MESSAGE FROM THE PRINICPAL

As we conclude Term 3 I would like to congratulate all students who have participated in music, debating and public speaking, drama or sport. We have had many performances and been involved in a wide variety of competitions. The students have acquitted themselves well and been successful, even though they may not have reached a Grand Final or won a competition. The students have participated in teams or groups and therefore gained important lessons about working with others and co-operating in order to reach a successful outcome. The students have competed against other teams and gained important lessons about how to balance the desire to win, with the need to behave with courtesy and cooperativeness. The students have also enjoyed themselves and this is most important. I am proud of our students for choosing to participate in the many activities which are available to them and for the successes they have achieved.

Dragon Boating

It is not often that I can write about a team of students from CGGS, CGS and St Clare’s College competing in World Championships. I would like to offer my congratulations to the Dragon Boating students who acquitted themselves very well at the recent World Championships. Our female team won a bronze medal and the male teams won three Silver medals. This is a wonderful achievement, particularly when you consider that the international teams the students were competing against had been chosen from each country and not only from one city in Australia.

At CGGS, Ros Johnston has given time and energy to supervising the Dragon Boat teams throughout the year. Thanks to Ros and the parents of the students, our teams have been able work together and achieve the goals they set. They have also been well cared for and it was wonderful to hear that our students have been noted, throughout the year, for their courtesy when competing and when attending regattas and competitions.

Year 10 Semi Formal

It was a pleasure to attend the Semi-Formal which was held at the National Museum of Australia on Saturday 22 September. The parent group who were responsible for an Evening in Paris, created a wonderfully decorated venue and we all appreciated our gift of chocolates and an Eiffel Tower key ring. My thanks to the parents who spent many hours planning the Semi Formal for the students and their partners. The students looked lovely and it was great to see everyone on the dance floor and having an enjoyable time. My thanks to Fiona Godfrey, Sue Raine, Jennie Harris, Jenny Bartley, Cate Willis, Brad Cooney and Scott Pearsall who supervised during the evening.

Debating

It was a pleasure to attend the Grand Final of the Ford Debating on Monday evening. Our CGGS 2 team (Year 8 students: Imogen Hur-Thompson, Catriona Schlieger, Roshana Prabaharan, Emily Sisson) were narrowly defeated by Canberra Grammar School. I was most impressed with our team and would like to congratulate them on the sound Negative argument they presented on the topic: That Australia should boycott the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Shannon Narracott (Year 11) has coached this team throughout the season and under her guidance the members have developed their skills.

Dancefest

During this week I also attended Dancefest and was able to watch not only the performances of CGGS student groups but also the performances of schools from throughout Canberra. Dancefest provides a venue for all students to participate in dance and to demonstrate not only their skills, but their passion for this art form. Each group was impressive and highlighted the creativity of the students and the satisfaction they gain through dance.

Farewell to Scott Pearsall

Scott will be taking up his new position as Assistant Principal/Director of Pastoral Care at A B Patterson College on the Gold Coast at the beginning of Term 4. I would like to give my sincere thanks to Scott for the work he has undertaken as Director of Staff Services. There are many challenging aspects to this position and Scott has undertaken his tasks with competence, efficiency and good humour at all times. Scott is a fine educator and his commitment is to the welfare of students and their development as young people. He has developed positive relationships with our students and I know that he will enjoy working closely with the students at A B Patterson College.

Student Leadership Weekend 2008

During the first weekend of Term 1 in 2008 we will be working with our Senior Council and Vice Captains and providing them with an induction to their leadership responsibilities for 2008.

During the weekend we will move between the practical task of developing a Senior Council Plan for 2008 and discussing leadership. It is now a tradition that we invite parents to speak with the students during the weekend and I am keen to hear from any parent who might like to be involved in 2008.

I am particularly seeking parents who may be interested in providing the students with insights and practical advice on:

• Team building
• Meeting procedure
• Public speaking
• Serving the community
• Aspects of leadership
• Social issues/serving the community
• Motivating self and others

I would appreciate it if you could give some consideration to participating in our Student Leadership Weekend in 2008. This is a wonderful opportunity to think about the year ahead and to get to know our new student leaders.

