GIB GATE • FRENSHAM • STURT
TERM 3 NO 4 - 7 SEPTEMBER 2006

The Higher School Certificate Art, Design & Photography Exhibition at Sturt Gallery
drew strong support from parents and friends of the School.

WWS Foundation – Launch of the Centenary Appeal Thank you to all who supported the Launch of the Appeal last Saturday evening in the Drama Studio and School Hall at Frensham.  Full information about how parents and friends of the School can contribute to the Appeal will be mailed before the end of this term. In the first of four stages of the Appeal, projects include the new Esther Tuckey Library and the tunnel under Range Road.  Other stages include a Science/Information Centre for Gib Gate, Art & Design Studios at Sturt, an indoor swimming pool at Frensham and residences attached to boarding houses.  Information about the Appeal is available from: Mr Patrick Duck, Business Manager or Mr John Sharp, Chair of WWS Foundation.  Mrs Marg Middleton, coordinator of future events linked to the Appeal, is contactable on 02 4860 2000. ** NB: Projects currently under way include the Gib Gate entrance, Car Park and pick-up areas, refurbishment of the boarding house kitchens and bathrooms; Stage 2 of the Gib Gate courtyard and, for completion this year, the Archives building at Sturt.

Acknowledgement to:

• HSC Music, Drama, Visual Arts, Design and Technology and Photography on their presentations to the School in preparation for final practical examinations or marking.  We also must note the efforts of teachers and tutors [Music], whose generous support through extra time and encouragement adds greatly to the quality of achievement evident;
• Ms Megan Patey, Head of Sturt, who played such an important role in guiding and accommodating the needs of student exhibitors in preparation for the HSC Exhibition at Sturt;
• French Extension and Japanese HSC candidates on completion of their speaking examinations which form 20% of their external HSC Assessment;
• Fathers and all guests who attended Gib Gate’s Fathers’ Day Science breakfast on Friday 1 September;
• Pre-School, who hosted an Open Day on Wednesday 23 August.  Guests commented upon the enthusiastic welcome by the Gib Gate children and the rich learning environment provided by teachers;
• Years 9-11 ICAS English Competition Award recipients in English and Writing and South Coast Public Speaking Competition participants and awardees;
• Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award recipient Jessica Kennedy, Year 10;
• Year 11 Young Achievers – on their success at the Wollongong Trade Fair where, of 14 YA businesses they were awarded ‘Best Corporate Presentation’ and were runners-up for the ‘Best Marketing’ award.  For shareholders the news is also positive: Sleepy Anchor  sold more than $700 in stock;
• Year 11 students, leading the School Service on Sunday 28 August and involved in all aspects of organisation and performance over the weekend;
• Lucy Brennan, Year 10 who initiated and ably directed and produced the Year 7 Play – James and the Giant Peach, with the support of English/History teacher, Mrs Jennifer McClay and a skilled stage and technical crew from Year 10;
• Sally Newton, Year 9, who recently completed a magnificent crocheted blanket for donation to the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital and is now tutoring others in this craft;
• Staff who hosted parents and friends of the School at the Frensham Information Evening in Young, at the Forrest’s Zouch Café and Restaurant;
• Mrs Bradney-Smith who performed on clarinet, accompanied by Ms Sabine Madden, a selection of works by Mozart as part of her presentation to students marking the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth;
• Emily Griffin, who was awarded a Girdle for Service;
• Dimity Martin on her Highly Commended award for photography, in the Claire St Claire Youth Awards.

Enrichment and inspiration:

• Ms Pia de la Vega is resident at Frensham for three weeks as teacher of Visual Arts and Artist-in-residence, funded by WWS Foundation.  Ms de la Vega attended the Year 9 Global Citizenship Forum last week and also assisted with preparations for the HSC Art / Design and Photography Exhibition.  It is particularly interesting for students to meet and be taught by a former Head Girl of the School [1997];
• Mentors, teachers and extended family of HSC candidates in Visual Arts, Design and Technology and Photography were part of the large audience who attended the 2006 Frensham Exhibition at Sturt [1-3 September];
• Amy Minahan [Year 12] led Prayers on Friday 1 September, with carefully prepared thoughts and readings which challenged us all to consider the journey to happiness…
• Year 9 was treated to a full, challenging three-day programme presented by senior staff and guests, at the 2006 Global Citizenship Forum [see full report in this Newsletter].  Presenters included Ms Skye McGregor [Year 12, 1999] and Ms Phoebe Williams [Year 12, 1999], who presented to Year 9 as part of the Forum.  Skye spoke of her experiences since leaving University, which included working in the Galapagos Islands, touring South America and Europe, volunteering in a wildlife refuge in Thailand and an orphanage in Cambodia.  Phoebe discussed her work in Bufuula and how her first visit to Africa had led to the desire to do something to help.  She explained how the charity was established and gave an overview of the activities of the first visit, supporting the commentary with a short video of the experience and the people.  She emphasised the need for resources as well as education to help with the issues of Malaria and HIV Aids;
• Skye McGregor also presented this week to Years 10 & 11 as our guest for An Evening With…

