GIB GATE • FRENSHAM • STURT
TERM 3 NO 5 - 21 SEPTEMBER 2006

Division 1 Alpine Team which won the National Title this month at Perisher Valley.
L to R  Kristi-Rose Pikkat (Year 11), Lauren Grant (Year 12 and Captain of Skiing), Alex Aldridge (Year 12 and Vice Captain of Skiing), Emma Blake (Year 11) (See full details in Sports Report)

Musica Viva – back in Clubbe Hall
The first in the Musica Viva Twilight Concert Series, presented in association with Frensham, was a magnificent piano/vocal recital by Sarah Macliver and Bernadette Balkus on Saturday 9 September.  Please note the dates and time for the remaining two concerts in the Clubbe Hall series. 

The one-hour concerts offer a programme with broad appeal and the highest quality of performance.  Families are urged to support the next Concert, TaikOz on Saturday 7 October.

Those who have seen TaikOz perform suggest that this would be an excellent introduction to Concert-going for upper primary and secondary students, accompanied by parents. 
[Tickets are priced at only $33 for adults and $10 for students/children and are available from Sturt Shop – 02 4860 2083 or at the door.]

Saturday 7 Oct:    TaikOz - 5.30pm for drinks and canapés, with Concert from 6.30-7.30pm
Saturday 4 Nov:    The Idea of North - 5.30pm for drinks and canapés, with Concert from 6.30-7.30pm

Enrichment and inspiration:

• The staff/student choral group performed a polished rendition of Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus as part of our welcome to ‘Sample Boarders’: Emily Griffin and Mirei Ballinger, Year 12, with Mr & Mrs Bradney-Smith, Mr Spencer, Mr Napthali and Mr Bunyan, accompanied by Ms Madden on piano;
• Planning is almost complete for the two Professional Development Days at the end of Term 3 and start of Term 4, involving all staff.  Major focus of the 29 September programme is a half-day workshop entitled Resilience, to be presented by Dr Toni Noble [Bounce Back programme].   Faculty-specific activities include; writing up of Reports on this term’s Quality Teacher Programmes in Mathematics, Science and Languages; PDHPE programming; analysis of video recordings of class lessons in Music; Individualised Learning Programmes – review across all faculties;
• As part of her residency at Frensham, pianist Ms Sabine Madden is supervising Music Practice in evening ‘Prep’ time, thereby building student commitment to the instrumental tuition programme.  Ms Madden is also using this opportunity to prepare students for ensemble and solo performance;
• We offer our best wishes to the 26 students from Years 5-6 classes who will join Gib Gate’s Japan Tour [Including a visit to our sister School in Osaka - Hokuriku Gakuin] from 26 September to 6 October, 2006, with accompanying teachers: Mrs Kate Chauncy [teacher-in-charge], Mrs Lynn Venish, Ms Noriko Yamanaka and experienced guide and overall organiser, Mrs Mary Taguchi;
• Ms Joana Matasic is conducting regular workshops for debaters, in preparation for the AHIGS Festival of Speech which takes place at the end of the first week of Term 4 – Friday 20 and Saturday 21 October.  Frensham will be entering teams in all sections: Debating, Public Speaking, Readings, Poetry, Religious and Ethical Questions, Current Affairs and Drama;
• Emma Brignon, Year 8 returns home to Paris next week after completing a term at Frensham as a boarder.  Emma has risen to the challenge of studying and living outside her home country and has made outstanding progress with her written and spoken English, whilst also involving herself generously in the French programme at Frensham.

Staffing:

• After four years of excellent work in Bryant House, with Year 11, Mrs Judith Rose, moves this week to Kennedy House, to pursue her interest in working with Juniors and with those about to make the transition to Senior Studies [Year 10].  All are asked to welcome Mrs Rose, an experienced teacher, to her new position within the School.
  

