GIB GATE • FRENSHAM • STURT
TERM 1 NO 5 - 3 APRIL 2008

To what extent was Simpson a hero?  How have his heroic qualities been demonstrated by other Australians since 1915?

For her carefully researched 1200 word response (excluding references) to this question, Emma Campbell, now in Year 11, has been awarded one of eight national awards in the Australian Government’s Simpson Prize for students of Year 9 or 10.  The eight recipients of this major award, who represent each State or Territory of Australia, will attend commemorative ANZAC Day services at Gallipoli as part of their award.

Now in its 10th year, the Prize honours John Simpson Kirkpatrick, ‘the man with the donkey’, famous for his bravery under fire while rescuing soldiers at Gallipoli in 1915.  Emma travelled to Canberra two weeks ago to receive her award at Parliament House and to meet those with whom she will be travelling.  Emma is warmly commended for this outstanding achievement.

Emma’s essay concludes:
The press popularised Gallipoli heroes (Cochrane 1992 p 53) and they play a significant role in determining heroes today. The day Simpson was shot was, perhaps ironically; the same day Lance Corporal Albert Jacka won the first Victoria Cross awarded to an Australian for significant military action at Gallipoli. Charles Bean referred to Jacka as ‘the man who performed the most dramatic and effective act of individual audacity in the history of the AIF’ (Board of Studies NSW 2007) yet as attitudes to war changed during the twentieth century the pre-eminent status of WWI’s military heroes was revised. Through this process Simpson’s heroic position was further exalted: ‘In 1930, the date 19 May 1915 was more widely recognised as the day Albert Jacka won the VC than the day of Simpson’s death.  By 1960 Jacka and many other heroes were all but forgotten, yet elementary schooling had ensured that Simpson’s epic deeds were as widely known as they had been during the Great War’ (Cochrane, 1992 p 231).

As a non-combatant Simpson continues to be lauded for bravery, celebrated as an irrepressible spirit and acknowledged as a complete hero for giving his life in the service of others. Simpson’s actions are regarded as a penultimate expression of the ideal of mateship.

Undoubtedly, regard for others is the greatest quality Simpson shares with the men and women of 4RAR (Cdo), the Beaconsfield heroes and selfless advocates like Bernie Banton. Simpson faced death with resourceful independence, compassion and selfless courage. The extent to which he is regarded as a hero depends on the quantum of these personal qualities – virtues still extolled by contemporary society – and acceptance of his story. Nationally, immortalised in bronze outside the Australian War Memorial, with his donkey bearing a wounded ANZAC, Simpson remains the universal, ultimate, unparalleled hero.

As in the past, we are hoping that as many students as possible will represent Gib Gate and Frensham at the annual ANZAC Service in Mittagong or at services in other local areas and around the country.  This year Frensham will be supporting the musical contribution to the Service and assisting Mittagong RSL with their preparations.  Parents are warmly welcomed to march with the School. [Assembly is 10.15am at the Mittagong Information Centre.]

Enrichment & Inspiration:

• Richard Travers, guest speaker this week at Year 11/12’s ‘An Evening With…’ programme inspired students through his address in relation to the research for his recently published historical text Diggers in France;
• ABC Classic FM’s Sunday Live Concert from Clubbe Hall on 23 March included pre-Concert performances (2pm-2.30pm) by Frensham staff and student musicians: Ms Sabine Madden and Mr Luke O’Neill - piano and guitar, Year 9 flautists, Emma Quinn, Emily Maker and Mary Bokey, with their teacher Mrs Vicki Crozier, Mary Bokey - violin, with Ms Madden - piano, Charlotte Moss - a cappella vocal;
• Author, Jane Carroll, this week shared her expertise and her passion for writing through workshops for writers at both Gib Gate and Frensham;
• WoodFire 2008 - Sturt’s international ceramics conference (See Sturt News);
• Please see details in this Newsletter about two major events in Clubbe Hall this weekend:
  • The international public forum on Global Warming this weekend (2.00-4.00pm 5 April) in Clubbe Hall (Tickets at the door - $50 for adults).
  • A Walk to Beautiful – film in Clubbe Hall at 7.00pm on Saturday evening, 5 April - tickets at the door.