Term 4 Staffing

Wendy Whisker will be leaving the school at the end of Term 3. We have chosen to use our current staff members to continue teaching Wendy’s classes. Chris Brown, David Blue, Judy Thompson and Jennie Harris will be teaching the Information Technology classes during Term 4 and we believe that this will work effectively for the students as we move towards the end of the year.

CGGS Fête

The CGGS Fête is fast approaching and I am aware that parent assistance is needed on the day. Sally Kaye, the Fête Convenor, has done a tremendous amount of planning and there are a significant number of parents who have already offered their help. I would encourage you to read the Fête information provided in the Newsletter and offer assistance if it is possible for you to do so.

Susan Just
Principal

FROM THE HEAD OF THE SENIOR SCHOOL

As another busy term comes to an end, it is worthwhile reflecting on all that has been achieved over the past 10 weeks. When you start to review all that has gone on over the term, it seems hard to believe that so much can be accomplished in a relatively short period of time.

The Music Department has had an incredibly busy time with a series of Sunday Concerts culminating in the staging of the 15^th Australian Combined Schools’ Music Festival last week. The Sports Department has concluded another successful winter sports season with an array of achievements in basketball, netball, hockey, soccer and snowsports. Our Dragon Boaters even competed at the World Championships (see article below). Earlier in the term the Drama Department staged the brilliant senior play, Morning Sacrifice, while our debaters have competed throughout the term at both House and School level. Last weekend approximately 30 students travelled to Sydney to compete in the Association of Heads of Independent Girls’ Schools Festival of Speech.

As always, third term has been a demanding term in the classroom. Year 12 students were relieved to complete the ACT Scaling Test (AST) in Week 7 and now look forward to preparing themselves for their final term of schooling. We had a number of excursions throughout the term including trips to Sydney for History, Business Studies, Psychology and Asian Studies as well as field trips to Cowra, CSIRO, Canberra Careers Market and Murrumbateman. Our Latin students also attended a Classics Camp in Sydney.

Socially, third term has been busy as well. The Year 7 students had their first social with CGS, the Senior Council organised the Op Shop Ball for Year 11 and 12 students and last Saturday evening the Year 10 students had their Semi Formal at the National Museum.

Whoa….thank goodness for School holidays!

Congratulations to all of the students who represented Australia in the Dragon Boat World Championships, which was held last week at Penrith. From all accounts it was an inspiring four days of competition and it was great to see that three schools from Canberra (CGGS, CGS and St Clare’s College) represented Australia in the Youth squad. A special thank you to Ros Johnston for the tireless work she has devoted to the students; without her efforts I doubt the girls could have been able to achieve what they have done over the past 12 months.

Year 10 Semi-Formal

As mentioned above, Year 10 students enjoyed their big night of the year last Saturday evening at the Year 10 Semi-Formal, which was held at the National Museum. It was a great night for the girls and not surprisingly they all looked very beautiful. The success of the evening would not have been achieved without the efforts of a hardworking group of parents who, as the organising committee, has worked tirelessly since April, to arrange every aspect of the evening. My sincere thanks are extended to the following people: Julie Dew, Maria Raineri, Fiona Mueller, Jenny Greentree, Gail Sloper and Inga Allen.

Student Achievements

Rochelle Dew (10D) performed brilliantly at the Australian National Eisteddfod this week, taking out first prize in the U18 years Classical section and U16 years Classical, Folk and Musical Theatre category. This is an outstanding result from a very talented young lady! Congratulations also to Elizabeth Morris (10B) who came second in the U16 Folk Song category. Elizabeth also received a highly commended in the U16 years Any Song category. Elizabeth recently received Honours for her fourth grade AMEB singing exam.

Congratulations to Veronica Tamsitt (12W) who will next week be announced as the female Athlete of the Year for the South East Regional Academy of Sport (SERAS) Country Energy program for her outstanding rowing achievements.