Immediate responses – Year 9 Global Forum At the first de-briefing on Thursday afternoon, written comments by Year 9 included: …it was a step forward for me – it actually broadened my views on the world’s issues and made me aware that it only takes one person to make a difference but made me realise that not a lot can change if the majority of people do not know what the problems are… …was a great experience - we learned a lot and were inspired by so many people in such a short amount of time…we also shared time with people we wouldn’t normally have time to be with… …during these past few days I have gathered pieces of information that I know have planted so many seeds that will contribute to my dreams and goals – to where I will find myself in years to come…		Skye McGregor (Year 12, 1999) with Cambodian children – working as a volunteer in an orphanage
...it was a whole new world – inspiring me to make a difference yet a relief to return home – I’ve learned a lot more about the world and myself… …an unbelievable experience that has really inspired me to follow my dreams… …it was inspiring and opened our eyes to what is happening in the world…and it was ‘super fun’ [that did not hurt either] …I have never felt so inspired to help people… …[GF] inspired, scared, enlightened, shook, changed, lifted and stretched me – it made me want to make a difference, be significant and start something new –start something now…

Staffing:

• We offer our warmest appreciation for his fine teaching and his broad involvement in Sturt over the past three months, to Mr Stuart Faulkner.  Tom Harrington returns from three months’ Leave, to resume his position as Director of the Sturt School for Wood from Tuesday 5 September;
• Filling the vacancy created by Mr Del Villar, Mrs Sally Hannah has been appointed to the staff of Frensham as a teacher of English from January 2007.  Mrs Hannah, currently a teacher at Roseville College, is looking forward to her move to the Southern Highlands, with husband Greg, at the end of the year.  Already a regular visitor to the Highlands, Mrs Hannah will be here next weekend to attend the first of the Musica Viva series Concerts in Clubbe Hall and to meet current staff.

New Uniform - Gib Gate and Frensham:
After more than 12 months’ planning by the Uniform Committee plus presentations to reference groups, including the Advisory Committees of Frensham and Gib Gate, Class Representatives of Gib Gate, staff and students, we are pleased to advise that the designs and fabrics for the new uniform for Gib Gate and Frensham are in the final stages of approval.

For those most closely involved with this major project, the work with designers, parents, staff and students started with close consideration of our ethos.  Every effort has been made to achieve simplicity of style, practicality and durability, using good quality fabrics and traditional colours. 

Once the timeline for production of fabrics and samples is finalised, we will write to all parents, by separate letter, with details of availability and costing, including the proposed phasing-in of the summer and winter uniform over the next two years and a suggested ‘buy-back’ option for seniors of each of our Schools.

Ms J A Gillick
Head of Frensham
Head of Winifred West School

AHEAD:

Parent / Community News

GIB GATE

On Friday 1 September, the annual Fathers’ Day Breakfast took place.  With Science activities in classrooms from Preschool to Year 6 and sports activities on the field and tennis courts there was no shortage of things to do.  Breakfast in the hall provided an opportunity to catch up with fathers.  Many thanks to FOGG class representatives who arrived at school early to help. Transition, Year 1 and Year 2 will begin formal rehearsals in Clubbe Hall this week of the Junior Production, The Pied Piper.  Please note performance dates - a matinée on Thursday 21 September and a 6pm evening performance on Friday 22 September.  Feel free to bring grandparents and other family members for this special occasion.  T-2 students are looking forward to this event and have already been practising together at Gib Gate.  Many Gib Gate parents have volunteered their time to make the costumes and we are grateful for your enthusiasm and support. Ms Sally Robson, Head of Gib Gate

