GIB GATE • FRENSHAM • STURT
TERM 2 NO 4 - 12 JUNE 2008

‘When we no longer know what to do we have come to our real work and when we no longer know which way to go we have begun our real journey.  The mind that is not baffled is not employed.  The impeded stream is the one that sings.’ (Wendell Berry)

The above is drawn from a paper by Arthur L Costa and Bena Kallick (Habits of Mind: A Developmental Series, 2000) whose work on Habits of Mind is of such interest to educators today.  They note that a ‘habit of mind’ means ‘having a disposition toward behaving intelligently when confronted with problems, the answers to which are not immediately known’  and they identify 16 of these habits as descriptions of 16 ways in which we display our intelligence.

In our work over the past five years, in both the classroom and House settings, we have focused with students on their performance and response under the kind of challenging conditions that demand intelligent responses such as strategic reasoning, insight, perseverance, focused listening and creativity and we note the strengthening of approach possible when students are supported to identify their own poor habits, acquire new approaches and practise effective responses.

For students in younger years acquisition of the habit of 'Managing Impulsivity' (learning to think before acting) can make the difference between success and great difficulty in class and in personal relations.  Reflective individuals consider alternatives, gather information and seek to understand rather than blurting out the first response that comes to mind or starting on a project before fully understanding the directions. 

Through the Year 12 Dinner discussions this year we have had a direct opportunity to encourage girls to practise the habits of listening to others with understanding and empathy and to think flexibly (…the ability to change one’s mind as additional data is received, to think laterally and to shift perspective as and when appropriate).  Posing questions that allow others to clarify their thinking rather than simply restating one’s own opinion was an agreed focus for future discussions (the habit: questioning and posing problems), following our recent round-table consideration of the Bill Henson Exhibition debate from their own perspective and from those including Cardinal Pell, the mother of the teenage model, an art critic and Prime Minister Rudd.

(Full information about Habits of Mind can be found at www.habitsofmind.org)

Acknowledgement to:

• Year 11 Visual Arts students offered a place in the National Art School’s Intensive Studio Practice course for January 2009: Olivia Stewart (Printmaking), Emily Cameron (Sculpture) and Sophie Bligh (Sculpture);
• Iris recipient at the Birthday Concert: Eve Hoskins (All Round Excellence) and recent Girdle recipients: Lucinda Beak (Sport), Phillipa Daniel (Economics), Samantha Hawker (Academic Excellence), Samantha Pogson (Service) and Sophie Hutchinson (Sport);
• Musicians and Music Staff who led the School during the Birthday weekend.  There were many special moments where music inspired...the staff's All You Need is Love for Mrs Cyganiewicz at the Birthday Lunch and the Gib Gate/Frensham version of One Voice were noted highlights;
• American Classical League Award recipients in Years 9 to 12 who received certificates and medallions for outstanding achievement in the 2008 international competition;
• The Nagel and Mort families for hosting the Year 11 Agriculture class, with Mrs Harris for their recent four-day farm study in Mudgee;
• Finalists in the IGSSA Basketball and Soccer competition for Term 2 who are scheduled to play their first round of finals on Saturday 14 June;
• Combined Independent Schools (CIS) Cross Country competitors representing IGSSA and Frensham on Friday 30 May at Eastern Creek: Grace Musgrove, placed 3rd, Alice Lee-Warner placed 11th and Lydia Hall placed 24th in their respective age groups;
• Mrs Muir-Smith, cast and backstage crews on the Birthday Play - Arsenic and Old Lace;
• Adriana Bond, Year 11 student coordinator with the Health Centre for the Blood Donation programme involving volunteers from Years 11 and 12;

Thank you to:

• …all who contributed to the Services, celebrations and musical events of the 95th Birthday weekend;
• …all who sent messages, e-mails and cards offering their Birthday Wishes or their appreciation of the effort of staff and students over the Birthday Weekend;
• …Year 11, who were in full support of every detail of the planning and management of the Birthday Weekend, from late night re-setting of Clubbe Hall to hosting of guests on the Games Field;
• Mr Graham Meredith, organiser of the annual WWS Foundation Golf Day for the community of Frensham and Gib Gate on Friday 30 May and all who worked in support or offered sponsorship for the event;

Pre-school to Year 12 – Birthday memories
In accordance with a recent tradition (2001) the two youngest members of Gib Gate’s Kindergarten class are invited to cut the WWS Birthday Cake with two members of Year 12, at the end of our WWS Birthday Service in Clubbe Hall.   Year 12, reflecting on their last WWS Service confirmed that Amelia Armstrong, Jessica Bond, Nellie Evans, Rosie Hanbury, Caitlin McDougall, Kate Rodgers and Alexandra Thomas, started their School lives in Preschool at Gib Gate and that Elouise Abraham, Stephanie Coffey, Dakota Doyle, Sarah Hayes, Harriet Lawless and Stephanie Wright also attended Gib Gate at some stage...'and it all seems so long ago...!'