Acknowledgement to:

• Gib Gate Staff for their preparation of detailed documentation designed to meet the criteria for Registration and Accreditation K-6 (Board of Studies) and the Pre-School (Department of Community Services), submitted this week;
• Antonia Cadell, Year 10, who has been offered a place in the University of Sydney Gifted and Talented Discovery Program for 2008, being placed in the top 7% of 1500 examination candidates in NSW and ACT.  Antonia will now participate in two three-day workshops during the July and October vacation period;
• Amy Wyer and Mercedes Ramirez Lopez, Year 11, who spoke recently to the School about their varied experiences of overseas studies.  Amy completed an intensive language programme (a LABO Exchange) in Japan over the Christmas vacation and Mercedes Ramirez Lopez is about to return to Chile after spending 10 weeks as a Frensham boarder;
• The Year 11 Mock Trial team, successful last week in their first round against Oxley College at Moss Vale: Katherine Evans, Lucinda Nicolls Small, Annika Rookyard, Saskia Dumas, Jesse Ambler, Madeleine Maslin, Grace Nelson, Jasmin Cain, Amy Wyer, Constance Mort, Amelia Caspers, Olivia Stewart, Jessica Nagel, Alexa Mahony and Emma Campbell;
• Mr Matthew McMahon, History teacher and Director of Studies, who encouraged Emma Campbell to accept the challenge to submit an essay, for the second successive year, in the Simpson Prize;
• Grand Finalists in IGSSA Tennis (1 team) and Softball (3 teams) who will compete in Sydney this weekend and to the Tildesley Tennis team, competing for three days in the prestigious competition that involves teams from 24 independent girls’ schools from within the Association of Heads of Independent Schools;
• Mrs Leonie Harris, teacher of Agriculture and senior Show Cattle team members, Ellyse O’Leary-Sims, Year 12, Laura Kent and Hannah Burrows, Year 11, who spent six days and five nights living with and looking after our animals and representing the School at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.  Results just to hand include a Championship Award to the first of our recently established herd born and raised at Frensham - ‘Harry’, for further details in the next Newsletter;
• Recently appointed student leaders of Soccer and Skiing: Rachael Fisher, Year 12 (Captain of Soccer) with Saskia Dumas and Lucy Daniel, Year 11 (Vice Captains) and Alexandra Hanbury, Year 12 (Captain of Skiing) with Emily Irish, Year 11 (Vice Captain).

Uniform update:

Please see Community News for extended Ranier Shop Opening Hours

Winter Uniform
Please note that students wear winter uniform from the start of Term 2. 

Ahead - ANZAC Service 25 April
Those representing Gib Gate and Frensham at the ANZAC Service in Mittagong are also asked to wear full winter uniform, with blazers and hats.  Parents are asked to ensure that the tunic length meets regulation length of 6-9 cm above the knee when kneeling.

Frensham Replacement of winter tunics
All parents who purchased the new Frensham tunic in 2007 are asked to arrange for their return to Ranier Shop prior to the end of term for replacement.  [Replacement is owing to a fault in the fabric.]

With more than 150 tunics to be replaced it will be of great help to the Shop if this replacement process can be completed prior to the end of this term.

Alterations for replacement tunics should be arranged well prior to the start of Term 2.

Staffing:
With regret, I note the departure at the end of Term 1 of Ms Jacqueline Buchanan, a member of the McCarthy House team.  In her time at Frensham, Ms Buchanan has shared valuable experience with colleagues and enjoyed working with students.  Ms Buchanan leaves to spend time with family members in need of her support.

Reminders:

Communication…
The WWS Newsletter is posted on our website on the date of publication of each fortnightly Newsletter and that archived copies of the Newsletter are also accessible on-line.  See: http://www.frensham.nsw.edu.au/newsletter.htm or visit the websites of Gib Gate or Frensham and click on the Newsletter icon.  Sturt’s site is updated regularly with Sturt-specific information.