Mr Ward and Annabel Ward (Year 5)

Australian Primary Talent Search Results 2006
This Australia-wide academic competition is run annually by GERRIC at UNSW Sydney for students in Years 4 to 6.  Students elect to participate in a challenging test covering four areas – English, Reading, Mathematics and Science.  This year, five Gib Gate Year 5 students sat the test on Saturday 20 May.  Students received a Certificate of Participation at Performance Assembly on Thursday 31 August.  Their results are commendable and each student has demonstrated strength in the following areas: Jessica Blackmore – English; Ossian Deigan – Mathematics; Lani Maher – Mathematics, Reading and Science; Georgina Williams – Reading, Science and English; Morgan Wood – Reading; Lauren Zawal – outstanding results in English, Reading, Mathematics and Science.

Mrs Kate Chauncy, Gib Gate Curriculum Coordinator

Gib Gate Sport
Skiing
Congratulations to Gib Gate skiers who took part in last weekend’s Interschools’ Snowsports State Championships at Thredbo.  All teams performed well against strong competition.  Victoria Sanderson and Georgina Williams finished 14th and 15th respectively in the Girls’ Division 4 Alpine event.

Athletics
Gib Gate Athletes acquitted themselves well at last week’s JSHAA Athletics Carnival at Homebush.  There were many top 4 finishers, with the following students qualifying for the CIS (Combined Independent Schools) Carnival to be held at Homebush on 12 September: Georgina Alison, Senior Girls’ Shot Put; Isabella Conomos, Junior Girls’ Shot Put; Georgina Gotterson, 11 Years Girls’ High Jump; Olivia Spring, Reserve for the Junior Girls’ 800 metres; Michelle Braithwaite, Reserve for the Senior Girls’ High Jump.

STURT

Four Designers in Wood and Cloth Fabrics from Sydney
Commencing on 17 September, an exhibition revealing the work for five contemporary designers will be displayed at Sturt Gallery for one month.

Chris Hurditch, John Gallagher, Brett Webb and James Carr all completed the Certificate IV in Fine Furniture at the Sturt School for Wood in 2003.  With Glen Jones, they joined forces to create 4Wood at the beginning of 2005, a cooperative space for furniture production, in Mittagong.  This was established to provide the large and well-equipped facility necessary for furniture production.

Since setting up this cooperative, 4Wood has been very successful.  These four craftspeople are clear in their intentions.  They are passionate about the challenge of creating new design, of working with wood, and are determined to overcome the constant challenges which confront them every day.  Working cooperatively suits them, as problems can be shared and solved and combining resources to purchase machinery makes sense financially.  All four receive constant commissions for work, for tables, cabinets and benches.  They talk about the need to educate the public and their clients regarding the value of purchasing individually-designed furniture, by bringing to the furniture a range of qualities including beauty, ease of design and function, and quality for money.  They all enjoy their work, and appreciate being able to pursue a career which is immensely satisfying in so many ways.

Julie Paterson is an artist and creator of Cloth, a small Sydney-based company with retail premises in Randwick.  Using mainly linen and hemp, Julie designs screen printed textiles which are made into a wide range of homeware items, suitable for the contemporary home.  All the fabric for Cloth is printed by hand in 20-metre production runs.  This small batch production gives Cloth fabrics their individual soul and character, allowing for a controllable, low impact approach to manufacture and materials.  The fabrics are used to make a range of items including cushions, lamps, tea towels, tablecloths and wall hangings as well as clothes.  The look is casual, stylish, colourful and contemporary and many Cloth designs are based on Julie Paterson’s abstract paintings.

Cloth is the type of small business many artists dream of having, but few can achieve.  The idea of transforming creative passion into a successful small business while also managing to remain inspired and to develop artistically, is a difficult formula.  Cloth successfully exports to Asia and Europe as well distributing its products via many homewares stores in Sydney.  Sturt Gallery is the sole distributor of Cloth products in the Southern Highlands.

For enquiries regarding this exhibition please call 4860 2083.  Sturt Gallery is open 10am-5pm seven days.

Sturt Summer School 2007
Several courses are filling up quickly, with watercolours, basketry and wood turning already full.  If you are interested in any Summer School course please contact Sturt for further information on 4860 2083.

