Expos and Open Days 2019

• Frensham Open Day: Saturday 2 March
• Gib Gate Open Day: Tuesday 19 March
• Hangzhou, China Parent Information Event: Wednesday 24 April
• Fellowship Back to Frensham Centenary Weekend: Saturday-Sunday 6-7 April
• Gib Gate Preschool Open Day: Saturday 11 May
• Dubbo Boarding Schools Expo: Friday-Saturday 17 & 18  May
• Tamworth Boarding Schools Expo: Friday-Saturday 26 & 27 July
• Young Parent Information Lunch: Wednesday 14 August
• Wagga Wagga Parent Info Evening: Wednesday 14 August
• Sydney Parent Information Evening: Wednesday 21 August
• Head’s Tour [Frensham]: Saturday 31 August
• Singapore Parent Info Evening: Tuesday 3 September

Acknowledgement to:

• HSC Drama (2018) student Chipo Riva (Year 12, 2018), who performed her monologue as one of 8 selected for OnSTAGE solo performances, and Molly Paradice (Year 12, 2018) for her Design Costume project displayed at the recent OnSTAGE exhibition at the Seymour Centre, 9-15 February;
• Georgia Richardson (Year 12, 2018) merit scholarship recipient for her Bachelor of Music Musicology course for her first year at the Conservatorium of Music, Sydney;
• Charlotte Menzies (Year 11) selected in the IGSSA Open Softball team;
• Recent Girdle recipient Harper Northam (Year 12) (English);
• Year 5, 2018 Young Scientist award winners (Science Teachers’ Association of NSW): Sophie Alexander, Sophie Baldwin, Eliza-Grace Bashford, Thomas Campbell, Isabella Carpenter, Sophie Goodisson, Amelia Hartnell, Elizabeth Shadbolt;
• Sophie Alexander (Year 5, 2018), finalist in the IPSHA Speaker’s Challenge.

Year 12 2018 Tertiary Placement offers to NSW Universities are noted below. Offers to Interstate and Overseas Universities are separately advised to us by girls when published. We note with interest the 32 'different' courses offered to a cohort of 50 girls, reflecting their particular interests and goals.

• B Advanced Computing
• B Advanced Science (Hons)
• B Applied Science (Speech Pathology)
• B Arts
• B Arts/B Advanced Studies (Media & Communication)
• B Arts/B Advanced Studies (Political & International Relations)
• B Arts/B Business
• B Business
• B Commerce
• B Commerce (Dean’s Scholar)
• B Communication (Public Communication)
• B Design (Visual Communication)
• B Design Architecture (Hons)/M     Architecture
• B Design Photography
• B Economics/B Advanced Studies
• B Engineering (Hons)/B Arts
• B Engineering (Hons)/B Laws       
• B Event & Tourism Management
• B International Studies/B Laws
• B Laws/B Arts International Studies
• B Liberal Arts and Science
• B Medical and Health Sciences
• B Medical Science
• B Music [Conservatorium Scholarship]
• B Nursing
• B Psychology Science
• B Psychology Science/B Criminology & Criminal Justice
• B Science/B Advanced Studies (Taronga)
• B Science/B Advanced Studies (Animal & Veterinary Bioscience)
• B Sport & Exercise Science
• B Visual Arts
• Diploma Digital Media Design
• Flexible Double Arts Social Sciences Business Science

Start Where You Stand (Berton Braley - 20^th Century American poet)

Inspired by a pre-Term 1 professional learning focus on the ‘growth mindset’ research of educational psychologist, Carol S Dweck (See Mindset – updated publication, 2012), Berton Braley’s poem captures the message we continue to reinforce with colleagues, students and parents – that today is a starting point... and the first term of a new school year is an opportunity to restart or to build even further on outstanding achievement:

Start where you stand
This is another chapter in the book,
This is another race that you have planned.
The world won’t care about your old defeats,
The future is your time and time is fleet.
Take courage, be brave and drive ahead,
Start where you stand...

From Preschool to Year 12, teachers will be reinforcing for students that high quality achievement requires effort – directed at the right targets. That is, ‘right practice’, not ‘just’ practice. Finding the words or the person to spark the aspiration is a shared responsibility and some of Dweck’s words are helpful:

‘The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it’s not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives.’

Dweck advises, ‘If parents want to give their children a gift, the best thing they can do is to teach their children to love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort, and keep on learning. That way, their children don’t have to be slaves of praise. They will have a lifelong way to build and repair their own confidence.’ 

