GIB GATE • FRENSHAM • STURT
TERM 4 NO 4 - 26 NOVEMBER 2008

Looking ahead…
In this final fortnightly Newsletter for 2008 you will find both details of end-of-year events and advice about 2009 programmes, highlighting the ongoing thinking that underpins planning for Gib Gate, Frensham and Sturt.  As has been customary over recent years, major property and maintenance projects will be undertaken during the summer vacation, including the Car Park Pavilion at Gib Gate, the St Francis Courtyard landscaping, the completion of renovation of the 2008 temporary Esther Tuckey Library space for Languages teaching and the ongoing upgrade of information technology hardware and software for teaching at both Gib Gate and Frensham. 

Next week I welcome back for their final weekend of high school, Year 12, 2008 and Gib Gate farewells Year 6, 2008.  The sentiments expressed by so many at this time of year reflect the strong connections students feel about their time here and I include here for interest, excerpts from the Year 6 ‘Reflections’ prepared by Year 6 and published to parents for the Farewell Dinner held last Friday evening.

A selection of Quotes from Year 6 Reflections – from the Year 6 Dinner Presentations

“Ever since my first day of Preschool, I have had many great friends whom I like to play with and they have kept me happy and make me laugh when I am sad and also comfort me too.  All the teachers have been great to me during the past nine years.”

“As soon as I set foot into Preschool, I was faced with a huge challenge; to face my fears and not be shy.  I never let my Mum leave me so she would sit in a corner doing her work or reading a book.  I made so many friends but I still wanted my Mum to stay.  I would not let her out of my sight.  However, by the end of the first term I felt I did not need her so much.  I recall having piggy-back rides down the hill on the field with my buddy and Jemima.  I felt that I belonged at Gib Gate.”

“I came to Gib Gate in Preschool and since then I have spent some very special years here.  It has been a challenging journey with memories that I will cherish forever.  Now I am on the verge of beginning a new adventure and a new phase in my life.  I have had the opportunity to be involved in many activities throughout my time here, some of which include Tournament of Minds, Robo Cup, Maths Camp, being part of the JSHAA and CIS teams for Athletics and many more.  All of these have created memories for me.”

“One of my most memorable moments at Gib Gate is going on the 2008 Japan Trip.  It was one of the most incredible adventures I have ever had.  I think I really benefited from this exciting trip.  Trying to communicate with the Japanese students and shopkeepers was very challenging, but they managed to understand my Japanese in the end!”

“Camp Week in 2008 was a very big challenge - climbing cave ladders, abseiling down rocks and the walk back to the bus, walking up and up and up.  We were split into two groups and we would not be with all our friends but with people we had not worked closely with.  Spending time with these people helped us get to know each other better.”

“I have enjoyed the responsibility of being Assembly Monitor this year as a senior student.  It has taught me to be organised knowing that the whole school and the teachers are depending on me to have the Hall set up and ready for each event.”

“Gib Gate is a school that cannot be replaced by any other and the excellence of education and challenge to inspire has brought me all this way.  I am now a student who is prepared for the next adventure of High School.”

Acknowledgement to:

• Gib Gate Year 6 for their hosting, with staff, of the Year 6 Dinner.  Without exception, the Year 6 students spoke confidently and personally about their Gib Gate experience and showed a special warmth and respect for each other in their excitement and contribution throughout the evening;
• Mathematics Challenge Award recipients: High Distinctions: Rebecca McCreath, Georgina Whatmore, Lauren Zawal, Lani Maher and Annabel Locke; Distinction: Edith Gregory; Credit: Emily Marsh, Georgia Ross, Nicola Forrest, Teresa Santonastaso;
• Gemma Moran-Gibson (Year 11) one of 75 students nationally, offered a place in the National Mathematics Summer School (ANU) for students who have completed HSC Mathematics at a high level;
• Emily Milne: guitarist and vocalist who shared in performance her recent composition Cycling Trivialities;
• All who contributed to the total of $518.35 raised on Frensham’s Pink Day for Breast Cancer Research;
• Year 11 Girdle Recipients: for Academic Excellence, Katherine Evans, for Public Speaking, Emma Campbell and for Sport, Constance Mort;
• 14 members of Year 11 who recently qualified to become Cricket Umpires by completing the Level 1 course offered by Highlands District Cricket Association;
• Kennedy and Glenn Strings, conducted by Mrs Christine Jarczewski who performed with such precision and confidence from all corners of School Hall in a special combined performance;
• Years 7 and 8 Recipients of awards in the 2009 Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Competition: Highly Commended -  Sophie Meredith, Year 7, for her poem: The Fin and Commended - Anna Gemmell-Smith, Ainsley Maurer, Madeleine Kelly, Georgina Whatmore, Cordelia Symes and  Natasha Smart;
• Duke of Edinburgh’s Award recipients: Bronze - Camille Nock and Georgina Milne; Silver - Grace Musgrove;

