GIB GATE • FRENSHAM • STURT
TERM 1 NO 2 - 21 FEBRUARY 2008

Resident at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, professor Howard Gardner has recently published Five Minds for the Future, describing the need for educators to cultivate both academic skills and character through recognising three minds related to intellect – the disciplined, synthesising and creative minds and two minds that emphasise character – the respectful and ethical minds.

Most of us are familiar with every school’s focus on the minds that emphasise various aspects of intellectual development.  Mastery of information and ways of thinking that are challenging to learn and require practice develop the disciplined mind.  Students with knowledge within a discipline must be able to sort out what is important from what is not (the synthesising mind) to make sense of what is learned and be able to convey it to others.  With knowledge and synthesised knowledge in their discipline, Gardner proposes that the creative mind must be nurtured, creativity allowing for innovation or meaningful change in how problems are approached in the field. 

The inclusion of the respectful and ethical component in Gardner’s view of a future-oriented education closely aligned Five Minds for the Future with the guiding principles of Winifred West Schools - it is not enough to have the knowledge, skills and ideas if outcomes are compromised by disrespectful or unethical conduct.  For respectful and ethical conduct to be internalised, abstract and reflective thinking about one’s behaviour is required. 

At the mid-point of Term 1 I ask all parents to seek the opportunity to reflect with your children on what builds good character.  Every day we are challenging young people to maintain the highest personal standards of behaviour and thinking amid temptations to compromise personal standards and we are working to nurture interpersonal intelligence, respect and a sense of responsibility, in a world where diversity of perspectives is a fact of life.

Academic and Studies Highlights

• At Gib Gate’s recent Information Evening for parents, teachers outlined their approach to each aspect of the curriculum and Ms Robson detailed the planning in place to support individual students’ achievement of course outcomes.  Sharing with parents the specific direction and focus for a particular grade is intended to facilitate effective parent/teacher support for students.
• Year 12 Dinner on Tuesday evenings in the Dining Room has a new timeslot of 6.45pm-7.30pm with Year 12 asked to prepare thoughts for an ‘around-the-kitchen table discussion’ of current affairs.  Led in the first instance by Mrs Buick and myself, students have received in advance some reading material to stimulate thinking and, over our meal, the conversation has flowed.  In time we will be inviting guests to join us for dinner to provide the stimulus for the night or simply to join in discussion. 

Acknowledgement to:

• Organisers led by FOGG Chair Mrs Caroline Wikramanayake for their presentation of the FOGG Welcome Drinks, particularly well attended by parents of students who have recently joined Gib Gate;
• Friends of Sturt newly elected President:  Ruth Wright and Secretary: Joan Dinning for their ongoing efforts in support of Sturt;
• Mrs Katrina Graves, newly appointed Chair and Ms Michele O’Byrne, continuing Secretary of the Gib Gate Advisory Committee for their willingness to serve in these roles;
• Heads of Community Service at Frensham whose first Charity fundraiser for the year raised $ 550 for Puppies with Promise which sponsors the first two years of Guide Dog training.

Staffing
In our farewell last week to two colleagues, receptionist Ms Heidi Miller and Head Gardener/Horticulturalist, Mr Bruce Clarke, we offered our appreciation on behalf of all who have benefited from their commitment and contribution.  Ms Miller has completed more than four years at the front desk of WWS, as a warm, welcoming member of the Company Office team.  Mr Clarke has been responsible for management of the magnificent gardens of the Gib Gate, Frensham and Sturt campuses for the past 12 years.  We are indebted to Bruce for his outstanding achievements over this significant period of time.

Our congratulations go to current staff Ms Cathy Syme who has been appointed to the position of Senior Accounts Officer within Company Office and to Mrs Liz Rule, Administrative Assistant, who moves to the position of Assistant to the Foundation and Assistant Registrar.

Foundation
Staff Professional Learning Scholarship
I am pleased to advise that the 2008 Professional Learning Scholarship funded by Foundation has been awarded to Mrs Trish Symons, Coordinator of Language Arts.  Mrs Symons will be completing a three-week Oxford University Summer School in the July vacation to study English Literature: Romantic Poetry.  For implementation in 2009, Mrs Symons will write a new course, based on this area of study, for Extension 1 English.  We are thrilled for Mrs Symons that this opportunity has been provided by WWS Foundation, through its commitment to Excellence in Education.