Acknowledgement to:

• Friends and family of the late Mrs Sarah Richards [Cant] for their gift to the School of a grand piano for School Hall, accepted in the presence of contributors, at the School Service on Sunday 17 September;
• 30 Year Reunion participants who included in the programme for their Reunion weekend a tour of the School, Afternoon Tea on the Drama Studio balcony, dinner at Sturt Café and attendance at the School Service on Sunday;
• Year 12 Design and Technology students Brianna McDougall [Chair] and Kate Scott [picture book for children – My Mum] on the short-listing of their major Design projects, for the 2006 HSC DesignTech Exhibition of exemplary major works;
• Gib Gate students and staff on their creative response to the challenge to dress in support of fundraising for the Children’s Ward of the Bowral Hospital – bandages, plaster casts and bandaids galore and funds raised on the day totalling $640;
• Frensham musicians performing in Friday’s Soirée in Clubbe Hall;
• Duke of Edinburgh’s Award recipients: Bronze Gemma Moran-Gibson and Sally Newton; Silver Selena Bateman and Adelaide Lang;
• National Snow Sports Champions [as pictured on the front page of this Newsletter];
• Staff who hosted parents and friends of the School at the Frensham Information Evenings in Cooma [6 September] and in Clubbe Hall [14 September];
• Staff responsible for the overall planning and management of the Sample Boarding programme which drew 53 overnight visitors to the School from 14-15 September - Mr Geoff Marsh, Mr John Huskisson, Mrs Sue Cyganiewicz and Mrs Ros Buick and to Mrs Joy Stewart, Registrar, for her comprehensive forward planning and liaison with parents.  We also acknowledge, with appreciation, those who camped in the Parker Gymnasium, in order to allow a visitor the opportunity to experience one night in a Boarding House;
• Frensham’s IGSSA Hockey and Netball finalists on their efforts in the Semi-finals last weekend and to members of the eight teams who move forward to the Grand Finals in Sydney next weekend;
• Judy Quigley, Manager of Sturt Café and staff, on the meticulous management and presentation of the many special events that have been catered for by the Café, including: the Launch of the WWS Foundation Appeal in School Hall; the Boarding Information Evening in Clubbe Hall and the 30 Year Reunion Dinner in Sturt Café;
• String players involved in the recent Combined Orchestral Workshop with musicians from Chevalier College and SCECGS Redlands, hosted by Chevalier;
• Girdle recipient for Service to the Creative Arts, Kate Scott, Year 12.

Ahead
Please note the following dates of forthcoming events:
21 Sept (11.45am) GG Junior Musical Matinée
22 Sept (6pm) GG Junior Musical Evening Performance
27 Sept (6.45pm) GG Soirée
28 Sept (6.30pm for 7pm) Year 12 Dinner, Frensham

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

AHEAD:

Parent / Community News

GIB GATE

Children in Transition, Kindergarten, Years 1 and 2 have been working hard in preparation for the production of The Pied Piper.  It is always a pleasure to see the youngest children enjoying the opportunity to work together to produce such a quality production.  The skills which T-2 children acquire through participating in rehearsals and the final production are invaluable, making the Junior Musical Production such a special part of the T-2 experience at Gib Gate.  Congratulations and thanks go to Mrs Anne Graham, Gib Gate Transition to Year 2 teachers and students, the Gib Gate Orchestra and musicians, and the many parents who assisted with the organising and making of costumes.

R-L Andrea Tan, Josephine Prohm, Olivia Battcock, Emily Ashbrook and Jean-Marie Klumper (front)

This week I attended the JSHAA Biennial Conference in Queensland.  During the three days I listened to and participated in workshops with the keynote speaker at the conference, Dr Eric Jensen, a world expert on Brain Research as it applies to learning.  Through this experience I was reminded of what makes Gib Gate such a unique primary school learning environment.  Our dedication to providing children with rich and varied experiences in all areas including the musical, visual and physical arts, allows individuals to discover strengths and interests which serve to enhance the development of self-confidence and promote academic success.  The success of this experience is dependent upon on the quality of teaching staff and its attention to ensuring academic rigour and the development of shared values. 

Ms Sally Robson, Head of Gib Gate

Music
Junior Musical Production, The Pied Piper
Thanks go to the parents who assisted with the costuming and to all who are joining us for this week’s performance in Clubbe Hall.