Elora Ledger (10D) won the Best Female Actor Award at the Theatre At Grammar Awards last week for her part as Grandma in Adrian Mole. 

End of Term

Finally, I would like to extend my best wishes to all CGGS families as we begin our vacation. I hope that you all have a very relaxing and memorable holiday period and we look forward to seeing all of our students returning safely on Monday 15 October. Students are reminded that either winter or summer uniform can be worn in the first two weeks of term. After that period of time, summer uniform is to be worn for the remainder of fourth term.

Fiona Godfrey
Deputy Principal/Head of the Senior School

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Grandparents’, Godparents’ and Grand Friends’ Day 2007

Last Friday we welcomed a large contingent of grandparents and special friends to the School for our annual Year 3 Grandparents’ Godparents’ and Grand Friends’ Day. At the special Assembly it was my pleasure to introduce Mr Fulton Muir AO who spoke about the Gabriel Foundation to the visitors, staff and Year 3 students who were present. Mr Muir is the Chair of the School’s Gabriel Foundation. The Gabriel Foundation has supported the School for many years and, indeed, many of our wonderful facilities are testament to the work of the Gabriel Foundation in support of the School. The Grandparents’, Godparents’ and Grand Friends’ Day is a special Gabriel Foundation event on the School’s calendar.

The guest speaker at the Assembly was Jill Waterhouse (Class of 1962). Jill has had a long association with the School. She followed in the footsteps of her aunt, Del Coleman (Calthorpe, Class of 1935), and her mother, Dawn Waterhouse (Calthorpe, Class of 1941), when she started school at the CGGS. Her niece and goddaughter, Sally is now in Year 6 at the Junior School and so her family remembers the School right back to its beginnings in 1926. In 1962, Jill was School Captain. She was a passionate History student whilst at school and went on to become a Senior Tutor in History at the Australian National University and a lecturer in Cambridge, England. She is particularly known as the author of the School’s history in her book, A Light in the Bush, published in 1978, and has written or edited seven other books. In talking about her life and the process she follows in her own writing, Jill encouraged everyone to have belief in oneself and perhaps to take the first steps in writing their own story.

A highlight in the Assembly was the performances of the students. Musical items and the reading of personal writing about the guests were all particularly moving and thanks must be extended to the Year 3 teachers, Narelle Miller, Sue Nichols and Alison Collett, and to the Music staff, Jenny Johnson and Sara David, for their work in preparing the students.

We are most grateful to everyone who assisted with the planning of GGG Day and to all the visitors who attended, many of whom travelled long distances to be in Canberra for the day.

Photos 2 and 5 courtesy of  V G Khurana

Parking and safety around the Junior School

Parents are reminded that it is illegal to park close to the corner of any intersection. It is particularly disturbing to see cars parked on the intersection of Robe Street and Grey Street where visibility is poor and the traffic congestion at the end of the day is heavy. Please be aware that Traffic Inspectors will be patrolling the areas and fines will be issued.

Students have been asked to wait at the Pick Up Zone at the end of the day unless being personally collected by parents from the classrooms. If you are not prepared to park and come into the School, please use this area. Students are not to wait in the street, the foyer or at the Early Learning Centre.

At the beginning of the day, parents are asked to drop students off at the designated zone and not to use the bus zones or to stop on Grey Street for your child to get out of the car. This is a safety issue.

We ask for your cooperation in these matters.

Tournament of Minds Success

Last weekend two Junior School Teams competed in the ACT finals for the Tournament of Minds (TOM) competition. Both teams are to be congratulated on reaching this level. Following the ACT Finals last weekend, the CGGS Social Science Team was placed first, therefore having the honour of representing the ACT in the Australasian Pacific Finals in the Primary Social Science Division to be held in Canberra on 20 October.

The team consisting of Year 6 students - Renita Arumugam, Bethanie Ferraro, Brittany Staniforth, Priscilla Symmes and Year 5 students – Belinda Weiss and Michelle Lee was awarded the Perpetual Shield for the Social Science Primary Division, an engraved glass trophy for the School, and individual medals and certificates. These were presented at the Junior School Assembly this week.