Breaking of new ground this year: Parents will note curriculum change across all three campuses: Cambridge International Global Perspectives and Primary Ethics at Gib Gate, i-Stem, ‘Creatable’ (industry-delivered course), a Year 8 Extension Mathematics Research Project and Extension Science at Frensham, and after-school classes added to the Sturt Design and Fabrication programme, through the School for Wood at Sturt. Physically, significant renovations and restorations have been achieved over the break at both Gib Gate and Frensham.  Student boarding numbers at Frensham are at more than 73% of the total school enrolment, with our demographic mix including long distance – interstate and overseas, Sydney and local boarders, and Gib Gate’s Preschool has started with very high numbers for both the Reception and Transition classes. New Staff positions – in Languages, Mathematics, Innovation and Foundation create a new energy and challenge that drive essential ongoing review and new opportunity. We continue to ask, ‘What’s worth learning - in this rapidly changing world?’

I look forward to the year ahead - working with parents in our support of student progress – in all facets of the educational experience.

Ms Julie Gillick
Head of Frensham
Head of Frensham Schools

Information & Acknowledgements...

Thank you in advance to parents involved in the hosting of School events and processes this year. We appreciate your generous offer of time in support!

A Frensham Contact List now posted on Schoolbox will be emailed separately today to parents, to guide direct communication in key areas.

Acknowledgement to:

Prefects for Year Groups - announced at Final Prayers

• Year 7: Annabelle Hickson, Bardie Thompson
• Year 8: Isabella Gale, Alexandra Hill, Lillian Ives
• Year 9: Adelaide Darvall, Georgina Ridge, Sophie Robertson
• Year 10: Phoebe O’Connell, Amelia Hickson, Sophie Sheehan
• Year 11: Lucy Hayes, Alexandra Maciver
• Year 12: Holly Webster (Vice Head Girl), Georgie Tooth (Head Girl)

Heads of House appointed for Term 1

• Hartfield: Grace Amos, Ella Clark, Anna Rickwood (Year 10)
• Kennedy: Adelaide Alker, Amelia Byrne, Amelia Guilfoyle (Year 10)
• Linden Turner: 
  Emilie Hassall, Isabelle Promnitz, Annabelle Ranken (Year 10)
  Annika Blackman, Lillie Morrison, Annalena Turnbull (Year 11)
• Bryant McCarthy:
  Isobel Huggins, Rebecca Muller, Christina Richardson (Year 11)
  Adele Bouniol-Laffont, Georgia Kelleher (Year 12) – all year

Girdle Recipients (end of 2018): Elvira Berzins (Music), Kora Fripp (Service – Clubbe Hall), Hayley Hunter (Service – Clubbe Hall), Adele Bouniol-Laffont (French);

Announced in the last week of Term 4, 2018:

• Virginia Cuppaidge Scholarship – Alice Battcock (Year 12, 2018)
• Ruby Mowle Scholarship – Sarah Jancewicz (Year 11)
• Roma Dix Scholarship – Elvira Berzins (Year 12)
   
• Eleanor Swan (Year 10), one of 25 participants aged 14-18 years, selected to attend the National Invention Convention at Questacon in Canberra, over the recent vacation;
   
• Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award recipients:
  Bronze: Year 11 - Dimity Crowe, Annalena Turnbull; Year 10 - Erin Alcorn, Adelaide Alker, Elke Arnott, Alexandra Barton, Alexandra Bolger, Coco Bradley, Sarah Brown, Amelia Byrne, Ella Clark, Harriet Collins, Alexandra Crawford, Sachi Darling, Meg Fairrie, Eliza Friend, Sarah Glanville, Jessica Greig, Amelia Guilfoyle, Ruby Halloran, Laura Harper, Emilie Hassall, India Hicks, Georgia Hill, Ella Hopperton, Emma Jancewicz, Mollie Laird, Grace Lewis, Grace Mackenzie, Harriet Mackie, Ivy McGufficke, Willa Mitchell, Madeleine Mulligan, Lilith Parker, Sophie Perkins, Sophia Pernice, Isabelle Promnitz, Anna Rickwood, Georgia Shakeshaft, Taylah Stoney, Jemima Storch, Eleanor Swan, Lara Tait, Amy Thompson, Olivia Turner, Skye Vander Straaten, Brigitte Watkin.
  Silver: Year 12 - Maggie McKittrick, Sophie McLean, Sophie Sheehan, Amelia Thomson; Year 11 - Frances Alldis, Harriette Beedle, Cordelia Bell, Annika Blackman, Millicent Bolger, Emily Conradt, Alexandra Cunningham, Annabella Damiani, Charlotte Dulhunty, Sybella Harris, Olivia Hamilton, Chanel Huang, Daisy Latimer, Olivia MacDiarmid, Sarah Manwaring, Mairi Menzies, Gabrielle Metua, Elizabeth Mitchell, Rebecca Muller, Clementine Paradice;
   
• UOW STEM Camp (January 2019) selected participants: Ruby D’Rozario, Natasha Long, Caitlin Quinn (Year 10);
   
• Sophie Hatch (Year 11), selected in the Australian Junior Showjumping team for the Aquis Champions Tour to be held in Queensland in the first week of May;
   
• Sebastian Atra (Year 4) Welsh Alpine Championships Gold Medal U10 Male Giant Slalom and Silver medal U10 Male Slalom.
   
