Frensham Schools posts fortnightly news and reports from across the Schools' community. This landing page is our portal for readers to catch up with the latest from Ms Sarah McGarry, Head of Frensham & Head of Frensham Schools, Gib Gate, Sturt, Foundation and Frensham Fellowship.
There has been a lot of learning that has taken place across the academic and wellbeing realms this year. I think it is important to note that whilst marks and grades are quantitative measures of achievement, there are other ways to look at growth and development throughout the year.
As we enter the final weeks of the term and prepare to break for the vacation, it is timely to explore two of the skills that CASEL identify as important aspects of social and emotional learning as well as a method of reflection on what has been learnt, but also some considerations for the final few weeks together before we all part and go our separate ways for the summer. Like all skills, they can be developed with training and practice. No one would expect anyone to be able to ride a bike, roller-skate or play a musical instrument without learning the fundamentals and then practising. Learning to be self-aware and then learning to manage ourselves follows the same principles.
CASEL describes the two skills as follows:
Self-awareness: The abilities to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behaviour across contexts. This includes capacities to recognise one’s strengths and limitations with a well-grounded sense of confidence and purpose. Some of the skills that I would encourage the girls to keep working on over the final week of school and into the break are:
Identifying personal, cultural, and linguistic assets – what are some strengths that your daughter has? And how have they been harnessed and embraced this year?
Identifying one’s emotions – this is important when we are reacting to others or feeling overwhelmed. Identifying them and then accepting and working with them is a skill that will help the girls well into the future.
Demonstrating honesty and integrity – in all aspects of their lives, school, friendships, home and other relationships.
Having a growth mindset – the power of ‘yet’ is amazing, it can reframe and re-shape how the girls look at things, it can also promote persistence and perseverance in learning new things.
Developing interests and a sense of purpose – what are some interests that the girls have? Is it beyond a screen? Does it fill them with a sense of purpose?
Self-management: The abilities to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviours effectively in different situations and to achieve goals and aspirations. This includes the capacities to delay gratification, manage stress, and feel motivation and agency to accomplish personal and collective goals. Some of the skills that I would encourage the girls to keep working on over the final week of school and into the break are:
Learning to manage their emotions – what emotions am I feeling? How can I manage them? Do I need to employ some calming strategies? Do I need to talk to someone?
Identifying and using stress management strategies that work for them – e.g. deep breathing, exercise, mindfulness, a to do list, a timetable.
Setting personal goals – goals help to focus us on what we would like to achieve, does your daughter have a goal? Does it come with an action plan on how to achieve it?
Using planning and organizational skills – this is important as we ready ourselves for the start of 2023. How will your daughter prepare?
Showing the courage to take initiative – reach out to a friend, organise a catch up, discuss a new initiative that they might like to start.
All girls are encouraged to work on their self-management this week as we embark on our final week of the term, particularly managing their emotions. If you are finding your daughters are struggling, please reach out if they need any support.
As we approach the summer holidays and the end of our first “full” school year in a little while, I have no doubt that everyone is ready for rest and some time to relax. As I reflect on 2022, it is with a sense of gratitude and immense pride.
We wish all families a safe and happy holiday, an enjoyable the festive season, and a well-deserved, wonderful break. We look forward to seeing your daughters back in January 2023, rested, relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready for another year of adventures together.
Ms Sarah Tynan
Deputy Head
Foundation Director - Peter Shorthouse
It is with sadness that we share with our community the news of the recent passing of Foundation Director, Chair of Investment Committee, Mr Peter Shorthouse. Peter served as Director since 2019, contributing significant expertise and financial acumen and assisting the Foundation Board to develop its investment strategy and future plans, contributing to the strong current position of Foundation. Peter was a passionate and generous volunteer of his time, intellect and insight and alongside being the father of a Frensham student (Emily, OG 2021) was a passionate supporter of the School. We are grateful for Peter’s service and send our sincere condolences to Peter’s family at this difficult time.
Boarding News
As we begin to close the Term and the year comes to an end, it provides an opportunity to reflect on the year.
Boarding began 2022 under COVID-19 restrictions, limiting the amount and type of activities on offer. As the year progressed the girls have been fortunate to experience numerous activities and excursions together, some of the highlights included Pop Concert and Harry Potter Night, Scavenger Hunt and Colour Run, Zip Lining and Raging Waters, Dance Lessons and Ville Trips, Cooking and Craft. Frensham girls have been embracing the opportunity to come back together as part of the wonderful community that they have created. We have welcomed a new group of Year 7s and farewelled our outgoing Year 12 graduates, moved dorms and houses and spent hours on the Games Field and by the Deer Pond all the while making new memories and forging the friendships that will be with the girls for the rest of their lives. Being new to Frensham this year, I have been gifted such a warm and welcoming beginning and am so grateful for all of the support and kindness the girls have shown me. I am looking forward to 2023 and the further opportunities for connection and community it may bring.
In order to adequately prepare for the conclusion of Term 4 and beginning of Term 1, 2023, I have included some information for you below:
Final 2 weekends
On Saturday 4 December an optional excursion to Macarthur Square is organised. This is optional for any Day, Weekly or Full Boarders and girls can sign up via the information on Orah.
In addition, we ask all parents and carers to familiarise yourself with the plans for the Final Weekends of School, including details for Final Prayers and Carol Service. I am looking forward to seeing you all to celebrate the end of the year and Christmas period.
House Pack Up
Girls will be collected from the Houses at the conclusion of the Carols Service on Sunday 11 December and are expected to take all of their belongings with them. This is inclusive of all bedding and luggage. Parents will be permitted into the Houses to assist their daughters.
Preparation for Term 1
From Term 1 2023, we will ask that all girls provide their own pillow in addition to their doona and doona cover. It is important to us that we are maximising our opportunity for a clean, hygienic and comfortable boarding environment. Thank you in advance for your organisation of this for your daughter.
2023 Termly Boarding for Term 1 and beyond
Thank you to those families who have expressed interest in their daughter Boarding in Term 1 2023, I am currently finalising these applications and an outcome will be provided prior to the end of term in writing. The process for requesting a Termly Boarding place will remain the same moving into 2023. Each Term, I will request Expressions of Interest in Termly Boarding via a notice on Schoolbox and places will be offered pending availability for that specific term.
Ms Sally Edwards, Director of Student Life (Boarding)
Ranier Uniform Shop – 2022-2023 Trading Hours
2022 Last day of trading: Thursday 15 December 2022
2023 First day of trading: Monday 9 January 2023 (Regular hours resume on Monday 30 January 2023)Buy Uniforms Online - Shop online now via website – https://shop.ranier.com.au/
*Orders placed after 15 December will be processed in January. To ensure delivery prior to Term 1 commencement, please order by 1 January 2023.
Character Education – Webinar: Setting Up for Success
Elevate Education works with our students, delivering high impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series, you will learn how you can help better support your children at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school:
Wednesday 7 December @ 6:30pm (AEDT) Setting Up for Success
Elevate will guide you through the following foundational study skills:
✅Effective Note Taking
✅Deliberate Practice and Implementing a System of Review
✅Extra Reading, and How to Read Around a Topic
Mrs Wendy Fawbert,Director of Character Education and Pastoral Care
Frensham Middle School Ethics Olympiad Competition
Congratulations to members of the Frensham 2022 Middle School Ethics Olympiad Team who competed in the NSW heats of this international competition on Tuesday 22 November.
Frensham Gold (Year 9): Sophie Chen, Lauren Fox, Sophie Hanrahan, Camilla Johnston, Skye McLelland and Raphaela O’Neill’Siambis; Frensham Red (Year 8): Anouk Davies, Maggie Maynard, Jade Neilson, Leilani Palise, Lexi Wimalaratne. The Year 8 team were Highly Commended by the judges at the end of the day.
The Ethics Olympiad Competition 2022 provided our students with a unique opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking, collaboration and communication. The students (Eth-letes) were trained by Ms Chauncy to prepare for the event using the age-appropriate and objective ethical cases provided.
The teams were involved in a series of four heats where they were scored according to set criteria which rewards, clear, concise, respectful discourse in response to questions about the cases presented. Judges award points on the basis of clear, concise, critical and collaborative thinking.
During the day Frensham teams engaged with each other and teams from other schools via Zoom. This year 298 schools participated across Australia and New Zealand.
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director Teaching and Learning P-12
Jamieson Programme
Term 4 is an exciting time for students across all year groups. Last week, Year 7 participated in a Frensham Studies Immersive Day where they considered what a Respectful & Active citizen looks like at Frensham and in the wider world. Girls endeavoured on a real-life word search, finding hidden words in a relay style activity around Clubbe Hall. They then considered the meaning of these words and how they were associated with being a Respectful & Active citizen. Teams were challenged to create ‘Frensham Superheros’ and designed armour fit for a Frensham girl. They were equipped with materials and asked to identify characteristics they designed. A couple of examples include:
We dressed in disguise because superheroes don’t need to be recognised for their actions.
We designed wings so you can carry others with you as you serve.
Frensham Old Girls, Isabeau Gavel (2013), Sabrina Graesser (2016) and Rebecca Farquhar (2012) spoke to Year 7 and reflected on their time at Frensham and how their experiences have made a significant impact on their lives and careers. Girls asked meaningful questions and found connection and commonality between their combined experience of Frensham. Year 7 had an opportunity to then consider what they could do next, as Year 8 students, to foster the qualities of a Respectful & Active citizen.
Building on their financial literacy workshop in Year 8, Money Invest Financial Education presented to Year 9 on financial goal setting, getting a job and understanding payslips, budgeting and saving for a significant purchase, such as a car.
After their visit to Thread Together last term, Year 9 students have been immersed in the Ethical Consumerism module, focusing on fast fashion. Highlights for the team include, groupwork activities investigating textile waste, human rights violations, chemical pollution, and curating outfits from fast fashion brands and comparing to similar items from a second-hand store or other sustainable option.
The Hon Katrina Hodgkinson OAM and Nathaniel Smith MP shared their journey into the NSW Parliament and spoke about the ways state elected officials can and do represent their communities and some of the challenges they face when acting in the interests of their electorates in Parliament.
Year 9 students completed the term by learning about the ‘Walk in Her Shoes’ initiative. During Jamieson Week, the girls will walk the distance (at least 7 kilometres) to emulate how far the average female in a developing country travels each day to collect water, firewood or travel to school, often carrying 10-15 kilograms. Upon their return, the girls will reflect on the toll that a walk like that every day would have on their schooling, leisure time and physical wellbeing.
Finally, everyone is excited about the full Jamieson Week Programme in Week 9 – the first in two years. Students across all year groups will engage in a variety of community service activities, financial literacy and CyberSafety workshops, wellbeing sessions and self-defence. We are particularly excited to be returning to Nursing Homes to sing to the residents and deliver our beautiful hand-made Christmas cards after such a long time away. It is a special time of the year, a week that is inspired by our School’s motto of ‘In Love Serve One Another’.
Mrs Merrilee Harris, Director of Jamieson Programme and Careers
Science
During Week 6, Year 8 students attended an excursion to the University of Wollongong Science Space. Students experienced hands on exhibits which challenged their imagination, engaged their senses and tested their engineering design in a STEM challenge. The interactive liquid nitrogen show was enjoyed by all, investigating the states of matter. Students also explored exhibits which demonstrated electricity, mechanical engineering, geology and astronomy, to name a few. We hope that by bringing science to life it has helped to inspire students to connect with their learning.
Mr Matthew Griffiths, Science Teacher
On Wednesday 16 November, Year 7 students travelled to Sydney Zoo to spend the day investigating the classification and adaptions for a variety of animals from Australia, Africa, and Asia. This experience augmented the Year 7 Life Programme, in which students were introduced to Biology as a branch of Science. Students enjoyed connecting with animals such as lions, monkeys, and rhinos as well as the mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds more commonly found in Australia. The undoubted highlight of the trip was meeting the Sydney Zoo ambassador animals when students attended a short talk from a zookeeper on how to classify animals and explore their adaptations for survival in their unique habitats. Meeting and stroking ‘Mr Cuddles’, a coastal carpet python, was an experience that many will not forget.
Dr Mark Morrow, Science Teacher
Acknowledgements
Girdle Award to Sissy Fairrie (Year 12 2023) (Service to the School)
Zoe Gallagher (Year 12 2022) for her ICAS Medal 2022 in English, as the highest achiever in the NSW cohort. This is a notable achievement as Zoe also won this award in 2021. Pictured (L-R): Ms Lee McGuinness, Mr Luke Gallagher, Zoe, Mrs Kate Gallagher, Ms Kate Chauncy
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award recipients: Gold – Mia Greig, Stella Hanan, Sarah Hunter, Phoebe, Rowntree, Camilla Warner (Year 12); Emilie McMurtrie, Darcy Maple-Brown, Edie Staniforth (Year 11); Silver – Meg Jones, Zoe Logan (Year 11); Lucy Molineux (Year 10); Bronze – Kate Clifton, Juliet Henry, Olivia Trotter (Year 10), Penelope Cay, Anna Fagan, Sophie Goodisson, Sophie Hanrahan, Skye McLelland, Zara McMurtrie, Camilla Ranken, Tia Thomas, Madison Walters, Arabella Wood (Year 9).
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham
Head of Frensham Schools
Frensham end of the year production of 'The Wizard of Oz'
Frensham Schools parents, family and friends can attend the show at the Public Performance on Friday 9 December, 7.30pm or at the Schools Performance on Saturday 10 December, 7.30pm in Clubbe Hall. Tickets are available from https://trybooking.com/CEMHU – $20/adult, $10/child (free entry for Frensham and Gib Gate students and staff).
It seems quite surreal to be approaching the end of the year so rapidly, with just three weeks of term remaining – and what a busy time we have ahead of us, with many celebrations and activities to mark the end of a successful year.
Our Year 10 students thoroughly enjoyed last week’s Enrichment Week, with a programme designed by Year Coordinator Mrs Spencer involving a range of stimulating and enriching experiences. From university visits to community service activities and creative workshops at Sturt, students are to be commended for the way in which they engaged with this programme, leading into their Orientation for Senior Studies for the remainder of the term. We know that the experiences and development opportunities our students are afforded in these younger years contribute strongly to their preparedness for the HSC and for life beyond school.
Jamieson Week at both Gib Gate (Week 8) and Frensham (Week 9) is shaping up to be a wonderful experience for all involved. We are particularly looking forward to the opportunities to express gratitude and serve others in our community as part of this programme – to engage with the natural environment, strengthen personal capacity and develop a deeper understanding of our place in the world.
This coming Saturday sees the Graduation of the Sturt School for Wood programme, the culminating event of their year-long Certificate course. I am looking forward to gathering with the Sturt staff, students, tutors, friends and family to celebrate their efforts and to enjoy the exhibition, entitled Cambium. The Exhibition runs for just two weeks – until 4 December – and I recommend this highly to members of the Frensham Schools community.
We look forward to seeing you at one of the many events over the coming weeks.
Communications
We remind all parents of the function of Schoolbox as our Learning Management System, with daily News items posted pertaining to your child’s activities and events at Frensham Schools. Increasingly you will see a reduction in emails from the School about ‘everyday matters’ and instead, an increase in messages posted on Schoolbox posts, as part of our approach to streamlining communications with our community. If you have any difficulty accessing Schoolbox please do not hesitate to contact the School for assistance – and a reminder that if you select “remember me” when logging in on a trusted device, you will not need to log in each time. It is wonderful to see increased downloads of the Frensham Schools App (available in the App Store and Google Play).
Visit from The Glennie School, Toowoomba, Queensland – Tuesday 8 November
Last week, we welcomed The Glennie School senior leadership team of Principal, Ms Mary Anne Evans, Deputy Principal Mrs Emma Lowry, Director of Teaching and Innovation, Mrs Crystal Hede to Frensham. This visit provided an opportunity to connect and discuss different school practices with a school that has many similarities to Frensham, being a leading primary and secondary boarding school, with a diverse student and parent body.
Hosting the Glennie team were Deputy Head, Ms Sarah Tynan, Director of Teaching and Learning, Ms Kate Chauncy, and Director of Student Life (Boarding), Ms Sally Edwards.
Pictured L-R: Mary Anne Evans, Sarah Tynan, Sally Edwards, Emma Lowry, Crystal Hede, Kate Chauncy
Boarding News
As we move into the latter part of Term 4 and the final weeks of the year, Boarding has some exciting events ahead to ensure the girls have a memorable end to the year. Parents are also reminded that Term 4 has four exeats allocated to Full Boarders.
The remaining excursions are Raging Waters on Sunday 27 November and a Christmas Shopping Trip to Macarthur Square on Sunday 4 December. Bookings for Raging Waters can be made through Orah but places are limited so be sure to sign up soon. Bookings for Macarthur Square will be available on Orah soon, details will be published on Schoolbox. All Day, Weekly and Full Boarders are encouraged to attend both excursions.
This weekend, Sunday 20 November, will be the final South West Bus for the term. Bookings for the bus are made through the Orah Leave application in ‘return transport’.
Departure (Harden): 5.00pm pick-up at Jackson’s Bakery, East St, Harden
Departure (Yass): 6.00pm from Yass Junction, McDonald’s Carpark
Across the School we have been focussing on uniform and in the Houses we are supporting girls to ensure they finish the term and year strong. Shoes are being regularly polished, hems are being adjusted and ribbons are being worn. We thank you for your ongoing support in attending to uniform adjustments where required.
As always, I encourage parents to familiarise themselves with the Boarding Schoolbox page, where all information is placed for ease of access. Boarding and House pages will also regularly be updated throughout the Term with outlines and photographs of what the girls have been involved in, including some from last weekend.
Finally, on behalf of the boarding team we would like to send all our well wishes to those families who have been directly impacted by the recent floods, across a number of regions. We are mindful of the challenges that many are facing in our community and extend our thoughts to you all. Please stay safe and know that we are thinking of you all.
Ms Sally Edwards, Director of Student Life (Boarding)
Maths Club
Two mad scientists invaded Maths Club for Term 4 2022, presenting a challenge involving the North West classroom block. Fortunately, the Maths Club members were able to solve a series of devious problems in order to unlock the boxes and discover exactly which wire to cut to avert a catastrophe. As the mad scientists watched with glee, the Maths Club members struggled to unravel the clues that would allow them to unlock the box containing a key. This key opened a room containing another locked box, with the instructions inside… Time was ticking away but the groups remained focused and worked together to solve all the problems and save the school! This Maths Club exercise was fun and we learnt how to solve some tricky problems.
The School ultimately survived the mad scientists to face another day, and we can look forward to Maths Club in Term 1, 2023.
Sarah-Joy Day and Heidi Jervis (Year 12, Maths Club Leaders)
Staffing
Mrs Wendy Fawbert, Director of Character Education and Pastoral Care, will be leaving Frensham at the end of this year, having been appointed to the role of Director of Teaching and Learning at St Benedict’s Catholic College in 2023. We thank Wendy for her 5 years of service to Frensham, and wish her well on her career progression. We are currently advertising for the role of Director of Wellbeing and Character Education for a January 2023 start.
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham
Head of Frensham Schools
We congratulate Ms McGarry and her partner on the safe arrival of their baby Elliott Harry Bert McGarry, born on Sunday 30 October.
Ms McGarry is currently on parental leave, returning Monday 14 November, with Ms Sarah Tynan assuming the role of Acting Head during this time.
A True Community
The word “community” has a strange power to it. It conveys a sense of togetherness and positivity. It speaks both of solidarity and homeliness. It is a group of people who share a story that is so important to them that it defines any aspect of who they are. Life at Frensham Schools embodies the notion of a community in its purest sense. Each morning when we come together in song, each Saturday on the Games Field, Friday mornings at war cry practice, in staff meetings and in our learning groups, togetherness is there. Our community showed its hospitality and welcomeness this week as we welcomed our new students for Overnight Orientation.
Overnight Orientation
This week at Frensham we had the annual Overnight Orientation event for our new students commencing in 2023. This was the first time since 2019 that we have been able to hold the event and it was the perfect opportunity to meet, greet and get to know our new Years 7-11 students who are either starting at or returning to Frensham. It was pleasing to see Gib Gate students connect with students from all over the state, as they embark on their high school journey together. The highlights of the event for the girls were the opportunity to make friends, the opportunity to see the grounds and walk around, spending time in the boarding house, games with the older students and of course chicken schnitty night.
The highlights for me were seeing the girls connect and make new friends, seeing our current students take our new students under their wing in true Frensham spirit, speaking to parents and seeing them connect with each other and spending time with our new girls and seeing their excitement around the new adventure that awaits them.
Highlight of the week
The students’ celebration of each other’s achievements in any endeavour. I never tire of hearing the cheers and support for one another. I look forward to continuing to deepen my understanding of, and passion for, our community, it is certainly a special place to be.
Boarding News
As we reach mid Term 4, I have taken some time to reflect on the year - it all seems to have gone so fast. Boarding has been busy with many moments of great fun and enjoyment. The good news is that we are not slowing down as we embark on the final weeks of the year. Below is information for the remaining term excursions, the final South-West Bus details and a few highlights from the ones that have passed.
Upcoming Excursions:
Sunday 6 November: Bondi Markets and Sculptures by the Sea
The final South-West Bus will run on Sunday 20 November.
Bookings for all of the above events and for the South-West Bus can be made via the Orah Management platform.
This term has, so far, seen the girls involved in the famous Friday Night Activities, Overnight Orientation for new students in 2023, a Tree Tops Walk and Zipline Tour, a social game of Netball, Touch and a BBQ with The King’s School. There has already been a wonderful and positive tone, that will no doubt continue to build as we lead up to the end of year and Christmas celebrations. Included is a small selection of photos that showcase the term’s activities.
Please review the Schoolbox Boarding and Housepages for regular updates of activities and Boarding news.
Ms Sally Edwards, Director of Student Life (Boarding)
English
Following the visit of author Sophie Laguna earlier in the term, we were pleased to welcome to Frensham acclaimed author Dr Kate Forsyth. She has a BA in literature, a MA in creative writing, and a Doctorate of Creative Arts in fairy tale studies, and is also an accredited master storyteller with the Australian Guild of Storytellers. She has published novels, poetry, non-fiction including essays and articles. Her work has won numerous awards including the American Library Association Award for Best Historical Novel.
Dr Forsyth spoke to Year 7 and Year 9 students and workshopped with Year 12 Extension 1 and Extension 2 English students. She has a personal connection with the Southern Highlands as her ancestors owned Oldbury Farm at Sutton Forest. She told the students about her new book written with her fellow author and sister Belinda Murrell, Searching for Charlotte which is the fascinating true story of her great-great-great-great grandmother, Charlotte Waring Atkinson who lived at Oldbury Farm. Charlotte was Australia's first children's author. Under the pen name of 'A Lady Long Resident in New South Wales', she wrote and illustrated A Mother's Offering to Her Children in 1841.
Senior students were provided with some excellent strategies to enrich their own writing for a range of audiences and contexts. All staff and students were moved by her desire to tell the stories of forgotten women, who simply because of their gender were silenced from the pages of history.
Ms Lee McGuinness, Head of English
IGSA Festival of Speech
IGSA Festival of Speech was hosted by Pymble Ladies College on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 October. This year the competition was co-ordinated by Ms Rebecca Theodore and Frensham participated in the following categories: Senior Public Speaking: Kate Clifton. Junior Public Speaking: Raphaela O’Neill’Siambis. SeniorDebating: Clara McDonald, Bearte McDonald, Bella Cay, Monique Andersson. Junior Debating: Penelope Cay, Skye McLelland, Sophia Windsor, Sophie Worner-Tomlinson and Adeline Ahern. Drama: Sarah-Joy Day, Freyjika Parker, Meg Jones and Rose Mahony. After an enthusiastic effort from all students, the Frensham Year 11 Drama team placed third in their section.
Left: Senior Debating Team. Right: Frensham Team with Ms McGarry
Ms Rebecca Theodore, Senior Teacher of English
Equestrian
Congratulations to the 2023 Captains and Vice Captains of Equestrian, Lara McConnochie and Augusta Muir, and Vice Captains Megan Syme and Olivia Waugh.
2022 Australian Nationals Interschools Championships, 26-30 September, SIEC
Matilda Telford (Year 8) placed 16th overall, with 11th in the ridden/jump phase and 11th in the rider.
Australian National Dressage Championships 2022, 13-16 October, Boneo Park Victoria.
Augusta Muir (Year 11) competed in an open National competition, which included professionals, amateurs and young riders. She was the youngest rider in her class and was placed in both classes, Medium Pony 4B and 4C. Her overall points also gave her the Championship. She is Australian National Champion Medium Pony on her pony Mystic Shadows Cinderella. She was also chosen to represent team NSW in the pony classes, which is a huge honour.
Row 1: ISHE 2022 Team, Lara McConnochie, Augusta Muir. Row 2: Matilda Telford, Eva Telford, Penny Hill. Row 3: Chloe McMurtrie, Zara McMurtrie, Sophie Baldwin. Row 4: Olivia Hill, Tia Thomas, Grace Stenhouse.
Interschools Horse Extravaganza 13-17 October, Tamworth
A great team of girls represented Frensham this year at ISHE in a wide range of disciplines.
Penny Hill (Year 10) placed 7th in the one-day event EVA80cm and 8th in the 110cm Accumulator show jumping.
Olivia Hill (Year 8) placed 3rd in the 100cm show jumping.
Lara McConnochie (Year 12) came 8th in the huge class for the 80cm senior Show Jumping Accumulator round. She also came 4th in her dressage round in the One Day Eventing.
Grace Stenhouse (Year 7) placed 31st - Working Horse Challenge - out of 87 competitors, Placed 5th - 14hh not exceeding 14.2hh Hack - out of 20 competitors, Placed 4th - 13 Years Sporting - Stock Rider - out of 41 competitors, Placed 8th - 13 Years Sporting - Barrel Race - out of 41 competitors, Placed 4th - 13 Years Sporting - Running Tee - out of 41 competitors, Placed 3rd - 13 Years Sporting - Western Pole Bend - out of 41 competitors- excellent results for such big classes!
Chloe McMurtrie (Year 7) placed 4th in the 80cm Combined training, 7th in the 90cm AM7 show jumping and 8th in the accumulator show jumping.
Zara McMurtrie (Year 9) placed 6th in Combined Training 80cm.
Tia Thomas (Year 9) placed 9th in the Eventing 80cm (EvA80) Secondary Div A and 5th in the Show Hunter Hack 15hh ne 16hh.
Amber Thomas (Year 7) placed 5th in the Combined Training (CT) 80cm Secondary Div B, 10th in the Dressage 1B Div A Intermediate and 7th in the Dressage 1C Div A Intermediate.
NSW State Show Jumping Championships, 14-16 October, Willinga Park
Sophie Baldwin (Year 9) came 7th in the Juniors on day 1, on day 2 she won the class and on the final day which was a Grand Prix I she came 2nd, placing her 2nd overall in the NSW Show Jumping titles in the Juniors.
Matilda Telford (Year 8) won the Open 90, placed 2nd in the Open 90 and placed 11th in the Children's Title series heights 95-1.05.
Show horse council NSW Horse of the year, 21-23 October, SIEC
Eva Telford (Year 10) placed * Owner/Rider - equal 4th and Top Five in the Owner/Rider class, 8th in the Rider 15 and U17 years (Top 10) and 10th overall in the Child’s Galloway.
Sydney Jumping Association, Windsor, 21-23 October
Matilda Telford (Year 8) placed 3rd in the Children's 105cm.
Mrs Harriet Houston, Equestrian Coordinator
Jamieson Programme
Some students of Year 11 were privileged to attend a documentary, sponsored by the local Rural for Refugee chapter, held at Bowral Empire Cinema last Wednesday. 'Behrouz' is a feature documentary telling the story of Behrouz Boochani, a Kurdish journalist who fled the Iranian regime, seeking asylum in Australia in 2013. Transferred to Manus Island Detention prison a month after his arrival on Australian shores by boat. Behrouz spent six years in detention. His reporting and writings from the Manus detention prison using a smuggled mobile phone brought to international notice the horrific reality of life for detainees. His book No Friend but the Mountains written while in detention on his mobile phone has become one of the most celebrated books in Australia in recent times, winning Australia's prestigious literary award, the 2019 Victorian Prize for Literature.
This documentary aligned well with both English and French syllabus requirements. Year 12 2024 are all studying in English the common module Text and Human Experiences. The rubric invites them to reflect on the power of storytelling to ignite new ways of thinking, consider different perspectives in relation to both the individual and collective. It is a mandatory component of the module to investigate and explore a diverse range of material, beyond what is prescribed to enrich and deepen their understanding. In the French Extension course, students engage with the issues of the Individual and Contemporary Society by studying texts related to the themes of Acceptance, Resilience and Identity. Through the documentary, Behrouz, our themes are compellingly personified. He shows us what it means to be a refugee at the mercy of a system, and to be forced to struggle for survival, acceptance and identity whilst living as an outcast of society. The insights we have taken away from the film will inform our writing and discussion in this course.
Finally, congratulations to Year 9 and their teachers for completing their final component of the Global Perspectives course – the examination. Global Perspective results will be announced Term 1, 2023.
Mrs Merrilee Harris, Director of Jamieson Programme and Careers
Sport
Level 1Touch Referee Accreditation
Saturday the 22 of October the following students attended the Level 1 Touch Referee Course.
Phoebe Gilder, Lucy Molineux, Jemma Lamont, Darcy Maple Brown, Eliza Mulligan, Sarah Partland, Lily Haddrill, Matilda Graham, Lottie Firth, Scarlett, Francis, Holly Regan, Georgia Squire -Wilson, Heidi Rowntree, Edie Staniforth.
All students achieved their Level 1 referee Course and will be implementing their new qualification during Saturday Sport officiating some Touch games.
Fitness Centre
The Fitness Centre has had major renovations over the mid-term break with the installation and upgrade of new equipment.
Students in Year 10 and 11 are undertaking their safety induction so they can all have access to the upgraded space. The timetable for the Fitness Centre is the following:
Gymnastics – WAG Division
The following students took part in the IGSA Gymnastics Championships Friday 28 October in the Woman’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG).
Millie Moar (pictured below left) - Level 5 vault, beam and floor; Lola Thomas Hughes (pictured below right) - Level 3 vault, beam, bars and floor.
Lola Thomas Hughes (Level 3) in Year 7 results were the following: Vault - 10th place, Bars - 11th place, Beam -11th place, Floor -14th place.
Millie Moar (Level 5) in Year 11 results were the following: Vault - 24th place, Beam - 15th place, Floor-24th place.
Mr Shane Green, Acting Head of Sport
Acknowledgements
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards recipients: Silver - Alice Mitchell, Augusta Muir (Year 11); Bronze - Janna Martin-Cooley (Year 11); Maddyson Butler, Cate Horsfall, Maggie Ryan (Year 10).
IGSA Festival of Speech: Drama team of Sarah-Joy Day, Meg Jones, Rose Mahony, Freyjika Parker (Year 11), who placed third overall.
Eva Telford (Year 10) has been accepted into the Oxbridge Summer Program 2023, Paris, France, where she will study Culture & Cuisine and Fashion. The course involves visits to museums, designer factories and restaurants.
Frensham’s Equestrian Team for achieving excellent results in recent National and State competitions: Augusta Muir (Year 11), Australian National Champion Medium Pony 2022 at the Australian National Dressage Championships; Sophie Baldwin (Year 9) 2nd overall in the NSW Show Jumping titles in the Juniors at the NSW State Show Jumping Championships.
Sophie Chin and Matilda Spong (Year 6) for qualifying to represent the Southern Region at the NSW State Gymnastics Championships.
James Macpherson (Year 5) and Sammy Robb (Year 3) who recently achieved their Suzuki Cello Graduations.
This term sees many exciting activities and events at Frensham, Gib Gate and Sturt and we look forward to the opportunity to welcome families and friends to campus several times across the course of the next 8 weeks.
We concluded Term 3 with wonderful celebrations of our Year 12 2022 cohort, thanking them for their leadership and service to the School. We thank parents Mrs Kris Arnott and Mr Cameron Rowntree for their inspiring addresses at the Year 12 Dinner held on the last evening of term.
We have really hit the ground running in Term 4, with HSC Examinations commencing last Wednesday 12 October. We commend Year 12 students for their application, focus and optimistic approach to their studies and examination processes and wish them well for their remaining examinations. We look forward to welcoming girls back for Frensham Final Prayers in December. Details of the Final Weekend of the year will be posted for families on Schoolbox later this week, to assist with calendar planning. All families are asked to note that 9-11 December is a Closed Weekend, concluding with the Carol Service which all students are required to attend to mark the conclusion of our year as a school.
We saw a tremendous start to Summer Sport last weekend, with glorious sunny weather treating students, staff and parent supporters kindly. We warmly welcome families to join on the Games Field for Sport on a Saturday morning – please note that dogs are welcome, provided they are on a leash and owners take responsibility for their care. We acknowledge and thank our enthusiastic parent volunteers in Holt Café for their work and look forward to our Year 9 Parents of 2023 taking over this responsibility in a short while. We do appreciate the service and spirit of our parent community in support of Holt Café, and recognise it is a valuable opportunity for parents to get to know other in a slightly different context working together.
Our strategic planning process continues, with whole staff workshops occurring on our staff professional learning day on Monday 10 October and followed by Gib Gate, Frensham and Sturt specific workshops in the coming weeks. Parent workshop sessions will be confirmed on Schoolbox in the coming days. We invite participation from all parents and carers as we refresh our Strategic Priorities for 2023-2027.
We congratulate the students of Year 12 2023 for their willingness to embrace their leadership responsibilities, as they were inducted into their new positions at the end of Term 3. At Frensham, every student is asked to serve – and does so – across a wide range of portfolios. The list of 2023 School Leaders is available here and look forward to supporting this group of students on their leadership journey in the year ahead.
Head of Houses for Term 4, representing Boarders [Full and Weekly] and Day Boarders
Kennedy – Year 10: Emily Crawford (B), Zara Maple-Brown (WB), Olivia Trotter (DB)
We remind families of the previously published term dates for 2023, noting that these indicate the first and last teaching days of each term. Frensham Schools expects all student leave to be taken during the designated vacation periods.
Boarding Houses open the afternoon prior to the start of each term.
Term 1: Monday 30 January – Wednesday 5 April
Term 2: Wednesday 26 April – Thursday 22 June (as in previous years, the School marches at the Mittagong Anzac Day service, on 25 April)
Term 3: Tuesday 18 July – Thursday 21 September
Term 4 – Gib Gate: Tuesday 10 October – Friday 8 December
Term 4 – Frensham: Tuesday 10 October – Sunday 10 December
Frensham Year and Parent Weekends
Year 7: Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 February – includes Frensham Open Day and Welcome Drinks for Parents of new students
Year 8: Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May
Year 9: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 August
Year 10: Saturday 5 August and Sunday 6 August – includes Planning for Senior Studies (students and parents)
Year 11: Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March
Year 12: Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 June – Birthday Weekend
Appointment of the new Head of Gib Gate
As we announced during the vacation period we are very pleased to announce that Mrs Lucy Gregory will be joining Frensham Schools as Head of Gib Gate, in January 2023. Lucy is a passionate educator, possessing a deep understanding of curriculum, pedagogy and wellbeing, in the early and junior years and across the whole school continuum.
Lucy is currently Head of Junior School at Rouse Hill Anglican School, a position she has held for the past three years. Prior to this, Lucy worked at the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) as a Senior Curriculum Officer and Acting Primary Inspector. This followed 13 years as a primary teacher and P-12 Learning Support and Enrichment Coordinator at Wollondilly Anglican College, where she also held responsibilities in pastoral care and wellbeing in both the primary and secondary schools.
Lucy holds a Bachelor of Primary Teaching from the University of Western Sydney and a Postgraduate Diploma of Special Education from Macquarie University. She has contributed to the independent education sector through serving as the IPSHA Executive Committee Assistant Treasurer, as a Masterclass and podcast presenter for the Association of Independent Schools, and as a member of curriculum working groups and review panels at NESA.
Lucy is passionate about the benefits of a P-12 education, valuing the whole educational journey of a young person, and is excited about the opportunities ahead at Frensham Schools.
Mrs Anne Graham and Mr Greg Hannah will continue in their roles as Acting Head of Gib Gate and Acting Coordinator until the end of Term 4, and I thank them sincerely for their leadership and commitment during this transition period. We look forward to welcoming Lucy to the staff of Frensham Schools and to introducing her to the Gib Gate community in particular. She will commence in her role in January and will visit the campus in Term 4 to meet students, staff and families.
Launch of the Frensham Schools Character Education Volumes
‘What is the spirit of Frensham?’
Continuing from Winifred West’s Addresses and Talks, published 1973, the school agreed there was a need to capture important resources, to enrich the implementation of the ongoing Character Education project for students and teachers. Thus came the inspiration for The Courage to Strive, Julie Gillick OAM and Where the Past, the Present and the Future Walk Hand in Hand, these two volumesbring to life Frensham Character as presented to the school community (2000-2022).
Both volumes share the voices of Ms Gillick and the students, staff, parents, Old Girls and members of the broader school community as they have sought to educate students through annual celebrations and daily Morning Prayers in the ways in which they learn about Frensham values and how to carry them forward into their lives, and significantly as service to others.
Sunday 9 October, Company Members and guests, attending the Spring Luncheon, joined contributors to the books at the Launch of the Frensham Schools Character Education Volumes, including the editorDr PhilCummins.
Dr Phil Cummins and Julie Gillick OAM and the three Character Education volumes
Pastoral Care
Upcoming webinar for parents– How to Help Your Child Manage Their Time
We are excited to announce that Elevate Education will be hosting a free webinar for our parents on Wednesday 26 October.
Elevate Education works with our students, delivering high impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series you will learn how you can help better support your children at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school:
Wednesday 26 October @ 6:30pm (AEDT) How to Help Your Child Manage Their Time
In this webinar Elevate will be showing parents how to:
✅ Align family expectations on homework
✅ Work with your child on managing other activities such as your child's hobbies or sports
✅ Create the best weekly planner tool for your child
Mrs Wendy Fawbert, Director of Character Education and Pastoral Care
Boarding
Term 4 South West Bus Dates: The South West bus will operate twice in Term 4:
Week 3, Sunday 30 October
Week 6, Sunday 20 November.
The South West Bus departs as follows:
4pm: Cootamundra - Cootamundra Railway Station, Hovell Steet
5pm: Harden - Jackson’s Bakery, East Street
6pm: Yass - Yass Junction, McDonald’s Carpark
Bus Bookings can be made through the Orah Leave system in ‘return transport/bus/South West Bus’. Please ensure to include pickup location in the booking.
Term 4 Exeats: Detailed information can be found on the Boarding Schoolbox page under Boarding FAQ’s. Term 4 has two Closed Weekends, the first and last weekend of Term. All students are expected to be on Campus and participating in the Weekend Programme. It is an important part of continuing to develop our community and Frensham spirit. The remainder of weekends in Term 4 are open weekends and Full Boarders will have four exeats to utilise.
Term 4 Weekend Activities: In an effort to assist in Term 4 planning around leave and exeats, the following excursions have been pre-booked. Each excursion does have a limit on numbers and more detailed information and permissions will be released two weeks prior to the scheduled excursion via Schoolbox and Orah. Please see activity dates below:
Sunday 23 October - Illawarra Fly: Treetops Walk and Zip Line Tour
Sunday 6 November - Sculptures By the Sea and Bondi Markets
Sunday 27 November - Raging Waters
Sunday 4 December - Macarthur Square Christmas Shopping Trip
Ms Sally Edwards, Director of Student Life (Boarding)
Visiting Authors to Gib Gate and Frensham
Authors for the Day!
Last Friday, Frensham and Gib Gate students and teachers welcomed renowned Australian authors, sisters Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell. Kate and Belinda visited the schools as part of their Southern Highlands adventure to represent Australian Women Writers at the Southern Highlands Writers’ Festival held on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 October. The theme for this event in 2022 was Monumental Women in Australian literature, culture and community and From the Heart – Indigenous Women Writers.
Dr Kate Forsyth, is an award-winning novelist, poet and storyteller, and a five-time Aurealis Award winner for Excellence in Speculative Fiction. Kate is a direct descendant of Charlotte Atkinson. Belinda Murrell is a bestselling, internationally published children’s author, as well as a travel journalist, editor and technical writer. Like Kate, Belinda is a direct descendant of Charlotte Atkinson.
A special part of the Festival was for Kate and Belinda to launch ‘The Charlotte Appeal’ – with the aim of recognising Charlotte Atkinson, Australia’s first published children’s author, who lived and worked in the Southern Highlands in the late 1800s, and who lies in an unmarked grave in Sutton Forrest.
Together they have written Searching for Charlotte – the biography of their great-great-great-great grandmother Charlotte Waring Atkinson, who wrote the first children’s book published in Australia in 1841. Charlotte lived and worked for much of her life at ‘Oldbury’, near Sutton Forest in the Southern Highlands. She struggled through many difficulties to become a bestselling author, artist, trailblazing educator and a pioneer in the fight for women’s legal rights. Charlotte Atkinson (1796-1867) was one of the most accomplished women of her era. Yet she lies in an unmarked grave at All Saints Churchyard at Sutton Forest. The Charlotte Project is the initiative of the Wingecarribee Women Writers, a group of passionate local women who are raising funds to erect a statue in Berrima to commemorate this amazing woman.
Our students from Preschool to Year 6 were entertained during the day on Friday through Belinda’s storytelling sessions while students in Years 7, 9 and 11, and the Pen & Ink Writing Group learned more about the craft of writing from Kate.
ICAS Writing Results 2022 Frensham & Gib Gate Years 2-12
In Term 3 students from Years 3 to 12 participated in the annual ICAS Writing Competition. They were required to compose a narrative text that included a problem or complication based on one of the following sayings:
‘Two peas in a pod’ or ‘The best of both worlds’.
The students were allowed 40 minutes to plan, write and edit their story and were guided to interpret their chosen ‘saying’ in any creative way they liked.
We congratulate all students who undertook this competition thus developing their skill at writing in a very strict timed condition.
We commend Tabitha Wild (Year 9) and Cate Horsfall (Year 10) who achieved the highest level of attainment – being awarded High Distinction - which placed them in the top 1% of all students who participated across Australia in 2022. Students from Years 3 to Year 11 who have been awarded Distinction achieved a result in the top 10% of students across Australia and those who have been awarded Credit placed in the top 30% of all students across Australia. Hard copy certificates will be presented to our competitors when they are received.
ICAS Writing Results 2022 Frensham High Distinction: Tabitha Wild (Year 9); Cate Horsfall (Year 10); Distinction: Sophie Worner-Tomlinson (Year 7); York Doyle, Lucia Semple (Year 8); Jemima Sirtes (Year 10); Credit: Harriet Brazier, Sofia Nesci, Claire Sullivan, Chloe Worner-Tomlinson (Year 7); Jade Cox; Sophie Goodisson, Sophie Hanrahan, Camilla Johnston, Lilla Stanford (Year 9); Sophie Hassall, Heidi Jervis, Abigail Jorgensen (Year 11); Merit: Anna Boag, Millicent Debelle-Hancock, Penelope Hampson (Year 8); Lara Bentley (Year 9).
ICAS Writing Results 2022 Gib Gate Distinction: Carlisle Hughes (Year 3); Elizabeth Beckhaus; Poppy Chin, Amelie Gardiner, Sofia Wilson (Year 4) Aliyah Mhanna, James Macpherson (Year 5); Credit: Lucia Braham, Madeleine Hannah, Zahra Nash (Year 4); Montana Moleno (Year 5); Sophie Chin and Matilda Spong (Year 6); Merit: Alexandra Burnheim (Year 2); Mathilda Muir (Year 5).
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director Teaching and Learning P-12
Jamieson Programme
While reviewing the Term 4 reports, I am enjoying reading each student’s Jamieson Programme personal reflection. I have shared a comment after each Year’s short Jamieson update to provide a sense of the specialness of this programme.
Year 7: Students will continue with Frensham Studies in Term 4. They will start creating the much-loved Shadow Books for the incoming Year 7 cohort of 2023.
Year 7 report reflection: I have enjoyed weekly Prefect meetings as they have made our Year group more organised for the coming week. I also liked making suitcases for Year 12 in Frensham Studies, writing and drawing personal values for them to take with them when they graduate. I am looking forward to being a Shadow next year.
Year 8: This term the girls are continuing with their important role as Shadows to Year 7. ‘Riding for the Disabled’ and Presentation Skills continue throughout the term.
Year 8 comments: I have enjoyed having a Year 11 Crack because of the support and advice she provides. It is helpful in developing friendships with girls in older years. I enjoy Presentation Skills and public speaking because I am able to express my ideas and thoughts. A highlight was creating a memorable time for people with a disability through Riding for the Disabled.
Year 9: This week, Year 9 are preparing for the Global Perspectives Cambridge IGCSE examination. This exam is the final component of the year-long Cambridge programme and the critical thinking and writing skills acquired are invaluable to the students’ final years of academic study.
Year 9 report reflection: I enjoyed the Outdoor Physical Challenge Day where we did abseiling, rock climbing and climbing up a caving ladder because it was challenging and fun. As part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, I completed my Bronze Qualifying Camp expedition which was very good for team building and appreciating nature. I am looking forward to the Financial Literacy workshop because I will get a better understanding of money and how to handle it.
Year 10: Students are enjoying their leadership opportunities in Junior Houses. They are also very excited about the Year 10 into Year 11 Orientation programme where they will visit the University of Sydney and UTS, enjoy Sturt workshops and experience some wellbeing and senior study preparation sessions.
Year 10 report reflection: I enjoyed the Career’s Profiling, as I got to know myself better and it provided direction for the future. I enjoy being a leader in Kennedy and also in the Dining Room with the Junior years. I am looking forward to the Year 11 Orientation Week.
Mrs Merrilee Harris, Director of Jamieson Programme and Careers
Music
At the end of Term 3, students in Years 2 and 3 performed in the Music Soirée at Gib Gate, showcasing their excellent work from the String Programme. Items included Manhattan Blues, On Top of Old Smokey and Under the Coconut Tree. Ms Boulton and the student’s instrumental tutors were pleased with both their effort and their progress.
Olivia Laverty, the Head of Jazz Band, was determined to reinstitute the traditional Morning Tea Concert by the Jazz Band in the last week of Term 3. We have memories of Jazz Bands playing in the sun, at the top of the ‘Library Steps’, with their audience doing a conga-line around the Deer Pond; and this year’s event went to script with everyone playing and dancing.
On Friday morning, the Junior Choir performed for the school in Prayers. They were given two simple criteria for success: i) sing up! and ii) smile! They did both, and a lot of their audience were smiling too.
The campaign to restore the Frensham culture of singing continues as Year 12 (2022) depart. Losing two years of school singing, due to COVID-19 restrictions, has taken a toll on our institutional memory. The fact that our departing Year 12’s were the only members of the Senior Choir who sang our hymn descants prior to COVID meant that, on Wednesday morning, Mr Spencer discovered that the Senior Choir 1sts were not able to sing the very demanding descant to Now Thank We All Our God. Pleasingly, by the end of the Wednesday Night Senior Choir rehearsal, the 1sts and 2nds were singing that descant magnificently.
Carol Service note to the Fathers’ Choir (“Dadrigals”) has been booked to sing in the Carol Service once again. This year, they will be singing the second verse of Silent Night as well as various sections of Good King Wenceslas. Mr Spencer is keenly aware of how seriously Frensham fathers take their role in the Carol Service, and he will be sending appropriate rehearsal resources in a timely fashion.
Mr Michael Spencer, Head of Music
Acknowledgements
ICAS Certificates - Digital Technologies: Distinction: Harriet Brazier (Year 7); English - Distinction: Adeline Ahern, Harriet Brazier (Year 7), Sophie Simpson (Year 10), Zoe Gallagher (Year 12); Writing:High Distinction: Tabitha Wild (Year 9); Cate Horsfall (Year 10); Distinction: Carlisle Hughes (Year 3); Elizabeth Beckhaus; Poppy Chin, Amelie Gardiner, Sofia Wilson (Year 4); Aliyah Mhanna, James Macpherson (Year 5); Sophie Worner-Tomlinson (Year 7); York Doyle, Lucia Semple (Year 8); Jemima Sirtes (Year 10);
AMEB Honours and High Distinction: Sophie Chen (Year 9) - AMEB Piano Grade 8 = Honours (A), AMEB Musicianship Grade 4 = 90% (Honours); Eliza Mulligan (Year 11) AMEB Flute Certificate of Performance = Honours (A); AMEB Musicianship Grade 4 = 88% (Honours); Maya Basson (Year 12) - AMEB Musicianship Grade 4 = 95% (High Distinction)
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
As Year 12 approach their final “sprint” as they enter the home stretch, we have been reflecting upon and celebrating their growth and contribution as the leaders of the School this year. In the myriad celebrations outlined by Ms Tynan later in this newsletter, we have expressed our gratitude for the way in which the Class of 2022 have reinvigorated the enthusiasm and spirit of the student body as school life has emerged from COVID-19 restrictions. We thank all Year 12 students for their efforts and wish them the very best for their upcoming study period ahead of HSC Examinations commencing on 12 October.
Wednesday morning’s Fellowship Breakfast and Service was a very special occasion, celebrating Year 12 students’ first day as members of Fellowship – and sincere thanks to the Fellowship Committee members who were able to join us in person and via Zoom for the Service. Wednesday afternoon’s Leadership Induction Service then saw the gracious handover of leadership from the Class of 2022 to the Class of 2023, and we look forward to working with all Year 12 students in their respective leadership portfolios from the beginning of Term 4.
It was so exciting to see the generous support of our extended Frensham Schools community through Tuesday’s inaugural Giving Day in support of Winifred West Schools Foundation’s Bursary Fund. Our thanks go to our Foundation Board, Director of Philanthropy Mrs Jackie Dalton, our willing volunteers and generous donors for the extraordinary effort, raising over $460,000 in just 24 hours. With 100% of the funds raised to be directed towards the Bursary Fund, work is now underway to determine the way in which this will be distributed for maximum impact. I look forward to sharing this information with our community at Final Prayers in Term 4.
We thank all staff for their work this term and wish all Frensham Schools students, staff and a restful and restorative vacation period ahead.
Ranier Uniform Shop – Opening Hours and Additional Trading Day
The Ranier Uniform Shop will be open on Wednesday 5 October 12.00pm – 5.00pm for fitting appointments and over the counter purchases.
Term 4 regular hours resume: Monday 10 October (12pm-5pm)
Spring Break
As we approach the Spring holiday, I am sure that everyone is ready for some time to relax after a busy term of learning inside and outside the classroom. This week, I was reflecting on what things looked like this time last year and I was filled with a sense of gratitude for being able to do ‘normal things’, things that we had taken for granted in years prior to the pandemic that were postponed or modified. This year however, we have been able to celebrate, and the best part is that we have been able to do it together, as a community.
Welcoming Sample Boarder and Sample High School participants to Frensham was an instructive and fun experience for the girls and their families. The Year 10 helpers and Year 12 students who were involved in the evening and day were a true representation of who we are as a school; the Year 5 students reflected on how everyone was encouraging, how fun it was to make new friends and how much they enjoyed their lessons and activities. Thank you to the staff and students involved.
At Gib Gate, being able to have students and staff share in experiences like the Year 6 Legacy of Leaders presentation was a wonderful insight into the hard work and dedication that Year 6 students have shown this term. Similarly, a few weeks ago, it was wonderful to be able to share in Book Week celebrations and parades across the school. Sharing in learning is an integral part of the culture at Frensham Schools and being able to experience it with our community is something to be treasured.
At Frensham, we have had the privilege of a series of events where we have been able to celebrate the term, as well as begin farewell celebrations for the Class of 2022. Harry Potter night saw the Dining Room decorated like Hogwarts and the students dressed up as many of the characters, exhibiting impressive creativity, flair and good humour.
The Hockey Grand Final was a hard-fought match and although Frensham were not the winners on the day, the girls showed sportsmanship, perseverance, and grace. Skit night was a success, as was the very first Frensham Colour Run! Seeing the girls, especially Year 12, enjoying themselves, laughing, smiling, and having fun with each other and the girls across the year groups, is something that highlights their true sense of spirit and enjoyment. This week, the Jazz Band performing on the steps of the Deer Pond was a highlight, as were the farewell events for Year 12. I am immensely proud of the resilience, the tenacity and the grit that our girls have shown this term across all areas of their schooling – lessons, assessments, sport, music, drama, and more.
The Spring holiday is a great opportunity to reflect on the term that has been. Perhaps when thinking on the past term, you could ask your daughters and sons:
What have you learnt this term, both in the academic arena and about themselves as an individual?
What have they identified as a of their strengths this term?
What have they found challenging and how did they overcome it?
What they are proud of themselves for this term?
How have they developed their compassion?
Have they grown in unexpected areas?
Have they worked on empathy?
Have they learnt to collaborate in a different way?
Reflection is an essential way for us to think about what is going well and what might need some development. Acknowledgement of our own journey allows students and adults alike to set goals to work towards whilst, with support, striving to improve themselves in their areas for growth. It is important this term that we have a strengths-based view on what we have achieved rather than a deficit view of what we have not achieved.
I wish you a safe and happy holiday and a wonderful break. I look forward to seeing the Gib Gate students and Frensham girls back next term, rested, relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready for another term of adventures together.
Ms Sarah Tynan, Deputy Head
Boarding
Frensham was awash with colour on Sunday at our inaugural Colour Run. What better way to finish a term than with smiling faces, laughter and a complete sense of community and fun. Frensham was transformed with obstacles and colour powder stations that all culminated in a barbeque lunch for all to enjoy together. It was a magical way to finish the weekend.
For the final Friday night activity for Year 12, the weekend started with Harry Potter Night. Everyone dressed up, the Dining Room was transformed into The Great Hall (complete with floating candles) by Voldemort, Umbridge and Moaning Myrtle, there was even an appearance of Professor Albus Dumbledore himself! Saturday began with sports trials and concluded with Skit Night where each year group performed a skit for Year 12, celebrating their last Closed Weekend. The weekend was filled with so many wonderful activities providing the opportunity to make lasting memories together.
The previous weekend was also a success with 40 Day, Weekly and Full Boarders attending the Luna Park excursion – by all accounts it was enjoyed by all who attended. I remind you to review the Boarding Schoolbox page regularly, here you can find useful information about Boarding and also posts about student activities.
Key dates and information for Term 4
Term 4 Return: School resumes on Tuesday 11 October, with Boarders returning to Houses the evening prior on Monday 10 October by 8:30pm. Houses will open from 3.00pm with afternoon tea and refreshments - we hope to see as many parents as possible during drop off. Girls requiring NSW Transport will have been issued their tickets prior to the end of Term 3. Transport from the airport will be provided, please ensure you provide your flight details as soon as possible, so that arrangements can be made. Flights should arrive around 5.00pm Monday evening.
Term 4 South West Bus Dates: The South West bus will operate twice in Term 4 in Week 3, Sunday 30 October and Week 6, Sunday 20 November. The South West Bus departs as follows:
4pm: Cootamundra - Cootamundra Railway Station, Hovell Steet
5pm: Harden - Jackson’s Bakery, East Street
6pm: Yass - Yass Junction, McDonald’s Carpark
Bus Bookings can be made through the Orah Leave system in ‘return transport/bus/South West Bus’. Please ensure to include pickup location in the booking.
Term 4 Exeats: Detailed information can be found on the Boarding Schoolbox page under Boarding FAQ’s. Term 4 has two Closed Weekends, the first and last weekend of Term. All students are expected to be on Campus and participating in the Weekend Programme. It is an important part of continuing to develop our community and Frensham spirit. The remainder of weekends in Term 4 are open weekends and Full Boarders will have four exeats to utilise.
Term 4 Weekend Activities: In an effort to assist in Term 4 planning around leave and exeats, the following excursions have been pre-booked. Each excursion does have a limit on numbers and more detailed information and permissions will be released two weeks prior to the scheduled excursion via Schoolbox and Orah. Please see activity dates below:
Sunday 23 October - Illawarra Fly: Treetops Walk and Zip Line Tour
Sunday 6 November - Sculptures By the Sea and Bondi Markets
Sunday 27 November - Raging Waters
Sunday 4 December - Macarthur Square Christmas Shopping Trip
Thank you for a wonderful Term, we hope you all have a safe and enjoyable holiday and look forward to welcoming you back in Term 4. Afternoon Tea will be provided in the Houses from 3pm-5pm on Monday 10 October.
Ms Sally Edwards, Director of Student Life (Boarding)
French Breakfast
French
In Week 9, Year 7 enjoyed a French petit déjeuner, ordering a croissant and chocolat chaud from Year 10 French students. The Year 7 girls, who are currently studying a unit on food, are learning to express their food likes and dislikes. The breakfast was greatly enjoyed by all girls with, ‘j’adore les croissants et le chocolat chaud’ being the most popular phrase of the day!
Mrs Anne Barnes, Teacher of French
Jamieson Programme
It has been a huge term for Jamieson Programme with Global Forum, the OEG high-ropes challenge, guest speakers, Duke of Edinburgh Camp, Presentation Skills, Riding for the Disabled, Community Service in the Holt, Frensham Studies and leadership opportunities.
Some highlights from the term include:
In Frensham Studies, Year 7 students have exploring the idea of becoming a 'Grounded Future Builder' through Frensham's history. We consider how this applies in Year 7, throughout school and when the girls leave the 'big green gates'. We read through an address given by Ms Julie Gillick OAM who spoke to Year 12 2003 at their Final Dinner. She spoke to the idea of a 'suitcase' and what Year 12 might need to 'pack with them' from Frensham to support them after school. So, we decided to make an actual suitcase, pack it with items and concepts Year 7 believe Year 12 might need when they leave! For example, Year 12 will always need toothpaste in their suitcase, so they can make sure they always have a bright smile, a torch to guide them through tough times and a pen or pencil to help map out their future.
From Term 2, students in Year 8 have been participating in Presentation Skills lessons, delivered by Mrs Hannah, Head of Drama, as part of the Jamieson Programme. The purpose of the course is to teach students important interpersonal skills: how to speak clearly, communicate effectively and present themselves to any audience, no matter what the context. Presentation Skills provides students with the skills, knowledge, and opportunity to present their work to an audience, helping to develop their confidence.
The course follows the Australian Speech & Communication Syllabus and is structured over three terms in the following way:
Term 2: Public Speaking – Impromptu and Informed Speeches
Term 3: Debating – Speaking persuasively
Term 4: Drama – Working collaboratively to create original work
Essentially, Presentation Skills is about building capacity in students at Frensham, to be effective communicators who are empathetic, creative, and collaborative, demonstrating leadership and speaking with confidence and conviction to communicate effectively and make a valuable contribution.
Left: Presentation skills. Right: Year 9 with Suzannah Cowley.
Year 9 students were privileged to have Suzannah Cowley present to them last month. Suzannah is a television journalist and film producer and established Nviro Media in 2016. She specialises in environmental and agricultural films and shared her experiences of making high impact films. She spoke with Year 9 about how she uses her skills as a filmmaker to inspire and support change and shared three recent films. A recent project involved work with Landcare and showcasing indigenous land management with a specific focus on the use of cultural burning. Suzannah also engaged the girls in a highly entertaining interview role-play. This special presentation supported a broad study in environmental care and management, and how individuals can make a change, key themes in the Year 9 Jamieson Programme.
Finally, Year 10 classes continue to cultivate their leadership skills by generously leading younger students in the boarding houses and also by being supportive and kind Cracks to Year 7, providing them with strong examples of what it is to be a grounded Frensham girl.
We are looking forward to Term 4 with Year 9 students completing their final examinations for the IGCSE Global Perspectives course. Jamieson Week is a highly anticipated event – and not just because it is the final week of term! Students will participate in a range of community service activities, giving back to their Frensham community, the local community and beyond.
Mrs Merrilee Harris, Director of Jamieson Programme and Careers
ICAS Frensham and Gib Gate Years 2-12
During the past month students have been participating in the annual ICAS Competitions in Writing, English, Digital Technologies, Science and Mathematics. For the first time this year parents and carers were given the opportunity to register their children using the online portal. Teachers at Frensham and Gib Gate then conducted each online test under the required examination conditions, and within the set time frame as required by ICAS.
We congratulate all students who undertook these complex competitions thus developing their skill at taking these ‘above level’ tests under timed conditions. All students from Years 2 to Year 12 who have been awarded Distinction achieved a result in the top 10% of students across Australia and those who have been awarded Credit placed in the top 30% of all students across Australia. Hard copy certificates will be presented to our competitors when they are received.
Frensham Results
Science - Distinction: Sophie Worner-Tomlinson (Year 7); Sophie Simpson (Year 10); Credit: Sofia Nesci, Claire Sullivan (Year 7); Isabel Syme (Year 8); Jade Cox, Anna Fagan (Year 9) Ashley Brewer, Poppy Carter (Year 10); Megan Syme (Year 11).
Mathematics - Credit: Georgina Boag, Ruby Rodgers, Claire Sullivan, Sophie Worner-Tomlinson (Year 7), Isabel Syme (Year 8); Georgina Lewis (Year 9); Poppy Carter (Year 10).
Mathematics - Distinction: Olivia Pattison (Year 5); Credit: Sofia Wilson (Year 4)
Gib Gate Maths Olympiad Team 2022
Congratulations to the Gib Gate Year 5 and Year 6 Maths Olympiad team who completed its last ‘contest’ for 2022. The team of Max Cannon-Brooks, Hannah Chalak, Sophie Chin, Arabella Munro, Matilda Spong, Annabelle Whyte-Cleaver (Year 6); James Macpherson, Elyssia Mason, Aliyah Mhanna, Olivia Pattison, Emma Stedman (Year 5) participated in five monthly ‘pen and paper’ 30-minute challenges in which they had to complete five problems.
The Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiad is an annual contest which has been operating since 1987. Every year, schools from all over Australia, New Zealand and other neighbouring countries take part. The overall aim is to encourage students to develop important mathematical problem-solving skills in an enjoyable environment. Certificates of Achievement will be awarded in Term 4 during Performance Assembly.
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director Teaching and Learning P-12
Mathematics
On Wednesday 14 September Inquisitive Minds ran separate workshops for Years 7, 8 and 9. Students worked in predetermined pairs and were immersed in mathematical and logical thinking as they learned and utilised foundational and advanced problem-solving strategies.
Each session had two components:
An interactive lesson where students were introduced to several different problem-solving strategies including tree diagrams, make a list and draw a diagram
A challenge: Students worked in pairs to complete as many questions as possible in the allocated time frame. They had access to 54 questions that ranged in difficulty from easy to hard.
In each session Frensham teachers and Senior Mathematics students, Matilda Arnott, Maya Basson, Isobel Harrington, Lucy Pernice, Phoebe Rowntree, and Mia Shakeshaft, assisted and encouraged the students. An enriching day for all involved.