Senior Musical Production, The Jungle
The Music Centre has been filled with enthusiastic Year 3-6 students over past weeks, who have been choreographing, dancing, singing and acting.  Mrs Wheeler would be grateful if any more parents are able to help with costumes.  Performances will be on Thursday 9 November and Friday 10 November.

Madrigals
The Madrigals have worked well this year, rehearsing at lunchtimes, and recently performing at a recital for their parents and friends.  They will be sharing some more of their repertoire at the Christmas Concert.

Boys’ Choir
Boys’ Choir will perform at the end of term Music Assembly on Thursday 28 September.

Orchestra
The Gib Gate Orchestra is performing at the start of the Junior Musical this week, as well as accompanying some of the songs in the musical.  This has been an invaluable orchestral experience for the players.

Extra-Curricular
Enrolments for Term 4 activities are due in by the end of term.  The Outdoor Education course will be a repeat of Term 3 so only new students should enrol.  There is also a Christmas Craft short-course in November.

Mrs Anne Graham, Coordinator

Gib Gate Sport
Athletics
Congratulations to Georgina Alison (shot put), Isabella Conomos (shot put) and Georgina Gotterson (high jump) who represented the JSHAA at the Combined Independent Schools’ (CIS) Athletics Carnival at Homebush last week.  They have all trained hard leading up to this carnival and several achieved personal best marks in competition.

Netball
Congratulations to the Gib Gate Wannabees team (Georgina Alison, Zuni Garcia–Clarkson, Alexandra Graves, Lucy Hay, Sophia Macken, Laura Mullen, Georgia Ross, Alice Scamps–Goodman and Georgina Williams) and the Lightning Boltz (Nyssa Bunyan, Lauren Chapman, Lilli Jephcott, Emily Little, Alice Madden, Jemima Purvis, Olivia Spring, Adelaide Wallace and Victoria Walker) for progressing to the Southern Highlands’ Netball Association Grand Final.  Both teams played with determination, skill and fine team work to overcome strong opponents in the Semi-finals.  The Gib Gate Wannabees and the Lightning Boltz played Grand Final matches last Saturday with the Lightning Boltz finishing in second place position and the Wannabees in first position. Both Grand Final matches were very exciting to watch, with players performing to the very best of their ability.

Fencing
Congratulations to the junior fencers who have been competing in the Schools’ League Fencing Competition which was conducted over several weekends throughout August/September at Newington College in Sydney.

The Gib Gate A team, Ossian Deigan, David Kent and Jacob Thaning, was placed 2nd in the Mini Boys competition and the Gib Gate B team, Dustin Barnett, Jack Sinclair, and Emil Thaning, also performed well.

Mr Michael Standen, Coordinator of PDHPE/Sport

STURT

Sturt Gallery Don’t miss the colourful display of fabrics and furniture at Sturt Gallery, showing the work of five young designers.  Julie Paterson, creator of CLOTH – uses the stylish contemporary fabrics she designs, for bedspreads, cushions, lampshades and fabric lengths.  Sturt Gallery is the sole representative of CLOTH in the Southern Highlands.  Tables, side tables, and bedside tables made by Chris Hurditch, John Gallagher, Brett Webb and James Carr, complement the CLOTH items on show until 15 October.

Sturt Shop has recently received a large shipment of craft books.  Some of these include: Remembering Gardens – Eight Women and Their Vision of an Australian Garden – recently published and written by Holly Kerr Forsyth, which includes a chapter on Winifred West; Workshop Classics – Three Wood Working Favourites in a Special Collectors Set; Hand Tool Classics – The Hand Plane Book; Taunton’s Complete Illustrated Guide to Wood Working Volume Two; The Shaker Legacy; and Ceramics from Islamic Lands.