• Frensham Year 9, 2018 for their outstanding results in the internationally recognised Cambridge International Global Perspectives Course, with 30% of Frensham students gaining the highest result (A*) – compared to 10% internationally - and another 32% gaining an A result (compared to 20% of A results internationally).

Staffing update – staff welcomed in January

• In the new position of Director of Languages (Preschool to Year 12): Mrs Kerry Lennon BA (USYD), Grad Dip Ed (UWA) - teacher of our 2018 HSC French Extension class (from her Sydney Grammar position as Subject Master - Modern Languages).
   
• Gib Gate:
  Miss Stefanie Klauer B Ed (UC), Dip Early Childhood Services (CIT) – Year 1 Teacher
  Miss Jacqueline Pawl B Teach (Primary), BA (UON) – Year 2 Teacher
   
• Frensham:
  Mr John Day B Sc (USYD), Dip Ed (UWS) – Senior Teacher (Mathematics), House Staff
  Mr Andrew McMillan B Sc (UC, NZ), Grad Dip Teaching/Learning, (CE, NZ) – Design and Technology
  Miss Harriet Hooke B A (Lang Hons, French) (USYD), M Teach (Secondary) (UNE) – Languages
  Mr Matthew Griffiths B Sc (UOW), M Teach (UOW) – Science
  Miss Karin Klaver* B English Ed (NHL Uni, The Netherlands) – House Staff (*Term 1 Exchange)
   
• Sturt:
  Mr Ian Bromley Assoc Dip Elec Engineering (TAFE) – Coordinator, School for Wood
   
• Frensham Schools:
  Ms Jackie Dalton B Ed (USYD), WWS Foundation  –  Director of Philanthropy
  Mrs Virginia Kidd Paediatric Intensive Care PG Cert (NSW College of Nursing), Midwifery PG Cert (Westmead Hospital), General Nursing Cert (Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children) – Head of Health Centre
  Mrs Heidi Wilson Cert Registration – Real Estate, Cert Childcare Studies (TAFE) – Administration Assistant
   
• Promotional positions and new positions for current staff:
  Miss May Wong – Head of Innovation (Mathematics and International Partnerships)
  Miss Emily Sinden – Year 11 Coordinator
  Mrs Jane Crellen – Head of Activities
  Ms Lee McGuinness – Year 12 Coordinator (with Mrs Ros Buick)

Ms Julie Gillick
Head of Frensham
Head of Frensham Schools

In preparing Frensham girls for essential competency as global citizens in a 21st Century context, we know that ‘Learning to thrive in a transforming world...is not just about lists of what students need to learn...it is about learning to live in new and better ways to take charge of their future, to shape it and deal with its challenges.’

Our efforts to inspire innovation at Frensham are intentional and whilst we take a research-based approach to decision-making around learning and teaching, we are also unafraid to trial ideas from around the world based on our collective, professional wisdom – assessing and benchmarking our progress against world standards.

This year, we are excited to offer our Year 9 and 10 students a course we are calling the Creatable Project. It is a STEM-focused learning experience where students build their own product from start to finish – from ideation, to pitching, to rapid prototyping, to commercialisation. Through design-thinking and creative problem-solving, girls will build personal interest in the innovation process, putting technology in context. A real-world, enterprise project in which girls take an industry-focused outlook in their studies, it is also cross-curricular, encompassing disciplines such as Science, Design and Technology, Business, and English.

Recently, a parent wrote to the School and noted, ‘My daughter is doing the Creatable Project and is absolutely rapt about it. I've been delivering workshops where we are talking about strategic planning, ideation, fail fast etc. and these girls are going to be so far in front of the I'm working with; such a great head start for life.’

In the age of automation the future is creative. Young people want to learn relevant skills for relevant workplaces… but the pace of change is rapid. The Creatable Project will facilitate our students’ industry preparedness by connecting them with innovative brands through an engaging learning experience.