Megan Patey, Head of Sturt

Just arrived at Sturt Shop - Frensham Memorabilia Diaries available for 2007 - retailing for just $16 each

FRENSHAM

Deputy Head

Over the last few weeks a number of requests have been received for Leave from Sport and other extra-curricular activities.  There is an expectation that students should attend all Sport training sessions, sporting matches and extra-curricular sessions.

If your daughter’s team has a bye she is still required to be present at the Playing Field in support of other teams, or to act as a replacement if necessary.

As stated in the Information Book, all requests for Leave must be sent in advance, in writing, to the Head, to allow sufficient time for consideration and a written response.

Global Citizenship Forum
The Global Forum was a three-day residential project for Year 9 students.  The Forum aimed to meet part of a perceived need for Year 9 students to develop an awareness of their potential to contribute, and to lead, as citizens of their local and global communities. 

The objectives of the Forum were:

1. to develop an awareness of individual potential and the role of an informed citizen in a global society;
2. to provide an environment where students can interact with people involved in social and environmental issues on a global scale; and
3. to allow time for students to reflect on their potential to contribute in a meaningful way to a better world.

Each day of the Forum had a different focus:
Day 1: ‘Working together to Help’.  The day included presentations from Denise Antaw from Amnesty International, Phoebe Williams, Hands of Help and Keith Williams, Walking to the South Pole.  Two leadership workshops were conducted by Mr McMahon and Mrs Tregenza.

Day 2: ‘The Work of Governments’.  The day began with Mrs Vink running a workshop on Australia’s political system, how it works and how we are connected to the global community.  Ms Penny George from the Wingecarribee Shire Council spoke on why she became involved in local Government and why leadership from young people is important.  During the afternoon the girls worked in groups to prepare Drama pieces for after-dinner presentations.  The presentations featured some of the key ideas from the previous two days.  The day finished with the girls considering some of the major environmental issues currently facing the world.  These included Global Warming and the Energy Crisis.

Day 3: ‘Our Problems – Our Solutions’.  Skye McGregor spoke of her experiences since leaving University.  These included working in the Galapagos Islands, touring South America and Europe, volunteering in a wildlife refuge in Thailand and an orphanage in Cambodia.  Mrs Patricia Forsyth MLC spoke about the reasons she became involved in politics and why she feels she has made a difference.  The students then spent part of the day in the Upper Holt.  They were given an art task and were given time to reflect on what they had learnt in the past three days.  The Forum finished with a final session by Ms Gillick and Mrs Symons.

The Global Citizenship Forum was a success on a range of levels.  Year 9 students feel that they now have a better understanding of their place in the World and their responsibilities as Global Citizens.  They also have many unanswered questions which will act as stimuli for discussion for some time to come and they have begun the process of some formal leadership training in the lead-up to their time as senior members of the School community.

Mr Geoff Marsh, Deputy Head

Director of Studies

Year 12 – An Update
Over the past few weeks, Year 12 has been preparing the final pieces of the HSC Major Works Projects.  Thus far English Extension 2 Major Works, Drama Projects, Music Extension Musicology Projects, Visual Arts and Design & Technology Major Works have all been completed.  Design & Technology Works have just been marked by the Board of Studies and Visual Arts Major Works are to be marked soon.

In terms of performance-based subjects, Drama students have completed both Individual and Group Performances, while Music 1 and Music 2 students are preparing Performances for Week 9, when they will be marked externally by Markers from the Board of Studies.

Meanwhile students studying French Continuers, French Extension and Japanese Continuers have also completed the HSC Speaking Examinations.

Year 7 & 8 Examinations
Year 7 and 8 students are currently in the middle of their Yearly Examinations.  These examinations include course work which has been covered from the beginning of the year, and they provide a good opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills across the broad spectrum of the academic programmes. 

It is the first time that Year 7 students will have sat for examinations in this format.  To be prepared, students have considered Examination and Revision strategies in Frensham Studies classes.

Mr Matthew McMahon, Director of Studies

Director of Boarding

Looking at issues and people with a positive perspective is a characteristic to be encouraged.  The Bounce Back programme discusses ‘positive and negative trackers’.  Positive trackers have their positive antenna tuned up Very High so they mostly look for and talk about the good things about themselves, others and life.  Their negative antenna is turned down Low so that they only occasionally find and comment on the negative aspects.

Negative trackers have their negative antenna turned up to Very High and their positive antenna to Low, so that they spend most of their time looking for the bad things about themselves, others and life, and only occasionally finding the good things.  Compared with negative trackers, positive trackers cope better, achieve more of their goals, have higher self-esteem and are more successful in all that they undertake.