Miss Emma Lake, Teacher of Mathematics
Equestrian
We are pleased to provide an Equestrian update with notable achievements and details of upcoming events.
Matilda Telford (Year 8) (pictured left) is competing in Working Hunter and is a reserve for Show Jumping in the Interschools Nationals being held during the holiday.
Matilda also just placed 1st in the open 80cm at Sydney Jumping Association and 4th in the Children’s 1m. At the Waratah Show Jumping Competition, in classes of around 40 competitors each she placed 1st and 2nd in the 80cm, 1st and 4th in the 90cm and 3rd, 8th and 10th in the 1 metre.
We have several girls competing at the Interschools Horse Extravaganza to be held early next term at Tamworth. We will note results when available.
Eva Telford (pictured right) and Tia Thomas have had much success in the show ring winning Champion classes both their riding and horse.
Cassia Berry has been doing well in dressage, placing at the elementary level at the NSW State Open Championships.
Sophie Baldwin and Abbey Kuiper continue to perform in show jumping.
Captains of Equestrian, Camilla Warner and Matilda Walker have led the team enthusiastically and we thank them for their leadership this year.
Moon over Esther Tuckey Library against purple sky - 30 August 2022. Photo courtesy of Ms Rebecca Theodore.
The past fortnight at Frensham Schools has been absolutely action-packed – with School Spirit in abundance, accompanied by some brisk and sparkling Spring weather. It has been marvellous to welcome families and friends onto the campuses of both Gib Gate and Frensham for our Community Breakfast at Gib Gate, the Year 9 Weekend at Frensham, the Junior Production, HSC Visual Art and Design and Technology exhibitions, just to name a few of the recent events.
We have very much enjoyed welcoming parents and Old Girls to the School, sharing their experiences and professional expertise. I particularly thank Sofie Laguna and Suzannah Cowley for their recent visits, enriching our outlook and inspiring intellectual growth amongst students and staff.
There has been a recurrent theme in each of these events – the value of rigour in learning, the benefits of enduring meaningful community relationships, and the importance of a safe, supportive and inclusive school environment for every student. The creative and personal expression evident at our recent Year 12 Exhibition and performances was quite inspirational to behold, and we recognise the efforts of students and staff to arrive at this important point in their HSC journey. The process of acquiring and refining sophisticated technical skills is necessarily slow – reminding me of the words of one of the world’s most celebrated literary figures. “It's only those who are persistent and willing to study things deeply, who achieve the master work.” Paulo Coelho.
We are encouraging and supporting our Year 12 students, with just two weeks of classes remaining, to keep supporting one another in maintaining motivation, focus, harmony and cohesion. We wish all teams well in the coming weekend’s activities representing Frensham Schools – particularly our Snowsports Team currently at National Championships, teams traveling to Sydney for the IGSA Semi-Finals for Hockey and Netball, and Gib Gate’s Tournament of Minds team. Our students’ brave and adventuring spirits are evident with the number of students participating in activities that challenge students to achieve their personal best whilst representing our school in the wider community. This newsletter contains many notable achievements across all domains, reflective of our engaged and involved students and committed staff in support.
This coming Friday, Winifred West Schools Foundation will officially launch of one of its most ambitious fundraising initiatives – a 24-hour ‘Giving Day’. All funds raised on our Giving Day will help provide students with the gift of a Frensham Schools education through an Educational Grant from Foundation’s Bursary Fund. The full picture will be revealed on Friday but we can let you know one important piece of this picture - for one day only, on Tuesday 20 September, each donation to the Giving Day, whatever its size, will be tripled! I warmly encourage all our current families to take part in this initiative. Every single person in the Frensham Schools community can participate – small or large, every gift will make a difference and contributes to the continued growth of a philanthropic culture at Frensham Schools.
Visit of Sofie Laguna
On Friday 2 September, acclaimed author and Frensham Old Girl, Sofie Laguna (1985), visited both Gib Gate and Frensham to speak with students and present interactive Writers Workshops. Sofie began her writing career as an author for children and has written over twenty books for young people. Her work has been published in the US, the UK and in translation throughout Europe and Asia. She has been shortlisted for the Queensland Premier’s Award, and twice been awarded Honour Book by the Children’s Book Council of Australia.
Sofie Laguna visited Frensham and Gib Gate
Sofie’s first novel for adults, One Foot Wrong released in 2008, was published throughout Europe, the US and the UK, was longlisted for the Miles Franklin Award and shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Literary Award.
Notably, Sofie’s second novel for adults, The Eye of the Sheep won the 2015 Miles Franklin Award.
In 2017 Sofie released her third novel for adults. The Choke won best novel in the 2018 Indie Awards, was shortlisted for the Victorian Premier Literary Awards, the Australian Literature Society Gold Medal Award, the ABIA Award, the Voss Award, and longlisted for the Kibble Award, the Stella Award and the Dublin IMPAC International Literary Award.
Sofie’s novel for adults, Infinite Splendours, was released in October 2020. She continues to write for young people, and in 2021 and 2022 released her novel for children, The Song of Lewis Carmichael, and the picture book, When You Are Older. Last Tuesday Sofie’s latest picture book The House on Pleasant Street – a collaboration between her and her husband, award winning illustrator Marc McBride, was published.
Spending time with Gib Gate students in Years 3 to 6, Sofie shared the story of how her first picture book My Yellow Blankie came to life and her journey from acting to becoming an author. At Frensham, Sofie reminisced about her favourite memories at school and what led her to a career in writing. Members of Pen & Ink and Year 11 English Extension 1 students spent time in a writing workshop with Sofie learning many new skills to develop their creative writing skills.
Special aspects of the day included Sofie reuniting with her infant school friend Mrs Tinna Loker, Gib Gate Preschool Coordinator, after more than 40 years and enjoying a tour of Frensham accompanied by 2022 Heads of Pen & Ink, Isolde Cochet and Zoe Gallagher.
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director Teaching and Learning P-12
Ms Leanne Stone, Communications and Publications Associate
Boarding
Frensham is coming to life in Spring, with the flowers blooming and a touch of warmer weather and sunshine being gifted to us. As a new Frensham community member, it truly is spectacular to witness the School come alive with each season.
This term has been exceptional for showcasing the talent of the Frensham community, HSC Showcases, the BFG, two parent weekends, a multitude of Friday Night Activities where the girls’ talent, creativity and knack for knowing how to throw a superb event is always evident. It is at these times that the Frensham community shines and the Houses come to life with excitement.
I strongly encourage you to review the Boarding House pages and General Boarding page on Schoolbox, where there are updates and photos throughout the term. It is also where you can keep up to date with your girls activities.
Noted below are some key dates and information for the remainder of Term 3.
Luna Park Excursion - Sunday 11 September: We are providing the opportunity for Day, Weekly and Full Boarders to attend an excursion to Luna Park. The excursion is almost fully booked out, if your daughter is interested in attending but is yet to sign up, please ask her to see me in White Cottage to secure a spot. We understand that this date clashes with the Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh Expedition but are confident that Term 4 will provide a number of fun and exciting opportunities for those who miss out on Luna Park. Excursion dates and locations for Term 4 will be issued in Week 1.
Closed Weekends: A reminder that the first and final weekends of each Term are closed with the expectation that all Weekly and Full Boarders remain on campus. Day Boarders are also strongly encouraged to participate in the Weekend programme. 16-18 September is the final Closed Weekend of Term 3, and we look forward to having all Boarders in, to continue to develop and build our community.
Out of Hours Emergency Contact: A reminder that in the event of an emergency out of hours, our Health Centre phone number is always monitored, 02 4860 2107. While the boarding email is regularly monitored, in the event of an emergency please use the above number to ensure it is responded to immediately.
Leave and Exeats: A friendly reminder that all leave requests must be entered by Wednesday evening and all leave endorsed by parents and hosts no later than Thursday for final staff approvals. Thank you for your understanding and support in this matter as it allows us to manage staffing, bus lists, catering and event planning.
NSW Transport -End of Term Travel and Beginning of Term 4 Travel is now being finalised with students. NSW Transport have advised that transport bookings for students not returning home but travelling to an alternate location or friends house may not be able to be accommodated. Late bookings are subject to availability, only for those travelling to their home. This is due to the high demand for services and seat availability. It is always best to book a seat if unsure of your travel plans.
Airport and Flights: If your daughter/s are flying home, please provide the flight details to boarding@frensham.nsw.edu.au as soon as possible. It is recommended that flights depart Sydney at approx. 6pm and arrive in Sydney at approx. 5pm on their return journey.
We look forward to seeing you at Frensham soon.
Ms Sally Edwards, Director of Student Life (Boarding)
Drama
On Saturday 27 August, the Junior Production for 2022, The BFG by Roald Dahl, adapted for the stage by David Wood took place on the Clubbe Hall stage as part of the Year 9 weekend. Congratulations to the director, Ms Shannon, and assistant Mrs Hannah, as well as the cast and crew for their efforts. The Years 8 and 9 cast displayed great enthusiasm and energy in their re-imagining of Dahl’s classic story for the audience of all ages. The cast were supported by the technical crew on lighting, sound and backstage. Also, a special thank you to artist, Lucinda Chambers for her creative contribution to the production, making the magnificent props essential to the story, including the giant’s heads, Sophie puppet and snozzcumbers, with her daughters, Goldie Munro (Year 8) and Belle Munro (Year 4).
On Friday 2 September, Year 12 Drama students completed their HSC Drama External Practical Examination, which is 60% of their final mark. With one Group Performance and four Individual Performances as well as two Applied Research Projects. Congratulations to the HSC Drama students and Mrs Hannah for the high-quality work achieved.
Mrs Sally Hannah, Head of Drama
HSIE
Australian Geography Competition
Earlier in the year, Frensham participated in the Australian Geography Competition. Frensham’s Years 10 – 12 Geography students joined 70,0000 of their peers from across Australia in challenging their geographic skills and knowledge. Frensham students performed at an exceptional standard across the board, further recognition of the strength of Frensham's Geography offering.
The following students performed at notable levels: High Distinction: Sophie Simpson (Year 10), Olivia Huggins, Darcy Maple-Brown, James McBride, Augusta Muir (Year 11). Distinction: Juliet Henry (Year 10), Ali Corbett, Edie Staniforth (Year 11). Credit:Chloe Cowley (Year 10), Janna Martin-Cooley, Sarah Partland (Year 11).
Southern Highlands Vietnam Veterans' Peacekeepers and Peacemakers annual Memorial Service
On Sunday 21 August two Year 11 Modern History students, Meg Jones and Eliza Mulligan, represented the school at the Southern Highlands Vietnam Veterans' Peacekeepers and Peacemakers annual Memorial Service at the Vietnam War Memorial in Settlers Park, Bowral. Forty-seven years after the end of the war, the service commemorates those who served, honouring their memory. The students were supported by Mrs Merrilee Harris.
Mr Nathan Bessant, Head of HSIE
ICAS Frensham and Gib Gate Years 2-12
During the past month students have been participating in the annual ICAS Competitions in Writing, English, Digital Technologies, Science and Mathematics. For the first time this year parents and carers were given the opportunity to register their children using the online portal. Teachers at Frensham and Gib Gate then conducted each online test under the required examination conditions, and within the set time frame as required by ICAS.
We congratulate all students who undertook these complex competitions thus developing their skill at taking these ‘above level’ tests under timed conditions. All students from Years 2 to Year 12 who have been awarded Distinction achieved a result in the top 10% of students across Australia and those who have been awarded Credit placed in the top 30% of all students across Australia. Certificates will be presented to our competitors when they are received.
Frensham Results
Digital Technologies - Distinction: Harriet Brazier (Year 7). Credit: Sofia Nesci, Chloe Worner-Tomlinson, Sophie Worner-Tomlinson (Year 7); Isabel Syme (Year 8); Sophie Simpson (Year 10).
English - Distinction: Adeline Ahern, Harriet Brazier (Year 7), Sophie Simpson (Year 10), Zoe Gallagher (Year 12). Credit: Iman Byrne, Sofia Nesci, Ruby Rodgers, Maisie Stanley, Claire Sullivan, Chloe Worner-Tomlinson, Sophie Worner-Tomlinson (Year 7), Millicent Debelle Hancock, York Doyle (Year 8), Cate Horsfall (Year 10), Sophie Hassall, Heidi Jervis, Abigail Jorgensen (Year 11).
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director Teaching and Learning P-12
Sport
IGSA Athletics Championships 18-19 August
On the 18 and 19 August Frensham competed at the IGSA Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park. The competition consisted of three separate divisions that were determined by previous years’ results, Frensham was in Division 3 alongside eight IGSA schools. All events had preliminary heats with the top nine results progressing to the final.
It was a successful two days of competition with several students advancing to the finals. Frensham’s success this season can be attributed to the ongoing training efforts of students and the dedicated coaching efforts from Kristine Powell. Considering we have missed two years of Athletics due to COVID it was a true delight to have the team back together and finishing the season off so well.
Frensham placed 2nd overall in Division 3 with 431 points. This is a remarkable achievement, congratulations to all students involved.
Thank you to the Vice Captain Abigail Hicks and Captain of Athletics Phoebe Lyne for being exceptional role models demonstrating strong leadership skills throughout the year.
NSW/ACT/QLD Interschools Snowsports
The State titles of the Interschools took place at Perisher 22 August to 26 August. Frensham’s team consisted of individual and team competitors in multiple disciplines including Alpine, Moguls, Ski Cross, Snowboard Cross, XC Classic and XC relay.
The conditions throughout the week varied from blizzards, heavy snowfall, windy, extreme cold and clear blue-sky days. It was an exciting week of competition with many of the girls performing well.
Congratulations to students who are invited to the National Championships 6-11 September at Perisher.
Australian Geography Competition results: High Distinction: Sophie Simpson (Year 10), Olivia Huggins, Darcy Maple-Brown, James McBride, Augusta Muir (Year 11). Distinction: Juliet Henry (Year 10), Ali Corbett, Edie Staniforth (Year 11).
Frensham Athletics team for success at the recent IGSA Athletics Championship; progressing to finals: Sofia Nesci (12 Years 100m, 12 Years 200m, 12 Years Shot Put), Gigi Ulvert (17 Years 200m), Phoebe Gilder (16 Years 800m), Tia Thomas (14 Years 800m), Arabella Whitehead (15 Years Long Jump).
Frensham Snowsports team for achievements at the recent Interschools State Titles; with the following students invited to the National Championships: Team Qualifiers: Ski Cross Division 1, Moguls Division 1, XC Classic Division 2, XC Relay Division 2. Individual Qualifiers: Ski Cross - Div 1 - Lucy Pernice, Hannah Bendror, Jessica Savage; Ski Cross Div 2- Luca de Manincor; Moguls - Div 1- Lucy Pernice; Slopestyle Ski - Div 1- Lucy Pernice; XC Classic - Div 2 - Bella Barber, Tempe Arnott, Skye Stodart.
Valentia Hercus (Year 4) – Selected for the IPSHA Athletics Team at the CIS Athletics Carnival.
Gib Gate Robocup Team of James Macpherson (Year 5), Camille Muir, Sammy Robb, Isaac Webb (Year 3) and facilitator Mrs Hannah for coming equal 1st at the ACT Robocup competition in the OnStage category.
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
We are very much looking forward to the upcoming weekend here at Frensham Schools, with lots of activity across campuses. Alongside Saturday Sport and the Year 9 Weekend, we are hosting 3 reunion groups and more than 200 people have registered to attend Saturday afternoon’s Head’s Tour. All families are welcome to the Saturday afternoon performance of our Junior Production, The BFG, commencing at 3pm in Clubbe Hall and of course to our Sunday Service and Concert, featuring Year 9 students. Another highlight is the Year 12 HSC Visual Art and Design and Technology Exhibition – works are being hung and installed this week and the exhibition looks absolutely spectacular. Frensham Year Weekends are unique times in our school community to gather as a whole school – students, staff and families – to celebrate and support one another. We look forward to welcoming many of you to campus this weekend.
Last Friday we were pleased to host Ms Sally Robson to Frensham Schools, thanking her for her 18 years of service and celebrating Ms Robson’s time as Head of Gib Gate. Ms Robson, as always, gave a most thoughtful and considered address to students, staff and parents present, and we enjoyed the celebration involving the Gib Gate community.
Our termly Gib Gate and Frensham Advisory Committee Meetings have also occurred in the past week, with valuable insights shared and gained through consultation. We remind all parents and carers of the calls for Expressions of Interest emailed to families last week – these close before the end of this term to ensure sufficient time to confirm representatives for the 2023 committees. I wish to personally thank parents who give of their time to serve on these Advisory Committees.
It has been thoroughly enjoyable to see Gib Gate visit at Frensham this week, with classes having the opportunity to learn in the Science Labs, visiting the animals at Holt Farm, walking the Bush Track in the Lower Holt, exercising their Drama skills and enjoying storytime in the Esther Tuckey Library. We look forward to future visits and combined activities at Gib Gate, Frensham and Sturt!
Celebrating Gifts
As another busy fortnight of celebrating the gifts of the students and staff at Frensham Schools comes to a close, and we find ourselves at the halfway point of the term. Over the last few weeks, I have been reflecting on the wonderful aspects of this community and the way in which we come together to provide rich learning opportunities for our young people. It truly is a buffet when it comes to what is on offer for the students to be involved in.
We might be small in size but we are huge in spirit. This fortnight I had the privilege of watching the HSC Drama and HSC Music Showcases where under the guidance of Mrs Hannah and Mr Spencer, the Year 12 students absolutely shone in mature, striking pieces that highlighted their talents as individuals. It is always a proud moment when I see their peers supporting them with the enthusiasm of an Opera House-sized audience. Both the musicians and the actors were captivating in their command of the stage and their chosen genre, and we wish them all the very best for their final performances.
In addition to the showcases, I was privy to my first Book Week at Frensham Schools. Wow! What a spectacular event across both Gib Gate and Frensham campuses. I could hear the love of reading, the joy of escaping into other worlds and wonderful messages about the importance of literature throughout the student body as students happily chatted about their favourite book. The outfits were also very impressive!
See Frensham Book Week video on Instagram (@ frensham1913)
In the busy-ness of life at Frensham Schools and life in general, I often wonder how our young people (and their parents) find time for themselves and some self-care. I hear the students talking about time out, Ville leave, walking in the Holt and cuddles with the pets that visit the houses and the library, reading and more. So I thought this week, I might look at the difference between self-care and self-compassion and the importance of each of these for our students and for you as parents.
The terms self-care and self-compassion are often used interchangeably, but they are actually different concepts. Self-compassion is regarding yourself compassionately where self-care, by contrast, is treating yourself compassionately. The two terms sound interchangeable, but they contain a thinking versus doing distinction.
This got me thinking about the difference between thinking and doing. Sometimes the “doing” and habit forming is much easier than the thinking as it involves a physical response or act. Presently, I’m sure in each of your households, there are days when the ‘doing’ of the self-care activities happens, there are days when it doesn’t, and that’s ok. There is a perception that it is more difficult to retrain our minds and change our thinking habits, I do wonder why that is. Self-compassion and mental health all require work and training, just as our physical habits do. We flex our muscles when we are training for physical activity, so we need to work on flexing our mind to change our thinking habits so be more compassionate towards ourselves.
What habits will you work on this week? And where will you carve out some time for self-care?
Ms Sarah Tynan, Deputy Head
HSC Drama Showcase
On Friday 12 August, the HSC Drama Showcase was held in Clubbe Hall, celebrating the work and achievements of the Year 12 cohort. Year 11 students, Sarah-Joy Day and Freyjika Parker, hosted the evening which showcased Group Performances and Individual Performances for the HSC Drama course.
The Group Performance is a mandatory component of the HSC Drama Course, where students in groups of 3–6 devise an original piece of theatre that is 8–12 minutes in length. In the initial stages of the process, students select a topic from a list of ideas, phrases, or images to use as their impetus for play building. The class of six students worked together to create Sticks and Stones, based on the idiom, the ties that bind. The piece explored toxic masculinity amongst young adults and the pressure placed on individuals to belong to the pack, without considering the consequences.
A special mention must go to Year 11 student, Rose Mahony for her contribution to the Group Performance process as she has worked has an understudy to support the group throughout Term 2.
For the Individual Project, four students elected Performance, a 6–8-minute monologue where skills in performance, characterisation, and dramatic structure and required. The performances included, The Mad Ones (Holly Horsfall), Things I Know to Be True (Rosemary Schmidt), Blackrock (Jemima Graham-Wansey), and Nobody Famous (Sophie Domazet).
Two students completed Individual Projects in Critical Analysis: Applied Research, Elyse Caristo, and Isabelle Kurtz. The Applied Research Project takes the form of a structured report on the results of an investigative research in 3500 words.
Elyse researched whether “people with a physical disability are underrepresented in Australian theatre and if the industry does enough to give them a voice on and off the stage.”
Whereas Isabelle researched whether “theatre will survive the digital age”.
The HSC Drama course is examined in two stages, the External Practical Examination of the Group Performances, and Individual Projects, will be marked on Friday 2 September by visiting NESA markers and the Written Paper which will be completed in October during the HSC Examination Period.
Junior Production
Currently Year 8-9 students are making final preparations for the upcoming Junior Production, Roald Dahl’sThe BFG to be performed on Saturday 27 August at 3.00pm in Clubbe Hall, directed by Ms Fiona Shannon and supported by Mrs Sally Hannah. All are welcome to join us for a whimsical afternoon as Roald Dahl’s story comes to life on stage.
Mrs Sally Hannah, Head of Drama
HSC Music Showcase
The Madrigals have not been resting on the laurels since their Championship win in July. On the Sunday of the Year 11 Weekend, they supported the Year 10 Confirmation Service by leading the hymns and performing a very beautiful anthem at St Jude’s, Bowral. At last Friday’s Farewell Assembly for Sally Robson,appropriately, they sang Frensham’s Benediction as the anthem.
Last Friday night, the Year 12 music students shone at the HSC Music Showcase in Clubbe Hall. This is an opportunity for the HSC candidates to perform most of their programme in preparation for their HSC examination on Monday 12 September. The musicians displayed both resilience and courage in the face of unforeseen challenges. They did this so well, with the audience thoroughly enjoying each and every performance.
Mr Michael Spencer, Head of Music
Public Speaking
South Coast Public Speaking Competition - After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, a team of girls (and buddies) competed in the 30th Annual South Coast Speaking Competition, on Tuesday 16 August at Holy Spirit College Bellambi. They were accompanied by Ms McGuinness, Mrs Metua, Ms Theodore and Head of Public Speaking Yusra Chalak. The team consisted of Year 7: Adeline Ahern, Harriet Brazier, Genevieve McLelland; Year 8: Maggie Maynard. Year 9: Lara Bentley, Claudia Henderson, Raphaela O'Neill'Siambis. Year 10: Kate Clifton. Year 11: Meg Jones. The team was given a list of topics to choose from and presented a prepared speech on the night. All the girls made a commendable effort and achieved places in the following sections: Year 7, Adeline Ahern (2nd). Year 9, Raphaela O'Neill'Siambis (1st), Claudia Henderson (2nd). Year 10: Kate Clifton (2nd). Year 11: Meg Jones (3rd).
Congratulations to all on a tremendously fun and rewarding evening.
Ms Lee McGuinness, Head of English
Acknowledgements
Frensham’s South Coast Public Speaking team, 5 of 9 team members placing in their section with Raphaela O'Neill'Siambis (Year 9) placing 1st in her year group.
Mae Gilkeson (Year 6), Lola Gilkeson and Camille Muir (Year 3) are representing Gib Gate this week at the State Interschools Snowsports Championships.
Gib Gate Tournament of Minds Team of Darcey Burrows, Sophie Chin, Madeline Conway, Mae Gilkeson, Aliyah Mhanna, Matilda Spong and Annabelle Whyte-Cleaver with team facilitator, Mrs Williamson, competed at the Regional Finals at University of Wollongong on Sunday and were awarded Tournament Honours for their performance.
Girdle: Matilda Walker (All Round Excellence)
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time this past fortnight with students of Frensham Schools across all three campuses – Year 9’s Global Forum, Sturt afternoon classes, the 3-6 Gib Gate Athletics Carnival, the Frensham Class of 2012 Reunion, Year 10 and 11 students and their families on this past weekend and, a new initiative, House Afternoon Teas today. After prolonged periods of being unable to gather together in this way it is energising to see and feel spirits lifting. We look forward to welcoming families back for our Year 9 Weekend at the end of August. We remind our community that Year Weekends are not only for the year group in question, but for the whole school to be in attendance. All girls are to fulfil their (non-negotiable) Saturday Sport team commitment and are expected to be in attendance on Sunday morning to support the School. Overnight Leave may be taken with parents, and we ask for parent cooperation in ensuring girls meet the requirement to attend the Sunday Service and Concert (which extended family and friends are also most welcome to attend), followed by morning tea. We will be welcoming back Old Girls from 1972, 1992 and 2002, enjoying the HSC Visual Arts and Design and Technology Exhibition, Junior Production performance of Roald Dahl’s The BFG and our Head’s Tour for prospective families.
We commend our Year 12 students on the way in which they managed their recent HSC Trials, demonstrating resilience and grit as they faced their first formal examinations. Their Focus Day on Monday gave the year group an excellent opportunity to ‘reset’ their mindset, focusing on flourishing forwards as they continue through their HSC journey. We are looking forward to the upcoming HSC Showcase performances – of Drama and Music – as well as the exhibition at the end of the month.
We have also been fortunate to have better weather this term, allowing the return of Sporting fixtures and a reinvigoration of the Games Field and Parker Gymnasium atmosphere on a Saturday morning. Whilst illness has disrupted some teams, we look forward to a strong second half of the season with full participation and attendance by all players.
Boarding
As with each term, the girls are enjoying everything Frensham has to offer. Last weekend saw the Year 11 Parent Weekend, Year 10 Senior Studies information session and the School Service, showcasing the brilliant and diverse young women who comprise the Year 11 cohort. These events enabled us to bring our community together, across the school, with many families visiting the area.
Over the last three weekends the girls have taken part in various activities including, dancing, craft, day trips, baking, dress ups and many more, whilst also balancing the demands of their academic and co-curricular commitments. The weekend programme is one of the cornerstones in boarding life and one that the girls value highly. This term will see the girls continue to enjoy a variety of activities including a trip to view the Archibald Prize exhibition and Luna Park. Details, including cost, for the Luna Park Excursion, occurring on Sunday September 11, will be published shortly.
This Wednesday in Boarding, we are also hosting an Afternoon Tea in each house to welcome and celebrate our Day Boarders’ place in our Houses. Organised and championed by our student Heads of House, the afternoon is sure to bring some fun and laughter into the afternoon.
Below are some key dates and information for the remainder of Term 3.
South-West Bus
The South-West Bus is running on Sunday 14 August and Sunday 4 September. To book a spot on the bus please ensure you select ‘bus’ on return transport and indicate the South-West Bus option. Further details about the South-West Bus timetable can be found on the Boarding Schoolbox page Boarding FAQs (page 2).
Travel
NSW Transport: This week, girls will be asked to provide the details for the end of term and beginning of Term 4 travel plans for NSW Transport. Please ensure you discuss your intended plans with your daughters so they can advise house staff. It is always safer to book a spot on the bus to ensure you are able to secure a seat.
Airport and Flights: If your daughter/s are flying, please provide the flight details with boarding@frensham.nsw.edu.au as soon as possible. It is recommended that flights depart Sydney at approximately 6pm and arrive in Sydney at approximately 5pm on their return, to reduce the amount of time students may be waiting in the airport.
Term 4 Boarding Expressions of Interest: A call for Expressions of Interest has now gone out to families who may be interested in their daughters boarding in Term 4. Should you be interested and have not responded, please do so via email to sedwards@frensham.nsw.edu.au as soon as possible. Requests will be responded to with an outcome in the coming fortnight.
Ms Sally Edwards, Director of Student Life (Boarding)
To thrive in a VUCA world
Our children live in a VUCA world: volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. At Frensham we aim to provide learning experiences which support young people to thrive. Consequently, assessment should support students to deal with the challenges of the modern context.
We are currently examining our approach to assessment to ensure that our methods create an environment where students develop the necessary learning dispositions for success at school and beyond. Contemporary thought leaders in both corporate and educational settings (McKinsey & Co, 2021, OECD, 2019, UNESCO 2020) have described some of the dispositions and skills that learners will need.
To thrive in a VUCA world they suggest that learners will need to understand how to:
add value
continually adapt
be self-aware
reconcile tensions and dilemmas
take responsibility
act ethically
With these skills being considered essential for learners of the future, we wish to ensure that our students can demonstrate the development of these skills in the safe, supportive context of Frensham Parents, teachers, and students will shortly be asked to participate in surveys to gather information about their experiences and perspectives with assessment and reporting at Frensham. We encourage you to share your thoughts; links to the surveys will be distributed via Schoolbox.
Dr Ruth Phillips, Academic-in-Residence
Jamieson Programme
After an enforced Covid-19 cancellation last year, Year 9 students attended the much-anticipated annual Frensham Global Forum.
The 2022 residential programme at Yerrinbool was designed around the theme: Making a Difference - Understanding my Place in the World. Students were involved in a series of inspiring presentations and workshops aimed at increasing awareness of global issues relating to various charitable endeavours, nutrition, health and well-being, environmental sustainability and building community capability. Integral to the success of the programme were the presenters who mirrored how each individual can make a difference by taking just one step, and then another.
The School would like to acknowledge and thank the following presenters:
Ms Monica Moore who knows our girls so well, providing weekly Yoga sessions and having presented for many years on Health and Wellbeing at Global Forum. Students and teachers enjoyed a relaxing Yoga session.
Dr Peter Anderson (UOW)
A Global Forum regular, who challenged the students to make a difference by coming up with solutions to achieve environmental sustainability. Girls were given 15 minutes to develop a highly entertaining 2-minute skit presenting their issue and solution to the group.
Cressida Cains: Pecora Dairy (AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award- NSW Winner 2020) and Frensham Old Girl, 1993.
Cressida spoke of leadership in the area of raw milk cheese production and her not-for-profit website and support hub, Dairy Cocoon. Her goal is to share her knowledge and experience to other small dairy producers. The girls were very interested in the production of sheep milk dairy and the environmental and social responsibility of the business.
Amanda Farrer PSM: Director, Public Affairs and Development, Australian Museum
Amanda spoke of the inclusion and access initiatives at the Australian Museum including the “Early Bird” and “Night Owl” programmes; the low light and sound adjustments made for visitors with sensory needs; the implementation of a Reconciliation Action Plan; and sustainability initiatives within the Australian Museum. Amanda also spoke of her work giving back as a member of former Premier Mike Baird’s team during his time in politics and working with indigenous communities.
A highlight of the Forum was the trip to Sydney where students participated in ‘hands-on’ volunteer work at Our Big Kitchen and Thread Together. At the end of the day, 124 single serve meals went to the Salvation Army for their “Street distribution” and 124 meals equivalent for their bulk-serve service biscuits to staff at Royal Prince Alfred and Prince of Wales hospitals. The experience included food preparation, cooking, packaging and clean-up duties. Thread Together were impressed by Year 9’s enormous help in redistributing ‘end of line’ new stock from fashion retailers. Students made 260 boxes; sorted and filled 195 of these boxes. Each box contained approximately 30 pieces of clothing, meaning they sorted and packed approximately 5,850 pieces. They also emptied and sorted six full crates - each crate containing approximately 4,000 pieces of clothing, so they sorted approximately 24,000 pieces. All in all, the girls touched almost 30,000 pieces of clothing - many of which have already been packed into orders and were shipped out to the organisation’s charity partners last week. An impressive effort and very impactful for Year 9.
Following on the success of previous years, another component of the Forum was the ‘Green Art Project’, designed by Ms Jane Cavanough, which involved girls designing and building artworks in the Lower Holt on the Thursday afternoon. The students were shown works by environmental artist, Andy Goldsworthy, and the students were clearly inspired, creating absolutely stunning sculptures that can still be seen around the Lower Holt.
Finally, I would like to congratulate Year 9 students for really embracing the theme of the 2022 Global Forum and on their behalf, thank the staff who participated and attended Ms Lucy Thorne, Mr Matthew Selby, Ms Simone Lindsay, Mr Shane Green, Ms Amanda Graham, Ms Jane Cavanough, Ms Fiona Shannon, Mr Nathan Bessant, Ms Kate Chauncy, Ms Sally Edwards, Ms Sarah Tynan, Ms Sarah McGarry and our wonderful Gap Students Miss Louisa Pryor and Miss Anna Lane. And, huge thank you and congratulations to Ms Kate Gallagher for her expert organisation and management of the Forum.
Mrs Merrilee Harris, Director of Jamieson Programme and Head of Careers
Sport
NETBALL
Congratulations to Claudia Henderson for being selected in the U15 IGSA Netball team. The team will compete at the NSW CIS Championships at Netball Central on Monday 22 August.
IGSA Sport Structure Term 4 2022 and 2023
The IGSA Standing Committee decided earlier this year that Softball Term 1 2023 will be removed, and a midweek Softball Gala Day will be implemented. The introduction of the Gala Day will allow IGSA and member schools to retain our connection to schoolgirl Softball. The format and timing of the IGSA Softball Gala Day, likely to be held in Term 4, 2023 is yet to be confirmed.
Please note this decision has no impact on the representative pathway for students; IGSA will still provide an opportunity for students wishing to represent IGSA Sport and seek selection via the CIS pathway.
The structure of Sport for 2023 season will be the following:
Term 1: Touch, Tennis, Water Polo, and Swimming
Term 2: Football, Basketball, Cross Country, Snowsports
Term 3: Hockey, Netball, Athletics and Snowsports
Term 4: Touch, Tennis, Water Polo, and Softball Gala Day
Mr Shane Green, Head of Sport (Acting)
Acknowledgements
Whitlam Institute What Matters? writing competition, in the Year 11/12 Category, shortlisted Year 11 students: Rose Mahony, 726, 701 Hours;Abigail Jorgensen,Perfection;Hilary Swan, The Little Anarchist. The competition involvedyoung Australians from all over the country who wrote a combined total of 1,758,356 words across 297 schools to say what really matters to them.
Year 9 Global Forum: presenters who so generously shared their knowledge and gave encouragement to Year 9; and to students, who were respectful and passionate in their management of the residential environment and warmly appreciative of the varied presentations and activities offered.
Claudia Henderson, selected in the U15 IGSA Netball team, competing at the NSWCIS Championships in August.
We welcome all students, staff and families back to Frensham Schools for another stimulating and engaging term. Our Year Twelve students have commenced their HSC Trial Examinations this week and are to be commended for the positive and optimistic way they are approaching this important stage of their senior year. We remind all families of the upcoming HSC events featuring performances, major works and design projects from Drama, Music, Visual Art and Design and Technology. We welcome the Frensham community’s attendance at these exhibitions and performances, in support of our students and their endeavour in these subjects.
Online Learning
We look forward to sharing detailed information about the upcoming Online Learning Days in August, be published on Schoolbox shortly. This is not a mid-term break, and the School will remain open during this period. Year 12 students will remain at school and classes will run as usual on these days, with an independent learning day on Wednesday 24 August. Students from Years 7-11 will be able to remain in boarding and Day Boarders able to attend the campus for these days if desired, with supervision able to be provided.
Regional Visits
Alongside the opportunities for families and friends to visit Frensham this term, we are looking forward to getting out into our community in regional NSW in August, after the restrictions of COVID-19 prevented such visits in 2020 and 2021. We look forward to meeting new friends and reconnecting with the broader Frensham community during these visits.
Senior Staff Retirement
Ms Kate Chauncy, our Director of Teaching and Learning P-12, and Coordinator of Gifted Education, Ms Kate Chauncy, will be retiring from Frensham Schools at the end of 2022. Ms Chauncy started working at Frensham Schools in 2001 as Gib Gate Teacher Librarian, and has given extraordinary service over the past 21 years. A collaborative and committed educator and leader, Kate continues to be instrumental in leading curriculum change, staff development and professional learning, philosophy and pedagogy across P-12.
Her beautifully thoughtful Birthday Address for the Frensham Service this year reflects Ms Chauncy’s deep thinking and care for this place and its people. We will be sorry to see her depart but also know that her family will enjoy having more time with her from 2023. We will farewell Ms Chauncy formally at the end of the year and we are grateful that we have the coming months with her to plan for 2023.
The Power of Yet…
Life at Frensham Schools is busy, dynamic, and engaging. Week One and the closed weekend was hive of activity, with students engaged in anything from afternoon tea in the boarding houses, reconnecting with friends after a long break, sport, classes, singing, first aid courses, events at Sturt and Gib Gate’s annual Sample High School Day. Needless to say, this week had it all and the school was alive with a positive energy that was palpable.
As the first week of term in the life of a Frensham, Gib Gate or Sturt student and their family comes to a close and Week Two is in full swing, I wonder how many students have stopped to celebrate their personal achievements, big or small, over the past week.
Whether it was their contribution to their classes, their sportsmanship at sport on Saturday, that they are trying new co-curricular, exploring a new friendships or activity, or simply navigating the complexities of adolescence, challenge is an inevitable part of anything new and it is important to remember that becoming skilled or an expert in anything takes time, patience, and practice. Listening to the artists speak at the Sturt Gallery Opening on Sunday provided me with a deepened respect for professional Potters as they truly live in a world of hope, persistence, and in the power of ‘yet’ as they make their piece, fire the kiln, and wait, sometimes weeks, to view the final result. It is a true lesson in patience and trusting the process.
As we welcomed the Year 5 students from Gib Gate to Frensham for their Annual Sample High School Day on Monday, we saw them embrace the opportunity to try something new. The students participated in Science, DAT, Drama and French classes, and whilst they might not be masters of each of these areas, the power of ‘yet’ says that we might one day have a future maker, scientist, star of the stage or linguist in our midst.
Often when I chat to our students about what they are doing at the moment, or what they might like to do in the future, so many of them say ‘I can’t do that’, or ‘I’m not good at that’, and without fail, I take the opportunity to challenge them to say ‘yet’?
So, what does that sound like in reality? Here are some examples:
‘I have not received the results I was hoping for in subject X …. yet’.
‘I’m not good at a particular medium of visual arts … yet’.
‘I didn’t achieve the time I was hoping for in my race … yet’.
‘I don’t know how to write an essay, perform a speech or do a science experiment… yet’.
‘I don’t know how to navigate this friendship change… yet’.
‘I don’t know that hymn… yet’.
All of the above statements are examples of challenging a fixed mindset and moving into a growth mindset - a state of mind and perhaps a professional Potter’s true disposition. Stanford Psychologist, Carol Dweck has undertaken significant research on growth mindset and has found that ‘the power of our beliefs, both conscious and unconscious, and how changing even the simplest of them can have profound impact on nearly every aspect of our lives’. After 20 years of research, she has found that a “growth mindset” is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts, it thrives on challenge and sees failure not as evidence of unintelligence but as a heartening springboard for growth and for stretching our existing abilities.
After my short time here at Frensham Schools, I can’t help but think how lucky the students are to be in an environment that gives them every opportunity to thrive in the ‘Power of Yet’. They are flooded with opportunity where they can grow, try, and persist in any area that they feel they want to, if they believe that they can and are prepared to commit to the effort required.
Ms Sarah Tynan Deputy Head of Frensham Schools
Frensham on the Road!
Frensham Information Functions
We are pleased to meet with members of the Frensham Community; past, present and future.
Families who may be interested in a Frensham education for their daughters are warmly welcomed at the following events, which may be booked via Trybooking.
Staff announcements
We welcome
Music Faculty: Ms Lia Boulton, M Ed (Leadership and Management) current; M Teaching (Secondary) (UMELB); B Music (ANU). Ms Boulton is returning to the Southern Highlands, where she grew up, from Loreto Mandeville Hall, Toorak.
Gib Gate, Teacher Librarian: Ms Janine McPherson, Dip Teaching, Grad Dip Expressive and Performing Arts (UNSW); MEd (Teacher Librarianship) (CSU). Ms McPherson has extensive experience in primary schools as a teacher and a teacher librarian.
House Staff: joining us from the UK, as part of their GAP year, Miss Luisa Prior (London), Miss Emily Goodwin (Cardiff) and Miss Anna Lane (Kent). They will be working, in support, across all areas of the boarding programme.
House Staff: Ms Arielle Balyck, B Psychology (late 2022) (MacU).
Current Staff
Head of Gib Gate (Acting), Mrs Anne Grahamand Acting Coordinator of Administration,Mr Gregory Hannahin support of students and parent, will continue in their roles.
Coordinator of Events and Planning: Ms Amanda Graham will be involved with event management and planning; she will also be part of the Frensham teaching staff.
Head of Kennedy House: Mrs Kimberly Jones has commenced in this important role, ably assisted by Mrs Robyn Parsons and the Kennedy House team.
Term Dates 2023
Term 1: Monday 30 January – Wednesday 5 April
Term 2: Wednesday 26 April – Thursday 22 June (as in previous years, the School marches at the Mittagong Anzac Day service, on 25 April)
Term 3: Tuesday 18 July – Thursday 21 September
Term 4: Tuesday 10 October – Friday 8 December (Gib Gate)
Term 4: Tuesday 10 October – Sunday 10 December (Frensham)
For general information for Term Dates
These dates indicate the first and last teaching days of each term.
Frensham Schools expects all student leave to be taken during the designated vacation periods.
Boarding Houses open the afternoon prior to the start of each term.
Boarding
Term 3 has begun in a flurry of activity with all girls excited to see each other after the three-week break. All eager to tell their stories from their holidays and catch up with missed friends. The drop off day afternoon teas in each house were a great success, allowing our parents to take a break from driving and meet, chat and enjoy a laugh with old and new friends as their girls settled into their new dorms. It was a very special reminder of the wonderful Frensham Boarding Community.
Last weekend was the first closed weekend of the term and saw the girls involved in a variety of fun-filled activities including baking, line dancing, visits to the live exhibition at Sturt and of course an opportunity for relaxation and prep. I encourage you to visit the Boarding Schoolbox page, and enjoy the weekend report, including some photographs. Year 12 students were preparing for their HSC Trial Examinations and many of the younger girls have provided them care packages and messages of support. Overall, the girls have had a smooth, calm and enjoyable start to the term.
As always, I encourage parents to familiarise themselves with the Boarding Schoolbox page, where all information is placed for ease of access. Especially the Boarding FAQs and information on Exeats, which has changed slightly and currently in place. House pages will also regularly be updated throughout the Term with outlines and photographs of the student boarding activities.
For ease, included are important Term 3 dates. Should you have any questions regarding the below or Boarding matters, please contact: boarding@frensham.nsw.edu.au
Week 3: 6-7 August, Year 11 Parent Weekend
Expressions of Interest for Term 4 Boarding released on Schoolbox
Weeks 5 & 6: 20 (after Sport)-24 August, Online Learning Days (Years 7-11) Please note, transport is currently being arranged in the Houses with your daughters.
Week 6: 27-28 August, Head’s Tour, Year 9 Parent Weekend, HSC VA and DAT Exhibition
Week 9: 17-18 September Closed Weekend
Week 10: 23 September, Boarders Travel Day
We look forward to seeing you all throughout the course of the Term.
Ms Sally Edwards, Director of Student Life (Boarding)
Jamieson Programme
Year 9 students and staff are excited about their residential “Global Forum” experience next week, particularly given that last year’s event was cancelled due to COVID-19. The Forum is one of the central components of the Jamieson Programme and the 2022 theme is Making a Difference - Understanding my Place in the World.
Girls will enjoy being off-campus for two and a half days with no technology and no phones. It is an opportunity for them to just ‘be’ with each other, strengthening friendships, working collaboratively in teams and simply having fun through fitness and yoga sessions. Central to the programme are our thought-provoking guest speakers – including Old Girls Ms Annabelle Chauncy OAM (2003), School for Life, and Ms Cressida Cains (1993), AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, NSW Winner 2020, along with our environmental sustainability expert Dr Peter Anderson (UOW) and Ms Amanda Farrar - Director, Public Affairs and Development, Australian Museum.
An exciting new ‘hands-on’ experience will involve the girls travelling to Sydney to participate in community service activities through organisations Our Big Kitchen and Thread Together. Students will prepare meals for people in need across Sydney and pack boxes of clothing from ‘end of line’ new stock from fashion retailers in readiness for distribution to various charities and social service agencies.
Students will finish the Forum by creating beautiful ‘Green Art’ sculptures in the Lower Holt inspired by environmental artist Andy Goldsworthy. The evening Jamieson session will involve Outdoor Education staff coming to Frensham to brief the girls on the upcoming OEG climbing, abseiling and cave ladder experience in Week 4.
This carefully planned programme can be found on Schoolbox, Global Forum 2022, or below.
We wish Mrs Gallagher, her team of staff and Year 9 students an inspiring three days.
Mrs Merrilee Harris, Director of Jamieson Programme and Head of Careers
Music
This Thursday, Elective Music students in Years 9-11 have the privilege of attending one of the first major performances in the renovated Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House. In preparation for the concert, they have been singing and memorizing the main themes of the repertoire, and have responded to the glorious music of Tchaikovsky’s 6th Symphony (Pathétique) in particular. Another huge drawcard for the concert is the rare appearance of Hilary Hahn (pictured) who will be playing Prokofiev’s virtuosic Violin Concerto No.1. The students have been listening while following the soloist’s score and admiring the unimaginable technique involved. Another inspiration for our Frensham musicians is the fact that the concert will be conducted by Australian conductor, Simone Young, who has returned to a residence with the SSO after years of international success.
Parents of HSC Music students should take note of the HSC Music Public Performances in Clubbe Hall, 7.15pm on Friday 19 August. This is an opportunity for the candidates to perform most of their programmes as they prepare for their HSC examination mid-September.
Mr Michael Spencer, Head of Music
Visual Arts
HSC Intensive Studio Practice
Towards the end of Term 2, the School was informed that eight students in Year 11 were successful in gaining a place in the National Art School's HSC Intensive Studio Practice courses, run during the July and September vacations. These places are highly sought after, and are awarded via an application and selection process which includes the submission of artworks produced by students. These courses are also listed as non-ATAR 1-unit courses on the students' HSC transcripts. Unfortunately, these courses have not run since 2019 due to the impacts of COVID, so it was an excellent opportunity to have this artistic opportunity offered again to students across NSW. The Frensham students who were successful in gaining a place in a course were:
Scarlett Alldis – Painting
Olivia Waugh – Painting
Heidi Jervis – Life Drawing
Poppy Paradice – Ceramics
Cintra Maldonado – Printmaking
Lara McConnochie – Printmaking
Elizabeth Nesci – Printmaking
Hilary Swan – Printmaking
In the third week of the last vacation, the students completed Module 1, with Module 2 and exhibition of their works taking place at the National Art School between the 26 – 30 September.
Congratulations to the students for attaining a place in these selective courses.
Mr Phil Alldis, Head of Visual Arts and Design & Technology
Sport
Athletics
The IGSA Twilight Athletics carnivals take place at Sydney Olympic Stadium on the 22 July, 29 July, 5 August, and the 12 August. Students’ results determine the Athletics Squad that is selected to attend the IGSA Athletics Championships 19 August.
Training remains every Tuesday for Seniors and Thursday for Year 7 and Juniors 4.00pm-5.20pm.
Cross Country
Lucy Gale competed in the 18 Years Cross Country State Championships Friday 22 July at Sydney Eastern Creek Raceway. She placed 9th overall and is now on the reserve list for the National team. Lucy has dedicated a considerable amount of time and effort into her training along with keeping up with her academic endeavors. Lucy commented, “Overall I am so thrilled with my position, to never have been to State to placing 9th and being a reserve to compete at Nationals I could not be happier… I have huge goals with the athletics season ahead”.
We wish you the best of luck with your training Lucy.
Gymnastics
The Gymnastics team continue their preparation for the IGSA Gymnastics Championships in Term 4. Training remains at the Mittagong PCYC every Wednesday 4.00pm-5.20pm.
Hockey and Netball
Hockey and Netball commenced this term with students excited about playing again. Please visit Schoolbox for regular draw and weather updates.
Athlete Development Programme
An Athlete Development Programme (ADP) will be commencing every Wednesday 6.15am-7.15am in the gymnasium. This opportunity is available to aspiring athletes who wish to develop their athletic attributes and their sporting pathways to a future in their chosen field.
The ADP is an environment that not only nurtures young talent, but harnesses that potential, instilling our core values of Grit, Gratitude and Good Humour. Students are supported in becoming well-rounded individuals, with a great work ethic and an emphasis on academic enthusiasm. Athletes are continually learning how to get the best out of themselves in all aspects of their education and sporting journey.
The programme consists each week of 60 minutes high performance training involving strength and conditioning training, recovery advice, personal development, and leadership opportunities.
Snowsports – Northern Regional Competition
The Gib Gate and Frensham Snowsports team comprised –Gib Gate: Mae Gilkeson (Year 6); Emma Andrew, James Macpherson, Tilly Muir and Hannah Wright (Year 5); Lucy Iremonger, Hermione Kingsley and Lucy Wright (Year 2); William Macpherson and Fraser Trenchard-Smith (Year 1). Frensham: Zali de Manincor, Genevieve McLelland, Lola Thomas Hughes, Camilla Willingham (Year 7); Penelope Hampson (Year 8); Isabella Barber, Madeleine Bendror, Lara Bentley, Penelope Cay, Skye McLelland (Year 9); Phoebe Hicks, Luca de Manincor (Year 10); Hannah Bendror, Bella Cay, Jessica Savage (Year 11); Lucy Pernice, (Year 12).
Gib Gate:
Alpine: Division 4 - Mae Gilkeson 9th individual result; Division 4 - James Macpherson 5th individual result; Division 6 - Lucy Wright 15th individual result, Hermione Kingsley, Lucy Iremonger - 4th place Team.
Ski Cross: Division 4 - Mae Gilkeson 8th Individual result.
Frensham:
Moguls: Division 1: Lucy Pernice (1st individual), Hannah Bendror (10th), Jessica Savage (13th) – 1st place team. Division3: Zali de Manincor, Genevieve McLelland (8th individual).
Alpine: Division1: Hannah Bendror (6th individual), Jessica Savage, Bella Cay, Phoebe Hicks – 5th place team. Division2: Luca de Manincor (3rd individual), Madeleine Bendror, Penelope Cay – 3rd place team. Division3: Zali de Manincor (9th individual), Genevieve McLelland (10th), Camilla Willingham, Lola Thomas Hughes – 5th place team.
Skicross: Division1: Lucy Pernice (1st individual), Hannah Bendror (7th), Jessica Savage – 2nd place team; Division2A: Luca de Manincor (3rd individual), Madeleine Bendror, Phoebe Hicks – 2nd place team; Division2B: Lara Bentley, Skye McLelland, Penelope Cay – 7th place team; Division3: Zali de Manincor (6th individual), Genevieve McLelland (9th), Camilla Willingham – 2nd place team. Lola Thomas Hughes (18th individual).
This year, Frensham entered a team of 15 riders in the 2022NSW Interschools Equestrian Championships held at SIEC at Horsley Park from 1 to 7 July. Unfortunately, due to the wet weather the event was cancelled after two days of competition.
Despite very wet conditions, students competed in all disciplines and performed strongly both individually and as a group.
Camilla Warner (Year 12) placed 10th overall in the EVA95
Cassia Berry (Year 10) 6th overall in the Elementary Dressage
Megan Syme (Year 11) came 7th Overall in the Preliminary Dressage
Augusta Muir (Year 11) placed 12th in the Preliminary Dressage
Olivia Waugh (Year 11) 17th EvA80
Matilda Walker (Year 12) 12th EvA80.
The NSW 2022 Australian Interschool Championships are to be staged by Equestrian NSW at Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC) from 25 -29 September 2022. Four horse and rider combinations will be selected for each level for each discipline, based on performances gained at Equestrian Australia affiliated Show Horse competitions, during the period Jul 21 to 3 Jul 22.
There were some other excellent achievements over the vacation.
Augusta Muir (Year 11) was awarded the honour of State Champion Medium pony at the NSW State Youth Dressage Championships. This is an excellent achievement for Augusta who has been a committed Equestrian throughout her time at Frensham. Riding at a Medium level also puts her in the elite sports category for ATAR bonus points at some universities.
Eva Telford (Year 10) has had much success in the show ring winning several Champion Led and Ridden Galloway classes at the Hawkesbury Show and achieving Top 10 in her rider class at the Pacific Coast Hack Championships.
Tia Thomas (Year 9) was awarded Supreme ridden horse and Champion rider at Warren Show and Cassia Berry won open dressage tests at both Goulburn and Bowral Dressage.
Mrs Harriet Houston, Coordinator of Equestrian
Acknowledgements
Ms Sabine Madden, Coordinator of Music Tuition and Gifted and Talented Music students, senior musicians and their professional tutors, for the achievement of an Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB) NSW certificate for Top 10 Most Outstanding Accredited School 2021.
Award recipients: Girdle: Edwina Barton (Endeavour), Olivia Laverty (Service to School), Isabelle Harrington (Academic Excellence), Holly Horsfall (Service to Performance).
Australian Geography Competition award recipients: High Distinction: Augusta Muir, Darcy Maple-Brown, Olivia Huggins, James McBride (Year 11); Sophie Simpson (Year 10); Distinction: Ali Corbett, Edie Staniforth (Year 11); Juliet Harvey (Year 10); Credit: Janna Martin-Cooley, Sarah Partland (Year 11); Chloe Cowley (Year 10).
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award recipients: Bronze: Luca de Manincor, Phoebe Gilder, Matilda Graham, Claudia Hampson, Phoebe Hicks, Penelope Hill, Sylvie Potgieter (Year 10).
Gib Gate and Frensham Snowsports team for its success at the recent Northern and Queensland Interschools Snowsports Championships, held during the vacation.
Frensham Equestrian team members for success at recent events including the NSW Interschools Equestrian Championships.
Augusta Muir (Year 11) awarded State Champion Medium pony at the NSW State Youth Dressage Championships.
Lucy Gale (Year 12) for her achievement at in the18 Years Cross Country State Championships.
Year 11 Visual Arts students for gaining a place at the National Art School's HSC Intensive Studio Practice course: Painting - Scarlett Alldis, Olivia Waugh; Life Drawing - Heidi Jervis; Printmaking - Cintra Maldonado, Lara McConnochie, Elizabeth Nesci, Hilary Swan; Ceramics - Poppy Paradice.
Head of Sturt, Kristie Phelan and Sturt Education Officer, Phoebe Middleton, Friends of Sturt and volunteers for the success, through challenging weather conditions, of the recently held Sturt Winter School.
News of Old Girls
Miss Eleanor Swan (2021) has been awarded the Kieran Ricketts Screen Scholarship at Griffith University to support her through her Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Production degree.
Old Girl and current parent, Mrs Jane Cay (1995), has recently been featured in the eleventh issue of Oak Magazine to discuss her experiences in running one of Australia's biggest fashion success stories, Birdsnest, for over a decade.
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
We have enjoyed a wonderful last month at Frensham Schools, with celebrations of learning, community and commitment occurring across all campuses. The importance of community connection has been apparent throughout all events, including Year 8 and Year 12 Parent Weekends, Father-Daughter Ball, Winifred West Legacy Lunch, Reunion Luncheon, Sturt “Web” Exhibition opening, the School’s Birthday celebrations, the Frensham Fellowship Annual General Meeting and the Gib Gate Parents’ trip to the Archibald Prize in Sydney. We sincerely thank all who have contributed to the organisation of these events, reconnecting and celebrating the essence of our extended Frensham Schools community.
Birthday highlights from the Frensham Schools Birthday Service, Frensham 109th Birthday Service and 'Clue' performance
It has been inspiring to see the work occurring in the Jamieson Programme across both Gib Gate and Frensham, which Mrs Harris shares in more detail later in the newsletter. This distinctive programme is unique to Frensham Schools and really challenges students to think beyond their own context, contemplating and investigating global issues and their solutions.
Term concludes on Thursday 23 June, and we wish students well for upcoming events across the June-July vacation period. In particular, our Snowsports and Equestrian teams heading off to their respective NSW Interschools Championships. We are also eagerly anticipating the Sturt Winter School, welcoming participants and tutors to the Frensham and Sturt campuses for an invigorating week-long learning experience.
We look forward to welcoming students and staff back for the commencement of Term Three on Monday 18 July. Boarders are welcomed back into Houses at Frensham on Sunday 17 July, with afternoon tea provided for parents and carers, giving the opportunity to meet and connect with other families as well as Boarding and Senior staff.
We ask all families to please note the key dates for the Term Three calendar, particularly Closed Weekends for Frensham students. These dates are published well in advance to provide families with sufficient time to plan around them. Whilst it is understood that sometimes emergency situations arise, meaning that a student requires Special Leave, it remains our expectation that students participate fully in the programmes designed for these weekends. Day Boarders are also expected to participate in key events across each of these weekends – they are important connection opportunities for students and contribute significantly to cross-age friendships and our strong and positive school culture.
Virtual Competitions
KIDSLIT State Competition 2022
On 16 May, students from Years 6, 7, and 8 competed in the annual KidsLit competition, held virtually at Frensham. Each team of four students was given 100 literature-based questions, which were divided into ten categories. This year’s categories were Spies, War, Doctors, Trees, Cars, Colours, Book Knowledge, Beasts, Best Friends and Constructions.
The Year 7 team: Adeline Ahern, Ana McInnes, Maisie Stanley and Sophie Worner-Tomlinson placed first in the “Doctors” round, gaining a final score of 77 and a top 10 place. They won a selection of novels for the Frensham Library.
The Year 8 team: Millicent Debelle-Hancock, Penelope Hampson, Indigo Ling, Jade Neilson and, also received a top 10 place with a score of 73.
da Vinci Decathlon
On Friday 25 May, the Year 11 da Vinci Decathlon Team competed in the 2022 State Finals of this competition in a ‘virtual event’, against 55 schools in their division (over 440 other students) from a range of schools across NSW. The theme of this year’s competition was ‘Patterns’ competed in ten disciplines with all tasks emphasising higher-order thinking skills and TEAM spirit and collaboration. Individual team members complemented each other’s strengths in all ten disciplines comprising pen and paper, timed responses.
The team worked hard to accomplish a 2nd Place in the category of Creative Producers and three top ten placings in: Cartography (8th), Engineering (8th) and Ideation (9th).
Congratulations to Monique Andersson; Gigi Bonet; Sarah-Joy Day; Sissy Fairrie; Heidi Jervis; Abigail Jorgensen; Cintra Maldonado; Freyjika Parker; Phoebe Rouse and Hilary Swan, for this wonderful achievement.
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director of Teaching and Learning
Jamieson Programme
Year 7: In Frensham Studies, our second character study is 'Willing Contributor' where the girls look at what this means in their context now, what contributing looks like at Frensham and how those that have come before them modelled this thinking. They considered Birthday Weekend, a 109-year-old tradition of Frensham and the importance of presence and service on such an exciting weekend.
Next term, we will finalise this character study with a letter to themselves in Year 12. They will reflect on how they are a Willing Contributor now, and how they would like these characteristics to translate into the future.
Year 8: As part of Jamieson Programme, Year 8 have taken up their additional responsibilities of Bell and Flag duty with gusto. Riding for the Disabled has been a highlight and the feedback I receive, via Jamieson reports, is that the girls come away feeling humbled and pleased that they have made a small difference to the day of another child with challenges greater than their own.
Presentation skills is another listed favourite with students learning to present information clearly and effectively – a key skill required in almost every field.
Year 9 have completed the Outcome for the Global Perspectives Team Project. Issues researched included domestic violence, Ukrainian refugees, managing food waste, abortion and access to educational resources. Staff and students were impressed by the presentations of each project including a dropbox for education supplies, posters to raise awareness, and Instagram accounts to inform the public. They will now complete their personal reflection on the process and outcome for the remainder of term.
Year 9 Global Perspectives Teams
Year 10 completed their Careers Profiling last Monday. Students responded to a number of tests that will provide insights on each student’s personal style, career interests, problem-solving skills, transferable skills and the myriad possibilities and pathways available to them in terms of careers. Students and parents will have access to their report in the first week of Term 3. The next step is a one-hour meeting with a Career Avenue’s consultant who will take each student through their report to help unpack each of the sections. She will then help to explore the career ideas presented in the report and formulate a plan.The Action Plan process is designed to help girls develop their own conclusions and take charge of the next stage of their career decision making. I am looking forward to working with the girls throughout this exciting next stage.
Finally, Senior staff visited the Gib Gate Cambridge Global Perspectives course “Learning Walk” last week. We were impressed with the presentations of each year group and the detailed analysis of important global issues, including keeping healthy, the right to learn and looking after the planet. The programme develops the skills of research, analysis, evaluation, reflection, collaboration and communication and research says that the earlier students start to develop and practise their skills, the greater the impact on their learning. The course lays the perfect foundation for the IGCSE Global Perspectives course in Year 9 here at Frensham.
Mrs Merrilee Harris, Director of Jamieson Programme and Head of Careers
Sport
Representing Frensham in the IGSA Cross Country Team at the NSWCIS Cross Country Championships Eastern Creek were:
18 Years Lucy Gale, who achieved 4th of 54, placing in the top 10 and qualifying for the State Championships
16 Years Phoebe Gilder (25 of 59); Lucy Molineux (30 of 59)
14 Years Tia Thomas (21 of 62)
Mr Shane Green, Head of Sport (Acting)
Acknowledgements
Award recipients: Iris: Yusra Chalak (Public Speaking); Girdle: Sophie Domazet (Academic Excellence, Visual Arts), Ankitha Avvari (Academic Excellence), Lara Kyriazis, Emily Senior, Mia Shakeshaft, Charlotte Senior (Service to the School).
Gib Gate students for their confident sharing of their Cambridge Global Perspectives Units of work to the whole school community in a Learning Walk, last Thursday.
Recognition of Frensham Schools, represented by Director of Philanthropy, Jackie Dalton, in two categories at the recent Educate Plus International Conference: receiving awards for BestFundraising Event (launch of The Winifred West Legacy) and Best Video (bequest video, telling the story of Sue and Tony Morrison’s bequest to Frensham Schools).
Zahra Nash (Year 4) who was selected as a member of the Country Team representing IPSHA Schools at the recent CIS Cross Country Carnival. Zahra is congratulated for coming 10th out of a field of 115 runners in her age group.
Head of Cross Country Lucy Gale (Year 12) for 4th place at the recent NSWCIS Cross Country Championships and qualifying for the State Championships
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
We cannot wait for this year’s Birthday Celebrations, commencing this evening with our Birthday Play performance. The Birthday is one of the most significant times in the School’s calendar, celebrating the history, tradition, spirit and future of Frensham Schools. We remember the past, celebrate our present and look forward with optimism to the future of our schools and I thank staff and students from Gib Gate, Frensham and Sturt for their contribution to our upcoming celebrations – the 68th Birthday of Gib Gate, the 81st Birthday of Sturt and the 109th Birthday of Frensham.