Advantaged by our independence, we continue to explore and expand our curriculum options. With projects like Creatable – and in combination with other offerings such as iSTEM, – we can provide our girls with 21st Century skills for 21st Century workplaces, as well as bridging the education/industry divide. By creating a learning environment for students to express their creativity and ultimately find their creative voice, we are equipping them with hard and soft, real-world tools for the ever-changing, creativity-focused future.

Read full text from all faculties this week:

Faculty News Term 1 No 2 | PDF

Read full report from Frensham Faculties

Download the document below:

Frensham Faculty News - Term 1 No 2

 

Frensham students excel in internationally recognised course

Frensham students have achieved a remarkable number of top results – A* and A – in the Cambridge International Global Perspectives course, with Georgia Shakeshaft topping the School’s results with a score of 183 out of 200.

Overall, Frensham Year 9, 2018 students received outstanding results in the internationally recognised course, with 30% of Frensham students gaining the highest result (A*) – compared to 10% internationally - and another 32% gaining an A result (compared to 20% of A results internationally).

Head of Frensham, Julie Gillick, noted, “Our involvement in Cambridge International courses allows us to analyse student achievement in courses studied in up to 10,000 schools in 160 countries. It is exciting to know that, through Cambridge, our students are connected to an international network that comprises almost one million learners.”

Equally important is the fact that our teachers enjoy the challenge to interpret new curriculum requirements and to harness their academic capacity and passion to inspire critical thinking and high level academic writing, in middle high school students.

We congratulate the girls and the team of staff involved in teaching the course, led by Head of our Jamieson Programme, Ms Merrilee Harris.

Run by Cambridge University in Great Britain, Cambridge Global Perspectives is a ground-breaking course that stretches across traditional subject boundaries and develops transferable skills, with an emphasis on developing the ability to think critically about a range of global issues - where there is always more than one point of view. Frensham offers the course to Year 9 students as part of our unique Jamieson Programme. Meeting government ministers, organising a local river clean-up project and writing to the United Nations about climate change, are just some of the activities learners pursue through the course. Speaking about the importance of the Cambridge International Global Perspectives course to Frensham, Deputy Head, Geoff Marsh, noted recently, “Frensham is a global school and the course strengthens our international links as girls collaborate with other students from around the world. If we want our students to make a difference well beyond School, they have to understand the complex nature of issues from a local, national and global perspective.

Read full text from all faculties this week: Faculty News Term 1 No 1 | PDF

Read full report from Frensham Faculties

Download the document below:

Frensham Faculty News - Term 1 No 1

Holt Farm welcomes new residents

Welcoming new students to the school at the start of Term 1, it was wonderful to see Gib Gate students excitedly greeting new and old classmates, and rewarding to watch Kindergarten 2019 start the school year so smoothly and confidently after participating in the 2018 Kindergarten Orientation Programme.

After an exciting start to the day, there was time to catch up with both new and old families at the Welcome Back Coffee Morning for parents in the Gib Gate Library, and it was lovely to see existing parents welcoming new families.

Working with senior colleagues, new staff and Gib Gate staff in the weeks leading up to the start of school, I am confident Gib Gate students will have a tremendous year guided by the expert teaching and learning team from Preschool to Year 6. The Gib Gate Preschool to Year 2 Early Years Curriculum is stronger than ever, with two experienced and expert educators, Ms Jacqueline Pawl and Ms Stefanie Klauer, joining the Gib Gate staff on Year 2 and Year 1.

Years 3 and 4 students are looking forward to the upcoming Outdoor Education programme where they will be learning to orienteer, cook outdoors, build an outdoor shelter, abseil and mountain bike. Year 5 is eagerly anticipating their first three-day Outdoor Education Camp and the Gib Gate Year 6 Leaders have already assumed their leadership responsibilities as Monitors and Kindergarten Buddies.

I am looking forward to welcoming parents to upcoming events such as the Families of Gib Gate (FOGG) Welcome Drinks, Parent Information morning and evenings, the Year 6 Monitors Presentation Assembly, Outdoor Education Camp briefings and the New Parent Welcome Dinner. All of these events are designed to assist you in finding out more about the School, your child’s class and how you can support your child at school.

Ms Sally Robson, Head of Gib Gate

New Science and Technology Syllabus for 2019

The new NESA Science & Technology Syllabus will be implemented K-6 from Term 1 2019. Science and Technology K-6 is an integrated discipline that fosters in students a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them and how it works, and encourages them to embrace new concepts and the unexpected and to learn through trialling, testing and refining ideas. The syllabus is designed to provide flexibility for teachers to develop teaching and learning programmes to meet the needs of our Gib Gate students who continue to display highly-developed skills and knowledge in this exciting Key Learning Area.

