, but shared success is the most satisfying.
Excellent performance, achieving one’s personal best, only comes as the result of persistence. It is the practice, repetition and working to perfect each step in the processes involved in each task which generates excellent performance.
Anglicare Winter Appeal
A huge array of donated goods collected in our School community has now gone to Anglicare for its Winter Appeal. Mr Ian Marshall from Anglicare was overwhelmed when he arrived this week with his car to take the goods. He needed to return the next day with a trailer, such was the amount! .These non perishable goods will be distributed during the coming months to families in need in the Canberra region. Thank you to everyone who has supported this most worthy cause.
Reporting
At the end of the semester, teachers prepare formal reports to sum up each student’s achievements for the half year. These reports will be posted home next week.
The comment from the teacher provides advice for parents on their son or daughter’s progress and constructive feedback on things that need attention for performance to improve. These reports will also give parents a picture of the level of their child’s performance with respect to the standard expected for the Year level.
To maximise the opportunity for every student to achieve his or her potential, it is vital that home and school work together to reinforce the notion that good results are the outcome of continuous hard work and a willingness to accept challenges which extend skills, knowledge and understanding.
End of Term
Please take the opportunity to check your entire child’s uniform over the holidays. Is every piece named? (It is surprising the number of items of School uniform that appear in Lost Property with no names!) Perhaps there is mending or general maintenance, such as hems to be restitched or collars and cuffs to be returned to their former glory by soaking in a bleach-based whitener? If new items are required, the Uniform Shop will be open on Thursday 19 July (12noon to 4pm) and Friday 20 July (10am-4pm).
I would like to wish everyone a safe and restful three week break from school. I extend my thanks to the staff, the students and the community for their hard work, support, encouragement and resilience throughout the term. The holidays will be a welcome relief for many, some of whom have been battling with winter colds and flu. For those travelling afar and for those staying closer to home, enjoy each day. We look forward to seeing everyone back on Monday 23 July, ready for Term 3.
Coin Collection for Sids n Kids
Thank you to all who made a donation to ‘Sids n Kids. The Junior School raised $778.60. Congratulations!
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 19 - 29 June 2007
The article below was published in CGGS Newsletter 18 - 22 June 2007
Alice - The Musical
As the term draws to a close there is a sense of excitement building steadily. I expect by next week it will be nearly at fever pitch. All semester the Drama Club has been rehearsing for the annual musical, this year Alice - The Musical.
For the whole semester a team of dedicated staff has guided and supported the students as they have practised and practised, whilst at the same time learning their words and the songs. There are more than one hundred students from Years 5 and 6 in the cast so this has been a huge undertaking.
It is interesting over the last couple of weeks to observe the many indications that the process is moving to climax. Weekly rehearsals that have served so well for most of the year have more recently been supplemented with additional weekend practices. Rehearsals have moved from the Junior School Gym to CGGS Hall at the Senior School. I have also noticed many costumes, or parts of costumes, appearing in and around the School. Just this morning it was an elaborate hat that I was advised was for the Mad Hatter. There have been other weird and wonderful props as well. In the Staffroom I saw some flamingos – "For croquet!" I was told most emphatically by a colleague who is much more involved than I. In the Undercroft I noticed some peacock feathers. I am not sure where the peacock feathers fit in but all will be revealed next week.
In all parts of the School, intense small group discussions are occurring and it’s the topic on everyone’s mind. This production is certainly not to be missed and is recommended for all ages.
The performances of Alice -The Musical are on Wednesday 27 June and Thursday 28 June. The show starts at 7pm. Tickets can be pre-purchased at the Junior School: adults $10, students $5.00. Tickets will be available at the door each night.
Student Achievements 
Congratulations to Bronte Carlin (6H) 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.
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 18 - 22 June 2007
The article below was published in CGGS Newsletter 17 - 15 June 2007
Learning at CGGS
Schools are busy places where lots of learning takes place. There would be few who would disagree with that statement. Most of the learning that occurs at CGGS is intentional because that is what schools are for. As the semester is drawing to a close, I have commenced reading the student reports which parents will receive during the holidays. This is such a pleasure. So much work, so much achievement, so much learning. Parents, you should not be surprised at this as you have watched your child as he or she has progressively developed over the year. It is interesting, however, to think about how much of this learning happens because of the people we work and play with - instead of where we are. Every day and every night, on weekends and in the holidays, at school, at home, on the sporting field and at play, we are all learning.
Although I shouldn’t be, I am constantly surprised by just how much learning happens outside the classroom and how much happens without the need of a school. Watching some of our younger students play with their older mentors or buddies, I see people learning what friendship is all about, what sharing is about and what role models are really for. Listening to the music groups rehearse, I see the art of listening being learnt, the importance of collaboration and the value of comparing experience. We learn to be who we become from other people - our parents, our peers, role models, and sometimes authors or even from actors.