It has been a busy month of activity and events at Frensham Schools, and I encourage you to read the news from each campus contained in this newsletter. It is extremely gratifying, after COVID restrictions impacting our activities, to be able to gather with our community in a more “usual” fashion.
I remind all families of the upcoming Long Weekend, with Gib Gate and Frensham staff undertaking Professional Learning on Friday 10 June. We do expect that all students attend classes through to the end of term (Thursday 23 June).
We wish our Year 7 students all the best for their Outdoor Education programme next week, and our Year 5 and 6 students on their excursion to Canberra. As the winter weather sets in here in the Highlands we do ask that students who are unwell are kept home to help minimise the spread of infectious respiratory disease in our community. Students who do attend school and are symptomatic are asked to ensure they wear a mask and everyone is reminded about the importance of good cough, sneeze and hand hygiene etiquette!
Murder, mystery, and mayhem are on the menu for the mad-capped Birthday Play production of Clue: On Stage (High School Edition), based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn and directed by Mrs Sally Hannah. The comedy whodunit that will leave both cult-fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out…WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT!
The Birthday Play will be performed by Senior Drama students on Thursday 2 June for the School and Saturday 4 June for parents, students, and the local community in Clubbe Hall. Tickets are available for the Saturday evening performance via https://www.trybooking.com/BZOHE.
Mrs Sally Hannah, Head of Drama
Careers Advice
Year 12 are gathering together various Early Entry applications and tertiary preferences for 2023. Many are also in the process of applying to Colleges and interviews are taking place – please know that there is still plenty of time.
Parents and students of Year 12 are encouraged to read the weekly ‘Tertiary Thursday’ newsletter to keep up to date with University Early Entry dates, Open Days, Webinars, Scholarships and so much more. The link for this week’s edition, which is always on the Careers SchoolBox page, is: Schoolbox Careers
Year 10 students will commence Careers profiling next Monday 6 June from 9.00an-1.00pm in Clubbe Hall. External consultants from Career Avenues will conduct the profiling and individual consultations with students, once each report is finalised. Girls are excited to learn about their strengths and the many career options available to them.
Two new tiles on the Careers page are:
The dos and don’ts of senior subject selection (for Year 10 students) – compiled by Study, Work, Grow
and a fun one – 10 Celebrities who took a Gap Year
Mrs Merrilee Harris, Director of Jamieson Programme and Head of Careers
da Vinci Decathlon
On Wednesday 25 May, the Year 11 da Vinci Decathlon Team competed in the 2022 State Finals of this competition in a ‘virtual event’ against over 160 other students from a range of schools across NSW. The theme of this year’s competition was ‘Patterns’ competed in ten disciplines with all tasks emphasising higher order thinking skills and TEAM spirit and collaboration. Individual team members complemented each other’s strengths in all ten disciplines comprising pen and paper, timed responses in the following:
Mathematics – problem solving, number patterns and logic puzzles
English – spelling, word origins, definitions, textual analysis and writing tasks
Science – engage with higher level scientific concepts and test your ability to apply them
Engineering Challenge – a design task that tests problem solving skills, creativity and ingenuity
Ideation – creativity, critical problem solving, collaboration and communication to solve real-world problems
Creative Producers – create and perform a 60sec drama or 30sec commercial to promote a product
Art and Poetry – develop an original poem and a connected artwork on a given theme
Cartography – interpret spatial information, decipher and create imaginative maps
Legacy – a study of significant
We congratulate the following students for an outstanding demonstration of the Frensham ‘spirit of learning’ – their self-management and organisation, determination and thinking: Monique Andersson; Gigi Bonet; Sarah-Joy Day; Sissy Fairrie; Heidi Jervis; Abigail Jorgensen; Cintra Maldonado; Freyjika Parker; Phoebe Rouse and Hilary Swan.
Frensham Year 11 da Vinci Decathlon Team 2022. Back row left to right: Freyjika Parker, Phoebe Rouse, Sissy Fairrie, Gigi Bonet. Front row left to right: Abigail Jorgensen, Cintra Maldonado, Sarah-Joy Day, Heidi Jervis, Monique Andersson
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director of Teaching and Learning
Music
The Madrigals were keen to defend their 2021 Sydney Eisteddfod Youth Choral Championship title. But it was not easy, with some of our singers unable to attend. On Friday, the day of our event (Youth Vocal Ensemble), two girls were still absent, and they were both from the same section! So, on the bus trip to Chatswood, our "utility chorister" Eliza Mulligan, was asked to memorise a new part to support the section.
The Madrigals are now looking forward to performing two of their winning pieces over the Birthday Weekend, and to competing in the 2022 Choral Championship on Friday, 10 June.
The Madrigals performed live at the Sydney Eisteddfod in Chatswood and awarded 1st Place in the event "Youth Vocal Ensemble (19 & under)".
Mr Michael Spencer, Head of Music
National Latin Exam
In March, Years 9-12 students of Latin, along with over 154,000 students in various countries worldwide, sat for the National Latin Examination which is organised by the American Classical League. Students from fifty states in the US plus nineteen other countries took part including countries as diverse as Ghana, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe. The exam consists of questions on grammar, comprehension, mythology, derivatives, literature, Roman life, history, geography, oral Latin, and Latin in use in the modern world.
Year 9, Introduction to Latin Exam: Silver Medal and Maxima Cum Laude Certificate: Camilla Johnston; Magna Cum Laude Certificate: Lauren Fox.
Year 10, Latin I Exam: Gold Medal and Summa Cum Laude Certificate: Poppy Carter, Lucinda Colgan, Claudia Hampson, Zara Maple-Brown, Maggie Ryan, Millie Thompson. Silver Medal and Maxima Cum Laude Certificate: Madeleine Charters, Lucy Molineux. Magna Cum Laude Certificate: Emily Crawford,
Year 11, Latin II Exam: Gold Medal and Summa Cum Laude Certificate: Hannah Perkins, Edie Staniforth,
Year 12 Latin III Exam: Gold Medal and Summa Cum Laude Certificate: Matilda Arnott, Zoe Gallagher, Phoebe Rowntree.
Mrs Harriet Houston, Languages Teacher
Science and Engineering Challenge
At the recent Science and Engineering Challenge, 32 Year 10 students took part in the myriad events and were placed 3rd. We were pleased to support St Paul’s International School (Moss Vale) with students from Year 10 joining their team. All the girls enjoyed the day and were fully engaged in the challenges.
Mrs Alison Andrew, Head of Science
Sport
IGSA Cross Country Friday 27 May
Frensham was successful in hosting the annual IGSA Cross Country event. The following students participated:
12 Years: Camilla Willingham; 13 Years: Georgie Boag, Lilly Bell, Chloe McMurtrie, Francesca Cay, Milly Debelle Hancock, Amber Thomas, Millie Riddle, Abigail Fisher; 14 Years: Alice Gilder, Alex Frith, Penelope Hampson, Tia Thomas, Claudia Maple-Brown, Charlie Boyes, Anna Boag, Annabel Rowntree; 15 Years: Camilla Ranken, Zara McMurtrie, Camilla Johnston, Sophie Hanrahan, Penny Cay, Skye Stodart, Claire Mitchell, Bella Barber;16 Years: Olivia Huggins, Charlotte Hopperton, Lucy Colgan, Phoebe Gilder, Lucy Molineux, Millie Thompson, Lottie Frith, Claudia Hampson; 17 Years: Darcy Maple-Brown, Julia Burge, Eliza Mulligan, Bella Cay, Edie Staniforth, Millie McMurtrie, Olivia Huggins; 18 Years: Isobel Harrington, Lucy Booth, Phoebe Lyne, Lucy Gale, Matilda Walker, Poppy Jensen, Sophie Hill.
The top 15 athletes in each age group are selected for the NSWCIS Cross Country at Sydney Motosport Park, Eastern Creek. Congratulations to the following students for being selected to compete at the NSWCIS championships: Tia Thomas, Phoebe Gilder, Lucy Molineux, Lucy Gale.
Rugby 7s Gala Day Saturday 28 May
Frensham hosted a Rugby 7s Gala Day with IGSA schools Loreto Normanhurst and Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College attending. There were two divisions comprising of Intermediate (15/16 Yrs) and Senior (17/18 Yrs) students. Each school played two pool games with the winner of each age division playing in the final. The results for the games were the following:
Intermediate results: Game 1- Frensham-26/ Loreto-10; Game 2- Frensham-25/ Monte-5; Game 3- Loreto -25/ Monte-15
Senior results: Game 1- Frensham-5/ Monte-35; Game 2-Loreto-0/ Monte-17; Game 3-Frensham-43/ Loreto-0
Intermediate Final: Frensham-22/ Loreto-5
Senior Final: Frensham-7/ Monte-24
All games were very entertaining with a high standard of Rugby being played. Congratulations to the intermediate team for winning the final game.
Mr Shane Green, Acting Head of Sport
Acknowledgements
Girdle Award Recipient: Ankitha Avvari (Academic Excellence)
Frensham Madrigals for their success at the Sydney Eisteddfod Youth Choral Championship.
Frensham’s Year 11 da Vinci Decathlon Team for participating in the State Finals of this competition.
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award recipients: Silver: Ava Berkelouw (Year 11); Bronze: Phoebe Clifton (Year 12), Lara McConnochie, Savannah Oxley, Megan Syme (Year 11), Lucinda Colgan, Chloe Cowley, Scarlett Francis, Millie Gale, Isabel Kenneally, Lucy Molineux, Heidi Rowntree, Lucy Vilo, Alice Waddell (Year 10).
NSW U18 Hockey State Championships: Zoe Gallagher (Year 12), Eliza Mulligan (Year 11) and Maggie Ryan (Year 10) for selection to represent the Southern Highlands Hockey Association at the NSW U18’s State Championships in Armidale. Captained by Zoe, the team played skilfully and with great sportsmanship. This culture was recognised by Hockey NSW with Southern Highlands winning the Respect for Officials Award, an award given to one team judged across all divisions, based on the teams conduct on and off the field, and that of their coaches and supporters.
Frensham’s Rugby 7s Intermediate team for winning their final at the recent Gala Day.
Cross Country team members, Tia Thomas, Phoebe Gilder, Lucy Molineux, Lucy Gale, for selection to compete at the NSWCIS Cross Country championships.
Young Archies 2022 Shortlisted students: Thomas Beckhaus; Evelyn Garling (Kindergarten); William Macpherson; Evelyn Nesci; Jack Spong; Fraser Trenchard-Smith (Year 1); Otto Levee; Diana Lewis (Year 2); Sammy Robb, Heston Ryan; Chelsea Trudgeon (Year 3); Amelie Gardiner; Matilda Milosevic; Zahra Nash (Year 4).
Frensham Show Team competitors Judith Hopkins, Maggie Waldren (Year 12) and Tia Thomas (Year 9), who awarded 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, respectively, in the Junior Steer Competition sponsored by ECM Livestock, Moss Vale. This competition is held at each of the shows in the South Coast and Tablelands group (only two shows were held this year). Judging is based on the quality and presentation of the steer, presentation of the handler and knowledge of the handler about the steer and the beef industry (they were asked questions during judging).
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
On Monday, the school welcomed the new Deputy Head of Frensham Schools, Ms Sarah Tynan. Ms Tynan is seen here with Ms Janene Van Gogh, Director of Studies in Residence and Head of Faculty PDHPE who has been Acting Deputy for the first part of 2022. We thank Mrs Wendy Fawbert and Ms van Gogh for leading the Deputy Head’s office for the last three terms.
It was wonderful to have so many families in the Frensham community return to take part in last Sunday’s Service and Concert as part of the Year 8 Weekend and we very much look forward to welcoming our community for our Birthday Celebrations in just over 2 weeks’ time. Detailed arrangements will be communicated via Schoolbox in the coming days, but families are asked to note that all Frensham students are expected to be in attendance at the Service on Sunday 5 June. Year 12 Parent Teacher Interviews - which students are encouraged to attend – are held from 8:30am on Saturday 4 June.
Birthday Play – Clue
Murder, mystery, and mayhem are on the menu for the mad-capped Birthday Play production of Clue: On Stage (High School Edition), based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn and directed by Mrs Sally Hannah.
Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder, blackmail and mayhem are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth – the butler, Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs White, Mr Green, Mrs Peacock and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up.
Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave both cult-fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out…WHO did it, WHERE, and with WHAT!
The Birthday Play will be performed by Senior Drama students on Thursday 2 June for the School and Saturday 4 June for parents, students, and the local community in Clubbe Hall. Tickets are available for the Saturday evening performance via https://www.trybooking.com/BZOHE.
Mrs Sally Hannah, Head of Drama
Boarding
A sea of sparkle, discarded high heels and abundance of laughter were proof that the Father Daughter Ball on Saturday night was a wonderful evening for all! This past weekend was filled with activity, with the Year 8 weekend, Saturday Sport (thank goodness for the sunshine), the Father Daughter Ball, Mothers’ Function, Sunday Service and Year 8 Concert to close. All of the events were hugely successful and saw the Frensham community come together beautifully. Most importantly, the girls had such a magical time sharing such special moments with each other and their families.
Jazz Band and dancing at the Father-Daughter Ball
Term 2 is always a busy term, this one especially so, with many events still to come.
From a boarding perspective we would like to remind you of the following dates and appreciate your support in honouring the upcoming Closed Weekends:
Southwest Bus will run on Sunday 22 May - booking is available on the Schoolbox Boarding page Boarding on Schoolbox, please ensure to book your daughter’s place on the bus by Thursday 12pm.
Sydney bus booking is also found in the same location.
Saturday 4-Sunday 5 June is the Birthday Weekend and is a Closed Weekend (no leave permitted).
9 June-13 June is the Long Weekend, transport bookings are currently being finalised with NSW Transport. Should you wish to make any changes please contact boarding@frensham.nsw.edu.au ASAP.
Monday 13 June, Boarding Houses will open from 5pm for student drop off.
Transport bookings for the end of Term 2 and beginning of Term 3 will be requested from girls this week by House Staff. Please discuss your plans with your daughters.
The final weekend of Term 2, 18-19 June, is a Closed Weekend.
In addition to the above, I would like to draw your attention to the following:
Casual Boarding
I am pleased to formally reinstate casual boarding at Frensham. We understand that, at times, the lives of our Day Boarder families sometimes require the need for girls to stay in the Boarding House. It should be noted that there are a limited number of casual spaces available and that booking should be completed well in advance via boarding@frensham.nsw.edu.au
ORAH Q&A session: Tuesday 24 May, 7.15pm
Orah has been successfully launched and it is pleasing to see how many parents and students have adapted to using this system with ease. I would like to provide the opportunity for the Frensham Community to ask any questions they may have about the new programme and process. This 30-minute session will take place via Zoom on Tuesday 24 May at 7.15pm. It will also provide information for Day Boarder families on how they can utilise Orah. I will be joined by some key members of the boarding community. In order for the session to be effective and as informative as possible, please submit your questions by Monday 23 May using the survey on our Boarding Schoolbox page Boarding: ORAH Q&A session, your questions. The link for the Zoom will be placed on the Boarding Schoolbox page on the day of the event.
Term 3 House Drop Off
After receiving feedback from many families about the challenges of a 5pm beginning of term drop off, we will now be offering families the ability to come to their daughter’s house for a drop off afternoon tea between 3pm and 5pm, light refreshments will be served. This will provide an opportunity to meet staff and catch up with other families (drop off will still be available until 8.30pm). This offering will be available on the drop off date at the start of each Term. We hope that this will provide an opportunity for our boarding community to come together in a small way to start each term and also provide a practical solution for families having to travel to other schools or return home on long journeys.
Our first afternoon tea drop off will take place on Sunday 17 July, the start of Term 3.
It was wonderful to see and talk with so many of you over the weekend. I congratulate all the girls involved in performing and participating in all events over the last weekend and look forward to seeing you all on the Birthday Weekend.
Ms Sally Edwards, Director of Student Life (Boarding)
Student Time Management Webinar
Would you like to know how to help your child manage their time?
Then join us on Wednesday 18 May at 7pm (AEDT) as Elevate Education hosts a free 60-minute webinar for the school community, walking you through:
how to avoid fights over homework and study
strategies to ensure your child is balanced, stress free AND productive
the most common causes of procrastination and how to avoid them
what types of work the top students prioritise to get top marks.
Start a conversation, notes on E-cigarettes or Vaping
Do you know what they’re vaping?
E-cigarettes, or ‘vapes’, are not safe for young people. They come in many shapes and sizes and can be hard to spot as they can look like everyday items including highlighters, pens or USB memory sticks.
Key vaping facts
Many vapes contain nicotine. Nicotine can cause long-lasting negative effects on young people’s brain development, including impaired learning ability and altered mood, and can increase the risk of depression and anxiety.
Vapes can contain the same harmful chemicals found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer and bug spray, which can lead to serious lung diseases.
Young people who vape are three times as likely to take up smoking cigarettes.
The laws around selling vapes
It is illegal to sell vapes to anyone under the age of 18 years and illegal to purchase vapes on behalf of anyone under 18 years. Young people often purchase vapes online, from retail stores, or from friends and contacts on social media. You can report suspected illegal sales of vapes to NSW Health or by calling the Tobacco Information Line on 1800 357 412.
Talk to your child about vaping
It is important to take the time to talk to your child about the risks of vaping. Try to start the conversation in a relaxed easy-going way, and remember your goal is to have a conversation, not deliver a lecture.
Mrs Wendy Fawbert, Director of Character Education
National Kids' Lit Competition 2022
Students from Years 6, 7, and 8 competed in the first of the NSW tournaments in the National Kids' Lit competition on 16 May 2022, which was held virtually at Frensham. Each team of four students answered 100 literature-based questions which were divided into ten categories. This year's categories were Spies, War, Doctors, Trees, Cars, Colours, Book Knowledge, Beasts, Best Friends and Constructions. Over 20 teams across NSW competed on the day.
The Gib Gate team: Darcey Burrows Mae Gilkeson, Matilda Spong, and Annabelle Whyte-Cleaver won the 'Car' round and had a total score of 65 placing them in the top 15 of all of the teams competing on the day.
The Frensham Year 7 team: Addy Ahern, Ana McInnes, Maisie Stanley and Sophie Worner-Tomlinson placed first in the 'Doctors' round, gaining a final score of 77 and a top 10 place.
The Frensham Year 8 team: Milly Debelle-Hancock, Indigo Ling, Jade Neilson and Penny Hampson, also received a top 10 place with a score of 73.
All teams are commended for their collaboration and fantastic results and we thank Mrs Lisa Gemell and Mrs Lee Ann Marsh for coaching them in the previous weeks.
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director of Teaching and Learning P-12
Year 8 Parent Weekend Reflections
One of my favourite moments from this weekend was the Father Daughter Ball. Dragging my Dad onto the dance floor and singing along to some of our favourite songs! Maggie Maynard
I loved our year weekend so much... Although our singing was not in key we tried our best seeing as we were missing a few friends. Sofia Dascarolis
Nervous jitters created thousands of tiny butterflies fluttering inside my stomach. Finally, I finished the wait to speak, relief flooded over me. A smile crept over my face, enjoying the rest of the performance. Milly Debelle-Hancock
The past weekend was busy, fun and exhilarating. I am very grateful for the opportunity I had to speak at the Year 8 Service as well as being a percussionist in our musical item. Although I had to improvise a little, and as a year group we did really well. Holly Halloran
One of my favourite moments from the weekend was going into the Father Daughter Ball and everyone coming up to you and giving you a hug while telling you how beautiful you look. It really made me realise how close our year is and how lucky we are to have each other. Phoebe Purnell
Ms Molly Macqueen, Year 8 Coordinator
Awards
2021 Global Perspective (Year 10, 2022)
Frensham Year 9, 2021 achieved outstanding results in the internationally recognised Cambridge International Global Perspectives Course, from a cohort of 58 students, with 19% gaining the highest result (A*) and 21 % gaining A results and a total of 71% in the top three bands.
Cambridge IGCSE History and Geography courses 2021
Student achievement in the Cambridge IGCSE History and Geography courses 2021, Year 11 (2022) students as Year 10, 2021: Geography - A*: Monique Andersson, Lucy Arnott, Bella Cay, Emilie McMurtrie, Darcy Maple-Brown, Augusta Muir, Sarah Partland, Edie Staniforth. A: Julia Burge; Ali Corbett, James McBride, Phoebe Rouse.
History - A*: Scarlett Alldis, Sarah-Joy Day, Sophie Hassall, Heidi Jervis, Savannah Linde, Clara McDonald, Eliza Mulligan, Elizabeth Nesci. A: Charlotte Hopperton, Abigail Jorgensen, Bearte McDonald, Rose Mahony, Freyjika Parker, Hannah Perkins, Hilary Swan.
Frensham da Vinci Teams Years 7-10, Illawarra Regional competition
We congratulate the following team members in Year 7 and Year 8 who competed at the highest level: Year 7: Adeline Ahern; Harriet Brazier; Madeleine Houston; Sofia Nesci; Ruby Rodgers; Claire Sullivan; Chloe Worner-Tomlinson and Sophie Worner-Tomlinson. Year 8: Holly Halloran; Penny Hampson; Maggie Maynard; Jade Neilson; Lucia Semple; Isabel Syme; Mia Tynan and Lexi Wimalaratne.
The Year 9 team was placed second in the Engineering discipline and third in Cartography: Jocey Ayers; Ashley Brewer; Sophie Chen; Jade Cox; Sophie Goodisson; Sophie Hanrahan; Camilla Johnston; Georgina Lewis.
The Year 10 team placed first in the Legacy discipline, second in Science and second in English: Adelaide Ayling; Poppy Carter; Claudia Hampson; Cate Horsfall, Julia Lewis; Sophie Simpson; Imogen Smith and Amy Wimalaratne.
AMEB - Australian Music Examinations Board
Frensham was awarded the AMEB 2021 Certificate of Distinction for a Top 10 result in the category of Most Outstanding Accredited School All Grades All instruments. This is our 6th such certificate!
Acknowledgements
Zahra Nash (Year 4) who placed 8th in the IPSHA Cross Country Carnival at The Kings School recently. This qualifies her to represent IPSHA Schools at the CIS Cross Country Carnival.
Samuel Robb (Year 3) who is a finalist in the 5-8year section of The Young Archie Competition for his portrait titled, “My Dad”.
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
It has been wonderful to welcome students and staff back to campus for the beginning of Term 2, having had the opportunity to rest after quite an intense first term of 2022. The persistence and patience shown by staff, students and families alike was commendable, as we all managed the isolation requirements for positive COVID-19 cases and household contacts and the subsequent disruption to school life. Energy and enthusiasm levels are high and there is great anticipation for the term ahead and the opportunities for us to gather as a community and to welcome families back onto campus. This term sees, amongst other events, both IGSA and IPSHA Cross Country Carnivals, the Frensham Father-Daughter Ball, our major Reunion Weekend on 21 May, Year 8 and Year 12 Parent Weekends and of course, the Frensham Schools Birthday celebrations in June. Detailed arrangements for these events will generally be communicated via Schoolbox and parents and carers are asked to please note student attendance requirements in particular. Parents are urged to consult the published School Calendar when planning family occasions to ensure that full attendance on Closed Weekends is supported. Please refer to Schoolbox for additional detailed requirements around leave.
ANZAC DAY
Over a number of years, Frensham Schools has worked with the Mittagong RSL Sub-branch, to share in the planning and delivery of the best possible outcomes for the community for the Mittagong ANZAC Day Service. When ANZAC Day falls within the vacation we are particularly appreciative of the effort made by staff and parents from both Gib Gate and Frensham to support student attendance, allowing us to honour this opportunity to contribute. With special thanks to Mr Michael Spencer for the music organisation.
This year in Mittagong, Wreath Bearers - Matilda Arnott and Charlotte Hindmarsh (Year 12), Phoebe McLaughlin and Matilda Spong (Year 6); ANZAC Message on Behalf of the Youth of the Community – Lulu Duck and Eliza Hewson (Year 12); Banner Bearers – Charlotte and Emily Senior and Zoe Gallagher (Year 12); Flautists – Eliza Mulligan (Year 11), Sarah Hunter (Year 12); Vocalists – Lulu Duck, Eliza Hewson, Holly Horsfall (Year 12).
Gib Gate: Evie Bishop, Rosetta Rodgers (Kindergarten); Grace Camphin Florence Dalleywater, Jack Spong, Charlotte Vaille (Year 1); Carly Hughes, Samuel Robb, Chelsea Trudgeon (Year 3); Beatrix Dalleywater, Amelie Gardiner, Madeleine Hannah (Year 4); Emma Andrews, Emily Pattison, Olivia Pattison, (Year 5); Darcy Burrows, Gemma McInnes (Year 6).
Staffing – joining us at the commencement of Term 2
We were pleased to welcome Deputy Head of Frensham, Frensham Schools Ms Sarah Tynan at Morning Prayers on Wednesday 27 April. Ms Tynan commences in her position on 16 May. (Pictured left with Ms McGarry)
Mr Imre Hirka, Director of ICT and a member of the Frensham Schools Executive.
Mr Malcolm Boyes, Head of Property across the three campuses of Frensham, Gib Gate and Sturt. As Malcolm joins the property team, we thank Stuart Macpherson for his contribution as Acting Facilities manager since the end of February.
Mrs Ellie Collins, Gib Gate PE and Sport Teacher
Ms Paula Collins, HSIE Teacher at Frensham
Welcome back
Mrs Melissa Lamrock-George and Mr Keith Mitchell, who will be rejoining the Music Faculty
Ms Jane Cavanough, who will be covering for Miss Sophie Piper during her Long Service Leave this term.
Heads of Houses for Term 2 (representing Boarders [Full and Weekly] and Day Boarders)
Kennedy – Year 10: Kate Clifton (B), Sophie Simpson (WB), Cate Horsfall (DB)
Hartfield – Year 10: Penny Hill (B), Isabel Kenneally (WB), Madeleine Charters (DB)
Linden Turner – Year 11: Meg Jones (B), Rosie Mahony (WB), Sarah-Joy Day (DB)
Bryant McCarthy – Year 11: Bella Cay (B), Araminta Scott (WB), Phoebe Rouse (DB)
Campus Safety
We remind all families that Frensham students should not be dropped off nor collected via the Topp Gates on Waverley Parade. Now that Houses are functioning fully, and as days become shorter and colder, students should be waiting at Houses to be collected rather than waiting in the dark on the street. Please do take care on the roads surrounding the campus as the wet weather of last term has caused some significant damage to roads across the Southern Highlands with large potholes or bitumen damage a common feature.
Boarding
It has been an active and fun-filled start to Term 2 with the girls enjoying reconnecting with each other over the weekend. Head Girl and Vice Head Girl, Phoebe Rowntree and Phoebe Lyne, have written a short piece to document the first closed weekend of Term 2.
At school the weekend truly begins not on Saturday but on Friday night!
So… off we went to dance the night away at Clubbe Hall. Girls dressed in their best 80s costume which looked more like a crazy-colour-bomb than Cyndi Lauper. The following morning there was a great turnout at basketball, it was difficult to manage to get a glimpse in the sea of girls supporting from the upstairs balcony of the gym. Obviously, the encouragement was successful with the new War Cry Fairies debut as all teams had a strong win against their opposition. Later in the afternoon the girls returned to the gym to try ballroom dancing in preparation for the up-and-coming Father-Daughter Ball. To end the fabulous day, a trivia night was put together consisting of girls finishing popular lyrics and plank challenges, both our minds and bodies were put to the test.
After a well-deserved sleep-in, girls attended a short School Service before competing in the Frensham Annual Biathlon. Despite a muddy and sludgy Holt, everyone displayed their best efforts in running, swimming and covering themselves in mud!Even though it was a friendly competition, girls were reminded of the reality of how hard it is to run 3km and swim 300m (juniors), 400m (seniors). After this, we were all rewarded with a restful afternoon and evening.
What a great start to a term of activity, excitement and, of course, fun!
Ms Sally Edwards, Director of Student Life (Boarding)
Careers at Frensham
We are in the midst of “University Early Entry season” and the majority of Year 12 have now had individual meetings to discuss their tertiary and post-school opportunities. Students were emailed their UAC (University Admissions Centre) unique PIN and are now able to list their NSW preferences from 1 to 5. Please note – they can change these preferences at any time. Students have been encouraged to select Schools Recommendation Schemeto ensure that they automatically apply for Early Entry for participating universities via their UAC application. Frensham is considered to be a ‘rural school’ and students may automatically receive ‘adjustment factors’ from certain universities. Interstate admission centres will have similar early entry opportunities.
The second opportunity for Early Entry is directly, via a university’s website. The universities that are open for Early Entry right now include ANU, UNE and CSU. Students will be advised as other tertiary institutions start to open their portals and they are encouraged to be mindful of closing dates.
There are many webinars, open days and information sessions open to students and parents alike. Year 12 are advised of events and important notices during ‘Tertiary Thursday’ Form sessions and the meeting notes are always saved on the Careers page Schoolbox in the Files area, which parents can also access.
Year 11 students enjoyed a ‘Tertiary Tuesday’ session at the end of last term and I will continue to prepare the girls throughout the year.
Year 10 will undergo Careers Profiling on 6 June. These individually prepared Career profiles help provide a sound basis for careers exploration and decision making. It is never too early to start thinking about Senior studies. UAC have published a Year 10 subject selection advice booklet. Parents and students can click on this tile on the Careers Page on SchoolBox, Year 10 Careers - Schoolbox, and we look forward to providing further discussion and advice Term 3 at the Year 10 Planning for Senior Studies session on Saturday 6 August.
Jamieson Programme
Year 7: In Frensham Studies, students explored our first character study, 'Confident & Self Assured', where the girls looked at what this meant in their context now, at Frensham and how this translates beyond school. They made 'Magic Slice', cooking an old classic Frensham Morning Tea, where they chose ingredients that represented a Frensham Girl. For example: The top layer of the Magic Slice will be freckles, as everyone is unique and colourful and always stick together. This term, we are considering what it is to be a 'Willing Contributor.'
Year 8: For the first time in two years, Year 8 students are now able to participate in Riding for the Disabled. This programme makes a huge difference to the lives of children and adults living with intellectual, physical, sensory and learning disabilities. Our students like chatting to the riders and supporting them to enjoy this wonderful experience.
Year 9: A reminder to parents and students that attending the extended day Jamieson Programme Thursday Week A until 8.00pm, is compulsory for all Year 9 students. With a focus on health and fitness, critical and ethical thinking, service and leadership, the Jamieson Programme helps girls gain confidence and courage to deal with the unfamiliar territory ahead. It also challenges students to consider the difference they can make, individually and as part of a group, when exploring real social, political and environmental issues. Having a special afternoon and evening session dedicated just for Year 9 is unique to Frensham and helps to build important connections within the cohort and tends to awaken in the girls, a belief in themselves that will stay with them throughout their lives.
Students began the term with fitness activities, including a range of aerobic and strength/muscular endurance challenges. Students will have time to reflect on the achievement of their individual fitness goals, which have been an ongoing focus throughout last term.
Students in the Cambridge IGCSE interdisciplinary course ‘Global Perspectives’ will begin the second component of the course, the Group Project. Groups decide on an important global issue and work together to research the issue and come up with a way of either promoting or solving the problem. In the past, students have designed websites, written story books to educate younger children, designed promotional posters or produced an advertisement. The skills of collaboration, listening and being an integral team member are core to this component and we look forward to seeing what Year 9 come up with this year.
Year 10: Students are relishing taking on their role as leaders in the Junior Boarding Houses and being strong mentors as Cracks. They are crucial to our pastoral care programme in that they are often the first person a young student will talk to about problems they may be experiencing at School. Year 10 girls are congratulated on being important role models to our junior students.
Mrs Merrilee Harris, Director of Jamieson Programme and Head of Careers
Sport
NSWCIS Touch Football 18&U team as an IGSA Sport representative
Heidi Rowntree (Year 10), selected to represent IGSA in the U18 team Friday 29 April, where she played very well against the Senior players. Unfortunately, she just missed out on the opportunity to play in the NSWCIS U18 team.
U15 Netball IGSA Trials
Claudia Henderson (Year 9) was successful in being selected for the IGSA U15 Netball team. She will now take part in the U15 Netball Challenge Day, 9 August, in the bid to be selected for the NSWCIS U15 netball team.
U18 CIS Basketball Team
Mia Shakeshaft (Year 12) has been selected for the U18 IGSA Basketball team. She will play in the All Schools tournament, Thursday 5 May.
IGSA Cross Country Carnival Friday 13 May
The IGSA Cross Country Carnival will be taking place Friday 13 May. All parents of competitors are welcome to attend the event.
IGSA Pink Round Saturday 7 May
Round 2 of IGSA will be the Mother’s Day round with students supporting the BCNA. Students are encouraged to wear pink hair ribbons and pink playing socks. If supporters attending can wear a splash of pink on the day to support the cause it would be appreciated.
Frensham Biathlon
On Sunday 1 May Frensham held the Run/Swim Biathlon. Students had the opportunity to join a team and select the running leg of 3k or the swimming leg 300m for Year 7 and 400m for Juniors and Senior students.
2nd: Mia Shakeshaft, Isobel Harrington (Year 12) 21:48
3rd: Maggie Ryan, Lottie Firth (Year 10) 22:05
Mr Shane Green, Acting Head of Sport
Visual Arts
In Term 1, Year 11 students studying Visual Arts explored social and political issues in the world as part of the “These are Desperate Times” unit. Employing printmaking as the primary medium to express ideas, the students used a range of specific techniques, such as dry-point etching, lino-printing, mono-printing and eucalyptus lift printing in varied ways. In addition to developing concepts for artmaking, working within the expressive form of printmaking gave students the opportunity to test aspects of this media ahead of the HSC Visual Arts course beginning in Term 4. The standard of work produced collectively by students was excellent, showcasing individually their diverse skills and interests.
Mr Phil Alldis, Head of Visual Arts and Design & Technology
Show Cattle Team – Sydney Royal Easter Show
State Paraders Final (qualified at Moss Vale Zone Finals): 1st - Judith Hopkins (Year 12) and Rocky (Simmental); Reserve Champion - Judith Hopkins. School Paraders: 2nd - Tia Thomas (Year 9) and Rocky (Simmental).
Herdsman Best Maintained Team competition: 1st – Frensham. Judged on the stall area, cattle, students and display. Frensham’s display celebrated the 200 years of the Royal Agricultural Society showing old Easter Show beef cattle judging photos, old farm equipment and tools and past School Steer and School Paraders results.
The Simmental breed was the feature breed of the Show celebrating 50 years of Simmentals in Australia. Competing in the separate Simmental-only classes: Simmental Middleweight Led Steer: 4th - Smiggle led by Tia Thomas; Intermediate Paraders (15 - 17 years): 2nd - Judith Hopkins leading Rocky.
Steer Classes: Heavyweight School Led Steer: 3rd - Rocky led by Judith Hopkins; Middleweight Open Led Steer: 4th - Ringo (Angus) led by Maggie Waldren (Year 12). Class 3 Heavyweight School Steer Carcass: Bronze medal – Rocky (Simmental). Class 8 Middle weight Open Carcass: Bronze medal – Smiggle (Simmental); Class 10 Middleweight Open Carcass: 1st – Virtual Taste Test – Ringo (Angus).
Acknowledgement to
Frensham’s Show Cattle Team for their success at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. We would also like to thank Frensham parents, Nicole and John Hopkins (Wormbete Simmentals, Illabo) and Kate and Anthony Waldren (Nandawar, Nimmitabel), who bred Rocky (Simmental) and Ringo (Angus), respectively, for their wonderful support of Frensham and the Agricultural Programme over many years.
Luca de Manincor (Year 10) for her selection to the University of Sydney’s under 16 Water Polo Team, the team went on to win Bronze at the National Water Polo Youth Championships, Brisbane, held during the vacation.
Frensham students competing as IGSA team representatives: Heidi Rowntree (Year 10) U18 Touch Football, Claudia Henderson (Year 9) U15 Netball, Mia Shakeshaft (Year 12) U18 Basketball.
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
When speaking with the School last week I encouraged students to finish well, to apply their best efforts to the final weeks of term – after all, musicians don’t just decide not to play to the double bar line at the end of a piece, distance runners don’t hear the final lap bell and slow down to take it easy, and actors don’t fade out on the last page of a script and back away off stage. Finishing well is as important in life as it is in Sport or the Arts, with the traits of persistence and commitment a determining factor in life satisfaction and success.
I wish to commend all students and staff for their fine efforts in what has been, at times, a challenging term. The grit and resilience shown by our community in the face of COVID-induced disruption and weather events has been admirable.
At Tuesday evening’s Sport Celebration we gathered as a community to celebrate and recognise individual and team achievements and efforts across the term, and those acknowledgements missed due to the cancellation of End of Term Prayers will be celebrated in our first Prayers back on Wednesday 27 April 2022. We celebrate the efforts of the team representing Frensham at the IGSA Swimming Carnival on Friday 25 March, for a very strong set of results and a fine culmination of the term’s training and preparation. Whilst we missed quite a bit of IGSA Sport fixtures as a result of inclement weather this term, when we did have the opportunity to welcome opponents to Frensham our teams played with skill and enthusiasm and it was so gratifying to welcome parents, families and their pet dogs to the Games Field. Our parent volunteers and student baristas have set a high bar with service at the Pavilion and we look forward with hope to some clearer weekends and a more consistent next season.
It has been thoroughly enjoyable this term to gather more frequently as a Frensham Schools community, and are looking ahead with enthusiasm to the events planned in Term Two. Last Friday’s Gib Gate Fair was a true delight (holding Caramello the Guinea Pig was my personal highlight) and a wonderful preview for the Gib Gate Open Day on Saturday 30 April. At Frensham I highlight in particular the Father-Daughter Ball on 14 May, our Fellowship Reunion Picnic on 21 May and our Year 12 and Birthday Weekend on 4 June.
Gib Gate Fair - Family Picnic and Traditional Games Afternoon
ANZAC DAY
Frensham Schools has a strong tradition of participation and contribution in our local commemoration of Anzac Day. Students of Frensham and Gib Gate are invited to represent Frensham Schools at the Mittagong RSL Sub Branch ANZAC Day 2022 Memorial March and Ceremony.
Students, Parents and Carers are asked meet Ms McGarry and Ms Chauncy at the Carpark area behind Highlands Fresh (Albion St) at 10:15am. Students will need to wear their full winter uniform including blazers, stockings and hats (Frensham).
Gib Gate and Frensham students will march together for this event and we thank Parents and Carers in advance for your support for this significant annual community event.
Frensham will be holding an Anzac Day Prayer Reflection on Friday 29 April here at school, and students and staff with family connections to the Defence Forces who would like to participate have been asked to contact senior staff to express their interest. We welcome this involvement.
We wish all students, staff and families a restful vacation period and a joyful Easter. May this time together provide you with the opportunity for rest and reflection.
Staffing
Ms Sally Fennell will be remaining as Year 12 Coordinator whilst stepping back from the role of Deputy Head of Boarding from the beginning of Term 2.
Wishing Sophie Piper well for Long Service in Term 2
Acknowledgement to
Zoe Gallagher (Year 12), Eliza Mulligan (Year 11), Maggie Ryan (Year 10) for selection to the Under 18’s Southern Highlands Representative Field Hockey Team, competing at the NSW State Field Championships in May.
Zali Walters (Year 7) for selection to play representative Netball for the Southern Highlands Netball Association.
Heidi Rowntree (Year 10) for selection to the IGSA Touch Team.
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award recipients, Silver: Sarah Partland, Jessica Savage (Year 11); Bronze: Poppy Carter, Emily Crawford, Jemima Sealy, Imogen Smith, Georgia Squire-Wilson, Miliana Thompson (Year 10).
University of Sydney Year 10 (2021) Academic Achievement Award recipient: Bella Cay, Year 11 2022.
Phoebe Clifton (Year 12) for qualifying to be part of the NSW Equestrian Team and competing at the Australasian Show Horse and Rider Championships (Nationals) in Child's Large Open Hack Class. Qualifying for the NSW Team, Phoebe was Reserve Champion at the NSW Horse of the Year event, October 2020.
The Year 11 Mock Trial Team for their commitment to the programme and recent success in competition.
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
It was delightful to be able to welcome family and friends back to campus for our Year Ten Parent Weekend, with Parent-Teacher interviews occurring on Saturday and a Service and Concert open to our whole community on Sunday morning. Thank you to staff and students for your efforts across the weekend, and to parents and carers for your warm support. Acknowledgement to student performances from Year Ten String quartet, Frensham Madrigals, Maggie Ryan on piano and the toe-tapping “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from the entire year group. We enjoyed student illustrations for The Day the Crayons Quit, and the Senior Choir anthem Sing Gently.
Year 10 Concert piece “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” (above), Year 10 String quartet and Maggie Ryan on piano
Parent Weekends are some of the most significant times in our school calendar, and after two years of not being able to gather as an entire school community, we recognise how special these times are. As so many families travel long distances to meet their daughter’s teachers and other families, to watch Sport and to gather socially, we remind families that all students are required to attend Sunday Service and Concert – not just students in the nominated year level. Please refer to the School’s glossy calendar, and the published list of Important Dates, to ensure these important weekends are prioritised.
Parent Zoom Meetings
We are pleased to invite parents of students in Years 8, 9, 11 and 12 to Zoom meetings next Monday 28 March and Tuesday 29 March. Head Ms Sarah McGarry and other staff relevant to your daughter’s year group will be presenting, providing parents and carers with an update about what their daughters are working on in their learning and pastoral programmes, introducing staff who are working with each year group and providing guidance about how parents can best support their daughter at this stage of their development. Full details can be found on your daughter’s year level page on Schoolbox.
Student Accommodation Project
As our community may be aware, the Land and Environment Court has this week been hearing our case, seeking a decision on our development application for our Student Accommodation Project located in the Lower Holt. At the time of the publication of this newsletter, the hearing is ongoing. We look forward to being able to share updated information with our community following the conclusion of the hearing and the subsequent decision from the Court, the timing of which is uncertain at this point.
Staffing News
We are looking forward to welcoming our new Deputy Head, Ms Sarah Tynan, to Frensham Schools in Term Two. Ms Tynan will be visiting campus prior to the end of this term to meet students and staff. Ms van Gogh will continue in the role of Acting Deputy Head until Mrs Tynan commences in May.
We welcome Mrs Penelope Ellice-Flint, who commenced last week as Frensham Fellowship Liaison and Community Relations Coordinator, and Mrs Leanne Stone, who commences on Monday 28 March, as Communications and Publications Associate.
We farewell the following members of staff, and thank them sincerely for their service to Frensham Schools.
Ms Jeannette Gibson joined the Boarding Staff in 2010 and over that time led Hartfield House and latterly was with Kennedy House. Mrs Gibson retires having given notable service to the Boarding programme in particular and we thank her for her contribution.
Mrs Machelle Webb, who leaves the HSIE faculty after nearly 18 years of service. During this time Machelle lead the Young Achievers and MUNA teams to great success.
Mr Andrew Lundy, joined the Frensham HSIE Faculty last year
Mrs Renae Pinazza from our Music Department will be heading off at the end of term to The King’s School, Tudor House, leading their Primary Music programme.
Miss Nicky Fenaughty, our Gib GatePE and Sport teacher, is movingto Sydney at the end of term, to Redlands School, overseeing their K-12 Snowsports and Cross Country programmes as well as teaching.
Pastoral Care
Confirmation programme and Baptism – Year 10, 11 and 12 2022 – with update to dates
As part of our Confirmation Programme, Frensham provides the opportunity for girls in Years 10-12 to be Confirmed by the Anglican Church. Girls will be prepared for Confirmation by Youth Minister Matt Jacobs. This involves six 50-minute sessions on Thursday mornings from 10.45am-11.35am on 9, 16, 23 June, 21 and 28 July and 4 August.
The Confirmation Service will be held on Sunday 7 August at St Jude’s, Bowral at 3.30pm and will be conducted by the Right Reverend Hayward, Bishop of Wollongong.
If you would like your daughter to be part of the Anglican Confirmation Programme, could you please complete the following form regarding Baptism information by Friday 1 April. Confirmation 2022
Youth Minister Matt Jacobs has also offered to support any girl wishing to be baptised in the Anglican faith. Please email Mrs Fawbert directly for further details.
Mrs Wendy Fawbert, Director of Character Education and Pastoral Care
Sport
Swimming Clinic with James Magnussen
On Saturday 12 March, James Magnussen ran a Swimming Development Programme. He discussed motivation, nutrition, mobility and injury prevention, and encouraged the girls to focus on developing all the areas. James commented “I hope everyone enjoyed the morning and I look forward to doing it again. Thank you for investing in yourself and I look forward to seeing more great swimming to come”. The girls that attended the programme were: Millie Moar, Phoebe Clifton, Sophie Hanrahan, Tia Thomas, Amber Thomas, Holly Fagan, Camilla Johnston and Lucy Arnott.
Mr Shane Green, Head of Sport (2022)
Tildesley Tennis Shield
The girls played exceptionally well and worked hard for every point. Our lines girls, who led each court, did an excellent job at representing Frensham.
Singles: progressing to the second round - Camilla Ranken (Year 9), Lucinda Colgan (Year 10), Elyse Caristo (Year 12), Ze McGrath (Year 12). Doubles: Olivia Laverty (Year 12) & Bridie Turner (Year 11); progressing to the third round - Emily Lenehan (Year 12) & Mia Greig (Year 12). Reserve player: Sophie Goodisson (Year 9).
Ms Molly Macqueen, Tildesley Tennis Coordinator and Year 8 Coordinator
Acknowledgement to
Frensham Tildesley Tennis participants, players and lines girls for their commitment and success at the recent competition.
NSW Parliament Art Competition - Regional category winner Years 3-6: Sammy Robb (Year 3)
Gib Gate Swimming Team for its success at the IPSHA Swimming Carnival: Iliana Hercus, Camille Muir (Year 3); Archie Driver, Tara Gemell, Madeleine Hannah; Valentina Hercus, Zahra Nash, Sofia Wilson (Year 4); Madeline Conway, Emma Stedman (Year 5); Darcey Burrows, Sophie Chin, Mae Gilkeson, Gemma McInnes, Matilda Spong (Year 6). (Details of individual results can be found in the Gib Gate section.)
Gib Gate staff member, Mrs Lisa Gemell: presenting at the recent NSW Japanese Teachers’ Conference.
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
What a week it has been! We thank all families for their support and understanding as we have experienced extraordinary weather in the Southern Highlands, impacting our community widely and reminding us all of the unstoppable forces of nature.
Right: Birthday Island (photo: Lulu Duck, Year 12)
Outdoor Education and Senior Studies Week
Our thanks go to all staff and students involved in last week’s programme. Despite some challenging weather conditions, and some necessary amendments, all year levels completed successful programmes with a visible impact on year group cohesion and confidence upon their return to classes on Friday. These programmes are designed carefully to provide age-appropriate, developmental activities which help students to develop vital skills of teamwork, independence, creative problem-solving and resilience – all aspects of our Character Education framework. It has been extremely rewarding to see students meet these challenges with optimism and confidence and to reflect on their experience so positively.
Outdoor Education and Senior Studies activities
Research: Why choose a Boarding School?
Independent Schools Australia have engaged AEC to undertake an assessment of the socio-economic benefits of Boarding Schools to the state/territory and national economies. This information will be used in advocating for Boarding Schools to decision-makers and funders. In support of this assessment, Independent Schools Australia in collaboration with AISNSW, invite parent and carer input regarding the main reasons parents and caregivers opt to send children to Boarding School, the alternative educational outcomes/ experiences for these children were they not to attend Boarding School, and the benefits these children receive from attending Boarding School.
The survey will take less than five (5) minutes to complete. Your participation in this study is completely voluntary and all responses will be held confidentially with no way to identify respondents. Frensham does not receive any results of the survey and you may opt out at any time by exiting the survey. However, it is very important for the voices of Boarding School families to be included. The survey will be available for participation until Friday, 18 March 2022 – please click here to complete.
East Coast Flooding
As much of Australia’s East Coast has been affected by flooding events, it has been heartening to see that even despite the tragedy and disaster being experienced in some areas, the kindness of strangers and the generosity of humans towards each other in times of emergency, helping to provide hope and optimism even on very challenging days. We remain confident and hopeful that this same spirit will emerge again, as it has in communities affected by these floods and other disasters across our country. We have seen extraordinary examples of everyday leadership from people in our communities who may not considered traditional or formal leaders – but in times of crisis, we all lead in our own way. Examples include those citizens who used their own resources to rescue neighbours stranded on their properties, assisted them to move stock, housed people unable to stay in their own homes, contributed to cleanup efforts and generally extended a hand of compassion and support.
It can be difficult in situations such as this to feel as though we can make a practical impact from a distance. The coastal communities of NSW are home to over 100 regional Independent schools and tens of thousands of students, who are part of our wider Independent schools community. Many have experienced damage to their homes and have lost school equipment such as laptops, books and uniforms.
You can directly support affected students now by clicking on this link to donate to the Australian Independent Schools Fund’s (AISF) Flood Relief Appeal.
The AISF was established in 2017 by the Association of Independent Schools of NSW to provide tax deductable financial donations directly to disadvantaged students, including those needing emergency relief due to natural disasters such as bushfires, floods and storms. In 2020, the AISF distributed more than $600,000 directly within days to 176 families who had suffered catastrophe in the summer bushfires. A further $263,700 went directly to 76 families impacted by storms and floods the same year. This funding was delivered to affected families within days and their gratitude was overwhelming.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible and a receipt will be generated and emailed to you automatically. The AISFhas no administrative costs; every dollar donated will go directly to supporting flood-affected students and will be distributed to families within days.
Gib Gate K-2 Swimming Carnival
We have postponed this exciting event in the Frensham Schools Calendar to Thursday 17 March, to allow as many students as possible to participate.
Frensham Creativity
It was with significant relief that we saw the clouds clear late on Wednesday afternoon, with blue skies appearing briefly to allow some much-anticipated sunshine through. Katerina Peniazeva (Year 8) was inspired to write this optimistic Haiku (Japanese poetic form) which we share with her permission.
Frensham hopeful mornings A sunny clear day
Hymns are beautifully sung
The iris gives hope
Boarding
Boarding at Frensham has been utilising the Schoolbox platform with success over the past few terms and it is with great delight that we launch the new and improved Boarding at Frensham Schoolbox pages for parent and student use. Schoolbox is the place where all boarding information is found and where your questions should be answered through the vast array of information and documents that are available for reference. New and exciting editions to the pages will be posted over the coming weeks.
The overall Boarding Page has been restructured to also include the addition of House pages that contain contact details for the Houses, information about the Houses, the staff who work within the Houses, Daily and Weekly Routines, Jobs Rosters and phone times. In addition to these House Pages, you will find links to Boarding FAQs, Exeat and Leave forms, Bus Sign Up Forms, Friday Night Activities and Weekend Programmes. You will also find important contacts for members of the Boarding Team and Blog Posts that showcase our weekend activities. It is hoped that this will allow for further transparency of the Boarding Programme, allowing accessibility to be streamlined and provide a place where all of your boarding needs can be met in one location.
I would also like to take this opportunity to provide a friendly reminder that in order for all leave requests to be managed and approved, Exeats must be completed by midday on Wednesday each open weekend. Our team appreciates your support in meeting this deadline each weekend.
You are encouraged to familiarise yourself with our Boarding and House pages on Schoolbox as all information will be provided there. Many of these updates will be available from Week 6.
Boarding Status Change Requests
A reminder to all families, as previously communicated this week, of the request to please complete the following simple questionnaire, accessible by clicking here. Even if you have already submitted a direct request to change Boarding status we would appreciate you providing this information again to assist us in ensuring that we have captured all Boarding requests for Term 2. Please complete this information no later than Friday 11 March 2022.
Please note that approval of a change in Boarding status is subject to availability and that all places are offered in accordance with the School’s enrolment process.
Ms Sally Edwards, Director of Student Life (Boarding)
National Art School HSC Intensive Studio Practice courses for 2022
Information regarding National Art School HSC Intensive Studio Practice courses for 2022 is available online on the National Art School’s website (link below), and has been communicated to students studying Visual Arts in Year 11. The courses provide opportunities for students to develop skills in specific media in a stimulating creative environment. For several years, students have been offered and accepted places in these highly sought-after courses.
Mrs Spencer and I can assist students in preparing applications, which will include examples of work (which will be uploaded to the NAS). Application Forms, signed by the student, parents/guardians, Mr Alldis/Mrs Spencer, together with specific examples of a student's artmaking practice, are to be submitted online by the deadline of Friday 8 April (Week 10 / Term 1). Offers of places will be made by the NAS to students in Term 2, usually by about Week 4.
To be eligible for entry applicants must:
be in Year 11,
be nominated by their Visual Arts teacher, and
be achieving at a high level in their Visual Arts studies.
During the NAS HSC Intensive Studio Practice the student will:
work within a specialised discipline using a broad range of media and art making processes
refine their ability to interpret and evaluate their own and others’ artworks
engage in sustained critical reflection and evaluation
gain practical skills in preparing for, mounting and curating an exhibition
Course Overview
The NAS HSC Intensive Studio Practice is designed to enhance and extend students’ technical, conceptual and intellectual skills under the direction of experienced, practising artists, through intensive practical study in one of the following disciplines: black and white photography, ceramics, digital photography, life drawing*, painting, printmaking and sculpture*.
*In keeping with post-school degree course practice, drawing and sculpture classes will include undraped life models.
Course Modules and Dates (you must be available to complete both modules)
Module 1: Tuesday 12 – Friday 15 July 2022
Module 2: Monday 26 – Friday 30 September 2022
The NAS HSC Intensive Studio Practice will still appear on the student’s HSC certificate as a one Unit course but will not contribute to the student’s ATAR count. NAS will issue each student with a “Statement of Results” which will include a mark out of 50.
The fee for courses in 2022 is $400. Students requiring boarding accommodation are asked to pay an additional $400 ($800 total).
Note about Boarding: Boarding is strictly limited and will be offered only to regional students who have no other accommodation alternatives. Boarding students will be offered share accommodation at a nearby hotel and will be supervised at all times by two teachers. Students living within the Sydney Metropolitan and Blue Mountains area, the Central Coast and Wollongong will not be offered boarding facilities and will need to commute.
For more detailed information, follow the link to the HSC Intensive Studio Practice Brochure and Application Forms. HSC Intensive Studio Practice: https://nas.edu.au/hsc-intensive-studio-practice
Mr Phil Alldis, Head Visual Arts and Design & Technology
Drama
After only four weeks of life at Frensham, Year 7 students displayed creativity and cohesion in the Year 7 Concert held as part of their Parent Year Weekend in Clubbe Hall. For their dramatic performances, both classes adapted a well-known picture book for the stage. Under the direction of Mrs Sally Hannah, 7G performed Liliana Stafford’s book, Amelia Ellicott’s Garden and 7P performed the much-loved children’s book, Princess Smartypants by Babette Cole. Year 7 enjoyed performing for their family members and staff. To celebrate Year 7’s success, both groups performed their work during Friday Prayers for the rest of the school community. The students were so proud of what they had achieved in such a short period of time. They had fun and demonstrated a strong ability to work as an ensemble while showcasing their acting skills. They entered the stage confidently and exited the stage with large smiles on their faces in response to the rapturous applause they received from the audience.
The Birthday Play for 2022 is Clue (High School Edition), adapted from the Screenplay by Jonathan Lynn. Based on the popular board game and adapted from the cult classic film, Clue is the comedy whodunit that will keep you guessing (and laughing) to the end. The comedy mystery features a range of eccentric characters. Directed by Mrs Sally Hannah, auditions started this week with Years 11 and 12 students in preparation for rehearsals, commencing in Week 7.
Mrs Sally Hannah, Head of Drama
Livestock Team Report
While the wet weather caused the cancellation of the Braidwood Show, the Sheep Team were able to attend the Goulburn Show on Saturday 5March. Although a very humid day, the weather stayed dry up until our departure.
The results from the Sheep Competition:
Novice Poll Dorset Ewe Lamb: 1st – Tag 880 led by Goldie Munro, 2nd – tag 987 led by Sophie Hanrahan; Poll Dorset Ewe Lamb: 3rd – tag 969 led by Maggie Maynard, 4th – tag 786 led by Jemima Melki. Pair Poll Dorset Ewe Lambs: 1st – tags 863 + 867 led by Leilani Palise and Lucia Semple, 2nd – tags 696 + 873 led by Lucy Booth and Elyse Caristo. Poll Dorset ewe, 1 year and under 2 years: 3rd – Purple tag 17 led by Lucy Arnott. Meat Breeds Sheep Young Judges Competition: Under 15 years: 4th – Leilani Palise, 5th – Maggie Maynard. Over 15 years: 3rd - Ella van Egmond, 4th – Lucy Arnott. Sheep Handlers Competition: Under 15 years: 1st - Charlotte Cooper, 2nd – Goldie Munro, 3rd – Sophie Hanrahan, 5th – Maggie Maynard. Over 15 years: 3rd – Ella van Egmond.
In between the Beef Young Judges Competition and the Sheep Handlers Competition, a Senior Frensham Team and a Junior Frensham Team, of four students each, competed in the Young Farmers Challenge. The event was a timed with entrants completing a range of farm related tasks such as drenching sheep, moving hay bales, riding a motorbike through an obstacle course, milking a cow and constructing a length of fence. The girls performed very well against many other teams; the results were as follows – 2nd Frensham Junior Team – Lucia Semple, Amelia Riddle, Sophie Hanrahan and Lucy Arnott; 3rd – Frensham Senior Team – Elyse Caristo, Ella van Egmond, Jemima Melki and Lucy Arnott (with Lucy competing in both Teams).
Goulburn Show, March: The Sheep Team (top); Junior and Senior Young Farmers Challenge teams.
The next event for the Sheep Team will be the Camden Show on Friday 1 April.
Unfortunately, the wet weather in the Highlands has caused the cancellation of the Robertson Show for the Cattle Team and for the students entered in the Grain and Fruit & Vegetable Young Judges Competitions, next weekend.
Ms Leonie Mutch, Coordinator of the Livestock Team
Sport – Southern Highlands High School Swimming Event
Frensham hosted the annual SHHS Swimming event Friday 25 February. Local community schools included Oxley College, Chevalier College and Southern Highlands Christian School.
Congratulations to all the students involved in the event. Students are now preparing for the IGSA Swimming carnival, Friday 25 March.
It is with great delight that we received the news today that in the coming weeks, schools will be able to welcome visitors back onto campus and to host school community events with appropriate precautions in place. The ability to gather in person is just so vital as we reconnect as a community in 2022. We are looking forward to welcoming our Year 7 Parents to the upcoming Year Weekend, with Parent-Teacher Interviews on Saturday and the Year 7 Service and Concert on Sunday morning. We look also forward to meeting parents of new Gib Gate and Frensham students at Saturday evening’s Welcome Function, hosted by the Board of Governors, Foundation and Senior Staff, to be held at the Old Fitzroy Inn. With Frensham Fellowship and Frensham Advisory Committees also meeting this week, February is a big “Frensham Community” month here on campus.
Despite the challenging start to the term, and some disruption because of COVID-19, students and staff have settled well into the necessary routines and we are starting to see a wonderful energy about the campus once again. The sounds of singing as a school, War Cries on the Games Field, Saturday Holt Café coming back to life and, of course, the energy of learning in classrooms, in the Esther Tuckey Library and on our first excursions for some time. Thank you to families for your support and understanding over these first three weeks, particularly having to navigate periods of isolation for some students. Please do not hesitate to contact your daughter’s Year Coordinator or Form Tutor to discuss your daughter’s progress. A reminder that your daughter’s Year Level page on Schoolbox is a great place to start to understand what is happening in each year group and Form Programme.
This week we bid farewell to Ms Michele Scamps, our Facilities Manager - a passionate lifetime supporter of the Schools who has shown great commitment to high quality work. Commencing in February 2009 as the Director of the Winifred West Schools Foundation Centenary Appeal, Ms Scamps has contributed generously across several areas of Frensham Schools during her tenure, including (but certainly not limited to) the organisation of major school community events, the leadership of very successful fundraising programmes and functions, oversight of our Facilities and Maintenance operations and providing stewardship with her significant corporate knowledge of Frensham Schools. We acknowledge the extensive work Michele has led and overseen throughout these past two years as a result of COVID-19, and her incomparable work ethic and commitment, and wish her the very best in her retirement.
Pen & Ink 2021 Edition
A book is not completed till it’s read. ~ Salman Rushdie
YEAR 10 2022: Scarlett Alldis, Monique Andersson, Bella Cay, Ali Corbett, Sarah-Joy Day, Sissy Fairrie, Saskia Hilkemeijer, Charlotte Hopperton, Heidi Jervis, Meg Jones, Savannah Linde, Darcy Maple-Brown, Millie Moar, Eliza Mulligan, Freyjika Parker, Sarah Partland, Hannah Perkins, Phoebe Rouse.
YEAR 10 2022: Madeleine Charters, Kate Clifton, Charlie Delahunt-Higgins, Matilda Graham, Millie Gale, Claudia Hampson, Penelope Hill, Abbey Kuiper, Imogen Smith and Minnie Wiggins.
YEAR 9 2022: Sophie Chen, Jade Cox, Hannah Day, Lauren Fox, Sophie Hanrahan, Camilla Johnston, Elizabeth Laverty, Skye McLelland, Alice Mulligan, Raphaela O’Neill’Siambis, Chloe White.
YEAR 8 2022: Milly Debelle Hancock, York Doyle, Fran Gelonesi.