The syllabus now consists of five ‘strands’. In Living World students learn about living things, the needs of living things and where food comes from. In Material World students explore the characteristics and properties of materials and substances. In Physical World students explore forces, energy and how the physical characteristics of objects affect movement. In Earth and Space they learn about the Earth’s place in the universe and about caring for the Earth’s resources.

In Digital Technologies they investigate existing technologies and create digital solutions. In this particular strand, Gib Gate students have already begun their journey in learning about Digital Technologies - way ahead of their NSW peers - through their intensive Term 3 2018 programme on coding and algorithmic and computational thinking delivered by pedagogical specialist leaders in this field, ScopeIT Education, and we will continue to provide them with this exciting learning opportunity to develop and apply these 21^st century skills in Term 1 2019.

ScopeIT Education bring state-of-the-art equipment and expert technology educators to Gib Gate on Wednesday of each week, and each class is immersed in their new learning for one 40-minute lesson with instructors and their class teachers. This provides our students with the opportunity to learn new skills in a computer coding programme, taking their education in technology to the highest level by including: how the internet works; how to build basic apps, websites and other computer programs; safe use of the internet; logical thinking, problem solving techniques and creative design using technology; and 3D printing and robotics. The courses feature fun puzzles and interactive games so they can learn about the ‘engine’ that drives computers in a way that relates to what they already know about technology and their devices. Over time, students will be coding apps and printing 3D objects in class.

In Term 1 Kindergarten are participating in ‘Mouse Skills in 3D Design’; Year 1 ‘Coding for Kids 1’; Year 2 ‘Coding for Kids 2’; Years 3 and 4 ‘Young Coders 2’; and Years 5 and 6 move into more complex thinking through the ‘Intermediate Coding’ course. Teaching Kids to Code is about providing a fundamental set of skills and logical thought-process techniques. At Gib Gate we have chosen these specific differentiated courses not solely for the pursuit of ‘tech’ knowledge, but rather as a complementary set of skills to develop students’ thinking across all curriculum areas. Teaching students to code teaches a structured methodology of learning, logical thought process, problem solving and collaborative team work to name but a few skills. Often this is generalised as ‘algorithmic thinking’. We prefer the term ‘Teaching Kids to THINK … by Teaching Kids to Code’.

Students are spending increasing amounts of time on electronic devices but they are missing the underlying principles of how they work. Through learning computational thinking, design and reasoning we show them how to be creators, not just consumers of technology. Parents are invited to learn more about our learning providers at: https://www.scopeiteducation.edu.au

In addition, our students will develop an understanding of the five strands through two skill processes: Working Scientifically, and Design and Production. This enables them to answer questions and develop creative solutions to problems. The syllabus addresses important contemporary themes and general capabilities as students prepare to live and work successfully in the 21st century.

Ms Kate Chauncy Director of Teaching and Learning P-12 and Coordinator of Gifted and Talented Programmes

Enrichment/Activities

Music

Music lessons will recommence for continuing students next week (Week 3) and new students will commence lessons in Week 4. Places are available in all instruments if your child is interested in starting this year. Junior Singing sessions and Senior Choir have been held this week and Orchestra rehearsals will commence this week, Week 2, on Friday 8 February at 12.30pm.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Extra-Curricular activities commence in Week 3. There are places available in a number of classes. Please contact Mrs Graham if you would like to enrol your child.

Years 3 and 4 Outdoor Education Adventure Day

Year 3 and Year 4 will participate in an OEG Adventure Day on Monday 25 February. We are required to provide 2019 medical forms to OEG for the day. If you have not already done so, could you please assist by returning your child’s medical forms.

Mrs Anne Graham, Gib Gate Coordinator (Administration)

Sport

Summer Sports

The second half of the summer season is underway, with Basketball, Water Polo and U11 Cricket all starting back this week. Students and parents will shortly be asked to make their selection for winter sports, with these selections finalised by early March.

Swimming

The Swimming Development programme at The Centenary Pool for all classes from Kindergarten to Year 6 will resume in Week 2.

The Year 3 to Year 6 Gib Gate Swimming Carnival will be held at The Centenary Pool on Friday 15 February and all the children have been asked to nominate the events in which they wish to compete.

The SHIPS Carnival at Bowral PooI will take place on Thursday 28 February, while the IPSHA Carnival at Homebush will be held on Tuesday 5 March. Teams for these representative events will be selected following the Gib Gate Carnival. The Fun Aquatic Carnival for Kindergarten to Year 2 will be held on Thursday 14 March at The Centenary Pool. Parents are most welcome to come along and support at all these carnivals.