Welcome Dinner – 7.00pm, Saturday 1 March
The Annual Welcome Dinner for parents of students who have recently commenced at Gib Gate and Frensham will be attended by more than 200 guests, including representatives of the Company, Board, Foundation, Advisory Committee, Fellowship and Senior Staff.  Please contact Ms Natasha Wainberg on: 02 4860 2138 to accept or to advise any change in acceptance details.

A new tradition?  Calling all Year 9 Parents
Reaching the end of more than four and a half years as the parent volunteers coordinating and managing Frensham’s hospitality at the Games field on Saturday mornings, Mr Derek Evans and Mrs Jennifer Evans (parents of Katherine, Year 11) need our support to allow them to retire from distinguished duty!  

After consideration of many options for the future, we are inviting parents of Year 9, 2008 to step forward to form the team to maintain what has become a highly valued IGSSA tradition. (With an understanding that Year 9, 2009 will be apprenticed later in the year to take over!)

With an average of eight weekends per term to cover and allowing ‘leave’ to watch a match, a commitment of a few hours on two Saturday mornings for the year would probably cover our needs.

Please introduce yourself to Derek or Jennifer at the Pavilion or ring: 0410601673 for more details.  To add your name to the Roster, please e-mail frensham@frensham.nsw.edu.au or ask your daughter to register your name with Year 9 Prefects.

Career and Studies news of Former Students

• Mrs Buick received an e-mail praising the work of Rachael Guttler (2007) currently on a GAP placement at Dulwich College Preparatory School in the UK and working with the three-to six year old students. 
• Anna Lochhead (2007) passed on to the School a letter of thanks from Dr Catherine Hamlin AO for the knitted shawls and bags recently sent to the Fistula Hospital in Addis Ababa.
• Annabel Armstrong (2003), one of Australia’s leading Three-Day event competitors, recently placed 1st in an international event in Thailand.
• Jodi Maher (2002) is about to complete graduate studies in Veterinary Science through Edith Cowan University in Perth.  Jodi’s younger sister Lani commenced in Year 7 at Frensham this year.

Ahead – From Sturt’s 2008 Diary:
Sturt WoodFire 2008 18-21 April This three-day conference, which examines all the latest trends and developments in wood firing ceramics, will be held at Sturt and Frensham over the middle weekend of the Term 1 vacation.  Registrations are being taken for this international conference, already attracting a considerable interest from overseas.
Sturt Winter School 7 – 11 July 2008 Enrolments are open for all confirmed courses:  Wood carving with Nick Statham, Botanical Painting with Belinda Briggs, Basketry with Virginia Kaiser, Bookmaking with Caren Florence, Life Drawing with Linley Davis, Etching for Jewellery with Barbara Ryman, Fabric Printing with Annie Trevillian, Mosaics with Helen Factor, Pastels with Veronica O’Leary, Black and White photography with Debra Pearson, Tapestry with Dimity Kidston, Watercolour with Noel Ford, Weaving with Monique van Nieuwland and Ikebana with Sandy Markus plus three courses for children.
12-week intensive course in the Sturt School for Wood With all places filled for the first two short-courses this year, an additional course will be offered from 29 September to 19 December.  The new short courses offer intensive tuition for a group of six students per course.

Uniform Update
Gib Gate:

• For winter, polar fleece beanies and scarves and one-size-fits-all woollen gloves have been added to the new uniform and we will advise parents when these arrive in the Uniform Shop.  During this final year of uniform transition, these outer garments may be worn with either the old or new uniform. 

Frensham:

• All students should have purchased by now the new hat from the Ranier Shop at Clubbe Hall, for wear on occasions including: outdoors for sun protection and for formal events, as notified.  Advance notice is offered confirming the wearing of hats on Open Day on Saturday 1 March.
• Soccer and Basketball strips will be hired to students for the Term 2 season with the option of purchase at the end of the season.
• Hair Ribbons are to be worn by all girls whose hair is tied back and are currently being provided by Year Coordinators.  From Monday 3 March, the hair ribbons will be available for purchase from the School Office for $1, with all proceeds going to the School’s Charities. 