Ahead:

• Gib Gate’s Christmas Concert is the final whole school event for Gib Gate families and the entire community of Gib Gate is warmly invited to attend the evening in Clubbe Hall.
• Frensham’s Jamieson Week programme is a detailed, carefully-crafted five days of intense activity, year-specific programmes, community projects and rehearsals for end-of-year celebrations.  For parents, the five parts for which we hope you will join us are: Saturday 6 December – from Games and Picnic Lunch to Final Prayers and The Pajama Game – followed by Sunday 7 December’s morning Carol Service commencing at 11.00am.  (For the Saturday picnic, year group areas will be signposted for ease of location – all are on the Games Field, near the Pavilion.)

~ FREE TICKETS ~
FRIDAY 5 December Performance: The Pajama Game
Our request, for your consideration:
We are pleased to offer complimentary tickets
(ie for Entry by Donation) to extended family members and past students, parents and grandparents
of Frensham and Gib Gate for the Friday evening performance.
These can be collected from Company Office or Gib Gate Office during Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 1-5 December.

SATURDAY 6 December Performance: The Pajama Game
Please note that seats for the Saturday evening (ie for Entry by Donation) are for
 current students and immediate family only. 
(There are, on average, two seats available per student, for this performance,
hence the above request.)

• Please Note:
  • Clubbe Hall doors open at 1.30pm for Final Prayers
  • Clubbe Hall doors open at 7.00pm for The Pajama Game
  • Clubbe Hall doors open at 10.00am for The Carol Service
    (There is no reserved seating for any of the above events).
• Sturt School for Wood celebrates the end-of-course Exhibition of the Certificate IV Course in Fine Woodworking, with an Opening at 2.00pm on Saturday afternoon.  On Sunday morning there will also be a special informal acknowledgement of Tom Harrington’s contribution to the School for Wood over the past 17 years. (See Sturt News.)

The new Esther Tuckey Library
Official Opening 1 March 2009 – but almost complete!

Frensham staff and students are following with great interest and anticipation the final details of completion of the new Esther Tuckey Library and southern courtyard, with the scheduled handover of keys to the site being Monday 8 December.  Whilst the Official Opening is timed to be part of the Year 7 / Open Day weekend in 2009 (Sunday 1 March), all is on track for students to be occupying the magnificent new facility from the start of Term 1 next year.  We offer warmest appreciation to the WWS Foundation donors, who have made possible this stunning learning centre that will serve the needs of future generations.

Confirmation 2008
We appreciate the support of all who attended the Confirmation of Year 10 girls at St Stephen’s, Mittagong on Sunday 16 November.  Senior Choir is also acknowledged for their contribution to this special occasion.

2009 Calendars:
Gib Gate and Frensham Calendars will be distributed to families in the final week of term. 
Frensham: Calendars should be collected from Year Coordinators after Final Prayers
Gib Gate: Calendars can be collected from Class Teachers after the Christmas Concert.

End-of-year Academic Reports:
Frensham:
Year 7 Reports were posted on Friday 21 November
Year 10 Reports were posted on Wednesday 26 November
Years 8 &  9 Reports will be posted by Tuesday 2 December
Gib Gate:
Years Reception to Year 6 Reports will be posted on Friday 5 December.

Vacation Contact:
Please note that the School will be closed from Monday 22 December, re-opening Monday 7 January.

Frensham and Sturt campuses are also fully utilised for the Sturt Summer School, which operates from 3-8 January 2009.

Higher School Certificate Results:
With results accessible to Year 12 from Wednesday 17 December (HSC Examinations) and Thursday 18 December (Universities Admissions Index) we will write to the community prior to Christmas, with news of the 2008 cohort’s academic achievements.