Squad and Swimming Development sessions for all levels are available at The Centenary Pool by contacting Ben Slade at the Pool on 4872 3672.

Swimming Race Development Clinics are held each Friday afternoon from 4:00pm at The Centenary Pool. This is open to any Gib Gate students wishing to develop skills in diving off blocks, timing and fitness.

Cross Country

The Gib Gate Cross Country Carnival will be held on Friday 22 March, with the SHIPS Carnival held at Gib Gate on Tuesday 26 March and the IPSHA Carnival at The Kings School Parramatta on Saturday 6 April. Cross Country training will begin in Week 5 this term on two mornings a week. Training is open to all children from Year 2 to Year 6.

Representative Trials

Term 1 is a busy time for selection trials for various representative sports. Over the coming weeks, several children from Year 5 and 6 will be invited to trial for IPSHA selection in a range of sports.

Mr Michael Standen (Co-ordinator PE and Sport Gib Gate)

Preschool

Show and Tell provides an opportunity to share personal items/home-grown produce and experiences with Preschool. Presenting is valued at Gib Gate as a powerful activity that fosters self-esteem and allows each child to become ‘an expert’, sharing their knowledge with their class. These informal interactions foster oral language by building vocabulary as well as self-expression. They are an activity that can be socially rewarding and academically advantageous for young children, while also solidifying the home-school connection. By encouraging the children to participate and speak in front of others, the student can be the centre of attention, and their classmates learn to respect each other’s turn to talk. Students have the opportunity to practice the skill of listening to and answering simple questions. This term commenced with many eager Gib Gate pupils eager to share experiences with their classmates.

For Show and Tell, Louis Vaile brought in a bowl of blackberries he had picked before school…and shared them with his peers. During the morning meeting, Louis told his classmates about the prickly parts of the bush around which you need to be careful and about how some of the berries are ‘squishy’ before you pick them. He decided blackberry pancakes should be made so a group of children measured flour, milk, and blackberries into a bowl before adding the mixture to the frypan to cook. The blackberry pancakes tasted delicious and were enjoyed by all.

Leo Berkelouw brought photos, cards and a badge from an aircraft museum in America that he had visited during the vacation. He shared information about the aircraft and explained that the planes landed in the water when the men fought during the war.

Samuel Robb discussed the postcards he sent to Preschool over the vacation. He explained how he posted them from a museum that had planes and trains. He shared with the class that he didn’t think people fought there but moved the trains with levers.

It was delightful to see the respect the children have as they listened and questioned our presenters.

Mrs Tinna Locker, Preschool Co-ordinator

Tool & Techniques and Alumni 2 opening

Approximately 200 people attended Sturt Gallery on Sunday 17 February for the opening of the new exhibition, “Alumni 2”, a showcase of new work by selected graduates of the Sturt School for Wood between the years 2006 and 2016. Raymond Scott from Workshopped spoke eloquently about the value of attending a school like Sturt for the aspiring maker, and the challenges that lie ahead when that maker returns to the real world. Many graduates of the School, from as far back as the 1980s, were in attendance for this terrific event that formed part of the annual Tools & Techniques Weekend. Approximately 1200 people attended tool sales and displays and live demonstrations by some of Australia’s best fine furniture makers and designers.

A Butcher, a Baker and a Bunch of Makers

A new exhibition at Berrima Museum opened on Saturday 16 February with a focus on the makers and artisans of the Southern Highlands. Using high-tech screen technology, the exhibition offers photos and voiceovers of makers across the Highlands and all areas of art and business. Sturt has lent some works from its permanent collection for the exhibition and so, consequently, enjoys a significant profile as the unrivalled home for makers in the Southern Highlands.

Residencies in 2019

In 2019, an exciting programme of Sturt residencies will include an April visit by two artists from Maruku Arts to work in Punu, traditional wood carving and sculpture. We will welcome Rachel Wood from England for a professional residency in ceramics prior to the opening of her Sturt exhibition in September and welcome back furniture designer, Isabelle Moore, from Scotland who will be teaching Term 4 in the School for Wood. Graduate residents for 2019 include jewellery maker, Brooke Coutts-Wood, and furniture maker, Wayne Creaser.

Winter School 2019

Winter School will take place from 8 to 12 July. There are 16 courses on offer for adults plus daily classes for children. The full programme is on the website and the brochure will be out in March. Remember that we offer competitive accommodation and meals packages making the Winter School a unique cultural experience.

Our current exhibition…

ALUMNI 2 – new work by selected graduates from Sturt School for Wood 2006-2016

17 February to 7 April

The Sturt School for Wood was established in 1985 as an intensive training place for aspiring fine furniture makers and designers. Over 30 years later, the School has built a national and international reputation offering an unrivalled course taught by some of the best fine furniture makers and teachers working in Australia and overseas. 