Sometimes we learn quite passively, we watch and listen and copy what we see, hear or read. At other times, we learn actively. We become involved at a simple level, develop our skills, maybe we compete. We compare ourselves with the best by striving to achieve what they have achieved. In the process we learn what they have had to learn.
Our newsletter is peppered with the record of achievements of our students in a raft of different pursuits. Some of these are for academic achievement but there are also students recognised for their involvement in other areas- sporting, musical, cultural and service. Our school recognises that education is about growth and learning in all these areas.
We take learning seriously at CGGS. It happens all the time. It doesn’t stop and start at the classroom door or the front gate. It is happening at the bus stop and in the bus where we learn to present ourselves with dignity and discipline and to follow safety rules. It is happening when we are out in the community where we learn to respect the space and property of others and in the playground and sporting venues where we learn to work together as we experiment with our own physical abilities.
The end of the school day, or school week, or school term is a break but never from learning. Learning is a lifetime pursuit.
Queenwood School Visit CGGS
It was an exciting time this week when the Year 6 students from Queenwood School for Girls, Mosman, arrived for their annual study tour of Canberra. For a number of years CGGS students of Year 6 and their families have billeted the Queenwood students on this annual trip. Whilst the days are filled with a variety of experiences in the Nation’s capital, such as visits to Parliament House, the National Museum, the AIS, the Electoral Offices and Questacon, the Queenwood group returned to CGGS with their teachers each afternoon to meet and be taken home by their host families. This is a wonderful experience for all concerned and we thank the Year 6 families who so generously offered to billet students from Queenwood. Hearing the enthusiastic remarks from students from both schools, it was obvious that some more enduring friendships may develop from this experience.
We are especially grateful to the parents who organised afternoon tea at Old Parliament House on Wednesday afternoon. It was a wonderful opportunity for all Year 6 students to gather with the Queenwood visitors as we had many more offers than were needed for billeting.
Later in the year our own students will visit Sydney on our own study tour, where they will stay with the Queenwood families.
Junior Primary Numeracy Evening
This week a number of interested parents attended an evening at the School which gave them some further insights into how CGGS approaches the teaching of mathematics in the early years. Parents experienced some hands on activities and were given information to show how critical it is to lay strong foundations in this area.
Thank you to Damaris Patterson and the Junior Primary Staff for organising this successful Information Night.
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 17 - 15 June 2007
The following article was published in CGGS Newsletter 16 - 8 June 2007
As we have come to the close of some difficult times, I wanted to thank the many people who have supported our whole School, and especially the staff in the Junior School. The loss of our dear colleague and friend, Karen Harris, will be felt in our school for a very long time. A number of people have enquired if the School will be acknowledging Karen by way of a memorial and there have been some really wonderful suggestions. We will not rush our decision but will give careful consideration into what and how this will be done.
During the last couple of weeks we have all felt the love and care from the whole School community and the wider community. The many cards, flowers, gifts, emails and messages of comfort have carried heart warming sentiments for the students, the staff and for Paul’s family. We are also grateful to the whole parent body for so graciously accepting the Junior School closure yesterday, which allowed all staff to attend Karen’s funeral. My words cannot adequately express how much we have appreciated how this care and concern made us feel.
This afternoon’s Memorial Service is our way of paying tribute to Karen and will help us all. The students in our Junior School Choirs will sing at this service. It is something they really want to do and they will sing like angels. I know that many parents, students and our friends from the wider community will be there to celebrate Karen’s life and her special place in the School.
Reminders:
Anglicare Winter Appeal
We are still looking for more food items for the Anglicare Winter Appeal. Canned or packaged food items can be brought to school at any time.
Shop For Your School
Thank you to all parents and friends who are forwarding their Westfield dockets to the School to support our participation in the Shop For Your school promotion. It’s as easy as sending your dockets along to school if you haven’t personally registered. If any family or friends have registered and have a key tag, envelopes in which to post dockets are available from Mrs Cunningham.
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 16 - 8 June 2007
The article below was published in CGGS Newsletter 15 - 1 June 2007
The events of the last week have been incredibly stressful for our School community and this has highlighted to us all how precious are our loved ones, our health and life itself. We are especially grateful for the support, friendship and prayers that have been offered during this time.
Karen Harris was a much loved and respected member of our staff and community. She was an exceptional teacher of Year 3, a colleague, a mother to Sophie, wife to Paul and a dear friend to many. Karen was warm, generous and kind and we remember her with love.