Being a positive tracker is something anyone can learn to be if they choose to.

Positive trackers are optimistic and this helps them to stay hopeful, cope better and bounce back when things go wrong, whereas being pessimistic makes one feel worse and not as hopeful.

Even the most optimistic person sometimes encounters a situation where it is very hard to be immediately optimistic.  Sometimes it can take a while to start thinking optimistically again.  Positive trackers try to take one day at a time till things improve and they understand that if something goes wrong in one part of their life it does not necessarily mean that the other parts of their life will be affected.  They understand there are many reasons why a bad event occurs, including their own contribution, whereas negative trackers blame themselves and others.

Within the Boarding House a culture of ‘positive tracking’ is an important goal.

*   *   *
This weekend we had a Fathers’ Day Breakfast Service in the Dining Room followed by a trip to the Bondi Beach Markets.

Mrs Susan Cyganiewicz & Mrs Ros Buick, Co-Directors of Boarding

Director of Teaching and Learning

On Friday 1 September the Winifred West Schools’ community celebrated the opening of the Exhibition of Visual Art, Photography and Design & Technology Major Works at Sturt.  Visible at the exhibition over the weekend was the rendering of sophisticated ideas through carefully honed skills.  Not visible, yet evident to those closely associated with the production processes, was attitudinal and emotional maturation through a process of creative endeavour.

Visitors to the exhibition admired the innovation and skill required to render such a collection of products and artworks and recognised the amount of work invested in each piece.  In the weeks leading up to the exhibition, the completion of the works has demanded of each student disciplined time-management, perseverance and emotional resilience.  The students’ reflections on their creative journeys reveal the unique learning opportunity presented through the study of subjects with a demanding practical component. 

The works on display at the exhibition represent a thousand powerful learning moments.  Both teacher and students reflected on the profound impact the underestimation of our capabilities can have on whether we embrace or recoil from challenges.

Students talked about how they overcame moments of self-doubt by observing the perseverance, positive attitude and creativity of their peers.  They describe the power of ‘deciding’ to reject self-doubt and increase their application to the task at hand.  Initially students would respond to small problems with a sense of frustration but, by the end of the process, students met similar challenges with amusement and a sense of satisfaction at being able to solve the problems.

Not all the learning that was celebrated in Design & Technology, Visual Art and Photography this week will be recognised in the formal HSC marking process but, as a school community, we are acutely aware of its life-long value.

Bronwyn Tregenza, Director of Teaching and Learning P -12

English and Drama

Results from the South Coast Speaking Competition were: Jacklyn Wyer (Year 8) 2nd; Katherine Evans (Year 9) 3rd; Madeleine Maslin (Year 9) 3rd; Skye Stranger (Year 11) 3rd.  Congratulations to these girls who prepared speeches on set topics and competed against 17 other schools in the competition.

Last Friday Ms Gillick awarded the final certificates for the International English and Writing Competition to students in Year 11.
Writing - Credit: Chevaune Aldridge, Selena Bateman, Brianna Beuzen, Jemima Gaunt, Vanessa Jackson, Sophie Keatinge, Georgia Kirkpatrick, Lucy Rayner, Susannah White, Genevieve Williams.
English - Distinction: Selena Bateman, Billie-Ann French, Susannah White; Credit: Brianna Beuzen, Anna Lochhead, Sally Mueller, Penelope Pfahl, Lucy Rayner, Clementine Tinslay.

Students in the Preliminary Year will be considering the range of courses available in Year 12 for the HSC Examination.  Over the next two weeks Mrs Symons will be outlining these courses with each of the classes and distributing the information for girls to read while they are considering their options.

Planning is continuing for the AHIGS Festival of Speech.  Mrs Symons attended a workshop for the Current affairs section on Saturday 2 September and will be sharing this with the Year 10 team and the coach of Current affairs Mrs Jennifer McClay.  During the three weeks leading up to the competition on 17 October, they will be scouring the newspapers for significant issues and then, in the week preceding the event, they will meet to work out their strategy.  The Debating team will have a second workshop with Joana Matasic on the evening of Friday 8 September at school, when they will be working with Mrs Vink.  The Religious and Ethical Questions articles have arrived and Mrs Tregenza will be discussing these with the Year 11 team as they must make their choice and begin their research as soon as possible.  The Drama team, under the guidance of Mrs Muir-Smith, has been allocated its topic and will begin developing the group devised and the Poetry girls will choose their poems and begin practising with Ms Phillips.  The Public Speakers also have their topics and will be writing speeches, while Mrs Tupou will discuss possible Speeches for the readings section with the Junior and Senior readers.  This is an important event in English as it is one of the few occasions where the faculty prepares a team for a competition.