Term 1 - Public Events in Clubbe Hall at Frensham

Next Advisory Committee Meetings
Frensham: 6.00pm Friday 29 February (Chair: Mr Ken Stump; Secretary: Mrs Susie Lang)
Gib Gate: 7.30pm Tuesday 13 May (Chair: Mrs Katrina Graves; Secretary: Ms Michele O’Byrne)

Student Responsibilities
Heads of Form and Forum representatives for Semester 1:

Stage 4 Heads of Form: Ella Purvis, Natasha Smart, Eleanor Davies, Nicola Fenaughty, Alexandra Graves, Kate Hawker, Adelaide Nielsen.  Forum Representatives: Annabelle King, Lyreda Bennetts, Elizabeth Lamond, Sophia Macken, Rebecca Farquhar, Rachel Latimer, Georgina MacDiarmid.
Stage 5 Heads of Form: Kate Daniel, Tillia Withers, Katherine Miller, Harriet Robertson, Beatriz Grattan-Smith, Nicola Forrest, Zoë Philip, Georgia Fairbairn, Gabriella Marcolin.  Forum Representatives: Rosetta Freelander, Harriet Hooke, Arabella Kilmartin, Emily Meredith, Tess Brennan, Matilda Street, Sophia Grattan-Smith, Fiona Davidson, Emma Bowman.
Stage 6 Heads of Form: Jessica Nagel, Sophie Bligh, Katherine Evans, Georgina Waters, Constance Mort, Samantha Hawker, Eve Hoskins, Charlotte Moss.  Forum Representatives: Emma Campbell, Sally Newton, Madeleine Maslin, Hannah Gunning, Olivia Stewart, Nerida Leahy (Chair of Forum), Stephanie Wright, Margot Gemmell-Smith (Forum Secretary).

Appointed Year 10 Heads of Linden House:  Guislaine Allen & Rosemary Fairfield-Smith

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

AHEAD:

Parent / Community News

GIB GATE

Thank you to all the parents who supported their children and the School at the recent Year 3-6 swimming carnival, which went very smoothly.  We are now looking forward to the Southern Highlands Independent Schools’ (SHIPS) Twilight Carnival and JSHAA Swimming Carnival.

The FOGG (Families of Gib Gate) Class Representatives for 2008 and the Gib Gate Advisory Committee have held their first meetings for 2008.  FOGG Class representatives will be contacting parents in the near future to ask for their support for upcoming School events, as well as notifying them of class social events.  One important event on the 2008 calendar, for which we will require the support of the whole Gib Gate community, is the Foundation Bush Dance which takes place on Saturday 20 September.  All families and extended families are welcome, so please mark the date in your diary.

Outdoor Education experiences planned for Term 1 are now fast approaching with Years 3 and 4 due to attend Adventure Days at Mount Alexander on 27 and 28 February.  Students in Years 5 and 6 have been briefed by OEG staff in preparation for Camp in Week 7 and there will be a camp briefing for parents in the Gib Gate Hall on 21 February at 7pm.  As part of the whole school Outdoor Education experience, students in Transition, Year 1 and Year 2 will be attending an excursion to the Mount Annan Botanic Gardens on Thursday 6 March to explore the great outdoors, with a focus on native Australian flora and fauna.

FOGG Class Representatives 2008

Reception: Mrs Prudence Hartnell, Mrs Rhonda Daly
Transition: Mrs Catherine Barnett, Ms Maki Taguchi
Kindergarten: Ms Natasha Wainberg, Mrs Janine Maitland
Year 1: Mrs Caroline Wikramanayake, Mrs Angela Macken
Year 2: Mrs Jane Camilleri, Mrs Heidi Onisforou
Year 3: Mrs Christine Chambers, Mrs Elizabeth Uliana
Year 4: Mrs Lisa Macqueen, Mrs Orissia Turczynski, Mrs Kimberley Glissan
Year 5: Mrs Lyndall McGrath, Mrs Lyn Montgomery
Year 6: Mrs Melissa Mahony, Mrs Prue Walker, Mrs Rhonda Wallace, Mrs Gabrielle Vidler, Mrs Julie Chapman, Mrs Vanessa Driver

Ms Sally Robson, Head of Gib Gate

Curriculum Insights
Innovative ways with the English K-6 Key Learning Area at Gib Gate.
The three broad strands of English are Writing, Talking and Listening and Reading.  In this Key Learning Area students develop knowledge, skills and understanding about English language and literature and the ability to talk, listen, read, view and write with purpose, effect and confidence.  Students develop knowledge of the ways in which language varies according to context and a sound grasp of language structures, spelling and grammar.