In the interim I am pleased to note advice from the Board of Studies:
Design and Technology
Selection for DesignTech Exhibition 2008 (outstanding major works in HSC Design and Technology) of the works of four students: Nellie Evans’s On the Green Cluster Housing Concept; Lucy Brennan’s Children Actively Caring for Our Environment: An Educational Resource; Alexandra Thomas’s The Chameleon Interchangeable Handbag System; Dakota Doyle’s Children’s Haute Couture.
Visual Arts
Selection for ArtExpress 2008 (outstanding major works in HSC Visual Arts) of the works of painter, Eve Hoskins.

Ella Purvis, Year 8, Rachel Latimer, Year 8 (national finalist in ‘The Young Inventors’ Bright Spark Award,)   Dr Fiona Wood, Mr Jason Smith, Head of Faculty - Science, Rosie Latimer, Year 9, Emily Marsh, Year 8 and Amy  Wyer, Year 12, 2009 after the presentation of Awards, televised on the ABC ‘New Inventors’ at 8.00pm Wednesday 26 November.

I look forward to seeing parents and friends of the School at the celebrations and Services that mark the close of the year and offer my best wishes to all for the coming vacation and Christmas season.

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

AHEAD:

Parent / Community News

GIB GATE

At the Year 6 Farewell Dinner held at Gib Gate on Friday 21 November, Year 6 students conducted the evening’s proceedings confidently and respectfully.  Students acknowledged the significance of the occasion through reflecting on the values and philosophy which have been such an important part of their primary years and by thanking their parents and teachers.

The Students leave Gib Gate with the academic skills, ability and understanding required for the successful transition to High School and for their future lives and education.  Through their wealth of experience and the positive relationships they have established, Year 6 students have developed the emotional intelligence and resilience essential to the ability to rise to challenges which lie ahead. 

Gib Gate families are thanked for their outstanding efforts over 2008 and for contributing positively to the overall community life of the School.  There have been many notable achievements by the students over the year, none of which would have been possible without the supportive parent community.

The School looks forward to welcoming parents to the Gib Gate Christmas Concert on Tuesday 2 December at Clubbe Hall.

Ms Sally Robson, Head of Gib Gate

Gib Gate Christmas Concert
The Christmas Concert will be held on Tuesday 2 December at 6pm at Clubbe Hall.  All students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be performing along with the School Orchestra, Boys’ Choir, Madrigals group and the Staff/Parents group.  Parents are invited to join the staff at singing rehearsal Monday 1 December at 3:40pm in the Gib Gate Hall, for the final practice.

Mrs Anne Graham, Gib Gate Coordinator

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 School for Wood
Mr Tom Harrington took up the position as Director of the Sturt School for Wood in January 1992.  In the past 17 years, he has trained over 200 students in the full time Certificate IV in Fine Woodworking.  It is with great regret that Mr Harrington has had to finish teaching, due to ill health.  His impact on students and on Sturt over the years has been immeasurable, inspiring many people, both students and supporters of Sturt alike.  Mr John Gallagher and Mr James Carr are teaching the full-time students until the end of 2008.  A new teacher for the full-time course is being recruited for 2009.

Sturt School for Wood Graduating Exhibition
Connections, showing the work of graduates from this year’s course, will open at 2pm Saturday 29 November.  The pieces on show have all been designed and made by the students, in the last months of their year-long course. They reveal the depth of skill and creative imagination which each exhibitor has developed during the year.  Mr Tony Emmett, retired plastic surgeon and noted Southern Highlands artist, will open the exhibition and speak about the work.  Students at Sturt have come from all over Australia to attend this course, including a dairy farmer from Victoria, two cabinetmakers from Queensland and a TAFE teacher from Central West NSW.  The exhibition continues until Sunday 14 December.

Enrolments for Wood Courses open
Enrolments are open for the Sturt School for Wood full-time course, to commence on 27 January 2009. Enrolments are also being taken for three twelve-week courses in Fine Woodworking, to commence in February, May and August.