AHEAD

Information Evenings 2008:

• 13 June (Friday) 12noon-5pm &
• 14 June (Saturday) 9.30am-3.30pm – Rydges Lakeside Canberra: Boarding Schools Expo
• 6 August (Wednesday) – The Commonwealth Club, Canberra
• 20 August (Wednesday) – The Royal Sydney Golf Club
• 11 September (Thursday) – Mittagong Sample Boarding Programme & Information Evening

*UK Boarding Schools’ Association
For the first week of Term 2, I will be in York in the United Kingdom, attending the Boarding Schools’ Association Conference for Heads of School.  The theme of the Conference, ‘Education in the Round’, will focus on the breadth of experience inherent in residential education.  Chair of the BSA for 2007-2008 and Head of Giggleswick School is Mr Geoffrey Boult who visited Frensham most recently in 2006 and is keen to foster the international linkages between boarding schools.  [*Frensham has been an overseas member of the Association for the past five years.]

With thanks to all for support in Term 1, we ask for close attention to the details regarding return of information in preparation for Term 2 - the offices remain open at Sturt and Frensham for the entire vacation period.  Please note that in my absence in Week 1 of term, Mr Geoff Marsh will be Acting Head of the School.

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

AHEAD:

Parent / Community News

Frensham Fellowship News

With the support of Frensham Fellowship: A Walk to Beautiful Special screening Saturday 5 April at 7.00pm A Walk to Beautiful follows five women in Ethiopia who suffer from devastating childbirth injuries.  Shunned by their communities, these women spend their lives in utter misery, loneliness and shame. The film follows their journey to Dr Catherine Hamlin AC, at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, where their lives are transformed because of the work of this outstanding Australian doctor. Clubbe Hall, Waverley Parade, Mittagong Tickets available at the door – no bookings necessary. Adults: $5.00 per person. Students: Gold coin donation. Proceeds to The Hamlin Fistula Relief and Aid Fund (film runs for 84 minutes) NB: The Sturt Café will be open until 7.00pm on this evening to coincide with this special event.

GIB GATE

Parents and students travelled to The King’s School on Saturday 28 March to represent Gib Gate at the JSHAA Cross Country Carnival.  In perfect conditions, the Gib Gate runners performed very well and are congratulated on their stamina and determination.  Thank you to Mr Standen and Mr Sheehan for supporting the team and to parents who volunteered their assistance throughout the day.

As part of their studies in HSIE, Mrs Musgrove and Year 4 have been studying a unit of work entitled, ‘Cacophony’. This unit focuses on developing students’ understanding of local government and the importance of civic participation.  As part of their studies Year 4 invited Mayor Gordon Lewis to a question and answer session in their classroom.  Prior to the visit students prepared questions to ask Mayor Lewis regarding current local issues affecting the Wingecarribee Shire.  Mayor Lewis was very generous with his time, answering every student’s question and giving the class an insight into the workings of local government.  After the visit, Year 4 was delighted to receive a letter from Mayor Lewis, complimenting the students on their knowledgeable questions and good manners.  Year 4 will follow up their question time with a visit to the Wingecarribee Shire Council Chambers and Resource Recovery Centre in Week 11.

Nyssa Bunyan (Year 6) Cedric Hely (left) and Ryley Wickham (Year 3)

After such a successful and productive Term 1, it is exciting to look forward to events planned for Term 2 2008.  During Term 2 there will be many opportunities for parents to support their children and the School through attending school events.  One event which takes place during the vacation is of particular importance as we value the opportunity to commemorate the significant role played in Australian history by Australian and New Zealand service men and women.  All Gib Gate and Frensham students are welcome to take part in the official ANZAC Day March on Friday 25 April.  An invitation accompanies this newsletter.   Please mark the following dates in your diaries: 25 April ANZAC Day Parade; 9 May Mothers’ Day Breakfast; 20 May Interrelate Parent/Child Personal Development Evening; 30 May WWS Birthday Service; 19 June Parenting Workshop: K-6 Mathematics at Gib Gate; 24 June Preschool Reception Grandparents’ Day; 28 June to 1 July  Gib Gate Learn to Ski Programme. Performance assemblies are an important part of the Gib Gate experience and are another excellent opportunity for parents (and relatives) to gain an insight into the quality of the educational experience offered at the School.  Those held during Term 1 have highlighted the considerable talents and diversity of Gib Gate students.  Classes have enjoyed the opportunity to share aspects of their classroom programme with the whole school and there have been numerous outstanding musical performances from individuals.