The Gib Gate English curriculum is based on the NSW Board of Studies English K-6 Syllabus.  Generally, Early Stage 1 outcomes are being pursued for students in Kindergarten; Stage 1 outcomes for those in Years 1 and 2 and Stage 3 outcomes for those in Years 5 and 6, although this varies according to individual students’ needs.  A school scope and sequence plan sets out the School’s intentions for the teaching of reading, writing factual and literary text types, handwriting, spelling, grammar and talking and listening across each stage and grade.  However, Gib Gate’s English programme is not designed to be a ‘one size fits all’ curriculum locking individuals into a grade or stage ‘box’.  A feature of the Gib Gate literacy programme is the fluid, cross-grade stage and age, teaching and learning.  This is resourced by a wide and stimulating variety of text-based and electronic resources and importantly, taught by teachers with professional expertise and special areas of skill and passion.

English is mostly taught by class teachers who differentiate the class English curriculum to meet the needs of the variety of learners in each class.  As English learning takes place across the curriculum and across all grades, every teacher, including specialist teachers, contributes to English learning K-6 at Gib Gate. 

Coordinated by Mrs Bronwyn Tregenza, Coordinator of Teaching and Learning K-12, the MULTILIT programme is supported by Mr Michael Standen and Mr Paul Sheehan.  In this, children are given individual instruction during a number of sessions throughout the week.  The individualised and small group Rainbow Reading Programme implemented by Years 3-6 class teachers in their guided reading sessions, is also supported by Mr Sheehan.

Team teaching opportunities across K-6, with Mrs LeeAnn Marsh, Teacher Librarian, and Mrs Kate Chauncy, are another flexible feature of the Literacy, Literature and Information Skills programme.  They allow a significant freedom for teachers to co-plan for  small groups.  Further, enhancing and extending the English programme across grades are the specialised teaching and learning literacy programmes designed and delivered by Mrs Musgrove in Kindergarten, Mrs Venish and Ms O’Rourke in Year 1 and Mrs Wheeler in Year 2.  These timetabled weekly sessions allow class teachers time to work with individual students and small groups while utilising the skills and talents of all the teaching staff.  Students can also be involved in cross grade literacy based activities during lunchtimes in the Library throughout the year and by joining in the debating sessions during Terms 3 and 4.

Children demonstrating a particular area of interest, flair and passion in areas of English are further supported in their learning through a variety of enrichment co-curricular activities in reading and writing coordinated and supported by the Coordinator of Gifted and Talented Programmes throughout the year.

Mrs Kate Chauncy
Curriculum Coordinator K-6
Coordinator Gifted and Talented Programmes

Extra Curricular Activities
There is a record 175 enrolments in extra curricular activities this term.  New courses in Puppetry and Printmaking have been well received.  There are a few places available in Wednesday craft classes of Tree of Life and Printmaking for any interested students from Years 2-6.  Please contact Mrs Graham.

Music
Music tuition is now fully underway. There are clarinet and trumpet teachers available for lessons this year for any interested students.  Parents are encouraged to support their children’s musical progress by scheduling regular practices at home, with at least five practice sessions each week recommended.  The Gib Gate Orchestra, Senior Choir and Boys’ Choir have commenced rehearsals and auditions continue for placement in the Madrigals.

Mrs Anne Graham, Gib Gate Coordinator

Teaching and Learning

Reading and Comprehending in a Viewing World
Good scholarship requires strong reading skills and much of our attention as educators is on heightening students’ abilities to decode text fluently, comprehend the meaning and recall the details of what is read.  The hierarchy of skills required for effective decoding of text is well understood so that through persistent teaching of those skills, all students are able to decode text.