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director of Teaching and Learning P-12; Coordinator of Gifted and Talented Programmes P-12
Boarding
As we settle into the term, we would like to share some reflections from Year 7 students:
My first week at Frensham, was a rollercoaster full of emotions. Uplifted by the spirit of the beautiful melody at morning prayers, a sigh of relief goes through me as I’ve finally made it here. Obviously, I was very nervous, but was always comforted by the older girls. The roar of pride and competitiveness echoes through the campus during Friday war cries. I had no clue what to chant but it was so fun jumping around and clapping in excitement for Saturday Sport. The music bursts out of a speaker, knocks on our door – we all know what that is, war cry fairies! We all love the great fun, off to sport we go. Chants, cheers and encouragement, everyone is always down on the Games Field clapping, and cheering Frensham on. What is better than I thought it would be is the food. The delicious range of cold meats and vegetables for lunch is always very good, breakfast is full of hot food, cereals, and toast. All filling us for a big day ahead. Dinner is always delicious too. What I love most about campus is the huge areas for learning, sport, farming, creativity and recreation. It is beautifully designed and is always carefully looked after. I am really loving high school and have settled in amazingly; everyone is so supportive and helpful. I have really enjoyed the first few weeks and am looking forward to the weeks ahead. Frensham is such a positively spirited school, and I am so grateful to be a part of it. (Madeleine Houston)
My first few weeks have been truly wonderful! I am really enjoying going to morning prayers and singing hymns, doing war cries on Friday and Saturday mornings and enjoying being with friends all day and coming back to see Mrs Parsons. I love the food at school, I thought I wouldn’t like it, but I have really enjoyed it. Also, I thought that only 30 minutes on my phone would be horrible but I now realise that I don’t need my phone and prefer being with my new friends. My favourite place on campus is the deer pond. Going there at morning tea with my friends and talking about how we love school. I love Science because it is not like primary and we get to do actual fun stuff! I love Tech and learning to build and cut materials to make a toy. (Saffron Kable)
At school I enjoy always being busy, whether it be with school (which everyone is) or with sport and the Frensham spirit (which is exhilarating and exhausting) or maybe just getting to bed at night at the right time. I always have things to do and always with great friends. I was not looking forward to prayers, but it is not what I thought it was. We file in and a teacher tells us to sit. I enjoy the meaningful stories shared. I always enjoy the hymns, though I am not very good at singing. I love watching the older girls sing and hear them hitting those notes is crazy cool. The best thing about our school grounds are the red bridges. I have an awesome view of two of them from my window and I have attempted to draw them. Every time I look at them, I imagine a fairy land across them. My favourite class is Tech, I am getting better at cutting the wood and it is really fun seeing everything come together. I also love World Studies and Maths and I can’t wait for Visual Arts next term. I also love the vegie chips and Milo, which Mum should really try in our kitchen. (Chekka Cay)
It has been a wonderful first three weeks in boarding and these reflections are promising indication of how the girls are settling in to Frensham life.
End of Term Travel: From an administrative perspective, parents are encouraged to discuss with their daughter their end of term travel plans. Heads of Houses will be asking for this information shortly to allow for appropriate preparation.
We are looking forward to the Year 7 Parent Weekend and hope to see many of you around the campus.
Ms Sally Edwards, Director of Student Life (Boarding)
ICAS Medal 2021 Award Presentation
Prayers Friday 18 February 2022
Last year Frensham students from Year 7 to 11 elected to participate in the annual ICAS competition test papers across the full range of subjects. These included Mathematics, Science, Writing, Digital Technologies and English.
On the last day of Term 4 2021 the Head was notified that Year 11 student, Zoe Gallagher, had been awarded a Medal for her achievement in the Year 11 English Competition, which was announced at Final Prayers.
Students achieving the top score in each year level in each State are awarded an ICAS Medal. Zoe was one of two students in the NSW Year 11 English ICAS Competition to be awarded the medal and she was in the top 2% of Year 11 participants in Australia.
On Friday 18 February, Zoe was awarded her medal by Ms Sarah McGarry to celebrate her achievement with her parents, Mr Luke and Mrs Kate Gallagher and all her teachers and friends from Years 7 to 12 2022.
Zoe has been entering the ICAS Competitions since she was in Year 3 with notable results annually. As a Year 12 student, completing her HSC in 2022, this will be the last year she can compete and she is very excited to participate in her last year of school!
Zoe Gallagher's ICAS Medal. Zoe with Ms Sarah McGarry and parents, Mr Luke and Mrs Kate Gallagher
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director of Teaching and Learning P-12; Coordinator of Gifted and Talented Programmes P-12
Drama
On Wednesday 16 February, students from Years 11 and 12 Drama travelled to Sydney for Onstage, whereexemplary performances and projects from the HSC Cohort of 2021 were presented at the Seymour Centre. Students were inspired by the calibre, creativity, and diversity of the work.
OnStage performers. Years 11 & 12 Drama at Seymour Centre.
On Tuesday 22 February, Zeal Theatre duo Tom Lycos and Stefo Nantsou returned to Frensham with their production of Lucky Country. Lucky Country was created with the assistance of students from International Grammar School in Sydney in late 2015 and premiered in February 2016. Performed in Zeal’s trademark minimalist style and exuberance, Lucky Country is a timely look at multi-cultural Australia, current global debates on the refugee crisis and the role the media plays in shaping public opinion. Following the performance, Stage 5 Drama students participated in a workshop on playbuilding children’s theatre and Year 11 developed skills in group-devised work.
Year 11 Drama students have been studying the techniques of Greek Chorus in their Playbuilding Unit this term. This style is foundational to their preparation for the Group Performance, a mandatory component of the HSC Drama Course. At Friday Prayers on 18 February, they applied their understanding when interpreting the prologue of Beauty and the Beast in a class performance for the whole school to enjoy.
Mrs Sally Hannah, Head of Drama
Livestock Team Report
It was the Sheep Team’s turn to compete when they attended the Crookwell Show on Saturday 12 February. Ten students and ten ewes made the trip and had a very successful day. It was the first event for many of the students and the sheep and all performed well. The results were:
Novice Ewe Lamb - 1st - led by Sophie Kennedy (Year 9), 2nd - led by Goldie Munro (Year 8); Pair of Ewe Lambs - 1st - led by Olivia Cowley & Chartlotte Cooper (Year 7), 2nd - led by Jocie Corbett & Sophie Hanrahan (Year 9); Ewe, 1 year and under 2 years - 1st - led by Ella van Egmond (Year 12), 2nd - led by Lucy Arnott (Year 11).
Champion Poll Dorset Ewe - by Sophie Kennedy
Reserve Champion Poll Dorset Ewe - led by Oliva Cowley
Thank you to Mr McMillan for driving the bus and supervising the Team on the day. The next Show for the Sheep Team is the Goulburn Show on Saturday 5March.
Ms Leonie Mutch, Coordinator of the Livestock Team
Sport – Term 1 Sport Activities
Cross Country: The Cross Country team has been working extremely hard every Monday and Wednesday morning developing their endurance capacity, running technique and conditioning. Frensham looks forward to another successful season.
Gymnastics: The Gymnastics team is keen to recommence training.
Athletics: Athletics is very popular this term with all girls involved eager to develop their Track and Field skills.
Cross Country, Athletics and Gymnastics training
Mr Shane Green, Head of Sport (2022)
Acknowledgement to
Term 4, 2021 Girdle award recipients: Yusra Chalak (Excellence in Public Speaking), Judith Hopkins (Service and Contribution to the School).
Zoe Gallagher (Year 12) for her award of ICAS Medal for English, in the 2021 ICAS Competition.
Frensham’s Debating Team for its success at the 2021 AISNSW/NGS National Virtual Debating competition – Winner of the Middle School Division. The team comprised - Year 8, 2021: Penelope Cay, Lauren Fox, Skye McLelland, Lucy Rouse, Sophia Windsor; Year 9, 2021: Bella Cay, Bea McDonald, Clara McDonald, Imogen Smith.
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards recipients: Bronze: Matilda Arnott, Hilary Swan; Silver: Lucy Arnott, Bella Cay, Matilda Chadwick, Alexandra Corbett, Judith Hopkins, Hannah Perkins, Phoebe Rouse.
Jessica Savage, Hilary Swan (Year 11); Phoebe Gilder, Heidi Rowntree (Year 10) for participating in the recent IGSA Softball Trials.
Show Sheep team for its success at Crookwell Show: Champion Ewe Lamb - led by Sophie Kennedy; Reserve Champion Ewe Lamb - led by Oliva Cowley.
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
We are so pleased to be back at school for 2022 after another unusual summer break. We hope that all families had some opportunity to rest and recharge and are feeling ready to face the year ahead. Students and staff have returned with enthusiasm and optimism for their work, and our campuses are humming with the energy and exuberance so characteristic of our community. As you will see from this newsletter, many aspects of school life are able to resume this term and we are very much looking forward to connecting with our community across the course of this year.
Our first opportunity to connect this is on our Year 7 Parent Weekend at the end of February. Our Open Day format will necessarily be adjusted, but Year 7 parents will still have the opportunity to meet senior staff, have interviews with their daughter’s teachers and to get to the know the campus a little better. We look forward to being able to gather with all families of new students from both Gib Gate and Frensham on Saturday 26 February, with a formal invitation to our Welcome function to be issued in the coming days.
We offer our most sincere congratulations to the Class of 2021, for their excellent results in the HSC and for their contribution to Frensham over their years at the school. Whilst there were opportunities they missed as a result of the global pandemic over their final two years at school, they demonstrated remarkable resilience and have developed a range of other beneficial skills as they move into their lives after school.
We warmly welcome new staff to Frensham Schools in 2022, and staff who are taking on new roles or additional responsibilities. These are listed later in today’s newsletter, as well as being contained in our Information Book and on Schoolbox.
Thank you to all families for your patience and understanding as we navigate updated COVID-19 guidelines and new requirements for school and families – like regular Rapid Antigen Tests. The positive and supportive way our community – staff, students and parents – have responded to these changing requirements is very encouraging indeed. We remind families of the information that is posted on our COVID-19 Information Page on Schoolbox. It can be easy to miss an email but Schoolbox will continue to be the central source for key school information – and if what you are seeking does not seem to be on Schoolbox, please let us know so that we can ensure our communication is timely and relevant for families and that information is readily available.
Activities and Absences
It has been an exciting and busy start to the year and we welcome all new parents and students. Many Co-curricular activities commenced on Monday of Week 2. We are ever-mindful of COVID-19 regulations and considerations and are endeavouring to ensure we conduct all activities safely.
We thank parents for your understanding that there may be some additional documentation required as part of our COVID-19 management plan. Camp information has been sent to parents and please note that the return of medical forms (with detailed information provided) are a priority.
Equipment lists for Outdoor Education Week are located on page 52 of the 2022 Frensham Information Book (located on Schoolbox A-Z Frensham) and information about the programme for each year group has been included in the email to parents and posted on Schoolbox News.
Absences from School
As noted on the staff list found on Schoolbox (A-Z of Frensham – Staff Contacts) and emailed to parents last week, if a student is absent from school due to medical/dental appointment (early advice would be appreciated), illness or injury, please forward an email to absence@frensham.nsw.edu.au The email should contain a note of explanation regarding the absence and an expected return time and/or date.
In accordance with our duty of care, if a student has an unexplained period of absence, a letter will be mailed to parents or guardians requesting written confirmation. Legislation requires that the School keep written documentation of all absences.
All requests for Special Family Leave should be made in writing to the Head (frensham@frensham.nsw.edu.au), well in advance of the event, to allow consideration and a written response. Requests for Leave for Sport can be sent to jvangogh@frensham.nsw.edu.au
Ms Janene van Gogh, Deputy Head of Frensham (Acting, Term 1)
Boarding
Frensham has come back to life after the holiday season, with the sound of singing and laughter echoing throughout the grounds. It has been wonderful to welcome the girls back to Term 1. This term, we see a number of new students joining us in Years 8-11 and celebrate the beginning of a new chapter with our class of 2027 having arrived on Monday 31 January. Despite some natural homesickness and the challenges involved in the transition into secondary school, a new school and into a boarding environment, overwhelmingly the girls have had a wonderful first week and weekend at Frensham. Year 7 students are getting to know their way around Frensham, even meeting Philip the Donkey on a leisurely walk around the grounds. We have been pleased to see our Day Boarders joining for a range of activities after school and on our Closed Weekend.
This weekend saw the girls excited to participate in the Friday night activities organised by the senior girls. Years 7 and 8 played Bingo, while Years 9 and 10 enjoyed a ‘Just Dance’ event. The School was a hive of activity and energy setting a positive tone for the weekend. The girls were kept busy with Sports trials on Saturday morning followed by a fun-filled programme including mindfulness, games, study, yoga, craft, Crack meetings and movies. A very special activity that many girls were involved in was ‘Kindness Rocks’. This involved girls painting and creating art on rocks that will be placed around the school for other girls to find, brightening their day. A beautiful opportunity to spread kindness throughout our community.
Despite COVID-19 still being a factor in the boarding environment we are thrilled to report that the girls are managing the situation with understanding and ease. Frensham Boarding is thankful to be embarking on another exciting term for our young women and we look forward to sharing the special Frensham spirit and culture of community between all students.
Ms Sally Edwards, Director of Student Life (Boarding)
ICAS Results 2021
Frensham students from Years 7 to 11 achieved excellent results for the 2021 ICAS Assessments. ICAS Assessments are online assessments, designed to recognise and reward academic excellence. The assessments are based on the curricula for the relevant year but students are asked to demonstrate a deeper, integrated, and thorough level of knowledge. ICAS assesses the higher order thinking and problem-solving skills needed for success in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing and Digital Technologies. Every year schools around the globe participate in ICAS which provides a robust international benchmark of student achievement.
Frensham students have been awarded certificates of Merit, Credit, Distinction and High Distinction. We congratulate all of them on the outstanding results.
Distinction Awards place students in the top 10% of the international cohort for 2021 and we highlight this achievement by: Anouk Davies (English and Digital Technologies), Millicent Debelle Hancock (English) (Year 7); Sophie Goodisson (Writing), Sophie Hanrahan (Writing, Science and Mathematics), Georgina Lewis (Mathematics) (Year 8); Claudia Hampson (Writing), Cate Horsfall (English and Writing); Sophie Simpson (English, Science and Mathematics); Imogen Smith (English); Sidney Wheeler (Mathematics and Writing) (Year 9); Hilary Swan (Mathematics) (Year 10) and Zoe Gallagher (English) (Year 11).
ICAS English
Year 7: Distinction: Millicent Debelle Hancock; Anouk Davies. Credit: York Doyle; Lucia Semple; Jade Neilson; Lexi Wimalaratne.
Year 8: Credit: Raphaela O’Neill’Siambis; Skye McLelland; Jade Cox.
Year 9: Distinction: Sophie Simpson; Cate Horsfall; Imogen Smith. Credit: Emily Crawford; Sidney Wheeler; Claudia Hampson; Amy Wimalaratne.
Year 10: Credit: Summer Oxley; Sophie Hassall; Sissy Fairrie; Augusta Muir; Hilary Swan.
Year 11: Distinction: Zoe Gallagher. Credit: Matilda Arnott.
ICAS Writing
Year 7: Credit: Holly Halloran; Alexandra Frith; Anouk Davies; Henrietta Hayman.
Year 8: Distinction: Sophie Hanrahan; Sophie Goodisson. Credit: Lara Bentley; Sophie Kennedy; Skye McLelland.
Year 9: Distinction: Claudia Hampson; Cate Horsfall; Sidney Wheeler. Credit: Lucinda Colgan; Sophie Simpson; Amy Wimalaratne.
Year 10: Credit: Augusta Muir; Hilary Swan; Bella Cay; Sissy Fairrie; Sophie Hassall.
Year 11: Credit: Maya Basson.
ICAS Science
Year 7: Credit: Anouk Davies, Isabel Syme, Lexi Wimalaratne; Merit: York Doyle.
Year 8: Distinction: Sophie Hanrahan; Credit: Camilla Johnston, Elizabeth Laverty.
Year 9: Distinction: Sophie Simpson; Credit: Adelaide Ayling, Poppy Carter, Alice Fergusson, Claudia Hampson, Cate Horsfall, Sidney Wheeler; Merit: Amy Wimalaratne.
Year 7: Distinction: Anouk Davies; Credit: York Doyle, Millicent Debelle Hancock, Jade Neilson and Scarlett Shadbolt.
Year 8: Credit: Sophie Hanrahan; Merit: Camilla Johnston, Georgina Lewis and Elizabeth Shadbolt.,
Year 9: Credit: Sophie Simpson, Amy Wimalaratne
Year 10: Credit: Sissy Fairrie
ICAS Mathematics
Year 7: Credit: Anouk Davies, York Doyle and Isabel Syme; Merit: Sophie Holland and Lexi Wimalaratne.
Year 8: Distinction: Georgina Lewis, Sophie Hanrahan; Credit: Sophie Goodisson, Amelia Hartnell, Zara McMurtrie; Merit: Jade Cox, Camilla Johnston, Skye McLelland, Bliss Ow-Yang.
Year 9: Distinction: Sophie Simpson and Sidney Wheeler; Merit: Poppy Carter and Amy Wimalaratne.
Year 10: Distinction: Hilary Swan; Credit: Lucy Arnott; Summer Oxley; Hannah Perkins and Megan Syme; Merit: Alexandra Corbett and Elizabeth Nesci.
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director of Teaching and Learning P-12; Coordinator of Gifted and Talented Programmes P-12
Jamieson Programme
Frensham’s Jamieson Programme is built on the belief that exposure to challenges in a secure environment can awaken in young people a belief in themselves that will stay with them throughout their lives.
With a focus on health and fitness, critical and ethical thinking, service and leadership, the Jamieson Programme helps girls in Years 7-10 gain confidence and courage to deal with the unfamiliar territory ahead. It also challenges students to consider the difference they can make, individually and as part of a group, when exploring real social, political and environmental issues.
There is a particular focus in Year 9 where every second Thursday, the programme begins at 1.45pm and extends into the evening. Thursday was our first extended Jamieson Programme day and girls were introduced to the Programme and provided with an overview of the different components. We started with some critical thinking skills that are required for the IGCSE Cambridge Global Perspectives course such as distinguishing between fact and opinion, including expert opinions, and identifying different types of bias. Students also received information about the fitness component from Mr Shane Green, who is developing individual fitness programmes for girls. Every student in Year 9 will complete an exercise tracking document each week to view their progress. Ms Simone Lindsay also familiarised the group about the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, upcoming camps and the importance of giving back to the community. Most participated in Holting in the afternoon with some involved in the Sheep and Cattle teams. Many of the activities planned as part of Jamieson Programme conform to the spirit of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award so that, through participation in Jamieson activities, students may gain approval to complete Service and Skills components for the D of E programme.
We are looking forward to an exciting and immensely rewarding year ahead where girls learn to recognise the needs of others and respond with courage, generosity and integrity.
Mrs Merrilee Harris, Director of Jamieson Programme
Livestock Team Report
On Saturday 5 February, six members of the Cattle Team along with three steers travelled to the South Coast to compete at the Nowra Show. Although the weather was wet and humid and the steers have had minimal handling by the students, the Team performed very well. The results were as follows:
ECM Livestock Junior Steer Competition: 1st - Judith Hopkins leading ‘Rocky’ (Simmental), 2nd - Tia Thomas leading ‘Smiggle’ (Simmental), 3rd - Maggie Waldren leading ‘Ringo’ (Angus)
Middleweight Steers 340 - 440kg: 1st - ‘Smiggle’ (Simmental) led by Tia Thomas
Heavyweight Steers >440kg: 1st - ‘Rocky’ (Simmental) led by Judith Hopkins, 2nd - ‘Ringo’ (Angus) led by Maggie Waldren
Champion Steer: ‘Rocky’ (Simmental) led by Judith Hopkins
Reserve Champion Steer: ‘Smiggle’ (Simmental) led by Tia Thomas
Junior Paraders < 14 years: 1st - Tia Thomas leading ‘Smiggle’ (Simmental)
The next Show for the Cattle Team will be the Robertson Show on Saturday 12 March. The Sheep Team will compete at their first event of the year at the Crookwell Show on Saturday 12 February. In the meantime, more hours will be spent preparing the livestock for showing and ringcraft practice for the students.
Ms Leonie Mutch, Coordinator of the Livestock Team
Music
It is a pleasure to be able to advertise the recommencement of all our Choirs and Ensembles with, in most instances, “live” rehearsals for the first time in over six months. Here are some notes, on each of the ensembles, for both students and parents.
Junior Choir - This choir is open to all Years 7 and 8, with no audition. This is an opportunity to be grasped, regardless of whether a student feels confident vocally. The choir rehearses once a week on Tuesdays, just before lunch (12.50pm-1.15pm). The choir has begun rehearsing, as we are aiming to perform in four weeks, with the Senior Choir, in the Year 7 Service.
Senior Choir - New students in Years 9-12 should consider auditioning to join this 90-voice choir (ask your Shadow to arrange this with Mr Spencer). Currently, due to our COVID plan, there are no combined Wednesday night rehearsals. Rather, sectional rehearsals are held in the mornings, seated in cohorts and spaced between Library and Cooper Hall.
3rds – Monday 7.50-8.20am
2nds – Tuesday 7.50-8.20am
1sts – Wednesday 7.50-8.20am
Madrigals - New students in Years 9-12 might also consider auditioning for this selective chamber choir (ask your Shadow to arrange this with Mr Spencer). Currently, there are no Wednesday night rehearsals, just Friday mornings (7.50-8.20pm)
Kennedy Strings - Frensham is a relatively small school, and every one of instrumentalists are expected to use their gifts to enrich our ensembles. Any violinists, violists, cellists and double bass players, new to the school, should please make arrangements to attend the Kennedy Strings rehearsals in the Drama Theatre on Wednesday afternoons (3.50-5pm) or speak to Mrs Pinazza if they have any queries.
Concert Band - As above, all wind players and percussionists should come to meet Mr Spencer in the Glenn Music Centre on Wednesday afternoon, from where you will proceed to Clubbe Hall for the rehearsal with Mr Gillen and other instrumental tutors in support. Like Kennedy Strings, the Concert Band rehearses from 3.50-5pm.
Jazz Band - Members of the Concert Band may also be invited to join the selective Jazz Band. This ensemble follows Concert Band, rehearsing from 5-5.30pm on Wednesdays.
Kennedy Strings and soloists performing 'Take My Hand' at Final Prayers in December
Mr Michael Spencer, Head of Music
Sport – Term 1 Sport Activities
Welcome back, we are delighted to have Sport operating and to offer students opportunities to learn new skills, develop their fitness levels and have fun with their peers.
Along with Frensham’s traditional IGSA Sport training there will be additional Sports Activities offered:
IGSA Swimming Squad Training - Monday-Friday 6:00-7:15am; Saturday 6:00-8:00am
This programme is designed for experienced, skilled swimmers who are interested in competing in the IGSA Swimming Carnival. Secondly, for students who wish to develop their swimming skills for Water Polo.
Swim Development Training - Tuesday and Thursday 6:00-7:15am
This programme is designed for students who are developing their swimming skills and swimming competency.
IGSA Cross Country Training - Monday and Wednesday 6:05-7:10am
This programme is suitable for students who wish to enhance their middle to long distance running skills and to become a member of the Frensham Cross Country team.
Senior Fitness - Years 10-12 Wednesday 6:15-7:15am
Senior students who are interested in developing their strength and conditioning, mobility and athletic capacity should join this programme.
IGSA Gymnastics - Wednesday 4:00-5:15pm
Is suited for students who wish to develop their Gymnastics skills and become a member of the Frensham Gymnastics team.
IGSA Athletics – Senior Training: Tuesday 4:00-5:30pm; Year 7 and Junior Training: Thursday 4:00-5:30pm
This is suitable for students that enjoy athletics and would like to develop their skills to become a member of the Frensham Athletics team.
The student sign on sheets have been sent via email. If you have any questions please email sgreen@frensham.nsw.edu.au
Mr Shane Green, Head of Sport (2022)
Studies
Year 12 students have commenced the term with the focus and application required to be successful learners. Vacation work submitted will be assessed to provide teachers and students valuable checkpoints as to areas for review. Additionally, the Term 1 assessment calendar has been published to Schoolbox.
Year 11 students are enjoying the opportunity to begin their Preliminary HSC courses. These courses are three terms in length, at which point girls confirm their subject choices in preparation for Year 12. As part of their studies, Year 11 students will discuss approaches to study, including expected Prep targets and responsibilities, organisational skills and assessment procedures. Some minor changes are still being made with subject choices.
Students in Years 7-10 are settling into the routines of School life. In Years 10-12, students complete Prep in the Houses, while in Years 8 and 9, Prep is in designated classrooms with teacher supervision. Year 7 students are using the Library for Prep and are appreciating the designated reading time, off -screen, as part of their transition.
Any queries regarding your daughter’s academic programme or wellbeing as an initial contact, can be made to the Year Coordinator found on Schoolbox (A-Z of Frensham – Staff Contacts). They will direct your call further, if required.
Ms Janene van Gogh, Director of Studies
Careers
As another year commences, it is important to reflect and celebrate the success of our previous 2021 Year 12 students. We are excited to share a few highlights:
62 out of 65 students applied for early entry in 2021
ALL were offered either a conditional (ie they had to achieve a minimum ATAR) or unconditional (no ATAR requirement) offer via early entry programs.
Some students had up to six different early entry offers and many knew about these offers prior to going into the HSC examinations.
ALL students seeking a tertiary offer received an offer and 77% of Frensham students were offered their 1st preference.
The Year 12 cohort of 2022 had their first “Tertiary Thursday” session. These weekly sessions are arranged to ensure students are aware of where they should be up to in the tertiary planning process and includes information on course updates, early entry deadlines, open days, webinars and the all-important Gap Year, for those wishing to take a year off in 2023. With the new extended Form time on a Thursday, I am looking forward to arranging Frensham Old Girls and industry experts to meet with the girls as guest speakers. Year 11 students will also be having regular Careers meetings so that they can establish tertiary goals and plans for the future.
All parents and students are encouraged to use the SchoolBox Careers page (Schoolbox) – it is a “one-stop shop” for all careers-related information and is designed to ensure that our girls are well prepared for their next steps post-School.
Mrs Merrilee Harris, Director of Jamieson Programme and Head of Careers
Acknowledgement to
Term 4, 2021 Girdle award recipients: Jemima Graham-Wansey (Outstanding Commitment to Sport), Maya Basson (Excellence in Music Performance).
Students sitting the 2021 ICAS Assessments at Frensham and Gib Gate: Frensham (Distinction) - Anouk Davies (English and Digital Technologies), Millicent Debelle Hancock (English) (Year 7); Sophie Goodisson (Writing), Sophie Hanrahan (Writing, Science and Mathematics), Georgina Lewis (Mathematics) (Year 8); Claudia Hampson (Writing), Cate Horsfall (English and Writing); Sophie Simpson (English, Science and Mathematics); Imogen Smith (English); Sidney Wheeler (Mathematics and Writing) (Year 9); Hilary Swan (Mathematics) (Year 10) and Zoe Gallagher (English) (Year 11). Gib Gate (High Distinction) - Aliyah Mhanna (Digital Technologies) (Year 4); Amelie Gardiner (Writing and English) (Year 3); Iman Byrne (English) (Year 6). (Distinction) - Amelie Gardiner (Digital Technologies) (Year 3); Madeleine Hannah, Zahra Nash (Year 3), Madeline Conway, Aliyah Mhanna, Montana Molena (Year 4), Isla McVinish (Year 6) (Writing); Sofia Wilson, Lucia Braham (Year 3), Aliyah Mhanna, Emma Andrew, Mathilda Muir (Year 4) (English); Amelie Gardiner (Year 3), Elyssia Mason (Year 4), Annabelle Whyte-Cleaver (Year 5) Science.
Prefect Year Groups as appointed at Final Prayers, 2021
Year 7: Jemima Graham-Wansey, Charlotte Hindmarsh, Holly Horsfall
Year 8: Emily Lenehan, Maggie Waldren, Matilda Walker
Year 9: Matilda Arnott, Anna Collins, Lucy Waddell
Following our communication with all families about Foundation’s Annual Appeal, I encourage you to ‘Join with Us’ in supporting the Bursary Fund. A Bursary provides up to 50% fee remission on tuition and/or boarding fees for the recipient to attend Frensham Schools, and gifts are fully tax deductible. Bursary support creates the opportunity for families to join the Frensham Schools community and to benefit from a Frensham education, when they would not have the financial means to do so otherwise. This support helps to preserve and enhance the characteristic diversity of our unique community and contributes strongly to the essence of a Frensham education. If you are in a position to assist, donations can be made online by clicking here. As always, we appreciate your consideration and for your support of our future students and families of Frensham Schools
Jamieson Week and End of Year Events
The full sequence of events for Jamieson Week has been published for parents and students on Schoolbox this afternoon, along with detailed dress and equipment requirements for the week’s activities. Please note the changes to the programme for the final day of term, Friday 10 December. When we announced our end of term event plans earlier this month we were anticipating eased restrictions in schools as NSW opened up. It now seems that this easing will not occur prior to mid December, requiring further adjustments to our plans. As a result of the continued limitations around visitors on campus, the planned Picnic on the Games Field will no longer be able to proceed.
We are able to welcome guests to Clubbe Hall for Final Prayers, given the format of the event, but the capacity limitations in Clubbe Hall mean further adjustments to the arrangements, with 1 guest per student able to be accommodated at each service. We recognise that this is not ideal for many families, but we have taken this decision with serious consideration of our health and safety obligations to our students, staff and families and in adherence to COVID-safe event requirements. We ask all families to read this information on Schoolbox carefully and to please contact feedback@frensham.nsw.edu.au should you have any queries whatsoever.
Staff and students are busily preparing for these events in their amended format, for which we are very grateful. We are also greatly looking forward to returning to the School’s ‘usual’ end of year sequence in 2022!
Boarding
"The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will involve the patient in the proper use of food, fresh air and exercise." - Thomas Edison
Sport plays an important part in the life of the Frensham boarders. Afternoon team training sessions, independent fitness routines, weekend programme pool activities, visits to The Holt, are just some of the many ways the girls incorporate exercise, fitness and fresh air into a balanced school programme.
The IGSA Sporting Competition is another important component of the school programme and it has been pleasing to watch girls participate and enjoy so enthusiastically the return of Saturday Sport - and to see the Games Field and courts busy again.
While the girls have been settling back into the routines of Boarding life and activities, the Boarding staff have also continued to learn and to develop skills to enrich their practice. Staff members from each of the four Boarding Houses have joined the ranks of current Boarding staff who have already completed The Certificate Course in Student Residential Care. The course focuses on outlining and explaining best practice in meeting the intellectual, social, emotional, physical, moral and spiritual needs of boarders. Course components were organised around Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which identifies Physical needs, Security and Safety, Sense of Belonging, Self-esteem and Self Realisation as key considerations in meeting the needs of boarders. The Course affirmed that at Frensham we are consistently working to ensure that each girl's individual needs are met and they are supported to flourish.
FACULTY FOCUS
HSIE
Searching for Truth in a Post-Truth World
How do you know what to believe? How do you know who to trust? More specifically, in a world where the internet allows for the easy publication and dissemination of content, how do you know that what you are reading is suitable to build your understanding of the world?
For many of us, we have underdeveloped strategies of information evaluation. In their 2016 paper Evaluating Information: The Cornerstone of Civic Online Reasoning, Wineberg, McGrew, Beakston and Ortega of the Stanford Graduate School of Education were shocked to find how many students failed to effectively evaluate the credibility of information provided to them. Middle school, high school and college students in 12 states were asked to evaluate the information presented in tweets, comments and articles. More than 7,800 student responses were collected. The paper reports that most school students cannot tell native advertising from articles, accepted without verification the veracity of photographic evidence, could not tell the difference between a real and fake news source on Facebook, could not detect bias in activist social media accounts and failed to identify the difference between a mainstream and fringe source.
"Many assume that because young people are fluent in social media, they are equally savvy about what they find there," the researchers wrote. "Our work shows the opposite."
As an HSIE Department at Frensham, our goal is to develop students who are orientated towards truth, as it is an essential characteristic of becoming positive change-makers. Taking in polluted information, like taking in polluted air, poisons our sense of citizenship and dulls our contributions to making a better world. We are working towards developing in our students better strategies for evaluating information and guarding themselves against lies and deception.
One key strategy that we are building into our programmes is developing the habit of ‘lateral reading’. Professional fact-checkers, when given the same information as the students in the above paper, scored a perfect evaluation of the information. Rather than reviewing the information on the site, they immediately opened new tabs on their browsers and investigated the source of the original information. Key strategies for developing skills in lateral reading include:
Open lots of tabs in your browser
Get off the site you are on
Do a deliberate Google search for the source or information you are evaluating
Read what trusted and reliable sources are saying about the claim. Try to find four or five other sources that discuss your source. (If you can’t find that many, that’s a sign your source might not be good)
In each HSIE class, our students are challenged to not only find new information but to evaluate it, pull it apart, challenge its findings and make connections. We believe it is a skill that will serve all our students well in every walk of life.
On Thursday 11 November the School paused to remember those who died serving their country in war and reflect on their sacrifice. The school was led in this service by our Year 12 2022 Modern History students Gabrielle Butcher, Phoebe Clifton, Isolde Cochet, Lulu Duck, Eliza Hewson, Olivia Laverty, Rosemary Schmidt and Polly Whitwell. This year marks the 103rd anniversary of the end of World War 1, as well as the centenary of the establishment of the Royal Australian Air Force. The service also reflected on Australia’s involvement in the War in Afghanistan, which came to a close this year, as a moment to consider what a soldier’s sacrifice looks like when objectives have not been met. We ended with the following prayer, written by the author John Marsden and read by Olivia Laverty,
May the road be free for the journey,
May it lead where it promised it would, May the stars that give ancient bearings
Be seen, still be understood.
May every aircraft fly safely,
May every traveller be found,
May sailors in crossing the ocean
Not hear the cries of the drowned.
May gardens be wild like jungles,
May nature never be tamed,
May dangers create of us heroes,
May fears always have names.
May the mountains stand to remind us
Of what it means to be young,
May we be outlived by our daughters,
May we be outlived by our sons.
May the bombs rust away in the bunkers,
And the doomsday clock be rewound,
May the solitary scientists, working,
Remember the holes in the ground.
May the knife remain in the holder,
May the bullet stay in the gun,
May those who live in the shadows
Be seen by those in the sun.
This year marks the first year that the school has undertaken the Cambridge IGCSE History and Geography courses. All Year 10 students have selected one of these courses and have been working all year towards a range of examinations that were to be sat in October this year. However, due to COVID-19 regulations, these examinations could not be held. Therefore, grades have been established through an assessment process outlined by Cambridge using tasks completed throughout the year. Students will still receive their grades early next year.
Mr Nathan Bessant, Head of HSIE
Music
It has been wonderful to see and hear the musical outcomes from the slight relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions this term. While our choirs and wind bands are still unable to rehearse together, the Kennedy Strings have rejoiced at being able to play again – and their rich sound seems to reflect that. With Mrs Pinazza conducting, the Kennedy Strings are practising hymn accompaniments for Final Prayers as well as a musical item composed especially for the occasion.
This composition features selected instrumental and vocal soloists from all year groups who must, by necessity, perform from isolation. They are being filmed in order to be projected onto the screen in an allegory of our Term 3 lockdown experience. The multi-media piece is designed to move from this depiction of isolation to actual live performance as we all look with optimism to 2022.
Morning Prayers on ZOOM has presented similar challenges, with Mr Spencer playing the hymn accompaniment in the hallway of the Glenn Music Centre for two senior singers to sing, from separate rooms, using headphones and microphones. Despite these challenges, the outcomes have often been quite beautiful. Morning Prayers has also featured filmed excerpts from the AMEB Exam performances that Ms Madden has been processing and submitting for our many candidates.
It is sad to note that, for the first time in many years, the school is unable to present a Carol Service this year. The School will still get to enjoy our “Dress-Up” Carols in the outdoors but we will all have to wait another year to hear the next Carols offering from the much-loved Fathers’ Choir.
Mr Michael Spencer, Head of Music
Middle School Ethics Olympiad Competition
Last Friday, 19 November, Frensham entered, for the first time, two teams in the Middle School Ethics Olympiad Competition. We congratulate team members Poppy Carter, Alice Fergusson and Claudia Hampson (Year 9), Sophie Chen, Lauren Fox, Sophie Hanrahan, Camilla Johnston, Skye McLelland and Sophia Windsor (Year 8) who were selected to represent the School after submitting a carefully composed written application and attending training sessions every Friday afternoon since our return to face-to-face teaching earlier this term. Both teams were awarded Honourable Mentions by a panel of Australian and International judges. During the day the students were involved in a series of heats where they were scored according to set criteria which rewarded, clear, concise, respectful discourse around challenging ethical cases. The Ethics Olympiad provided them with a unique and rewarding experience as they engaged with other students from 25 NSW Independent, Catholic and State High Schools in a format that developed important skills in communication, sustained reasoning and critical thinking through civil, collaborative discourse – valuable life-long learning skills!
Clubbe Hall: Live Production and Services Certificate III Course
Sarah Hunter and Lara Kyriazis, Heads of Tech Training – Clubbe Hall, write:
With the technical upgrade of Clubbe Hall, Frensham has been able to formalise the technical training of students and provide them with an opportunity to attain a formal qualification through TAFE NSW.
The Live Production and Services Certificate III Course, taught by industry professional Leah Crockett, aims to teach the skills and techniques needed to run productions. Leah Crockett is an Arts, Theatre and Audio-Visual professional that has worked in the arts and events industry for over 16 years. She holds a Bachelor of Media Communications (Theatre Arts), Certificate IV in Training & Assessment as well as a Diploma of Event Management.
Throughout this year, students in Years 8 to 12 have been developing an understanding of the technical aspects associated with the theatre industry. The units of work studied include workplace health and safety practices, working effectively backstage and developing audio knowledge.
During training sessions in Clubbe Hall, students have learnt the theory part of the course while simultaneously developing the practical skills associated with services and productions. The students have developed technical skills for mock shows and practised emergency and evacuation drills to understand how to manage an audience in various situations. The skills taught are preparing students to be part of a technical team for real-world productions.
Students have developed an understanding of their rights in the industry and knowledge of workplace safety. They discuss the roles and responsibilities of the Technical crew and exciting opportunities for work experience and careers for the future.
Last term, students met Stage Manager, Marianne on Zoom who talked to them about her role as a Stage Manager for the show, Come From Away, who discussed the difference between school and professional productions. Most importantly, she encouraged students to understand the importance of collaboration when working with others in the production.
Mrs Sally Hannah, Head of Drama
Sport
Bowral Under 16s Girls Rugby Sevens Team, is made up of various local schools including Frensham team members Lucy Arnott, Charlotte Hopperton, Olivia Huggins, Darcy Maple-Brown, Jessica Savage, Edie Staniforth, Olivia Waugh (Year 10), Matilda Graham, Lydia Martin (Year 9).
The newly formed Under 16’s Bowral Girls Rugby 7s Team, played its first game in the Sydney Junior Rugby Union (SJRU) Gala Day at Centennial Park. Most of the team members are new to rugby with backgrounds in Touch, AFL and athletics. The girls have been training since June at the Frensham Games Field. Training the team have been current parents Scott Staniforth of Wallaby fame and Peter Walters, and Brendan Fannin. The girls have been quick in learning technical skills and safe tackling practices.
Up against the most experienced players from Randwick, the girls’ first game saw them go down seven tries to nil. In their second match they finished strong and had a good win against Eastwood, winning three tries to one. The girls maintained the ball and saw some great team tries.
Of their play on the weekend Mr Staniforth said “the girls did amazingly well and can be very proud of their efforts. Having to play in the opens* and coming up against a very strong rep team the girls dug in and never gave up.”
The girls took a determined attitude towards Eastwood and had a very positive win. The girls had a great day and enjoyed, what was for most of them, their first competitive rugby games. The Rugby 7s Gala days are running for next three weekends with the girls excited about learning and improving their games.
*Played in the Opens category as competition combined the 16s-18s age groups
Mr Shane Green, Acting Head of Sport
Acknowledgement to
Lucy Pernice (Year 11) for her selection to attend the National Youth Science Forum, January 2022. A forum that is open to Year 11 students from around Australia who have a passion for Science. The selection process included a written application and interview.
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award recipients: Silver – Monique Andersson, Matilda Chadwick, Alexandra Corbett, Sarah-Joy Day, Savannah Linde, Phoebe Rouse (Year 10); Bronze – Matilda Damiani, Hilary Swan (Year 10).
Big Science Competition participants: High Distinction: Adelaide Ayling, Sophie Simpson, Sidney Wheeler (Year 9); Bella Cay, Sarah-Joy Day, Heidi Jervis (Year 10). Distinction: Penelope Hampson, Cara Sims, (Year 7); Georgie Lewis, Georgina McBride (Year 8); Poppy Carter, Alice Fergusson (Year 9); Summer Oxley (Year 10). Credit: York Doyle, Maggie Maynard, Scarlett Shadbolt, (Year 7); Imogen Smith (Year 9); Lucy Arnott, Abigail Jorgensen, Rose Mahony (Year 10).
Frensham’s entrants in the Middle School Ethics Olympiad Competition for their success in this competition: Poppy Carter, Alice Fergusson and Claudia Hampson (Year 9), Sophie Chen, Lauren Fox, Sophie Hanrahan, Camilla Johnston, Skye McLelland and Sophia Windsor (Year 8).
Cara Sims (Year 7) for her selection to the Macarthur Rams U14s Premier League Soccer team.
Staffing update
We are pleased to welcome Dr Mark Morrow to the Science Faculty, commencing January 2022. Dr Morrow was recently at St Paul’s International College, Moss Vale.
At the end of 2021 we farewell
We congratulate Olivia Scotting on her appointment to the position ofAssistant Head of Science at St Francis Catholic College at Edmondson Park, part of Catholic Education, Diocese of Wollongong. We thank Ms Scotting for her contribution to Frensham Schools across multiple areas, including as Science Teacher, Year Coordinator and a passionate proponent of our Debating and Public Speaking programme, over the past 4 years.
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
We commend our Year 12 students for their persistence, diligence and patience as they finally commence their long-awaited HSC this week. It has certainly been a marathon with a few additional laps for these girls, and they have carried themselves with maturity and determination during such a challenging time. We also thank staff for the ongoing support and guidance they are providing to Year 12.
Remembrance Day
This morning we held a very moving Remembrance Day Morning Prayers, with presentations from Year 12 2022 coordinated by Head of HSIE, Mr Nathan Bessant. We listened to powerful reflections on the service and sacrifice of our servicemen and women and their families, the poem Sunset Vigil by Andy McFarlane, the Last Post, Abide with Me and Australian John Marsden’s Prayer for the 21st century. In this year, the Centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force and the end of our military operations in Afghanistan, we recognise and honour the service and sacrifice of Australians – for the first time in more than two decades, our nation commemorates Remembrance Day while not currently involved in an active conflict. We remember the courage and valour of all those who have served our nation in war, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Student Safety
All parents are reminded of the need to exercise caution in the streets around the Frensham campus.
We do not wish for cars to be making U-turns in the School’s driveways on Range Road, particularly in the busier periods in the morning.
Please continue to drive onto the campus to drop students off safely, via the Main Gate on Range Road.
Students should not be dropped off at Topp Gate or at the Dining Room Gate on Range Road, and there is no vehicular access via Stanley Street.
Keeping safe online
We have been speaking with year levels this week about the importance of protective behaviours online, the responsible use of technology and our expectations in terms of student interactions online. Many adolescents have what can only be described as a ‘complicated’ relationship with technology, perhaps amplified during the time spent in front of a screen alone during the past months of lockdown. Many girls are reporting that while it takes some adjustment to have device-free time required of them at school, they are also recognising the benefits of stepping back a little from technology and interacting with others in a more present and purposeful way – in person. It is sometimes difficult for adolescents to discern what is ‘real’ and ‘safe’ online and the eSafety commissioner has a range of exceptional research-based resources to inform and support young people, families and schools around safe and respectful online behaviour. At the beginning of each year, all girls and families agree to our Information Technology Contract outlining the School’s expectations. This can be found in the 2021 Information Book and in the ‘A-Z of Frensham’ on Schoolbox.
Saturday Sport – Round 1 IGSA Sport - Saturday 13 November
We are pleased to be hosting IGSA Sport again, with double vaccinated parents and spectators permitted to attend.
Touch will be played on the Games Field and Tennis on the Holt Courts.
To ensure that we keep our community safe we ask that all spectators abide by the following COVID-19 safe measures:
All vehicles enter the Games Field entrance on Range Road.
Upon arrival, check into one of the QR codes which will be displayed clearly at each playing location.
Present both your vaccination certificate and check in validation to the COVID safe Marshall.
If you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms please stay at home.
Remain socially distanced and avoid gathering in groups.
Please use the clearly signed visitor bathrooms.
We appreciate your support and care with adhering to our COVID safe plan.
In the event of poor weather conditions please check Schoolbox for a cancellation notification. Unfortunately, we will not be running the Holt Café, please arrange alternative refreshments.
Our final week of term, Jamieson Week, is designed to involve all students in a major Community Service contribution alongside activities for whole year participation and preparation for the end of year Services. The week’s programme has had to be adjusted significantly to adhere to COVID guidelines, but it is anticipated that most events will be able to proceed in altered format. At the time of printing the newsletter there are still final details to be confirmed, however this will be posted on Schoolbox shortly. We can confirm that the Christmas Lunch, Sports Presentation and Frensham Carols (outdoors) will be going ahead during this week, along with a Communion Service on Thursday 9 December.
Confirmation Classes 2022
Confirmation classes will be available for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 from Term 1, 2022. The classes will be delivered by the Rector of St Jude’s Anglican Church, Bowral, Reverend Gavin Perkins and Youth Minister, Matt Jacobs. Further information will be available early next year.
The Ranier Uniform Shop and Clothing Pool
The Ranier Uniform Shop and the Clothing Pool are open to visitors and parents must be double vaccinated and observe COVID-19 safety protocols (QR code sign in and wear mask). Orders can be made online for subsequent collection.
Ranier Uniform Shop: Parents can order uniforms online through the Ranier website: https://www.ranier.com.au/
Clothing Pool: The Clothing Pool will be open on Mondays 12.00pm-4.00pm. Parents who wish to buy second-hand uniform items are asked to email clothingpool@frensham.nsw.edu.au listing the item/s and the relevant size/s.
FACULTY FOCUS
Mathematics
Maybe the COVID-19 pandemic has made us all better mathematicians….. terms like “flattening the curve”, “increasing at an increasing rate” and then thankfully “increasing at a decreasing rate” have become common terminology. Even more so, we were all very aware of the daily “stats” or “statistics” and watching the various “graphical displays” on screens and now we are being updated daily with the latest vaccination “percentages” on our way to normality. But, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in much more than this one positive thing, using mathematical terms in normal everyday language: it has given us a reminder and a much greater appreciation for the importance of community, classroom and personal interactions. As young people struggled to learn from home, and teachers struggled with Zoom after Zoom, students and parents’ gratitude for teachers, their skills, and their invaluable role in student wellbeing, has risen. And, teachers’ gratitude for face-to-face teaching, the smiles (even though obscured by masks), the laughs and the orchestrated reactions is immeasurable or perhaps “infinite”.
The Maths classrooms are certainly alive and well. Year 7 students have been studying the topics of Probability, Percentages and extending their knowledge of Algebra through learning techniques for solving equations. Students in Year 8 are studying Volume and Statistics, and using their technology to input and analyse data. Year 9 classes are covering a variety of topics in different classes, including Linear and Non-Linear Relationships and Volume. Year 10 girls are transitioning or “pivoting” into Year 11 students, and have just started their Year 11 Orientation, where they are able to experience the different mathematics courses for the first cycle, and then settle into starting proper their Year 11 programme of study in the second cycle. Year 11 students, now the new Year 12 class of 2022, have been working diligently all term on their Year 12 topics and will be completing their first HSC assessment tasks by the end of this term. Of course, we are so pleased that the Class of 2021, will be finally doing their HSC, on Monday 15 November: Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Standard and Mathematics Extension 2 Examinations. Students have managed well and worked with purpose and deserve this opportunity to formally complete their final year of study.
According to UNESCO, by the end of March 2020 over 1.5 billion pupils or 87 per cent of the world’s student population across 165 countries had been affected by school closures caused by COVID-19 and the pandemic has raised a number of questions about how education might look in the future. This experience has opened our eyes to a number of exciting possibilities; what role should technology play in the delivery of K-12 education and how will the technology landscape evolve to meet this role? What should schools, teachers, students and parents do to keep pace? How can student support, wellbeing and engagement continue to be improved? These are all questions being considered by teachers’ at Frensham as we are so pleased to be back in the classroom with our students.
Ms Joanne Alison, Head of Mathematics
Year 10 Senior Studies
On Wednesday 3 November, Year 10 finished their Stage 5 studies and moved into an exciting two-day Transition Programme, designed to celebrate the beginning of their senior studies, and give them an opportunity to be together, be creative and be future focussed.
The programme included two half-day creative workshops at Sturt, the completion of NESA’s All My Own Work programme, time to focus on future opportunities reflecting on their strengths, grit and character for senior study and examining career opportunities, looking at courses for university study framed by the strengths identified by their careers testing. The finale culminated in fun, physical games in the gym.
Sturt Programme: At Sturt the students choose to engage in one of six of the courses offered, with some of their creative experts:
MIXED MEDIA COLLAGE Students used the theme, portraits of the world, developing a work on paper using mixed media material. They also used collage techniques to construct a second work that enhanced the rich cultures of the world.
STITCH UP BOOK: Students created “Stitch Up A Book” using fabric for pages and scraps of repurposed fabric with embroidery stitches and collage, to create a textile book. Students created sample books of simple stitching in creative ways, using various threads, lace scraps and found ephemera.
CONTEMPORARY TEXTILES with Susan Walker. Students learned how to weave a wall hanging, purse and embroiderer a patch for a jacket or bag exploring contemporary textiles
HAND BUILDING CERAMICS Students explored making contemporary vessel forms using terracotta clay and coil construction. Surfaces were marked with a range of stamping and incising techniques and finished with highlights of colour.
JEWELLERY MAKING: Nature provides endless inspiration for many artists. Whether it is plants, flowers, animals, or insects etc., using an element of nature as the inspiration, students created one jewellery piece that explored their chosen topic. Through the design process, students sketched their inspiration and explored the forms along with their new jewellery making skills of cutting, texturing and soldering to create a unique finished nature-inspired jewellery piece.
MAKING SHAKER BOXES Students learned how to bend wood with hot water to make traditional oval boxes in the style of the American Shakers while exploring hand-crafting techniques. The bending of timber, sanding, nailing and finishing created a final product that could be beautifully finished with shellac and wax or a colourful milk paint.
The girls created beautiful handmade products and enjoyed the connection created through collaboration and creative endeavour.
NESA All my Own Work Programme
The girls completed the HSC: All My Own Work programme designed to help HSC students follow the principles and practices of good scholarship. The course develops their understanding, valuing and using ethical practices when locating and using information as part of their HSC studies.
The course is a requirement for eligibility for the HSC, and students must complete HSC:All My Own Work (or its equivalent) before they submit any work for Preliminary (Year 11) or HSC (Year 12) courses. The modules develop students' understanding of scholarship principles and practices, acknowledging sources, plagiarism, copyright and working with others - all essential skills for the HSC and beyond.
Future focussed self-reflection and career opportunities
The girls also completed the VIA strengths survey, Angela Duckworth’s Grit survey and a survey designed to help them reflect on their character and how this will help them with their senior studies. Each survey allowed girls to reflect on the strengths they can leverage for senior study and identify areas where they may need to work or require support.
Next, students considered their career testing results and the opportunities for tertiary study. They spent time with teachers asking questions and examining the possibilities for them in 2024. Finally, they finished the two days with some fun and physical exercise in the gym.
Year 10 students begin their orientation this week, giving them the opportunity to experience the subjects they have chosen to study in Year 11 and begin their life as senior students.
Congratulations to Year 10 on completing your junior studies; excitement and challenge await you in your senior studies.
Dr Ruth Phillips, Academic in Residence
Acknowledgements
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award recipients: Silver – Monique Andersson, Sarah-Joy Day, Judith Hopkins, Savannah Linde.
Frensham Debating Teams have progressed to the semi-finals of the AISNSW/NGS National Virtual Debating competition; the teams comprise - Year 8: Penelope Cay, Lauren Fox, Skye McLelland, Lucy Rouse, Sophia Windsor; Year 9: Bella Cay, Bea McDonald, Clara McDonald, Imogen Smith
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
It was with joy and enthusiasm that staff welcomed students back onto Frensham and Gib Gate campuses and into Boarding Houses for the recommencement of face-to-face classes for all students on Monday 25 October. School campuses are vibrant, dynamic, energetic places, and they only feel ‘complete’ with the sounds of students learning and laughing together. We have spent time this week reflecting with gratitude, for the ‘silver linings’ of the time spent learning and working from home, but also recognising the aspects of campus life that have been missed acutely over these past months. We have been so fortunate to have been able to still engage over technology whilst learning on campus was not possible, but nothing replaces the energy and what almost everyone describes as the “buzz” when people are back together – and those micro-moments of connection and collegiality start to reappear.
We are thinking and talking a lot at the moment about transitions, back to on-campus learning, into high school (for our Year 6 students), into life beyond school (our Year 12 students) and beginning Preschool or Kindy (for our youngest students). We all experience transitions throughout our lives — big and small, planned and unplanned. Transitions may be centred around something exciting, such as starting a new job or an addition to your family. They can also be prompted by distressing situations, such as the serious illness or loss of a loved one or the onset or fallout of a pandemic. Transitions can involve exciting changes, distressing ones, or even just milestones. It is in these times that our strengths, our knowledge and our skills, the depth of support in our community and our inherent human ability to adapt really come to the fore. It is natural to feel fearful, or uncertain, or stuck, when the ‘big scary thing’ looms, but these life transitions are where we must choose to take the steps and go through the process of turning our fear and anxiety into renewal and growth. It takes time, and a team effort, to work through the necessary phases of transition to a new way of being – as our state and nation start to reopen and reawaken.
It is no coincidence that a remarkable number of people turn to creative pursuits whilst undergoing major life transitions – they learn to dance, crochet, cook, paint; write poems, handwritten cards and thank-you notes, start journaling, write songs, make ceramics and myriad other activities. And of course, we yearn to return to live music, theatre and dance, supporting our vital artists but also nurturing and nourishing our souls. We will be singing together before we know it (we hope)!
We are grateful that the necessary adjustments to help keep our community safe at this time are only temporary and sincerely thank all members of our community for keeping track of these as they change so regularly. We are working together to maximise the opportunities for our students to reconnect as they adjust back to life on campus, as both Mrs Robson and Mrs Fawbert outline in this newsletter. Our current focus is very much on supporting student wellbeing as an essential foundation of learning, and on providing timely feedback to parents about how students are managing this transition process.
We have also been planning ahead, anticipating what our end of year celebrations and orientation programmes will entail. These will be discussed with both Gib Gate and Frensham Advisory Committees this week, and then published to our community next week.
The Ranier Uniform Shop and Clothing Pool: ordering uniform items
The Ranier Uniform Shop and the Clothing Pool are currently not open to visitors in person but orders are able to be made online for subsequent collection.
Ranier Uniform Shop: Parents can order uniforms online through the Ranier website: https://www.ranier.com.au/
Click and Collect orders will be distributed to students from Company Office and online delivery is also available.
Clothing Pool: Parents who wish to buy second-hand uniform items are asked to email clothingpool@frensham.nsw.edu.au listing the item/s and the relevant size/s. The manager of the Clothing Pool will be in touch regarding availability and collection.
Returning to Campus
Returning to Campus learning may be likened to the start of the academic year. Time is needed to reconnect with friends, before recommencing teaching and learning programmes. Establishing routines and connections with school staff is also important as this increases feelings of security and safety.
Year Coordinators and Form tutors have worked closely with students upon their return to campus, providing opportunities for students and staff to reconnect and re-establish their relationship. Connection Sessions were held on Monday, starting with time with Form Tutors and larger group activities scattered throughout the day focusing on engagement, laughter and of course, having FUN.
Connection Sessions
Years 7 and 8 students had fun creating a paper bag self-portrait. Working in groups and enjoying the company of friends, they happily chatted, reflecting on how they felt about being back at school. On the outside of the bag students drew and painted a caricature of themselves, emphasising notable features like hair colour and style. The inside of their paper bag was filled with written messages expressing their hopes and goals for the term ahead.
Year 9 girls participated in team building activities that include capture the Flag, getting-to-know-you Bingo and a range of team challenges. Year 10 students focused on working together and problem solving, using both verbal and non-verbal communication.
Year 11 created a Connection Tree – the tree was a place where all girls Years 7-12 girls hung a personalised leaf, on which they shared a positive message with the school community. The colourful tree stands outside the music rooms and provides words of kindness and thoughtfulness for all to enjoy through the course of our first few days back on campus.
Connection sessions will continue throughout the term in a variety of ways. Mental health and wellbeing will be supported through Year co-ordinator meetings, prefect peer support and mentoring sessions, and extended time given for student led activities. Explicit modelling and teaching of social and emotional learning skills will occur within the form programme, reminding girls of our school values and encouraging them to be part of the Frensham community once more.
Mrs Wendy Fawbert, Director of Character Education and Planning
FACULTY FOCUS
Languages
The Language classes have risen to the challenge of online working in Term 3, creating meaningful learning opportunities for all students. The interrelationship between correct pronunciation of letters, words and sounds, the ability to identify the beginning and end of sentences and the effect of all this on Listening skills has been a focus in all the French classrooms.
French
Visit a Year 7 class and you may see students rapping the French alphabet, while signing the letters, before undertaking some intensive vocabulary study on Quizlet and then a related Quiz on Schoolbox or sharing their knowledge of French foods on a group Padlet.
Students in Year 8 French have been learning how to describe people and their clothing and will record a video of themselves describing new friends, while the Year 9 French students are focusing on idiom, colloquialisms, and shopping in France.
The Year 10 French students started the term watching interviews on the streets of Paris where the locals were asked what they like to do on the weekend. They then collaborated on the Padlet platform to find similarities and differences with their own lives (there were more similarities).
The theme in the Year 12 2022 French class is the World of Work with a focus on building vocabulary and discerning grammatical differences through listening skills using the new listen function on the Kahoot! platform. In the new French Extension class we have started watching the prescribed film Intouchables.
We have spent quality time with the class of 2021 in focused workshops in French Continuers and Extension, working on authentic video and written texts, refining our skills in preparation for the HSC.
All French classes got cooking in the final week of Term 3 making crêpes and many families reaped the benefits. Here are a few images of our cooking classes:
Years 7-12 making crêpes
Latin
Year 8 Latin students have been continuing their study of both English and Latin grammar, including personal pronouns, adverbs the imperative form of the verb.
The girls enjoy coming up with and learning English derivatives for their Latin vocabulary, which not only helps them remember the meaning of the words when translating but also expands their English vocabulary, enhancing the quality of their academic writing across all subjects. Some derivatives from this Chapter include pugnacious from pugno (I fight), invincible from vinco (I conquer) and fidelity from fidus (faithful).
The cultural focus for this chapter is Olympian Gods and Goddesses which always sparks much interest. The students enjoyed noticing that many products today use gods and goddesses for brand names such as Vulcan (God of Fire)for fireplaces, Apollo (God of the Sun) for blinds and Mercury (Messenger God) for a Courier.
The Year 9 students have been consolidating their geographical knowledge of the Roman Empire by labelling a map with important countries, islands, towns and seas and translating the Story Cicero finds the tomb of Archimedes. Archimedes, 287BC - 212BC, was the most famous mathematician and inventor in Ancient Greece.
Through the historical theme, The Gauls Invade Rome, we readthe story about the Goddess Juno's sacred geese. The geese were the heroes of this story, as hearing the Gauls climb the Capitol hill, they started to cackle and beat their wings, waking one of the Romans who grabbed his sword and gave the alarm. The students were happy to discover that despite a great shortage of food, the geese had not been killed and eaten!
In Latin this term, Year 10 girls are revising complex grammatical structures such as the ablative absolute and translating passages about Horatius saving Rome from the last king of the Etruscans, Tarquinius Superbus. They are completing regular revision quizzes on grammar and vocabulary from the final chapters in the workbook via Schoolbox. Last term they presented well-researched and colourful video on Roman civilisations. Here are some maps of a typical Roman town:
Year 12 2022 has begun to study the prescribed prose text: Cicero's In Catilinam. This text is part of a set of speeches to the Roman Senate given in 63 BC by Marcus Tullius Cicero, one of the year's consuls, accusing a senator, Lucius Sergius Catilina (Catiline), of leading a plot to overthrow the Roman Senate. The Year 12 Extension 2022 class has begun its study of the prescribed poems of Catullus. The set of poems explores themes of friendship, rivalry, betrayal, love and relationships.
Mrs Kerry Lennon, Director of Languages
Acknowledgements
Girdle Award recipient, Emma Jancewicz (Academic Excellence – Visual Arts).
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award recipients: Silver – Pia D’Rozario, Elizabeth Nesci (Year 10).
Staffing
We are pleased to welcome Ms Sally Edwards, Director of Student Life (Boarding), commencing January 2022. Ms Edwards currently holds the position of Dean of Studies (Years 10-12) and Broughton Forrest House staff member at The King’s School, Parramatta. Spending many years with her family on their property on the outskirts of Mudgee, Sally is excited about combining her love of the semi-rural lifestyle with the community and spirit of Frensham.
At the end of 2021 we farewell:
Ms Louise Davis, HSIE, her contribution has been across a wide range of areas during her chapters of work spanning more than 20 years at Frensham Schools.
Ms Sara Farmer, Visual Arts, a talented artist, maker and teacher, has been working with Frensham Schools since 2012. Ms Farmer’s extended involvement includes Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards expeditions and Jamieson Programme activities.
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
The delivery of this edition of the Frensham Schools Newsletter was hampered last week by a prolonged internet outage, and we thank all staff, students and families for their patience for the delay. Whilst not ideal for anyone, this experience prompted us here on campus to work differently, to adapt to the situation in which we suddenly found ourselves in on Wednesday morning, and to exercise those agility muscles in determining ‘workarounds’ to keep our teaching and learning happening as smoothly as possible.
Over the past month in particular these muscles have had quite a workout for the team at Frensham Schools, and our community, as return dates for schools and statewide restrictions have changed at a rapid rate. It was wonderful to welcome back our Year 12 students to face-to-face teaching this morning, with a celebratory “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party” at morning tea to reconnect with each other after last term’s absence. Year 12 will be continuing with their workshop programme with their teachers over the coming weeks before their Stu-Vac study period prior to the commencement of the HSC. Kindy and Year 1 joined their Preschool peers.
We are also looking forward to welcoming back students in remaining year levels to face-to-face learning on Monday 25 October. Our campus arrangements will necessarily be a little different for students and staff, but after such a prolonged absence it will be wonderful to be back in person – physically distanced but socially reconnected. Our focus upon students’ return will be on supporting them in the adjustment they will be making – emerging from dining rooms and bedrooms and the online learning realm and returning to life on campus. There will be a range of emotions your children are feeling about this transition process, and each young person copes with change and transitions in a different way. We encourage families to talk openly with your child about their strengths, interests and challenges, and to contact the school to discuss any additional supports your child may require in this process.