Ms Sally Robson, Head of Gib Gate

Extra Curricular Activities

Woodwork will be offered on Mondays for Term 2 only this year.  There are a limited number of places and enrolment forms must be returned early to avoid disappointment.  Lucy Turner will offer Toy Shops on Fridays next term.  Printmaking on Wednesdays was held for the first time in Term 1 and will continue to run next term for any interested craft students.  Please note that enrolments are due before the end of term.  Classes will be advertised in the Weekly Green Bulletin.

Mrs Anne Graham, Gib Gate Coordinator

Gib Gate Sport

Basketball
Basketball season is almost finished with the grand finals taking place this week.  Congratulations to all seven Gib Gate teams who qualified for the finals series in their respective age groups.  We wish the Gib Gate teams, The Fury, Fierce, Thunder and Astro Boys good luck for their final game this week. 

The following children are also to be congratulated for the award of Most Valuable Player:  Jessica Mackenzie (Year 4) MVP Girls Year 2 to 4 competition and Lilli Jephcott (Year 6) MVP Girls Year 5 to 6 competition.

Cross-Country
Following a successful School Cross Country Carnival a few weeks ago, a strong team of runners was chosen to compete at the JSHAA Cross Country Carnival held at The King’s School Parramatta last Saturday 29 March.

The Gib Gate team competed commendably with the following runners winning selection in the NSW JSHAA team to compete at the NSW CIS championships to be held at Eastern Creek Raceway on 30 May 2008.  Emil Thaning (Year 3) winner of the 8/9 Years Boys event,  Olivia Spring (Year 6) 15th in the Girls 11 Years event and Lilli Jephcott (Year 6) 12th in the Girls 12 Years event.

Winter sports
Soccer and Rooball competitions have already started with the first games being played last Saturday 29 March.  Hockey, Minkey, Netta and Netball all begin the following Saturday 5 April.  All teams have started training and we wish them good luck and great enjoyment for the season ahead.

Netball
Congratulations to Jemima Purvis and Adelaide Wallace (Year 6) who have been selected to trial for the NSW JSHAA netball team.

Mr Michael Standen, Coordinator of PE and Sport

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
Sturt WoodFire 2008 18-21 April
One hundred and twenty delegates have registered for this conference, with strong interest continuing and it is anticipated that 200 people will attend.  Pre-conference workshops with three tutors are full, with 33 students attending courses to be held from 14–17 April at Sturt Pottery.

Significant attendees at the conference include: Ron Meyers, one of America’s well-known ceramic artists; Yasuo Terada, fourth generation artist potter from Seto; Japan; Janet Mansfield OAM and President of the International Academy of Ceramics; Robert Bell, Senior Curator of Decorative Arts and Design at the National Gallery of Australia; Tony Bond, Director of Curatorial Services at the Art Gallery of NSW; Peter Rushforth, esteemed teacher of ceramics for over fifty years and highly regarded potter; Ian Jones, Churchill Fellow, potter and teacher from Canberra; Jacqueline Clayton, Head of Design, College of Fine Arts, Sydney; Owen Rye, University lecturer for many years, and one of Australia’s most highly respected writers on wood firing and ceramic aesthetics.  Many international ceramic artists will be attending from Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Denmark, Scotland and the USA.

Information about access to Conference proceedings can be categorized as follows:

1. Lectures, forums and individual presentations at Clubbe Hall and at Frensham Drama Theatre – only open to those who have registered;
2. Exhibitions, demonstrations and firings – open to all.

Lectures, Forums and Individual Presentations – Five forums and 17 individual presentations will be held at Clubbe Hall and Frensham Drama Theatre.  These forums and discussions will look at a range of issues including: environmental concerns, sustainability for the wood firer, women wood firers, personal visions, studio practice, woodfiring in West Timor, in Egypt, in Germany, in Canada and the USA.  As well, John Henderson will deliver a paper on the Japanese Tea Ceremony, as well as perform a tea ceremony.