Sturt Summer School
With 120 students already enrolled, the Summer School is once again proving to be very popular with students from all over NSW and interstate.  Four courses are full – wood turning, watercolour, glass bead jewellery and basketry.  This year two courses are being held for writers: Writing for Children with Diane Bates and Creative Writing with Susan Varga and Anne Coombes.  Diane Bates is the author of many trade and educational books for young people.  She has won national and state literary awards, has received grants and fellowships from the Literature Board of the Australia Council, and has many years’ experience in teaching.  This course will help anyone interested in writing for children in any form.  Susan Varga and Anne Coombs, both professional writers, are returning to the Summer School following strong demand from 2006 Summer School students.  Susan and Anne will help students progress with their writing, whether it be fiction, memoir or creative non-fiction.

Please call Sturt for further information or view the website at www.sturt.nsw.edu.au

Megan Patey, Head of Sturt

FRENSHAM

Deputy Head

The process of subject selections has begun for a number of year groups.

Year 11 students will make their final course selections for the HSC during the last two weeks of Term.  A letter of confirmation will be sent to parents during the holiday period.

Year 10 students have indicated their initial subject choices for Year 11.  These initial choices are used to create the subject lines from which Year 11 will make their final subject choices.  This process will be finalised towards the end of Term 2.

Year 8 students will be asked to think about their Year 9 elective choices at the beginning of Term 3.  This process involves Year 9 choosing one subject from each of three elective lines.  These elective subjects are studied in Years 9 and 10.

Mr Geoff Marsh, Deputy Head

Director of Studies

As Term 3 draws to a close, the HSC examinations will soon be taking place.  The hard work demonstrated by Year 12 is apparent and, in preparation, students have been revising and organising study notes with a view to the forthcoming study vacation and the examinations themselves.

Last week Year 12 practical examinations were held with Music 2 students performing on Monday and Music 1 students on Tuesday.  Work for all externally marked courses has now been completed and students can concentrate on skills and content required for their written examinations.

In Week 7, Years 7 and 8 completed the End of Year examinations and members of these cohorts are now receiving commentary on their performance.

With Year 7 students given the option of studying Japanese or French in Year 8, Year 7 has recently begun a unit of work in Japanese.  This involves two lessons a week for each class.  By the time they are asked to make their language choice for Year 8, towards the end of Term 4, Year 7 will have completed units of work in both French and Japanese.

Year 11 examinations, taking place in Weeks 9 and 10, provide opportunities for students to demonstrate skills and knowledge gained over the past three terms.  Following this period, Year 11 students will concentrate on their ‘Year 11 into 12 Programme’ (designed to provide necessary information which will be of use from Term 4, 2006 onwards) and their subject selections for Year 12.

Year 10 students have now submitted their own initial subject selection forms and final subject lines for Preliminary Courses in 2007 are now being completed.

Mr Matthew McMahon, Director of Studies

Director of Boarding

The Sample Boarding Programme on 14 and 15 September offered students the chance to host visiting students and their parents.  Sample Boarders ranged from Year 5 upwards and came from throughout NSW.

This weekend included a variety of activities with many visitors to the School, including the 30 Years On group and the friends of the late Mrs Sarah Richards.  The visit by the girls to the Bondi Markets was fun, as was the Bridge Run.

As we move towards the vacation an article from Keep Brains Active could be of interest.  It says ‘A good way to keep young minds active during school holidays is reading.  Students should have a wide variety of reading materials – from magazines through to newspapers, novels and non-fiction.  They learn to read and comprehend best when there are plenty of books to read at home and many opportunities to read.  This means not only having lots of books around but also many opportunities during which to read and talk about what they are reading’.  The encouragement to read is an important part of the Boarding philosophy.

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

Director of Teaching and Learning

As the October break approaches, students in Years 10, 11 and 12 are being briefed on the academic work they are required to complete during the two weeks.  Careful pre-planning of leisure and work times well ahead of the break and sharing goals and expectations with the family will help ensure the most productive break both socially and academically.  Once the study schedule has been set, students should communicate with their families how they would like to be supported in adhering to that schedule.

