NEWSLETTER

Academic • Christian • Caring

Issue 2 Term II, 2011

Headmaster’s Message

Resilience

Head of Senior School

Head of Junior School

Year 1 Visit the Botanic Gardens

TIGS Great

Fete 1 week To Go

ResilienceKnowing when to step in and help our children and when to stand back and let them learn from their own decisions is a challenge that all parents face. As adults, our experience enables us to see consequences and outcomes far more clearly than our ‘inexperienced’ children. Somewhere between birth and 20 all children take on responsibility for their own decisions but the journey to that point is rarely smooth.

I recently read an account of a 14-year old boy who was receiving counselling because he was lacking motivation. He failed most subjects despite his parents providing him with special coaching and all the resources he needed to succeed. He was a gifted player of tennis but underachieved because he could not be bothered.

His demeanour when interviewed by his counsellor was poor, sitting with slumped shoulders and appearing bored. However, when asked what he would really like to do he sat up, appeared excited and described how he would really like to build a Billycart using locally available scrap material.

At the next meeting with his counsellor he was again slumped-shouldered and indifferent. When asked about the Billycart he described how his father had bought a kit for him and was at that moment assembling the cart.

Sometimes, in trying to assist children and to ensure their positive wellbeing, parents can actually achieve the opposite to the desired outcome.

Lyn Worsley, a child and adolescent psychologist, identifies ten characteristics of parents successful in guiding their children to become independent, resilient adults:

• Straightforward, direct, open and honest communication between parents and the child• Parents who show warmth, closeness and intimacy• Clear parental authority and responsibility for making decisions while ensuring children are consulted and

listened to• Close monitoring of children and adolescents’ activities and behaviour• Value in a child’s growing independence, self-control and autonomy • Parental harmony and co-operation with each other• Parents who show high levels of self-satisfaction and wellbeing• Parents who are reliable yet able to adapt to new situations with ease• Parents who show interest and responsibility to the world, whether it be through religious, spiritual,

ecological or some other causes• Clear parental boundaries, with consistent parenting styles, based on a strong value system

Lists such as this can be reassuring, confronting or both for a parent as they read down the list mentally ticking and crossing each characteristic against the reality of their practice as parents. Parenting is not an exact science and what works with one child will not necessarily work with the next. What is important is that parents continually review and reflect on the impact they are having on their children.

A good starting point might be to review how parents communicate with their children:

• Have meals together (without the TV). There is more to family discussion than locating who has the remote control

• Discuss things that are of interest to children, such as their TV shows, YouTube favourites or music - this means actually watching and listening to the media interests of children and adolescents

• Discuss the things that challenge you and the dilemmas you face, modelling how to be a responsible adult

• Do things with each of your children, creating shared experiences and memories

More information about Lyn Worsley and her book, The Resilience Doughnut, can be found at www.lynworsley.com.au

Stephen kinsellaHeadmaster

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

extra AssistanceLast week I introduced you to our new Librarian in the Senior School. This week it’s our new Special Education Coordinator, Melina Sangster, who is in the spotlight. Ms Sangster is working across the whole school but in the senior school, her focus for learning support is literacy and numeracy. We currently have a morning Literacy Class, which focuses on developing individual literacy skills. Each student is assessed and an individual program is written targeting the student-specific area of weakness. A similar model will be adopted for numeracy skills and it is anticipated these classes will be introduced this term.

When students are identified as needing extra assistance or support by teachers, Ms Sangster will initially assess each student and once their area of weakness is identified teachers will be given strategies that will help support these students in the classroom. In some cases students will be withdrawn from classes for intensive one-to-one tuition.

Ms Sangster has introduced a new program called Tutorials. This program has a small identified group of students who need help in developing study skills, organisational skills and support with assessment tasks. Tutorials are run once a week and students can attend a tutorial class until they have developed their skills to actively engage in all aspects of their education.

All students who are identified as needing extra support are case managed. This involves regular contact with individual teachers, updates to parents on student progress and assessments as required.

As you can see, our Special Ed Coordinator is providing great support to both students and staff.

“My Mother Always Said...” This week’s article comes from Rev Ian Barnett, Senior Minister at Figtree Anglican Church.

I wonder how you would finish the statement, “My mother always said …”

For me, one of the lessons from my mother that I came back to after seeing the world rejoice over the recent death of Osama Bin Laden, was; “Ian don’t repay evil with evil”. As I look back over my life it is something that has come back to me on many occasions.

Other lessons from mothers came back to me as well. A very powerful one is in found in Desmond Tutu’s book ‘No Future Without Forgiveness, where he shares stories and insights from his leadership role in South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. South Africa had been plagued for generations by terrible violence between the white ruling minority and the black majority.