Exhibitions
Sixty-four artists will exhibit work in a range of exhibitions to be held during Sturt WoodFire 2008 – to be held at Sturt Gallery, Sturt Shop, Sturt Cottage, Sturt, Clubbe Hall foyer and in the Archives building.  All exhibitions will be open to the public between 10.00am and 5.00pm from Saturday 19 April – Monday 21 April.  Exhibitions include:

The Masters – exhibiting nine distinguished and well renowned Australian wood firers; Key Presenters – presenting the work of five keynote speakers and tutors for Sturt WoodFire 2008; A Taste of Wood Firing – showing 20 established and significant Australian wood firers; Far Flung – presenting work from 10 international visitors; Watch This Space – displaying ten wood firers who have established studios in the previous ten years; Outside the Square – three artists whose work moves beyond the boundaries of traditional form; Local Wood Firers – showing the work of four Southern Highland wood firers; Susie McMeekin – showing recent work by Susie McMeekin, daughter of the founder of Sturt Pottery, Ivan McMeekin; Mugs, Mugs and More Mugs – displaying wood fired mugs by many delegates; and the Delegates Exhibition – presenting work from every delegate who attends Sturt WoodFire 2008.  A catalogue is being produced for several of these exhibitions, and will be available for purchase from Sturt Gallery from 14 April.  A small historical display highlighting key events from Sturt Pottery’s 54 year history will be on display in the foyer of Clubbe Hall.
Three exhibition openings will be held, each afternoon, at 5.30pm on Sturt Lawn, on Friday 18, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April.  Distinguished visitors, Chester Nealie, Robert Bell, and Janet Mansfield will officially open these exhibitions.  The general public is free to attend all exhibitions and openings.

Demonstrations
Visiting ceramic artists will be demonstrating their skills for approximately one hour each time in the Weaving Room at Sturt.  These demonstrations will be held from 11.20am to 5.00pm on Saturday 19 April and 11.20am to 5.00pm on Sunday 20 April.  Visitors are free to watch demonstrations at these times.  A detailed programme listing demonstrators will be available from Sturt Gallery from Friday 18 April.  Visitors will be able to view a firing on Saturday 19 April all day at Sturt Pottery.  Experimental firings will take place at Sturt Pottery on Monday 21 April from 9.00am to 12.30pm open to all to observe.

For further information, ring Sturt on 4860 2083, 4860 2080 or view the website www.sturt.nsw.edu.au/events.

Megan Patey, Head of Sturt

FRENSHAM

Deputy Head

During the second week of the vacation, Frensham and Gib Gate students will be competing in the New South Wales Interschools Equestrian event to be held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre.  Frensham will be represented by a large team of riders in the event and they will be supported by Miss Amanda Sharpe.

Frensham girls will be competing in IGSSA Soccer for the first time in Term 2.  Please read the information regarding Term 2 sport included in this mailing.  It outlines the requirement for each sport as well as the training days and carnivals.  The IGSSA Cross-Country will be held at Frensham this year for the first time.  The Cross-Country is one of the major events on the IGSSA Sporting calendar with well over 500 competitors from most IGSSA schools.  Although Frensham does not run the event, we do provide Course officials and ensure the facilities are in place for the event to run smoothly.

A Junior Dance class is now operating on Thursday afternoons in the Dance Studio.  From the beginning of Term 2, a Senior Dance class will be held on Tuesday afternoons from 4.00pm to 5.30pm.  The class will be run by Miss Monique Bastin.  Monique graduated from Brent Street Studios Full-time Performing Arts School (Cert.IV) in 2007.  In her time there she has trained with some of the best performers and choreographers in Australia.  Since graduating, Monique has returned to Mittagong to share her knowledge with the young dancers.

Mr Geoff Marsh, Deputy Head

Director of Studies

This week the idea of resilience was revisited with Year 12 students.  In a number of educational circles the idea of resilience has become somewhat of a “buzz” term but the power of this notion should not be underestimated.

In an article by Roger F. Peters entitled ‘Building Psychological Resilience’, he suggests that … ‘if we try and just pursue what is … probably not achievable, i.e., a stress-free life, we are focused too much on one side of the equation …  Thus the idea of building up resilience or what others have regarded as psychological hardiness becomes a critical component in improving the welfare of ourselves’.