Developing students’ comprehension of what they decode is a more complex matter.  We know that if the central theme of a text focuses on an area of knowledge with which the student has had some direct experience, comprehension of the text will be higher, so we can support students by building field knowledge.  We also know that students will draw more from a text if they are familiar with the structure and patterns within different types of texts so we can support comprehension by analysing texts with students to see how they work.  In a modern world, where students have easy access to vast amounts of information and where functional approaches to teaching the grammar of texts are now mainstream, students are well supported in these aspects of comprehension.

It is possible, however, in a society where visual texts such as film and television are such prevalent vehicles for story telling that a set of skills essential for deriving meaning from texts is being diminished.  Over the past fifteen years the process of visualising a schema, sometimes called a gestalt, as one reads, has been recognised as central (Bell, 1991, Visualising and Verbalising for Language Comprehension and Thinking).  This skill begins with imagining the scenes from a story as one listens and develops into the ability to represent highly abstract concepts as one reads visually.

Parents and carers support the development of the visualisation skills associated with comprehension when they read to children (of all ages) and when they encourage them to listen to audio stories rather than view them on video.  Developing a listening/reading culture at home and in schools allows students to hone the visualisation skills associated with comprehension well before their academic success becomes dependent on them.

Mrs Bronwyn Tregenza, Coordinator of Teaching and Learning

Gib Gate Sport

Swimming
A successful and enjoyable House swimming carnival was held at Bowral Pool on Friday 15 February for all children in Years 3–6.  Children were asked to nominate at least three events in which to participate.  Most children nominated at least four with many taking the opportunity to participate in every possible event.  A sincere thank you to all parents who offered their time on the day acting as timekeepers, judges or recorders.

A team of approximately 35 swimmers will compete at the Southern Highlands Independent Schools (SHIPS) Twilight Carnival to be held at Bowral Pool on Tuesday 26 February and the Junior School Heads Association of Australia (JSHAA) Carnival to be held at Homebush on Wednesday 5 March.

Cricket
Congratulations to the Gib Gate Under 12 Cricket Team, invited to provide the lunch time entertainment for the Women’s Ashes Test Match held at Bradman Oval last weekend. 

Summer sports
Summer sports in Water Polo, Cricket, Basketball, Touch Football and Tee-Ball are in their final weeks with all teams training and competing strongly.  Winter sports nomination forms have gone out to all Gib Gate families and we will soon be entering teams for winter competitions in Netball, Netta, Hockey, Minkey, Soccer and Rooball.
 
Equestrian
Congratulations to Julia McGrath (Year 5) who was recently named NSW Saddle Horse Junior Rider for 2007 at a gala presentation at Homebush.  The awards were conducted by The Equestrian Federation of Australia, which is the governing body for nearly all horse disciplines in Australia.  The awards also included some of Australia’s most respected Olympic riders.  This is a fitting recognition for Julia’s hard work and her outstanding results at large Equestrian events including the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Mr Michael Standent, Gib Gate Coordinator of Sport and PDHPE

STURT

FRIENDS OF STURT Ruth Wright (President), Joan Dinning (Secretary), Denise Sumner, Chris Hurdtich, Julie Musgrave, Helen Jones, Bill Dinning.  (Ex-officio members: Tom Harrington, Melanie Olde, Paul Davis, Megan Patey).

Sturt News
Courses for the Sturt Winter School from 7-11 July have been confirmed.  Regular favourites include: Wood Carving with Nick Statham, Basketry with Virginia Kaiser, Pastels with Virginia O’Leary, Etching for Jewellery with Barbara Ryman, Botanical Painting with Belinda Biggs and Make a Mosaic Table Top with Helen Factor.  These courses are popular and fill quickly.  Contact Sturt Gallery (4860 2083) now if you wish to enrol.  New courses include: Knitting with Liz Gemmel, Gouache Painting with Noel Ford, Life Drawing with Linley Davis, Printing onto Fabric with Annie Trevillian, Black and White Photography with Debra Pearson, Ikebana with Sandra Marker, Printing onto Clay with Petra Svoboda, Tapestry Weaving with Dimity Kidson and Weaving with Monique van Nieuwland.  Some courses are suitable for beginners while others are for students with experience.  For information about the Winter School and enrolment procedures please ring Sturt on 02 4860 2080 or view the website www.sturt.nsw.edu.au