Frensham Parent Seminar, Tiny Habits – Developing the habits for independent learning and beyond
We were pleased to welcome many parents to our recent parent seminar, delivered by our Academic in Residence, Dr Ruth Phillips. For those who were unable to join us or those who would like to review the topic discussed, we have included a link to a recording of the meeting: Frensham Tiny Habits - Developing the habits for independent learning and beyond
Access Passcode: Frensham-2021
2022 Term Dates
For planning, please note that 2022 Term Dates below and these can also be found on the website via the link: 2022 Term Dates
Term 1 – Gib Gate & Frensham* Monday 31 January - Thursday 7 April, 3.00pm
Term 2 – Gib Gate & Frensham* Wednesday 27 April - Thursday 23 June, 3.00pm
Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend – Departure: Thursday 9 June, 3.00pm – all students
Term 3 – Gib Gate & Frensham* Monday 18 July - Thursday 22 September, 3.00pm
Term 4 – Gib Gate & Frensham* Gib Gate: Tuesday 11 October - Friday 9 December Frensham: Tuesday 11 October - Sunday 11 December 12.00pm (after 11.00am Carol Service)
*Boarders always return evening before classes start
2022 Parents Weekend
Confirmed dates for attendance of all students Years 7-12
Term 1 Year 7: Saturday 26 - Sunday 27 February; Frensham Open Day – Saturday 26 February Year 10: Saturday 19 March - Sunday 20 March
Term 2 Year 8: Saturday 14 May - Sunday 15 May Year 12: Saturday 4 June - Sunday 5 June Frensham Schools Birthday: Friday 3 June Frensham’s 109th Birthday: Sunday 5 June
Term 3
Year 11:Saturday 6 August - Sunday 7 August
[Saturday 6 August: Year 10 planning for Senior Studies (with parents on Saturday)]
Year 9: Saturday 27 August - Sunday 28 August
Reminder: all of Years 7-12 attend Open Day and attend all Parent Weekend Services
Message from Berrima Buslines regarding updating Student Details for Bus Pass Applications
Please note: Transport NSW has updated it site for School Bus Pass Applications and Updates. The portal will be open from mid-October for 2022. Changes to student address details can now be made via this link: https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/ticket-eligibility-concessions/school-student-travel
Parents are asked to update details during Term 4, in preparation for the start of Term 1, 2022.
FACULTY FOCUS
English
Shelfies – Girls sharing their love of books and reading
In Term 3, we asked students to upload a “shelfie” to their School Box English page. This is a picture of themselves with a book they love in front of a bookshelf. They were asked to write an accompanying explanation as to why they enjoyed that book so much.
Some student samples include:
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is my favourite book because it is a beautiful love story that explores many themes like love, fatal flaws, war and harsh truths. It reflects me as a reader because concepts like the ones above are my favourites to discuss. I'm a Greek mythology nerd and the two main protagonists have very in-depth personalities which is what I read books for.
David Attenborough’s Adventures of A Young Naturalist, I like this book because it recounts incredible stories from David Attenborough’s many years studying wildlife and the natural world. It reflects my interest in the environment and my enjoyment of personal recounts and autobiographies. I enjoyed the phrase “we need to move beyond guilt and blame, and get on with the practical tasks at hand”.
The Places We Swim by Caroline Clements and Dillon Seitchik-Reardon. I love this book because I am a lover of all things beachy, this book shows the reader some of Australia's greatest swimming spots. It gives me something to look forward to after lockdown and the images are photographed so well. I love sitting on my front balcony and reading over the descriptions again and again, making up a little road trip in my head.
I like the Percy Jackson series, by Rick Riordan, because it is filled with action and adventure and sarcasm with mystery and light-hearted romance. It has characters with actual depth and morals. It brings in Greek mythology while making it entertaining. This series has an excellent story and is not rushed in the slightest!
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is about two young lovers who are able to make illusions. Their fate is to duel each other to death because of a 'game' that their caretakers have organised. I like this book because I can relate to Marco's personality. Also, I enjoy historical fiction; especially since this is set in late 19th Century London. I also heavily admire Erin Morgenstern's writing style and the effective use of third person.
AHIGS Festival of Speech
The Festival of Speech (then known as the Independent Girls Schools Speaking Competition) was first held in NSW in 1996. The inaugural Festival, spanning Friday evening and all-day Saturday, was hosted by Kincoppal, Rose Bay, and attended by 15 schools. Frensham was one of the earliest participants.
Today the Festival continues to be hosted annually by an AHIGS members’ school. Some 27 schools now participate, and students have the opportunity to perform in the areas of drama, debating, poetry, prose readings, current affairs and religious and ethical questions. The Festival is open to girls from Years 7 to 11 and offers an important focal point for skill development, personal expression, teamwork and friendship.
Continuing Frensham’s involvement in the competition, the English and Drama Faculties have been preparing the girls for the 2021 Virtual Competition which was hosted by Pymble Ladies College on the 15 and 16 October. Heidi Jervis is congratulated on her achievement of progressing to the top 10 finals for Senior Public Speaking.
This year’s participants:
Seniors
Senior Poetry: Sarah-Joy Day (Year 10). Coach: Ms Shannon
Senior Public Speaking: Heidi Jervis (Year 10). Coach: Mrs Metua
Religious and Ethical Questions: Yusra Chalak, Eliza Hewson (Year 11), Evelyn Doan (Year 10). Coach: Mrs Dalleywater
Debating: Bella Cay, Clara McDonald, Bea McDonald, Rosie Mahony (reserve) (Year 10). Coach: Ms Scotting
Juniors
Junior Public Speaking: Elizabeth Laverty (Year 8). Coach: Ms Arnold
Junior Reading: Alice Fergusson (Year 9). Coach: Ms McGuinness
Junior Poetry: Katherine Clifton (Year 9). Coach: Ms Shannon
Ms Lee McGuinness, Head of English
Science
Year 7 Science classes are continuing their study of the Life topic. From a study of classification systems and scientific names to cells and the organisation of multicellular organisms, students are introduced to the basics of the study of Biology. Their assessment task this term involves researching an Australian native animal and creating a poster using Canva or cardboard.
Year 8 students have just started the Living Sustainably unit and are discovering the different ways we currently produce energy and renewable resource technologies being developed, such as biofuels. They are going to apply this knowledge in a task where Grand Designs meets Greta Thunberg by creating their own sustainable house with architectural and design features that satisfy a sustainable development goal of their choosing.
Year 9 students have started studying Communication, a topic about waves, the electromagnetic spectrum, light and sound. So far, they have modelled the two different types of waves and can calculate the speed of a wave using the wave equation. They will move on to investigating how scientists utilise the properties of the waves of the electromagnetic spectrum to development new technologies, which change the way we are able to communicate information. These technologies including satellites, mobile phones and the internet have had a major impact on our daily lives.
Year 10 classes are nearing the end of their final module. Each class has rotated through a Biology, Chemistry and Physics unit to help them make better informed decisions about their subject choices in Years 11 and 12. The Chemistry class has been focusing on the products of common chemical reactions. By studying these chemical reactions and the compounds formed, scientists can provide practical applications in rust prevention, combustion, precipitation, and decomposition reactions.
Year 12 2021 classes have been participating in seminars to revise different aspects of their HSC courses. Our Biologists have had a presentation on Gel Electrophoresis and its applications by Jeannette Tran from STEM Reactor. Dr Jeanette Hurst, academic and specialist Chemistry tutor, delivered a lecture to Year 12 Chemistry students on the analysis of organic compounds using the techniques of Mass Spectroscopy, Infra-Red Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. A key component of the HSC course.
Mrs Alison Andrew, Head of Science
Music
The recording of AMEB video repertoire examinations continue with recorded accompaniment parts at student homes, in conjunction with detailed guidance from their tutors. Some students recorded their examinations in the vacation, these were reviewed and submitted. Accompaniment tracks have been sourced and recorded for this to occur.
25 further AMEB practical examinations have now been enrolled, which will allow students to record until the end of October, when the 2021 examining year finishes. Frensham has flute, horn, piano, saxophone and violin entries. Nine AMEB practical, and 7 Musicianship examinations have already been submitted this year, and at least seven Musicianship examinations are still to be completed.
Resilience and determination have been demonstrated by tutors and students alike to reach this point, along with a notable amount of practice!
Mr Michael Spencer, Head of Music
Careers: important information for Year 12, 2021 and Year 12, 2022
Year 12, 2021 students are commended for their hard work in applying for Early Entry courses. Almost all of the 2021 cohort have either applied directly to institutions’ early entry programmes or they have nominated for UAC’s Schools Recommendation Scheme, where offers will be made mid-November. Some students have already received offers and more will be following in the coming months.
It seems that Universities are being very generous due to the challenge of Covid with some notable last minute early entry schemes, for example:
UOW Alternative Entry students can:
Apply for 1 UOW undergraduate course
Be assessed on Year 11 academic results (not ATAR) and your unique skills and experiences
Secure an offer to UOW before HSC exams commence in November** (**Applications close 24 October)
They are hosting a dedicated UOW Alternative Entry webinar on 12 October at 6:00 pm.
Western Sydney University
Western’s HSC True Reward Early Offer Program provides students an early offer based on their HSC results instead of a scaled ATAR
Students can apply by 11.59pm 28 November for the next True Reward based on Year 11 results with offers released on 9 December
Year 12 students are now in the process of exploring various scholarship opportunities. Students are encouraged to research these via each University’s website but some to note include:
UOW Vice-Chancellor’s Elite Academic Scholarship
Rural Pharmacy Scholarship Scheme
University of Newcastle LGBTQIA+ Shaping Futures Scholarship
UNSW Mike Cannon-Brookes Endowed Scholarship
Macquarie Vinva Scholar Award (Macquarie University)
Melbourne Chancellors Scholarship
University of Sunshine Coast June Canavan Regional Scholarship
James Cook University Cullinane Law Scholarship
James Cook University Elite Athlete Scholarship
For the new Year 12, 2022 cohort
UNSW GIE FEAS Program: Launching in 2022 for high school girls in Years 11 and 12, the GIE FEAS (the Faculty of Engineering Admissions Scheme) Program is a new alternate pathway to UNSW Engineering that recognises students’ engagement with the UNSW Girls in Engineering Club and passion for engineering. For more information visit: UNSW GIE FEAS Programme (engineering)
Acknowledgement to:
Interschool Snowsports Honour Roll 2021 – award recipients Elke Arnott (Vice Captain of Snowsports), India Hicks, Georgia Hill, Sophia Pernice (Captain of Snowsports), Emily Shorthouse (Vice Captain of Snowsports) in recognition for their long term Interschool Snowsports participation and acknowledgement that they finished their schooling without the opportunity to compete in the 2021 Interschools Snowsport Championships.
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award recipients: Gold: Millicent Bolger (2020), Natasha Long, Ivy McGufficke (Year 12); Silver: Sarah Glanville (Year 12), Matilda Walker (Year 11); Bronze: Chloe Kennedy-Green (Year 10).
We particularly congratulate Gold recipients from Year 12 2021 Natasha and Ivy, for the commitment required to complete all four elements, and the sustained effort and time investment required to receive this level of recognition.
Frensham’s debating team for its participation in the AHIGS Festival of Speech, with Heidi Jervis (Year 10) progressing to the top 10 finals.
Girdle Award recipient, Sarah Brown – Academic Excellence (Design and Technology).
As we reach the end of Term 3, we reflect with gratitude and appreciation amidst the challenges brought about by COVID-19 restrictions, and the need for sacrifice and compromise in order to keep our state safe during this current outbreak. We have this term reflected upon the character strengths of persistence, resilience, patience, humility and gratitude, and explored their relevance for our current circumstances.
Earlier this week, the US Open saw both Australian tennis superstar Dylan Alcott and Deide De Groot of the Netherlands achieve the “Golden Slam” – winning titles at the Australian and French Open, Wimbledon, an Olympic Gold for each player in their respective events, then topping it all off with a US Open win. What persistence, perseverance and resolve must these sportspeople have had to cultivate and demonstrate in order to reach the very top of their game in the world? How many times must they have thought that the journey ahead of them was too difficult, too long, or too arduous? How many times in their sport must they have had to re-commit to their goals, re-focus on the future after a disappointment or loss, strive and persist through difficult conditions or injury? It is inspiring to see such positive role models of the human spirit,
We also very much enjoyed the video message shared by School for Life this week, a school we are closely connected with through Old Girl founder Annabelle Chauncy OAM. Girls in Uganda sharing their experiences of learning from home during COVID highlighted the significant work of School for Life in supporting girls’ education and was a powerful exercise in perspective for students and staff alike.
Frensham students have persisted and persevered – particularly Year 12 in their final week of classes - and are finishing the term strongly and positively after a couple of challenging months. We recognise our student and staff determination to finish well, to reflect upon and recognise the lessons we have all learned over the course of this term. Year 12 are oftentold that their final year is a marathon, not a sprint - and this year there seem to be a few laps added by stealth at the end. We know Year 12 can do it, and they will strengthen and grow through the process. We look forward to being able to farewell and celebrate you in person next term. For now, we say thank you – and keep going – and we will be here with you, as your team, cheering you on.
We reflect with gratitude on the term that has been – for everyone’s efforts under trying circumstances, for our health, safety and access to education when so many in the world do not have the same. For the technology that lets us keep connected with friends, classmates, teachers and family members around Australia and around the world. For the sustained efforts of our teachers and staff, who have continued to pivot and flex at very short notice and have toiled in a most extraordinarily committed manner.
Our term concludes this afternoon with the induction of our Student Leaders for 2022, where we will gather in a virtual space via Zoom instead of the usual Service format in our beloved Clubbe Hall. We invite all families to join us for the Leadership Induction Service which commences at 2.00pm on Zoom and requires attendance from all students. It is a formal recognition of Year 12, 2022 student leaders and is an important occasion, recognising and celebrating the role that these girls play in the leadership of the School in the year ahead. All students are required to wear their fullWinter Uniform for this service and we ask for those attending to be online at 1.55pm to enable us to commence promptly.
It is with great anticipation that we look forward to the return of students to campus during Term 4. Whilst it is not possible to confirm exact arrangements at this time, given the ever-changing status of LGA restrictions, we will be continuing to plan across the upcoming holiday period for the term ahead, in light of anticipated updated information and guidelines being provided. A draft schedule will be posted on Schoolbox today, along with a survey designed to provide the opportunity for feedback and suggestions for our planning. As the government announced earlier in August, school staff will be required to be fully vaccinated by 8 November and we encourage all families to pursue vaccinations for students aged 12 and above to assist us in keeping safe as a community and being able to return to full campus operations as soon as possible.
We wish all students, staff and families a safe and restful vacation ahead.
FACULTY FOCUS
Music
Term 3 2021, with most of our community isolated at home, will be remembered as the term where we were unable to enjoy those powerful elements of the Frensham culture that are so reliant on us all being together on campus. One of the most memorable and most affected of those elements is our coming together for singing and music making, and yet, despite these challenging times, students and staff continue to make and enjoy music together.
While Morning Prayers on ZOOM regularly features Mr Spencer playing the keyboard and singing the daily hymn, musicians from Years 7-12 have also sent in videos of themselves playing their instruments for the “Processional” and singing the hymns. Similarly, the School Services for Years 9 and 11 featured video compilations of singers from those year groups delivering the hymns for us to enjoy, and currently, singers across the school are sending in videos of themselves singing the School Hymn for the Leadership Induction Service on Thursday.
Choir rehearsals and performances are always the first to be impacted by COVID-19 restrictions but, this term, the Madrigals achieved something they have not done since 2012; filmed at the close of Term 2, they submitted their videos and won both their sections in the Sydney Eisteddfod and then went on to be named Australasian Choral Champion for U/19 Choirs.
It was a sad moment for Frensham’s HSC Music students when they were told that they no longer needed to practise for their final performance examinations, as these were unable to be held this year. Despite this, our community was still able to enjoy their performances, filmed at their Trial Examinations at the beginning of the term, via Vimeo: 2021 HSC Music Performances.
While ZOOM is not ideal for musical sound, individual Music tuition has continued online again this term, reflecting the great goodwill and commitment of Frensham musicians and staff alike. We all look forward to coming out of lockdown and being able to enjoy the fruits of our musicians’ labours in person once more.
Mr Michael Spencer, Head of Music
Visual Arts and Design & Technology
A major focus for both Visual Arts and Design & Technology during Term 3 has been to reach the best possible outcomes for Year 12 students completing major projects in these subjects. During the term, both students and teachers had to navigate their way through changes made by NESA to the parameters of submission of both Visual Arts Bodies of Work and Design & Technology Major Design Projects. In normal circumstances, these projects are submitted by approximately mid Term 3; this year, the submission dates moved closer to the end of term.
While there have been some significant challenges for all in terms of resolving major projects, I would like to focus on things we must celebrate. Firstly, beyond the actual work, it is imperative that we acknowledge the resilience and determination of all students during this process. When faced with limited access to specialist materials and equipment, actual physical separation from their work, delays in sending or receiving packages of work, and of course, live one-to-one discussions with their teachers, our students stood tall. With the support of staff, every student took some personal responsibility for solving whatever issue they faced in terms of resolving their work, and in doing so, demonstrated great strength of character. One element that put our students in a good position to deal with the challenges of Term 3 was the sustained work undertaken throughout Semester 1 which meant that broadly, the essential frameworks of projects were in place.
Year 7 Visual Arts in lockdown – sculptural head dress from materials to hand
Taking into account many unavoidable barriers which negated full resolution of projects for some, I would like to commend the students for the outstanding collective standard of work produced in Year 12 Visual Arts and/or Design & Technology. Present in the major works of 38 students are exquisite skill, diversity, cleverness, sensitivity and refinement.
Presently, the faculty is exploring ways to be able to share these projects with our wider community. Clearly, any physical exhibition under current restrictions appears to be problematic and therefore unlikely. Discussions at this point revolve around exploring effective ways to potentially share the work in a virtual format.
Pivoting has become a familiar term during 2021, and subjects with a significant practical component have needed to pivot substantially. Many planned making tasks have needed to be adjusted or postponed to suit an online environment. In Visual Arts, Design & Technology and STEM classes throughout Years 7-11, we have adapted tasks where necessary to embrace or extend digital processes. Practical work in both Design & Technology and STEM is often underpinned by computer-based technologies, so much of planned Term 3 work has been possible. In Visual Arts, we have consistently used parts of the Adobe suite (particularly Photoshop) extensively as a tool to develop compositions for painting, printmaking and drawing. While many students possessed a good skills base with this software, moving to a making environment where programmes like Photoshop have been used not just as a tool, but as a way to make a resolved artwork, has been an opportunity, not a hinderance. It will be interesting to see whether we see an uptake in the exploration of Photomedia and Graphic Design as Expressive Forms in the HSC in 2022 and beyond. For some students, employing this software more extensively may well have opened a creative pathway for them moving forward.
Mr Phil Alldis, Head of VA & DAT
Drama
How will people remember the dramatic chaos of the Class of 2021? Through the poofy moustache of the Lorax bouncing onto the stage? Through the frustrated blehs, ahhs and stutterings made during truly intense scenes as the lines slipped our minds? In the dent made by Ms Shannon in the cupboard from a very believable session of method acting, or in the small dent in the drama studio floor made by a girl performing a very passionate monologue with a cricket bat? Or will it be through the notably attractive faces of characters in top hats, leather jackets and fake-male jawlines? Though the pandemic may have cast a shadow over the light of performers around the world, it certainly has not dimmed the legacy of our time here at Frensham. Now, at the conclusion of our final Act, the drama students from the Class of 2021 can take our bows and reflect on the rollercoaster of our experiences:
Scene One - Year 7: Zip, Zap, Zop!
Where it all began. As we stepped into the Drama Studio for the first time, there it was. The stage, clear. The lights, bright, and a room full of possibility. What we did not know was that we were now stepping into the place we would see as a second home for the next six years, a place where we felt most comfortable and a place, we have made some of our best memories. From our class games and story book staging in Year 7, this was the perfect introduction to a world of drama. Collaborative and creative games was the ultimate way to immediately get our interest and gave the best opportunity for all of us to get to know each other in a fun and exciting environment.
Scene Two - Year 8: Footstools and Foliage
Our starring roles in our first Junior Production:Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes, were as large as footstools and the letter L in the word ‘love’, learning the importance of the ensemble in creating theatre. We longed to escape our roles as props in the End of Year Musical, only to play the forks, napkins and pepper shakers in Beauty and the Beast, a rather interesting experience playing a singing spoon, but one of our favourites so far.
Scene Three - Year 9: Green Eggs and Ham
This was even bigger and better as we were now the older ones in the junior productions, and suddenly had gone from looking up at the main parts to being luckily enough to take them on. As we tackled the masterpiece and all engaging works of Dr Seuss, we all worked together to our strengths to put on a funny, warm, and great show, and I think was perhaps a valuable time when we saw how worth it long practices and regular rehearsals truly are.
Scene Four - Year 10: To Life!
We formed unbreakable bonds as we sang Amazing Grace and acted out our worst nightmares using Brecht, making Mrs Hannah cry, and having us all reaching for the tissues. We performed our first monologues to Jasper Jones. We nervously auditioned for our first lead roles and danced as Russians in the unexpected joy of Fiddler on the Roof, forever yelling out ‘Tradition!’ as we counted the steps; one, two, three, stop!
Scene Five - Year 11: Did Someone Say M@cb3th?
Now in our senior years, we started to find ourselves fully absorbed by the genius works of playwrights Chekhov and Brecht in class as we took on more challenging, and more absurdist pieces. As well as this we found ourselves absorbed by none other than Shakespeare himself, learning lines and doing table reads of his famous Macbeth. However, with a modern twist. This was our first time entering the world of a senior birthday play, where we would get to perform to staff, parents and girls for a once-a-year special event and the birthday of our school. And yet, the curse of the Scottish play meant that our access to the stage was limited, surrendering out first roles to the radio play and looking instead to our End of Year Production. Greasewas an experience we will never forget, from fighting over who would be the five singers in each song, to flipping off cars to a screaming chorus, we will forever be grateful for the way this musical brought us closer and sparked joy in our peers during a time of COVID.
Scene Six - Year 12: ...and yet.
Hope. A year spent hoping. We hoped for opportunities as we organised musical theatre concerts and theatre sports competitions. We hoped until it hurt that I Have Five Daughterscould go ahead without any pandemic hiccups. We hoped we would remember all our wordy lines about it being “prodigious hot”. We hoped our families would be able to see our Major Works. In vain we struggled against forces we could not change. A struggle which, at times, made it hard to keep a polished twinkle in our eyes. And yet we conjured lots of “oohs and ahhs” as we told stories to our friends, we fostered smiles which for a moment lost sight of the rising cases, we made hope in places where hope was hard to find. In a time of theatrics, we created hope through theatre, we made our own opportunities, forged our own paths; we organised film festivals and laughed as we tried to remember what happened to Scar in The Lion King, attempting to tell the story to our peers.
We became living proof that no matter how dismal life becomes, art will always create an ‘and yet’.
To conclude what has been a rollercoaster of six years, for us, there are perhaps very few words to describe drama at Frensham that could truly capture the infinite fun we have had, memories we will cherish forever, and lessons we have learnt as our passion for performance has only grown each year.
It has certainly been one of a kind and we have loved every minute.
So, to all the young stars, keen musical theatre singers and stage dancers, as your high school years continue, we hope that drama at Frensham can bring you just as much joy and fun as it has for us.
Georgie Hill and Eleanor Swan, Heads of Drama 2021
Mrs Sally Hannah, Head of Drama
Acknowledgement to:
Recent award recipients: Iris – Grace Lewis, Eleanor Swan, Jessica Billet, Madeleine Mulligan (All Round Excellence); Girdle – Alexandra Crawford (Academic Excellence), Sophie Rodwell (Sport), Georgia Hill (Academic Excellence and Service to Drama), Sophie Perkins (Service to Music).
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award recipients: Silver – Lara Kyriazis (Year 11), Darcy Maple-Brown, Edie Staniforth (Year 10); Bronze – Gracie Hindmarsh, Monique Andersson (Year 10).
Gib Gate Tournament of Minds (TOMs) Team was awarded Primary School Honours at the recent online Ceremony.
Gib Gate students as they said farewell to Year 12, 2021 Gib Gaters. This year, the annual celebration was held via Zoom.
Staffing update:
Ms Janene van Gogh, Director of Studies, will be taking Long Service Leave during Term 4.
We welcome: Mrs Katelyn Williamson returns to Gib Gate in 2022, as Maternity Leave cover for Miss Stefanie Klauer.
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
Embracing the sense of optimism and enthusiasm – a spring clean!
We wish all members of the Frensham Schools community a very happy Spring, and hope and trust that wherever you are at this time, there are signs of new growth, Spring warmth and blossom scent in the air. Spring is typically known as the season when new growth begins and changes happen all around us. Snowdrops, daffodils, and of course irises are starting to bloom. The magnolias at Sturt, the daffodils at Gib Gate and the blossoms are out on Range Road, lifting our emotions and signalling a new season ahead. It’s a reminder that the cycle of life is starting over again, trees are in bud, and blossom is starting to appear, so it’s not surprising that Spring is also seen as the start of better times. It’s an opportunity to be less lethargic and inclined to hibernate at home, becoming more open to changes, big and small, in our lives. Approaching September with a sense of possibility, renewal, and regrowth is an optimistic outlook to take, even if a positive outlook is something we must deliberately cultivate in these challenging circumstances.
Springtime has always been thought of as a time for change, as we can embrace that sense of optimism and enthusiasm by having a good clear out – a spring clean. Spring cleaning is valuable to us as a way of clearing out any clutter from our homes and lives and bringing in the new, symbolising new beginnings. These new beginnings can be tiny – little daily steps that help us build a new habit or reframe our mindset. It’s a great time for students to start being more active – even whilst spending more time in front of a computer than whilst on campus, to use their break times well and to get moving whenever possible. I’ve seen lots of photos shared and girls on Zoom who are obviously helping in their local community and at home, demonstrating their community spirit, their generosity, and their service mindset.
This is also an opportunity for us all to pause when we see the sunrise, or perhaps the sunset, to really name and notice the changes around us and within us as the light and smells change. To set our intention for the day or days ahead, to welcome the opportunity for the new beginning inherent in each day, to make a positive contribution in the small, individual ways each of us is able to during this time. These changes can be seen in the way that we work, how we organise ourselves, how we connect with other people and how we go about our day.
We appreciate all submissions to the various school surveys that have been undertaken over this past term to help inform our future planning. These surveys have included communications, catering, Stage 4 and 5 curriculum and online learning. In the coming days all parents will receive a further link to assist with some work we are currently undertaking with a consultancy firm around our school marketing and communications. This brief survey (10 minutes) will invite your views on the perceptions and value of a Frensham Schools education. All responses will remain anonymous and confidential. Thank you, in advance, for taking the time to provide your feedback.
Boarding
“When it comes to health and well-being, regular exercise is about as close to a magic potion as you can get.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
Before Breakfast, early morning signouts for swimming, running, team training, gym use, and a variety of other fitness activities are a regular feature and an important part of Boarding life.
After a busy day of classes, the Boarders often race back to the Houses to quickly change in readiness for afternoon activities, either as part of team sports or for personal fitness. Saturday mornings are always a hive of activity, as all Boarders make their way to the Games Field and courts for the range of Saturday sport activities. The weekend programme often features swimming, bushwalking, physical fitness and outdoor games, so that exercise is also incorporated into the programme in a fun way.
Although most Boarders are not on campus at the moment, we are enjoying hearing about how they are continuing to stay active - whether that be through the IGSA online Saturday competition, the Strava challenges set up by the PDHPE Faculty or the small group and individual initiatives such as bike riding, bush walking and horse riding. The activities built into our Boarding programme are an acknowledgment of the important role that exercise plays in our wellbeing, and we are delighted to know that girls are continuing to carry on the exercise habits, developed at school, into their learning from home routines.
Ms Amanda Graham, Director of Boarding and Ms Sally Arnold & Ms Sally Fennell, Deputy Heads of Boarding
FACULTY FOCUS
Science
According to UNESCO “To face sustainable development challenges, governments and citizens alike must understand the language of science and must become scientifically literate.” This has never been more important than in the world today when we are bombarded with messages about Covid-19 and climate change. Through questioning and seeking solutions to problems, students develop an understanding of the relationship between science and technology and its importance in the current and future practice of science. By sifting through information from primary and secondary sources and evaluating its validity and reliability, students learn how to make informed decisions about issues affecting all of us, both locally and globally.
Student Research Projects (SRPs) are an important part of Stages 4 and 5 Science. These involve investigating an area of interest, writing a hypothesis, designing and carrying out an experiment and writing a detailed report. Year 10 students have carried out their SRP as this term’s assessment task. It was more challenging than usual as most students were at home and so had to use whatever equipment was available. Despite this difficulty some excellent projects were carried out including
Has the use of PFAS during bushfire fighting had an impact on the water and soil quality in Shoalhaven? - Heidi Jervis
Behavioural impacts of environmental enrichment on individual caged rabbits – Charlotte Hopperton
Does altering surfboard volume have a measurable effect on paddle speed? – Clara McDonald
Which natural antimicrobials inhibit bacterial growth? – Sarah-Joy Day
How do different exercises affect heart rate? – Darcy Maple-Brown
Communicating scientific ideas and discoveries to the world is a complicated task, scientists and science enthusiasts like Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Bill Nye and David Attenborough make every effort to share their passion for science to audiences worldwide. For the Year 9 assessment task for this term, students were required to make a short video (between 1 and 3 minutes) to communicate a scientific concept, finding or problem to the general public. They were assessed not only on their video but also on how they worked together as a team. Some of the topics included
Why is Covid-19 so contagious?
Wormholes in the Space/Time Continuum
How much water do you need to drink in a day?
What is one thing that you can do today to save the Great Barrier Reef?
What makes nuclear bombs so dangerous?
Another way scientists communicate is through the use of models. Models can help us to understand concepts that are too small or too large to see. The process of building a model also helps students to remember concepts more easily. Year 9 students recently made models of isotopes using whatever materials they could find at home, from Scarlett Francis (left) and Susannah Gooden (right).
Mrs Alison Andrew, Head of Science
Agriculture
While learning@home has been challenging for many, any challenges that may have faced the Agriculture Faculty have been tempered by willing workers. There have been plenty of reports in the media recently, about a lack of farm workers who are critically needed during harvest times and to complete general farm work. COVID-19 related National and State border restrictions and restricted movement between LGAs has caused many problems in the Australian agriculture industry. Many producers have had to plough crops back into the soil or leave produce to rot on the trees due to a lack of staff to help with the harvest. This obviously has flow on effects due to the subsequent lack of income from sales of their produce. This situation is being replicated at Holt Farm and the Ag plot with all Agriculture students having returned home for the current lockdown. In a ‘normal’ year, the Year 10 Agriculture class are usually responsible for the care and welfare of the school sheep flock which includes feeding and lamb marking. Lamb marking includes vaccination, ear tagging, tail docking and castration and the students are involved with undertaking of or assistance in these animal husbandry practices. However, as the whole Year 10 Agriculture class is learning@home, I was in need of assistance recently to complete these tasks. Ms McGarry generously offered her time to not only assist in the feeding and checking of livestock on a weekend but also to catch and hold lambs and to vaccinate the lambs during lamb marking. Although a first-time experience for Ms McGarry, she quickly picked up the skills required and enthusiastically threw herself into the tasks. I would like to offer my thanks on behalf of myself and the Year 10 Ag class for her willing and generous efforts in helping out with the sheep flock.
Another group of keen workers who stepped up to fill a gap were Ruby Young and Chloe White (Year 8) and Emily Webb (Year 12) who, during Science Week, buried some underpants as part of the University of New England’s ‘Soil Your Undies’ challenge. In eight weeks’ time, the underpants will be dug up on National Cotton Day (hopefully by some returning Ag students) to investigate the decomposition rates of the school’s soils.
A small but eager group of Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 students, who are currently learning on campus, are collecting eggs daily and caring for the welfare of the laying hens and pullets at the AG plot. Again, these students do not study Agriculture but have generously offered their service each day to assist me and to ensure the animals are being well looked after.
L-R: Willing 'on campus' workers collecting eggs, Ruby Young and Chloe White (Year 8) preparing to 'soil their undies', Ruby Young (Year 8), Emily Webb (Year 12) and Chloe White (Year 8) burying underpants
My thanks and appreciation go to all who are ensuring the farm and AG plot are still productive at this time.
Ms Leonie Mutch, Coordinator of Agriculture
Careers
As Year 12 students move into their final weeks of School, they have been reminded of the following tertiary deadlines and notices (detailed information is also available in the Year 12 section of Schoolbox, Schoolbox Careers):
Complete Early Entry applications as any remaining schemes are due in the next few weeks. (See Schoolbox Careers or visit each institution's website for more information).
USYD E12 (early entry) application - see the webinar notes on how to best answer the three questions. Closes Sunday 19 September.
If students are applying for the Education Access Scheme (via UAC) – they are reminded to start preparing supporting documents e.g. medical certificates/reports etc. This may take practitioners longer than usual given the current circumstances.
Pay for their UAC application by Tuesday 28 September. After this date the fee increases.
If students are applying interstate, please visit each state’s university admission centre to make their application and be aware of closing dates.
Apply for a college if they intend to attend in 2022.
Research and apply for scholarships (See Schoolbox Careers or visit each institution’s website).
Open Days are happening in every institution over the next few weeks. (See Schoolbox Careers or visit each institution’s website).
Jamieson Programme
Year 9 students are to be congratulated on their effort in submitting their Cambridge IGCSE Individual Research projects under the current conditions. The topics chosen explored some of the most challenging global issues, and it is notable the way in which students embraced learning about the different perspectives, whilst firmly articulating their own personal responses. The girls will now be embarking on preparation for the examination in Term 4, which will entail lessons to develop their critical-thinking skills - identifying bias, facts and opinion through a range of sources on important global issues and learning to reason with evidence. Students will also practice using past examination papers along with utilising a response scaffold that prepares them for the different types of questions asked.
Year 9 students enjoyed a presentation in Week 7 from Tom Carter who was the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Women’s Rugby Sevens Team who played in the recent Tokyo Olympics. Girls were intrigued to hear about Mr Carter’s Olympic journey and experiences and the way in which he inspired the team to perform at the highest level. He also gave some candid advice on subject selection and university choices and how students should not be put off doing something just because they find an area challenging.
Girls continue their community service efforts through knitting scarves and hand-warmers for local nursing home residents. Mrs Alison Andrew and Ms Jackie Dalton, Fellowship Liaison, have also arranged for Year 9 students to hand-write personal letters to the elderly Frensham alumni to cheer them up now that lockdown has been extended.
Mrs Kate Gallagher is planning an exciting Term 4 for Year 9 with a focus on ethical consumerism and financial literacy workshops, and we look forward to catching up on some of the activities postponed because of Covid-19.
Mrs Merrilee Harris, Director of Jamieson Programme & Activities and Careers
IGSA Lockdown Tournament
Over the past 5 weeks, Frensham students have been participating in an online fitness competition. IGSA schools were invited to participate in this event in an effort to break down the physical and social barriers created by the current lockdown environment and provide some healthy competition amongst schools. Sessions consisted of physical workouts as well as inspirational talks from current and past elite athletes. Students received individual points every week based on their participation, interaction and demonstration of school spirit.
The final results are in and it is exciting to note that we finished in first place! Congratulations to all girls who took up this challenge!
Ms Erin Gray, Head of Sport
Acknowledgement to:
Recent Iris award recipients Isabelle Promnitz (All Round Excellence) and Grace Amos (Service to Singing).
Frensham Madrigals for their success at the Sydney Eisteddod by winning both their sections: Youth Choir for Females (U19) and Youth Vocal Ensemble (U19). The Madrigals then competed in the John Lamble Foundation Australasian Championships for Youth Choirs (U19), for which, with great excitement, they were placed first. The two winning performances included 'Tulit Ergo' by Michael Spencer and 'Since You've Been Gone' by Aretha Franklin.
Shortlisted in the Whitlam Institute What Matters? Writing Competition 2021, from over 5,500 entries: Scarlett Alldis (The Endless Platter) and Phoebe Rouse (Fire) (Year 10).
Duke of Edinburgh's International Award participants: Gold: Madeleine Mulligan, Annabelle Ranken, Georgia Shakeshaft (Year 12); Silver: Zoe Gallagher, Mia Greig, Sarah Hunter (Year 11), Emilie McMurtrie (Year 10); Bronze: Poppy Jensen (Year 11); Olivia Faulkner, Meg Jones, Zoe Logan, Alice Mitchell, Jemima Mutton, Sarah Partland, Hannah Perkins, Jessica Savage, Inka Wilson (Year 10).
Australian History Competition - High Distinction: Sophie Hassall, Millie Moar, Eliza Mulligan (Year 10); Elizabeth Laverty, Bliss Ow-Yang, Sophia Windsor (Year 8). Distinction: Matilda Damiani, Sarah-Joy Day, Bearte McDonald, Clara McDonald, Summer Oxley, Hannah Perkins, Amalia Scales (Year 10); Anna Fagan, Georgia Rapp, Ella Scott, Ruby Young (Year 8).
Maya Basson (Year 11) competing at official Equestrian Australia/Eventing NSW events this year was placed third overall in the 1* class in the NSW Equestrian Interschools Eventing leaderboard and qualified for selection to National Interschools event 2021.
Frensham achieved first place the IGSA Sport Lockdown Tournament.
Gib Gate Tournament of Minds team members of Amelia Blackshaw, Ana McInnes, Isla McVinish, Sofia Nesci (Year 6), Matilda Spong, Edward Vilo and Annabelle Whyte-Cleaver (Year 5), who successfully completed and submitted their online team solution after creatively reworking their performance into digital format.
Gib Gate students who are continuing to work on the whole school musical, The Aristocats, while Online Learning – singing, acting and dancing on Zoom.
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
Flexibility, adaptability, creativity, persistence, resilience, grit and good humour
Gratitude must go to all members of our school community who have demonstrated such remarkable flexibility, adaptability, creativity, persistence, resilience, grit and good humour in the face of such challenging circumstances so far this term. We know that everyone is living, working and learning in ‘unusual’ contexts at the moment and that some level of disruption is, for the time being, a new normal. We also know the importance of remaining connected despite disruption and distance, with family and friends, neighbours and colleagues – and a number of our students and staff have initiated activities to help our community engage online. Whether it’s the Frensham Move Club on Strava, the Wrap with Love knitters, Year Seven girls handwriting letters to pen pals, girls writing letters to nursing home residents or thank-you notes to frontline workers, taking sunset selfies to share, sharing their book recommendations, making short films or sharing their inspirational quotes, we encourage all members of the Frensham community to continue getting involved in these kinds of activities from wherever you are. These small acts of kindness, generous actions and moments of levity help to boost oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine levels in our brains – reducing stress and blood pressure, increasing feelings of wellbeing and connection, lifting and stabilising our mood and improving wellbeing. When acts of kindness and service towards others are repeated, the oxytocin ‘boost’ that comes from a single act is prolonged, contributing to a happier self and a stronger community.
Whilst some of our usual school celebrations and rituals can’t occur in person as they usually would, we hope that Frensham families are able to join in with some of the online versions of these events in the coming weeks. The Year 9 Service scheduled for next weekend will be proceeding in virtual format, with girls and staff filming their contributions remotely. We look forward to sharing this with you at the end of next week. Please check Schoolbox for further event details.
We are also inviting all Parents and Carers to join us for Friday Prayers, commencing this Friday 20th August. It will not be the same as being in Clubbe Hall together but it is a time where we gather together to reflect on the week and to celebrate accomplishment and contribution – and an important part of the Frensham daily experience.
Bring Your Pet Day, Friday 13 August 2021
Ranier Uniform Shop – Limited Trading Hours
The Ranier Uniform Shop will open every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month for processing of online orders only. These limited hours will remain in place until COVID-19 restrictions ease. As parents will not be able to access the uniform shop during this time, we encourage the placement of online orders.
Any online orders placed during this period will be taken to Company Office for distribution or posted, depending on the selection chosen at check out.
For urgent matters, please contact Ranier head office:
E: custservice@ranier.com.au | P: 02 8337 7201
Boarding
Last Saturday was a whirlwind of activity as we were all thrown into disarray with the government lockdown announcement. This was disappointing news for all boarding staff who have have been committed to providing all girls able to be here at school with a wonderful boarding experience despite the circumstances. We focused on providing much fun and laughter whilst waiting to learn from the Government what it meant for us. Saturday night was pizza and ice cream in the Dining Room which proved to be (unsurprisingly) hugely popular. On Sunday, girls made garlands for their rooms, walked to visit and provide treats to Phillip, Frensham’s resident Donkey, and made crepes in the Bryant McCarthy kitchen. Girls also packed for their return home and the beginning of online learning.
Boarding staff take pride in providing care and a great sense of community to all our students - it is certainly a challenging time. We are now focused on supporting those girls who need to stay at school and girls are happily ensconced in Bryant McCarthy House in the hope that life will return to normal soon.
Frensham is a special place and in reflections girls always comment on the cold, winter mornings playing sport on the Games Field, the sound of music emanating from the Glenn Music Centre, Monday night’s Chicken Schnitzel and the fun and frivolity of Friday Night activities. We cannot wait until we have all our girls returned and Frensham is brimming with girls’ laughter, chat and endeavour. In the meantime, we continue to keep the spirit of Frensham alive, albeit via ZOOM.
Ms Sally Arnold and Ms Sally Fennell, Deputy Heads of Boarding
Character Education/ Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care and Wellbeing
Whilst we are all working from home, unable to connect with extended family and friends in the usual ways, it is important to look after our mental health and wellbeing. We may have feelings of loneliness, frustration and anxiety – all these feelings are very normal. If you or your daughter require extra support, please reach out, we are here to assist.
Year Co-ordinators and members of the Pastoral Care team are always available as an initial point of contact should you have any concerns. Contact details are on Schoolbox, on each Year group page. There is also a link to the Character Education and Pastoral Care page, where you can find details for external services and wellbeing apps to support your daughter’s mental and physical health.
Services such as Headspace and Kids Helpline provide free online and telephone counselling support for young people ages 12-25 and families. Reach Out is the most accessed online mental service for young people and their parents in Australia, providing interactive activities and wellbeing advice.
Stay Healthy HSC site to help year 12 students stay healthy, stay active and keep connected.
Please contact Mrs Fawbert if you have any further questions or concerns.
Mrs Wendy Fawbert, Director of Character Education and Planning
FACULTY FOCUS
HSIE
In an era dominated by rapid change, technological advancements, and innovation, predicting our future needs might appear to be the task of our mathematicians, scientists, and engineers. Some may wonder about the place of history within a future-focused curriculum. At Frensham, its place is clear - the study of history is indispensable.
Fundamentally, history is about change. Professor Peter Stearns, of Carnegie Mellon University, refers to history as the ‘laboratory of human experience’. Unlike science, we cannot test hypotheses for wide-scale social change through randomised controlled trials. Questions around privacy and security, expanding human rights, and developing a more equal and inclusive society are all challenges humanity is facing. It will be our students who will lead us through these challenges, and in doing so it will be helpful to look at this ‘laboratory of human experience’. Studying Ancient Rome in Year 7 and Year 12 is excellent field for evidence for expanding citizenship rights. Year 10 students have a firm understanding of the dangers of the state having unobstructed access to our private lives through their study of totalitarian regimes. While, Year 8 students, through their study of the Industrial Revolution, can make informed contributions to debates on how societies will be transformed when the relationship between labour and capital changes.
History, at its best, provides a deeper understanding of where our societies have been, how we behave as communities, and how we perceive the world. It is the study of how we have grappled with our own humanity. And the question of what it means to be human has not been answered. No more is this true than in Year 9 students' study of Australia’s experience of war in the twentieth century. By exploring sources and histories of the First and Second World Wars, students are faced with questions about the value of life, the folly of man, and the complexity of honouring sacrifice while condemning conflict. As students step into their senior studies, they begin to recognise that conflict is a consistent and widespread aspect of the human experience, as demonstrated by Modern History students' study of the origins and progression of the Arab-Israeli conflict. By studying these conflicts, students may be able to contribute to solutions that reduce human conflict in the future.
The study of history is essential. It provides greater scope for contemplation, provides us with our greatest role models and challenges our preconceived notions of truth. History is the greatest antidote to a binary world of good and evil, black and white, right and wrong. Our girls understand that to genuinely lead our communities into the next chapter, they must understand where we have been. And this is only possible through the study of history.
Mr Nathan Bessant, Head of HSIE
LANGUAGES
French
Year 12 French students have returned from their Trials and are now into the final weeks of preparation for their HSC examination. I expected to be sharing anecdotes about the HSC French speaking examinations with you, which were planned for 31 July, but the girls have had to dig into their reserves of grit and resilience due to the rescheduling of this examination to 11 September. The silver lining of the Covid-related change in timing is that the girls have another month and a half to finesse their conversational skills while authentically manipulating language features. The French Extension speaking examination will be held as planned on 4 September and our focus is responding to feedback from the Trials to strengthen analytical and argumentative skills.
Year 11 students are currently studying Le plaisir des loisirs, the theme of free-time and leisure activities. Last week students researched and presented an exposé on their favourite extreme sport, introducing the class to such adventure sports as heli-skiing, skateboarding and white-water rafting. This is the last thematic focus for the year as we move into revision and examination technique later in the term.
Junior classes have been developing their communication skills through the use of process writing documents. The functionality of Google docs allows the student to share her writing with her teacher in real time, promoting and exchange of ideas and the opportunity for ongoing learning conversations to occur. Year 7 students are building on their ability to talk about themselves and their families, their pets and their likes and dislikes. In Year 8, the students are learning how to talk about their town and give directions. The Year 9 girls have moved on from daily routines to expressing past events using the passé composé. In Year 10, students are learning how to describe someone’s character and give advice.
Mrs Kerry Lennon, Director of Languages
Latin
Senior Latin students also had to demonstrate resilience after the event of the year, the Latin Classics dinner at Newington, was cancelled. Students usually have a great time at this annual celebration dressing in togas or as centurions and vying for the coveted prize of costume of the evening.
As Year 12 return to normal classes after their Trial Examinations, students are considering and implementing feedback about their performance in the Trial Examinations. They have moved into pre-HSC mode, completing practice Examination style questions. In the Continuers class, students are studying the final sections of the prescribed text of Cicero In Catilinam. While in the Extension class, students are studying the final prescribed poems of Horace.
Year 11 students are well underway in their study of Virgil's Aeneid Book 2 which will be the text assessed in their examinations later this term. Year 10 are nearing the end of the Part 3 Workbook, learning about complex grammatical constructions including the passive voice and the subjunctive mood.
The grammatical concepts encountered by Year 9 students this term are the future tense, irregular verbs, and possessive adjectives. As they build their skills in analysis and translation, they are also exploring the culture of ancient Rome through their readings about a visit to the seaside and life in the Roman army.
After meeting the family of Marcus Cicero in Chapters 1 and 2, students in Year 8 focus on his daughter Tullia and her visit to Arpinum. Their grammatical skills are growing as they master verbs from the 3rd and 4th groups as well as adjectives and the irregular verb sum esse. The mythology of Gods and Goddesses is the civilisation focus for this term.
Agriculture
While the AG classroom has been quiet over the last few weeks with many students learning@home, much has still been happening in the Agriculture Faculty. During the winter holiday, ten lambs were born including four sets of twins. A few of the Year 10 Agriculture students, who were still learning on campus have assisted in the care and general husbandry of these lambs as well as the other livestock at the farm.
Week 6 is National Science Week and this year’s theme is Food by Design with a focus on Agriculture and food production. The Agriculture classes have been joining in webinars presented by the NSW Department of Primary Industries on Innovation in Agriculture with topics such as precision agronomy, biosecurity, drones and ag-sensing technologies. A webinar from the University of Sydney on Future Plants and Food Security covered topics such as CRISPR technology, cotton production, plants as a source of protein, genetic research into controlling plant disease and urban agriculture.
Year 10 Agriculture (L-R): Heidi Jervis and Abby Jorgensen with lambs; Abby Jorgensen, Heidi Jervis and Jessica Savage conducting soil tests at school; Lucy Arnott conducting a soil texture test at home in Coolah.
Also, during National Science Week, the AG classes were involved in a programme conducted by the University of New England called ‘Soil your Undies’. The programme entails schools burying a pair of cotton underpants (supplied by UNE) for eight weeks and then digging them up on National Cotton Day to examine how much of the underpants are left. Data is collated from across the schools involved, to develop a database on decomposition rates of the soils.
While most of the Agriculture students have been working from home this term, they still have been able to be involved in some of the practical experiences covered in the courses. Year 10 AG has been studying crop production and recently was required to conduct soil tests to determine the texture of the soil, at home or at school. Year 9 students have been researching an integrated weed control strategy for a weed that they have found at school or around home.
Students in Year 11 unfortunately were unable to attend the AG on Tour excursion to complete their Farm Case Study. In its place, some of the students from farming backgrounds have been doing their own research at home and presenting their findings to the rest of the class. They were also fortunate to have Mr Ross Thompson (father of Millie, Year 9 and Ollie, year 8), from Millah Murrah Angus Stud, Bathurst, join a Zoom lesson to discuss with the class what happens on his farm as well as the impact of consumer trends on his production systems. Thank you to Ross for his time and considerable knowledge and in assisting the class to gain a different perspective of farm production.
Year 12 students have completed their Trial examination and are now finishing the HSC course and working on fine-tuning their examination technique in preparation for their HSC examination.
Ms Leonie Mutch, Head of Farm Management and Agriculture
Schoolbox
How do you currently use SchoolBox?
In the last 20 years educational institutions have subscribed to Learning Management Systems (LMS) as a platform for innovative practice: these include Google classroom, Canvas, Moodle, Sentral. It is a competitive market. The Frensham Schools LMS, SchoolBox, is a superior product favoured by many independent schools as, not only does it support advanced methods of delivery and differentiation of P-12 education, but its primary goal is to ensure that learners thrive in a connected community, enhanced by their integrated communications system. This year has seen the initial stages of a plan to develop the use of SchoolBox at Frensham Schools to unite parents, students and staff in learning journeys.
The first phase involved an aesthetic overhaul of the dashboard which occurred over the winter vacation. You will now find a dashboard with intuitive navigation and information customised to your role in the School community.
The next phase involves the rollout of the communications system, which you may have noticed already in the form of instant messaging whenever priority News Headlines are posted. Soon this will include automated, customised News Digests which further streamline Frensham Schools’ communications.
Following this you will see increased innovation and creativity of coursework across Frensham and Gib Gate campuses, as the students’ spirit of inquiry develops. Gib Gate staff have already begun building their online classrooms which are now being used by SchoolBox as exemplars of best practice in Primary Schools.
As we continue to rollout innovation and unify communication across Frensham Schools, please take the time to log in to SchoolBox and engage in a conversation with your children around how they currently use the LMS for learning and communicating. We look forward to bringing you more SchoolBox updates in the coming months. In the meantime, please peruse the SchoolBox focus pages.
Year 11 Mock Trial Team (NSW Law Society competition) and Frensham’s Debating Team (AISNSW NGS National Virtual Debating) for their continued success in their respective competitions.
Amelia Blackshaw, Iman Byrne, Imogen Diver, Sienna Donat, Isla McVinish, Ana McInnes, Sofia Nesci, Ruby Rodgers (Year 6) for their selection to the Southern Highlands Water Polo U14 Girls team.
Acknowledgement to:
Frensham’s Year 8 Debating Team of Penelope Cay, Lauren Fox, Skye McLelland, Lucy Rouse and Sophia Windsor, competing in the AISNSW/NGS National Virtual Debating competition, for their recent top division achievement and progressing to the quarter finals, to be held in September.
Australian Mathematics Trust Maths Challenge participants - High Distinction: Sarah-Joy Day (Year 10), Sophie Goodisson, Georgina Lewis (Year 8); Distinction: Bella Cay (Year 10), Anna Fagan, Sophie Hanrahan (Year 8); Credit: Sidney Wheeler (Year 9), Isabella Barber, Hannah Day, Amelia Hartnell, Camilla Ranken (Year 8).
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
As we head towards the halfway point of Term Three, we thank all families for their patience, encouragement and support over this difficult period. A student remarked to me last week that she thinks that times of challenge are when the Frensham community ‘shines’ – and we are seeing many examples of this spirit from staff, students and families alike as we work to remain connected despite circumstance and distance. We are thinking of students and teachers in Greater Sydney and we are currently working through our plans for a return to face-to-face teaching on campus in the coming weeks. We continue to encourage girls to return to campus if they are able to do so. Overwhelmingly students report that even though they are still learning online, being on campus helps to keep them feeling connected to their peers and teachers and the routine of the school day helps with their focus.
Students have been engaging very well in online learning overall, and staff have been working tirelessly to design and deliver engaging learning experiences. Mrs Fawbert has included information for parents in this newsletter – also on Schoolbox for students – to assist you in supporting your girls to participate meaningfully in their learning whilst online. It is a very common challenge, during periods of uncertainty and during COVID-19, to remain in the present, to focus our minds and to avoid our ‘monkey minds’ running away from us – catastrophising, getting stuck in negative thinking and the “what if” trap. This uncertainty can be difficult for most adults, and can lead to anxiety and a sense of hopelessness in young people. We need to remain sensitive to our young people’s emotional wellbeing and to try to shift the focus from what we cannot control to what we can. Routine and structure – whether at home or at school – bring comfort, stability and reassurance. Getting adequate sleep, maintaining regular sleep patterns, eating well and being physically active each day are simple but very effective foundational pillars of health and wellbeing.
Of course, the Olympics are proving to be a wonderful digression from the COVID news and are providing us as a community with some fine examples of character in action. The Australian team have achieved some wonderful successes, wins, personal bests and record-beating performances. Alongside these are numerous instances of resilience, tenacity, compassion and generosity which have been quite moving to watch.
One example is Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi and Mutaz Barshim of Qatar. They were locked in first place after a tough few hours of competing in the High Jump on Sunday. The two athletes, who are also good friends, were then given the option to settle matters with a jump-off – but decided instead to share the gold medal, the first time this has occurred in 109 years. This really is the Frensham value - of the unselfish pursuit of excellence - writ large.
The efforts of our girls playing Table Tennis in the Gym at last week’s Friday night activities were admirable, and their enthusiasm commendable, but their form was nothing like Jian Fang Lay representing Australia in table tennis. The 48-year-old player is competing in her sixth consecutive Olympic Games — one of only two Australian women to do so. Her grit and determination, not to mention her speed, coordination and instinct, are quite joyful to witness.
What a memorable Olympic Games Tokyo 2020/1 will be for us all and no doubt each of you will have your favourite moments of the Games, an example of an athlete exhibiting strength of character and living the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship. I found the words of swimmer Cate Campbell, interviewed after her incredible performance in the final leg of the Women’s 4X100m relay, very uplifting as she spoke of the mindset and attitude she took towards what may be her last swim in an Olympic Games:
“That is an incredible effort by everyone. I think that obviously I was a little bit disappointed with my 50 freestyle earlier, but I just kind of told myself that you find out what you’re made of in the times when things don’t go your way, not when things go your way, not when things are working well for you. And I took that mindset into this race and I just thought, ‘You have to be brave and get back out there.’”
Parent Information Sessions
Over the coming weeks, we will be conducting Zoom meetings with parents of each year level. Please note the dates and times below as we hope to see as many parents on the screen as possible.
Year 11 – Parent Plenary (usually part of Year 11 Weekend) – Thursday 5 August 6:30pm
Year 10 – Planning for Senior Studies (usually held on Year 11 Weekend) – Wednesday 11 August 6.30pm
Year 7 – Academic and Pastoral Focus – Tuesday 17 August 6.30pm
Year 8 – Academic and Pastoral Focus – Thursday 19 August 6.30pm
Year 9 – the time of this session is to be advised
Boarding
Although the number of girls in Boarding over the last week has been smaller than usual, the sense of community has been very strong.
While Year 12 students have been highly focused on their studies over the course of the HSC trial examination period, their support of each other in Bryant McCarthy House has been in evidence daily. Year 11 boarders demonstrated their thoughtfulness by baking brownies for Year 12 and junior girls supported with smartie cookies and cupcakes to sustain the older girls over the examination period.
With Year 12 students studying, Year 11 has stepped up and taken on the responsibility of maintaining connections with junior girls. They have been achieving this through visits to Hartfield House, organising afternoon activities for junior girls and supervising the Friday night activity, including last week's Olympic-themed table tennis tournament. In addition to their regular afternoon sport activities, junior girls have also had the opportunity to enjoy the additional afternoon activities of modern dance and tennis fun.
The spirit of friendship is one that is certainly thriving amongst our girls on campus, as they find creative and collaborative ways to make the most of all our school has to offer in COVID-19 times. It is clear to see through their interactions that:
A friend is one of the nicest things you can have and one of the best things you can be. – Winnie The Pooh, A A Milne
Character Education/ Pastoral Care
A Character Education/ Pastoral Care page has been added to Schoolbox. The link can be found on any year group page.
The page is updated regularly and has information about useful websites and apps to support student character, growth and wellbeing. We hope you find this tool useful.
Online Learning Guidelines for Parents
Schoolbox is the base for all student learning and everything students will need is linked through Schoolbox.
The day at home will follow the same timetable as the day at school, please note times have been adjusted to incorporate exercise throughout the day.
Online lessons in real-time will be via Zoom and links to each lesson will be posted on Schoolbox.
Establishing Routines and expectations
Establishing routines and expectations are critically important for students during online learning. Routine allows focus on the correct mindset - learning will occur just as it did in face-to-face teaching.
Establishing clear expectations also helps understanding the need to be organised, respectful, productive and considerate.
Start of the Day
Students begin the day at 8.25am joining the Prayers ‘Zoom’ link, which is emailed every morning. They are then expected to participate in the form programme. This involves a year meeting on Mondays with the year Co-ordinator and Character, Wellbeing and Pastoral care programmes with the Form tutor for the rest of the week.
Being ready and organised
Students should set up a place to work from, desk or table, not on a couch or bed, ‘Zoom in’ to each lesson, take notes and complete all classwork.Sports Uniform is to be worn every day - the wearing of uniform helps create the right frame of mind for learning. Mufti days have been scheduled to allow for casual clothes of a specific colour or theme to be worn.
Being considerate, productive and respectful
Students have been asked to contact their teachers directly if they cannot attend a class. Subject teachers are checking in with girls every lesson and considerate notification of absence is appreciated.
The aim is to be productive, getting the most out of each online session. Girls have been asked to remove any distractions that could impact on their learning - movie streaming, emails, music, games and chat apps.
Respectful online communication is of the utmost importance. Girls have been asked to have their cameras on and are muted, when beginning a lesson. Questions can be asked through the chat bar or directly, the raise your hand function can also be used. Students are asked to speak online in the same way they would in a classroom, respecting the point of view of others and contributing positively to class discussion.
Being active
All girls are encouraged to get up and move when they can. There has been extra time given for movement between each lesson and fitness lessons have been incorporated into the timetable for Years 7-10. Exercise time should be spent away from the screen and outside if possible. A few minutes walking outside can have a positive impact on learning outcomes. Stretching the back, neck, arms, and doing squats or lunges will also help with screen fatigue.
End of the Day
The school day will end at 3.35pm. Years 7-10 will only be required to complete prep for English and Mathematics. Years 11-12 will have prep from all subjects as normal.
IGSA Sport Lockdown Tournament – Years 7-12
Provided by NetFit, this is a five-week programme, with a 35-minute workout followed by 15 minutes of Inspire time. The fitness session will be Olympics-themed, with Inspire time composed of chats around mindset, wellbeing and leadership. Sessions will run from 9.30am-10.20am, with a Zoom link being distributed to schools each week.
After the first round of the tournament, Frensham was in first place. We are looking forward to seeing even more girls participating online this Saturday.
Mrs Wendy Fawbert, Director of Character Education and Planning
FACULTY FOCUS
Mathematics
“Do you know the difference between a mentor, coach, and a teacher?”
A mentor is the person who can show you the way because they have been there. For instance, if you want to be the greatest talk show host of all time, Oprah could be your mentor. Oprah would be able to give you a clear outline of the steps that she took, let you know what her motivations were, and also give you an idea about obstacles you may face along the way. The interactions could be informal or formal depending upon how well you know your mentor. I would also like to add that people can be mentors from a distance…you have never met them in person, or even spoken to them BUT you study their work.
Teachers help you build a skill set. An excellent example of a teacher is one who gets you to a certain destination or to achieve a skill. That’s what teachers do – they help you build skills. The goal of coaching is to boost confidence and/or manage anxiety to improve performance. The coach is there to help you change your mindset around your goals.
Coaches can sometimes help with a very specific skill, but really they are there to answer questions and anticipate mental setbacks before they occur. Tony Robbins is one of the most well-known, transformational coaches. And, in some cases, this person doesn’t necessarily have to already be equally or more successful than the client. However, this does not mean that you need one coach, one mentor, and one teacher. But sometimes you might need the help from a mentor, teacher, or a coach.
This semester, the Mathematics Coaching Programme continues whilst online learning. The coaches are available during the school day for Seniors (scheduled during study lessons) and during some lessons or after school for Juniors (scheduled session times) and during Prep for all year groups (booked weekly on a rotating schedule). Students may like to have a permanent booking or an occasional help session. The programme is managed by the Mathematics Faculty (Ms Allison and Mr Selby) and the coaches include Mr Tarik Jeffcoat and Miss Mahime Watanabe, new to us from University of Wollongong. Please do not hesitate to contact me for more information or to request a coaching session for your daughter.
Ms Joanne Alison, Head of Mathematics
Careers - Important Notices & Key Dates
Students are aware of the following information via ‘Tertiary Thursday’ meetings and the Careers Page on Schoolbox (Click on ACTIVITIES tab and then the CAREERS tab).
Early Entry CLOSING dates:
University of Wollongong: Friday 13 August
Charles Sturt University: Tuesday 31 August
University of New England: Friday 17 September
University of Sydney: E12 application via UAC: Sunday 19 September (online session: Tuesday 17 August)
Schools Recommendation Scheme (Early Entry for a number of institutions): Sunday 19 September
UAC: Early bird admissions, Tuesday 28 September
General reminders and information:
EXCITING NEWS: University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – just announced a new Early Entry Scheme: OPENS Tuesday 10 August; CLOSES Sunday 12 September. Please follow this Link to the UTS Early Entry information page.
Open Days: Many institutions have virtual tours and some are still going ahead with physical Open Days. Please see the Schoolbox Careers page for dates.
College: If not undertaking a Gap Year, it is time to start applying to university colleges online.
Scholarships: Are now open. Please go to the Careers Schoolbox page and click on the individual university, then click on Scholarships. Please note, there are many industry-based scholarships and college scholarships for consideration. Please encourage your daughter to make an appointment with Mrs Harris, if she requires assistance in completing early entry, UAC application, scholarship or college application.
Mrs Merrilee Harris, Director of Jamieson Programme, Activities and Careers
Jamieson Programme
Usually, I would be reporting on the highlights of Year 9 Global Forum. We were disappointed to have to postpone the event, Mrs Gallagher had organised a wonderful three-day residential programme with a special array of inspiring speakers and a trip to Sydney for a cultural tour. We do intend to reschedule this important event.