In keeping with this, key pointers about how resilience can be developed were highlighted and addressed.  Some of these tips include: taking care of one’s physical health, checking against negative thinking, making plans (and making time), working collegially and feeling comfortable with support, avoiding self-absorption, finding humour, the notion of rewards and working outside one’s comfort zone.

If Peters’ definition of Resilience ‘(the) armour we can develop by maximising our personality, maximising our coping resources and then adding optimism’ is accepted, then the ability of a school and of teachers to pave the way for life’s adventures and challenges, is considerable.  Frensham’s use of the BounceBack programme has no doubt proven beneficial, yet the on-going implications of resilience education are vast.  Not surprisingly, resilience, in an academic framework for our Senior Students, will be an area for further workshopping across the year.

Mr Matthew McMahon, Director of Studies

Director of Boarding

The girls have had opportunities to participate in a range of activities since returning from the Easter break and there are a number of interesting and varied activities ahead.

This weekend Year 12 girls organised a games night and after dinner on Saturday turned out all the lights, computers, ‘phone chargers, microwaves, etc. and went to the gym for Earth Hour.  Diana Nielsen, Adelaide Lang, Jessica Brigden, Phillipa Daniel and Katrina Weir (Year 12) had prepared an activity on "Preserving our Planet", after which the School played charades by lamp light.

Next weekend a number of girls will be leaving on Saturday to complete their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Expedition and on Saturday afternoon the senior girls will have the opportunity to listen to Mr Eigil Friis-Christensen, the Director of the Danish National Space Centre on Global Warming.  In the evening the whole school will attend the film ‘A Walk to Beautiful’, an evening about Dr Catherine Hamlin's work in the Ethiopian fistula hospital.

End of term travel: Girls travelling south, north and west will be leaving on the morning of Saturday 12 April and the girls now have the times buses will be arriving at the various destinations.  The Sydney bus will leave on the afternoon of Friday 11 April to arrive at approximately 4.45pm.

Our very best wishes for a safe and happy holiday.

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

Teaching and Learning

In addition to the professional development activities on 20 and 25 March, Teachers from a number of Faculties participated in a three-day programme with Dr Julia Atkin on 26, 27 and 28 March.  Winifred West Schools is committed to the mentoring model of professional learning activities where experts work closely with teachers on a regular basis over a period of a year or more.  In 2007 and 2008 we have been fortunate to secure a mentoring relationship with Dr Atkin who has guided us through large group presentations and small group meetings.  The most recent activities involved teachers from English, PDHPE and HSIE meeting individually with Dr Atkin to workshop teaching and assessment plans that were, or will be, implemented directly with classes.  Dr Atkins’ sessions focused on lifting student performance through assessment criteria developed by students ahead of the task, designing lessons which develop skills at each individual student’s point of need, techniques for evaluating teacher practice and lessons specifically designed to develop higher order thinking.

Mrs Bronwyn Tregenza, Coordinator of Teaching and Learning

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme

Over the Easter break seven Year 11 students conducted and completed their first Gold expedition.  This was a great achievement as the girls planned and executed the three nights and four days unaided, with only supervisory support from Mr Harris and Mr Schofield (grandfather of Amy Wyer).

The expedition was in the Yass/Bookham area and started at the "Bogolara" property and finished at "Talmo".  They followed the Murrumbidgee river up to Burrinjuck Nature Reserve and then along the Dam before reaching the Hume and Hovel walking track.  The students walked a total of 60kms over steep terrain which included a 400m incline.  They found it a challenging expedition but as Amy Wyer reflected “we had an amazing time, the best yet”.

Participants were: Grace Nelson, Emily Alison, Amelia Caspers, Jesse Ambler, Sally Newton, Saskia Dumas and Amy Wyer This weekend, 36 Silver participants take on the wilds of Bungonia on a three day hiking trip.  Students will be expected to cook their own meals in small groups, navigate much of the trek and carry all provisions.  Departure will be on Saturday afternoon, with girls returning on Monday at 3:30pm. Mrs Wendy Elliott, Coordinator of Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme

Left to right:  Amy Wyer, Sally Newton, Emily Alison, Amelia Caspers, Saskia Dumas, Jesse Ambler, Grace Nelson (Year 11) during the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expedition (Gold)