Student Exchange – Kaifeng City, China
Through a project we have undertaken with the Wingecarribee Shire Council we are about to host a teacher and two students for three weeks as part of a cultural exchange with Kaifeng City.  The visitors will arrive for the last week of our June/July vacation to be hosted by our families and then stay on campus for the first two weeks of Term 3.  We have been pleased to support the local council in their efforts to enrich the existing ‘sister city’ relationship.

The Barrow Boy…a gift to Frensham
We are delighted to note that The Barrow Boy, sculpted by Old Girl Brooke Maurice (1955)has now become a permanent fixture at Frensham, courtesy of a donor who learned of our keenness to acquire the sculpture after it was part of the Iris Connection Art Exhibition and the Iris Country Fair Garden display.  Currently located adjacent to School Hall, the sculpture will be positioned finally once the St Francis courtyard landscaping is completed.  In the meantime, ‘he’ is drawing much interest and positive comment, including: ‘We like his attitude…he appears to be very keen to do a good day’s work…’

Staffing

• As advised to staff and students last week, with great emotion, we will be farewelling at the end of the year Mrs Susan Cyganiewicz, Director of Boarding.  Mrs Cyganiewicz has decided to retire after 23 years of total devotion to the girls and families of Frensham.  Knowing that many are keen to offer personal thanks to Mrs Cyganiewicz and also to celebrate her distinguished life at Frensham, we invite Parents of the Past 23 years to attend a Parent Reunion 'under the big top'  on the Sunday after the Bush Dance - Sunday 21 September.  Full details will be published before the end of this term but please keep that date free in your dairy;
• I am pleased to advise that Mr Lindon Keft joins the staff of Winifred West Schools from Monday 16 June in the role of Head Gardener / Horticulturist.  Mr Keft currently operates the Robertson Nursery in Robertson.  He brings extensive knowledge of gardens in the Highlands and a strong interest in the gardens of the School;

Ahead:

Artists-in-Residence
During their three month residency, Sturt Artists-in-Residence, Annie Trevillian (screen printer) and Monique Van Nieuwland (weaver) will be offering visual presentations on their work:

• Annie Trevillian will be speaking on Monday 7 July at 5.30pm, Sturt Gallery and on Wednesday 9 July at 4.30pm, Frensham Drama Theatre.  Her exhibition is currently on display in the Gallery which finishes 13 July.
• Monique Van Nieuwland will be addressing interested parties on Thursday 10 July at 5.30pm, Frensham Drama Theatre.  Her work will be exhibited at the end of her residency on 19 July.

Both artists are also teaching at the Sturt Winter School 7-11 July 2008.

NSW Boarding Schools Expo - Canberra
Frensham will be represented at the NSW Boarding Schools Expo on Friday 13 June [12noon to 5.00pm] and Saturday 14 June [9.30am-3.00pm] at Rydges Lakeside, Canberra. 

Parents are encouraged to alert anyone considering a Frensham education for their daughter to this opportunity to meet our Registrar and Assistant Registrar, Mrs Stewart and Mrs Rule, to gain information.

Information Evenings/Cocktail Parties:
Wednesday 6 August, 6.00-8.00pm, Canberra (Commonwealth Club)
Wednesday 20 August, 6.00-8.00pm, Sydney (Royal Sydney Golf Club)

For Further information please contact Mrs Liz Rule:
Phone: 02 4860 2100
Email: erule@frensham.nsw.edu.au

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

AHEAD:

Parent / Community News

GIB GATE

On Wednesday 28 May Gib Gate students and staff enjoyed the opportunity to raise awareness and offer support for The National Breast Cancer Foundation. Dressing up in any combination of pink or red certainly made a colourful statement and the students raised over $500.00 through gold coin donations.  The Year 6 Office and Assembly monitors organised the day as part of the Leadership programme and sold the 300 pink-iced buns generously donated by Mr and Mrs Harrington of Baker’s Delight, Mittagong.