Sturt Gallery
The Meroogal Women’s’ Art Prize finishes this Sunday 24 February.  Ceramic exhibitions will feature at Sturt Gallery during March and April, with a large opening on Saturday 19 April at 5pm, focusing on the two main exhibitions to accompany the Sturt WoodFire 2008 Conference.  Robert Bell, Curator of Decorative Arts and Design at the Australian National Gallery in Canberra, will speak about Australian Wood Firing at this time and officially open these two exhibitions – Key Presenters and The Masters.  All are welcome to attend.

Three-month Fine Woodworking Courses 2008
These will be held on 3 March–23 May, 30 June–19 September and 29 September–19 December.  The first two courses are full, but enrolments are open for the last course to commence on 29 September, to be taught by Toby Muir-Wilson, from Tasmania.

In order to help accommodate students taking these twelve-week courses, Sturt is asking for contact from anyone who may have a spare room, small flat or house, which might be available to students. Once received, we pass on your details to students and they make direct arrangements with you.  If you are interested please contact Sturt Gallery on 4860 2083 or email shop@sturt.nsw.edu.au

Graduate Residents
A special showing of Rhonda Dwyer and Kimberley William’s work will be held at Sturt Gallery on Sunday 2 March, from 4-5pm.  All are welcome to attend.

Friends of Sturt AGM
The Friends of Sturt AGM was held on Sunday 17 March.  Ruth Wright was re-elected as President and Joan Dinning as Secretary.  Committee members include Julie Musgrave, Henrietta and Ralph Ierace, Angela Jones, Bill Dinning and Denise Sumner.

Megan Patey, Head of Sturt

FRENSHAM

Deputy Head

Preparations for Outdoor Education Week and Senior Studies Seminars have now been finalised.

Parents of girls in Years 7-10 should have already completed the Outdoor Education Group Medical Form and received an outline of the programme.  Please ensure that your daughters have the items listed on the equipment list (page 43-44 of the Frensham Information Book).

A letter is enclosed for Parents of girls in Years 11 and 12, containing the permission slip and an outline of the programme for the Senior Studies Seminars.

Students and staff have been briefed and are preparing for their camps or seminar programmes.  The activities are designed to be suitably challenging, educationally valuable and enjoyable.

Please note that girls are expected at school by 8.00am on Tuesday 4 March and all girls are either on Camp, attending a Senior Studies Programme or staying at school during the three days.

Day Boarders who are off campus on Thursday will be back at school by 5.30pm and can be picked up from the Boarding Houses.  Normal classes resume on Friday 7 March.

Mr Geoff Marsh, Deputy Head

Director of Studies

Years 11-12
In recent weeks I have spoken to students in Years 11 and 12 about assessment procedures and the nature of study in the Senior School.  Students have been made aware of the rights and responsibilities with assessment and they have been given a copy of the Frensham HSC and Preliminary HSC Course Assessment Policy.

The importance of handing in all tasks by the stated time (on the due date) has been stressed and students have also been informed of the rationale behind such policies ie the need not to seek unfair advantage over any other student (either within or outside Frensham).

Students in Year 12 have also received a copy of the Board of Studies glossy pamphlet entitled Rules and Procedures for 2008 Higher School Certificate Candidates.  Parents will be notified when this is available on the Board of Studies website.

Further to this, students in Year 11 have been given their Assessment calendar for the year.  [The HSC Assessment Calendar was distributed to students in late 2007].

Years 7- 10
An issue regularly covered in Form is effective study.  Each student at Frensham is expected to have her own study timetable which outlines the date by which work is to be completed and how to manage her assessment programme.

Assessment Calendars in Years 7-10 outline not only the weeks in which tasks will be completed but they also provide a brief outline of the task which students can expect to complete.  Students have the opportunity to map out when their assessments will fall and how best to approach them.  This is an area which will be covered through Form Groups in the coming weeks.

Mr Matthew McMahon, Director of Studies

Director of Boarding

Despite the weather the weekend was enjoyed by all.  Friday night was a showcase of creativity and ingenuity at the St Valentine’s Dinner.  The theme was ‘couples’ and there was a great variety of ideas.  This was followed by an emotionally draining, romantic movie in the Drama Studio. 