English and Drama

Over the last two weeks of term, girls in most year groups are involved in assessment of the outcomes taught in the modules currently studied.  Year 12 Advanced students in a viewing task have demonstrated their understanding of how values can be represented in two different film texts and then made the connections to Shakespeare’s Hamlet; Year 12 Standard completed a reading and writing task based on the Area of Study; Year 12 Extension 1 in an oral and creative writing task will reflect on their understanding of the ideas of Postmodern literary theory; Preliminary English students are preparing an oral presentation which requires them to link the ideas in their set texts with two related texts; Year 10 have viewed excerpts from film texts which demonstrate the conventions they have studied about romance and Year 9 are applying their study of the way language creates mystery in a reading task.

The closing date for Frensham for entries in the ‘Write Now’ Competition is Friday 4 April.  All students in Years 7 to 9 have been working on drafts as part of their classwork.  In this competition students are given a choice of three story starters by current children’s authors and they are required to finish the story.  Class teachers have also distributed information about several other competitions including the Dorothea Mackellar poetry writing competition, the Taronga Poetry Competition and the Sydney Morning Herald Young Writer of the Year.

Entries have also arrived for the Plain English Speaking Competition (Years 10-12) and The Legacy Junior Speaking Competition (Years 8 and 9).  Any student who would like to be considered for these competitions is to see her English teacher, Sarah Hayes or Charlotte Merz (Heads of Public Speaking and Debating) to register her interest in preparing a speech.  Two candidates will be entered in each competition.

Jane Carroll, noted author and Frensham Old Girl will be working with girls in Years 8 and 9 in class on Friday on ways of developing their creative writing.  She will also be available to mentor those students in Extension 2 who are preparing short stories for their Major Works.

Mrs Trish Symons, Director Language Arts

HSIE

Professional Development
During March, Ms Machelle Williams attended Business Studies and Economics Professional Development Days run by both the Economics Literacy Centre (ELC) and Economics and Business Educators (EBE) NSW.

The need for up-to-date information in the teaching of Economics is paramount and, as such, there were several presentations of great interest.  Particular highlights pertaining to Economics included informative presentations delivered by senior economists on topic areas such as the economic outlook for the Australian and US economies, the resources boom, financial markets and the impact of the credit crunch on the global economy.  Speakers included Mr Craig James of CommSec, Mr Rory Robertson of Macquarie Bank and Mr David Orsmond of the Reserve Bank of Australia.

The Business Studies sessions had an entrepreneurial theme and focused on developing strategies which encourage entrepreneurial thinking in students.  The keynote speaker was Mr Gary Leach, an entrepreneur and founder of Kettle Chips, and he delivered a fascinating account of his journey in establishing a successful business and how he dealt with the competitive threats along the way.  This information which will be of great use when incorporated into lessons with students.

History Teachers’ Association of NSW History Extension Essay Competition
To follow on the wonderful news about Emma Campbell’s achievements in the national Simpson Prize, the HSIE faculty is pleased to announce that Selena Bateman (Year 12, 2007) is to receive a Certificate of Excellence in the History Teachers Association History Extension Essay Competition.

Each school in NSW is allowed to submit the two best Major Project essays from its HSC History Extension cohort - to be judged in this separate competition (not linked with HSC results in any way).

To her great credit, Selena had already been ranked fifth in the state in this subject – an achievement which celebrated both her internal assessment achievement and her performance in the external HSC Examination.  This award, however, is specifically for her essay (on the historiography surrounding Henry Kissinger) and recognises the erudite and scholarly manner in which she researched her topic and the way in which she wrote up her final piece and for this she is congratulated.

Mr Matthew McMahon, Coordinator of HSIE

Mock Trial Report

The Mock Trial Team contested Oxley College last Thursday 27 March at Moss Vale.  It was round two of the State Mock Trial Competition, and the team performed admirably against worthy opponents.  In all, 15 keen Year 11 students attended, both to participate and to support the team which was fortunate to win this round.  Frensham was the ‘prosecution’ and had to prove intent in a case where a shopper took three items from two different areas of the store and was heading for the exit when she was apprehended by the store detective.  The ‘magistrate’ found that Frensham had proven its case and won the Mock Trial on the performance in court.  Appearing for Frensham, were Katherine Evans and Jesse Ambler (barristers); Lucinda Nicolls Small (solicitor); Emma Campbell and Grace Nelson (witnesses) and Amelia Caspers as Court Officer.