On Thursday 19 June Ms O’Rourke will present a Parent Workshop on Mathematics entitled, ‘Maths in Action’.  Through participating in hands-on group activities parents will be able to gain a better understanding of how Mathematics is taught and learnt at Gib Gate. Mental mathematics is an important part of the overall Mathematics programme and through participating in instructional games, using concrete materials and working collaboratively, students are confident about trying mental strategies to solve problems.

Over the past six years Gib Gate staff has been involved in professional development projects based on the results of longitudinal studies conducted by Professor Doug Clarke.  These studies focus on the understanding, assessment and development of mathematical thinking of primary aged children.  At Gib Gate, every student from Kindergarten to Year 6 undertakes a one to one interview which maps his/her progress against a framework of growth points developed as a result of this study.  This framework of growth points provides teachers with a means to understand how the mathematical thinking in each individual is developing and allows us to design programmes specifically to meet the needs of the students.  The Mathematics programme is therefore a combination of whole group instruction and students working in small groups on activities which target specific concept development. As a result, the teaching and learning of Mathematics at Gib Gate are student centered and individualised.

The Maths in Action Workshop will be held in the Gib Gate Hall from 9-10am with tea and coffee available from 8.45am. Parents who would like to attend should RSVP to Mrs Russell.

Ms Sally Robson, Head of Gib Gate

STURT

FRIENDS OF STURT Ruth Wright (President), Joan Dinning (Secretary), Denise Sumner, Julie Musgrave, Bill Dinning, Henrietta & Ralph Ierace, Angela Jones (Ex-officio members: Tom Harrington, Melanie Olde, Paul Davis, Megan Patey)

Sturt News
Sturt Winter School
Enrolments are still being taken for the Winter School (7 – 11 July), in the following courses: Bookbinding, Botanical Illustration, Ikebana, Life Drawing, Mosaics, Pastels, Tapestry, and Weaving.  As well, there are positions in both the children’s courses: Painting with Slavica Zivkovic and Children’s Clay with Sue Buckle.

Ring Sturt on  02 4860 2083 for details or view the website www.sturt.nsw.edu.au

Artists-in-Residence
As part of their joint residency at Sturt, Annie Trevillian (screen printer) and Monique Van Nieuwland (weaver) will be giving visual presentations on their work and visitors are welcome to attend.

There will be two opportunities to hear Annie speak:
• 5.30 pm Sturt Gallery, Monday 7 July 
• 4.30pm Frensham Drama Theatre, Wednesday 9 July

Monique will be talking about her work at:
• 5.30pm Frensham Drama Theatre, Thursday 10 July

Twelve Week Fine Woodworking Course
There is still one position available in the next twelve-week Fine Woodworking course to commence on Monday 30 June and continue till 19 September.  The teacher for this course will be Roy Schack, designer and furniture maker from Queensland.  For enrolment information, ring Sturt on 02 4860 2083

Sturt Weekend Courses
Several weekend courses will be held this year on the weekend of 20 and 21 September.  These are Mosaics with Helen Factor; Digital Photography Debra Pearson; Enamelling Barbara Ryman and Basketry Meri Peach.  As well, a four day course will be held from 29 September – 2 October on making a small table in wood with John Gallagher.  Details of these courses are available at www.sturt.nsw.edu.au or by phoning Sturt on 02 4860 2083.

Sturt Gallery
Don’t miss the wonderfully colourful exhibition at Sturt Gallery showing the work of Canberra artist, Annie Trevillian.  This show presents a wide range of work from a five-year period including drawings, prints on paper, and digital prints on fabric and canvas.

Megan Patey, Head of Sturt

FRENSHAM

Deputy Head

The end of Term 2 will be highlighted by the ongoing commitment of the students to their studies and the wide variety of co-curricular activities outside the classroom.  Years 7, 8 and 9 Prep in the Library, Computer Rooms and IT Centre continues to provide the students with a versatile and stimulating environment.

In the last two weeks girls will be involved in a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh trip in the Moreton National Park, the IGSSA Athletics Carnival, Hockey and Netball selections, IGSSA Basketball and Soccer Finals.  There will also be an extensive range of activities over the Closed Weekend.

Year 10 students will depart for Work Experience in the final week of the Term.  Year 8 and 9 students are continuing to rehearse for the Junior Production.  The IGSSA Netball and Hockey competitions begin the first weekend back in Term 3.

For Year 12 the start of Term 3 will follow a similar examination pattern as the start of Term 4.  Girls will come back to class for one week before beginning their Trial Examinations in Week 2 and continuing in Week 3.

Mr Geoff Marsh, Deputy Head

Director of Studies

On Monday 2 June the UNSW Educational Assessment Australia’s (EAA) Total Assessment Partnership Conference took place.  The Conference looked at the way in which the results of the International Competitions and Assessment for Schools (ICAS) can be evaluated, assessed and reported.

Peter Knapp, Director of EAA spoke about how the tests were designed and highlighted the principles upon which assessments in Science, Mathematics, English and Writing are written and then tested.  The test design itself aims to ensure that the question targets are correct so that the strongest students in Year cohorts are challenged and given complex questions so as to assist in the gauging and differentiation of true student ability. 

It is clear that the reliability behind the comparative testing is sound and therefore the tests are often good measures of how students are performing against similarly aged students. 

Other speakers focused upon ways in which such results can be analysed at a School and Faculty level.  With refined online evaluation tools now available, Frensham faculties and staff will be able to analyse results in Semester 2 with a view to finding patterns and accordingly, develop activities and/or learning plans to enhance student knowledge and skills.

The next ICAS Competition (Writing) will be on the morning of Thursday 12 June.

Mr Matthew McMahon, Director of Studies

Director of Boarding

Boarding involves the need to work interdependently and to be involved in collaboration and teamwork.  So many situations in post-school years involve teamwork and boarding assists girls to be familiar and comfortable with group situations.  They learn from others in reciprocal situations and work together.  The promotion of harmonious collaboration is not always easy but it is an essential part of learning to live and work together. 

As Ms Gillick has noted another area which is often a challenge is the management of impulsivity as described in Habits of Mind by Arthur Costa and Bena Kallick. This involves thinking before acting, remaining calm, thoughtful and deliberative. This is another facet of community living and a skill we would like all the girls to develop.

Travel – Please Help:
Please note that the buses which collect your daughters are not coaches that the school hires.  The bookings are sent in to Countrylink School Travel Section who in turn provide the coaches.

After the closing date bookings cannot be changed, so parents are urged to respect the process in support of their daughters and Countrylink.

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

English and Drama

This week a number of Year groups are presenting their speaking assessments.  The Year 9 task combines viewing and representation and requires girls to make connections between the Stage version of Romeo and Juliet they watched at the Wharf Theatre and the film version directed by Zeffirelli.  They use their knowledge of the Shakespearian text as a springboard for their commentary on the balcony scene in the other two representations. Girls in Year 11 Extension 1 English completed their speeches which showed their understanding of transformations in texts and Year 12 Extension 1 began their analysis of their own independent investigation into Postmodern literature.

On Thursday 12 June all students in Years 7-10 will complete their entries in the ICAS Writing competition.  This year the task will require students to write a narrative.

Rehearsals for the Junior Production continue and parents are reminded that attendance at these rehearsals is mandatory for all members of the cast, as per the schedule.

Practical assessment in Stage 6 Drama is being conducted in the final weeks of Term 2, with girls effectively using the new Drama blocks for the first time.
 
A number of entries for the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Competition were submitted on 2 June from students in Stage 4.

Mrs Trish Symons, Director Language/Arts

HSIE

Year 10 Geography Excursion
Year 10 Geography enjoyed a brief visit to a new local attraction last week, the Illawarra Fly elevated canopy walkway on Knight’s Hill, close to Robertson.  The views extend from Shellharbour north to the Royal National Park and provided an excellent backdrop to the study of land and water management as well as urban growth and decline.  The walk allowed students to consider the impacts of agricultural, residential and industrial development in the Illawarra and also discuss the causes and impacts of urban sprawl in East Bowral and Shellharbour.

This fieldtrip was timed to coincide with the assessment task Research Action Plan (RAP), a project aimed at the appropriate design and implementation of research into a relevant local issue.

Senior Geography
Girls in the senior courses are focused on global issues at present, Year 11 embarking on a study of Development and Political Geography and Year 12 looking at the growth of megacities in the developing world.  These topics allow the girls to investigate the key causes and effects of population growth, rapid urbanisation, poverty, economic development and human development, as well as consider the global trading and economic system and the implementation of effective strategies to address these challenges.  The research of Jeffrey Sachs and Joseph Stiglitz is central to the study of responsible and enduring change in the developing world and both classes will engage with some of the key issues affecting quality of life globally.

In Term 3 both classes embark on fieldtrips: Year 11 to AusAid and DFAT in Canberra and the Year 12 will visit local wineries and host a wine industry forum at Frensham in their consideration of the next and final HSC topic, People and Economic Activity.  This topic asks students to examine a specific industry (Winemaking and Viticulture), look at a local and regional case study and also the global factors and market characteristics.  The forum has confirmed Chalkers Hill and Centennial Wineries as well as potential representatives of the local vignerons’ association, wine retail and marketing as well as key national and international wine organisations and companies.

Mr Ben Harris

Economics
On Thursday 5 June the Year 12 Economics class travelled to Sydney to attend an Economics Conference at the Wesley Centre.  There were many interesting speakers who presented sessions on topics including the 2008-09 Federal Budget, the goals of fiscal policy in 2008-09, the direction of the Reserve Bank’s monetary policy in 2008 and domestic and global economic issues affecting the Australian economy this financial year.

With the knowledge of current economic conditions in Australia being so crucial to the nature of the course, students found the day highly informative and it helped to further their knowledge of areas such as external stability and their understanding of the recent Federal Budget.

Ms Machelle Williams, Year 12 Economics Teacher

Year 10 visit to Jewish Museum and the Lakemba Mosque
Year 10 was taken to Sydney to tour the Sydney Jewish Museum and the Lakemba Mosque. The trip was partly organised for the Year 10 Elective classes which have been studying the Holocaust, but also so that those not studying the elective course could understand the nature of genocide. In addition, the visit to the mosque was to allow all students to gain an appreciation of the Muslim religion in Australia as part of the Year 10 Religious Education programme.

At the Sydney Jewish Museum, a Holocaust survivor met with the group to explain her personal experience in Lithuania.  The girls then broke into three groups and were escorted around the museum by volunteer workers.  The Year Group was fortunate to have met with a Holocaust survivor, a rare privilege as the years go by.

Students were met at the Lakemba Mosque by Mr Ali Abdullah, Lakemba community member and representative of the Lebanese Muslim Association.  Mr Abdullah introduced the girls to the key pillars of the Islamic faith and also outlined the various rituals and practices associated with being a Muslim; he described the place of the mosque in the community and the role of prayer.  He welcomed a rich and varied set of questions from the girls, some of whom were experiencing Islam for the first time.

The visit allowed the girls to also see the urban village atmosphere of Haldon Street, Lakemba, one of Sydney’s culturally diverse retail areas.  Despite its brevity, the visit enabled the girls to not only debate a variety of cultural and philosophical topics (such as predestination/fate) but also to experience another culture and set of values first hand.  

We are grateful to the Lebanese Muslim Association for the donation of their time and also to the community of Lakemba for their welcome of the girls.

Ms Judy Bradley and Mr Ben Harris

Mathematics

During this term, some of our Mathematics students in Years 7 to 10 (42 in total) were engaged in the Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians, run by the Australian Mathematics Trust (AMT) whose Trustee is the University of Canberra. The Challenge aims to encourage young people to develop a greater interest in and awareness of the power of Mathematics, and to discover the joy to be found in solving mathematical problems. Students were given a three-week period in which to solve six problems (one set of problems for Years 7 and 8 and another set for Years 9 and 10). All but two of the problems had to be attempted individually, while the other two problems could be discussed in pairs before the individual submission of solutions. The teachers could provide direction but not solutions, so students found that they had to be self-reliant, resourceful and persistent, while learning that clearly expressed reasoning is just as important as finding the correct solution. Results for the Challenge are published nationally by AMT later in the year.

Many students are currently undertaking the Mathematics Enrichment Stage, also provided by AMT. This is an extended enrichment programme, run in class by the teachers, which provides challenging problems in topics either on or beyond the Mathematics syllabus. Students are encouraged not to give up when they encounter difficulties and taught how to apply their knowledge and skills to problem-solving situations.

Teachers and students are benefiting from the excellent technology facilities installed in all Mathematics classrooms. The electronic whiteboard functions as an effective demonstration tool for the teacher and an interactive medium for the students. Topics such as geometry, trigonometry and graphing come alive for students through this visual medium. The bank of computers in each classroom provides ready access for students, allowing them to progress at their own pace or to use the technology as a tool in problem-solving activities.

Mrs Sue Flaxman, Mathematics Coordinator

Music

Frensham musicians have enjoyed a rewarding fortnight with a number of major musical events: the Birthday Service, Year 12 Service and Concert and the AHIGS Choral Festival, all of which created many highlights.

The Birthday Service is always uplifting with the normal hymn singing of Frensham students joined and intensified by the enthusiastic young voices of Gib Gate.  This was all the more pronounced when the combined schools sang an arrangement of One Voice, a song which speaks of the unifying power of voices joined together in song.  The singing was led by soloists Margot Gemmell-Smith, Charlotte Merz, and Charlotte Moss and was sung again on Sunday in the Year 12 Service. 

From the very first item, the Year 12 Concert proved to be a special one.  The beautiful aria Lascia Ch’io Pianga from Handel’s opera Rinaldo featured the singing of Charlotte Merz, solo violin by Sarah Hayes and a sensitive accompaniment by the Kennedy Strings, conducted by Christine Jarczewski.  Samantha Hawker then gave a mature and polished performance of Bruyères, a Piano Prelude by Debussy; Olivia Pirie-Griffiths’ Pie Jesu from Fauré’s Requiem Mass, with organ accompaniment by her teacher Ms Tilley and Charlotte Moss singing as soloist in the Madrigals’ arrangement of Perfect Day in a haunting performance.

The next item involved the Senior Choir performing a  large-scale piece they had been preparing for the Choral Festival – Karl Jenkins’ Adiemus, featuring soloists Olivia Pirie-Griffiths and Samantha Hawker and accompanied by Emily Irish on synthesiser, Emily Milne on drum kit and Jessica Blackmore as recorder soloist.  The final item in the concert featured all of Year 12 singing a medley of songs with a common theme of friendship, accompanied by Mr Bunyan.

A few days later the Senior Choir and Madrigals had a busy day hosting and participating in the AHIGS Choral Festival.  Visiting choirs included Canberra Girls’ Grammar, Kincoppal-Rose Bay, Meriden, PLC Sydney, Queenwood and Tara and they, with Frensham, presented to the evening concert a programme of five works sung by a massed choir of 270 voices as well as a variety of individual items from each school.  The Festival gave our Senior Choir the experience of performing an exciting repertoire in a large ensemble with orchestral accompaniment and the opportunity to hear and to learn from the performances of other schools.

The other experience for all of the choristers at the Festival was the afternoon workshop and evening performance with special guest artists Trio Pippero, who introduced the students to traditional Bulgarian vocal music.  This is a rich and challenging singing tradition both in terms of the music itself as well as the vocal technique required to produce the singular vocal tone. 

Mr Michael Spencer, Coordinator of Music

Science

The Illawarra and South East Science and Engineering Challenge has become an annual event conducted by the University of Wollongong.  This year Frensham will send a team of 24 Year 9 students on Wednesday 25 June.  The students will undertake a series of activities that involve the principles of Science, Engineering and Technology.  Students work in small groups of three to four to solve a demanding task using provided materials.  The Challenge is designed to engage students with a minimum of theory but allow for creativity and logical problem solving.

Geoff Marsh, Deputy Head

Careers

Year 10 has been briefed on arrangements and expectations for the Work Experience week later this month and is encouraged to make the most of the opportunities afforded.  A Work Journal will be issued and students are required to return this early next term for evaluation and programme feedback.

Year 10 students will also undergo a day of testing on 18 June with feedback being provided early next term prior to the Goal Setting Day.
After speaking to many Year 12 parents about scholarships, I would like to offer the following advice to both students and parents: Each university has its own range of scholarships, whether for tuition or accommodation and these are listed quite comprehensively on their websites.  Increasingly, this information is available online as it is more cost-effective for these institutions than mailing it out in a paper format.   It is important that parents and students investigate the websites of any of the universities (or private providers) they are considering.
Another useful website for scholarship listing is: http://www.myfuture-edu.com.  This is a government sponsored site with 1000 scholarships on offer in NSW alone. Criteria for eligibility and closing dates vary. If a statement of support is required from Frensham, please ensure such requests are made as early as possible.
The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) is available to a student who believes she has suffered significant disadvantage during Years 11 and/or 12 which has negatively impacted on her learning in that time. Examples of disadvantage include ill-health, financial or psychological reasons.  For more information please view the following website:  http://www.uac.edu.au or contact me at cwilliams@frensham.nsw.edu.au or phone 02 4860 2199.

As documentary evidence (such as specialist’s reports, medical certificates) must be provided before the school can process these applications, it is advised that the collating of this material should start well before the closing date in September.

Go8 Incentive Schemes – LOTE incentives are available both for entry to and while enrolled in programmes of study at the Group of Eight Universities.  Any student planning to study International Studies, Liberal Studies, Global Studies or Bachelor of Arts (Languages) at these universities can gain bonus points for having studied a language in senior school.

Mrs Cherylynne Williams, Careers Adviser

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Forty-eight Bronze Award participants have signed up for the expedition on the 21 and 22 June.  This will be a hike in the Morton National Park from Meryla Pass to Bendeela; girls will be expected to do most of the navigation and decision making.  There will be four groups of 12 and each one will be accompanied by two Southbound staff and a Frensham representative.
 
For Students who wish to participate outside the School the Outdoor Education Group organises trips as noted below:

Silver Canoe: Hawkesbury – 28 Sept – 3 Oct
Silver Hike: Great North Walk – 28 Sept – 3 Oct
Gold Canoe: Murray River – 28 Sept - 5Oct
Gold Hike: Main Ranges – 28 Sept- 5 Oct

For contact re the above:
Phone: (02) 4869 6700
Fax: (02) 4869 6767
(Email Generaland Program Developmentenquiries: oeg@oeg.nsw.edu.au)

These programmes combine the practice and the test component. Students must remember that the mode of transport needs to be similar for both the practice hike and the qualifying expedition.

Emma Campbell and Lucinda Nicolls Small have been invited as a component of their Gold Award, to be part of the Desert Discovery Project.  This is an organisation whose aim is to protect and enhance the natural environment in remote regions.  Emma and Lucinda will be part of a team conducting research into desert fauna and flora, learning aspects of remote area travel and studying desert survival and first aid.  This will meet the requirements of an Adventurous Project which is equivalent to an Adventurous Journey or Expedition.

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

Sport

Basketball
Congratulations to all girls who have played Basketball this season and to teams 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and the Junior A’s for reaching the semi-finals.  All teams will be travelling to Bankstown Indoor Stadium on Saturday 14 June for a semi-final or a play off for 5th or 6th placing.  Please see the draw attached for details.  Please note that also all girls are expected to travel on the bus.

Soccer
We have had a most successful first season of Soccer and all girls are to be congratulated for their efforts.  Seven teams will play in semi-finals this weekend with all teams travelling to Sydney for semi-finals or a play off.  Please see the draw attached for details.

Basketball and Soccer finals will be held in Sydney on Saturday 21 June; times and venue to be confirmed.

Netball and Hockey
Netball and Hockey trials are due to commence.  Girls should check the noticeboard on White Cottage for details.  All teams will start playing on Saturday 26 July.  A reminder that mouth guards, shin guards, sticks and a ball are compulsory for all hockey players.

Athletics
All athletes are continuing to train hard in preparation for the IGSSA Carnival which will be held at Homebush on Friday 20 June.  We look forward to an exciting day with all Year 7 in support.

Cross Country
Congratulations to Lydia Hall, Alice Lee-Warner and Grace Musgrove who attended the NSW CIS Cross Country Carnival on Friday 30 May.  All girls performed very well. Lydia was placed 24th in the 18 years and Alice Lee-Warner 12th in the 16 years.  Grace Musgrove was 3rd in the 16 years and has now qualified to compete in the NSW All Schools Cross Country Carnival on Friday 25 July at Eastern Creek.

Miss Jacqui Longworth, Cross-Country Coordinator

Wet Weather arrangements for Saturday Sport
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.

Means of gaining information concerning play:
IGSSA Wet Weather Line 1900 922 834
IGSSA WEBSITE  http://igssa.ahigs.nsw.edu.au
Boarding Houses
All the above are updated throughout the morning

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