However, we were able to hold one of the Global Forum activities. We secured a private viewing of the documentary, Rosemary’s Way. The documentary celebrates the remarkable Rosemary Kariuki (Australian of the Year – Local Hero 2021) and the group of vulnerable migrant women of suburban Sydney whose lives she helped transform from isolation to connection, so they can better participate in Australian life. Over the course of the year, we witnessed Rosemary reaching out to isolated migrant women from cultures as diverse as Iraq, the Congo and Peru. Referred to by these women as a ‘charismatic change-maker’, our students and teachers were moved and inspired by all that Rosemary has achieved through her individual initiatives. We witnessed intimate revelations as women shared their experiences with other women.
After the film, students were able to engage in an interactive Q & A session with Rosemary. We, and Rosemary, were impressed by the quality of questions posed by the girls. Our hope is that the documentary will help to create empathy and understanding of migrants and that it might stimulate our students to think about what they themselves can do to make migrants feel welcome. It certainly promoted a deeper understanding of the nature of ‘multiculturalism’ in Australia and the various layers of which it is comprised.
Year 9 students are completing their Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives Independent Research Projects. They have been participating in Fitness programmes with Mr Green, remotely and on campus, and have been pursuing their Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Community Service activities in a variety of ways. Individualised knitting kits have been sent home to willing students and I know the Nursing Home residents will enjoy a lovely surprise at Christmas with their beautifully knitted hand-warmers and scarves – never mind that it will be Summer!
Mrs Merrilee Harris, Director of Jamieson Programme, Activities and Careers
Teaching and Learning at Frensham: Professional Learning
Peer-to-Peer Learning and Sharing
Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people. – Steve Jobs
And schools are no different.
In the modern world you might think that Google, YouTube, or formal training programmes would be the place where most people start. But no, peers are our first port of call for most adults. When people want to learn a new skill, more people turn to their peers first (55%) than any other group and this is second only to asking their boss (Palmer & Blake, 2018). Using your peers to learn new skills is called Peer-to-Peer Learning.
Peer-to-peer learning is powerful because it builds skills, improves connection and community, and taps into the expertise that already exists in the organisation. It is also uniquely well suited to the way we learn because it allows us to gain knowledge; practice by application; obtain psychologically safe feedback; and reflect - all within context in which the learning will be used.
And so, this week at Frensham our amazing team of teachers who always work together to develop new skills constantly, are focussing on online learning.
We have turned to our own experts to make online learning more effective and to give our staff the opportunity to add skills to their teaching. We have used the challenge that is COVID-19 to create unique learning opportunities for staff and students. So, thank you to the staff who have offered their time to share their skills with others and a thank you to those wanting to learn new skills to make the learning for our students even better.
We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast of change. And the most pressing task is to teach people how to learn. – Peter Drucker
Dr Ruth Phillips, Acting Director of Teaching and Learning and Coordinator of Professional Learning
Acknowledgement to:
Frensham’s Year 8 Debating Team of Penelope Cay, Lauren Fox, Skye McLelland, Lucy Rouse and Sophia Windsor, competing in the AISNSW/NGS National Virtual Debating competition, for their recent top division achievement and progressing to the quarter finals, to be held in September.
Australian Mathematics Trust Maths Challenge participants - High Distinction: Sarah-Joy Day (Year 10), Sophie Goodisson, Georgina Lewis (Year 8); Distinction: Bella Cay (Year 10), Anna Fagan, Sophie Hanrahan (Year 8); Credit: Sidney Wheeler (Year 9), Isabella Barber, Hannah Day, Amelia Hartnell, Camilla Ranken (Year 8).
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
Term 3 has commenced in a most unusual way. We send our best wishes to all students and families currently in lockdown, either in Greater Sydney, the Central West or interstate. This is an extraordinary time in the life of our nation and our school community. We can take heart in the knowledge that we have managed challenging situations like this previously and we will be able to manage this current circumstance as well. For many of us, life is different from usual – movements are curtailed, we are unable to visit family and friends, we are missing out on special events, having to wear masks, undertaking testing, working from home as a family, all meetings on Zoom – as we work together to contain the spread of the virus. With approximately 1/3 of our students here on campus, we are working hard to remain connected as a community, through virtual and ‘IRL’ activities. We are reminded that from the moment when COVID-19 first burst into our lives, we've had to learn to deal with change, as each stage of the pandemic has changed the way we live, work and socialise.
Our school’s unique location and diverse community, distinguishing features of Frensham, set us apart from other schools. This means that we have some distinctive operational considerations to work through when lockdowns and restrictions apply to some Local Government Areas and not others. We do thank all members of our community for their patience and understanding.
It can sometimes feel stressful and overwhelming for young people and adults alike during an event like this current outbreak of COVID-19 and individuals are affected differently. You might feel overwhelmed by the information, conversations and the increased levels of stress in your community. It can be hard to know what information to trust, especially in a situation where things are changing so quickly. It can be helpful to keep up-to-date but it is also important to switch off from the 24-hour media cycle if this gets too much at times. Please do refer to our COVID-19 Information Page for useful support resources, fact sheets and relevant links, and do not hesitate to contact a member of staff should you wish to discuss support for your daughter during this time.
We have had to make the difficult but necessary decision to postpone, adjust or cancel many of our planned school events for the coming month. This is because of the current restrictions in place for schools and the proportion of our community who are not able to travel due to various restrictions in different parts of NSW. The full list can be found on the front page of Schoolbox and will be updated as decisions are made about further future events.
Families of girls in Year 10 and 11 are asked to note that the Year 11 Weekend and Year 10 Planning for Senior Studies sessions will be proceeding on the weekend of 7/8 August. At this stage we do not have clarity about whether we will be able to hold these on campus. If they are not able to occur in person we will conduct these in an online format to ensure all families have access to individual meetings with teachers and information about Senior Studies.
To assist further with your planning, please note the Term Dates for 2022
Term 1 - Gib Gate & Frensham Monday 31 January - Thursday 7 April (Boarders always return the evening before classes start)
Term 2 - Gib Gate & Frensham Wednesday 27 April - Thursday 23 June (Boarders always return the evening before classes start)
*Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend* – Departure: Thursday 9 June, 3.00pm – Gib Gate and Frensham
Term 3 - Gib Gate & Frensham Monday 18 July - Thursday 22 September (Boarders always return the evening before classes start)
Term 4 - Gib Gate: Tuesday 11 October-Friday 9 December Term 4 - Frensham: Tuesday 11 October-Sunday 11 December 12.00pm (after 11.00am Carol Service) (Boarders always return the evening before classes start)
Boarding
Exciting news! This week we have launched our Boarding Page on Schoolbox, where you will find important boarding information. It is also a place where you are able to see photos that capture the many aspects of life at Frensham. Please take a moment to look at the page and see some images from our recent bonfire. This is updated each Wednesday and we hope that you enjoy the photos of girls having fun on the weekends here at Frensham.
What you will find:
Weekend Programme: This is a varied programme, changed weekly, with a range of activities organised over the school term. Some of these activities involve outside organisations coming to school to run sessions, such as yoga, whilst others are off-campus trips, like bowling or ice-skating. We also ensure that girls have a little quiet time as they would at home with ‘feet off the floor’.
Friday Night Activities: Each term senior girls organise the Friday night activities. Pop Concerts, Harry Potter nights and Valentine’s Day dinner are perennial favourites. We began this term with an exciting spotlight game with torches across the main campus. Lots of laughter could be heard when girls spotted each other with their torches in the dark!
Weekend Activities and Excursions: This details specific information about the upcoming weekend activities or excursions. Each year we aim to visit Jamberoo (Term 1), go ice skating, rock climbing and attend the theatre.
Exeat Forms and bus sign up: This contains links for weekend leave and transport arrangements.
Ms Amanda Graham, Director of Boarding
FACULTY FOCUS
Studies
The Trial HSC Examinations for Year 12 students commenced on Monday 19 July. These examinations are an important part of the learning programme and are excellent practice for what students can expect in the final HSC Examinations in Term 4. School-based assessment measures performance in a wide range of course outcomes and Trial Examinations are the final component of this HSC assessment programme. Student’s results will be posted on Schoolbox when marking has been completed.
The conditions for the Trial Examinations closely resemble those of the final HSC Examinations, with supervision carried out by the School’s current appointed Presiding Officer and her team of supervisors. Year 12 students have been provided with information highlighting the rules relating to the examination period and their responsibilities during this time. A reminder that all students should present for their HSC examinations where possible. If illness or accident prevents a student from attending, the appropriate Illness/Misadventure forms will need to be completed, accompanied by a medical certificate or other required documentation. This will be facilitated by the School and students should contact me as soon as possible in the event of any issues.
Year 11 students are in their third and final term of Preliminary studies, with their examinations commencing Friday 3 September and their HSC studies to commence at the beginning of Term 4. During Term 3, evaluating course progress and making initial decisions about modifications to their overall programme for the HSC are important. This may involve taking up an extension course or reducing their total units.
The end of the Preliminary Course should consolidate the skills and behaviours for success in studies into Year 12. Year 11 Parent Teacher interviews will provide parents with an up-to-date assessment of their daughter’s progress to assist in this decision-making process.
In Week 8, students in Years 7 and 8 will also undertake examinations as part of their Stage 4 skills development programme and will be guided by their teachers as to how to prepare for these examinations. Examinations for Years 9 and 10 will be held in Term 4.
Ms Janene van Gogh, Director of Studies
English
White Sheep, white sheep
On a blue hill,
When the wind stops
You all stand still.
When the wind blows
You walk away slow.
White sheep, white sheep
Where do you go?
Clouds by Christine Rossetti
The power of a vivid metaphor capturing the image succinctly in our mind is creativity at its finest. We have all gazed at clouds and wondered at their beauty. It is a challenge for many of us to find the words to represent the precise moment of what we see, (real or imaginary) and how we feel. Poetry can express the inexpressible.
For a student to gain a deeper understanding of a poem, in this case the beauty and mystery of the natural world, they need to be familiar with figurative language. They need to explore how its use can add to the meaning of the text. Explicit teaching of figurative language and studying authentic texts, are key.
For Year 12 students, their final HSC module is the study of the masterful works of TS Eliot. They are learning that a life “measured out in coffee spoons” is not the way “to disturb the universe” and as humans we should always be moved by the “infinitely gentle” and the “infinitely suffering”.
Year 8 students will embark on a unit this term which examines the Truth of War. They will explore a selection of texts which will include war poems. They will be moved by Owen's tragic Dulce et decorum and recognise that tales of the glory of war are indeed lies.
Year 10 girls, in their most recent unit of work, had a glimpse of Poetry Through the Ages from Shakespeare, to John Keats, Alfred Tennyson, Christine Rossetti, WH Auden and Maya Angelou. They composed their own poems, submitting accompanying annotations which informed us of their creative process and how they were inspired by the experts.
Some student samples which highlight just how skilled they are in the poetic form.
A monochrome forest,
Identical leaves,
Geometric, greyscale canopies.
The Wise Old Owl stood tall and strong,
Narrating the phrases that emerge over the courses of our lives.
I love the story that doesn’t quite end,
Leaving you gasping and breathless.
You’ll never know what happens next as the narrator drops the pen,
Right in the middle of a-
Let me speak
And say my own words,
The things I know
And the things I’ve heard.
As quick as a dart,
As loud as a silent room,
A voice is cut off
Another quiet doom.
One day, we will all grow old,
And forget where we left our socks,
Confusion will warm when our feet are cold,
As we sit and stare at the clocks:
Ticking, ticking, ticking, ticking
Frozen in motion.
Ms Lee McGuinness, Head of English
Drama
The final few weeks of Term 2 were filled with Drama…in a good way.
On Thursday 27 May, Zeal Theatre worked with Year 12 Drama students on their Group Performances in preparation for the HSC Drama External Examination to be held later in Term 3.
On Tuesday 8 June, Drama students, accompanied by Ms Allison and Mrs Hannah attended a production of Anton Chekhov’s classic The Cherry Orchard at Belvoir Street Theatre in Surry Hills, starring Pamela Rabe. Students were mesmerized by Rabe’s brilliant performance and the way the ensemble brought Chekhov’s characters to life on stage. To be able to watch a production live (especially now) was a wonderful opportunity for students to see professional theatre at its finest.
On Wednesday 9 June, Years 9-11 Drama students attended a production of The 7 Stages of Grieving, directed by Shari Sebens and performed by Elaine Crombie at the Wharf Theatre, Sydney Theatre Company. The 7 Stages of Grieving is studied as a Preliminary HSC Drama text in a unit of work on the Elements of Production in Performance. Co-written by Wesley Enoch and Deborah Mailman, this is a contemporary Indigenous play which appropriates western form whilst using traditional storytelling, The 7 Stages of Grieving. This one-woman show gives an emotional insight into Murri life, following the journey of an Aboriginal 'everywoman' as she tells poignant and humorous stories of grief and reconciliation.
Important notice: The excursion to Come From Away at the Capitol Theatre (Years 7-10), originally scheduled for Sunday 18 July has been postponed to Sunday 10 October, due to current COVID-19 Restrictions.
Mrs Sally Hannah, Head of Drama
Acknowledgement to:
Year 12 – as they commence their Higher School Certificate Trial Examinations this week.
Eliza Mulligan AMEB Flute Video Repertoire Grade 8 examination – Honours (A).
To all involved with the publishing of the Frensham 2020 Chronicle.
Frensham Madrigals for their performance of Share Your Truth, published on Youtube, https://www.youtube.com/Frensham Madrigals, Share Your Truth 2021. Share Your Truth lyrics are taken from the speech from the 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame at the National Press Club in March, and set to music by Michael Spencer, Head of Music.
Staffing update
During the vacation we farewelled three members of staff. We thank all these staff for their contribution to Frensham Schools and wish them all the very best in their future.
After eight years of dedicated service to Frensham Schools,Mrs Colleen Relf has retired from her position as Registrar; from the Health Centre, Ms Millie Ellice-Flint and her fiancé have relocated to country NSW; and, Mrs Camille Macpherson, Enrolments and Marketing, has been recalled to recommence her responsibilities with Qantas. Camille will remain as a member of the Frensham community as a Gib Gate parent.
We welcome:
Mr Andrew Lundy will be working in our HSIE department this semester, currently teaching Year 9 History.
Ms Carole McCormick returns to Frensham Schools in the role of Registrar.
Miss Theresa Healey joins Gib Gate as a Preschool Assistant.
Health Centre team, Mrs Abigail Gordon (Registered Nurse) and Ms Britt Martin (Registered Nurse)
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director Teaching and Learning, is taking Long Service Leave during Term 3, with the following staff taking on additional responsibilities during her absence:
Dr Ruth Phillips
Ms Emma Lake
Mrs Alison Andrew
Ms Lee McGuinness
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
It has been another eventful term, and I recognise the efforts and achievements of many students in the Frensham community across these past nine weeks. The School’s Birthday Celebrations were truly joyous, celebrating the history, ethos, values and the future of Frensham Schools and also celebrating the opportunity for us to gather as a community in a somewhat more ‘normal’ way than was possible in 2020. Of course, we are not back to our full complement just yet and are not able to accommodate our pre-2020 Service numbers in school venues, but to be able to raise our voices together in song without restriction, participate in friendly sporting matches with Year 12, join with all students and staff in the Birthday Lunch in the Dining Room for the first time in over a year was very special indeed.
It has also been a pleasure to have read all Student Reports of their progress over this first semester, and to see the growth and development in maturity, skills and confidence that so many of them have experienced. Our feedback and advice to students is very focused on supporting future growth, and we encourage families across this vacation period to engage with their daughters in conversation about their learning their goals and aspirations for next term. This learning conversation, discussing academic strengths, weaknesses, areas for future focus, helps to keep students focused on their growth rather than their results or marks. Whilst important, too much of a focus on “scores” are somewhat secondary to students’ feelings of self-efficacy, independence and their mindset for future development.
We wish all families a safe and restful vacation period ahead and look forward to welcoming students back to Boarding Houses on Monday 12 July ready for classes to commence on Tuesday 13 July.
Parent Feedback
The Frensham Advisory Committee is an advisory body to the Head set up under rules approved by the Board of Governors. It meets at least three times each year to discuss matters raised by the Head or the committee members as pertaining to Frensham policy and procedures. There are often matters discussed in this forum that help to inform the School’s future plans and to give the Executive, through the Head, greater insight into a particular topic from a parent perspective.
Following the two meetings in Semester One, we invite parent feedback on two areas of the School’s operations. The first is the student catering provided and this brief survey will be conducted alongside a student survey and an evaluation of the overall catering offering. We also invite feedback through our Communications Survey, which seeks to understand the ways in which parents currently access required information, what is working well and suggestions for future improvements to be incorporated into our future planning in this area. Both surveys will be open until the end of the vacation period (Monday 12 July 2021).
Boarding
As the term draws to a close, girls are packing and readying themselves for a holiday break with family. The Boarding Houses will then prepare for a new group of girls in Term 3.
Winifred West wrote on 1 June 1920, One reason why school is good is because at school we meet people with different ideas, different temperaments, different outlooks, and so arises a greater demand for tolerance and imagination than is made at home. There is more need for ‘give and take’ and the experience of school should prove of value in life.
This same message applies today and is one of the primary outcomes of the boarding experience. Girls from country, city and even from overseas with different ideas and experiences learn to live together and become a cohesive and collaborative community. Girls are supported in the development of key qualities and dispositions as outlined in our Character Education framework.
Next term, Year 7 and Year 8 students stay in their House of Origin, Year 12 are all located in Bryant McCarthy and all boarders from Years 9 to 11 move between Houses.
Once House allocations are determined, careful planning occurs to decide on room allocations. Each House has a combination of different sized rooms, from single rooms through to rooms with eight beds. The aim is for all students to have an opportunity to experience a range of dorm sizes throughout their time at Frensham, finishing with Year 12 in single rooms.
When determining the room allocations, significant discussion occurs between Heads of House and House staff, Year Coordinators and Executive staff. Decisions about rooms are never made lightly as girls will be sharing dorms and learning to live with girls of different personalities and needs. This approach is purposeful and made with each individual student in mind. We are currently working towards our new House and dorm allocations for next term.
We wish all girls a happy holiday and look forward to welcoming them back to new experiences and the strong friendships that will continue to develop in the coming term.
Ms Amanda Graham, Director of Boarding
FACULTY FOCUS
English
While the study of English continues to evolve as all great learning should, at its heart, it is the study of literature. As the Year 12 Extension 1 English rubric notes:
Literary texts can invite responders to engage with the interior worlds of individuals and how they perceive, think and feel about themselves and the societies in which they live...how texts communicate notions of identity and alternative ways of being and thinking...how diverse textual representations enable the responder to experience insight into the lives of other groups and individuals, and other times and places.
From Years 7-12, students study the vast and different literary worlds, learning how stories transcend time and place. Engaging with these texts invites a reflection on their own world and their place in society. Here are some samples of what the girls have been studying over the course of the year.
A Word dropped careless on a Page
May stimulate an eye
When folded in perpetual seam
The Wrinkled Maker lie
Stanza 1, Emily Dickinson
We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep. …
Prospero, The Tempest, William Shakespeare
I remembered that the real world was wide, and that a varied field of hopes and fears, of sensations and excitements, awaited those who had the courage to go forth into its expanse, to seek real knowledge of life amidst its perils.
Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte
He had one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced, or seemed to face, the whole external world for an instant and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favour. It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself.
The Great Gatsby, F Scott Fitzgerald
This is the hottest summer I can remember, and the thick heat seems to seep in and keep in my sleepout. It's like the earth's core in here. The only relief comes from the cooler air that creeps in between the slim slats of my single window. It's near impossible to sleep, so I've spent most of my nights reading by the light of my kerosene lamp.
Tonight was no different. And when Jasper Jones rapped my louvres abruptly with his knuckle and hissed my name, I leapt from my bed, spilling my copy of Pudd'nhead Wilson.
Jasper Jones, Craig Silvey
Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend.
No animal shall wear clothes.
No animal shall sleep in a bed.
No animal shall drink alcohol.
No animal shall kill any other animal.
All animals are equal.
Animal Farm, George Orwell
The course of true love never did run smooth
Lysander, A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream, William Shakespeare
Sometimes rain made me want to cry, like there was something deep inside me - the sadness flower that opened up when rainy days came, and blossomed inside me until I couldn’t breathe.
Lenny’s Book of Everything, Karen Foxlee
What Matters Competition
Inspired by Gough Whitlam's commitment to involving young people in the shaping of Australia's future, the What Matters?writing competition is currently open to school students in Years 5 to 12, from Australia. Responding to the simple question 'what matters?', entrants are free to express their views on any matter they care about.
Girls from Years 7-11 were encouraged to put their passions and deeply held beliefs into words. It is clear at Frensham that there are many things that matter and teachers were impressed and inspired by the diverse range of entries. While it will be a couple of months before the shortlist is announced, it is undeniable that there is a strong link between writing and thinking deeply when students are given the opportunity to choose what they want to write about, then plan, craft and refine their work.
Bell Shakespeare - live action, Finally!
Students in Years 8, 9 and 10 were fortunate to have a live experience and a taste of two of Shakespeare’s most famous plays Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth. Each performance explored key scenes and offered an analysis of Shakespeare’s language, choices and themes, all with a modern twist.
Ms Lee McGuinness, Head of English
HSIE
Our world is becoming increasingly complex, and the issues that our young people need to address are becoming more significant and overwhelming. Ecosystems are dying as unprecedented weather events decimate environments and the seemingly unstoppable march of climate change reshapes our landscapes. New technologies make the world a smaller place, but keep people further apart as we swap community for individuality. And a smaller world brings different cultures closer together, a process that can enrich us, but also makes our differences starker and more challenging. Our lives are being transformed by change. Geography’s focus on understanding the confluence of these changing forces makes it a vital discipline for all our students.
Change is a core theme throughout our Geography curriculum. We want students to recognise that there is both short term and long-term change, that it occurs at different and unexpected scales and that not all people are impacted by change at the same rate or in the same way. Most importantly, we want students to be skilled in identifying current trends and their implications for future change.
These trends are best explored when students are in the field, gathering data and learning about our world within the environments they are studying. Excitingly, Frensham’s new Year 10 IGCSE Geography programme provides students with significant opportunities to conduct field studies. Students have spent time exploring land use at Mittagong Marketplace, collected data on change in the vegetation and profile of Warilla Beach and conducted investigations into the Nattai River around the Lower Holt. As an essential element of their examinations at the end of the year, Year 10 are committed to improving their fieldwork skills and experience.
Year 9 Geography students have also been in the field, travelling to Sydney to conduct an investigation into urban change in Pyrmont and Barangaroo. Starting in Pyrmont, the girls were given a guided tour of the area going back to the land use of indigenous cultures prior to white settlement, the transformation the bay went through with the establishment of the Colonial Sugar Refinery site in the 19th century and the recent gentrification of significant sites throughout the suburb. Catching a ferry to Circular Quay, students compared the changing place of Pyrmont with that of Barangaroo. At both sites, students measured the soundscape and the height of buildings in the area (the new Crown Casino is 271.3m tall) while also making observations of salient features of the environment. Students concluded that the changing land use in the area was connected to the changing demands of the population in Sydney, making the link between place and communities stronger.
Change is also a constant theme in our classrooms. Year 7 students have conducted inquiries into the processes that change landscapes and landforms, creating features such as waterfalls, meandering rivers and cave systems. Students gathered sources of information, identified key processes and mapped these processes into a flow chart. Year 11 students conduct their Senior Geography Project on an area of individual interest, tracking change and communicating their findings to their chosen audience. Year 12 Senior Geography students have studied change in regard to our local viticulture industry and the urban dynamics in world cities, including Sydney.
Change is often referred to as the only constant in life. Thanks to their studies in Geography, our students will be well equipped to flourish in our continually changing world.
Australian Geography Competition
The Australian Geography Competition is a contest for Australian secondary school students, assessing their geographical knowledge and skills. The Competition aims to encourage student interest in Geography and to reward student excellence. Over 70,000 students sat the Australian Geography Competition in 2021.
Students in the top 1% of results in Australia: Bella Cay, Darcy Maple-Brown (Year 10); High Distinction (top 15% of results in Australia): Lucy Arnott, Augusta Muir (Year 10), Adelaide Ayling, Sophie Simpson, Imogen Smith, Sidney Wheeler (Year 9); Distinction (top 25% of results in Australia): Olivia Huggins, Millie McMurtrie, Janna Martin-Cooley, Phoebe Rouse (Year 10), Poppy Carter, Chloe Cowley, Claudia Hampson, Cate Horsfall, Abbey Kuiper, Holly Regan (Year 9).
Mr Nathan Bessant, Head of HSIE
Jamieson Programme
The Jamieson Programme is built on the belief that Teenagers are risk takers growing up in a complex and rapidly changing world. Traditional education was focused on the known whereas today’s world asks us to educate for the unknown.
Key elements of the programme are embedded throughout Years 7-10 including global citizenship, responsibility / service and leadership, health, fitness and physical challenge, critical, ethical and flexible thinking.
There is a particular focus in Year 9 where an extended day programme is undertaken once a fortnight. This semester, students have almost completed two elements of the Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives course. They enjoyed the challenge of working in teams to achieve an outcome that brought greater attention to their chosen global issue. Girls are now finalising their research on an independent topic of their choosing, considering a range of perspectives on the issue and working to establish courses of action to improve the negative effects of their global problem.
Other highlights for Year 9 have been learning about different religions, visits to the Nan Tien Temple and the Sydney Jewish Museum, current affairs and working on their fitness goals. Next term the girls will enjoy a three-day residential programme - Global Forum. The Forumis one of the central components of the Jamieson Programme and the 2021 theme is: Making a Difference - Understanding My Place in the World. Thought-provoking guest speakers – including Old-Girl Ms Annabelle Chauncy OAM, Dr Peter Anderson (UOW), Frensham parent, author and ‘Rurals for Refugees’ advocate Sarah Clutton and Rural Woman’s Award winner and Old Girl, Cressida Cains will inspire the girls this year.
Teachers enjoy working with Year 9, exposing them to physical challenges and critical thinking about important issues that affect our world and we are very much looking forward to next semester.
Mrs Merrilee Harris, Director of Jamieson Programme
Music
Term 2 provided Frensham musicians and ensembles with many rich performance opportunities. The first major event was the Year 8 Weekend where, in the School Service, the Senior Choir sang an anthem to a live audience for the first time in 12 months. The anthem was composed for the Senior Choir back in 2020, as a response to the shock we all felt during the catastrophic drought and bushfires. It is titled Tulit Ergo which is the beginning of a passage from Genesis:
The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. . . God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.
The piece is a reflection upon the increasingly critical issues that we all face, concerning our care for, and custodianship of our beautiful planet. Lily Hunt was the soprano soloist.
Traditionally, the Year 8 Service and Concert features all instrumental and vocal ensembles in the school and this year was no exception. The Junior Choir sang Ho Hey by the Lumineers (accompanied by Year 12 musicians), the Concert Band performed Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl, the Kennedy Strings performed Enya’s May It Be and the Jazz Band played You’ve Got a Friend in Me from Toy Story. The final item featured all of Year 8 performing a traditional African song called Aya Ngena with three-part harmony, xylophones and drums.
In May, the Madrigals were asked to sing for guests at the launch of the Winifred West Legacy at Bendooley Estate. They sang Aretha Franklin song Since You’ve Been Gone featuring Grace Amos as soloist, and Frensham’s traditional grace, Non Nobis.
Since 2020, there has been a programme in place for Gib Gate students in Years 2 and 3 to learn a string instrument under the guidance of music staff and extra-curricular tutors. On 2 June, the whole of Gib Gate visited Frensham to be given an introduction to a broader range of orchestral instruments. The Frensham Kennedy Strings and Concert Band combined to create a 70-piece orchestra, presenting a range of musical experiences including an introduction to the different orchestral families as well as a performance of Pirates of the Caribbean. The most memorable part of the afternoon was when students in the Gib Gate Junior Orchestra as well as the Stage 2/3 String Programme joined the Frensham students to play some pieces together. There were over 100 students performing together from Year 2 to Year 12! The aim of the experience was to build strong musical ties between junior and senior students and to inspire all involved to take full advantage of the musical opportunities on offer at Frensham Schools.
The Frensham Schools Birthday Service on Friday began with the violinists Hilary Swan and Chloe Litchfield playing the Processional with Mrs Pinazza. Grace Amos, Isabelle Promnitz and Amelia Byrne sang the solos in the much-loved One Voice. Grace Lewis was the cantor for the Lord's Prayer. In the Frensham Birthday and Year 12 Service on Sunday, Sophie Perkins accompanied Venite on the piano and Sachi Darling sang as cantor in The Lord's Prayer.
In the concert that followed, Mrs Pinazza conducted the combined Kennedy Strings and Concert Band in a dramatic performance of theme music from Pirates of the Carribean. Madeleine Mulligan (Mus.1) and Sophie Perkins (Mus.2) then performed their own, original arrangement of Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody. Following this, the Madrigals presented a piece specially composed for their concert appearance. The lyrics of the piece, Share Your Truth, were taken from the text of, Australian of the Year, Grace Tame’s speech to the National Press Club in March of this year. As always, the final item in the concert featured a medley of songs selected and performed by all of Year 12.
The Madrigals have been rehearsing for the last few weeks in order to have four pieces ready for their annual entry in two choral sections of the City of Sydney Eisteddfod. Rather than relax after Birthday celebrations, the choristers continued to work hard and, on the Wednesday night, filmed their four items for video submission. The results will be published in early August.
Mr Michael Spencer, Head of Music
Agriculture at Frensham
Year 9 Agriculture students have been studying egg and chicken meat production this term. They have been responsible for the care of 20 day-old chicks that arrived earlier in the term, and the class enjoying handling them and observing their growth, each lesson. They harvested the last of their summer vegetables and have now planted some winter varieties. The class has also been working on the Map My School Competition which involves them using the Scribble Maps programme to map the school boundary and determine the area of the school covered by trees.
The Year 10 Agriculture class has been studying milk production in the Dairy Production unit. Students travelled to Pyree, near Nowra, to visit a conventional 20-a-side herringbone dairy as well as a robotic dairy. The class was able to compare the two systems in regard to milk production, cow welfare and labour units required. At the robotic dairy, the cows come into the dairy on a voluntary basis. The computer reads the cow’s electronic collar, then portions out feed relevant to the cow’s weight, milk production and stage of lactation. While the cow is eating, lasers determine the location of the teats and then robotic arms place the teat cups on for milking. Once milking is complete, the cows then leave the robotic crate and electronic drafting gates direct them to either a pasture, silage feedlot or cattle crush for any treatment required. Of course, the highlight of the tour was the opportunity to hand feed the calves. The class is thrilled that lambing has just begun at Holt Farm.
Top row: Year 10 Agriculture students feeding calves, bottom row: Year 12 students sampling ‘paddock to plate’
Year 11 students have been studying the Animal Production unit and have conducted a trial on the growth rates of the Year 9 chicks. They are also excitedly preparing for their Ag on Tour trip early next term to ‘Allawah’, in Illabo, the property of Frensham parents, Nicole and John Hopkins.
Year 12 girls are working through the Plant / Animal Production unit as well as completing past HSC exam questions to fine-tune their answering technique in preparation for their Trial Examination next term. Earlier in the term, the class had a visit from Mr David Kent, past Chevalier College Agriculture teacher who purchased ‘Wesley’ (one of the Angus steers from the Livestock Team) at the Sydney Royal Easter Show steer auction. He brought with him some cuts of beef and the class analysed the quality of the cuts as well as photos of the carcass. At the end of the lesson, the students cooked up different cuts of meat to taste and compare as well as some valued added products such as home-made sausages, rissoles and a casserole. The class would like to thank Mr Kent, for not only purchasing our steer, but for providing a practical insight into ‘paddock to plate’ in the beef industry.
Holt Farm has been little quieter this term without the steers, but just in the last 3 days the sound of newborn lambs have been echoing across the paddocks. Over the term, the livestock have been cared for by a group of students who are completing Farm Management as the Service component of their Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
Ms Leonie Mutch, Coordinator of Agriculture
Careers at Frensham – Key Dates for University application submission
The vacation period is a suitable time for Year 12 students to organise their application documentation for University Admissions Centres (UAC, VTAC, QTAC, TISC etc), Early Entry courses and College. Please note the closing date for application submissions and refer to the Careers Page on Schoolbox as this information is updated regularly.
UAC (NSW Universities Admission Centre)
OPEN NOW
CLOSE DATE: 30 September 2021 (Early bird applications close) or 4 February 2022
VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre)
OPEN AUGUST
CLOSE DATE: 30 September 2021
QTAC (QLD Tertiary Admission Centre) -TBA
TISC (WA Tertiary Admission Centre)
OPEN NOW (See website for closing dates – differs for institutions.)
Early entry deadlines coming up:
UOW – use their online portal to apply
OPEN DATE: 19 July 2021
CLOSE DATE: 13 August 2021
Charles Sturt - use their online portal to apply
OPEN DATE: 26 July 2021
CLOSE DATE: Midnight 31 August 2021
Macquarie University – Leaders & Achievers Early Entry Scheme
OPEN NOW
CLOSE DATE: Friday 20 August 2021
*Otherwise students can apply for Early Entry via UAC ‘Schools Recommendation Scheme’ – due date 19 September 2021.
Notre Dame - use their online portal to apply
OPEN NOW
CLOSE DATE: Wednesday 1 September 2021
*Otherwise students can apply for Early Entry via UAC ‘Schools Recommendation Scheme’ – due date 19 September.
UNE - use their online portal to apply
OPEN NOW
CLOSE DATE: 17 September 2021
Schools Recommendation Scheme (Early Entry) via UAC for participating universities and courses.
OPEN NOW
CLOSE DATE: 19 September 2021
13 institutions are participating in SRS: Australian Catholic University − University of Canberra − Charles Sturt University − International College of Management, Sydney − Macquarie University − National Art School − SAE Creative Media Institute − University of New England − University of Newcastle − University of Sydney − University of Technology Sydney − UNSW − Western Sydney University.
Mrs Merrilee Harris, Director of Jamieson Programme, Activities and Careers
ICAS Academic Competitions at Frensham Schools Term 3 for Years 2-11
In 2021, we will be offering the opportunity for all students from Years 2-11 to enter the ICAS competitions.
International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) is designed to provide a measure of student achievement in an external assessment situation against other students who demonstrate a high level of ability in a variety of disciplines. It allows students an additional opportunity to apply their higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing and Digital Technologies and gain recognition for their efforts. For all tests, a high level of literacy is assumed, including highly developed comprehension skills in a ‘limited time’ situation, including in the Mathematics and Science papers.
The ICAS papers are not designed to test the NESA syllabus in any discipline and are set at ‘above level’ knowledge of discipline content and skills. Students will be presented with high-quality, expert-developed multiple-choice style questions, allowing them to apply their learning without the need for prior study or revision. For Writing they will be provided with an age-appropriate stimulus and will write either a narrative or persuasive style response.
All ICAS Assessments are now online, a move that reflects a sector-wide transition to online assessments. This allows greater accessibility for students and faster delivery of results. The assessment programme, supervised by teachers, will be run at School at Gib Gate for Years 2-6 and at Frensham for Years 7-11.
Final reminder: Parents can enrol their son or daughter in any, or all of the disciplines we offer by completing the Google form before the cut-off date of Thursday 17 June.
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director of Teaching and Learning P-12, Coordinator of Gifted and Talented Programmes P-12
Acknowledgement to:
Students and Staff from the three campuses of Frensham Schools who joined the Birthday celebrations and Services and the Birthday play:
We were grateful for the Hooke family’s kindness in bringing Frensham Schools’ mascot Tiny Tonaya from Daffodil Downs to visit after the combined Service on Friday
Gib Gate Year 6 speakers at the Frensham Schools Service on Friday
Mr John Day (Senior Teacher - Mathematics and Boarding) and Anna Rickwood and Lara Tait (Year 12) offering their respective Birthday Addresses on behalf of teachers and students at the Birthday Lunch
Musicians appearing in Services and Concerts
I Have Five Daughters cast and crew
And, the Gib Gate and Frensham cake cutters
Sturt Gallery for being nominated as a Finalist in the Local Business Awards.
Frensham Cross Country Team for their success at the recent NSW Combined Independent Schools (CIS) Cross Country Championships, Harriet Collins, India Hicks, Annabelle Ranken, Sophie Rodwell, Amy Thompson (Year 12), Lucy Gale (Year 11), Tia Thomas (Year 8); Harriet Collins, Annabelle Ranken, Sophie Rodwell, Amy Thompson who won Gold Medal in the 18 Years Team event.
Harriet Collins and Lucy Gale for qualifying to represent the CIS team at the All Schools Cross Country Championships, in July.
National Geography Competition award recipients: Students in the top 1% of results in Australia: Bella Cay, Darcy Maple-Brown (Year 10); High Distinction: Lucy Arnott, Augusta Muir (Year 10), Adelaide Ayling, Sophie Simpson, Imogen Smith, Sidney Wheeler (Year 9); Distinction: Olivia Huggins, Millie McMurtrie, Janna Martin Cooley, Phoebe Rouse (Year 10), Poppy Carter, Chloe Cowley, Claudia Hampson, Cate Horsfall, Abbey Kuiper, Holly Regan (Year 9).
Gib Gate’s Year 6 Science and Engineering team for achieving 1st place at the recent Southern Highlands Science and Engineering Challenge.
Frensham’s Year 10 Science and Engineering Challenge team for its selection to compete at the NSW State Finals held in Newcastle, during August.
Jemima Graham-Wansey (Year 11) a member of the Southern Highlands Netball (U17) team who were the winners of Division 3 at the Netball NSW Hart Senior State Titles.
Big Science Competition award recipients: High Distinction - Bella Cay, Sarah-Joy Day, Heidi Jervis (Year 10), Adelaide Ayling, Sophie Simpson, Sidney Wheeler (Year 9); Distinction - Matilda Damiani, Summer Oxley, (Year 10), Poppy Carter, Alice Fergusson (Year 9), Georgina Lewis, Georgina McBride (Year 8), Penelope Hampson, Cara Sims (Year 7); Credit - Lucy Arnott, Abigail Jorgensen, Rose Mahony (Year 10), Imogen Smith (Year 9), York Doyle, Margaret Maynard, Scarlett Shadbolt, Scarlett Wheeler (Year 7).
Gib Gate’s Year 6 Science and Engineering team and Frensham’s Year 10 Science and Engineering Challenge team
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
Birthdays are special times here at Frensham Schools, with rituals and celebrations all part of marking these occasions. These not only celebrate life, longevity, and reaching another milestone, but possibly more importantly, celebrating the growth that we experience, as individuals and as a community, from one year to the next. When we celebrate, we reflect, give thanks and connect with others around us, and feel encircled in the good wishes, appreciation, happy memories and positivity that characterise our students, staff and broader community. It is also an opportunity for us take a growth mindset and refresh our outlook – to look back on the past year, and ask ourselves:
What was the best thing that happened in the past year?
What did you learn last year?
What are your hopes for what will happen this year?
What do you want to learn this year?
Particularly given such an unusual and challenging year around the globe in 2020, there is a tangible “buzz” around the School in anticipation of this weekend’s Birthday celebrations. We are thinking of our friends, family and other members of our community who are unable to join us, particularly those who are in lockdown situations at this very time.
We are looking forward to gathering all students and staff together, along with invited guests and representatives of our community, to mark this milestone for Frensham Schools.
We do also remind our community of the importance of following the COVID-19 Rules in NSW, and for our upcoming events, this means:
Adhering to social distancing and venue capacity requirements
Refraining from attending if you are unwell
Following appropriate hand hygiene and cough etiquette
Checking in at events using the Service NSW QR Code
Friday 4 June: The Frensham Schools Service is a celebration of the foundation of our three Schools, recognising Frensham’s 108th Birthday, Sturt’s 80th Birthday and Gib Gate’s 67th Birthday. This Service is attended by all staff of our three schools and by all students – from our youngest in Preschool to the adult students of the Sturt School for Wood.
Sunday 6 June:For Frensham’s 108th Birthday Service, attended by all students and staff of the School, Year 12 families and invited guests.
Board of Governors
We are delighted to welcome new Governors to the Board of Frensham Schools: Mrs Clementine Allan (Davidson, 2001), Mr Richard Melki and Mr David Wright.
Ranier Uniform Information – Frensham orders
Students and parents are still welcome to visit the Uniform Shop during usual opening hours, but for convenience, items pre-ordered from the Ranier Uniform Shop can now be collected from White Cottage at Morning Tea.
Birthday Play – I Have Five Daughters by Margaret MacNamara
The Birthday Play will be performed on Thursday 3 June for the School and Saturday 5 June for parents and the local community
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.
Thankfully, a mantra no longer followed by modern society. And yet, the bumbling, matchmaking chaos of Jane Austen’s seminal romance Pride and Prejudice remains ‘universally acknowledged’ by readers today. Over the past couple of months, students in Years 11 and 12 have been working to recreate the magic of Austen’s most famous novel in their production of Pride and Prejudice’s stage adaptation: I Have Five Daughters, by Margaret MacNamara.
A hilarious recount of the lives of the five Bennet sisters, the Bingleys, Mr Collins and, of course, the elusive Mr Darcy. The characters dart about each other with as much panic as formality can allow; proposing and rejecting, laughing and crying, loving and hating.
Tickets for the Saturday performance can be purchased at the following link: Birthday Play tickets
Congratulations to the cast and crew for preparation in staging the play, directed by Mrs Sally Hannah (Head of Drama), assisted by Ms Fiona Shannon. A special thanks to Ms Sam Taylor (OG 1991) for the costumes which have been custom-made to bring the characters on stage to life.
Georgia Hill and Eleanor Swan, Heads of Drama
Frensham Faculty Focus
PDHPE
What is it about moving our bodies to a song we love that is so joyful? We dance for physical fitness. We dance for mental clarity.We dance for emotional stability. We dance because it feels good! Why do we dance? Perhaps the better question is, why would we not?
Year 7 dance and Year 8 fitness assessment
Year 10 PDHPE have had the opportunity to work with a professional dance instructor as part of the practical component of the course. They have been engaged in learning both a Hip Hop and Contemporary dance routine. Students thoroughly enjoyed the experience, learning new skills in a fun, collaborative and challenging environment.
Do-si-do and swing your partner! Year 7 have learnt several Bush Dance routines to assist them with their assessment task. Working in small groups, students have composed, choreographed, and performed a routine that features the elements of Dance. Students have had opportunities to perform and refine movement skills in a variety of sequences, apply strategies to solve movement challenges, demonstrate a range of interpersonal skills that build and enhance relationships and promote inclusion in various situations, and combined movement skills to effectively create and perform movement sequences.
Students in Year 8 have planned their own fitness circuit to develop their understanding of the importance of meeting the recommended Australian Physical Activity guidelines. The current unit of work encourages girls to develop a willingness and capacity to engage in lifelong physical activity through the medium of exercise. They demonstrate a knowledge of the components of fitness and an understanding of the physiological responses to exercise.
Additionally, students from Years 10 to 12 have been attending early morning training sessions at 6.00am every Wednesday. They follow a guided programme instructed by Mr Green designed to improve mobility, strength and cardiovascular health.
Ms Janene van Gogh, Head of PDHPE, Director of Studies In-Residence
Languages
Science
According to NESA, ‘A depth study is any type of investigation/activity that a student completes individually or collaboratively that allows the further development of one or more concepts found within or inspired by the syllabus.’ It may be one investigation/activity or a series of investigations/activities. Depth studies provide opportunities for students to pursue their interests in science, acquire a depth of understanding, and take responsibility for their own learning. Year 11 Physics students have been undertaking a depth study in their choice of Physics concepts. Yusra Chalak investigated the urban myth that if you drop a coin out of a tall building it could kill someone below. By investigating terminal velocity and forces acting on the coin such as friction and gravity she reached the conclusion that No, a coin dropped from a height would not fatally injure a person. However, she did discover that a pen of the same weight as a coin, dropped from a tall building could indeed have fatal consequences. Emily Senior investigated how our brains react to music. She found out that there are four types of brain waves ranging from relaxed to more alert. Alert is when you are at your optimal learning capacity. The music of Mozart enhances alertness. Conclusion: we all should be studying Mozart!
The Science Extension course focuses on the authentic application of scientific research skills to produce a Scientific Research Report. Students propose and develop a research question, formulate a hypothesis and develop evidence-based responses to create their Scientific Research Report which is supported by a Scientific Research Portfolio. This year, two students are undertaking the Science Extension course at Frensham. Harriet Mackie (pictured right) is carrying out an exploratory investigation to answer the research question - How do glyphosate levels in Australian non-organic commercial cereal brands compare to glyphosate levels in Australian organic commercial cereal brands? This has involved a very detailed process to grind and extract chemicals from each cereal sample, and use a test strip to test for the presence of glyphosate.
Sophia Pernice’s research question is How would the height, leaf surface area and bulb weight of Raphanus Sativus plants differ if they were exposed to natural daylight, 24 hours LED artificial light, or daylight plus night-time exposure to LED artificial light? This has involved growing radishes in identical trays, allowing some to experience 24 hours LED lighting and moving others in and out each day. The results were then analysed using a two-way ANOVA statistical test.
Left: Sophia Pernice
Scientists build models to allow them to visualise objects that are too small to be seen with the naked eye or to make predictions. Epidemiological models making predictions about COVID-19 outbreaks have been in the news constantly in the last year. Frensham Biology students have been building models of mitosis, meiosis, DNA replication and protein synthesis.
1) Olivia Turner and Mollie Laird modelling Mitosis; 2) Harriet Mackie, Gabriella Maples, Eliza Friend modelling mitosis; 3) Annie Burke and Alexandra Barton modelling mitosis; 4) Ella Clark and Edie Lochhead modelling DNA using lollies; 5) Imogen Smith and Juliet Henry with their completed neuron model; 6) Eva Telford and Georgia Squire-Wilson building their neuron model.
Year 11 Chemistry have been developing their practical skills by completing a range of different experiments including dilutions, precipitation reactions and reactivity of metals. Pictured right: Jemima Melki diluting potassium permanganate
As their Science assessment this term, students in Years 7-10 have been participating in REACH testing. REACH testing provides insight into higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills. The assessments are suitable for students across a wide range of ability levels. Students are provided with high-quality questions allowing them to apply their learning without the need for prior study. The school receives information on student performance, which enables teachers to pinpoint areas of strength and target specific student needs. This information is provided on an annual basis, allowing us to consistently track and monitor student progress year-on-year. As results become available, they will be shared with parents via Schoolbox.
On Monday 31 May, a team of 24 Year 10 students represented Frensham at the Southern Highlands Science and Engineering Challenge at the Mittagong RSL club. In teams of three, students completed a range of different half-day or full-day challenges. Training was held during Science lessons to develop STEM skills and improve communication in their teams. Challenges included
Grasping at Straws – designing fingers for a bionic hand that will give independence back to patients who have lost a hand through injury or illness
Hover Frenzy – designing, building and flying a model hovercraft that is fast, maneuverable and has a good hover height.
Turbine – designing and building a model water turbine that will generate the greatest amount of power as water flows over it
Helter Skelter Shelter – designing and building an earthquake-proof apartment block using masking tape, paper and straws
Representing Frensham were – Purple team: Scarlett Alldis, Savannah Linde, Hilary Swan; Blue team: Bella Cay, Charlotte Hopperton, Hannah Perkins; Green team: Abby Jorgensen, Rosie Laird, Sarah Partland; Yellow team: Sissy Fairrie, Clara McDonald, Summer Oxley; Orange team: Heidi Jervis, Augusta Muir, Megan Syme; Red team: Monique Andersson, Matilda Damiani, Janna Martin-Cooley; Pink team: Evelyn Doan, Pia D’Rozario, Cintra Maldonado; Silver team: Lucy Arnott, Sarah-Joy Day, Rosie Mahony.
The team is congratulated on being placed first in the local competition. Team members have won a one-hour workshop with Atlassian and based on points may be representing Frensham at the State Finals in Newcastle.
Mrs Alison Andrew, Head of Science
Visual Arts & Design and Technology
As we move towards the close of Term 2, the art studios are a hive of activity, with students in all years working on artworks of varied shapes and sizes, in a range of media, and in various stages of completion.
Presently, students of Year 12 Visual Arts are in a critical phase of the production of their Bodies of Work. Due to be completed by the beginning of Week 6, Term 3, the students have just submitted their work in progress for assessment. This is the final time that the students’ development of their Bodies of Work will be assessed, and doing so at a date well in advance of Term 3 is deliberate. With three weeks of this term left, we can provide students with written and verbal feedback, advising how they may best progress to the full resolution of their Bodies of Work. Students will need to use time in the vacation to drive their work forward, so that refinement and presentation of pieces can occur in early Term 3.
We are impressed by the scope and quality of works in production by Year 12. Broadly speaking, there is a focus on conventional skills, with many works being finely crafted and requiring patience and perseverance. Painting dominates as the preferred choice of media this year; also popular are works based in printmaking and drawing. The girls are beginning to think about our exhibition in Term 3. With 33 Bodies of Work (some very large), questions like how will we all fit into Cooper Hall? are being asked by the girls. Rest assured, they will fit; we have managed to fit up to 41 Bodies of Work in there previously. Both students and teachers are looking forward to presenting a vibrant, diverse and dynamic exhibition to our community.
Students of Year 11 Visual Arts are currently undertaking a unit titled These are Desperate Times. This is a unit focusing on art as a vehicle to express social and political themes and the girls are required to resolve artworks by the end of Week 8. The artmaking component of this unit is based in printmaking; students have chosen to produce pieces in etching, lino-printing, monoprinting and collagraphy. The students have been advised to explore and test the boundaries of conventional printmaking practices and as a result, many are combining media, introducing elements like laser-cut perspex, adding three-dimensional elements or presenting pieces in more contemporary, postmodern ways.
In Stage 5, Years 9 and 10 girls populate four integrated Visual Arts classes. A total of 78 students are currently studying this subject (and undertaking the same units) in Stage 5, meaning that we have an enormous number of artworks produced in one medium at any one time. Due this week are charcoal animal portraits produced by the students. The girls were required to select a photographic image of an animal to be used as visual reference for the portrait. Many chose images of their pets, but we have a wide range of more exotic animals being drawn as well. The girls used the grid-enlargement process to scale up and transfer proportions to a 60 x 48cm piece of drawing paper. The task has required students to aim for a sense of realism, and students have learnt about observing very carefully, and applying charcoal in varied ways to render parts of their image. Employing willow, block and charcoal pencil, they have learnt to apply these materials both softly and more precisely, and additionally, that an eraser is an important ‘maker’ of drawing marks. To execute these drawings, the students have needed patience, concentration and perseverance.
Year 8 students finished their study of Mandatory Stage 4 Visual Arts in Term 1. To provide an opportunity for artmaking for interested students, we offered the first of Art Enrichment workshops, running on Wednesday afternoons during Weeks 1-5. 31 students elected to participate in this first workshop, enthusiastically producing prints using a range of procedures and techniques under the guidance of Mrs Spencer and Mr Alldis. Many students are still finishing a lino-print which we will find time to print towards the end of the term.
Various works by Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 Visual Arts students
In a most enthusiastic manner, students in Year 7 began Visual Arts this term. We started with a foundational unit, exploring a range of visual elements and their applications to artmaking. For the first part of this unit, the students undertake a number of one or two lesson tasks related to elements like colour, tone and shape. These activities also allow students to use and test a variety of materials. In the last weeks of Term 2, the girls will begin a painting in which they will apply some of their understanding of these elements, such as the consideration of harmonious and complementary colour, organic and geometric shape, and use of space to form an effective composition.
Design & Technology
The STEM students are preparing their entries for the F1 in Schools Competition in August. This includes marketing of their team and manufacturing of their car designs.
The Stage 5 DAT students have been exploring different aspects of architectural design, with a focus on more organic shapes. Design ideas have been realised using sketching, 3D printing and the laser cutter.
The Year 11 DAT class is putting the finishing touches on the Aeropress Coffee Maker designs using Onshape CAD software and the 3D printers. In addition to this, students have been identifying areas of need in design specifically investigating situations where there is a gender bias against women users.
Year 12 DAT students are working to develop their Major Design Projects.
Mr Phil Alldis, Head of Visual Arts and Design & Technology
Acknowledgement to:
KIDSLIT teams from Years 6, 7 and 8 on their highly successful results at the recent State Heat of the Australian Competition.
Frensham’s Year 10 Science and Engineering Challenge team placed first in the recent Southern Highlands regional competition.
Frensham students trialing for Open IGSA Teams: Netball, Jemima Graham-Wansey, Olivia Laverty (Year 11) and Sophie Rodwell (Year 12), with Sophie selected in the top 16 players. Touch, Heidi Rowntree (Year 9), Annabelle Ranken, Sophie Rodwell (Year 12).
Madeleine Mulligan (Year 12) who has been accepted into the Young Diplomats Tour of Australia. The UN Youth Tour welcomes 25 young leaders from across Australia on a three-weekend online international activity to explore the complex realities of diplomacy in the 21st century.
Summer Oxley (Year 10) for her selection through application and interview into the Girl Power in Engineering and IT programme at Melbourne University. The course commences during the vacation and through a mentoring programme continues into Years 11 and 12.
Frensham’s Year 11 Mock Trial team for its success in recent competition; barristers for Frensham were Yusra Chalak and Lulu Duck, solicitor Isobel Harrington, witnesses Eliza Hewson and Lily Huggins, Magistrates Clerk Jemima Melki, in support Isolde Cochet, Ella van Egmond and Polly Whitwell.
The cast and crew of the Birthday play, Mrs Sally Hannah (Director) and Ms Fiona Shannon (assistant) for their preparation of staging the play.
Gib Gate students in the Young Archie competition at the Art Gallery of NSW: Finalists, Mia Vasales (age 5), Oliver Whitfield (age 10). Honourable Mention, Darcey Burrows (age 10), James Macpherson (age 8), Heston Ryan (age 7), Matilda Spong (age 10).
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
As this week we mark the exact middle of Term 2, and the weather starts to properly cool, we have been reflecting with gratitude on the opportunities we have enjoyed with our community this term. Grandparents and Mother’s Day celebrations at Gib Gate, our recent Year 8 Parent Weekend at Frensham, Saturday Sport almost back to pre-COVID arrangements, and our next exhibition opening next weekend at Sturt. We are so fortunate to be able to gather as a community for our upcoming Birthday and Year 12 Weekend in June and are very much looking forward to celebrating this major event in the School’s calendar with students, staff and families. Please do check Schoolbox for the arrangements for this weekend.
I spoke with both Gib Gate and Frensham students earlier in the term about some of the symbolism of Autumn, reflecting on the beauty of the changing seasons and that, like most things in life, how we experience the change of season and weather, is down to our personal perspective. I encouraged students and staff to purposely choose a positive perspective as we transition into a new season. Some of you might be dreading the onset of cooler months and some of you will be looking forward to them, getting rugged up and feeling that cold air on your face, the comfort of a warm fire. The season change is inevitable; instead of dreading or lamenting the change in weather, let us embrace the change in season and remind ourselves that change can actually bring new beauty for us to see. The Autumn trees have shown us over the past months how beautiful changes can be, and all around us the trees are the living example of letting things go, in preparedness for new growth.
As we approach the end of this beautiful season in the highlands, the words of the American writer and poet Angie Weiland-Crosby seem entirely fitting – “Autumn whispered to the wind: I fall; but always rise again.”
Boarding and Travel Information
Long Weekend Travel and End of Term 2, Start of Term 3 Travel bookings have now closed
Please note that late bookings may not be able to be accommodated by the State Rail Authority.
SSTS (School Student Transport Scheme) Preference is given to places for boarding students travelling home.
Information regarding luggage restrictions for booked transport
Stored Luggage - no more than two items for stowage in luggage bins on coach services. Not to exceed 60cm (height) x 70cm (length) and 50 cm wide (ie: length, depth and width not exceeding total of 180cm) and 20kg in weight.
Hand Luggage - the total weight of hand luggage is not to exceed 5kg and must be able to be stored under the seat. Hand luggage that does not fit under the seat must be stored in the luggage compartment beneath the coach.
Parent reminder: Friday night dinner leave is with students’ own parents/carers. All parents/carers are asked to sign students out of the house and back into the house when going on Day Leave or Overnight Leave.
Frensham Faculty Focus
Mathematics
Are humans born mathematicians?
Do children think and work mathematically on their own or is this a learned behaviour?
One of the reasons this question is always on our minds is because it links closely to an idea that many people hold, which is that some people are born with mathematical ability while others are not. It is fairly common for people to think of mathematics as a special talent that only some people possess, but does it have any basis in reality?
When we ask, ‘Are humans born mathematicians?’, what we are really asking is: ‘Are humans born to seek out and try to understand the patterns around us?’ Stating the question this way makes things clear: the answer is emphatically yes.
A pair of odd numbers always add to an even number. The exterior angle of any polygon, no matter how big or small or irregular, always add up to a full revolution. The rows of Pascal’s Triangle always add up to a power of two.
….This is why it’s impossible to put a fence around what mathematicians are interested in: they are interested in any kind of pattern, and patterns exist everywhere. (Excerpts from Woo’s Wonderful World of Maths)
This term, many of our students have been putting into practice their skills in recognising patterns: from the Year 7s, who have completed their first unit on Algebraic Techniques, to the Year 10s who completed another unit on Algebraic Techniques. Years 11 and 12 continue to challenge themselves applying Algebraic Techniques across a number of topics from Non-Linear Relationships to Calculus. All of this learning is based on recognising patterns.
Some of our students have started the Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians (MCYA). Open to all students in Years 7-10, it is a competition run by the Australian Mathematics Trust (AMT) over four consecutive weeks with students working individually and or in pairs on a set of six problems. It is a competition that requires dedication and persistence, but the questions are based on mathematics which should be known at that level and separate solutions must be submitted by each student. Students have allocated class time to work on the problems, with some guidance allowed from the teacher and from any resources other than human ones - textbooks, encyclopaedias, calculators and computers. The supervising teachers will check on each student’s progress on a regular basis and offer clarification where needed. We hope the MCYA Challenge is an enjoyable and valuable learning experience for your daughter.
Students participated in NAPLAN Tests for Years 7 and 9 in Week 4. The Mathematics REACH tests were completed by Years 8 and 10 in Week 4 and are scheduled for Years 7 and 9 later this term. Results for these tests will be sent to the school and made available to parents.
A few more thoughts and ideas for your consideration:
Many students ask how long they should spend studying mathematics each week. The answer is: as long as they need to. Every student is different, and some students will need to study more than others. However, even the best student will not do well without studying for a few hours each week (musicians practice for many hours).
Do you work best with silence or noise? It is better if you can study with as few distractions as you can manage. Studying is different to doing your Prep because you are trying to remember facts and procedures. Some students study better at a library and all students should complete their Prep in a silent environment, to increase their concentration, accuracy, and retention.
Students have different learning preferences. Visual learners (who learn by seeing), could write their notes on colourful cards, a poster or in a notebook. Draw a mind map (snapshot) and use diagrams or pictures to help jog your memory. Audio learners (who learn by listening), record notes and play them back. Study with another person and discuss your work together. Set rules and formulae to music or make a poem. For the physical learner (who learns by doing), do lots of exercises (questions) or teach the work to someone else.
Encourage your daughter to take advantage of the many opportunities to learn and improve in mathematics and to seek help from her teacher and/or attend the ‘drop-in’ coaching sessions with a faculty teacher on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons, or have private/small group coaching, by arrangement, on Wednesday or Thursday during the day or evening. Please do not hesitate to contact your daughter’s teacher by phone/email or contact me directly with any concerns about their learning and/or progress.
Year 11 Mathematics Standard created their own globes in order to locate major cities on the Earth according to their latitude and longitude. This lesson was part of a series of lessons exploring time zones and time differences between places on the Earth that are due to the Earth’s rotation on its axis.
Ms Joanne Allison, Head of Mathematics
Languages
French
Students of French have made an enthusiastic start to the year, with eager greetings of “Bonjour! Comment ça va?” resounding through the hallways of the North West building. While dancing and singing l’alphabet français, Year 7 students have been immersed in French culture through film and song, following the adventures of Belle and Sébastien, a story set in 1943 about a young shepherd boy and his dog, and Miraculous, a modern series about a young French girl with super powers.
All junior classes have presented colourful and well-researched demonstrations of their cultural knowledge of France and the French-speaking world. Year 7 classes focused on le Monde Francophone sharing their findings of exotic and far-flung territories such as Le Maroc, la Polynésie française, la Nouvelle Calédonie et la Belgique. Year 8 students designed a three-day itinerary for Paris where they took le métro, le RER ou le bus to visit iconic destinations such as la Tour Eiffel, le Musée d’Orsay et le Louvre. Year 9 students explored reginal housing styles and accommodation such la longère normane et la bastide provençale. Each group tested the attentiveness of its classmates with a quiz, often taking the form of an energetic and competitive Kahoot! to finish off their presentation.
Year 10 students started a new text this year called Ça y est! The colourful, magazine-style format gives the students an insight into the life of young French adults as they go to school and out with friends and plan their future after le bac.
Senior students are challenging their communication abilities with bi-weekly speaking classes as we seek to add sophistication to our mastery of the language in spoken and written form. On the first Closed Weekend in Term 1 the girls in the French Extension class met for several hours to workshop the Prescribed Themes for the HSC and to discuss the Prescribed film - Intouchables. The second Closed Weekend of Term 1 saw the Years 11 and 12 French students head off campus to immerse themselves in a slice of France here in the Southern Highlands. The girls relished the opportunity to savour la cuisine française at the Café la Palette at Mount Ashby Estate, where they were served by native French staff, and were delighted to use their language skills in an authentic linguistic setting.
Next week, from 20-27 May, all French students will compete in the ImmerseMe Games 2021, a virtual, online language immersion competition for students around the world.
French lunch Café la Palette at Mount Ashby Estate – from left to right Mme Allman, Year 11 students: Emily Lenehan, Eliza Hewson, Olivia Laverty. Year 12 students Jemima Storch, Taylah Stoney, Olivia Turner, Lara Tait, Ella Clark, Emilie Hassall, Mme Lennon.
Latin
Year 8 students have commenced their study of Latin this term, learning about the language, its origins and the European languages that have evolved from it. With over 70 percent of English words having their origins in Latin, learning this ancient language means that girls are constantly acquiring new and more sophisticated vocabulary as well as gaining an insight into the own English grammar. The history and writings of the Romans are interesting in themselves and still important to us. Our civilisation has evolved from Roman culture and we can see their influence in many places such as Literature, the Law, and the Sciences.
The start of Term 2 within the Years 9 and 10 Latin classrooms evoked a sense of familiarity, through rediscovering grammatical concepts and linguistic structures encountered last term, alongside the excitement of learning new language and discovering different aspects of Roman civilisation and culture. The addition of the online text Suburani, offers greater depth of research, more opportunities for reading authentic Latin and amazing visual representations of the ancient world.