The performances on the day were well planned and constructed, given that the Team was unaware of the opposition’s case.  The girls had been well prepared by the coach, Mrs Fiona Jowett of Selman Jowett Solicitors of Bowral and their grounding in precedents and an understanding of procedures was invaluable.  The team was supported by Annika Rookyard, Saskia Dumas, Madeleine Maslin, Jasmine Cain, Amy Wyer, Constance Mort, Olivia Stewart, Jessica Nagel and Alexa Mahony.

The Mock Trial was held in Moss Vale, which enabled the rest of the Team to see the trial and how the court room operated.  Special mention must be made of our two witnesses, Emma Campbell and Grace Nelson.  Emma has been involved in the orientation for the Simpson Prize in Canberra, whilst Grace stepped into the role with only one day to prepare.  Both performed their scripts flawlessly and were ably supported by their barristers.  The preparation of all team members was evident.  The team effort was exemplary, demonstrated by the central role of Lucinda Nicolls Small.  Due to strong interest in the Year 11 group, some changes will be made when we enter Round Three in Term Two.

Ms Judy Bradley

Music

Efforts continue to be made in support of good music practice habits at Frensham.  Last week, the Kennedy, Hartfield and Linden boarding houses each took possession of a new Yamaha ‘Silent’ piano.  These are conventional acoustic instruments with a special function which allows students to switch to a silent electronic mode with headphones in order to practise without disturbing other girls in the House.  Adding to the variety of places to practise it is hoped that this will be particularly helpful for girls who want to practise in the House at night and on weekends.

Mr Michael Spencer, Coordinator of Music

Sport

Congratulations to all of our Softball and Tennis teams for a highly successful season.  It was very rewarding to see the girls improve as they trained diligently throughout the season.  Congratulations also to the Softball 2nds, 4ths, As and Es who played in the Semi-finals at Santa Sabina last weekend and to the Tennis 4ths and 5ths who played at Tara.  Good luck to the Softball 4ths, As and Es and the Tennis 5ths who are through to the Grand Finals next Saturday.  Grand final details for Softball are outlined below:

Softball
4ths, As, Es, Year 7 Purple
Venue: Cumberland College of Health Sciences, East Street, Lidcombe.
Bus departs Stanley Street, Mittagong at 7.00am, returning at 1.00pm.
Matches: 
9.10am - 3B & 5B
10.20am – 2A & 4B
Dress:   Full sports uniform including hat, mouth guards and shin pads.
Food packs will be provided.  Please bring water bottle.

Tennis
Venue: Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush
Bus departs Stanley Street, Mittagong at 5.45am, returning at 11.30am.
Matches: 7.45am 5ths playing Loreto Kirribilli, Courts 3 and 4
Dress: Full sports uniform including hat.
Food packs will be provided.  Please bring your racquet and a water bottle.
               
Thank you to all the coaches and umpires who have assisted throughout the season and to the parents for their enthusiastic support.  Special mention must go to the Softball and Tennis Captains, Sophie Hutchinson and Eve Hoskins, and Vice Captains, Katrina Weir and Alison Murphy, whose dedication, strong leadership skills and sense of fun have made this season so enjoyable.

Best wishes go to the Tildesley Team who are attending the Tildesley Tournament in Thornleigh from 1-4 April, 2008.

A reminder to Soccer and Basketball players that there will be a Sports Clinic on Sunday 4 May.  All girls playing these particular sports are expected to attend.  Full sports uniform including a hat and water bottle are required:

Soccer – Games Field
Years 7 - 9: 11.00am - 12.30pm
Years 10 - 12: 1.00pm - 2.30pm

Basketball - Parker Gymnasium
Years 9 & 10: 11.00am - 12.30pm
Years 11 & 12: 1.00pm - 2.30pm

Miss Jacqui Longworth, Teacher, PDHPE/Sport

WET WEATHER
Due to the short season for all IGSSA Sports, every attempt is made to play the inter-school matches.  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 or the Boarding house.

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