On 6 September, Mrs Tupou and Mrs McClay will attend an inservice day at PLC Sydney, on the Area of Study for the HSC, The Journey.

Mrs Trish Symons, Director of Language Arts

French

The eight girls in Year 12 French all deserve ‘mille félicitations’ this week for having completed the HSC French Oral examinations.  While reports of the Practice Sessions for this event have already appeared in the Newsletter, there is nothing like the real thing to focus the mind, and they were thoroughly prepared, a credit to themselves and to the School.

The girls, Mirei Ballinger, Geneviève George, Isabel Head, Phoebe Hooke, Natasha Jansz, Alexandra Scates Frances and Angelique Wanner, were each given a 10-minute interview, recorded on cassette for marking by the Board of Studies.  They were asked by a visiting Examiner to respond to a series of unscripted questions on a variety of topics including their personal lives, their family, hobbies, school interests, friends and future aspirations.  No two interviews are alike and they never know in advance what questions might be asked.  The interviews seem to have gone smoothly, thanks to the girls’ excellent efforts and preparation.

On the weekend of 2 September, Year 12 French Extension students, Mirei Ballinger, Phoebe Hooke, Alexandra Scates Frances and Angelique Wanner, spoke for three minutes each on two provocative topics such as ‘“True happiness is an impossible dream” - Discuss’, or ‘”Women will never be the equal of men” – Is this your opinion?’.

Ms Mary Kidner, Teacher of French

HSIE

The Simpson Prize, in honour of John Simpson Kirkpatrick (the brave soldier of mixed origins who, during the ANZAC Campaign, with help from his donkey, removed injured soldiers from dangerous positions along the Gallipoli shoreline) is a national history competition for Year 9 and 10 students.

Winners of this competition will be flown to the Western Front to attend the dawn service and other ANZAC Day ceremonies.  To compete, students can choose to respond to a given topic (relating to the ANZAC Spirit and tradition) by writing an essay or preparing an audio-visual presentation.  The competition is managed by the History Teachers’ Association of Australia (HTAA) on behalf of the Australian Government.  Each school may submit up to three entries in the 2007 Competition.  Entry forms will be submitted to interested students over the course of the next week.

In the 2006 Competition, Year 10 student Sarah Hayes received a ‘Highly Commended’ award, an outstanding result in this prestigious competition.

Mr Matthew McMahon, Coordinator of HSIE

Maths Matters

In recent lessons Years 7 and 8 have been preparing for the examinations underway this week.  Students have been provided with a range of revision questions, enabling them to practise skills learnt throughout the year.  Year 9 has just completed a unit of work on solving equations and inequalities and is now studying Coordinate Geometry.  Year 10 students have been looking at aspects of statistical analysis and probability.  Year 11 is completing topics in readiness for the forthcoming examinations.  These include Probability, Differentiation and Extensions to Trigonometry.  Revision material has been distributed to assist them in this review of concepts.  Year 12 students have worked through their responses to the Trial examination questions and are now completing the final new material in the programmes.  Alongside this are further examination practice papers.

Students who are working on the Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians (Enrichment Series) will need to hand in their papers by 15 September.

Members of staff are continuing to work with Mrs Debra Talbot on Differentiated Teaching and Learning and are benefiting from this experience.  Students may have commented that other teachers are visiting their classrooms.  This ‘intervisitation’ is a key factor in the sharing of ideas and skills in addressing these approaches.

Mrs Jenny Booth, Coordinator of Mathematics

Music

There have been a number of highlights for Frensham musicians in the past fortnight.  Early in the year, the Madrigals took advantage of an invitation from the 70-voice Sydney Male Choir to perform in their charity concert in Clubbe Hall.  They performed two brackets of three songs, covering a variety of styles from Art Music to Pop.  They displayed the discipline, commitment and love of singing that characterise their work.