Accommodation wanted for Students
In order to help accommodate students taking wood courses, Sturt is asking anyone who may have a spare room, small flat or house, which might be available either to the twelve-week or full-time students. Once received, your details will be passed on to students and they will make direct arrangements with you.  If this is of interest to, please contact Sturt Gallery on 4860 2083 or email shop@sturt.nsw.edu.au

Travels to Ethiopia
Ms Slavica Zivkovic (Sturt Gallery manager) travelled to Ethiopia in August and September this year. She was keen to visit the fistula hospital run by Dr Catherine Hamlin in Addis Ababa and to work in some voluntary capacity while in Ethiopia.  She travelled north to Bahir Dar and worked for one month in a smaller hospital run by Dr Andrew Browning (son of Dr David Browning from Bowral).  Ms Zivkovic worked in a centre attached to the hospital which has been set up to support women to keep their children and families together.  Her tasks involved a wide range of daily duties, including working on art projects with the children, some who have never held a paint brush.  Playing with colour and simple collage shapes gave Ms Zivkovic and the children a huge amount of delight, as they explored a new world of colour and paint, with great enthusiasm.  It was a profound experience for Ms Zivkovic to witness the language of creativity and to contribute to and experience the joy for these tiny artists.  She also designed and painted a mural for a new day care centre so that images could be included alongside the English and Anarchic alphabets.  Travelling to Ethiopia was a rich and rewarding experience for Ms Zivkovic and she hopes to return some day.  Ms Zivkovic will be showing images and talking about her trip at 5.30pm on Friday 5 December at Sturt Cottage.  RSVP to Sturt Gallery 02 4860 2083.

Sturt Shop
Sturt Shop will be open till 7pm on Friday evenings of 28 November and 5 December. Mark these dates in your calendar, and bring a friend to have a glass of Champagne, and purchase that special Christmas gift.

Sturt Summer School 3 – 8 January 2009
Enrolments are being taken for the following courses: Calligraphy with Lexie Arlington; An Introduction to Drawing with Kit Bullivant; Making a Bodhran with Geoff Tonkin; Marquetry with Leo Huyghebaert; Pastels with Lynne Flemons; Soldering and Rivetting to make Rings with Marcello Zavala-Baeza; Clay throwing with Ross Mitchell-Anyon; Drawing Place and Space with Roberta Simpson; Wood Turning with Richard Raffan and all the children’s classes.  Ring Sturt for enquiries on 02 4860 2083, or visit the website www.sturt.nsw.edu.au

Megan Patey, Head of Sturt

FRENSHAM

Deputy Head

As the 2008 school year comes to an end preparations are well underway for 2009.

Girls have nominated their IGSSA sport for Term 1 and selection trials will take place during Jamieson Week and will continue during the first week of 2009.  The first weekend of Term 1, 2009 will involve Sport Clinics in the girls’ chosen sport.

Extra Subject forms will be sent at the beginning of 2009 and should be completed and returned by the date indicated.  All students must complete a Music Lesson form if they intend to continue with or take up a musical instrument lesson next year.

Mr Geoff Marsh, Deputy Head

Director of Studies

The Year 10 into Year 11 Orientation Programme continues this week.  Students have gained an appreciation of the types of knowledge, subject matter and skills which they can expect to experience in their academic programme for 2009.  While teachers are bound by Board of Studies directives not to begin teaching Preliminary HSC content or concepts before the commencement of the Preliminary year, they have designed units which are meaningful and close to what students can anticipate in the senior school.  During Jamieson Week, parents will be asked to confirm their daughter’s 2009 subjects.

Year 8 is currently considering electives for 2009. 
Elective groupings are designed to ensure that students have the broadest possible choice in the HSC - ensuring that any subjects which have prerequisite components for Year 11 and 12 have all been placed on separate lines.  By doing this, students can continue subjects which are deemed to be prerequisites for study in 2011 and 2012 respectively.  Please note that the subjects that must be studied in Years 9/10 in order to be able to continue in Years 11/12 are: Japanese, French, Latin and Music (Music 2 course).  These subjects also have Extension courses in Years 11/12. 

Year 7 students have three possible elective options: French, Japanese or Language Studies.

For both Year 7 and 8 electives, parents will be required to confirm final choices at the end of Jamieson Week.  Where any discussion is required, Mr Marsh will be available until 18 December.

Students in Year 12 2009 will be given work to complete over the vacation.  In some cases students might need to revise, complete assessments in the early part of Term 1 or they may wish to resource, research for, read upon and prepare for upcoming content, Major Works or prerequisite texts.