Saturday Sport was most successful and students then had the choice of either going to the Bradman Oval to watch the Australian women’s team play England in a four-day Test match, or to the Kangaroo Valley Show.  After Church on Sunday there was a variety of activities in the Boarding House including a ‘feet off the ground’ time to relax and recharge.

We welcomed a new Year 9 student this weekend, Jess Hoorda, in Hartfield House.

The House Staff are pleased with the way the girls have settled in to new houses and new routines.

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

English and Drama

In the previous Newsletter it was mentioned that Suzannah Fullerton would be presenting a seminar on Jane Austen to students in Years 11 and 12.  This will take place on Wednesday 20 February at 2.30pm in Clubbe Hall.

Wide Reading is an integral part of teaching English in all Year groups.  In Year 12, much of this is critical reading and reading to select related texts for the set modules.  In Year 11, the reading is also closely linked with the work being covered in class.

In Stages 4 and 5, a Wide Reading activity is set for each semester.  Students are reminded that the work is the reading itself and that the focus will not be on extensive and time consuming activities.  The activities are designed to ensure that each student has completed the reading.
In Years 8-10, students are beginning the second focus area for the sequenced narrative modules for Term 1.  Year 10 study Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen; Year 9 Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and Year 8 So Much to Tell You by John Marsden.

Preparation is well under way for the Public Speaking segment for Open Day, with the Heads of Debating and Public Speaking, Sarah Hayes and Charlotte Merz organising a varied programme to demonstrate the range of speaking activities available at School.  A highlight is always the showcasing of the sections entered in the AHIGS Festival of Speech and this year girls will present an example of a Current Affairs issue as well as an entry typical of the Poetry reading.

On Wednesday 27 February, students in Years 11 and 12 will be attending the Seven Stages of Grieving at the Wharf Theatre.  Viewing live theatre performances is an important part of senior study in Drama.

Mrs Trish Symons, Director of Language Arts

Japanese

Year 11 and 12 students of Japanese are preparing for their Study Evening at the Nihongo Tanken Centre in Kirrawee at the end of March.  This will be an opportunity for girls to engage in a variety of carefully structured activities in an authentic Japanese environment.  All students will be expected to remove their shoes before stepping on to tatami matting and to speak entirely in Japanese.  An added bonus will be the delicious Japanese lunch box (obentō) which they will enjoy at dinnertime.

Mrs Adrienne Bradney-Smith, Teacher of Japanese

Careers News

Year 12, 2007 are congratulated on some outstanding HSC results followed by successful applications to tertiary study.  The information received so far indicates that this cohort has chosen to study at 12 universities across NSW and the ACT and the range of courses is broad.  Many have decided to defer acceptance of an offer for 12 months in order to work and gain eligibility for Youth Allowance payments when they do commence their studies.  We encourage former students (or their parents) to advise the School as to where they are now and what their plans are.
Please email cwilliams@frensham.nsw.edu.au

Recently Year 12, 2008 participated in the annual University of Wollongong Discovery Days Programme, becoming university students for the day.  After choosing areas of interest, the girls attended lectures, tutorials and workshops covering a broad range of subject areas and these provided a valuable insight into tertiary study.  Later this month, a visit to the campuses of the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Canberra (UC) will take place.

Pictured: Olivia Pirie-Griffiths, Rosie Nielsen and Rosie Hanbury (Year 12)

Year 10 students and their parents are reminded that planning for Work Experience mid-year needs to be underway.  Potential work placements need to be sourced and applications made well in advance.  It is also suggested that students have a backup placement in mind.  Advice has already been received from some parents about placements and the School’s information package will be forwarded to prospective employers during the next vacation.

Please note: Details of confirmed Work Experience placements are required by the end of this term at the latest so that the necessary paperwork can be sent to employers.

Tax File Numbers
Applying through the School for a tax file number is a simple process for students and even if a student does not anticipate working immediately, it is good forward planning to have a tax file number organised.  Applications will be submitted later this term, so please ensure your daughter collects a form soon.  Parents will need to provide a birth certificate number and place of birth.

