MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
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It was wonderful to see so many members of the School community attend this special Family and Friends’ Service last Sunday. As part of the service, Freya David, daughter of Mrs Sara David, a Music teacher in our Junior School, was baptised by the Reverend Paul Harris.
Freya wore a beautiful christening gown which had been made by Elaine Teran, also a teacher in our Junior School. Freya behaved beautifully and allowed Paul to pour water on her head and carry her around our Chapel.
We would like to welcome Freya to our community. She will always have caring eyes watching over her and in times of joy and sadness, she will have someone to walk with her.
Sunday Concert Series
On 5 August, I attended the Concerto Concert which is the first of a series of Sunday Concerts to be held at CGGS and CGS. The Concerto Concert saw a number of our students performing solo pieces with the Symphony and Chamber Orchestras. Not only was this a wonderful opportunity for our soloists, but our Symphony and Chamber Orchestras also gained the experience of accompanying.
I would like to congratulate the following students for their outstanding performances:
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Nikita Dao: Concerto in D Major for Piano by WA Mozart
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Alison Logan: Concerto in C Flat for Horn K.417 by WA Mozart
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Isabelle Burns: Concerto in G Major for Viola by G Telemann
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Fiona Bannerman: Concerto in A Major for Clarinet K.622 by WA Mozart
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Matt Davis: Concerto in E Major for Trumpet by J Hummel
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Lulu Ma: Concerto II La Notte for Flute by A Vivaldi
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Bridget O’Donnell: Concerto for Violin Op.64 by F Mendelsohn
My thanks also to our conductors: Mary Tatchell, CGGS Director of Music, Craig Woodland, CGS Director of Music and instumental teacher, Lesley Luxton.
I would encourage all members of the School community to attend the Choral Festival on 12 August at 3pm which will be held in the CGGS Hall. The Festival will feature all Junior and Senior School Choirs.
Student Leadership Seminar
On Tuesday afternoon of this week we held a seminar for students who are considering making application for one of the 2008 Student Leadership positions.
The purpose of the seminar is to introduce the students to aspects of leadership which are relevant to the positions we have at the School and to highlight some of the expectations which we have for the students who hold these positions.
I would like to share with you some aspects of the seminar that we offered to the students. We work through a variety of activities during the seminar. Early in the seminar, we discussed the following passage:
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The easy bit of leadership is to use inherited gifts for the betterment of oneself. The hard bit of leadership is to use these gifts for the betterment of others.
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The easy bit of leadership is to wear the badge. The hard bit of leadership is to deserve the badge.
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The easy bit of leadership is to do what is popular. The hard bit of leadership is to do what is right.
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The easy bit of leadership is to deal with policy. The hard bit of leadership is to deal with people.
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The easy bit of leadership is to enjoy its successes. The hard bit of leadership is to endure failure.
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The easy bit of leadership is to follow consensus. The hard bit of leadership is to follow conviction.
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The easy bit of leadership is administration. The hard bit of leadership is inspiration.
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The easy bit of leadership is to cope with friendliness. The hard bit of leadership is to cope with loneliness.
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The easy bit of leadership is to judge others. The hard bit of leadership is to judge yourself.
During the seminar we provided some introductory comments about servant leadership which was followed by a discussion. This will be followed through in 2008 when we undertake our Leadership Weekend with the Senior Council and Captains.
Leadership is not always about the exercise of power or privilege. It can involve acts of humanity and service. It takes courage to serve others. It is often simpler to tell people what to do than show them.
During the seminar, the students undertook the following activities:
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Sioux Indian tribal Prayer: "Help me never to judge another until I have walked two weeks in their moccasins." They were asked to explain the meaning of the Sioux Indian prayer.
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We outlined and discussed the Five Key Habits of Mind for Student Leadership
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Speak up: When I speak others will listen. Public speaking is an essential leadership skill that enables anyone to become an effective leader.
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Step up: I will step up when the going gets tough. Leadership involves taking responsibility for your own actions and having faith in your ability to influence others. Leaders need to continually step up and make decisions or initiate action. The notion of personal responsibility needs to be promoted within the individual.
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Have a go: When I overcome my fears it will be easier next time. Lack of confidence holds many students back so a positive frame of mind is essential if as a leader you are prepared to take risks and extend yourself.
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Think Team: Others will help when I lead. Leaders delegate activity and plan ahead but first they need to think team rather than about how an individual would tackle a problem.
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Show the way: I need to be the friend I want others to be. Much has been written about the influence of role models on behaviour, particularly concerning leaders and followers. As a leader you will need to consider how best you can be an appropriate role model for all students.
During the seminar we gave attention to the responsibilities of being a Student Leader. These responsibilities provided the students with an overview of the expectations required and we will continue with this discussion in 2008 when our Student Leaders begin to undertake their roles.