In this follow-up exhibition to our first Alumni exhibition staged in 2017, we will showcase makers who graduated from Sturt in the period 2006 to 2016, a time when the School began to establish a national reputation for the quality of the makers it produced.

Artists include; Isabel Avendano, Chris Bartkus, Phoebe Everill, Ian Factor, Bailey Farmer, Ray Garnsey, Mark Gudgin, Steve Harper, Darryl Ingate, Christopher Neal, Darren Oates, Grant Robertson, Adrian Spano, Ruth Thompson, and Orest Danylak.

Our next exhibition…

Punu – living wood

Walka work and sculptures by artists from Maruku Arts at Uluru. A two week residency by artists will accompany the exhibition and will include a program of demonstrations and workshops for the public.

Full details of all Sturt courses, exhibitions, residency programs and events can be found on our website www.sturt.nsw.edu.au or to make a booking or enrolment call Sturt Shop on 0248 602083 or email shop@sturt.nsw.edu.au

A new year has started for Frensham term classes and the Sturt School for Wood. Over the Christmas and New Year break we enjoyed a fantastic Sturt Summer School with over 220 students and 24 tutors across the Sturt and Frensham campuses. 

We welcome Ian Bromley as our new Course Coordinator for the School for Wood plus four graduates from the Wood School cohort of 2018 who will be renting space at Sturt as ‘resident woodworkers’ – Lou Harriss, Luke McLennan, Ian Bromley and Aldo Dezani.

An exciting exhibition programme for 2019 begins with ‘Alumni 2’ – new work by selected graduates of the Sturt School for Wood from 2006 to 2016.

Residencies in 2019

A programme of residencies in 2019 will include a visit in April by two artists from Maruku Arts to work in Punu - traditional wood carving and sculpture. Prior to the opening of her exhibition with us in September, we will welcome Rachel Wood from England for a professional residency in ceramics. We will also welcome back Scottish furniture designer, Isabelle Moore, who will be teaching Term 4 in the School for Wood. Graduate residents for 2019 include jewellery maker, Brooke Coutts-Wood, and furniture maker, Wayne Creaser.

Winter School 2019

This year’s Winter School will take place from 8 to 12 July. There are 16 courses on offer for adults plus daily classes for children. The full programme is on the website with the brochure out in March. Sturt offers competitive accommodation and meals packages, making the Winter School a unique cultural experience.

Current Exhibitions 

New Design 3 and the National Contemporary Jewellery Award 2018
Until 10 February

The third exhibition in the series of New Design exhibitions at Sturt brings together a diverse group of designers and makers to showcase work that is pushing at the boundaries of the extraordinary. The selected artists are constantly evolving their making practice, incorporating new technologies and thinking. The exhibition will bring together separate creations in furniture, textiles, glass, paper, ceramics, resin and Indigenous craft to complement each other, and includes: furniture and woodwork by Aidan Morris, Steve Harper, Grant Robertson, Max Harper and Rachael Hanrick; textiles by Bonnie and Neil; ceramics by Amy Hicks and Sarah Ormonde; glass by Scott Chaseling; paper weaving by Gunjan Aylawadi; and mixed media vases by Kanun Onsel.

The 2018 National Contemporary Jewellery Award is a biennial acquisitive award exhibition from Griffith Regional Art Gallery that encourages new work in the world of Australian Jewellery. Sturt has supported the project for a number of years and offers a residency at Sturt as one of the exhibition prizes.

Our Next Exhibition

ALUMNI 2 – new work by selected graduates from Sturt School for Wood 2006-2016
17 February to 7 April

The Sturt School for Wood was established in 1985 as an intensive training place for aspiring fine furniture makers and designers. Over 30 years later, the school has built a national and international reputation offering an unrivalled course taught by some of the best fine furniture makers and teachers working in Australia and overseas. 

In this follow-up exhibition to our first Alumni exhibition staged in 2017, we will showcase makers who graduated from Sturt in the period 2006 to 2016, a time when the School began to establish a national reputation for the quality of the makers it produced. Artists include: Isabel Avendano, Phoebe Everill, Ian Factor, Bailey Farmer, Ray Garnsey, Mark Gudgin, Steve Harper, Darryl Ingate, Christopher Neal, Darren Oates, Grant Robertson, Adrian Spano, Ruth Thompson, and Orest Danylak.

The exhibition opening, held during Sturt’s Tools & Techniques Weekend, will take place on Sunday 17 February at 11.00am. The exhibition will be opened by special guest, Raymond Scott, Director of Workshopped.