We are very grateful to Mrs Jillian Shaw who has guided all of the CGGS teams throughout the TOM process and has continued to support the students at every stage. This has been a significant commitment, added to Jillian’s role on the ACT TOM Executive Committee, involving many, many hours after school and on weekends.

Please read more information about our Tournament of Minds success in the ‘In the News’ section of the Newsletter.

Student Achievements

Annalise Murn (Y3) was awarded her Level 2 Medal covering Vault, Bar, Beam and Floor routines at the ACT Gymnastics State Grading Competition held on 16 September.	Bronte Carlin (Y6) is a member of the ACT PSSA Soccer team that placed third, beating some of the larger states in the process, at Primary Schools Sports Association (PSSA) Australian Championship held in Brisbane last week.	Congratulations to Francesca Baird (Y4) who won the Gold medal at the Perisher Blue Grand Prix Race Series recently. This is a wonderful achievement.

End of Term

Another busy term at CGGS has now concluded. I would like to wish the whole School community a restful two week vacation and look forward to seeing students and staff back on Monday 15 October ready for the final term. Staff and students alike have worked extremely hard throughout the term and right to the very end! This last week, alone, included a very successful Mini Fête, the Year 4 Space Trivia Night, a Parent Reporting Forum, various Learning Journeys and the End of Term Chapel Service. Parents are reminded that students should be dressed in the summer uniform next term.

Heather Ablett
Head of Junior School

IMPORTANT DATES

• 30 Sep Blessing of the Animals Family and Friends’ Service, Chapel of the Annunication, 9am
• 30 Sep - 7 Oct French Language students’ trip to Noumea
• 15 Oct Start of Term 4
• 16 Oct P&F Meeting, Board Room, Senior School, 7.30pm
• 17 Oct ELC in 2008 Information Evening, ELC 7pm
• 18 Oct Burgmann House 40th Birthday Mother/Daughter breakfast, CGGS Hall, 7pm
• 19-21 Oct Junior Big Band at the Moruya Jazz Festival
• 20 Oct Rowing Boats Naming Ceremony, Elizabeth McKay Aquatic Centre
• 22 Oct - 2Nov PIPS Testing for Prep students
• 23 Oct Junior School Sport and Music Photos
• 23-24 Oct ACT Scaling Test (second sitting)
• 24 Oct Y3 in 2008 Information Evening, Clements Hall, 7pm
• 27 Oct CGGS P&F Fête

SCHOOL SHOP Term Time Hours Tuesdays 8.15am to 2.00pm Wednesdays 8.15am to 2.00pm Thursdays 12noon to 5.30pm T: 02 6202 6486

HOLIDAY OPENINGS Thursday 11 October: 11.00am -3.00pm Friday 12 October: 10.00am – 4.00pm DAY 1 Term 4 Monday 15 October: 8.30am – 4.00pm Term 4 Extra Days Saturday 27 October (Fête Day): 10.00am – 2.00pm Saturday 10 November (Y7 Orientation): 12.30pm – 3.30pm

IN THE NEWS

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

http://www.cggs.act.edu.au/pages/page416.asp

Featured articles this week:
Year 1 News	Junior School Tournament of Minds	Pastoral Care News
Year 6 News	Years 11/12 News	Netball News
Junior School PDHPE & Sport	Careers News	Modern Languages News
Year 4 News	Basketball News	Senior School Sport

P&F ASSOCIATION

Check them out at http://williamhallphotographer.com/ with thanks to William Hall Photographer!

The P&F is nominating Katherine Stretton (Head of English in the Senior School) and Jillian Shaw (currently a Year 6 classroom teacher) for the Teaching Australia awards for 2008. We are currently preparing the nominations, which are due on 15 October. When they are finalised I will share some snippets with you.

See our regular Fête update below.

Juliet Behrens
President
email PandF@cggs.act.edu.au (h) 61618140

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS