GIB GATE • FRENSHAM • STURT
TERM 4 NO 2 - 13 NOVEMBER 2008

‘How to Motivate your Child – for School and Beyond’ (2003, Andrew Martin)
Professor Andrew Martin will be at Frensham this week to work with Year 12, 2009.  Invited to the School through the work of Director of Teaching and Learning Mrs Bronwyn Tregenza, Professor Martin is a psychologist specialising in student motivation engagement and achievement as well as gifted and talented education and educational resilience.  (In 2002, the American Psychological association judged his PhD the world’s most outstanding doctorate in Educational Psychology.)   Dr Martin will guide Year 12 through research into the factors that ‘boost’ or ‘guzzle’ student motivation and introduce tools to improve student enthusiasm. 

Having worked with Professor Martin earlier this year as part of a staff development programme on campus, we felt that the messages he had to share with us were presented in a way that would be of great benefit to students - hence the invitation to return to work with seniors this week. 

Aiming to help parents support or boost their child’s motivation, Martin’s guidance is based on decades of high-quality research and personal experience of working one-on-one with parents and students.  In accordance with our approach at Frensham and Gib Gate, he is optimistic about the possibilities for growth: ‘I believe in students’ ability to change.  I also firmly believe in parents’ ability to help them to do this.  Every student has the potential to improve, reach personal bests, become more interested in schoolwork and deal more effectively with setbacks and study pressure. (p. 4)  Important also is Martin’s recognition of the fact that both highly able and less able students have an equal need to become or remain resilient learners – students who have ‘the energy and drive to try hard, study effectively, and also cope when the going gets tough.’(p.11) 

A few Parent Library copies of Andrew Martin’s ‘How to Motivate your Child – for School and Beyond’ (Bantam 2003 – ISBN1 86325 391 2 - $25) are still available for loan through the Esther Tuckey Library.

Special Achievement
In the current financial climate, the achievements of Frensham’s Young Achievement Australia (YAA) team ‘Betty and Fred’ may seem remarkable?  ‘Betty and Fred’ has returned a dividend to its shareholders of $7.32 per $2 share - a return on equity of 366%...  Please see details in this Newsletter.

Acknowledgement to:

• The 2008 Young Achievement Australia (YAA) team, on their recent State Awards: Company of the Year and Best Business Plan, presented at the ACT & Southern NSW Region Awards Dinner and Lucy Brennan, 2007 YAA Business Person of the Year recipient, for her involvement in support of the 2008 regional awards earlier this month;
• All on stage or responsible for production of the Gib Gate Junior Production - Sinbad Sails Again;
• FOGG Class Representatives, for their work in 2008 and their consideration of extending their roles into 2009;
• Friends of Sturt, who assisted Head of Sturt, Ms Megan Patey in hosting members of the Southern Highlands Tourism group who work together to promote attractions and accommodation in our region;
• Mrs Karon Di Francesco who has been working alongside House Staff for a four-week programme of professional development;
• Frensham’s Year 11 Modern History class and Year 6 at Gib Gate for the carefully prepared Services led by students on Remembrance Day.  We also acknowledge students who supported community events, on behalf of the School and those local and regional service groups who offered students the opportunity to be involved beyond the School in important ways;
• Frensham Senior Choir, who will support the Confirmation Service for a group of Year 10 girls at St Stephen’s Church, Mittagong this Sunday, 16 November;
• Recent recipient of a Girdle for Japanese - Jesse Ambler, Year 11.

Welcome to new members of the Advisory Committee, Mrs Hawker, Mr Locke, Mrs Gemmell-Smith who will attend their first meeting in February 2009.

Clothing Pool
With the completion of the transition of ‘old’ to ‘new’ uniform from the end of this term, Clothing Pool will re-commence in two weeks’ time, for the benefit of all.

All except socks, sports shirts and shirts worn with daily uniform will be accepted, on consignment.

Please deliver in clearly labelled bags, to Company Office at Frensham, during Office Hours only. (8.00-5.00pm Monday to Friday.)

A full listing of Sale prices and Refund amounts will be available from Gib Gate or Company Office from Friday 14 November.

Opening Hours this term:
Mondays 8.00am-10.00am: 24 November, 1 December
Thursdays 3.00pm-5.00pm: 27 November, 4 December

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

AHEAD:

Parent / Community News

GIB GATE

The Gib Gate Senior Production, Sinbad Sails Again, was enjoyed by all members of the audience.  Students from Years 3-6 did an outstanding job performing this musical and the singing and acting were well executed.  We would like to thank parents who assisted in making the costumes.

The Kindergarten 2009 Orientation took place at Gib Gate on Thursday 30 October and Mrs Belinda Gould and Preschool staff have been welcoming Reception 2009 students and families to Gib Gate over the past few weeks.

Parents who attended the Kindergarten Orientation commented on how much they valued the opportunity to learn more about the Gib Gate experience from Kindergarten to Year 6 and beyond.  While showing their parents round the School, Preschool students demonstrated how easily they make the transition between Gib Gate Preschool and the first year of formal schooling.

The Kindergarten Orientation morning is part of the formal Transition to School programme which commenced in Term 2 with the ‘Transition Tour of Gib Gate’ for children and parents.  The programme continues this term with students participating in additional orientation sessions in the Kindergarten classroom.

The 2008 Families of Gib Gate (FOGG) Class Representatives must also be thanked for their commitment in supporting School events this year.  It has been a pleasure to work with the 2008 representatives and their enthusiasm and willingness to become involved have been greatly appreciated.

In the last meeting for 2008, the FOGG Class Representatives reflected on their experience and the benefits of their involvement.  They also remarked on how important it is to act as positive role models for their own children through becoming involved and actively demonstrating a personal commitment to the School community.

All parents are invited to consider volunteering for positions as FOGG Class Representatives for 2009; each class has one or more representative.  The role of the Class Representative is to promote a co-operative spirit among the class parents and to communicate/organise parents with upcoming School events.  This is achieved by encouraging and actively promoting parent involvement in all FOGG activities.  For example:

• Organising a class group to complete specific tasks, (such as making costumes for musical productions);
• Assisting with an event for FOGG, (such as organising a canteen roster for the SHIPS Cross Country Event).

FOGG Class representatives meet with Ms Gillick and Ms Robson each term.  For those interested, Nomination forms will be sent home this Thursday or if you would like to know more about what is involved, please contact Mrs Karen Russell on 4860 2000.

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 Gallery will be open till 7pm on Friday evenings of 21 and 28 November and 5 December.  Mark these dates on your calendar for a relaxed opportunity for Christmas shopping, and bring a friend to enjoy a glass of champagne on the lawn at Sturt.  

The Sturt School for Wood Graduating Exhibition, called Connection, will be opened this year by Tony Emmett, at 2pm Saturday 29 November.  The following exhibition, The Gib, brings together for the first time artists John Lascelles, Steve Harrison, Robyn Kinsela and Tony Ameneiro from the Southern Highlands to show work based on Mount Gibraltar.  Drawing inspiration from the recently published book, The Gib will be opened by Jan Jones at 6.00pm on Friday 19 December, 2008.

Slide evenings at Sturt - 21 November – Steve Harrison
Steve Harrison will show images of recent ceramics at Sturt Cottage on Friday evening, 21 November.  Mr Harrison is as fascinated by the research which informs centuries of ceramics, as well as making the pieces themselves.  He has been particularly interested in developing clay, glaze and firing materials, sourced entirely from local materials.  In doing this, Mr Harrison feels he is building on the work started by Ivan McMeekin at Sturt Pottery in 1954 who made pots which represent the geology of the Southern Highlands.  He is one of the only potters in Australia working in this way, making his pots unique.  Mr Harrison’s work is displayed at Sturt Gallery, until 23 November.

Sturt Summer School 3-8 January 2009
Enrolments are being taken for the Summer School with several courses filling quickly. There are vacancies still in the following courses: Calligraphy with Lexie Arlington; An Introduction to Drawing with Kit Bullivant; Making a Bodhran with Geoff Tonkin; Marquetry with Leo Huyghebaert; Milinery with Waltraud Reiner; Acrylic Painting with Sara Farmer; Pastels with Lynne Flemons; Soldering and Rivetting to make Rings, with Marcello Zavala-Baeza and making an Upholstered Stool with John Gallagher.  Ring Sturt for enrolment requirements or visit the website www.sturt.nsw.edu.au

Twelve-Week Fine Woodworking courses
Three twelve-week fine woodworking courses will be held in 2009.  Michael Fortune from Canada will teach the first course, to commence on 2 February.  Mr Fortune is one of Canada’s most respected contemporary furniture masters.  Since his career began 33 years ago, he has become acclaimed for his innovative designs for one-of-a-kind objects in wood, commissioned residential furnishings and items in limited editions.  Mr Fortune’s work has brought him an international clientele and reputation with his work appearing in numerous exhibitions worldwide.  In 1996 he accepted an invitation to become the first Chair of the new Wood Products Design program in Nelson, British Columbia.  Mr Fortune received the 2007 Award of Distinction from the Furniture Society.  There have been 14 recipients and he is the first Canadian to receive this prestigious award.

For those interested in enrolling in this course with Michael Fortune, please ring Sturt 02 4860 2083.

Megan Patey, Head of Sturt

FRENSHAM

Deputy Head

Preparations for Jamieson Week are well underway.  Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will involve all students in a variety of Year Group activities.  As well as community service activities there are sessions designed to enhance the existing curriculum, prepare students for tasks they will undertake next year and to expose girls to relevant issues.

On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, Frensham will host and entertain more than 1400 primary school students with two performances of the End of Year Production, Pajama Game, in Clubbe Hall.  Thursday will involve all girls visiting a Nursing Home or Retirement Village to sing a selection of Christmas Carols.  The focal point on Friday will be the traditional Frensham Christmas Lunch.

All students will be involved in Jamieson Week.

In preparation for 2009, before the end of this year, students will be asked to nominate their sporting and extra-curricular involvement for Term 1.  This is to assist girls in planning their weekly activity schedule and their involvement throughout the year.

Mr Geoff Marsh, Deputy Head

Director of Studies

The National Curriculum Agenda remains a very topical issue.  Under the auspices of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and its Productivity Agenda Working Group, the National Curriculum Board (NCB) has been established with the primary role to develop a single world-class Australian curriculum which sets core content and agreed-upon achievement standards (from K–12) in the Sciences, History, Mathematics and English.  As such, the NCB has developed ‘initial advice documents’ in these subject areas.

The advice documents are in the consultation phase and can be accessed from the National Curriculum Board site: http://www.ncb.org.au/ .  Following the consultation they will be given greater detail and put forward for general discussion.

While there are obviously challenges in the design of national curricula, it is clear that each advice paper has its own in-built goals relevant to each specific subject domain, and that there are national considerations which must be taken into account in the design of four new syllabi.

The final governance model of the National Curriculum Board and its Strategic Plan will be published in January 2009. 

Mr Matthew McMahon, Director of Studies

Teaching and Learning

On Tuesday 28 October, a number of Frensham staff will participate in a workshop to explore Intranet technologies within the School.  Over the past seven years, the Frensham Intranet has provided a vehicle for student access to course documents and links to high quality websites to assist completion of class tasks.  In 2007, the HSIE Faculty led the school in developing class Blogs which harnessed multimedia and collaborative authorship tools for learning in core units of work.  Mrs Alex Galland and Mr Tom March, Education Consultants specialising in Web-based technologies for learning, will join Frensham staff to examine the latest learning management systems and online publishing tools and to generate clear understanding of opportunities those technologies present for student learning.

Mrs Bronwyn Tregenza, Director of Teaching and Learning

Director of Boarding

Already, Year 12 2009 have assumed responsibility for arranging Friday night activities, running of the Dining Room and leading School Services.  The theme of their first Service was Community Service and Its Importance.

Over the next few weeks Mrs Karon Di Francesco is undertaking professional development with House Staff, taking the opportunity to work one-on-one in each House and reviewing School policies and procedures.

All staff have been involved in individual meetings to identify areas of strength and possibilities for development.  As a team, House Staff are linking the values and philosophy at Frensham with every day practice in the Boarding House, including procedures, routines, approaches to communication and developing relationships.  Shared understanding and team work are core goals and it is easy to observe the immense satisfaction gained through daily interaction with girls and families as staff work to help make a difference to a girl’s life during her time at Frensham.
With Orientation this week, the girls are looking forward to being reacquainted with students they met at Sample Boarding last year.  The moving of girls overnight is another part of the process as some from Hartfield and Kennedy will be sleeping in the Parker Gymnasium.  Shadows will also be arranged for girls in years other than Year 7, 2009.

Weekend Bus Transport – Call for help
Could parents ensure they park before collecting their daughters from the Sydney bus on Saturdays as the traffic is quite congested.  Also on Sunday, could you please ensure girls have had dinner before catching the bus back to School the bus company prohibits food being eaten on the bus.

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

English and Drama

Lucinda Nicolls Small, Year 12 2009, will compete in the next round of the Rotary 4 Way Speaking Competition on Sunday 2 November in Sussex Inlet.

Mrs Trish Symons, Director Language/Arts

Language News

In August of every year, students of French and Japanese at Frensham participate in the Australia-wide ACER Language Certificate tests.  The test consists of three levels:  Certificate 1, a Listening skills test for Year 8 students; Certificate 2 for Years 9 and 10 and Certificate 3 for Year 11 students.  Certificates 2 and 3 involve both a Reading and a Listening skills component.  

The results were excellent, reflecting the diligence and enthusiasm for language learning at Frensham.

French News

Certificate 1 - Credit: Chloe Andrews, Eleanor Davies, Olivia Luff, Rose Kennedy, Anne Moser, Alice Scamps-Goodman. Distinction: Lyreda Bennetts, Madeleine Bowdern, Rebecca Farquhar, Kate Hawker, Tatiana Kiewa, Annabelle King, Georgina MacDiarmid, Sophia Macken, Brooke Martin-Smith, Rosana Menzel, Annabel Mulready, Madeleine Quinn, Georgia Ross, Natasha Smart.
Certificate 2 - Credit: Miriam Carr, Maddison Cormie, Fiona Greader, Jess Hoorda, Victoria Livingston, Ava Martin-Cansick, Jacqueline Miller, Ashleigh Mulé, Harriette Nation, Emma Pfeiffer, Emma Ward, Cordelia Wiliamson.  Distinction: Rosetta Freelander, Isabelle Gillespie, Emma Gorman, Annabel Hyles, India Irvine,  Alice Lee-Warner, Lucia Mentink, Katherine Miller, Georgina Milne, Phoebe Moult, Grace Musgrove, Camille Nock, Matilda Street, Tillia Withers.  High Distinction: Guislaine Allen, Emma Bowman, Tess Brennan, Charlotte Cosyn, Georgia Fairbairn, Lucy Hawker, Sarah Loewy, Emily Maker, Gabriella Marcolin, Emily Meredith, Charlotte Midson, Jaleesa Newell, Zoë Philip, Emma Quinn.
Certificate 3 - Credit: Victoria Macarthur-Stanham.  Distinction: Olivia Leicester.  High Distinction: Charlotte Alrich, Jesse Ambler, Saskia Dumas, Harriet Hooke, Madeleine Maslin, Lucinda Nicolls Small.

Félicitations tout le monde!

Madame Liliane Heininger, Teacher of French

Japanese News

Certificate 1 - All students received either a Distinction or High Distinction.  Distinction: Nicola Fenaughty, Anna Gemmell-Smith, Lucy Hay, Madeleine Kelly, Ainsley Maurer, Jarra Robinson, Cordelia Symes.  High Distinction: Georgina Alison, Alexandra Graves, Rachel Latimer, Emily Marsh. 
Certificate 2 - Credit:  Rosemary Fairfield-Smith, Sophia Grattan-Smith.  Distinction: Fiona Davidson, Nicola Forrest, Jacklyn Wyer.  High Distinction: Hannah Beith, Arabella Kilmartin, Ashleigh Syme.
Certificate 3 - Credit: Emily Alison, Jasmine Cain.  Distinction: Lucinda Reynolds, Annika Rookyard.  High Distinction: Jesse Ambler.

Minasan, taihen yoku dekimashita!  Omedetō gozaimasu.

Mrs Adrienne Bradney-Smith, Teacher of Japanese

HSIE

The HSIE faculty welcomes Mrs Jacqualine McCarroll to Frensham.  Mrs McCarroll joins the faculty with a wealth of experience and a passion for both the environment and her special subject area of Geography.  Already involved in both Senior and Junior Holting, teaching classes from Years 7 through to Year 12 and taking Year 12 Geography 2009 on fieldwork to the Upper Holt this week, Mrs McCarroll has thrown herself fully into her new role.

Mr Matthew McMahon, HSIE Coordinator

Music

The AMEB examinations for Piano and Contemporary Vocal will be held on Friday 21 and Saturday 29 November, respectively.  Students preparing for these examinations are encouraged to perform at Concert Practice on Wednesday 5 November and in Morning Prayers.

The Senior Choir will be supporting the Year 10 Confirmation Service on the afternoon of Sunday 16 November with hymns, descants and a special anthem for the occasion.  This is an important commitment on the Frensham calendar.

Mr Michael Spencer, Coordinator of Music

Science

The HSC Chemistry course includes the study of three modules and one option.  Students are expected to utilise their developing chemical skills such as writing formulae, equation writing and chemical calculations provided within the Preliminary course to look at the practical applications of Chemistry in a variety of contexts.

In the first module, The Production of Materials, students build on their knowledge of chemical reactions to study important commercial applications of Chemistry.  These include polymers production, ethanol as a fuel, batteries and radioisotopes for medical and industrial purposes. Students then study The Acidic Environment which develops the acid-base concept and looks at practical implications of acids such as acid rain, carbon dioxide equilibrium in soft drinks and the production of fragrant esters for the cosmetic and food industries.  In Chemical Monitoring and Management, students use the context of industrial reactions such as the Haber process to develop the concept of equilibrium and catalysts.  Chemical monitoring considers environmental issues such as water testing and purification and the chemical reactions in ozone depletion.  The option, Shipwrecks, Corrosion and Conservation, studies the causes and prevention of corrosion within a maritime context.  The course will culminate in an excursion to the Australian Maritime Museum to see the work of conservation staff in the restoration of significant Australian shipwreck artefacts such as the cannon from the HMB Endeavour.

Mr Jason Smith, Acting Coordinator of Science

Sport

Softball, Tennis and Swimming selections
Girls in Years 7-11 have been asked to nominate their chosen sport for Term 1, 2009.  Selections for Tennis and Softball will be held during Jameison Week.  Students are reminded that they will be asked to be prepared for selections with appropriate equipment for the sport chosen.

Gymnastics
The Frensham Gymnastics Team travelled to the Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush on Friday 24 October for the annual IGSSA Gymnastics Competition.  It was a successful day with all girls gaining personal achievements on their chosen apparatus and Jessica Burns (8th out of 50) and Rachel Latimer (9th out of 53) placed in the top ten on Bars and Vault respectively.

Mrs Amanda Wansey, Coordinator of Sport

Equestrian News
Three Frensham riders recently competed at various National events.  Lilly Ashworth, Year 10, qualified for four major competitions, with her results including: the Australian Junior 6-Bar Champion with a jump of 1.65 metres and 5th place in the 1.2 metre class, the highest show jumping grade at the Australian National Interschools event.  Lani Maher, Year 7, competed in The National Vaulting Championships and the CVI, winning the Pas De Deux, Barrel teams and the Horse Canter Team events.  D’Arcy Bush, Year 9, rode well in the Canberra International Horse Trials and The Australian Show Jumping Titles.

Ms Amanda Sharpe, Equestrian 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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