Mrs Cherylynne Williams, Careers Adviser

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme

Fifty-five new participants have registered for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme for 2008, and this is a record for Frensham.  While the record books have not arrived, this has not prevented students from beginning their qualification.  Many girls have commenced their service component by signing up for the new activity of Farm Management or Nursing Home Visits.  Mr Harris has organised that Frensham girls can now visit Harbison Homes at Burradoo along with Kenilworth and the Abbey.

The participants will also be able to use the upcoming Outdoor Education Week to complete the first part of their Adventure Programme.

Mrs Wendy Elliott, Coordinator Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme 2008

HSIE

Interactive Whiteboards have been an excellent addition to the HSIE Faculty.  Rooms 1, 2 and 3 now have a desktop computer, interactive whiteboard, speakers, and Bluetooth mouse and keyboard available for each lesson.

The involvement of the 2007 HSIE staff in an Australian Government Quality Teaching Programme with Tom March (aimed at enhancing the learning outcomes met from the use of technology) has segued nicely into the introduction of these Interactive Whiteboards.  With Preliminary training now undertaken in the use of these whiteboards and further professional development planned, staff have been able to apply this technology to good effect.

The benefits so far have been notable.  There has been much research into the use of both visual stimuli and colour in the classroom and this is one of the most obvious adaptations.  Learners too, accustomed to technology (a noticeable feature of Generation Y) have embraced the change almost immediately.  The development of strategies to encourage the involvement of learners in the subject has been put in place for the teaching of a number of topic areas.  The scope for imaginative lesson planning is considerable.  Pages (handwritten on the board or typed) can automatically be printed, emailed or saved for the next lesson.  Files (called flipcharts) can be updated or merged with other Windows applications and the ability to use multimedia resources from the internet (with a whole class) is proving most exciting.

The very fact that teachers are being forced to rethink their approach to teaching makes for a reflective climate in the Faculty.

Mr Matthew McMahon, Coordinator of HSIE

Music

Frensham musicians are working towards a number of performance goals in Term 1.  On Open Day, the Junior and Senior Choirs and the Madrigals will be featured in workshop sessions and a sample of the Frensham’s Chamber Music programme will also be on display.  Many other instrumentalists will be involved in entertaining visitors at the open air café. 

The Madrigals and String Quartet have been invited to perform at a special reception for Dr Catherine Hamlin AC in The Great Hall, at Sydney University on the afternoon of Saturday 15 March.  This will serve as extra performance practice for the Madrigals’ performance the next day as part of the ABC Classic FM ‘Sunday Live’ broadcast from Clubbe Hall.  There will be another ABC FM concert the following weekend on Easter Sunday which will feature another selection of Frensham musicians.

Concert Practice is a performance opportunity for every musician at Frensham.  All students are encouraged to take advantage of these concerts where they can gain performance experience in front of a supportive audience.  The next Concert Practice is to be held at 4.45pm on Wednesday 12 March and parents are very welcome.

Mr Michael Spencer, Coordinator of Music

Science

The year has commenced with a range of topics for all year groups which involve a stimulating mix of practical work and theoretical concepts.

Students in Year 7 have been considering the work of a Scientist.  This has required them to become familiar with the safety in the Laboratory, including the lighting of a Bunsen burner.  It will lead to a range of experiences designed to develop their understanding of the Scientific method.  Year 8 students are studying the popular unit of ‘Cosmetic Chemistry’.  This will allow them to see how developments in Chemistry have practical applications in industry and further develop their understanding of Chemical concepts including elements, compounds and mixtures.

Students studying Science in Year 9 begin the year with a topic called ‘Bodily Functions’, which is designed to show how various body systems, including the immune, endocrine, nervous and reproductive systems, play an important role in humans.  Girls in Year 10 are developing their critical thinking skills by considering the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy in an Australian context.  All students are expected to support their opinions with scientific evidence.

Mr Jason Smith, Senior Teacher in Science

Sport

WET WEATHER
Due 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 prior to this.  For information:
IGSSA Wet Weather Line 1900 922 834
IGSSA WEBSITE  http://igssa.ahigs.nsw.edu.au
Boarding house

Current information in relation to Softball, Tennis and Swimming can be found on the IGSSA website.

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