Susan Just
Prinicpal
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
ICT Strategic Plan
In Term 1 of this year, I wrote to all parents inviting them to respond to a questionnaire focusing on their views of Informantion Communication Technology (ICT) at CGGS. The questionnaire was part of an information gathering exercise, which also included staff and students, designed to initiate the development of an ICT Strategic Plan. Late last year, the School’s ICT Reference Group felt that given the changing developments of ICT, a specific ICT Strategic Plan was needed for the School that would sit along side the current CGGS Strategic Plan (2006-2010). As a result, a group of interested staff was formed and in the months since, the group has been meeting regularly to tease out the School’s ICT mission statement and develop priorities, strategies, actions and timelines for the plan. A great deal of research has been carried out to investigate what is currently happening in other comparable schools, what are the educational trends in the utilisation of ICT and how classroom management, organisation and assessments are changing as a result of developments in ICT. The group also explored further communication options within the School and looked at ways to improve the efficiency of administration within the School.
Last night at a staff Professional Development Evening, all staff were part of a session that examined a draft version of the CGGS ICT Strategic Plan. The final copy of the plan will soon be released to all community members. As will be evident when the ICT Strategic Plan is released, eight Priority Areas have provided the framework for strategies and actions in the plan. They are as follows:
- Use of appropriate technology to enhance teaching and learning
- Effective communication and transfer of information through the use of ICT
- Effective engagement, support and training of staff, students and parents in the use of ICT
- Appropriate, effective and reliable ICT infrastructure
- Exploration and/or development of suitable software and systems to support the School’s needs
- Appropriate security systems, risk management processes and disaster recovery procedures
- ICT Governance
- ICT Documentation
Concerto Concert
Last Sunday afternoon I had the privilege of attending the first of the Combined Canberra Grammar Schools’ Sunday Concert Series which are being held throughout Term 3. The Concerto Concert, which featured solo performances by Nikita Dao, Ali Logan, Isabelle Burns, Fiona Bannerman, Lulu Ma and Bridget O’Donnell was a delightful afternoon’s entertainment and was a great opportunity to show case the talents of all of the students involved in both the Symphony and Chamber Orchestras.
Next Sunday, the Music Department will stage the second event in the series, the Choral Festival, which will feature all CGGS Junior and Senior School Choirs. I have had the opportunity to listen to a few rehearsals in recent times and strongly encourage all to attend!
Moderation Day
As mentioned in last week’s Newsletter, Thursday 16 August, is the second Moderation Day for 2007. Moderation Day is an integral part of system-wide moderation for Year 11 and 12. All schools and colleges offering the ACT Year 12 Certificate are expected to participate in its discussions and activities. Most staff in the Senior School teach Year 11 and 12 students and will be required to attend the Moderation Day activities. As for previous Moderation Days, there will be no classes for Senior School students on Thursday 16 August.
There may be some parents of students in Years 7 and 8 who are unable to make arrangements for the care of their daughters on this day. If so, please leave a message at Reception and the School will arrange for a small group to be supervised here.
Student Achievements
Laura Mackinnon (11W) successfully obtained her National C Grade Badge for Netball umpiring on the weekend. This is a very difficult feat and Laura is to be congratulated for her ongoing commitment to netball and sport in general.
Lauren Simpson (10D) recently competed in the ITF Air Pacific Open Junior Tennis Championship in Fiji. She was runner up in the doubles final and also made it to the final of the Consolation Singles. Lauren now has an international ranking, which has been one of her aims for this year. We continue to follow Lauren’s career with admiration and pride!
Fiona Godfrey
Deputy Principal/Head of Junior School
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
Family and Friends’ Chapel Service
The Family and Friends’ Chapel Service held each month in the School Chapel is a wonderful gathering of our School community. It has been particularly heartening to see that the congregation has swelled over time and is increasingly popular with the families of the Junior School. The young members of the congregation enjoy special activities that include them in the services as they learn about the traditions of the Church. Our School Chaplain, the Reverend Paul Harris, leads the services, which are carefully linked to the Christian calendar. It is always a privilege to hear the beautiful voices from one or more of the choirs that support the services.
Last Sunday, was a very special service as the daughter of one of the Junior school staff was baptised by Paul. Baby Freya David, daughter of Sara and Simon David, was welcomed into the Anglican faith to the delight of the many students who were there to witness the event. Sara teaches music in the Junior School so the event was very special for the Junior School students who were watching.
Whilst the Chapel on one hand is a lovely, welcoming place for individual quiet reflection, it is also a place where the community can gather to worship, and share special events such as a Christening, together. The Family and Friends’ Chapel Service is one of a number of opportunities for our students to experience Christian worship. During the School week students have regular Religion and Philosophy lessons and a weekly Chapel Service. The whole Junior School also gathers at the end of term for a Chapel Service in the School Chapel.
The spiritual health of our community is vitally important. Past and current research in the area of childhood religious development reveals that there are contradicting views in relation to children’s ability to comprehend and understand religious ideas, concepts and beliefs. Children’s ability to understand the abstract and symbolic nature of worship is limited by their age and experience. Educators and researchers in the field acknowledge this but feel, as we do, that children benefit from attending worship services. (Hyde et al, 1990, Fyffe, 1997). In their view, attending to the spiritual well being of children, in this way may assist them to develop a sense of wonder and reverence towards God, a sense of belonging and identity, familiarity with the practice of worship and to respond to God at the their own level.
Whilst maintaining our Anglican traditions, families of all denominations and faiths are welcome in our community. Our Family and Friends’ Chapel Service, held on the first Sunday of each month, demonstrates this important aspect of the CGGS Mission.
Uniform
Skirts: students are reminded that although the Senior School skirt may be worn by Year 6 students, the length of the skirt must be calf length.
Blazers: the School blazer must be worn to and from school every day when in full uniform. The school jumper is not to be worn as the outer garment when outside the School grounds.
Please refer to the Student Diary, page 9 for Uniform guidelines.
Student Achievement
Congratulations to Kayla Zissler (Y6) who has been selected in the Girl’s ACT Softball team.
Heather Ablett
Head of Junior School
GENERAL WEEKLY NEWS
NOTICE FROM THE REGISTRAR
We are in the process of considering places for new students for entry in 2008.
Although we do not require final notification before the last day of Term 3 this year, it would assist with our planning if we had some idea of your plans for next year now. We hope that your son/daughter will remain at CGGS, nevertheless we appreciate that in special circumstances some students may not return next year or will be leaving mid-year this year. Notification of withdrawal from the School is kept completely confidential. Notice, in writing, of at least one complete School term is required to:
a) cease enrolment;
b) change from boarding to day student status;
c) change from day student to boarding status.
In case of a) and b) fees for one half term are payable if sufficient notice is not given. For example, if a student is not returning for Term 1 in 2008, written notice must be received by the Principal by the last day of Term 3 in 2007. In the absence of such notice, one half of the Term 1 2008 tuition and/or boarding fee is chargeable.
Barbara Connolly
Registrar
TYPE A INFLUENZA
Please be advised that students have been diagnosed with Type A Influenza. Any student with an immune deficiency (eg leukemia or receiving chemotherapy) should be excluded from school for their own protection.
Even though last Saturday was bitterly cold, there was a constant stream of customers at the Friends of Music (FOM) sausage sizzle and coffee stand at the National Choral Eisteddfod which was held in the CGGS Hall.
Thank you to all the volunteers who cooked sausages, made sandwiches and dispensed hot drinks, and copious quantities of chocolates, between 9am and 11pm. Music teachers, parents, neighbours, friends and school support staff all joined in to make it a successful fundraising day.
In particular, I would like to acknowledge the very generous financial support given to us by Roy Mawhinney, Store Manager, at Woolworths at Woden. His store has also proved to be extremely efficient at having our orders filled and ready for collection.
The continuing refurbishment of the Llewellyn Hall, and the consequent bookings flowing into the CGGS Hall, has proved to be a significant fundraising opportunity for Friends of Music. We are always looking for additional helpers to support our fundraising which supports all children in the music program at CGGS. If you have a little or a lot of time to give to FOM, please contact me on 0418 624 907.
Many thanks to all Saturday’s FOM helpers.
Julie Dew
CGGS Friends of Music Convenor
CLARINET FOR SALE
Clarinet - Jupiter Parisienne Artist 931S in excellent condition. Includes both hardcase and softcase. Purchased new at $1595, asking $1100.
Contact Mirja McLean-Engstrom, t: 6161 4233, e: 4039@cggs.act.edu.au
P&F ASSOCIATION
P&F Purchases: At our meeting this week we received an update on the purchase of items from our 2007 Budget List (which is available on the website). Over $75,000 of interactive whiteboards have been purchased using P&F funds this year, and another major item of expenditure, shade protection ($14,000) for the Early Learning Centre (ELC), has been ordered. Other items which have been purchased include dragon boat paddles, audio books for the Library, a data projector and speakers, electronic balances and hotplates for the Science laboratories and dressmakers’ dummies. Your support of the P&F enables us to make these significant contributions, so thank you.
Picture Plates: Parents of children in ELC to Year 2 will have received a note about these in the last few days. Your purchase of these picture plates will raise some money for the P&F, but more importantly we know how treasured these picture plates are. Many thanks to Judy Jones, who is organising this, as well as to Heather Ablett and the ELC and Junior Primary staff, who have been so supportive of it. We are planning a whole of Junior School tea towel fundraiser later in the year.
Fête: Getting close now… Please see the separate update provided by our wonderful Fête Convenor, Sally Kaye.
With thanks for your support.
Juliet Behrens
P&F President
email: PandF@cggs.act.edu.au t: 6161 8140 (h)
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