If procrastination becomes a problem, the best solution will depend on the cause.  Reasons for procrastination include: being unclear about precisely what is required, being overwhelmed by the task, setting an unrealistic goal of perfection, fear of failure, distractions in the room or finding it difficult to prioritise.  Possible solutions include listing small, specific tasks on the study schedule, telling yourself you are ‘just making rough notes for later editing’ when you first begin, recalling previous success, creating a clutter-free workspace or planning a reward after a set period of study.

Minimising and eliminating procrastination behaviours is an important part of preparing for senior and tertiary study.  The following university websites offer excellent background information and practical strategies.
University of Queensland Student Support Services
http://www.sss.uq.edu.au/index.html?page=1313
Reed College, Doyle Online Writing Lab

Bronwyn Tregenza, Director of Teaching and Learning P -12

Careers News

The deadline of 29 September is approaching for many scholarship and early entry schemes, as well as UAC applications for course choices for 2007.  Year 12 girls have been counselled on all of these over recent weeks and many students have completed their applications ahead of time.  Parents are urged to share in the process of choosing and applying for tertiary courses, even if students are planning to take a GAP year.  The choice of courses and universities can be changed any number of times without cost until early next year.  Detailed information about these options, including deferment policies, can be found in the UAC Guide.  Some courses may have criteria other than a UAI score, (such as interview, portfolio, questionnaire or essay), and as part of cross-checking of applications, students are being made aware of this.

All the universities have accessible online information including Student Advisers who can give detailed information about any course.  They can be contacted via phone or email.

If College accommodation is required, now is the time to start making applications as places are limited.  Applications can be made online in most cases, although some colleges require an interview as well.

Mrs Cherylynne Williams, Careers Adviser

English and Drama

Preparations are continuing for the AHIGS Festival of Speech which will be held at PLC Sydney on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 October.  The topics have been distributed and entrants now have time to prepare in earnest.  Both Senior and Junior Debating teams will have their final workshop with Joana Matasic this coming Friday evening and will then continue their preparation with Mrs Vink.  The Current Affairs team will meet with Mrs McClay and Mrs Symons to discuss the format, and then they have the three weeks prior to the date to focus on items in the Sydney Morning Herald.  They are asked to prepare ideas about both national and international issues.

Year 11 and 12 Drama students attended a performance of Summer of the Seventeenth Doll by Ray Lawler at the Mittagong Playhouse.  This play is a set text for the HSC Drama course in a Module on Australian Contemporary Drama.

Students in Years 7 and 8 will receive their examination results this week.  The examination tasks are set to show the development of skills which have been taught during the year as well as content recently covered in class.  For many students management of time, interpretation of questions and examination technique are a valuable part of the learning, and reworking and editing responses will be an important part of the follow up of these examinations.

After the completion of the Preliminary Examinations, Year 11 students commence HSC courses in English.  The content and expectations of these courses have been discussed with the group and an outline of the Extension 2 course given to those who were interested in this extra unit of study.  Students are encouraged to seek further clarification before they make their final choices, and parents should not hesitate to contact Mrs Symons if they have any questions.

On Sample Boarding Day the Year 5 Purple class was involved in a Poetry writing experience.  As a group they produced Dylan Thomas Portraits.  These are two-lined poems which capture the image of a subject.  For example:

Have you ever seen the Frensham garden?
Multi-flowered, blossom-blooming, carefully-tended, fountain-featured, stunning.

Mrs Trish Symons, Director of Language Arts

Mock Trial Report

The Mock Trial team has completed Round Two of the NSW Mock Trial Competition, as one of 32 teams left in the competition.  Frensham was defeated on this occasion.  The trial was hard fought and the girls performed extremely well.  The case involved defending Brenda Fontaine, the actress (Georgia Kirkpatrick) who was being sued by Film Flops Pty Ltd for alleged breach of contract.  The case hinged on whether the agreement between the two parties was binding.  Brenda insisted that it was a preliminary agreement, and that she expected to act alongside Nicole Kitten, knowing that her career would be boosted, and the plaintiff alleged that the contract was binding.  Both teams demonstrated sophisticated skills, and the standard of engagement was excellent.  Much time was dedicated to the preparation for this case.  Solicitor, Genevieve Williams was exemplary in holding together the arguments and grounds for objection.  Witnesses, Georgia Kirkpatrick and Susannah White were well rehearsed with their responses to cross-examination, and barristers, Lucy Rayner and Selena Bateman were quick on their feet, offering difficult questions for the opposition’s witnesses.  Court officer, Sarah Winter-Irving also performed very well.