Once the whites relinquished power and Nelson Mandela became president, the question in need of an answer was clear: How does a country with so much pain and violence and division in its past move forward? Tutu (who won a Nobel Peace Prize) and others established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a way forward. The goal was for those who had committed atrocities in the past to come forward and tell the truth—both blacks and whites. But it didn’t end there. After confessing the truth, the goal was to bring reconciliation and forgiveness—to break the cycle of hate so the entire country could move forward.

This is the issue I want drawn to your attention to today. In one chapter of the book, Tutu recounts testimony after testimony of people, both black and white, who came before the commission to confess to torturing and murdering others. It was horrific—terrible stories in graphic detail. It’s almost impossible to believe that human beings are capable of such evil. The horrors of the crimes makes one particular story especially moving.

Two people who came before the commission were Mrs Calata and her daughter. Mrs Calata’s husband had been an advocate for black South Africans in rural communities. Because of his work, he’d been arrested, detained, and tortured by the police numerous times. But one day he disappeared. On the front page of the newspaper, Mrs Calata saw a photograph of her husband’s car on fire. During the hearing, when the autopsy report describing his torture was read, she cried so loudly, that the commission had to be adjourned.

When they reconvened, Mrs Calata’s daughter testified. Years had gone by, and she was now a young lady. She pleaded with the commission to discover who had killed her father. But she was not crying out because she wanted vengeance or justice. Instead she said to the commission, “We want to forgive, but we don’t know whom to forgive.” Eventually members of the police confessed to the crime. Rather than continue the endless cycle of hatred, Mrs Calata and her daughter forgave the men who tortured and killed their husband and father—because that’s what Christ’s people do.

Does forgiveness mean we don’t care about justice? Does forgiveness mean there is no consequence for evil? No! What it means is that we leave justice and vengeance in God’s hands. He alone can judge rightly. I can’t. Our job, as agents of His kingdom on earth, is to break cycles of hate - to move from a people of exclusion to a people of embrace, forgiving others just as God, in Christ, has forgiven us.

Rev Ian Barnett Senior Minister, Figtree Anglican Church and parent of former student Emma (class of 2010) info@figteeanglican.org.au Senior School

Monica WattDeputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School

KH James Gardner Thomas Kirby

KM Aidan Archibald

1D Eloise Malouf

2A Hugo Parrish

Jessica Hall

2D James Kirby

Tenaysha Thomasson

Lina Lee

2P Rory Swainson

3M Harrison Dennis

3Y Sophia Santos

Joseph Druett

4M Lola Bond

Nicole Russo

5N Mackenzie Smith Ryan Baker

6C Kai Dreyfus-Ballesi Chloe Summerill

6W Andre De Ruyter

6Y Tyler Warnest

AWARDS

Merit

Certifi

cates

Nikala Bricevski

Mia Mitchell

Junior School Uniform ChallengesThis year we trialled a delayed change over to winter uniform. This initiative was driven by Karobran as there was concern about the discomfort many of the girls were feeling in their heavy winter uniforms at the beginning of Term II. We are now seeking feedback from our students and families about this trial. As fortune would have it, this year Term II has proven to be rather wet and cold, however, the thinking behind the delayed changeover was that the summer uniform could be layered with jumpers and blazers etc. to keep the children warm, whereas the winter uniform is hot even with its lightest layer. Please email your feedback through to Mrs Kerrie Tregonning who will collate them for us to reflect upon in future planning.

Whilst on uniforms, I would like to thank the children and their parents for the fine way the vast majority wear our school uniform. Junior School students consistently look great in their uniforms and are proud to do so. A gentle reminder that as we move in to winter uniform, that scarves, gloves etc. are all available from the Uniform Shop and that only TIGS uniform versions of this apparel may be worn to school. It is important to keep this uniformity so that our students continue to look great in their uniform.

With regard to the sports’ uniform, please remember that representative polar fleece tops (e.g. TIGS rugby or NASSA) are not part of the TIGS uniform and may not be worn to school on sports’ days. Round neck skivvies or plain round neck t-shirts which are worn under the TIGS sports shirt are an excellent way of increasing layers for the children whilst still keeping our correct school uniform as the top layer. Girls, I have noticed a variety of earring styles creeping in to school. I would remind you to look at your diary which clearly outlines plain

studs or sleepers as the correct earrings for school. As of next week earrings that are not compliant with the Uniform Policy will be returned home in an envelope.

The official change over to winter uniform occurs next Monday 16 May and I look forward to seeing the children looking great in their winter uniforms for the next two terms.