Both Years 11 and 12 Latin classes have started new texts this term. Year 12 has started the prose text, Cicero’s In Catilinam, a speech prosecuting the senator Catiline who was leading a plot to overthrow the Roman Senate. Year 11 is studying Marcus Tullius Cicero – Vita extraordinaria, which contains extracts from some of his well-known speeches as well as letters to his family. It is amazing to think that these letters, written over 2000 years ago, are still accessible to us and enable us to read about family and political matters which concerned Cicero at the time.
The National Latin Examinations
The Languages Department at Frensham has been associated with the prestigious National Latin Examinations for over 20 years. Organised by the American Classical League, Latin students in Years 9-12 along with students from 50 states in the USA, plus 20 other countries as diverse as Jordan, the Solomon Islands, the United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe sat the paper in early March.
Year 9 - Introduction to Latin Exam - Magna Cum Laude Certificate: Juliet Henry; Silver Maxima Cum Laude Certificate: Emily Crawford, Luca de Manincor, Lucy Molineux; Gold Summa Cum Laude Certificate: Poppy Carter, Lucinda Colgan, Phoebe Gilder, Claudia Hampson, Zara Maple-Brown, Miliana Thompson.
Year 10 - Latin I Exam - Gold Summa Cum Laude Certificate: Bella Cay, Pia D’Rozario, Hannah Perkins, Edie Staniforth.
Year 11 - Latin II Exam - Silver Maxima Cum Laude Certificate: Lucy Booth; Gold Summa Cum Laude Certificate: Matilda Arnott, Zoe Gallagher, Phoebe Rowntree.
Year 12 - Latin III Exam - Gold Summa Cum Laude Certificate: Emilie Hassall, Madeleine Mulligan.
Of the Year 9 cohort, four perfect Examination scores were achieved by Poppy Carter, Lucinda Colgan, Phoebe Gilder, Claudia Hampson.
Mrs Kerry Lennon, Director of Languages
Character Education and Pastoral Care
On Thursday 6 May, Brainstorm Productions presented their student wellbeing performance Cyberia to Years 9 and 10. Cyberia was a live theatre experience that addressed mental health, (cyber)bullying, impulse control and the responsible use of technology.
Cyberia was presented as part of our student wellbeing curriculum and developed by education and mental health professionals. Real student experiences were woven together to create a compelling narrative and theatrical experience. The performance posed questions about how we treat ourselves and others, both online and offline, and encourages resilience and positive relationships.
On Tuesday 4 May, Year 12 participated in the Elevate Education - Ace Your Exams seminar. This seminar aligned with our Character Education Goals and covered the following areas:
Highest value exam preparation tasks
Fixing mistakes to ensure constant improvement
Time allocation during exam preparation
Techniques for managing stress and time pressure in exams.
The seminar was designed to achieve behavioural change amongst students. It isn’t enough that students simply understand what they need to do to prepare for exams, the challenge is getting students to use and apply the skills they learn. The Ace Your Exams seminar provided practical tips on exam technique and preparation and all students found it highly engaging and insightful.
Elevate will be presenting seminars in Term 3 to Year 11 and Year 10.
Mrs Wendy Fawbert, Director of Character Education and Planning
NSW State da Vinci Decathlon Competition 2021 – Thursday 13 May 2021
The Year 11 da Vinci Decathlon Team 2021, Ankitha Avvari, Maya Basson, Sophia Brooks, Yusra Chalak, Zoe Gallagher, Sarah Hunter, Charlotte Senior, Emily Senior and Mia Shakeshaft, competed in the recent NSW State Finals of this international competition in the ‘virtual environment’. They were competing against 170 other schools from across the State. ‘Locked in’ a classroom at Frensham for the day with a ZOOM camera trained on them at every minute, each challenge was delivered electronically and then uploaded either in text format or video file within five minutes of each deadline.
We congratulate the team on its outstanding achievements in every discipline which included: English, Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Code-Breaking, Art & Poetry, Ideation, Creative Producers, Cartography and ‘Legacy’ (of da Vinci’s life and times).
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director of Teaching & Learning P-12, Coordinator of Gifted and Talented Programmes.
IGSA Cross Country – Friday 14 May
A total of 869 runners from 23 different schools took part in the annual IGSA Cross Country hosted by Frensham. The Frensham team consisted of 45 students who competed in their respective seven age groups. Over half of the Frensham runners finished in the top half of their age group. Frensham finished 9th overall - a terrific team effort. With thanks to coach, Eligh Morris for training the team and the Grounds Staff for preparing the course.
Placing in the top 30 in their races were: 11-12 Years, Milly Debelle-Hancock (Year 7); 13 Years, Tia Thomas (Year 8); 15 Years, Phoebe Gilder (Year 9); 16 Years, Bella Cay (Year 10), Julia Burge (Year 10); 17 Years, Lucy Gale (Year 11); 18 Years, Harriet Collins (Year 12), Annabelle Ranken (Year 12), Sophie Rodwell (Year 12), Amy Thompson (Year 12), India Hicks (Year 12).
Harriet Collins, Annabelle Ranken and Sophie Rodwell received a Silver Medal for finishing 2nd in the 18 Years team event.
The following girls have qualified to compete in the Combined Independent Schools (CIS) Cross Country Championships, Eastern Creek, on Thursday 10 June: Tia Thomas (Year 8), Lucy Gale (Year 11), Harriet Collins (Year 12), Annabelle Ranken (Year 12), Sophie Rodwell (Year 12), Amy Thompson (Year 12).
L-R: Tia Thomas, Lucy Gale, Amy Thompson, Annabelle Ranken, Harriet Collins, Sophie Rodwell
Ms Erin Gray, Head of Sport
Acknowledgement to:
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award recipients – Gold: Jessica Billet, Sarah Brown, Ella Clark (Year 12); Silver: Yusra Chalak, Lillian McCarten, Phoebe Rowntree, Camilla Warner (Year 11); Bronze: Charlotte Hindmarsh (Year 11), Scarlett Alldis, Lucy Arnott, Hannah Bendror, Julia Burge, Bella Cay, Matilda Chadwick, Alexandra Corbett, Pia D'Rozario, Sophie Hassall, Olivia Huggins, Augusta Muir, Eliza Mulligan, Freyjika Parker, Edie Staniforth, (Year 10)
Frensham Cross Country team members for their achievements at the recent IGSA Cross Country Carnival and to NSW Combined Independent Schools (CIS) Cross Country qualifiers – Tia Thomas (Year 8), Lucy Gale (Year 11), Harriet Collins (Year 12), Annabelle Ranken (Year 12), Sophie Rodwell (Year 12), Amy Thompson (Year 12).
AMEB Musicianship recipients with High Distinction: Summer Oxley and Hilary Swan (Year 10) Grade 2, Sophie Chen (Year 8) Grade 1.
Lucy Pernice (Year 11), for her selection to Snow Australia’s Emerging Talent Programme 2021 and for gaining a scholarship for this year’s full-time training programme at Perisher Winter Sports Club for Best Role Model in every discipline ski and snowboard, male and female.
International Latin Examinations award recipients: Year 9 - Introduction to Latin Exam: Magna Cum Laude Certificate: Juliet Henry; Silver Maxima Cum Laude Certificate: Emily Crawford, Luca de Manincor, Lucy Molineux; Gold Summa Cum Laude Certificate: Poppy Carter, Lucinda Colgan, Phoebe Gilder, Claudia Hampson, Zara Maple-Brown, Miliana Thompson; Year 10 - Latin I Exam - Gold Summa Cum Laude Certificate: Bella Cay, Pia D’Rozario, Hannah Perkins, Edie Staniforth; Year 11 - Latin II Exam - Silver Maxima Cum Laude Certificate: Lucy Booth; Gold Summa Cum Laude Certificate: Matilda Arnott, Zoe Gallagher, Phoebe Rowntree. Year 12 - Latin III Exam - Gold Summa Cum Laude Certificate: Emilie Hassall, Madeleine Mulligan; Perfect scores: Poppy Carter, Lucinda Colgan, Phoebe Gilder, Claudia Hampson
Year 11 da Vinci Decathlon Team 2021, Ankitha Avvari, Maya Basson, Sophia Brooks, Yusra Chalak, Zoe Gallagher, Sarah Hunter, Charlotte Senior, Emily Senior and Mia Shakeshaft, for its achievements at the recent State Competition.
Gib Gate parents for their support at recent Hockey matches held at Welby Hockey Turf.
Lucy Pernice
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
Outdoor Learning on the Gib Gate Land for Wildlife site, including planting native grasses
Term 2 Events
We are excitedly making arrangements for one of the most important events in the School calendar, the Birthday Weekend. This celebration, typically around the first weekend in June, involves our entire community – students, staff, and parents from Gib Gate, Frensham and Sturt, along with Frensham Old Girls. Whilst we are limited with visitor numbers at individual events, we have adjusted our programme to accommodate as many visitors as possible across the course of the weekend’s celebrations. The schedule for the weekend will be published on Schoolbox by the end of this week.
End of Term Arrangements
As previously advised in the Term 1 Newsletter, we will be giving all families at Gib Gate and Frensham the option for children to undertake remote learning at home, or to attend school on campus in our last week of this term, 15-17 June. Students will be expected students to complete set learning activities whether at home or on campus.
We ask all families to respond by clicking here, providing an indication of whether your child/ren will be undertaking remote learning or learning on campus. This will assist us greatly with our planning for this week.
Teaching and Learning
Reach Assessments - Term 2, 2021
In Teaching and Learning at Frensham and Gib Gate, as part of Frensham Schools Strategic Priorities 2018-2022, we are continuously seeking to improve and extend our assessment and benchmarking using a research based, robust set of tools to provide data across multiple subjects and years. This enables us to study individual, class and cohort levels of achievement and growth. This approach to data analysis ensures excellence in teaching practice and enhances creative pathways for learning that increase personalisation and flexibility for all students so they can achieve their personal best.
In 2019 we introduced the REACH assessment tool (previously UNSW Global) - a comprehensive set of assessments, for primary and secondary students in English, Mathematics, Science and Writing. The assessments are based on the Australian curriculum for students in Years 2 to 10 and are suitable for use across all ability levels. Items range from recall and routine application, through to more demanding questions. They were not available for implementation in 2020 but we are now able to utilise the REACH Assessment programme in Term 2 this year. They will be administered in comfortable timed conditions for the students in their classrooms by their class teachers.
The data will provide us with an independent and objective benchmark of student progress to support our teachers’ professional judgement, class-based tasks and formal school-based assessment programmes, and inform future curriculum planning and programming.
In addition, we have always provided our students with the opportunity to challenge themselves using ICAS Competition papers and we will continue to use this tool in addition to REACH in Term 3 this year. ICAS is aimed at recognising academic excellence for high potential students, emphasising challenge and extension in tight timed conditions. The ICAS Competition online papers in 2021 may be undertaken by students who have a high level of success in REACH in Years 2-10 allowing them to apply their learning and challenge themselves at ‘competition level’ in each of the disciplines above. The ICAS Competitions require students to think beyond the classroom and provide us with data that acknowledges their performance achievement at the highest level.
Professional Learning at Frensham Schools Terms 2 and 3 2021
Professional Learning Goals 2021-2022: to meet the individual learning needs of all students by personalising programmes, experiences and outcomes; and to create a learning community, which is world class and embraces innovation, inspired by evidence-based research and external critique.
In pursuit of our staff Professional Learning Goals, on Monday 19 April all teachers P-12 commenced their professional learning through the UNSW Faculty of Education to obtain up-to-date qualifications in teaching our high potential and gifted students in every classroom. UNSW lecturers Di Bond and Marie McGregor delivered a bespoke Certificate of Gifted Education programme on campus at Frensham, which was the first of three days of learning designed in consultation with Ms Kate Chauncy and Dr Ruth Phillips to suit teachers and students at Frensham Schools. For those teachers who hold postgraduate qualifications in gifted education already, and those who have previously completed this particular course through the UNSW, Dr Ruth Phillips designed an Advanced course in Gifted Education which she delivered simultaneously.
The course continues on Friday 18 June (end Term 2) and Monday 12 July (start Term 3) by which time all teachers at Frensham Schools will have achieved post graduate accreditation in this vital area of education and developed their skills, knowledge and understanding of contemporary research and best practice in engaging and supporting all our students to reach their potential.
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director of Teaching and Learning P-12, Coordinator of Gifted & Talented Programmes P-12
Boarding and Travel Information
Long Weekend Travel – SSTS Travel bookings
Bookings for the June long weekend are due to House staff by Monday 10 May.
Please note that SSTS coach services have advised that late bookings are not able to be accommodated.
SSTS Coach/Train services give preference to students travelling home so travel with friends cannot be guaranteed – families are asked to have a second plan in place.
Term 2 Parent Weekends
Following updated COVID-19 guidelines for Schools, we are now able to accommodate all Frensham students and Year Group parents at the Year Weekend School Services.
Year 8 Weekend - Sunday 16 May (Service and Concert: 9.30am for 10.00am start, finish approximately 11.30am
Student attendance at the Services and Concerts is compulsory, and girls are required to wear full winter school uniform including hats, blazers and stockings.
Year 12 and Birthday Weekend - Friday 4 June-Sunday 6 June – Full details for Years 7-12 regarding this weekend will be emailed to parents this week and, for reference, will be available on Schoolbox.
Weekend Exeats
All families are reminded that all Exeats are to be submitted online via the relevant Schoolbox form by 12.00pm the Thursday prior. On the Birthday Weekend, Exeat Leave and Day Leave is only to be taken with students’ own parents/carers.
IGSSA SPORT
The Term 2 IGSA Sport season is well underway. This term Frensham is represented by 12 Football and 14 Basketball teams in the IGSA competitions. There is a rousing atmosphere on the Games Field and at the Basketball Courts with girls cheering on their teams and friends and the Pavilion is open, serving bacon and egg sandwiches and coffee.
The 2021 Cross Country team, consisting of 44 girls across seven age groups, has been training hard and the girls are ready to race their best this Friday at the annual IGSA Cross Country Carnival, hosted by Frensham. All families are welcome to attend in support of the girls who are running.
Last Friday, we welcomed runners from Oxley College. This was an opportunity for students to fine tune their skills against quality opposition and we thank the students and staff from Oxley College for making this possible. We are looking forward to seeing our runners compete this Friday and wish them well.
Ms Erin Gray, Head of Sport
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Silver Qualifying Expedition
The Royal National Park, Heathcote, 26-28 April
The three-day expedition, undertaken by Year 10 students, is based on a programme of developing navigational, teamwork, leadership, orienteering and camping skills. The following students were supported by Mr McMillan and Ms Farmer, Scarlett Alldis, Monique Andersson, Lucy Arnott, Hannah Bendror, Ava Berkelouw, Julia Burge, Bella Cay, Matilda Chadwick, Alexandra Corbett, Matilda Damiani, Sarah-Joy Day, Evelyn Doan, Pia D'Rozario, Olivia Faulkner, Sophie Hassall, Saskia Hilkemeijer, Gracie Hindmarsh, Charlotte Hopperton, Olivia Huggins, Meg Jones, Phoebe Kingsley, Savannah Linde, Zoe Logan, James McBride, Emilie McMurtrie, Cintra Maldonado, Darcy Maple-Brown, Alice Mitchell, Augusta Muir, Eliza Mulligan, Elizabeth Nesci, Summer Oxley, Poppy Paradice, Freyjika Parker, Sarah Partland, Hannah Perkins, Phoebe Rouse, Jessica Savage, Annabelle Scott, Edie Staniforth, Inka Wilson.
Mr Shane Green, Coordinator Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
ANZAC Service Address
Delivered by Jessica Billett and Sophie Perkins Year 12 at the Mittagong ANZAC Day Ceremony 25 April 2021 on Behalf of the Youth of the Community.
When war broke out in 1914, Australia had been a federated nation for only 13 years, and its government was eager to establish a reputation among the nations of the world.
In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany.
The Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders.
What had been planned as a bold stroke to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight long months.
At the end of 1915 the allied forces were evacuated from the Peninsula, with both sides having suffered heavy casualties and endured great hardships. More than 8,700 Australian soldiers had died in the campaign.
Gallipoli had a profound impact on Australians at home, and April 25 soon became the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who died in the war.
Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the actions of Australian and New Zealand forces during the campaign left a powerful legacy.
What became known as the ‘Anzac Legend’ was to become an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the ways in which they viewed both their past and their future.
In his poem ‘For the Fallen’, Laurence Binyon offers this reflection on the enduring legacy of our soldiers:
They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.
As the stars that shall be bright when they are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are stormy in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.
As the youth of the community, we owe our ANZAC soldiers more than a debt of gratitude – we owe them our determination and courage to protect their legacy and continue to build the Australia they sought to protect.
Their resilience, courage and strength of spirit has ingrained itself into the Australian psyche. From the devastation of war arose moments of mateship, and from loss came the unity of a nation.
It was out of love for their country that they faced death, and although they may be gone, they will not be forgotten.
2021 also marks a significant milestone for the Royal Australian Air Force, as it marks 100 years of service.
This is an important time to reflect on their enduring contribution to the security of Australia. From modest beginnings in 1921, the Air Force has grown into a potent, world class military entity which Australia relies upon in both conflict and peace.
We aspire to mirror those who served and who are currently serving, highlighting humanity’s most admirable attributes: service, selflessness and courage in the face of adversity. It is our responsibility to prolong the memory of those who served, and those who continue to serve today and into the future.
We are very honoured to be standing here today, representing the youth of the Southern Highlands, paying our respects to all men and women who have served and honouring your sacrifice to our country.
Lest We Forget.
Acknowledgment to:
Frensham students trialing for Open IGSA Teams, Georgia Shakeshaft (Year 12) and Mia Shakeshaft (Year 11) Basketball; Amelia Guilfoyle (Year 12) Hockey; Heidi Jervis (Year 10) Football.
Sarah-Joy Day and Bella Cay (Year 10) who represented Frensham at the recent Plain English Public Speaking Competition.
Frensham Schools Equestrians competing at national and regional events: Sophie Baldwin (Year 8) - Hawkesbury Show:1st 1.05m Show Jumping; Victorian State Trials: 5th overall on two different mounts; Cassia Berry (Year 8) - Sugarloaf Cobbity Equestrian Australia: 2nd overall Pony Dressage; 1st Youth rider. Oxley Equestrian Day: Frensham and Gib Gate were well represented with numerous riders placing in all disciplines. Cassia Berry (Year 9): 1st Novice 2B Senior Dressage; Lilly Treweeke (Year 9) 1st 75cm Senior Show Jumping. The Gib Gate Team of Annika Basson, Olivia Cowley and Georgia Suttie (Year 6), competed at a high standard in dressage, show jumping and show riding, resulting in being placed 2nd Overall Primary School Division.
Gib Gate Cross Country Team for its success at the recent IPSHA Cross Country event held at The King’s School: Valentina Hercus and Zahra Nash (Year 3) qualified to represent IPSHA at the NSWCIS Cross Country Championships to be held later this term.
Year 6 students for their leadership in the Gib Gate Peer Support Programme (K-5).
Staffing update
Last week, we farewelled Miss Jane Crichton, who had been part of the Boarding Programme since 2019 and was most recently in Linden Turner House. We welcome back Mrs Jacky McCarroll, a well-known member of the Frensham staff, who will be working in Boarding this term.
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
It has been wonderful to welcome back all students and staff for Term 2. We had a very productive day of professional learning with staff from both Frensham and Gib Gate on Monday 19 April, followed by the return of Boarders on Monday evening and the commencement of classes on Tuesday 20 April. Schools feel incomplete without the spirited humans who really enliven them as places and as communities.
In our first Prayers to start the term, I shared some of my thoughts and reflections about fresh starts, as the beginning of a new term seems the perfect time to do so. We are all familiar with the feeling of a fresh start – the first day in a new school, a new class, the first day of term or even just a Monday morning. These have a way of decoupling or separating what’s happened in the past from what is to come next. Professor Katy Milkman, from the Wharton School, along with her research team, has explored this topic in great detail. She defines the “Fresh Start Effect” as the energy and determination we feel when we have the opportunity to be able to wipe the slate clean. According to Milkman’s research, the same momentum that drives us when making new year’s resolutions in January can be harnessed to help us focus on the pursuit of goals at other times throughout the year.
The beginning of a new term is a brilliant time for us all to encourage each other and to take a determined approach ourselves toward our goals, for these “fresh start” moments tend to be when we have a natural inclination to put in the extra effort and set ourselves up well for the term ahead. After all, in the words of Mark Twain: the secret to getting ahead is getting started. I wish all students, staff and families a productive, creative and happy term ahead.
Welcome to Term 2 ~ Frensham and Gib Gate Staff
COVID-19
Further to my note to parents last week, I remind all members of the Frensham Schools community of the need to monitor your health during the coming term. Visitors must not attend any School functions if unwell, or awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test, and students must not attend school if they are experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms. The safety and wellbeing of our community remains our first priority.
We are looking forward to welcoming our community to more events back on campus this term. We are currently finalising plans, in light of the updated regulations, for the Frensham Schools Birthday Weekend in June, and will be communicating these details separately to our community early next week.
Frensham Pavilion
For the first time in over a year the Frensham Pavilion will be fully open for business on Saturday morning for Round 1 of the Term 2 IGSA Competition.
A special thanks must go to Mrs Edwina Savage (Year 10 Parent) who is handing over the reins to Mrs Alison Vilo and Mrs Edwina Carter (Year 9 Parents) for 2021.
Along with the Frensham Baristas (Year 12 students) the team of Alison, Edwina, Edward and Charlie will be preparing and serving the best coffee and bacon and egg sandwiches in the Southern Highlands!
ANZAC Day Service
Over a number of years, Frensham Schools has worked with the Mittagong RSL Sub-branch, to share in the planning and delivery of the best possible outcomes for the community for the Mittagong ANZAC Day Service. This year, COVID-19 restrictions have impacted on the delivery of the traditional services, there will be no Dawn Service, the morning Service will be a ticketed event and there will be no schools marching.
In support of the Mittagong RSL Sub-branch, Frensham’s involvement will include:
the ANZAC Message on behalf of the Youth of the Community, offered by Jessica Billett and Sophie Perkins (Year 12).
Wreath Bearers and representing Frensham Schools (P-12), Annabelle Ranken (Head Girl) and Taylah Stoney (Vice Head Girl) with Ms Kate Chauncy, Director of Teaching and Learning P-12.
Head of Music, Mr Michael Spencer will lead musical elements of the Service with student participation from singers Grace Amos, Elke Arnott, Lily Hunt, Madeleine Mulligan, Isabelle Promnitz, Georgia Shakeshaft (Year 12) and flautists Maya Basson (Year 11) and Aoibh Costello (Year 12).
All Frensham Boarders will be attending a Service at 10am on campus. All Day Boarders are welcome to join for this Service, in full School Uniform.
National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) 2021 Information for Parents and Carers
In May 2021 the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) will be completed by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. NAPLAN has the support of all State and Territory Education Ministers and will assess the literacy and numeracy skills of students across Australian schools. NAPLAN and all associated testing events did not proceed for 2020 due to COVID-19.
NAPLAN is an annual assessment and tests the types of skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life. The tests cover skills in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy. The results of the tests will provide important information to schools about what each student can do and will be used to support teaching and learning programs. Parents will receive a report indicating their child’s level of achievement. Each student’s level of achievement will be reported against the national minimum standard.
Student background information (student name, gender, date of birth, language background and Aboriginality) will be collected as part of the National Assessment Program. This information is treated confidentially and held securely to ensure that every student’s right to privacy is maintained.
The NAPLAN tests will be conducted in Week 4 of Term 2 from 11-14 May 2021. Please note that all NAPLAN Tests conducted at Frensham and Gib Gate this year will be pen and paper.
Where possible, schools are permitted to arrange for individual students who are absent at the time of testing to complete missed tests at another time during the relevant testing window. Individual students are not permitted to sit the paper tests after Friday 14 May 2021.
TUESDAY 11 MAY
Year 3: Language Conventions (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) - 45 minutes; Writing test - 40 minutes
Year 5: Language Conventions (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) - 45 minutes; Writing test - 40 minutes
Year 7: Language Conventions (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) - 45 minutes; Writing test - 40 minutes
Year 9: Language Conventions (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) - 45 minutes; Writing test - 40 minutes
WEDNESDAY 12 MAY
Year 3: Reading test - 45 minutes
Year 5: Reading test - 50 minutes
Year 7: Reading test - 65 minutes
Year 9: Reading test - 65 minutes
THURSDAY 13 MAY
Year 3: Numeracy test - 45 minutes
Year 5: Numeracy test - 50 minutes
Year 7: Numeracy test - 65 minutes
Year 9: Numeracy test - 65 minutes
The Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 Numeracy tests are conducted in one test session. The Years 7 and 9 numeracy tests have two sections. There is a short non-calculator section, in which students are required to demonstrate arithmetical calculation skills. For the remainder of the test, calculators are permitted, even if they are not necessary to answer the question. Students will use the calculator that they currently use at school.
In NAPLAN writing tests, students are provided with a ‘writing stimulus’ (sometimes called a ‘prompt’ – an idea or topic) and asked to write a response in a particular genre (narrative or persuasive writing).
Friday 14 May is the scheduled ‘catch-up’ day for students who missed a test or were absent on a test day. Students may be considered for exemption from the tests if they:
are newly arrived in Australia (less than one year before the test) and with a language background other than English, or
have significant intellectual disability and/or significant co-existing conditions which severely limit their capacity to participate in the tests.
All other students are expected to participate in the tests. Disability adjustments which reflect the student’s normal level of support in the classroom may be provided. Access to disability adjustments or exemption from the tests must be discussed with the Head and a parent or carer consent form must be signed.
Students may be withdrawn from NAPLAN by their parent or carer. This is a matter for consideration by parents in consultation with the Head. If you wish to withdraw your child from the tests, a parent or carer consent form must be signed.
We stress that we do not believe in the value of excessive preparation for NAPLAN beyond teaching the NESA Curriculum and familiarising students with the NAPLAN process. Parents and carers are welcome to discuss any questions they may have with Ms Sally Robson or Ms Kate Chauncy at Gib Gate or with Mr Geoff Marsh, Ms Kate Chauncy or Ms Janene van Gogh at Frensham.
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director of Teaching and Learning P-12; Coordinator of Gifted and Talented Programmes P-12
Boarding Information
Weekend Exeat Links
All Exeats are to be submitted online via the Schoolbox form and must be completed by 12.00pm the Thursday prior.
The School will be running South Coast (Kiama / Wollongong) and South West (Cootamundra / Harden / Yass) buses on Sunday 23 May.
All bus bookings, including Sydney buses, are made viathe online Exeat form.
Senior musicians and their professional tutors: Frensham has been awarded by the Australian Music Examination Board (AMEB) NSW for the fifth year – a Certificate of Distinction for a Top 10 result in the Category of Most Outstanding Accredited School 2020. Congratulations to Ms Sabine Madden Coordinator of Music Tuition and Gifted and Talented Music students, and the entire Music Staff and Tuition Staff on this extraordinary achievement.
Equestrian competing successfully at recent national and regional events: Willa Mitchell (Year 12) – Wallaby Hill International – 2nd placed Junior CCI3* (Eventing); Kate Clifton (Year 9), Young Dressage Championships – 1st Prelim 1A; Elizabeth Taylor (Year 8) - Southern Cross Hack Championships - Champion Rider (U 15 years), Champion Large Show Hunter Galloway and Champion Owner/Rider Large Show Hunter Galloway; Hufglocken Grand Nationals – Champion Child’s Hack; Sydney Royal Easter Show – Champion Senior Girl Rider (U 17 years), Champion Child’s Galloway; Tia Thomas (Year 8) (Eventing).
Members of the Show Cattle Team, led by Ms Leonie Mutch, for their excellent results at the Royal Sydney Easter Show: Champion School in the Herdsman (Best Maintained Team) Competition which included their Easter Show Display focusing on Frensham Farming Families and the School’s Agriculture programme and Champion School Carcase.
Gib Gate U12 Water Polo team, winners of the Grand Final; Amelia Blackshaw for being awarded Best and Fairest Player and Olivia Cowley the Most Improved Player.
Gib Gate U12 Purple Basketball team, runners-up of the Grand Final.
da Vinci Decathlon Competition
Teams from Years 5 to 10 competed in theda Vinci Decathlon Competition at the end of Term 1. Gib Gate competed at The Illawarra Christian School, Wollongong on Monday 29 March and Frensham competed at The Illawarra Grammar School Wollongong on Tuesday 30 March and Wednesday 31 March. Both Gib Gate and Frensham teams were competing against over 15 other schools from across the Illawarra region. Ms Kate Chauncy (Frensham) and Mrs Lee Ann Marsh (Gib Gate) coordinated participation in the competition and the students are commended for the success achieved.
Year 5: Darcey Burrows, Lachlan Dormer, Mae Gilkeson, Gemma McInnes, Matilda Spong, Edward Vilo, Annabelle Whyte-Cleaver, Oliver Wilson - 3rd in Art & Poetry, Engineering and Creative Producers.
Year 6: Annika Basson, Amelia Blackshaw, Iman Byrne, Isla McVinish, Sofia Nesci, Anthony Neilson, Ruby Rodgers, Adele Trudeau - 2nd Creative Producers and Legacy, 3rd Art & Poetry.
Year 7: Anouk Davies, Mollie Fitzpatrick, Alexandra Frith, Alice Gilder, Indigo Ling, Jade Neilson, Cara Sims, Isabel Syme - 1st Art & Poetry; 2nd Cartography and 3rd English.
Year 8: Sophie Chen, Jade Cox, Sophie Goodisson, Sophie Hanrahan, Amelia Hartnell, Camilla Johnston, Georgina Lewis, Elizabeth Shadbolt - 2nd Mathematics.
Year 9: Adelaide Ayling, Poppy Carter, Alice Fergusson, Claudia Hampson, Sophie Simpson, Imogen Smith, Eva Telford, Sidney Wheeler – 2nd place overall in Year 9, 1st Legacy, 3rd English and Mathematics.
Linden Turner: (Year 10) Hannah Bendror, Meg Jones, Millie Moar
Linden Turner: (Year 11) Abigail Hicks, Mia Shakeshaft, Olivia Vertzayias
Bryant McCarthy: (Year 11) Anna Collins, Mia Greig, Polly Whitwell
Staffing update
We welcome to Boarding:
Mrs Marion Van Kooten to the role of Head of Hartfield House. Mrs Van Kootenhas been working in our Boarding Programme since 2020 and is enthusiastic about leading Hartfield House and contributing her expertise to the Boarding leadership team.
Mrs Chelsea Carroll who will be joining us as a casual member of staff in Boarding, to provide during Ms Jeannette Gibson’s Long Service Leave, from Week 3 of the term.
We welcome back Mr Michael Spencer (Head of Music) and Mrs Trudi Spencer (Visual Arts) from Long Service Leave taken during Term 1.
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
Thank you to all members of the Frensham Schools community for such a warm welcome to the role. The first term of the year is always a busy one, and I have been so appreciative of the support and advice provided to help me settle into the role of Head and into life in the Highlands.
It has been wonderful to see the enjoyment and enthusiasm of students across all three campuses of Frensham Schools, engaged in their learning, greeting old friends warmly and making new ones, and getting to know their teachers. I have been so impressed by our creative and vibrant learning community of students and staff, and the commitment and dedication shown to the mission and values of the organisation. Part of our founder Winifred West’s vision was that, above all, a school should be a place where individuals, staff and students, willingly gave of their best to foster a sense of love, community and service – and that spirit is very much alive within the community today.
Whilst school life has been, fortunately, less disrupted by COVID than it was throughout 2020, as we have seen this week, vigilance is still required. We anticipate being able to welcome more families on campus for school events next term, and will communicate further towards the end of vacation period to confirm school-specific arrangements.
We wish all families safe travel, a restful and restorative vacation and I look forward to another positive and productive term ahead.
Ms Sarah McGarry, Head of Frensham, Head of Frensham Schools with Frensham and Gib Gate Student Leaders and Kindergarten Buddies
Head of Sturt
Our new Head of Sturt, Kristie Phelan, commenced in March, and has made a strong start in the role. As I mentioned in the announcement of her appointment earlier in March, Kristie brings to the role a valuable combination of skills and experiences, along with energetic drive and enthusiasm, to inform her leadership of the oldest and most dynamic design centre in Australia. I encourage all families to consider making a visit to Sturt across the holiday period or early next term if you haven’t visited for a while.
Boarding Leadership
At the end of this term, Ms Jeannette Gibson is stepping down from her role as Head of Hartfield House, a position she has held since 2011. We recognise her contribution to the Boarding programme at Frensham, and look forward to her continuing to work at Frensham following a short period of well-deserved Long Service Leave at the commencement of Term 2.
We also welcome Ms Sally Arnold to the role of Deputy Head of Boarding (Acting 2021) to join Ms Sally Fennell (Deputy Head of Boarding, Acting 2021), providing valuable leadership support across our Boarding Programme. Ms Arnold will remain Head of Linden Turner House and Year 11 Coordinator whilst taking on this additional responsibility and we look forward to her contribution to the team across 2021.
Term 2 Dates
At the end of Term 2 this year, our calendar has just three school days between the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend and the end of term. In order to provide flexibility for our families, particularly for those with boarders who live a significant distance from Frensham, we will be giving all families at Gib Gate and Frensham the option for children to undertake remote learning at home, or to attend school on campus as scheduled. We will still expect students to complete set learning activities whether at home or on campus. Further logistical details, particularly relating to arrangements for boarders, will be forthcoming early next term
Beginning of Term 2 Dropoff – Boarding
We look forward to welcoming all boarders back on Monday 19 April, before classes commence on Tuesday 20 April. Boarding Houses open from 5.00pm on Monday 19 April, however arrangements are able to be made on an individual family basis if earlier drop off is required. Please email boarding@frensham.nsw.edu.au to make these arrangements.
Return to school Term 2 - Information regarding luggage restrictions for booked transport.
Stored Luggage - no more than two items for stowage in luggage bins on coach services. Not to exceed 60cm (height) x 70cm (length) and 50 cm wide (ie: length, depth and width not exceeding total of 180cm) and 20kg in weight.
Hand Luggage - the total weight of hand luggage is not to exceed 5kg and must be able to be stored under the seat. Hand luggage that does not fit under the seat must be stored in the luggage compartment beneath the coach.
If transport arrangements change and booked transport is no longer required, please call the number on your daughter’s ticket, NSW TrainLink Call Centre on 132 232 and email boarding@frensham.nsw.edu.
Thank you for understanding that last minute bookings are unable to be accommodated.
Communication
We are pleased to confirm that, following this edition of our newsletter, we will return to fortnightly editions next term, with an updated format. Each edition will feature a particular area of Frensham Schools as a focus. We will be continuing to refine our communication channels across the coming terms, and look forward to your feedback as these changes are made.
Our Learning Management System, Schoolbox, will increasingly be used as the location for permission slips, information and notices for parents to access, and you will see the format of Schoolbox refreshed over the coming term. If you are having any difficulty accessing Schoolbox please do contact your child’s teacher (Gib Gate) or form tutor (Frensham) so this can be resolved. It is exciting to be very close to the launch of the Frensham Schools App which we anticipate being able to release during Term 2.
All parents will be invited to participate in a community survey about our communication systems at the beginning of next term and your feedback is welcomed.
Acknowledgement to:
Award Recipients: Girdles – Willa Mitchell (Equestrian), Jessica Billet (Academic Excellence), Harriet Mackie (Science), Ella Clark (Public Speaking) and Madeleine Mulligan (Academic Excellence).
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award recipients – Gold: Tamara Unsworth (2020); Silver: Year 11: Isobel Burge, Stella Hanan, Zé McGrath, Mia Shakeshaft (Year 11); Alexandra Bolger, Jessica Greig; Sophia Pernice (Year 12); Bronze: Ava Berkelouw, Sarah-Joy Day, Savannah Linde, Emilie McMurtrie, Darcy Maple-Brown, Elizabeth Nesci, Phoebe Rouse, Mia Greig (Year 10); Zé McGrath, Lucy Pernice, Phoebe Rowntree, Polly Whitwell (Year 11); Harriet Mackie (Year 12).
Phoebe Rowntree (Year 11) for her selection to the IGSA 17U Softball Team.
Tildesley Tennis Team members,Coach Justin Taylor, assistance from Ms Macqueen, and with leadership from Annabelle Ranken (C) and Ella Clark (VC) for their success at this year’s event; progressing to Round 4 were Annabelle Ranken and doubles team, Willa Mitchell and India Hicks (Year 12)
Willa Mitchell (Year 12) for her achievement in being ranked as the Top Junior Eventing, FEI (International Equestrian Federation).
Frensham Swimming team members for their achievements at recent Carnivals: IGSA Swimming Carnival: Claudia Maple-Brown (Year 7), Millie Moar (Year 10), Phoebe Clifton (Year 11) for progressing to the 50m B Freestyle finals in their age group; the Southern Highlands Schools Swimming Carnival: U15 Age Champion - Lydia Martin (Year 9); Runner Up Age Champions - U13 Tia Thomas (Year 8), U16 Millie Moar (Year 10), U17 Phoebe Clifton (Year 11).
Frensham Show Cattle and Sheep Teams for recent successes: Nowra Show – Frensham as a team won Most Successful Exhibitor; Judith Hopkins (Year 11) Champion Young Judge, Champion Steer and Champion Parader with her steer Quincey; Goulburn Show: Cattle Team – Judith Hopkins 1st Place Heavyweight Steer Competition and Champion Steer (‘Quincey’), Phoebe Gilder (Year 9) Reserve Champion Steer (‘Guzman’). Sheep Teams – placed second and third in the Young Farmers Competition. Moss Vale Show – Judith Hopkins 1st place Junior Steer and Heavyweight SteerCompetitions(‘Quincey’); Tia Thomas (Year 8) 1st place 13-years Paraders Competition (‘Wesley’).
Gib Gate Water Polo and Basketball Teams for their successes in the local competitions. Competing in Finals competitions are the U12 Water Polo Team and the U12 Girls Purple Basketball Team.
Gib Gate Swimming team for its preparation and success at the IPSHA Swimming Carnival.
Gib Gate IPSHA Cross Country Team for their preparation for the IPSHA Cross Country Carnival, postponed due to flooding, now taking place on Wednesday 21 April.
Gib Gate Year 6 for their leadership and support of students P-5 in Term 1 and for their dedicated preparation for the commencement of the Term 2 Year 6 lead K-5 Peer Support Programme.
da Vinci Decathlon Teams in Years 5-11 for their preparation and highly successful results for this year’s competition. Year 5 placed 3rd in Art & Poetry, Engineering and Creative Producers; Year 6, 2nd in Creative Producers and Legacy and 3rd in Art & Poetry; Years 7-10 represented Frensham in the Regional Finals and achieved 1st Art & Poetry; 2nd Cartography, 3rd English (Year 7); 2nd Place in Mathematics (Year 8); 2nd Place Overall, 1st Legacy, 3rd English and Mathematics (Year 9) and 3rd Place (Science). Year 11 compete in the State competition, held in the ‘virtual environment’ on Wednesday 5 May.
Frensham Head Girl, Annabelle Ranken, and Vice Head Girl, Taylah Stoney, who represented Frensham at the 2021 International Women’s Day Breakfast held in Mittagong, featuring guest speakers including Frensham Old Girl Zoe Young (1995) on the topic of Women in Leadership.
Year 9, 2020 for their excellent results in the Cambridge International Global Perspectives course: 22% of students gained the highest result (A*) and another 39% gained an A result.
Top: Frensham Show Sheep Team; left: Sheep Team, Goulburn Show; right: Judith Hopkins with champion steer 'Quincy', Goulburn Show
Frensham Student Leadership
Prefects for Year Groups
Year 7: Sarah Brown, Jessica Greig, Ivy McGufficke
Year 8: Harriet Collins, Ella Hopperton
Year 9: Adelaide Alker, Emily Hassall, Madeleine Mulligan
Year 10: Erin Alcorn, Georgia Hill, Willa Mitchell
Year 11: Ella Clark, Eliza Friend
Year 12 & Vice Head Girl: Taylah Stoney
Year 12 & Head Girl: Annabelle Ranken
Year 12 Leaders of Hartfield and Kennedy Houses
Hartfield: Tess, Armstrong, Alexandra Bolger, Sarah Brown, Sachi Darling, Ruby Halloran, Skye Vander Straaten.
Kennedy (Year 10): Bella Cay, Pia D'Rozario, Sarah Partland
Linden Turner (Year 10): Ava Berkelouw, Olivia Huggins, Eliza Mulligan
Linden Turner (Year 11): Sophie Domazet, Stella Hanan, Charlotte Hindmarsh
Bryant McCarthy (Year 11): Sarah Hunter, Ava Kingsley, Emily Lenehan
Bryant McCarthy (Year 12): appointed for the year
Gib Gate Monitors
It was a delight to be able to attend the Gib Gate Monitors Assembly earlier in the term, and to present our Year 6 students with their monitor badges. All students carry responsibility for particular areas of interest or passion in the school, and it has been heartening to see the enthusiasm with which Year 6 have approached their responsibilities this term.
Adeline Ahern, Library; Chloe Barrowman, Equestrian, Jamieson Sport; Annika Basson, Equestrian; Amelia Blackshaw, Library, Wilson Sport; Iman Byrne, Japanese, Visual Arts; Olivia Cowley, Music, Wilson Sport; Zali de Manincor, Jamieson, Visual Arts; Imogen Diver, Preschool, Visual Arts; Sienna Donat, Dance, McCutcheon Sport; Sophie McAndrew, McCutcheon Sport, Preschool; Ana McInnes, Wilson Sport; Frankie McKeon, McCutcheon Sport, Preschool; Isla McVinish, Preschool, Library; Anthony Neilson, Jamieson Sport; Sofia Nesci, Jamieson Sport; Ruby Rodgers, Jamieson Sport; Georgia Suttie, Environmental; Victoria Trotter, Jamieson Sport; Adele Trudeau, Library, Wilson Sport; Zali Walters, McCutcheon, Environmental.
Parent Advisory Committees 2021
We warmly welcome new Members and offer our thanks and appreciation to those retiring.
Frensham
Welcome to Mrs Karen Shadbolt, Mrs Jane Vickery, Mr Michael Wheeler
Mr John Hopkins is appointed as Chair for 2021 and Mrs Charlotte Warner is the newly appointed Secretary.
Retiring: Mr David Cullen, Mr Simon Logan.
Gib Gate
Welcome to Mrs Crista Beckhaus, Mrs Georgina Spong.
Dr Jerry Basson is appointed as Chair for 2021 and Mrs Crista Beckhaus is the newly appointed Secretary.
Retiring: Mrs Denise Telford and Mrs Lucinda Wilson.
Staffing Updates
This term, we have been pleased to welcome the following new staff members to Frensham Schools.
Sturt
Mrs Kristie Phelan – Head of Sturt
Gib Gate
Ms Nikki Coumbiadis, B Ed (Primary) (UNE) – Year 5 classroom teacher
Ms Nicola Fenaughty, B Health Science (USYD) – PDHPE and Sport classroom teacher
Mrs Marnie Rea, B Ed (Primary) (USYD) – Year 2 classroom teacher, Terms 1-3 (Maternity Leave cover)
Frensham
Mrs Julia Abbey, PG Cert Ed, (Bath College of Higher Education, UK);B Sc (Psychology/Sociology), (Portsmouth University, UK) – Boarding House Staff
Mrs Anne Barnes, MA Teaching (Secondary) (UNE); BA (French and Spanish) (UQLD) –Languages and Library
Miss Jemma Barrett, B Health and Physical Education (UOW), in process – Boarding House Staff
Ms Jacqui Bolt, B Visual Arts, USYD, Dip High School Education (VA) (CSU); Dip Fine Art (NAS) – VA (Term 1) and Boarding House Staff (casual)
Mrs Lucy Dalleywater, MA Educational Leadership (current) (Macquarie); BA English; BEd English/Humanities and Social Science (USYD) – Head of Special Projects
Miss Holly Jefford, currently studying B Exercise Science, UOW – Boarding House Staff
Miss Melissa Lourenco, B Ed (General Education) (Stellenbosch Uni South Africa) – Boarding House Staff
Mrs Susie McGlinn, BA (English Literature/Communication) (UNE), B Teaching (Secondary) (CSU), Grad Certificate Information Services (current) (CSU) – Library Teacher
Ms Jane McLellan, B Sc, John Brown University, USA; PG TESOL, Macquarie – Boarding House Staff
Mrs Renae Pinazza, PhD (UOW), 2021 completion; B Music (Music Education) (USYD) (Sydney Conservatorium of Music), Music
Miss Abby Regan, MA Teaching (Secondary French and Spanish), B Sc (Chemistry), BA (Spanish and Latin American Studies) (USYD)– Boarding Staff and Teaching (Languages and Science)
Mr Matthew Selby, BA, B Teaching (Secondary – Mathematics), (Australian Catholic University) –Senior Teacher in Mathematics
Mrs Donna Wedesweiler, BA (USYD); M Ed (USYD) – Boarding House Staff (returning staff member)
Departing staff
We thank Mrs Sally Hannah for her contribution as Year 8 Coordinator during this term, and look forward to welcoming back Mrs Trudi Spencer from Long Service Leave in Term Two.
We bid farewell to Ms Emily Sinden who will be taking up a position at Nowra Anglican College next term, after joining the Frensham Staff in 2018 and contributing significantly in her roles, including Music teacher, Year Coordinator and, this term, Acting Head of the Music Faculty. We wish Ms Sinden continued success at her new school, and look forward to welcoming Mr Michael Spencer back from Long Service Leave in Term Two.
Year Coordinators for 2021:
Mrs Amanda Metua – Year 7
Mrs Sally Hannah – Year 8, Term 1
Mrs Trudi Spencer – Year 8, from Term 2
Ms Olivia Scottin – Year 9
Mrs Kate Gallagher – Year 10
Ms Sally Arnold – Year 11; Ms Lucy Thorne, Assistant Coordinator
Ms Sally Fennell – Year 12; Ms Molly Macqueen, Assistant Coordinator
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
There has been a lot of learning that has taken place across the academic and wellbeing realms this year. I think it is important to note that whilst marks and grades are quantitative measures of achievement, there are other ways to look at growth and development throughout the year.
As we enter the final weeks of the term and prepare to break for the vacation, it is timely to explore two of the skills that CASEL identify as important aspects of social and emotional learning as well as a method of reflection on what has been learnt, but also some considerations for the final few weeks together before we all part and go our separate ways for the summer. Like all skills, they can be developed with training and practice. No one would expect anyone to be able to ride a bike, roller-skate or play a musical instrument without learning the fundamentals and then practising. Learning to be self-aware and then learning to manage ourselves follows the same principles.
CASEL describes the two skills as follows:
Self-awareness: The abilities to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behaviour across contexts. This includes capacities to recognise one’s strengths and limitations with a well-grounded sense of confidence and purpose. Some of the skills that I would encourage the girls to keep working on over the final week of school and into the break are:
Identifying personal, cultural, and linguistic assets – what are some strengths that your daughter has? And how have they been harnessed and embraced this year?
Identifying one’s emotions – this is important when we are reacting to others or feeling overwhelmed. Identifying them and then accepting and working with them is a skill that will help the girls well into the future.
Demonstrating honesty and integrity – in all aspects of their lives, school, friendships, home and other relationships.
Having a growth mindset – the power of ‘yet’ is amazing, it can reframe and re-shape how the girls look at things, it can also promote persistence and perseverance in learning new things.
Developing interests and a sense of purpose – what are some interests that the girls have? Is it beyond a screen? Does it fill them with a sense of purpose?
Self-management: The abilities to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviours effectively in different situations and to achieve goals and aspirations. This includes the capacities to delay gratification, manage stress, and feel motivation and agency to accomplish personal and collective goals. Some of the skills that I would encourage the girls to keep working on over the final week of school and into the break are:
Learning to manage their emotions – what emotions am I feeling? How can I manage them? Do I need to employ some calming strategies? Do I need to talk to someone?
Identifying and using stress management strategies that work for them – e.g. deep breathing, exercise, mindfulness, a to do list, a timetable.
Setting personal goals – goals help to focus us on what we would like to achieve, does your daughter have a goal? Does it come with an action plan on how to achieve it?
Using planning and organizational skills – this is important as we ready ourselves for the start of 2023. How will your daughter prepare?
Showing the courage to take initiative – reach out to a friend, organise a catch up, discuss a new initiative that they might like to start.
All girls are encouraged to work on their self-management this week as we embark on our final week of the term, particularly managing their emotions. If you are finding your daughters are struggling, please reach out if they need any support.
As we approach the summer holidays and the end of our first “full” school year in a little while, I have no doubt that everyone is ready for rest and some time to relax. As I reflect on 2022, it is with a sense of gratitude and immense pride.
We wish all families a safe and happy holiday, an enjoyable the festive season, and a well-deserved, wonderful break. We look forward to seeing your daughters back in January 2023, rested, relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready for another year of adventures together.
Ms Sarah Tynan
Deputy Head
Foundation Director - Peter Shorthouse
It is with sadness that we share with our community the news of the recent passing of Foundation Director, Chair of Investment Committee, Mr Peter Shorthouse. Peter served as Director since 2019, contributing significant expertise and financial acumen and assisting the Foundation Board to develop its investment strategy and future plans, contributing to the strong current position of Foundation. Peter was a passionate and generous volunteer of his time, intellect and insight and alongside being the father of a Frensham student (Emily, OG 2021) was a passionate supporter of the School. We are grateful for Peter’s service and send our sincere condolences to Peter’s family at this difficult time.
Boarding News
As we begin to close the Term and the year comes to an end, it provides an opportunity to reflect on the year.
Boarding began 2022 under COVID-19 restrictions, limiting the amount and type of activities on offer. As the year progressed the girls have been fortunate to experience numerous activities and excursions together, some of the highlights included Pop Concert and Harry Potter Night, Scavenger Hunt and Colour Run, Zip Lining and Raging Waters, Dance Lessons and Ville Trips, Cooking and Craft. Frensham girls have been embracing the opportunity to come back together as part of the wonderful community that they have created. We have welcomed a new group of Year 7s and farewelled our outgoing Year 12 graduates, moved dorms and houses and spent hours on the Games Field and by the Deer Pond all the while making new memories and forging the friendships that will be with the girls for the rest of their lives. Being new to Frensham this year, I have been gifted such a warm and welcoming beginning and am so grateful for all of the support and kindness the girls have shown me. I am looking forward to 2023 and the further opportunities for connection and community it may bring.
In order to adequately prepare for the conclusion of Term 4 and beginning of Term 1, 2023, I have included some information for you below:
Final 2 weekends
On Saturday 4 December an optional excursion to Macarthur Square is organised. This is optional for any Day, Weekly or Full Boarders and girls can sign up via the information on Orah.
In addition, we ask all parents and carers to familiarise yourself with the plans for the Final Weekends of School, including details for Final Prayers and Carol Service. I am looking forward to seeing you all to celebrate the end of the year and Christmas period.
House Pack Up
Girls will be collected from the Houses at the conclusion of the Carols Service on Sunday 11 December and are expected to take all of their belongings with them. This is inclusive of all bedding and luggage. Parents will be permitted into the Houses to assist their daughters.
Preparation for Term 1
From Term 1 2023, we will ask that all girls provide their own pillow in addition to their doona and doona cover. It is important to us that we are maximising our opportunity for a clean, hygienic and comfortable boarding environment. Thank you in advance for your organisation of this for your daughter.
2023 Termly Boarding for Term 1 and beyond
Thank you to those families who have expressed interest in their daughter Boarding in Term 1 2023, I am currently finalising these applications and an outcome will be provided prior to the end of term in writing. The process for requesting a Termly Boarding place will remain the same moving into 2023. Each Term, I will request Expressions of Interest in Termly Boarding via a notice on Schoolbox and places will be offered pending availability for that specific term.
Ms Sally Edwards, Director of Student Life (Boarding)
Ranier Uniform Shop – 2022-2023 Trading Hours
2022 Last day of trading: Thursday 15 December 2022
2023 First day of trading: Monday 9 January 2023 (Regular hours resume on Monday 30 January 2023)Buy Uniforms Online - Shop online now via website – https://shop.ranier.com.au/
*Orders placed after 15 December will be processed in January. To ensure delivery prior to Term 1 commencement, please order by 1 January 2023.
Character Education – Webinar: Setting Up for Success
Elevate Education works with our students, delivering high impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series, you will learn how you can help better support your children at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school:
Wednesday 7 December @ 6:30pm (AEDT) Setting Up for Success
Elevate will guide you through the following foundational study skills:
✅Effective Note Taking
✅Deliberate Practice and Implementing a System of Review
✅Extra Reading, and How to Read Around a Topic
Mrs Wendy Fawbert,Director of Character Education and Pastoral Care
Frensham Middle School Ethics Olympiad Competition
Congratulations to members of the Frensham 2022 Middle School Ethics Olympiad Team who competed in the NSW heats of this international competition on Tuesday 22 November.
Frensham Gold (Year 9): Sophie Chen, Lauren Fox, Sophie Hanrahan, Camilla Johnston, Skye McLelland and Raphaela O’Neill’Siambis; Frensham Red (Year 8): Anouk Davies, Maggie Maynard, Jade Neilson, Leilani Palise, Lexi Wimalaratne. The Year 8 team were Highly Commended by the judges at the end of the day.
The Ethics Olympiad Competition 2022 provided our students with a unique opportunity to develop skills in critical thinking, collaboration and communication. The students (Eth-letes) were trained by Ms Chauncy to prepare for the event using the age-appropriate and objective ethical cases provided.
The teams were involved in a series of four heats where they were scored according to set criteria which rewards, clear, concise, respectful discourse in response to questions about the cases presented. Judges award points on the basis of clear, concise, critical and collaborative thinking.
During the day Frensham teams engaged with each other and teams from other schools via Zoom. This year 298 schools participated across Australia and New Zealand.
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director Teaching and Learning P-12
Jamieson Programme
Term 4 is an exciting time for students across all year groups. Last week, Year 7 participated in a Frensham Studies Immersive Day where they considered what a Respectful & Active citizen looks like at Frensham and in the wider world. Girls endeavoured on a real-life word search, finding hidden words in a relay style activity around Clubbe Hall. They then considered the meaning of these words and how they were associated with being a Respectful & Active citizen. Teams were challenged to create ‘Frensham Superheros’ and designed armour fit for a Frensham girl. They were equipped with materials and asked to identify characteristics they designed. A couple of examples include:
We dressed in disguise because superheroes don’t need to be recognised for their actions.
We designed wings so you can carry others with you as you serve.
Frensham Old Girls, Isabeau Gavel (2013), Sabrina Graesser (2016) and Rebecca Farquhar (2012) spoke to Year 7 and reflected on their time at Frensham and how their experiences have made a significant impact on their lives and careers. Girls asked meaningful questions and found connection and commonality between their combined experience of Frensham. Year 7 had an opportunity to then consider what they could do next, as Year 8 students, to foster the qualities of a Respectful & Active citizen.
Building on their financial literacy workshop in Year 8, Money Invest Financial Education presented to Year 9 on financial goal setting, getting a job and understanding payslips, budgeting and saving for a significant purchase, such as a car.
After their visit to Thread Together last term, Year 9 students have been immersed in the Ethical Consumerism module, focusing on fast fashion. Highlights for the team include, groupwork activities investigating textile waste, human rights violations, chemical pollution, and curating outfits from fast fashion brands and comparing to similar items from a second-hand store or other sustainable option.
The Hon Katrina Hodgkinson OAM and Nathaniel Smith MP shared their journey into the NSW Parliament and spoke about the ways state elected officials can and do represent their communities and some of the challenges they face when acting in the interests of their electorates in Parliament.
Year 9 students completed the term by learning about the ‘Walk in Her Shoes’ initiative. During Jamieson Week, the girls will walk the distance (at least 7 kilometres) to emulate how far the average female in a developing country travels each day to collect water, firewood or travel to school, often carrying 10-15 kilograms. Upon their return, the girls will reflect on the toll that a walk like that every day would have on their schooling, leisure time and physical wellbeing.
Finally, everyone is excited about the full Jamieson Week Programme in Week 9 – the first in two years. Students across all year groups will engage in a variety of community service activities, financial literacy and CyberSafety workshops, wellbeing sessions and self-defence. We are particularly excited to be returning to Nursing Homes to sing to the residents and deliver our beautiful hand-made Christmas cards after such a long time away. It is a special time of the year, a week that is inspired by our School’s motto of ‘In Love Serve One Another’.
Mrs Merrilee Harris, Director of Jamieson Programme and Careers
Science
During Week 6, Year 8 students attended an excursion to the University of Wollongong Science Space. Students experienced hands on exhibits which challenged their imagination, engaged their senses and tested their engineering design in a STEM challenge. The interactive liquid nitrogen show was enjoyed by all, investigating the states of matter. Students also explored exhibits which demonstrated electricity, mechanical engineering, geology and astronomy, to name a few. We hope that by bringing science to life it has helped to inspire students to connect with their learning.
Mr Matthew Griffiths, Science Teacher
On Wednesday 16 November, Year 7 students travelled to Sydney Zoo to spend the day investigating the classification and adaptions for a variety of animals from Australia, Africa, and Asia. This experience augmented the Year 7 Life Programme, in which students were introduced to Biology as a branch of Science. Students enjoyed connecting with animals such as lions, monkeys, and rhinos as well as the mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds more commonly found in Australia. The undoubted highlight of the trip was meeting the Sydney Zoo ambassador animals when students attended a short talk from a zookeeper on how to classify animals and explore their adaptations for survival in their unique habitats. Meeting and stroking ‘Mr Cuddles’, a coastal carpet python, was an experience that many will not forget.
Dr Mark Morrow, Science Teacher
Acknowledgements
Girdle Award to Sissy Fairrie (Year 12 2023) (Service to the School)
Zoe Gallagher (Year 12 2022) for her ICAS Medal 2022 in English, as the highest achiever in the NSW cohort. This is a notable achievement as Zoe also won this award in 2021. Pictured (L-R): Ms Lee McGuinness, Mr Luke Gallagher, Zoe, Mrs Kate Gallagher, Ms Kate Chauncy
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award recipients: Gold – Mia Greig, Stella Hanan, Sarah Hunter, Phoebe, Rowntree, Camilla Warner (Year 12); Emilie McMurtrie, Darcy Maple-Brown, Edie Staniforth (Year 11); Silver – Meg Jones, Zoe Logan (Year 11); Lucy Molineux (Year 10); Bronze – Kate Clifton, Juliet Henry, Olivia Trotter (Year 10), Penelope Cay, Anna Fagan, Sophie Goodisson, Sophie Hanrahan, Skye McLelland, Zara McMurtrie, Camilla Ranken, Tia Thomas, Madison Walters, Arabella Wood (Year 9).
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham
Head of Frensham Schools
Frensham end of the year production of 'The Wizard of Oz'
Frensham Schools parents, family and friends can attend the show at the Public Performance on Friday 9 December, 7.30pm or at the Schools Performance on Saturday 10 December, 7.30pm in Clubbe Hall. Tickets are available from https://trybooking.com/CEMHU – $20/adult, $10/child (free entry for Frensham and Gib Gate students and staff).
It seems quite surreal to be approaching the end of the year so rapidly, with just three weeks of term remaining – and what a busy time we have ahead of us, with many celebrations and activities to mark the end of a successful year.
Our Year 10 students thoroughly enjoyed last week’s Enrichment Week, with a programme designed by Year Coordinator Mrs Spencer involving a range of stimulating and enriching experiences. From university visits to community service activities and creative workshops at Sturt, students are to be commended for the way in which they engaged with this programme, leading into their Orientation for Senior Studies for the remainder of the term. We know that the experiences and development opportunities our students are afforded in these younger years contribute strongly to their preparedness for the HSC and for life beyond school.
Jamieson Week at both Gib Gate (Week 8) and Frensham (Week 9) is shaping up to be a wonderful experience for all involved. We are particularly looking forward to the opportunities to express gratitude and serve others in our community as part of this programme – to engage with the natural environment, strengthen personal capacity and develop a deeper understanding of our place in the world.
This coming Saturday sees the Graduation of the Sturt School for Wood programme, the culminating event of their year-long Certificate course. I am looking forward to gathering with the Sturt staff, students, tutors, friends and family to celebrate their efforts and to enjoy the exhibition, entitled Cambium. The Exhibition runs for just two weeks – until 4 December – and I recommend this highly to members of the Frensham Schools community.
We look forward to seeing you at one of the many events over the coming weeks.
Communications
We remind all parents of the function of Schoolbox as our Learning Management System, with daily News items posted pertaining to your child’s activities and events at Frensham Schools. Increasingly you will see a reduction in emails from the School about ‘everyday matters’ and instead, an increase in messages posted on Schoolbox posts, as part of our approach to streamlining communications with our community. If you have any difficulty accessing Schoolbox please do not hesitate to contact the School for assistance – and a reminder that if you select “remember me” when logging in on a trusted device, you will not need to log in each time. It is wonderful to see increased downloads of the Frensham Schools App (available in the App Store and Google Play).
Visit from The Glennie School, Toowoomba, Queensland – Tuesday 8 November
Last week, we welcomed The Glennie School senior leadership team of Principal, Ms Mary Anne Evans, Deputy Principal Mrs Emma Lowry, Director of Teaching and Innovation, Mrs Crystal Hede to Frensham. This visit provided an opportunity to connect and discuss different school practices with a school that has many similarities to Frensham, being a leading primary and secondary boarding school, with a diverse student and parent body.
Hosting the Glennie team were Deputy Head, Ms Sarah Tynan, Director of Teaching and Learning, Ms Kate Chauncy, and Director of Student Life (Boarding), Ms Sally Edwards.
Pictured L-R: Mary Anne Evans, Sarah Tynan, Sally Edwards, Emma Lowry, Crystal Hede, Kate Chauncy
Boarding News
As we move into the latter part of Term 4 and the final weeks of the year, Boarding has some exciting events ahead to ensure the girls have a memorable end to the year. Parents are also reminded that Term 4 has four exeats allocated to Full Boarders.
The remaining excursions are Raging Waters on Sunday 27 November and a Christmas Shopping Trip to Macarthur Square on Sunday 4 December. Bookings for Raging Waters can be made through Orah but places are limited so be sure to sign up soon. Bookings for Macarthur Square will be available on Orah soon, details will be published on Schoolbox. All Day, Weekly and Full Boarders are encouraged to attend both excursions.
This weekend, Sunday 20 November, will be the final South West Bus for the term. Bookings for the bus are made through the Orah Leave application in ‘return transport’.