We were ably supported by the other team members, Anna Lochhead, Clélia Simart, Elizabeth MacDiarmid, Sally Mueller, and Phoebe White.  Mr Philip Boyce, who has been our stalwart supporter for nearly two years, was unable to coach the team for this last trial.  However, we have been fortunate that Ms Fiona Jowett, of Selman-Jowett, solicitors, has been available to coach the team for this last round.  Ms Jowett was a member of the winning team in the state competition, and has great enthusiasm for this competition.  She is also available to coach girls who might be interested in this competition in 2007.  It should be a very exciting year for Mock Trial!

Ms Judy Bradley, Mock Trial

Music

The fortnight began with the first Musica Viva Twilight Concert, which featured Sara Macliver (soprano) and Bernadette Balkus (piano).  After wine and canapés, the audience was treated to a recital of the very highest quality.  Sara Macliver’s voice was rich and sensuous as she performed Chants d’Auvergne (Songs of the Auvergne), arranged by Joseph Canteloube, but many in the audience were equally taken with the quality of the accompaniment by Bernadette Balkus.  In a mixed programme, there really were some stunning moments.

The next Twilight Concert features the very exciting Australian ensemble that combines traditional Japanese taiko drumming with the ethereal beauty of the bamboo shakuhatchi.  The concert will be held in Clubbe Hall on Saturday 7 October at 6.30pm and it should be attended by all drum students.  Tickets are priced at $33 ($10 for students).

HSC Practical Examinations were conducted in Clubbe Hall on Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 September.  Students presented varied programmes comprising solo pieces, ensemble items and Viva Voce presentations where, for 10 minutes, Music 1 students engage the examiners on a topic they have prepared for discussion.  Students are to be commended for their hard work during the year in preparation for this moment.  Thanks go to extra-curricular staff members and fellow students who supported the candidates in their performances.

On Friday 15 September, a number of students performed in the Soirée in Clubbe Hall.  Parents and friends are very welcome at these concerts, which showcase variety and talent.  Performers included Tabitha Bennett, Adriana Bond, Katherine Evans, Amelia Forrest, Sarah Hayes, Cassandra Hughes, Olivia & Natasha Jansz, Sophie Langmead, Gemma Moran-Gibson, Jessica Nagel, Jessica Newham, Freya Parr, Hannah Preece, Victoria Steadman-Towell and Naomi Vilar.  Many of the items were supported by Musician-in-residence Ms Sabine Madden and they were testament to her close attention and musical discernment in producing performances of the highest quality.  Mention should also be made of the contribution by Mr Napthali, from the Science Faculty, as drummer for the evening.

The weekend continued with further performance opportunities for Frensham musicians.  The Madrigals performed with great professionalism at a wedding on Saturday and the String Orchestra, with Mr Bunyan, attended a String Day with other school orchestras.  The Frensham girls had the experience of playing a wide varied and challenging new repertoire with a large combined ensemble and they represented the School admirably with their own individual performances.

Finally, it should be noted that, in the service on Sunday, the School thanked the friends and family of the late Mrs Sarah Richards for their gift of the new grand piano in School Hall.  The service featured favourite hymns and descants sung by boarders and the Madrigals, as well as a very moving performance by Tabitha Bennett, Harriet Webb and Ms Madden of Dido’s Lament from Purcell’s opera Dido and Aeneas.  It was a fitting tribute to the late Mrs Richards and her family who have been so supportive of Music at Frensham.