Mr Matthew McMahon, Director of Studies

Teaching and Learning

Frensham and Gib Gate Teaching, Health Centre and Boarding Staff will undertake a formal programme of professional development on 8, 9 and 10 December.  A major focus of the programme is meeting the needs of Gifted and Talented Students.  Ms Bronwyn MacLeod, Director of Gateways Education Lecturer in Gifted Education at the University of NSW and Ms Ruth Target and Ms Lye Chan Long, Education Consultants with Gateways Education will work with English, HSIE and Science Faculties and groups of Gib Gate teachers over the three days.

The Mathematics Faculty will review extension programmes in Years 7 and 8 as well as working with Mr Stuart Palmer, a specialist in using computer technology to develop complex mathematical understanding.  

The PDHPE faculty will refine teaching programmes under the guidance of Mr Darryl Buchanan, PDHPE consultant with the Association of Independent Schools and Ms Linda Magson will continue her work in the Music Faculty.  Ms Magson brings her expertise from previous roles as an Inspector for the Board of Studies and Director of Studies.  

Boarding Staff will continue to update their knowledge of 21st Century technologies and revisit topics covered with students in Year meetings this year such as developing emotional intelligence and building organisational skills. 

Mrs Bronwyn Tregenza, Director of Teaching and Learning

Director of Boarding

Over the past two weekends girls in Years 7 and 8 have been making Origami Christmas decorations; using interesting manipulation of coloured sheets of paper and ribbon.  Christmas is the theme for the last weeks with the decoration of the Houses and ‘Secret Santas’.  

Jamieson Week with its focus on community service is carried through into the Boarding Houses with each House having boxes for donations of Human Food and for Animal Food.  This is an annual event and the Houses would appreciate any donations of non-perishable food items for either or both boxes.
 
The House Staff look forward to seeing everyone on the final weekend as girls are leaving for the Christmas holiday.

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

Careers News

On Wednesday 12 November, Year 10 students visited the campuses of the University of NSW and Sydney University.  They listened to student advisers studying a wide range of subjects such as Medicine, Advanced Science, Economics, Arts/Psychology, Engineering and Education.  The campus tours revealed the extent of the re-building programmes at both universities and were very informative. The day ended with afternoon tea and a tour at the Women’s College where Year 10 met the new Principal, Dr Williamson and eight Frensham Old Girls.

Old Girls 2003- 2007: Emily Sharp, Adelaide Lee-Warner, Lucy Inglis, Cate Wright, Alex Scates Frances, Suzanne MacPhillamy, (missing from the photo are Angelique Wanner and Annabelle Boyd Jones).	Members of Year 10 at the Women’s College – University of Sydney

Year 9 Work Experience 2009
Year 9 will be discussing the 2009 Work Experience Programme.  Some students have already organised placements and it is advised that all Year 9 students make applications during the summer holiday.  Confirmation of placements will be required during Term 1.

Mrs Cherylynne Williams, Careers Adviser

English and Drama

On Tuesday 18 November, 24 students from Years 7, 8 and 9, Ms Samuels and  Emma Campbell (Vice Head of Public Speaking and Debating) travelled to Nowra Anglican College for a day of friendly debating.  It was an  opportunity for the girls to practise their rebuttal technique and speaking skills with what could  become an annual event.  Some of the topics included: “That the media promotes a selfish society” debated by Year 9, “That computers dominate our lives” debated by Year 8 and “That life is better in the country than in the city” debated by Year 7.  This last debate became a very interesting philosophical  debate based on the Frensham team’s line: ‘God made the country, the city was man’s mistake’.

In the opening debate the Frensham Year 9 team consisting of Emma Gorman, Emma Quinn, Rosetta Freelander and Harriet Robertson successfully argued against the notion that the media promotes a selfish society.
The Year 8 teams of Adelaide Nielsen, Georgia Ross, Kate Hawker and Madeleine Bowdern as well as Lyreda Bennetts, Rachel Latimer, Georgina MacDiarmid and Georgina Kelly were well prepared and debated strongly although they could not convince the adjudicator that computers do not dominate our lives or that Australians are too concerned with sport.

Both Year 7 teams were very thorough and for their first debates displayed great promise.  Freya Spencer, Rebecca McCreath, Grace Ives and Genevieve Maslin successfully debated against the topic that Commercials are the best part of TV, while Isabeau Gavel, Emma McCrabb, Catherine Hall and Emma Murphy were able to convince the adjudicator and audience that life in the country is better than life in the city.