Anglicare Winter Appeal
We are encouraging all students to think of others and to bring to school tinned or packet food items for the Anglicare Winter Appeal. Each classroom has a collection area or items can be left in the Reception areas of all campuses.
Shop for Your School
Please keep in mind that we are hoping families will keep all dockets when shopping at Westfield. These can be sent to school or personally left at collection points at Westfield.
Early Learning Centre Staffing
Due to other work commitments, Lynelle Hamer leaves the ELC After Hours program this week. Lynelle has worked in the ELC since the beginning of the year and we wish her well for the future. Catherine Way and Katherine O’Brien will share the role of Coordinator of the ELC After Hours Care and Holiday program. Both Catherine and Kate are well known to the students and families and we are delighted that they have accepted this position.
Early Learning Centre Parking
I have been alerted again to dangerous parking practices as parents drop off and pick up students both at the ELC and the Junior School. We acknowledge that parking is very tight at the ELC and sometimes parents are required to park parallel to the kerbside in Grey Street, especially at peak times.
There appears to be an increasing number of parents parking illegally on the nature strip either side of the ELC driveway, often in large 4WD vehicles that obscure the view of parents exiting the car park. Occasionally it has been reported that part of these illegally parked cars overhang the driveway, limiting the ability of cars to exit and enter the driveway simultaneously. Also of great concern is the speed with which some drivers choose to leave, sometimes mounting the nature strip in an effort to get away quickly. These incidents happen all at a time when parents might be walking their young children to and from the ELC.
These practices can only lead to disaster. We ask that for the safety of all the School community drivers drive and park safely at all times. We have contracted to monitor the situation and hope that everyone will act responsibly in the future. We ask for your co-operation and support.
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 Winter Appeal
I was privileged this week to be invited to take some of the Junior School Class Captains and Deputy Class Captains, to represent the Junior School at the launch of Anglicare’s Winter Appeal at Woden. The Junior Chapel Choir also sang a beautiful blessing at the launch, under the expert guidance of the Director of Music, Mary Tatchell.
Our students are really sensitive to the needs of others and through the Student Representative Council (SRC) generously support many charities through social service activities. As cold weather approaches and we are now starting to notice the winter closing in, we turn to warmer clothes, fires and hearty meals. Unfortunately, for many families, this time can be one of real hardship. This appeal gives our students another opportunity to reflect on the circumstances of others who may be, through no fault of their own, without shelter, warm clothing, enough food or money to pay expensive heating bills. There are many, many families in need in the Canberra area and hundreds of calls for assistance to charity organisations in Canberra, including Anglicare, every week. The efforts of our community can help. Over the next few weeks we are asking for donated tinned food and perhaps there are other practical ways our students can assist others. There is a sense of purpose and pride that results from this.
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Student Achievement
Congratulations to Annabelle Sims (6S) for achieving a first in the U12 piano solo and a second in the U14 keyboard duet at the Taylor Music Festival held in Canberra on 19-20 May. Annabelle was complemented by the judges on her expression and timing.
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 14 - 25 May 2007
The article below was published in CGGS Newsletter 13 - 18 May 2007
A common theme in our on-going conversation about schooling and education is to do with the importance of the links that bind the School to the wider community. For us at CGGS we speak of the quality relationships we strive to achieve within our School community.
During this term, I have become even more conscious than ever of how critical this dimension of schooling is. There have been a few things in particular that have gained my attention; the first is the continuing development of the Home-School Partnership. This has been evident in the range of activities supported by the School’s P&F Association. The School is most grateful to all those people who have committed themselves to assisting the School in a myriad of ways. One just needs to read the P&F Association news in the CGGS Newsletter to appreciate how active this group is and how wide reaching is their involvement. It has also been a focus for our KidsMatter Action Team. This group of staff and parents are working together to develop ideas to strengthen the ties between the School and our families.
Linking with this initiative, I am pleased to report on the excellent response to our Parent Helpers’ programs. The second of these was conducted this week and approximately forty parents have now trained and are signing up to be actively involved in the Literacy sessions in the classrooms. This program focuses specifically on early reading and writing and aims to train parents who are interested in either helping in the classroom or helping their child at home. It is pleasing to see that we have a growing number of helpers who are now involved in the Junior Primary Literacy sessions on a regular basis. It is another example of how we recognise the importance of relationships forged within the School community and how by working together we can improve the outcomes for our students.
Lastly, I would like to thank parents for their support of the School when difficult things happen. It is a fortunate child (and parent) who manages to get through 13 years of schooling without encountering a particularly difficult hurdle on the way. When these occur, the outcome is always so much more beneficial when the School and parents work together in a strong partnership to deal with the matter at hand. I would like to thank those parents whose child encountered a major hurdle this year, and who worked with us to over come the difficulty and turn it into a genuine opportunity for learning and education.
