100 years on...
The Centenary Appeal
In 2013, we will celebrate 100 years since Miss West founded Frensham in a modest way with nine staff and three students. From the earliest times, change within our Schools has been constant, because the need for and acceptance of change are inherent in our way of thinking. Now Frensham, along with Gib Gate and Sturt, forms part of the unique educational environment provided by Winifred West Schools Limited. |
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Since its establishment in 1980, the Foundation has worked to ensure the long-term security of the Schools by providing funds for the provision of facilities and services which cannot be realised through annual fees. It is also important to remember that the facilities and resources enjoyed by the Schools today are here because of the generosity of past generations.
In 2006, the Foundation’s Board of Directors accepted the challenge to support the ambitious vision of the Board of Governors, a vision which requires some $10 million to execute. This commitment was reaffirmed as part of strategic planning undertaken by the Foundation Board in 2008. It is therefore with renewed enthusiasm that we ask the Winifred West community to support the Foundation in this quest. On the occasion of Frensham’s 93rd birthday, the challenge offered to students was: ‘Paint the picture in your imagination of the kind of person you long to be and view that picture frequently and steadily – within the imagination resides much of the power to achieve our goals and develop our characters…’
Driven by a similar sense of optimism and consideration of how we will meet the ever-changing educational needs of our students, Foundation is calling on all within our community to embrace the challenge by sharing in the realisation of the dream.
The plans for the future address priorities across the Gib Gate, Frensham and Sturt campuses and, without trying to be exclusive, the list currently includes
• the joining and refurbishing of Bryant & McCarthy Houses at Frensham
• an indoor swimming facility for all Schools
• the refurbishing Clubbe Hall
• a new Games Field for Gib Gate
But Foundation is not just about buildings – we also support staff professional development, by way of scholarships to staff members, and enrolments, by way of scholarships and bursaries.
Further, Foundation stages events such as the Iris Country Fair, the Bush Dance and the Foundation Ball, to mention a few, which are as much about enhancing our social network as fund raising. To welcome the parents of new students, the Foundation also hosts a Welcome Dinner at the beginning of each year.
In considering how you might contribute to the work of the Foundation, do not be limited by financial donations. While these are highly desirable, donations of your time and expertise or goods and services can all be used to great benefit. In preparing your will, you could also give thought to extending your support beyond your lifetime by way of a bequest.
There are many ways to give and even more ways in which your generous donations can be spent.
For further information on WWS Foundation or how to make a donation, please contact:
The Foundation Manager, Winifred West Schools Foundation, PO Box 34 Mittagong NSW 2575.
Phone: 02 4860 2000 . Fax: 02 4860 2020 . Email: foundation@winifredwest.nsw.edu.au
| From the Chair |
The purpose of the Foundation is to raise funds for the development of Winifred West Schools in its pursuit of Excellence in Education. In order to build upon past achievements and to uphold our commitment to this purpose, it is imperative that our fundraising momentum be maintained.
In past years, much has been
achieved but there is still much more to do - as there has always
been. In May 1937, Miss West said: “We are now at a stage when the possibilities which we have known to exist, and have always believed in, are beginning to be evident to others. It is good to have progressive plans for building. The School should be suitably housed, but we must not make the mistake of thinking that the buildings are the School. What matters more than anything is our life here – our relations to one another. The visible school should be the expression of the real school........... We must provide the structure.”
This is as relevant today as it was 72 years ago, and, as we look forward to our Centenary in 2013, there is a long list of projects which need to be undertaken to continue to provide the sort of facilities and staff professionalism which are essential in a world class boarding school.
For this reason, the Centenary Appeal was launched - to raise an ambitious sum of money required to put in place vital projects. The possibilities are endless with your support.
It is also with great pleasure that the Foundation has been able to secure the services of Michele Scamps as Director of our Centenary Appeal Campaign. Michele is an Old Girl and current parent who, up until her new appointment, was also a member of the Board of the Foundation.
Michele brings to the Foundation her enthusiasm for and
commitment to Winifred West Schools. During her 12 years as a parent, she has played an active part in many fundraising and other activities, including the management of the Iris Country Fair in 2007. Her knowledge of the Schools, her connections to both current parents and Old Girls and her organisational
talents make her the perfect choice to head up the Centenary Appeal.
The Hon Michael Yabsley
Chair of Foundation
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| From the Head |
‘...think of school as a theatre of dreams, where great teachers inspire children, where every child can experience success... where there is laughter, joy, poetry and music... where there is a sense of mystery and intimacy and where attention is paid to heightening the senses through beautiful surroundings, good design and scented gardens... and where students learn and are keen to make the world a better place...‘
Mr Kevin Roberts, CEO of Saatchi and Saatchi, shared this image in his presentation to the recent UK Boarding Schools’ Association Heads’ Conference in Thame, Oxfordshire, when he spoke about the challenge for schools that they be seen as irresistible places....
In a time when the sense of what is not possible is being stated loudly, it is important to focus on what really matters and what is achievable within our Schools, and the Foundation continues to provide the resources and encouragement to achieve what we define as ‘excellence in education’. Through Foundation’s recent support,
two senior colleagues have undertaken what they describe as ‘life-changing’ professional development experiences as recipients of Foundation Scholarships for Staff;
a number of students, otherwise unable to attend Frensham, will commence their education next year, owing to the Rural Scholarships and Educational Grants provided by Foundation.
Facilities across all campuses continue to be upgraded and there is an optimistic approach to the realisation of goals which will ensure the Schools are able to meet their needs over at least the next decade.
Above all, through tireless effort, led by the Board of Directors and the Director of the Centenary Appeal and supported by Members, Foundation is modelling a generosity of spirit and a sense of responsibility which inspire all who belong to the current student, parent and staff communities of Gib Gate, Frensham and Sturt.
I take this opportunity to thank Members for their ongoing support!
Ms Julie Gillick
Head of Frensham
Head of Winifred West Schools
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YOUR BEQUEST WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE |
 Please consider supporting Winifred West Schools Foundation with a bequest in your will.
Bequests can comprise a specifi c amount of money, a percentage of your estate, a gift of
assets such as art works, real estate or shares, or the residual of your estate aft er you have
provided for family and friends. If you already have a will, you may simply make a codicil to
include your gift .
If you make a bequest of an amount greater than $2000, please advise the Foundation as this will entitle you to Foundation membership should you wish to take up that offer.
In recent times, Old Girl June Grieve continued to support the School aft er her death with a
bequest in her will. Her contribution will make a diff erence and is greatly appreciated. |
STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP |
 Thanks to the grant of a Foundation Staff Scholarship, I was fortunate to be able to spend time in Reggio Emilia
in Italy during the vacation, att ending an international study tour focusing on early childhood education. The
municipal preschools in the city of Reggio Emilia are recognised internationally as world leaders in preschool
education and the ‘Reggio Emilia’ approach to education has been practised as part of the Gib Gate Preschool
philosophy for a number of years.
Attending lectures and visiting preschools in Reggio
Emilia deepened my understanding of this philosophy
and gave me further insight into how the Reggio
approach can be extended at Gib Gate. Closely tied to
the latest research in early childhood education and
brain development research, the Reggio approach
engages children in investigations and projects, with
preschool staff carefully documenting and reflecting
on children’s insights and understandings.
I am looking forward to sharing my experience with
the Gib Gate Preschool staff and to working alongside
them as they continue to integrate the Reggio Emilia
philosophy into daily practice.
Ms Sally Robson, Head of Gib Gate |
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