By far the most captivating debate on the day involved Rose Kennedy, Cassandra Perry, Emily Maker and D’Arcy Bush who asserted that we should put the environment first , with the interesting team line that,  ‘Envirocide is human suicide’.  The adjudicator was impressed by the standard of this debate with Emily Maker noteworthy for the standard of her rebuttal.

Everyone had an interesting day and many new friendships were formed as a result of the hospitality of the students and teachers from Nowra.  This growing involvement in Debating by so many students augurs well for the coming years.

Earlier in the year, a number of students in Years 7-10 entered the Dorothea  Mackellar Poetry writing competition and certificates were awarded to the following girls: Year 7 Highly Commended Sophie Meredith, The Fin; Commended Georgina Whatmore, The Riverbed.  Year 8 Highly Commended Anna Gemmell-Smith, Fear; Ainsley Maurer, War; Madeleine Kelly, Death Defying; Cordelia Symes, Horse Riding; Natasha Smart, Stars in the Sky.

Mrs Trish Symons, Director Language Arts

HSIE

National Curriculum
At the end of last week, the National Curriculum Board (NCB) released its National Curriculum framing papers for English, Mathematics, Science and History.  These followed the initial framing papers and provide a clear indication as to proposed directions for what should be taught from Kindergarten to Year 12 in each subject domain.

As the NCB outlines, the purpose of the papers is to “…generate broad-ranging discussions in the community about the proposed directions and provide opportunities to comment”.

The NCB has asked for feedback on these framing papers up until 28 February 2009.  All four papers can be located at http://www.ncb.org.au/our_work/preparing_for_2009.html

The implications for HSIE subjects are broad.  In this first round of proposed changes History has been considered.  In the second round Geography is to undergo change (along with Languages).

The History proposal maps out a change in the language and framing of curriculum based on four stages (unlike the six which currently exists in the NSW System) across the curriculum continuum and provides an outline of the types of content which is to be covered.

There are similarities with the current NSW model but there is a greater focus on world history across the five continents.

Topics proposed for the Stage 3 (typically 12 to 15 years of age) curriculum include:
1. History from the time of the earliest human communities to the end of the Ancient period (c. 60,000 BC—c. 500 AD)
2. History from the end of the Ancient period to the beginning of the Modern period (c. 500–1750)
3. The Modern World and Australia (1750–1901)
4. Australia and the Modern World (1901–present)

The major change in Stage 4 (typically students aged from 15 to 18 years of age) is that units would be year long and not the current two years as is part of the NSW system.

There is much to consider in the 32-page document for History and there are many phases in the development for the national curriculum which are to unfold.  Members of the faculty are to consider these changes in more depth and discuss the merits of and implications for teaching in HSIE, with a response proposed in the New Year.

Mr Matthew McMahon, HSIE Coordinator

Mathematics

For approximately 16 weeks from May to September, several students across Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 participated in the Enrichment Stage of the Mathematics Challenge, a nation-wide competition. Participants must work individually and with minimal assistance on a set of problems covering various aspects of mathematical problem-solving.  In Year 7 Rebecca McCreath, Georgina Whatmore and Lauren Zawal achieved the very top of their cohort on the 100th percentile.  All students who participated in such a sustained, demanding competition are to be commended.

High Distinction: Rebecca McCreath; Georgina Whatmore; Lauren Zawal; Lani Maher; Annabel Locke.  Distinction: Edith Gregory.  Credit: Emily Marsh; Georgia Ross; Nicola Forrest; Teresa Santonastaso

Mrs Sue Flaxman, Mathematics Coordinator

Music

AMEB Piano Examinations were held at Frensham last week and the following pianists are commended for their hard work and preparation: Chloe Andrews, Piano Grade 3 High Credit; Hannah Beith, Piano Grade 7 Honours; Mary Bokey, Piano for Leisure Grade 5 Honours; Grace Ives, Piano Grade 3 Pass; Grace Musgrove, Piano for Leisure Grade 6 High Credit; Sally Newton, Piano Grade 6 Credit; Lucinda Nicolls Small; Piano for Leisure Grade 7 Pass; Teresa Santonastaso, Piano for Leisure Grade 6 Credit; Freya Spencer, Piano Grade 3 Honours.