Events

Tools & Techniques Weekend
Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 February 10am to 4pm

This annual boutique event, held in Sturt’s historic School for Wood, includes displays and sales by Australia's finest toolmakers and specialist timber suppliers along with scheduled woodwork demonstrations conducted by leading furniture makers.  Refreshments will be available along with free admission and parking.

Friends of Sturt Annual General Meeting, Sturt Cottage
Sunday 17 February 2.30pm

Consider taking on a role helping FOS in its many activities supporting and fundraising for Sturt. We invite you to come along to the meeting and join the committee for light refreshments and a review of the year past.

Full details of all Sturt courses, exhibitions, residency programs and events can be found on our website www.sturt.nsw.edu.au or to make a booking or enrolment call Sturt Shop on 0248 602083 or email shop@sturt.nsw.edu.au

WWS Foundation Limited Annual General Meeting

All Foundation Members are welcome at the WWS Foundation Limited Annual General Meeting:

Date: Saturday 30 March 2019
Time: 10:00am
Venue: Drama Theatre, Frensham

Foundation welcomes Jackie Dalton, Director of Philanthropy

We are pleased to welcome to the School this year Ms Jackie Dalton, Director of Philanthropy, to work in support of Foundation at all levels.  Jackie is a former teacher who has held senior philanthropy roles in secondary and tertiary education and she is currently immersing herself in School life on all three campuses, after joining us in January.

Jackie and her husband have relocated to Mittagong from Sydney and we are looking forward to introducing them to parents and friends of the school, at our first term’s events.

See Foundation's Events 2019

 

Save the dates

 

Back to Frensham Weekend

SATURDAY 6 APRIL 2019
Cocktail Party – Cooper Hall, 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Cost: $50 per person ~ Bookings essential

SUNDAY 7 APRIL 2019
Service & Celebration – Clubbe Hall, 10.00am
Followed by Morning Tea in the Dining Room (and Tours of the School)

Invitations will be emailed and posted very soon. To attend the Cocktail Party, you can book online now.

Cocktail Party Booking Form

2019 Events and Reunions

• March 2 & 3: 50 Year Reunion at Frensham, Frensham Open Day
• March 16 & 17: 60 Year Reunion at Frensham
• April 6 & 7: 10 Year & 40 Year Reunions at Frensham, Back to Frensham Weekend – Centenary of the establishment of Frensham Fellowship
• May 7: Fellowship Country Luncheon at Cooma
• May 18 & 19: 30 Year Reunion at Frensham, Annual WWS Foundation Dinner
• June 1 & 2: 5 Year Reunion at Frensham, 106^th Birthday of Frensham
• June 12: Fellowship AGM dinner & speaker, Royal Sydney Golf Club
• August 10 & 11: 20 Year Reunion at Frensham
• August 30: Fellowship Cocktail Party at Berrima
• November 2: Frensham Schools’ Bush Dance at Frensham

New memorabilia now available at Sturt Shop

At last year’s Fellowship AGM, the School was presented with the original painting, Irises, by Sir Sidney Nolan, now on display in the Esther Tuckey Library. Thanks to the kind permission of the Sidney Nolan Trust / Bridgeman Images, we have reproduced this beautiful image on cards for the Centenary of Fellowship, retailing for $22.00 for a pack of six.

Additionally, the ever popular Bohemia crystal tumblers are back in stock in presentation boxes of two and six.

Call Sturt Shop and Gallery on +61 2 4860 2083, email shop@sturt.nsw.edu.au, or visit us. We are open every day from 10:00am to 5:00pm. 

 

We hope to welcome you to the Centenary of the establishment of FRENSHAM FELLOWSHIP on April 6 & 7 at our Back to Frensham Weekend

Join us for Tours, Cocktails, and a Sunday Service and Celebration – details available shortly

2019 Events and Reunions

• March 2 & 3: 50 Year Reunion at Frensham, Frensham Open Day
• March 16 & 17: 60 Year Reunion at Frensham
• April 6 & 7: 10 Year & 40 Year Reunions at Frensham, Back to Frensham Weekend – Centenary of the establishment of Frensham Fellowship
• May 7: Fellowship Country Luncheon at Cooma
• May 18 & 19: 30 Year Reunion at Frensham, Annual WWS Foundation Dinner
• June 1 & 2: 5 Year Reunion at Frensham, 106^th Birthday of Frensham
• June 12: Fellowship AGM dinner & speaker
• August 10 & 11: 20 Year Reunion at Frensham
• August 30: Fellowship Cocktail Party at Berrima
• November 2: Frensham Schools’ Bush Dance at Frensham