On Tuesday 22 August, the Senior Choir and Madrigals recorded a selection of their repertoire of anthems and concert pieces in Clubbe Hall.  In the next few weeks, an attempt will be made to record and capture several solo items by senior musicians to complement these choral pieces.

Frensham pianists are delighted with the arrival of a new Yamaha C6 Grand Piano in School Hall.  This beautiful instrument has been given to Frensham by the family and friends of the late Mrs Sarah Richards.  It will be officially launched on Sunday 17 September but, since its arrival, it has already made a difference to Morning Prayers and the singing of hymns each morning.  It is also inspiring many senior students who have been seeking permission to practise in School Hall.

Music 2 and Extension Music students have completed Core Compositions and Musicology essays for submission to the Board of Studies.  Year 12 Music students are also to be congratulated on their fine performances at the HSC Music Concert on Friday 1 September.  The assembled School, parents and friends were treated to a varied programme, ranging from Led Zeppelin to Gospel, Irish music and a contemporary work for cello by Ann Carr-Boyd.  The performers included Freya Berentsen, Corinne Christiansen, Violet Forster, Geneviève George, Emily Griffin, Rosemary Knight-Gregson, Margaux McLaurin-Cadden, Sophie O’Brien and Harriet Webb.  They were supported by their extra-curricular tutors, Kristy Clarke (piano), Paul Doyle (drumkit), Christine Jarczewski (violin), Anne Mercer (cello), Luke O’Neill (guitar) and Alex Zachary (piano and voice).  Music 2 students will be presenting their practical work to HSC examiners on Monday 11 September and Music 1 students the following day.

Please note that the first of the Musica Viva Twilight Concerts will take place this Saturday 9 September at 6.30pm in Clubbe Hall.  This concert features two highly-acclaimed soloists, Sara Macliver (soprano) and Bernadette Balkus (piano), who will present a selection of songs by Mozart, Sibelius, Barber and William Bolcom.  Tickets are available from Sturt gallery.  Wine and canapés will be served from 5.30pm.

Mr Michael Spencer, Coordinator of Music

Special Projects

 “An Evening With …”
On Tuesday 15 August, Years 10 and 11 were addressed by Mr Geoff Monk, Australia’s 5th heart transplant recipient, who received his heart from a 29 year-old donor who died in a motorcycle accident in 1984.  The students were enthralled by his personal description of the factors which led to his heart condition as a young boy, his battle with a failing heart, the transplant and his ongoing association with the family of the donor.  His simple message was that a positive attitude will lead to a much more fulfilling life than a negative attitude.

Year 10 Exchange 2006
Students selected for exchanges in Term 4 2006 are: Alice Bowman (Havergal, Canada); Jessica Kennedy (St George’s Argentina); Harriet Lawless (Havergal, Canada); Nerida Leahy (Gordonstoun, Scotland)

Owing to the quality of the candidature, it was a challenging selection process and a valuable learning experience for all. 

Mr Tony Wilkinson, Coordinator of Special Projects

Sport

This term, Year 9 and 10 students have been focusing on Jazz/Hip Hop and Ballroom Dancing.  Year 9 students have benefited from the expertise of Desiree Mullen, who has taught them the basics of Jazz/Hip Hop/Funk (JHF) dancing.  Each week the girls have expanded their skills and knowledge and Year 9 is enjoying the unit of dance.

Year 10 students have been focusing on Ballroom Dancing this term with specialist, Keith Nicholson.  The girls have learnt many dances including the Cha Cha and the Jive and the unit has generated much enthusiasm and interest within the group.  In theory classes they have been studying Road Safety.  With many of the girls beginning to undertake the responsibility of driving, the programme covers in detail many issues related to young drivers.  The girls were addressed by Senior Constable Scambury, and they learnt much about Road Safety and Young Drivers, with the opportunity of an open discussion with the Senior Constable.  The girls felt they gained a lot from the session.

Athletics
On Tuesday 19 September three students will be attending the NSW Combined Independent Schools’ Athletics Carnival, where they will be representing IGSSA.  Congratulations go to the girls who have qualified for the following events: Lucinda Beak 3,000 metres; Sarah Loewy 13 Years High Jump; Naomi Vilar 13 Years Long Jump.  We wish them luck at the NWS CIS Carnival.

Cross-Country
At the recent All Schools’ Cross-Country Championships, the NSW Combined Independent Schools’ Team performed well, coming 3rd in the Secondary Section Under 14s.  Congratulations to Alice Lee-Warner and Grace Musgrove who were part of that team.