If students would like to begin or to change arrangements for extra-curricular music lessons in 2009, they must return a completed application form to the School before the beginning of Term 1.  Forms will be sent out at the beginning of 2009 (as noted by Mr Marsh).

Mr Michael Spencer, Coordinator of Music

Science

Year 9 students have the opportunity to sit an examination to qualify for entry to a Gifted & Talented Discovery Programme at Sydney University.  The programme provides talented students with additional challenges and stimulations in the area of Science.  To qualify students sit a 40-minute examination which consists of 15 complex multiple-choice questions.  Some girls have been attempting last year’s paper to prepare for the competition.  The questions are designed to test the student’s ability to solve scientific problems in the areas of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.  Places are limited with only the top 10-15% of students who sit for the examination being invited to attend a three-day programme held during the April and July school holidays.  Students who qualify attend laboratory sessions where they are able to conduct experiments and participate in interactive demonstrations.

Mrs Kate McGregor, Teacher of Science

Sturt Workshop – Year 10

On Thursday 13 and Friday 14 November, Year 10 students experienced the professional workshop environment at Sturt.  They chose from courses in Photography, Ceramics, Textiles, Jewellery and Mosaics under the guidance of tutors who are all well-regarded artists in their respective fields.  The two days were divided into six workshop sessions.  In Ceramics with Slavica Zivkovic, the girls made candleholders and a wall plaque with a Mexican flavour.  In Mosaics, Helen Factor, they created decorative tiles and learned the skill of shaping and colour selection to gain the best effect.  In Textiles, Melanie Olde, the girls used brightly coloured, carded wool to make felt and used this to make a range of items such as bags, clothing, a pair of slippers and a top hat.

The photographers, under the guidance of Debra Pearson, could be found in the gardens around Sturt and Frensham finding just the right situation and lighting for their black and white shots which they then developed and printed.  In the Jewellery workshop with Yvette de Mestre, students created items in Perspex and copper, bronze and silver such as rings, key rings and pendants.

The girls gained much from the experience in this unique environment.

Mrs Jenny Booth, Senior Teacher of Mathematics and Sturt Workshop Coordinator

Sport

Cricket
All Frensham Cricket teams had a successful season and are commended for their results.

Two Frensham Cricket teams were successful in their semi-finals matches played in Sydney last weekend. 

Year 7 Purple and Junior B’s will now play in the IGSSA Cricket Finals on Saturday 29 November at Centennial Park, Sydney starting at 8.00am.

Swimming
Swimming in Term 4 has been successful and swimmers are commended for their efforts.  The squads have been committed to their training sessions and all girls have improved their fitness throughout the term.  For the last two weeks of term Mr Vince Emmerick coached the squad.  He is looking forward to working with the us next year, preparing the team for the various carnivals.  

Swimming/ Softball and Tennis clinics for 2009
All Swimmers, Softball and Tennis players will have the opportunity to attend a clinic the first Sunday back 2009. This is compulsory for all Year 7-10 students: 
Year 7 and Juniors (Years 8 and 9) 11.00-12.30pm, Seniors 1.00-2.30pm. 
Details will also be published on the White Cottage noticeboard.

Wet weather advice:
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.

Mrs Amanda Wansey, Coordinator of Sport

Equestrian News

Nellie Evans, Harriet Hooke, Annabel Mulready and Zoë Philip all competed at the recent NSW Horse of the Year show.  Nellie won the Champion Adult rider of the Year class for the 17 - 21 age group and Annabel won Champion Show Hunter Galloway of the Year.  These wins qualify Nellie and Annabel to compete at the finals during the Grand Nationals next year.  Harriet and Zoë were both placed in their classes. 

Nakita Misner has competed in Eventing and Show Jumping over the last few months.  At the Australian Show Jumping Championships Nikita won Bare Back High Jump competition with a jump of 1.75m.

An outstanding recent achievement was first placing in the Hunt Trials at Wallaby Hill Farm, by Jessica Nagel, Head of Equestrian 2009.

Last weekend, several Frensham riders were entered in the Berrima Horse Trials.  Alice Scamps-Goodman, D’Arcy Bush and Kirby Delamont were all placed in their events; however, very bad weather resulted in many withdrawals from the jumping phases.  We are pleased to note that, despite a serious fall after her dressage event, Katie Lee is now recovering in hospital.

Ms Amanda Sharpe, Equestrian Coordinator

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