Mr Michael Spencer, Coordinator of Music

Special Projects

 “An Evening With …”
On Tuesday 5 September, students listened to a compelling presentation by Frensham ‘Old Girl’ Skye McGregor on her ‘year out’.  Skye completed her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees and, in August 2005, decided to take a year off before returning to Australia to complete her Master’s degree.  She spoke of her Spanish lessons in Ecuador, visit to Peru and the Inca Trail, brief holidays in New York, Canada and Paris and her time in London where she worked with London Health.  It was, however, Skye’s work in volunteer roles in the Galapagos Islands, an animal sanctuary in Thailand, and then with ‘street children’ in Cambodia which most captivated a very attentive audience.  Skye has agreed to return to Frensham before the end of the term to share her slides and more detailed information of her volunteer work.

Mr Tony Wilkinson, Coordinator of Special Projects

Snowsports 2006

Congratulations to all members of this year’s Ski team.  In the State and National rounds of Snowsports Frensham achieved the following results.
State Results
Alpine Division 1 (through to Nationals based on best time in Northern round): Alex Aldridge, Kristi-Rose Pikkat, Lauren Grant, Emma Blake.
Division 2 placed 6th Emily Irish, Eleanor Mackay, Alexandra Blake, Sophie Seper.

Skiercross Division 1 (automatically through to Nationals): Alex Aldridge, Kristi-Rose Pikkat, Emma Blake.
Division 2 placed 6th and 7th: Margot Gemmell-Smith, Sophie Seper, Eleanor Mackay, Alexandra Blake (Eleanor Mackay placed 6th individually and invited to Nationals).

Snowboard Division 1 placed 3rd: Samantha Corne, Emma Blake, Zoë Savill.

National Results
Alpine Division 1 placed 1st National Champions: Alex Aldridge, Kristi-Rose Pikkat, Lauren Grant, Emma Blake.  Alex Aldridge and Kristi-Rose Pikkat were also placed 1st and 4th respectively in the ‘Fastest Combined Times – Female Division 1’ – an extraordinary achievement!

Skiercross Division 1 placed 3rd: Alex Aldridge, Kristi-Rose Pikkat, Emma Blake.
Division 2 Eleanor Mackay place 7th (individual).

Snowboard Division 1 placed 8th: Samantha Corne, Emma Blake, Zoë Savill.

The girls and their support teams (parents and friends) are congratulated on their exemplary behaviour and excellent results.  Thanks go to the many parents who were involved in every round of skiing, for their continual support and assistance with the organisation of these events.  This has been a very enjoyable and challenging snow season and we look forward to the seasons ahead.  Thank you to all the new ski team members, particularly those in Year 7 and their parents for their enthusiastic support of all the events in the first round of skiing in Thredbo.  Thanks go to Mr and Mrs Grant and Mr and Mrs Aldridge, who have supported their daughters and the School, in all Skiing events for the past 10 years.  Your generosity is appreciated.

Ms Joanne Allison, Coordinator of Skiing

Sport

Netball and Hockey
Congratulations to the following Netball teams who played in the Semi-finals in Sydney on the weekend: Teams 1, 2, 4, 6, Junior A, Junior C, Junior D and Year 7 Purple.  The best of luck to the following teams who have made the Finals: Teams 2, 4, 6, Junior C and Year 7 purple.  The Finals will be played in Sydney on Saturday 23 September (venue and times to be confirmed).

Congratulations to Hockey Teams 2, 3, 4, 5, Junior A, Junior B, Junior C, Junior D, Year 7 Purple and Year 7 White, who are through to the Semi-finals.  We wish the following teams all the best for the Finals in Sydney this weekend - Teams 2, 4 and Year 7 White 

Final Results and placings for all Frensham Hockey and Netball teams can be found on the IGSSA Website http://igssa.ahigs.nsw.edu.au

Cricket
It is compulsory for all batters and wicket-keepers to wear helmets during training sessions and games.  All kits include enough helmets to comply with this safety requirement, however parents are advised that helmets need to be adjusted to accommodate different sizes and you may wish to consider purchasing a helmet for your own daughter, to allow for correct fitting.  Kingsgrove Sports Centre specialises in cricket equipment, and can be contacted on 02 9502 4533 for further details.

Mrs Amanda Wansey, Coordinator of PDHPE/Sport

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