Netball and Hockey
With only one more round match to go, we look forward to final results of the Netball and Hockey, with all teams playing and training with commitment.  Results and draw information for all Frensham Hockey and Netball teams can be found on the IGSSA Website: http://igssa.ahigs.nsw.edu.au

Wet Weather arrangements for Saturday Sport
Owing to the short season for all IGSSA Sports, every attempt is made to play the inter-school matches and cancellations of Saturday Sport are rarely made before Saturday morning, unless a venue notifies IGSSA that the facilities will not be playable.
Means of gaining information concerning play:
IGSSA Wet Weather Line - 1900 922 834
IGSSA WEBSITE - http://igssa.ahigs.nsw.edu.au
Boarding house

All above methods of communication are updated throughout the morning

Mrs Amanda Wansey, Coordinator of PDHPE/Sport
Miss Jane Barrett, Teacher of PDHPE/Sport

Visual Arts

Dimity Martin was awarded a Highly Commended certificate for her black and white photograph Out of Season at the Claire St Claire Youth Art Awards last weekend.  This was the first time Frensham had entered photographs in this exhibition and it is pleasing to note the growing popularity and technical proficiency in the field of Photography at the School.  As well as receiving awards, another measure of success for a young artist is when a member of the public admires an exhibit so much that they want to take it away with them!  Congratulations to Sarah Winter-Irving on the sale of her impressionist-inspired landscape painting, which sold at the same exhibition.

The new frames funded by Fellowship have arrived.  This addition to our supply of gallery-style frames will enable the Art department to commence selecting artworks to display in the Boarding Houses, as well as ensuring that we still have enough frames for the Dining Room Gallery, whilst other framed works are being exhibited off campus.

Students have welcomed Ms Pia de la Vega to the Art department and she has assumed her role as a member of the teaching staff with enthusiasm.  Ms de la Vega contributed much of her own time and energy towards the setting up of the HSC Visual Arts exhibition at Sturt last week.  A highlight during her two weeks of teaching is her special painting project with Year 11 Art students and it is anticipated that some of the paintings produced may be included in next year’s School calendar.  We look forward to hosting Ms de la Vega in her role as Artist-in-residence next week, when she will produce her own work in the Visual Arts studios.

Ms Samantha Waldon, Senior Teacher Visual Arts

Young Achievers

Year 11 Young Achievers’ Trade Fair Excursion
On Saturday 2 September, the Year 11 Young Achievers’ Sleepy Anchor team participated in a Trade Fair in the Wollongong Central Shopping Centre.  A total of 15 Young Achiever small businesses, representing the Illawarra/Southern Highlands region, attended the Trade Fair.  Sleepy Anchor is the name of the Year 11 small business which has been started-up from scratch by 11 entrepreneurial Frensham students, through their participation in the Young Achievement Australia (YAA) Business Skills Programme.

Year 11 Young Achievers’ Sleepy Anchor team at a Trade Fair on 2 September

The Trade Fair provided students with an opportunity to set up a stall to market and sell Sleepy Anchor products to the public, which included a range of boxer shorts and sleeping kits, all with a nautical theme.  Students were pleased with customers’ response to their products and their sales efforts, with over $500 worth of stock being sold.  Students also received awards for their business including First Prize for Best Corporate Presentation and Runner-up for Best Marketing at the Trade Fair.

Members of the team are: Chevaune Aldridge (Finance Director); Elizabeth Beaumont (Marketing team); Liberty Bell (Marketing Director); Emma Blake (Sales Director); Jemima Gaunt (Human Resources Director); Imogen Hooper (Company Secretary); Sophie Keatinge (Sales Team); Georgina Mooney (Chairperson); Prudence Officer (Manufacturing Director); Rowena Shannon (Manufacturing Team); Sarah Winter-Irving (Environmental Team).

The students appreciate the support provided by their sponsors Mr and Mrs Mark and Cynthia Newham, and their business mentors Mrs Eleanor Dartnall (Hewson Dartnall Advisors, Moss Vale), Mr Martin Fenaughty (Bray & Associates Chartered Accountants, Bowral), Mr Tony Burridge and Ms Rebecca Cribbin.

Ms Machelle Williams, Business Studies & Economics Teacher, HSIE Department

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