Departure (Harden): 5.00pm pick-up at Jackson’s Bakery, East St, Harden
Departure (Yass): 6.00pm from Yass Junction, McDonald’s Carpark
Across the School we have been focussing on uniform and in the Houses we are supporting girls to ensure they finish the term and year strong. Shoes are being regularly polished, hems are being adjusted and ribbons are being worn. We thank you for your ongoing support in attending to uniform adjustments where required.
As always, I encourage parents to familiarise themselves with the Boarding Schoolbox page, where all information is placed for ease of access. Boarding and House pages will also regularly be updated throughout the Term with outlines and photographs of what the girls have been involved in, including some from last weekend.
Finally, on behalf of the boarding team we would like to send all our well wishes to those families who have been directly impacted by the recent floods, across a number of regions. We are mindful of the challenges that many are facing in our community and extend our thoughts to you all. Please stay safe and know that we are thinking of you all.
Ms Sally Edwards, Director of Student Life (Boarding)
Maths Club
Two mad scientists invaded Maths Club for Term 4 2022, presenting a challenge involving the North West classroom block. Fortunately, the Maths Club members were able to solve a series of devious problems in order to unlock the boxes and discover exactly which wire to cut to avert a catastrophe. As the mad scientists watched with glee, the Maths Club members struggled to unravel the clues that would allow them to unlock the box containing a key. This key opened a room containing another locked box, with the instructions inside… Time was ticking away but the groups remained focused and worked together to solve all the problems and save the school! This Maths Club exercise was fun and we learnt how to solve some tricky problems.
The School ultimately survived the mad scientists to face another day, and we can look forward to Maths Club in Term 1, 2023.
Sarah-Joy Day and Heidi Jervis (Year 12, Maths Club Leaders)
Staffing
Mrs Wendy Fawbert, Director of Character Education and Pastoral Care, will be leaving Frensham at the end of this year, having been appointed to the role of Director of Teaching and Learning at St Benedict’s Catholic College in 2023. We thank Wendy for her 5 years of service to Frensham, and wish her well on her career progression. We are currently advertising for the role of Director of Wellbeing and Character Education for a January 2023 start.
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham
Head of Frensham Schools
We congratulate Ms McGarry and her partner on the safe arrival of their baby Elliott Harry Bert McGarry, born on Sunday 30 October.
Ms McGarry is currently on parental leave, returning Monday 14 November, with Ms Sarah Tynan assuming the role of Acting Head during this time.
A True Community
The word “community” has a strange power to it. It conveys a sense of togetherness and positivity. It speaks both of solidarity and homeliness. It is a group of people who share a story that is so important to them that it defines any aspect of who they are. Life at Frensham Schools embodies the notion of a community in its purest sense. Each morning when we come together in song, each Saturday on the Games Field, Friday mornings at war cry practice, in staff meetings and in our learning groups, togetherness is there. Our community showed its hospitality and welcomeness this week as we welcomed our new students for Overnight Orientation.
Overnight Orientation
This week at Frensham we had the annual Overnight Orientation event for our new students commencing in 2023. This was the first time since 2019 that we have been able to hold the event and it was the perfect opportunity to meet, greet and get to know our new Years 7-11 students who are either starting at or returning to Frensham. It was pleasing to see Gib Gate students connect with students from all over the state, as they embark on their high school journey together. The highlights of the event for the girls were the opportunity to make friends, the opportunity to see the grounds and walk around, spending time in the boarding house, games with the older students and of course chicken schnitty night.
The highlights for me were seeing the girls connect and make new friends, seeing our current students take our new students under their wing in true Frensham spirit, speaking to parents and seeing them connect with each other and spending time with our new girls and seeing their excitement around the new adventure that awaits them.
Highlight of the week
The students’ celebration of each other’s achievements in any endeavour. I never tire of hearing the cheers and support for one another. I look forward to continuing to deepen my understanding of, and passion for, our community, it is certainly a special place to be.
Boarding News
As we reach mid Term 4, I have taken some time to reflect on the year - it all seems to have gone so fast. Boarding has been busy with many moments of great fun and enjoyment. The good news is that we are not slowing down as we embark on the final weeks of the year. Below is information for the remaining term excursions, the final South-West Bus details and a few highlights from the ones that have passed.
Upcoming Excursions:
Sunday 6 November: Bondi Markets and Sculptures by the Sea
The final South-West Bus will run on Sunday 20 November.
Bookings for all of the above events and for the South-West Bus can be made via the Orah Management platform.
This term has, so far, seen the girls involved in the famous Friday Night Activities, Overnight Orientation for new students in 2023, a Tree Tops Walk and Zipline Tour, a social game of Netball, Touch and a BBQ with The King’s School. There has already been a wonderful and positive tone, that will no doubt continue to build as we lead up to the end of year and Christmas celebrations. Included is a small selection of photos that showcase the term’s activities.
Please review the Schoolbox Boarding and Housepages for regular updates of activities and Boarding news.
Ms Sally Edwards, Director of Student Life (Boarding)
English
Following the visit of author Sophie Laguna earlier in the term, we were pleased to welcome to Frensham acclaimed author Dr Kate Forsyth. She has a BA in literature, a MA in creative writing, and a Doctorate of Creative Arts in fairy tale studies, and is also an accredited master storyteller with the Australian Guild of Storytellers. She has published novels, poetry, non-fiction including essays and articles. Her work has won numerous awards including the American Library Association Award for Best Historical Novel.
Dr Forsyth spoke to Year 7 and Year 9 students and workshopped with Year 12 Extension 1 and Extension 2 English students. She has a personal connection with the Southern Highlands as her ancestors owned Oldbury Farm at Sutton Forest. She told the students about her new book written with her fellow author and sister Belinda Murrell, Searching for Charlotte which is the fascinating true story of her great-great-great-great grandmother, Charlotte Waring Atkinson who lived at Oldbury Farm. Charlotte was Australia's first children's author. Under the pen name of 'A Lady Long Resident in New South Wales', she wrote and illustrated A Mother's Offering to Her Children in 1841.
Senior students were provided with some excellent strategies to enrich their own writing for a range of audiences and contexts. All staff and students were moved by her desire to tell the stories of forgotten women, who simply because of their gender were silenced from the pages of history.
Ms Lee McGuinness, Head of English
IGSA Festival of Speech
IGSA Festival of Speech was hosted by Pymble Ladies College on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 October. This year the competition was co-ordinated by Ms Rebecca Theodore and Frensham participated in the following categories: Senior Public Speaking: Kate Clifton. Junior Public Speaking: Raphaela O’Neill’Siambis. SeniorDebating: Clara McDonald, Bearte McDonald, Bella Cay, Monique Andersson. Junior Debating: Penelope Cay, Skye McLelland, Sophia Windsor, Sophie Worner-Tomlinson and Adeline Ahern. Drama: Sarah-Joy Day, Freyjika Parker, Meg Jones and Rose Mahony. After an enthusiastic effort from all students, the Frensham Year 11 Drama team placed third in their section.
Left: Senior Debating Team. Right: Frensham Team with Ms McGarry
Ms Rebecca Theodore, Senior Teacher of English
Equestrian
Congratulations to the 2023 Captains and Vice Captains of Equestrian, Lara McConnochie and Augusta Muir, and Vice Captains Megan Syme and Olivia Waugh.
2022 Australian Nationals Interschools Championships, 26-30 September, SIEC
Matilda Telford (Year 8) placed 16th overall, with 11th in the ridden/jump phase and 11th in the rider.
Australian National Dressage Championships 2022, 13-16 October, Boneo Park Victoria.
Augusta Muir (Year 11) competed in an open National competition, which included professionals, amateurs and young riders. She was the youngest rider in her class and was placed in both classes, Medium Pony 4B and 4C. Her overall points also gave her the Championship. She is Australian National Champion Medium Pony on her pony Mystic Shadows Cinderella. She was also chosen to represent team NSW in the pony classes, which is a huge honour.
Row 1: ISHE 2022 Team, Lara McConnochie, Augusta Muir. Row 2: Matilda Telford, Eva Telford, Penny Hill. Row 3: Chloe McMurtrie, Zara McMurtrie, Sophie Baldwin. Row 4: Olivia Hill, Tia Thomas, Grace Stenhouse.
Interschools Horse Extravaganza 13-17 October, Tamworth
A great team of girls represented Frensham this year at ISHE in a wide range of disciplines.
Penny Hill (Year 10) placed 7th in the one-day event EVA80cm and 8th in the 110cm Accumulator show jumping.
Olivia Hill (Year 8) placed 3rd in the 100cm show jumping.
Lara McConnochie (Year 12) came 8th in the huge class for the 80cm senior Show Jumping Accumulator round. She also came 4th in her dressage round in the One Day Eventing.
Grace Stenhouse (Year 7) placed 31st - Working Horse Challenge - out of 87 competitors, Placed 5th - 14hh not exceeding 14.2hh Hack - out of 20 competitors, Placed 4th - 13 Years Sporting - Stock Rider - out of 41 competitors, Placed 8th - 13 Years Sporting - Barrel Race - out of 41 competitors, Placed 4th - 13 Years Sporting - Running Tee - out of 41 competitors, Placed 3rd - 13 Years Sporting - Western Pole Bend - out of 41 competitors- excellent results for such big classes!
Chloe McMurtrie (Year 7) placed 4th in the 80cm Combined training, 7th in the 90cm AM7 show jumping and 8th in the accumulator show jumping.
Zara McMurtrie (Year 9) placed 6th in Combined Training 80cm.
Tia Thomas (Year 9) placed 9th in the Eventing 80cm (EvA80) Secondary Div A and 5th in the Show Hunter Hack 15hh ne 16hh.
Amber Thomas (Year 7) placed 5th in the Combined Training (CT) 80cm Secondary Div B, 10th in the Dressage 1B Div A Intermediate and 7th in the Dressage 1C Div A Intermediate.
NSW State Show Jumping Championships, 14-16 October, Willinga Park
Sophie Baldwin (Year 9) came 7th in the Juniors on day 1, on day 2 she won the class and on the final day which was a Grand Prix I she came 2nd, placing her 2nd overall in the NSW Show Jumping titles in the Juniors.
Matilda Telford (Year 8) won the Open 90, placed 2nd in the Open 90 and placed 11th in the Children's Title series heights 95-1.05.
Show horse council NSW Horse of the year, 21-23 October, SIEC
Eva Telford (Year 10) placed * Owner/Rider - equal 4th and Top Five in the Owner/Rider class, 8th in the Rider 15 and U17 years (Top 10) and 10th overall in the Child’s Galloway.
Sydney Jumping Association, Windsor, 21-23 October
Matilda Telford (Year 8) placed 3rd in the Children's 105cm.
Mrs Harriet Houston, Equestrian Coordinator
Jamieson Programme
Some students of Year 11 were privileged to attend a documentary, sponsored by the local Rural for Refugee chapter, held at Bowral Empire Cinema last Wednesday. 'Behrouz' is a feature documentary telling the story of Behrouz Boochani, a Kurdish journalist who fled the Iranian regime, seeking asylum in Australia in 2013. Transferred to Manus Island Detention prison a month after his arrival on Australian shores by boat. Behrouz spent six years in detention. His reporting and writings from the Manus detention prison using a smuggled mobile phone brought to international notice the horrific reality of life for detainees. His book No Friend but the Mountains written while in detention on his mobile phone has become one of the most celebrated books in Australia in recent times, winning Australia's prestigious literary award, the 2019 Victorian Prize for Literature.
This documentary aligned well with both English and French syllabus requirements. Year 12 2024 are all studying in English the common module Text and Human Experiences. The rubric invites them to reflect on the power of storytelling to ignite new ways of thinking, consider different perspectives in relation to both the individual and collective. It is a mandatory component of the module to investigate and explore a diverse range of material, beyond what is prescribed to enrich and deepen their understanding. In the French Extension course, students engage with the issues of the Individual and Contemporary Society by studying texts related to the themes of Acceptance, Resilience and Identity. Through the documentary, Behrouz, our themes are compellingly personified. He shows us what it means to be a refugee at the mercy of a system, and to be forced to struggle for survival, acceptance and identity whilst living as an outcast of society. The insights we have taken away from the film will inform our writing and discussion in this course.
Finally, congratulations to Year 9 and their teachers for completing their final component of the Global Perspectives course – the examination. Global Perspective results will be announced Term 1, 2023.
Mrs Merrilee Harris, Director of Jamieson Programme and Careers
Sport
Level 1Touch Referee Accreditation
Saturday the 22 of October the following students attended the Level 1 Touch Referee Course.
Phoebe Gilder, Lucy Molineux, Jemma Lamont, Darcy Maple Brown, Eliza Mulligan, Sarah Partland, Lily Haddrill, Matilda Graham, Lottie Firth, Scarlett, Francis, Holly Regan, Georgia Squire -Wilson, Heidi Rowntree, Edie Staniforth.
All students achieved their Level 1 referee Course and will be implementing their new qualification during Saturday Sport officiating some Touch games.
Fitness Centre
The Fitness Centre has had major renovations over the mid-term break with the installation and upgrade of new equipment.
Students in Year 10 and 11 are undertaking their safety induction so they can all have access to the upgraded space. The timetable for the Fitness Centre is the following:
Gymnastics – WAG Division
The following students took part in the IGSA Gymnastics Championships Friday 28 October in the Woman’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG).
Millie Moar (pictured below left) - Level 5 vault, beam and floor; Lola Thomas Hughes (pictured below right) - Level 3 vault, beam, bars and floor.
Lola Thomas Hughes (Level 3) in Year 7 results were the following: Vault - 10th place, Bars - 11th place, Beam -11th place, Floor -14th place.
Millie Moar (Level 5) in Year 11 results were the following: Vault - 24th place, Beam - 15th place, Floor-24th place.
Mr Shane Green, Acting Head of Sport
Acknowledgements
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards recipients: Silver - Alice Mitchell, Augusta Muir (Year 11); Bronze - Janna Martin-Cooley (Year 11); Maddyson Butler, Cate Horsfall, Maggie Ryan (Year 10).
IGSA Festival of Speech: Drama team of Sarah-Joy Day, Meg Jones, Rose Mahony, Freyjika Parker (Year 11), who placed third overall.
Eva Telford (Year 10) has been accepted into the Oxbridge Summer Program 2023, Paris, France, where she will study Culture & Cuisine and Fashion. The course involves visits to museums, designer factories and restaurants.
Frensham’s Equestrian Team for achieving excellent results in recent National and State competitions: Augusta Muir (Year 11), Australian National Champion Medium Pony 2022 at the Australian National Dressage Championships; Sophie Baldwin (Year 9) 2nd overall in the NSW Show Jumping titles in the Juniors at the NSW State Show Jumping Championships.
Sophie Chin and Matilda Spong (Year 6) for qualifying to represent the Southern Region at the NSW State Gymnastics Championships.
James Macpherson (Year 5) and Sammy Robb (Year 3) who recently achieved their Suzuki Cello Graduations.
This term sees many exciting activities and events at Frensham, Gib Gate and Sturt and we look forward to the opportunity to welcome families and friends to campus several times across the course of the next 8 weeks.
We concluded Term 3 with wonderful celebrations of our Year 12 2022 cohort, thanking them for their leadership and service to the School. We thank parents Mrs Kris Arnott and Mr Cameron Rowntree for their inspiring addresses at the Year 12 Dinner held on the last evening of term.
We have really hit the ground running in Term 4, with HSC Examinations commencing last Wednesday 12 October. We commend Year 12 students for their application, focus and optimistic approach to their studies and examination processes and wish them well for their remaining examinations. We look forward to welcoming girls back for Frensham Final Prayers in December. Details of the Final Weekend of the year will be posted for families on Schoolbox later this week, to assist with calendar planning. All families are asked to note that 9-11 December is a Closed Weekend, concluding with the Carol Service which all students are required to attend to mark the conclusion of our year as a school.
We saw a tremendous start to Summer Sport last weekend, with glorious sunny weather treating students, staff and parent supporters kindly. We warmly welcome families to join on the Games Field for Sport on a Saturday morning – please note that dogs are welcome, provided they are on a leash and owners take responsibility for their care. We acknowledge and thank our enthusiastic parent volunteers in Holt Café for their work and look forward to our Year 9 Parents of 2023 taking over this responsibility in a short while. We do appreciate the service and spirit of our parent community in support of Holt Café, and recognise it is a valuable opportunity for parents to get to know other in a slightly different context working together.
Our strategic planning process continues, with whole staff workshops occurring on our staff professional learning day on Monday 10 October and followed by Gib Gate, Frensham and Sturt specific workshops in the coming weeks. Parent workshop sessions will be confirmed on Schoolbox in the coming days. We invite participation from all parents and carers as we refresh our Strategic Priorities for 2023-2027.
We congratulate the students of Year 12 2023 for their willingness to embrace their leadership responsibilities, as they were inducted into their new positions at the end of Term 3. At Frensham, every student is asked to serve – and does so – across a wide range of portfolios. The list of 2023 School Leaders is available here and look forward to supporting this group of students on their leadership journey in the year ahead.
Head of Houses for Term 4, representing Boarders [Full and Weekly] and Day Boarders
Kennedy – Year 10: Emily Crawford (B), Zara Maple-Brown (WB), Olivia Trotter (DB)
We remind families of the previously published term dates for 2023, noting that these indicate the first and last teaching days of each term. Frensham Schools expects all student leave to be taken during the designated vacation periods.
Boarding Houses open the afternoon prior to the start of each term.
Term 1: Monday 30 January – Wednesday 5 April
Term 2: Wednesday 26 April – Thursday 22 June (as in previous years, the School marches at the Mittagong Anzac Day service, on 25 April)
Term 3: Tuesday 18 July – Thursday 21 September
Term 4 – Gib Gate: Tuesday 10 October – Friday 8 December
Term 4 – Frensham: Tuesday 10 October – Sunday 10 December
Frensham Year and Parent Weekends
Year 7: Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 February – includes Frensham Open Day and Welcome Drinks for Parents of new students
Year 8: Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May
Year 9: Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 August
Year 10: Saturday 5 August and Sunday 6 August – includes Planning for Senior Studies (students and parents)
Year 11: Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March
Year 12: Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 June – Birthday Weekend
Appointment of the new Head of Gib Gate
As we announced during the vacation period we are very pleased to announce that Mrs Lucy Gregory will be joining Frensham Schools as Head of Gib Gate, in January 2023. Lucy is a passionate educator, possessing a deep understanding of curriculum, pedagogy and wellbeing, in the early and junior years and across the whole school continuum.
Lucy is currently Head of Junior School at Rouse Hill Anglican School, a position she has held for the past three years. Prior to this, Lucy worked at the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) as a Senior Curriculum Officer and Acting Primary Inspector. This followed 13 years as a primary teacher and P-12 Learning Support and Enrichment Coordinator at Wollondilly Anglican College, where she also held responsibilities in pastoral care and wellbeing in both the primary and secondary schools.
Lucy holds a Bachelor of Primary Teaching from the University of Western Sydney and a Postgraduate Diploma of Special Education from Macquarie University. She has contributed to the independent education sector through serving as the IPSHA Executive Committee Assistant Treasurer, as a Masterclass and podcast presenter for the Association of Independent Schools, and as a member of curriculum working groups and review panels at NESA.
Lucy is passionate about the benefits of a P-12 education, valuing the whole educational journey of a young person, and is excited about the opportunities ahead at Frensham Schools.
Mrs Anne Graham and Mr Greg Hannah will continue in their roles as Acting Head of Gib Gate and Acting Coordinator until the end of Term 4, and I thank them sincerely for their leadership and commitment during this transition period. We look forward to welcoming Lucy to the staff of Frensham Schools and to introducing her to the Gib Gate community in particular. She will commence in her role in January and will visit the campus in Term 4 to meet students, staff and families.
Launch of the Frensham Schools Character Education Volumes
‘What is the spirit of Frensham?’
Continuing from Winifred West’s Addresses and Talks, published 1973, the school agreed there was a need to capture important resources, to enrich the implementation of the ongoing Character Education project for students and teachers. Thus came the inspiration for The Courage to Strive, Julie Gillick OAM and Where the Past, the Present and the Future Walk Hand in Hand, these two volumesbring to life Frensham Character as presented to the school community (2000-2022).
Both volumes share the voices of Ms Gillick and the students, staff, parents, Old Girls and members of the broader school community as they have sought to educate students through annual celebrations and daily Morning Prayers in the ways in which they learn about Frensham values and how to carry them forward into their lives, and significantly as service to others.
Sunday 9 October, Company Members and guests, attending the Spring Luncheon, joined contributors to the books at the Launch of the Frensham Schools Character Education Volumes, including the editorDr PhilCummins.
Dr Phil Cummins and Julie Gillick OAM and the three Character Education volumes
Pastoral Care
Upcoming webinar for parents– How to Help Your Child Manage Their Time
We are excited to announce that Elevate Education will be hosting a free webinar for our parents on Wednesday 26 October.
Elevate Education works with our students, delivering high impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series you will learn how you can help better support your children at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school:
Wednesday 26 October @ 6:30pm (AEDT) How to Help Your Child Manage Their Time
In this webinar Elevate will be showing parents how to:
✅ Align family expectations on homework
✅ Work with your child on managing other activities such as your child's hobbies or sports
✅ Create the best weekly planner tool for your child
Mrs Wendy Fawbert, Director of Character Education and Pastoral Care
Boarding
Term 4 South West Bus Dates: The South West bus will operate twice in Term 4:
Week 3, Sunday 30 October
Week 6, Sunday 20 November.
The South West Bus departs as follows:
4pm: Cootamundra - Cootamundra Railway Station, Hovell Steet
5pm: Harden - Jackson’s Bakery, East Street
6pm: Yass - Yass Junction, McDonald’s Carpark
Bus Bookings can be made through the Orah Leave system in ‘return transport/bus/South West Bus’. Please ensure to include pickup location in the booking.
Term 4 Exeats: Detailed information can be found on the Boarding Schoolbox page under Boarding FAQ’s. Term 4 has two Closed Weekends, the first and last weekend of Term. All students are expected to be on Campus and participating in the Weekend Programme. It is an important part of continuing to develop our community and Frensham spirit. The remainder of weekends in Term 4 are open weekends and Full Boarders will have four exeats to utilise.
Term 4 Weekend Activities: In an effort to assist in Term 4 planning around leave and exeats, the following excursions have been pre-booked. Each excursion does have a limit on numbers and more detailed information and permissions will be released two weeks prior to the scheduled excursion via Schoolbox and Orah. Please see activity dates below:
Sunday 23 October - Illawarra Fly: Treetops Walk and Zip Line Tour
Sunday 6 November - Sculptures By the Sea and Bondi Markets
Sunday 27 November - Raging Waters
Sunday 4 December - Macarthur Square Christmas Shopping Trip
Ms Sally Edwards, Director of Student Life (Boarding)
Visiting Authors to Gib Gate and Frensham
Authors for the Day!
Last Friday, Frensham and Gib Gate students and teachers welcomed renowned Australian authors, sisters Kate Forsyth and Belinda Murrell. Kate and Belinda visited the schools as part of their Southern Highlands adventure to represent Australian Women Writers at the Southern Highlands Writers’ Festival held on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 October. The theme for this event in 2022 was Monumental Women in Australian literature, culture and community and From the Heart – Indigenous Women Writers.
Dr Kate Forsyth, is an award-winning novelist, poet and storyteller, and a five-time Aurealis Award winner for Excellence in Speculative Fiction. Kate is a direct descendant of Charlotte Atkinson. Belinda Murrell is a bestselling, internationally published children’s author, as well as a travel journalist, editor and technical writer. Like Kate, Belinda is a direct descendant of Charlotte Atkinson.
A special part of the Festival was for Kate and Belinda to launch ‘The Charlotte Appeal’ – with the aim of recognising Charlotte Atkinson, Australia’s first published children’s author, who lived and worked in the Southern Highlands in the late 1800s, and who lies in an unmarked grave in Sutton Forrest.
Together they have written Searching for Charlotte – the biography of their great-great-great-great grandmother Charlotte Waring Atkinson, who wrote the first children’s book published in Australia in 1841. Charlotte lived and worked for much of her life at ‘Oldbury’, near Sutton Forest in the Southern Highlands. She struggled through many difficulties to become a bestselling author, artist, trailblazing educator and a pioneer in the fight for women’s legal rights. Charlotte Atkinson (1796-1867) was one of the most accomplished women of her era. Yet she lies in an unmarked grave at All Saints Churchyard at Sutton Forest. The Charlotte Project is the initiative of the Wingecarribee Women Writers, a group of passionate local women who are raising funds to erect a statue in Berrima to commemorate this amazing woman.
Our students from Preschool to Year 6 were entertained during the day on Friday through Belinda’s storytelling sessions while students in Years 7, 9 and 11, and the Pen & Ink Writing Group learned more about the craft of writing from Kate.
ICAS Writing Results 2022 Frensham & Gib Gate Years 2-12
In Term 3 students from Years 3 to 12 participated in the annual ICAS Writing Competition. They were required to compose a narrative text that included a problem or complication based on one of the following sayings:
‘Two peas in a pod’ or ‘The best of both worlds’.
The students were allowed 40 minutes to plan, write and edit their story and were guided to interpret their chosen ‘saying’ in any creative way they liked.
We congratulate all students who undertook this competition thus developing their skill at writing in a very strict timed condition.
We commend Tabitha Wild (Year 9) and Cate Horsfall (Year 10) who achieved the highest level of attainment – being awarded High Distinction - which placed them in the top 1% of all students who participated across Australia in 2022. Students from Years 3 to Year 11 who have been awarded Distinction achieved a result in the top 10% of students across Australia and those who have been awarded Credit placed in the top 30% of all students across Australia. Hard copy certificates will be presented to our competitors when they are received.
ICAS Writing Results 2022 Frensham High Distinction: Tabitha Wild (Year 9); Cate Horsfall (Year 10); Distinction: Sophie Worner-Tomlinson (Year 7); York Doyle, Lucia Semple (Year 8); Jemima Sirtes (Year 10); Credit: Harriet Brazier, Sofia Nesci, Claire Sullivan, Chloe Worner-Tomlinson (Year 7); Jade Cox; Sophie Goodisson, Sophie Hanrahan, Camilla Johnston, Lilla Stanford (Year 9); Sophie Hassall, Heidi Jervis, Abigail Jorgensen (Year 11); Merit: Anna Boag, Millicent Debelle-Hancock, Penelope Hampson (Year 8); Lara Bentley (Year 9).
ICAS Writing Results 2022 Gib Gate Distinction: Carlisle Hughes (Year 3); Elizabeth Beckhaus; Poppy Chin, Amelie Gardiner, Sofia Wilson (Year 4) Aliyah Mhanna, James Macpherson (Year 5); Credit: Lucia Braham, Madeleine Hannah, Zahra Nash (Year 4); Montana Moleno (Year 5); Sophie Chin and Matilda Spong (Year 6); Merit: Alexandra Burnheim (Year 2); Mathilda Muir (Year 5).
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director Teaching and Learning P-12
Jamieson Programme
While reviewing the Term 4 reports, I am enjoying reading each student’s Jamieson Programme personal reflection. I have shared a comment after each Year’s short Jamieson update to provide a sense of the specialness of this programme.
Year 7: Students will continue with Frensham Studies in Term 4. They will start creating the much-loved Shadow Books for the incoming Year 7 cohort of 2023.
Year 7 report reflection: I have enjoyed weekly Prefect meetings as they have made our Year group more organised for the coming week. I also liked making suitcases for Year 12 in Frensham Studies, writing and drawing personal values for them to take with them when they graduate. I am looking forward to being a Shadow next year.
Year 8: This term the girls are continuing with their important role as Shadows to Year 7. ‘Riding for the Disabled’ and Presentation Skills continue throughout the term.
Year 8 comments: I have enjoyed having a Year 11 Crack because of the support and advice she provides. It is helpful in developing friendships with girls in older years. I enjoy Presentation Skills and public speaking because I am able to express my ideas and thoughts. A highlight was creating a memorable time for people with a disability through Riding for the Disabled.
Year 9: This week, Year 9 are preparing for the Global Perspectives Cambridge IGCSE examination. This exam is the final component of the year-long Cambridge programme and the critical thinking and writing skills acquired are invaluable to the students’ final years of academic study.
Year 9 report reflection: I enjoyed the Outdoor Physical Challenge Day where we did abseiling, rock climbing and climbing up a caving ladder because it was challenging and fun. As part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, I completed my Bronze Qualifying Camp expedition which was very good for team building and appreciating nature. I am looking forward to the Financial Literacy workshop because I will get a better understanding of money and how to handle it.
Year 10: Students are enjoying their leadership opportunities in Junior Houses. They are also very excited about the Year 10 into Year 11 Orientation programme where they will visit the University of Sydney and UTS, enjoy Sturt workshops and experience some wellbeing and senior study preparation sessions.
Year 10 report reflection: I enjoyed the Career’s Profiling, as I got to know myself better and it provided direction for the future. I enjoy being a leader in Kennedy and also in the Dining Room with the Junior years. I am looking forward to the Year 11 Orientation Week.
Mrs Merrilee Harris, Director of Jamieson Programme and Careers
Music
At the end of Term 3, students in Years 2 and 3 performed in the Music Soirée at Gib Gate, showcasing their excellent work from the String Programme. Items included Manhattan Blues, On Top of Old Smokey and Under the Coconut Tree. Ms Boulton and the student’s instrumental tutors were pleased with both their effort and their progress.
Olivia Laverty, the Head of Jazz Band, was determined to reinstitute the traditional Morning Tea Concert by the Jazz Band in the last week of Term 3. We have memories of Jazz Bands playing in the sun, at the top of the ‘Library Steps’, with their audience doing a conga-line around the Deer Pond; and this year’s event went to script with everyone playing and dancing.
On Friday morning, the Junior Choir performed for the school in Prayers. They were given two simple criteria for success: i) sing up! and ii) smile! They did both, and a lot of their audience were smiling too.
The campaign to restore the Frensham culture of singing continues as Year 12 (2022) depart. Losing two years of school singing, due to COVID-19 restrictions, has taken a toll on our institutional memory. The fact that our departing Year 12’s were the only members of the Senior Choir who sang our hymn descants prior to COVID meant that, on Wednesday morning, Mr Spencer discovered that the Senior Choir 1sts were not able to sing the very demanding descant to Now Thank We All Our God. Pleasingly, by the end of the Wednesday Night Senior Choir rehearsal, the 1sts and 2nds were singing that descant magnificently.
Carol Service note to the Fathers’ Choir (“Dadrigals”) has been booked to sing in the Carol Service once again. This year, they will be singing the second verse of Silent Night as well as various sections of Good King Wenceslas. Mr Spencer is keenly aware of how seriously Frensham fathers take their role in the Carol Service, and he will be sending appropriate rehearsal resources in a timely fashion.
Mr Michael Spencer, Head of Music
Acknowledgements
ICAS Certificates - Digital Technologies: Distinction: Harriet Brazier (Year 7); English - Distinction: Adeline Ahern, Harriet Brazier (Year 7), Sophie Simpson (Year 10), Zoe Gallagher (Year 12); Writing:High Distinction: Tabitha Wild (Year 9); Cate Horsfall (Year 10); Distinction: Carlisle Hughes (Year 3); Elizabeth Beckhaus; Poppy Chin, Amelie Gardiner, Sofia Wilson (Year 4); Aliyah Mhanna, James Macpherson (Year 5); Sophie Worner-Tomlinson (Year 7); York Doyle, Lucia Semple (Year 8); Jemima Sirtes (Year 10);
AMEB Honours and High Distinction: Sophie Chen (Year 9) - AMEB Piano Grade 8 = Honours (A), AMEB Musicianship Grade 4 = 90% (Honours); Eliza Mulligan (Year 11) AMEB Flute Certificate of Performance = Honours (A); AMEB Musicianship Grade 4 = 88% (Honours); Maya Basson (Year 12) - AMEB Musicianship Grade 4 = 95% (High Distinction)
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
As Year 12 approach their final “sprint” as they enter the home stretch, we have been reflecting upon and celebrating their growth and contribution as the leaders of the School this year. In the myriad celebrations outlined by Ms Tynan later in this newsletter, we have expressed our gratitude for the way in which the Class of 2022 have reinvigorated the enthusiasm and spirit of the student body as school life has emerged from COVID-19 restrictions. We thank all Year 12 students for their efforts and wish them the very best for their upcoming study period ahead of HSC Examinations commencing on 12 October.
Wednesday morning’s Fellowship Breakfast and Service was a very special occasion, celebrating Year 12 students’ first day as members of Fellowship – and sincere thanks to the Fellowship Committee members who were able to join us in person and via Zoom for the Service. Wednesday afternoon’s Leadership Induction Service then saw the gracious handover of leadership from the Class of 2022 to the Class of 2023, and we look forward to working with all Year 12 students in their respective leadership portfolios from the beginning of Term 4.
It was so exciting to see the generous support of our extended Frensham Schools community through Tuesday’s inaugural Giving Day in support of Winifred West Schools Foundation’s Bursary Fund. Our thanks go to our Foundation Board, Director of Philanthropy Mrs Jackie Dalton, our willing volunteers and generous donors for the extraordinary effort, raising over $460,000 in just 24 hours. With 100% of the funds raised to be directed towards the Bursary Fund, work is now underway to determine the way in which this will be distributed for maximum impact. I look forward to sharing this information with our community at Final Prayers in Term 4.
We thank all staff for their work this term and wish all Frensham Schools students, staff and a restful and restorative vacation period ahead.
Ranier Uniform Shop – Opening Hours and Additional Trading Day
The Ranier Uniform Shop will be open on Wednesday 5 October 12.00pm – 5.00pm for fitting appointments and over the counter purchases.
Term 4 regular hours resume: Monday 10 October (12pm-5pm)
Spring Break
As we approach the Spring holiday, I am sure that everyone is ready for some time to relax after a busy term of learning inside and outside the classroom. This week, I was reflecting on what things looked like this time last year and I was filled with a sense of gratitude for being able to do ‘normal things’, things that we had taken for granted in years prior to the pandemic that were postponed or modified. This year however, we have been able to celebrate, and the best part is that we have been able to do it together, as a community.
Welcoming Sample Boarder and Sample High School participants to Frensham was an instructive and fun experience for the girls and their families. The Year 10 helpers and Year 12 students who were involved in the evening and day were a true representation of who we are as a school; the Year 5 students reflected on how everyone was encouraging, how fun it was to make new friends and how much they enjoyed their lessons and activities. Thank you to the staff and students involved.
At Gib Gate, being able to have students and staff share in experiences like the Year 6 Legacy of Leaders presentation was a wonderful insight into the hard work and dedication that Year 6 students have shown this term. Similarly, a few weeks ago, it was wonderful to be able to share in Book Week celebrations and parades across the school. Sharing in learning is an integral part of the culture at Frensham Schools and being able to experience it with our community is something to be treasured.
At Frensham, we have had the privilege of a series of events where we have been able to celebrate the term, as well as begin farewell celebrations for the Class of 2022. Harry Potter night saw the Dining Room decorated like Hogwarts and the students dressed up as many of the characters, exhibiting impressive creativity, flair and good humour.
The Hockey Grand Final was a hard-fought match and although Frensham were not the winners on the day, the girls showed sportsmanship, perseverance, and grace. Skit night was a success, as was the very first Frensham Colour Run! Seeing the girls, especially Year 12, enjoying themselves, laughing, smiling, and having fun with each other and the girls across the year groups, is something that highlights their true sense of spirit and enjoyment. This week, the Jazz Band performing on the steps of the Deer Pond was a highlight, as were the farewell events for Year 12. I am immensely proud of the resilience, the tenacity and the grit that our girls have shown this term across all areas of their schooling – lessons, assessments, sport, music, drama, and more.
The Spring holiday is a great opportunity to reflect on the term that has been. Perhaps when thinking on the past term, you could ask your daughters and sons:
What have you learnt this term, both in the academic arena and about themselves as an individual?
What have they identified as a of their strengths this term?
What have they found challenging and how did they overcome it?
What they are proud of themselves for this term?
How have they developed their compassion?
Have they grown in unexpected areas?
Have they worked on empathy?
Have they learnt to collaborate in a different way?
Reflection is an essential way for us to think about what is going well and what might need some development. Acknowledgement of our own journey allows students and adults alike to set goals to work towards whilst, with support, striving to improve themselves in their areas for growth. It is important this term that we have a strengths-based view on what we have achieved rather than a deficit view of what we have not achieved.
I wish you a safe and happy holiday and a wonderful break. I look forward to seeing the Gib Gate students and Frensham girls back next term, rested, relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready for another term of adventures together.
Ms Sarah Tynan, Deputy Head
Boarding
Frensham was awash with colour on Sunday at our inaugural Colour Run. What better way to finish a term than with smiling faces, laughter and a complete sense of community and fun. Frensham was transformed with obstacles and colour powder stations that all culminated in a barbeque lunch for all to enjoy together. It was a magical way to finish the weekend.
For the final Friday night activity for Year 12, the weekend started with Harry Potter Night. Everyone dressed up, the Dining Room was transformed into The Great Hall (complete with floating candles) by Voldemort, Umbridge and Moaning Myrtle, there was even an appearance of Professor Albus Dumbledore himself! Saturday began with sports trials and concluded with Skit Night where each year group performed a skit for Year 12, celebrating their last Closed Weekend. The weekend was filled with so many wonderful activities providing the opportunity to make lasting memories together.
The previous weekend was also a success with 40 Day, Weekly and Full Boarders attending the Luna Park excursion – by all accounts it was enjoyed by all who attended. I remind you to review the Boarding Schoolbox page regularly, here you can find useful information about Boarding and also posts about student activities.
Key dates and information for Term 4
Term 4 Return: School resumes on Tuesday 11 October, with Boarders returning to Houses the evening prior on Monday 10 October by 8:30pm. Houses will open from 3.00pm with afternoon tea and refreshments - we hope to see as many parents as possible during drop off. Girls requiring NSW Transport will have been issued their tickets prior to the end of Term 3. Transport from the airport will be provided, please ensure you provide your flight details as soon as possible, so that arrangements can be made. Flights should arrive around 5.00pm Monday evening.
Term 4 South West Bus Dates: The South West bus will operate twice in Term 4 in Week 3, Sunday 30 October and Week 6, Sunday 20 November. The South West Bus departs as follows:
4pm: Cootamundra - Cootamundra Railway Station, Hovell Steet
5pm: Harden - Jackson’s Bakery, East Street
6pm: Yass - Yass Junction, McDonald’s Carpark
Bus Bookings can be made through the Orah Leave system in ‘return transport/bus/South West Bus’. Please ensure to include pickup location in the booking.
Term 4 Exeats: Detailed information can be found on the Boarding Schoolbox page under Boarding FAQ’s. Term 4 has two Closed Weekends, the first and last weekend of Term. All students are expected to be on Campus and participating in the Weekend Programme. It is an important part of continuing to develop our community and Frensham spirit. The remainder of weekends in Term 4 are open weekends and Full Boarders will have four exeats to utilise.
Term 4 Weekend Activities: In an effort to assist in Term 4 planning around leave and exeats, the following excursions have been pre-booked. Each excursion does have a limit on numbers and more detailed information and permissions will be released two weeks prior to the scheduled excursion via Schoolbox and Orah. Please see activity dates below:
Sunday 23 October - Illawarra Fly: Treetops Walk and Zip Line Tour
Sunday 6 November - Sculptures By the Sea and Bondi Markets
Sunday 27 November - Raging Waters
Sunday 4 December - Macarthur Square Christmas Shopping Trip
Thank you for a wonderful Term, we hope you all have a safe and enjoyable holiday and look forward to welcoming you back in Term 4. Afternoon Tea will be provided in the Houses from 3pm-5pm on Monday 10 October.
Ms Sally Edwards, Director of Student Life (Boarding)
French Breakfast
French
In Week 9, Year 7 enjoyed a French petit déjeuner, ordering a croissant and chocolat chaud from Year 10 French students. The Year 7 girls, who are currently studying a unit on food, are learning to express their food likes and dislikes. The breakfast was greatly enjoyed by all girls with, ‘j’adore les croissants et le chocolat chaud’ being the most popular phrase of the day!
Mrs Anne Barnes, Teacher of French
Jamieson Programme
It has been a huge term for Jamieson Programme with Global Forum, the OEG high-ropes challenge, guest speakers, Duke of Edinburgh Camp, Presentation Skills, Riding for the Disabled, Community Service in the Holt, Frensham Studies and leadership opportunities.
Some highlights from the term include:
In Frensham Studies, Year 7 students have exploring the idea of becoming a 'Grounded Future Builder' through Frensham's history. We consider how this applies in Year 7, throughout school and when the girls leave the 'big green gates'. We read through an address given by Ms Julie Gillick OAM who spoke to Year 12 2003 at their Final Dinner. She spoke to the idea of a 'suitcase' and what Year 12 might need to 'pack with them' from Frensham to support them after school. So, we decided to make an actual suitcase, pack it with items and concepts Year 7 believe Year 12 might need when they leave! For example, Year 12 will always need toothpaste in their suitcase, so they can make sure they always have a bright smile, a torch to guide them through tough times and a pen or pencil to help map out their future.
From Term 2, students in Year 8 have been participating in Presentation Skills lessons, delivered by Mrs Hannah, Head of Drama, as part of the Jamieson Programme. The purpose of the course is to teach students important interpersonal skills: how to speak clearly, communicate effectively and present themselves to any audience, no matter what the context. Presentation Skills provides students with the skills, knowledge, and opportunity to present their work to an audience, helping to develop their confidence.
The course follows the Australian Speech & Communication Syllabus and is structured over three terms in the following way:
Term 2: Public Speaking – Impromptu and Informed Speeches
Term 3: Debating – Speaking persuasively
Term 4: Drama – Working collaboratively to create original work
Essentially, Presentation Skills is about building capacity in students at Frensham, to be effective communicators who are empathetic, creative, and collaborative, demonstrating leadership and speaking with confidence and conviction to communicate effectively and make a valuable contribution.
Left: Presentation skills. Right: Year 9 with Suzannah Cowley.
Year 9 students were privileged to have Suzannah Cowley present to them last month. Suzannah is a television journalist and film producer and established Nviro Media in 2016. She specialises in environmental and agricultural films and shared her experiences of making high impact films. She spoke with Year 9 about how she uses her skills as a filmmaker to inspire and support change and shared three recent films. A recent project involved work with Landcare and showcasing indigenous land management with a specific focus on the use of cultural burning. Suzannah also engaged the girls in a highly entertaining interview role-play. This special presentation supported a broad study in environmental care and management, and how individuals can make a change, key themes in the Year 9 Jamieson Programme.
Finally, Year 10 classes continue to cultivate their leadership skills by generously leading younger students in the boarding houses and also by being supportive and kind Cracks to Year 7, providing them with strong examples of what it is to be a grounded Frensham girl.
We are looking forward to Term 4 with Year 9 students completing their final examinations for the IGCSE Global Perspectives course. Jamieson Week is a highly anticipated event – and not just because it is the final week of term! Students will participate in a range of community service activities, giving back to their Frensham community, the local community and beyond.
Mrs Merrilee Harris, Director of Jamieson Programme and Careers
ICAS Frensham and Gib Gate Years 2-12
During the past month students have been participating in the annual ICAS Competitions in Writing, English, Digital Technologies, Science and Mathematics. For the first time this year parents and carers were given the opportunity to register their children using the online portal. Teachers at Frensham and Gib Gate then conducted each online test under the required examination conditions, and within the set time frame as required by ICAS.
We congratulate all students who undertook these complex competitions thus developing their skill at taking these ‘above level’ tests under timed conditions. All students from Years 2 to Year 12 who have been awarded Distinction achieved a result in the top 10% of students across Australia and those who have been awarded Credit placed in the top 30% of all students across Australia. Hard copy certificates will be presented to our competitors when they are received.
Frensham Results
Science - Distinction: Sophie Worner-Tomlinson (Year 7); Sophie Simpson (Year 10); Credit: Sofia Nesci, Claire Sullivan (Year 7); Isabel Syme (Year 8); Jade Cox, Anna Fagan (Year 9) Ashley Brewer, Poppy Carter (Year 10); Megan Syme (Year 11).
Mathematics - Credit: Georgina Boag, Ruby Rodgers, Claire Sullivan, Sophie Worner-Tomlinson (Year 7), Isabel Syme (Year 8); Georgina Lewis (Year 9); Poppy Carter (Year 10).
Mathematics - Distinction: Olivia Pattison (Year 5); Credit: Sofia Wilson (Year 4)
Gib Gate Maths Olympiad Team 2022
Congratulations to the Gib Gate Year 5 and Year 6 Maths Olympiad team who completed its last ‘contest’ for 2022. The team of Max Cannon-Brooks, Hannah Chalak, Sophie Chin, Arabella Munro, Matilda Spong, Annabelle Whyte-Cleaver (Year 6); James Macpherson, Elyssia Mason, Aliyah Mhanna, Olivia Pattison, Emma Stedman (Year 5) participated in five monthly ‘pen and paper’ 30-minute challenges in which they had to complete five problems.
The Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiad is an annual contest which has been operating since 1987. Every year, schools from all over Australia, New Zealand and other neighbouring countries take part. The overall aim is to encourage students to develop important mathematical problem-solving skills in an enjoyable environment. Certificates of Achievement will be awarded in Term 4 during Performance Assembly.
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director Teaching and Learning P-12
Mathematics
On Wednesday 14 September Inquisitive Minds ran separate workshops for Years 7, 8 and 9. Students worked in predetermined pairs and were immersed in mathematical and logical thinking as they learned and utilised foundational and advanced problem-solving strategies.
Each session had two components:
An interactive lesson where students were introduced to several different problem-solving strategies including tree diagrams, make a list and draw a diagram
A challenge: Students worked in pairs to complete as many questions as possible in the allocated time frame. They had access to 54 questions that ranged in difficulty from easy to hard.
In each session Frensham teachers and Senior Mathematics students, Matilda Arnott, Maya Basson, Isobel Harrington, Lucy Pernice, Phoebe Rowntree, and Mia Shakeshaft, assisted and encouraged the students. An enriching day for all involved.
Miss Emma Lake, Teacher of Mathematics
Equestrian
We are pleased to provide an Equestrian update with notable achievements and details of upcoming events.
Matilda Telford (Year 8) (pictured left) is competing in Working Hunter and is a reserve for Show Jumping in the Interschools Nationals being held during the holiday.
Matilda also just placed 1st in the open 80cm at Sydney Jumping Association and 4th in the Children’s 1m. At the Waratah Show Jumping Competition, in classes of around 40 competitors each she placed 1st and 2nd in the 80cm, 1st and 4th in the 90cm and 3rd, 8th and 10th in the 1 metre.
We have several girls competing at the Interschools Horse Extravaganza to be held early next term at Tamworth. We will note results when available.
Eva Telford (pictured right) and Tia Thomas have had much success in the show ring winning Champion classes both their riding and horse.
Cassia Berry has been doing well in dressage, placing at the elementary level at the NSW State Open Championships.
Sophie Baldwin and Abbey Kuiper continue to perform in show jumping.
Captains of Equestrian, Camilla Warner and Matilda Walker have led the team enthusiastically and we thank them for their leadership this year.
Moon over Esther Tuckey Library against purple sky - 30 August 2022. Photo courtesy of Ms Rebecca Theodore.
The past fortnight at Frensham Schools has been absolutely action-packed – with School Spirit in abundance, accompanied by some brisk and sparkling Spring weather. It has been marvellous to welcome families and friends onto the campuses of both Gib Gate and Frensham for our Community Breakfast at Gib Gate, the Year 9 Weekend at Frensham, the Junior Production, HSC Visual Art and Design and Technology exhibitions, just to name a few of the recent events.
We have very much enjoyed welcoming parents and Old Girls to the School, sharing their experiences and professional expertise. I particularly thank Sofie Laguna and Suzannah Cowley for their recent visits, enriching our outlook and inspiring intellectual growth amongst students and staff.
There has been a recurrent theme in each of these events – the value of rigour in learning, the benefits of enduring meaningful community relationships, and the importance of a safe, supportive and inclusive school environment for every student. The creative and personal expression evident at our recent Year 12 Exhibition and performances was quite inspirational to behold, and we recognise the efforts of students and staff to arrive at this important point in their HSC journey. The process of acquiring and refining sophisticated technical skills is necessarily slow – reminding me of the words of one of the world’s most celebrated literary figures. “It's only those who are persistent and willing to study things deeply, who achieve the master work.” Paulo Coelho.
We are encouraging and supporting our Year 12 students, with just two weeks of classes remaining, to keep supporting one another in maintaining motivation, focus, harmony and cohesion. We wish all teams well in the coming weekend’s activities representing Frensham Schools – particularly our Snowsports Team currently at National Championships, teams traveling to Sydney for the IGSA Semi-Finals for Hockey and Netball, and Gib Gate’s Tournament of Minds team. Our students’ brave and adventuring spirits are evident with the number of students participating in activities that challenge students to achieve their personal best whilst representing our school in the wider community. This newsletter contains many notable achievements across all domains, reflective of our engaged and involved students and committed staff in support.
This coming Friday, Winifred West Schools Foundation will officially launch of one of its most ambitious fundraising initiatives – a 24-hour ‘Giving Day’. All funds raised on our Giving Day will help provide students with the gift of a Frensham Schools education through an Educational Grant from Foundation’s Bursary Fund. The full picture will be revealed on Friday but we can let you know one important piece of this picture - for one day only, on Tuesday 20 September, each donation to the Giving Day, whatever its size, will be tripled! I warmly encourage all our current families to take part in this initiative. Every single person in the Frensham Schools community can participate – small or large, every gift will make a difference and contributes to the continued growth of a philanthropic culture at Frensham Schools.
Visit of Sofie Laguna
On Friday 2 September, acclaimed author and Frensham Old Girl, Sofie Laguna (1985), visited both Gib Gate and Frensham to speak with students and present interactive Writers Workshops. Sofie began her writing career as an author for children and has written over twenty books for young people. Her work has been published in the US, the UK and in translation throughout Europe and Asia. She has been shortlisted for the Queensland Premier’s Award, and twice been awarded Honour Book by the Children’s Book Council of Australia.
Sofie Laguna visited Frensham and Gib Gate
Sofie’s first novel for adults, One Foot Wrong released in 2008, was published throughout Europe, the US and the UK, was longlisted for the Miles Franklin Award and shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Literary Award.
Notably, Sofie’s second novel for adults, The Eye of the Sheep won the 2015 Miles Franklin Award.
In 2017 Sofie released her third novel for adults. The Choke won best novel in the 2018 Indie Awards, was shortlisted for the Victorian Premier Literary Awards, the Australian Literature Society Gold Medal Award, the ABIA Award, the Voss Award, and longlisted for the Kibble Award, the Stella Award and the Dublin IMPAC International Literary Award.
Sofie’s novel for adults, Infinite Splendours, was released in October 2020. She continues to write for young people, and in 2021 and 2022 released her novel for children, The Song of Lewis Carmichael, and the picture book, When You Are Older. Last Tuesday Sofie’s latest picture book The House on Pleasant Street – a collaboration between her and her husband, award winning illustrator Marc McBride, was published.
Spending time with Gib Gate students in Years 3 to 6, Sofie shared the story of how her first picture book My Yellow Blankie came to life and her journey from acting to becoming an author. At Frensham, Sofie reminisced about her favourite memories at school and what led her to a career in writing. Members of Pen & Ink and Year 11 English Extension 1 students spent time in a writing workshop with Sofie learning many new skills to develop their creative writing skills.
Special aspects of the day included Sofie reuniting with her infant school friend Mrs Tinna Loker, Gib Gate Preschool Coordinator, after more than 40 years and enjoying a tour of Frensham accompanied by 2022 Heads of Pen & Ink, Isolde Cochet and Zoe Gallagher.
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director Teaching and Learning P-12
Ms Leanne Stone, Communications and Publications Associate
Boarding
Frensham is coming to life in Spring, with the flowers blooming and a touch of warmer weather and sunshine being gifted to us. As a new Frensham community member, it truly is spectacular to witness the School come alive with each season.
This term has been exceptional for showcasing the talent of the Frensham community, HSC Showcases, the BFG, two parent weekends, a multitude of Friday Night Activities where the girls’ talent, creativity and knack for knowing how to throw a superb event is always evident. It is at these times that the Frensham community shines and the Houses come to life with excitement.
I strongly encourage you to review the Boarding House pages and General Boarding page on Schoolbox, where there are updates and photos throughout the term. It is also where you can keep up to date with your girls activities.
Noted below are some key dates and information for the remainder of Term 3.
Luna Park Excursion - Sunday 11 September: We are providing the opportunity for Day, Weekly and Full Boarders to attend an excursion to Luna Park. The excursion is almost fully booked out, if your daughter is interested in attending but is yet to sign up, please ask her to see me in White Cottage to secure a spot. We understand that this date clashes with the Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh Expedition but are confident that Term 4 will provide a number of fun and exciting opportunities for those who miss out on Luna Park. Excursion dates and locations for Term 4 will be issued in Week 1.
Closed Weekends: A reminder that the first and final weekends of each Term are closed with the expectation that all Weekly and Full Boarders remain on campus. Day Boarders are also strongly encouraged to participate in the Weekend programme. 16-18 September is the final Closed Weekend of Term 3, and we look forward to having all Boarders in, to continue to develop and build our community.
Out of Hours Emergency Contact: A reminder that in the event of an emergency out of hours, our Health Centre phone number is always monitored, 02 4860 2107. While the boarding email is regularly monitored, in the event of an emergency please use the above number to ensure it is responded to immediately.
Leave and Exeats: A friendly reminder that all leave requests must be entered by Wednesday evening and all leave endorsed by parents and hosts no later than Thursday for final staff approvals. Thank you for your understanding and support in this matter as it allows us to manage staffing, bus lists, catering and event planning.
NSW Transport -End of Term Travel and Beginning of Term 4 Travel is now being finalised with students. NSW Transport have advised that transport bookings for students not returning home but travelling to an alternate location or friends house may not be able to be accommodated. Late bookings are subject to availability, only for those travelling to their home. This is due to the high demand for services and seat availability. It is always best to book a seat if unsure of your travel plans.
Airport and Flights: If your daughter/s are flying home, please provide the flight details to boarding@frensham.nsw.edu.au as soon as possible. It is recommended that flights depart Sydney at approx. 6pm and arrive in Sydney at approx. 5pm on their return journey.
We look forward to seeing you at Frensham soon.
Ms Sally Edwards, Director of Student Life (Boarding)
Drama
On Saturday 27 August, the Junior Production for 2022, The BFG by Roald Dahl, adapted for the stage by David Wood took place on the Clubbe Hall stage as part of the Year 9 weekend. Congratulations to the director, Ms Shannon, and assistant Mrs Hannah, as well as the cast and crew for their efforts. The Years 8 and 9 cast displayed great enthusiasm and energy in their re-imagining of Dahl’s classic story for the audience of all ages. The cast were supported by the technical crew on lighting, sound and backstage. Also, a special thank you to artist, Lucinda Chambers for her creative contribution to the production, making the magnificent props essential to the story, including the giant’s heads, Sophie puppet and snozzcumbers, with her daughters, Goldie Munro (Year 8) and Belle Munro (Year 4).
On Friday 2 September, Year 12 Drama students completed their HSC Drama External Practical Examination, which is 60% of their final mark. With one Group Performance and four Individual Performances as well as two Applied Research Projects. Congratulations to the HSC Drama students and Mrs Hannah for the high-quality work achieved.
Mrs Sally Hannah, Head of Drama
HSIE
Australian Geography Competition
Earlier in the year, Frensham participated in the Australian Geography Competition. Frensham’s Years 10 – 12 Geography students joined 70,0000 of their peers from across Australia in challenging their geographic skills and knowledge. Frensham students performed at an exceptional standard across the board, further recognition of the strength of Frensham's Geography offering.
The following students performed at notable levels: High Distinction: Sophie Simpson (Year 10), Olivia Huggins, Darcy Maple-Brown, James McBride, Augusta Muir (Year 11). Distinction: Juliet Henry (Year 10), Ali Corbett, Edie Staniforth (Year 11). Credit:Chloe Cowley (Year 10), Janna Martin-Cooley, Sarah Partland (Year 11).
Southern Highlands Vietnam Veterans' Peacekeepers and Peacemakers annual Memorial Service
On Sunday 21 August two Year 11 Modern History students, Meg Jones and Eliza Mulligan, represented the school at the Southern Highlands Vietnam Veterans' Peacekeepers and Peacemakers annual Memorial Service at the Vietnam War Memorial in Settlers Park, Bowral. Forty-seven years after the end of the war, the service commemorates those who served, honouring their memory. The students were supported by Mrs Merrilee Harris.
Mr Nathan Bessant, Head of HSIE
ICAS Frensham and Gib Gate Years 2-12
During the past month students have been participating in the annual ICAS Competitions in Writing, English, Digital Technologies, Science and Mathematics. For the first time this year parents and carers were given the opportunity to register their children using the online portal. Teachers at Frensham and Gib Gate then conducted each online test under the required examination conditions, and within the set time frame as required by ICAS.
We congratulate all students who undertook these complex competitions thus developing their skill at taking these ‘above level’ tests under timed conditions. All students from Years 2 to Year 12 who have been awarded Distinction achieved a result in the top 10% of students across Australia and those who have been awarded Credit placed in the top 30% of all students across Australia. Certificates will be presented to our competitors when they are received.
Frensham Results
Digital Technologies - Distinction: Harriet Brazier (Year 7). Credit: Sofia Nesci, Chloe Worner-Tomlinson, Sophie Worner-Tomlinson (Year 7); Isabel Syme (Year 8); Sophie Simpson (Year 10).
English - Distinction: Adeline Ahern, Harriet Brazier (Year 7), Sophie Simpson (Year 10), Zoe Gallagher (Year 12). Credit: Iman Byrne, Sofia Nesci, Ruby Rodgers, Maisie Stanley, Claire Sullivan, Chloe Worner-Tomlinson, Sophie Worner-Tomlinson (Year 7), Millicent Debelle Hancock, York Doyle (Year 8), Cate Horsfall (Year 10), Sophie Hassall, Heidi Jervis, Abigail Jorgensen (Year 11).
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director Teaching and Learning P-12
Sport
IGSA Athletics Championships 18-19 August
On the 18 and 19 August Frensham competed at the IGSA Athletics Championships at Sydney Olympic Park. The competition consisted of three separate divisions that were determined by previous years’ results, Frensham was in Division 3 alongside eight IGSA schools. All events had preliminary heats with the top nine results progressing to the final.
It was a successful two days of competition with several students advancing to the finals. Frensham’s success this season can be attributed to the ongoing training efforts of students and the dedicated coaching efforts from Kristine Powell. Considering we have missed two years of Athletics due to COVID it was a true delight to have the team back together and finishing the season off so well.
Frensham placed 2nd overall in Division 3 with 431 points. This is a remarkable achievement, congratulations to all students involved.
Thank you to the Vice Captain Abigail Hicks and Captain of Athletics Phoebe Lyne for being exceptional role models demonstrating strong leadership skills throughout the year.
NSW/ACT/QLD Interschools Snowsports
The State titles of the Interschools took place at Perisher 22 August to 26 August. Frensham’s team consisted of individual and team competitors in multiple disciplines including Alpine, Moguls, Ski Cross, Snowboard Cross, XC Classic and XC relay.
The conditions throughout the week varied from blizzards, heavy snowfall, windy, extreme cold and clear blue-sky days. It was an exciting week of competition with many of the girls performing well.
Congratulations to students who are invited to the National Championships 6-11 September at Perisher.
Australian Geography Competition results: High Distinction: Sophie Simpson (Year 10), Olivia Huggins, Darcy Maple-Brown, James McBride, Augusta Muir (Year 11). Distinction: Juliet Henry (Year 10), Ali Corbett, Edie Staniforth (Year 11).
Frensham Athletics team for success at the recent IGSA Athletics Championship; progressing to finals: Sofia Nesci (12 Years 100m, 12 Years 200m, 12 Years Shot Put), Gigi Ulvert (17 Years 200m), Phoebe Gilder (16 Years 800m), Tia Thomas (14 Years 800m), Arabella Whitehead (15 Years Long Jump).
Frensham Snowsports team for achievements at the recent Interschools State Titles; with the following students invited to the National Championships: Team Qualifiers: Ski Cross Division 1, Moguls Division 1, XC Classic Division 2, XC Relay Division 2. Individual Qualifiers: Ski Cross - Div 1 - Lucy Pernice, Hannah Bendror, Jessica Savage; Ski Cross Div 2- Luca de Manincor; Moguls - Div 1- Lucy Pernice; Slopestyle Ski - Div 1- Lucy Pernice; XC Classic - Div 2 - Bella Barber, Tempe Arnott, Skye Stodart.
Valentia Hercus (Year 4) – Selected for the IPSHA Athletics Team at the CIS Athletics Carnival.
Gib Gate Robocup Team of James Macpherson (Year 5), Camille Muir, Sammy Robb, Isaac Webb (Year 3) and facilitator Mrs Hannah for coming equal 1st at the ACT Robocup competition in the OnStage category.
Ms Sarah McGarry
Head of Frensham Head of Frensham Schools
We are very much looking forward to the upcoming weekend here at Frensham Schools, with lots of activity across campuses. Alongside Saturday Sport and the Year 9 Weekend, we are hosting 3 reunion groups and more than 200 people have registered to attend Saturday afternoon’s Head’s Tour. All families are welcome to the Saturday afternoon performance of our Junior Production, The BFG, commencing at 3pm in Clubbe Hall and of course to our Sunday Service and Concert, featuring Year 9 students. Another highlight is the Year 12 HSC Visual Art and Design and Technology Exhibition – works are being hung and installed this week and the exhibition looks absolutely spectacular. Frensham Year Weekends are unique times in our school community to gather as a whole school – students, staff and families – to celebrate and support one another. We look forward to welcoming many of you to campus this weekend.
Last Friday we were pleased to host Ms Sally Robson to Frensham Schools, thanking her for her 18 years of service and celebrating Ms Robson’s time as Head of Gib Gate. Ms Robson, as always, gave a most thoughtful and considered address to students, staff and parents present, and we enjoyed the celebration involving the Gib Gate community.
![Frensham presents 'The Wizard of Oz']([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1669766154/frenshamnsweduau/hpdymbwpu03jotonsm8f/wizard-of-oz-1920x1080.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1669766154/frenshamnsweduau/hpdymbwpu03jotonsm8f/wizard-of-oz-1920x1080.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1669766154/frenshamnsweduau/hpdymbwpu03jotonsm8f/wizard-of-oz-1920x1080.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1669766154/frenshamnsweduau/hpdymbwpu03jotonsm8f/wizard-of-oz-1920x1080.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1669766154/frenshamnsweduau/hpdymbwpu03jotonsm8f/wizard-of-oz-1920x1080.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1669766154/frenshamnsweduau/hpdymbwpu03jotonsm8f/wizard-of-oz-1920x1080.png","width":1920}])
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