Student Achievements
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Congratulations to Sarah Naco, Imogen Schiwy and Priscilla Symmes (all from 6S) on being selected by Swimming Australia in the Junior Excellence program. Well done, girls! |
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 13 - 18 May 2007
The article below was published in CGGS Newsletter 12 - 11 May 2007
 Cross Country
Tuesday 8 May Junior School students gathered ready for the annual Cross Country Carnival at Fadden Pines. All students from Years 2 to 6 took part running a variety of distances ranging from 1km to 3km. The weather was kind and the students put in outstanding efforts which resulted in huge improvements in overall times.
We were very grateful for the support parents gave during the Carnival. They did a wonderful job of manning checkpoints and making sure the chute area ran smoothly. A big thank you also to the maintenance staff for all their work in preparing the course. It was also heartening to see and hear the encouragement and support parents gave not only to their own child but to all students.
Cross Country Champion: Hannah Dreher
Age Champions
Champion Boy: Jack Hall
The first six students in each age group will compete in the South Canberra Primary School Sport Association (PSSA) Cross Country Carnival to be held on Tuesday 22 May at Yarralumla Bay.
Shop For Your School
CGGS has registered for the Westfield promotion ‘Shop for your School’. This promotion runs from 22 May to 5 August and we are asking the whole School community to get involved. There are lots of wonderful prizes for the School to win and all you need to do is send in your Westfield dockets. We encourage parents to register as a shopper also as that means more points for the School.
What you can do:
1. Keep all Westfield dockets from 22 May. These can be dropped into the Junior School or ELC, where we will have collection barrels. The dockets that are dropped into school will be uploaded on your behalf if you have registered and have collected a keytag (see below) or using the General Shopper code if you do not have a keytag.
2. Register by accessing the Shop For Your School (SFYS) website: www.sfys.com.au or visiting the Concierge at Westfield and collecting a keytag. Every new shopper registration before 21 May earns us 200 points so we urge all of our School community to support us as soon as you can. Once you have logged onto the site, find the section called ‘Shoppers’. As our School didn’t compete last year, please go to the ‘Register Here’ icon on this page and fill out the details. The email section is mandatory – so please put an email addresses in. This allows parents to see their own tally, fill out surveys and facilitate SFYS online. Once you have registered, please take one docket to the SFYS Satellite Desk at Westfield Woden, where the staff will upload your points and give you a keytag.
3. Refer any friends or family members. The more people we have supporting the School the better.
4. Please stay tuned for more information.
Acting Antics Holiday Workshop
During the term break the School hosted an Acting Antics Kids Theatre production. Students from the Junior School and the wider Canberra community enrolled to take part in the four day program which culminated in a production, Peggy the Pirate.
Each morning the students eagerly arrived at the Drama Centre on the Senior School campus for the next step in the development of their production. The course developed the performance skills of the students using experienced directors but also focused on developing social skills such as consideration and respect for others, leadership opportunities and team participation, confidence, self-esteem and self-awareness.
On the final afternoon of the course the students performed in full costume to an enthusiastic audience of friends, family and Awesome Activities participants. It was wonderful to see the excitement, exhilaration and pride displayed by the performers as they presented their production.
Following the success of this course, Acting Antics will return to Canberra Grammar School for 16 to 19 July where participants will perform The Winged Dragon.
Student Achievements
 We congratulate Gemma Fallon (6R), who competed in the ACT State Gymnastic Championships on Sunday 6 May. She came third in the Level 6 competition and was awarded with a number of medals and a trophy.
 Karuna Henderson (6S), had a successful night at a recent ACT Ice Skating Competition placing first in Pre-Primary. She followed this success with a trophy the next day in another sport, mountain biking. Karuna won her division in the novice women’s category. Congratulations Karuna.
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter 12 - 11 May 2007
The article below was published in CGGS Newsletter 11 - 4 May 2007
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.
%20web.jpg) 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.
Bus Change Details
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:
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School Bus Route 840 will be starting 3 minutes earlier - now 7.53am, previously 7.56am.
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School Bus Route 480 will be starting 5 minutes earlier - now 7.48am, previously 7.53am.
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School Bus Route 481 will be starting 3 minutes earlier - now 7.22am, previously 7.25am.
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School Bus Route 520 will be departing 5 minutes earlier - now at 7.44am previously 7.49am.
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School Bus Route 521 will be departing 9 minutes earlier - now at 7.40am previously 7.49am.
Please click here to return to CGGS Newsletter No 11 - 4 May 2007
Please click here to access the Head of Junior Schools Messages for Term 1 2007
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