Judi NealyHead of Junior School

Year 1 wollongong Botanical Gardens excursion

National Simultaneous StorytimeNational Simultaneous Storytime is a campaign organised by the Australian Library and Information Association, in which a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously to children in a variety of venues around Australia.

This year, reading takes place on Wednesday 25 May at 11am and we will be sharing with Prep children and parents “Feathers for Phoebe” by Rod Clement, a wonderful Australian tale about self-esteem, self-acceptance and learning that appearances aren’t everything.

For more information, please click here.

only 1 week to go! Saturday 21 May 2011

It’s time to get those donations to the container in the Powell St car park and get your name down to help at a stall or activity.

We are desperately seeking volunteers throughout Fete day and before. If you are not sure where to help please email or call and we will make suggestions so you can choose where would suit you best.

We can be contacted by email pandf@tigs.com.au or phone 0409 969 044 for Barb or 0409 822 273 for Sheridon.

If you are unable to volunteer but would like to be a part of the success of the day we are sourcing donations of cash or supplies for the various food stalls.

For more information please click here to see the latest Fete Newsletter.

Ride Band, Country Fare, krispy kreme and other pre order forms can also be found with the newsletter on the website.

we look forward to seeing you all on 21 May for the TIGS Great Fete.

New Menu for Term II and Term III Now AvailablePlease check our website as there have been some price changes to some products.

online orderingDon’t forget our online ordering system. Please go to www.flexischools.com.au or alternatively you are still able to leave your order at the far Canteen window before school starts.

If you don’t order you may miss out on your favourite items.

We would welcome any new helpers for 2011 at the Canteen. If you could spare a few hours once a month, we would love to have you on board with our team of dedicated volunteers.

Deleted ItemsJJs and Pretzels

Monday 16 MayCatherine Kirby

Sonja Forte

Julie Chiaverini

Tuesday 17 MayBarbara Mandelson

Help Needed

wednesday 18 MayAlison McKenzie

Marie McCorquodale

Thursday 19 May Alice Martin

Help Needed

Friday 20 MayJoanne Elliott

Bronwyn Marvell

Fete Set up

week 4, Term II

Canteen Corner

School Contact Details Have you changed contact details recently?Current details of all students including names, addresses, emergency contact information, medical conditions and parent contact details including mobile phone numbers and email addresses need to be kept on file and accurate at all times. Please ensure that any change of any details during the year are noted on a Notification of Change in Contact Details form and returned to the School office for recording.

School Uniform Change OverThe change from Summer to Winter School Uniform for both Junior and Senior School students will commence on Monday 16 May, Week 4.

TIGS Charity Trivia Night 2011As part of their fundraising efforts for the TIGS 2011 Year 12 charity “Express Yourself”, the School Captains invite you to attend a Trivia Night. “Express Yourself” is a new initiative run by the Salvation Army that provides help and support to disadvantaged youth within the Illawarra through mentoring and literacy programs that use art, drama and music to help encourage young people to express themselves and develop essential life skills.

Date: Friday 3 June (Week 6 Term II), 6.30 – 10.00pm

Location: The Illawarra Grammar School Centre (IGC)

Cost: $10 per person (Tables of 8)

Theme: “Express Yourself”

For more information including the booking form please click here.

Date: Thursday 26 May 2011

Time: 10.00am - 12.00pm

Venue: Piato Grand (47/22 Market Street, Wollongong)

Cost: $15pp - includes tea/coffee and a delicious buffet of sweets and savouries

RSVP: 20 May 2011

RSVP Contact: Text Mary Shalala on 0423190560 or email mary@gig.net.au

Please RSVP for catering purposes

Come along and support a great cause with the opportunity to catch up with family and friends.

All welcome!

TIGS

Biggest Morning tea

If you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation please feel free to leave it at either the Junior School or Senior School reception in a clearly marked envelope. All cheques are to be made payable to the Cancer Council.

Senior School Sport

Cross Country Age Champions for 2011Congratulations to the following Age Champions for their fine performances at the Senior School Cross Country Carnival.

These students were recognised at last weeks’ Assembly. They will receive their medallions at the TIGS Sports Presentation Evening on Wednesday 9 November 2011.

Cross Country training is on Thursday afternoons at 3.30 - 4.30pm. Students to collect permission notes for training and the upcoming NASSA Cross Country on Monday 30 May from student reception.

12 Year Boys 1st Kai Middleton2nd Akash Rajpal3rd Jonty Negus

12 Year Girls1st Lilly Sands2nd Mili Haber3rd Kelsey Cresswell

13 Years Boys1st Julien Smith2nd Matthew Galanti3rd Angus Pryde

13 Year Girls1st Alice Fox2nd Margot Allison3rd Alexandra Lavalle

14 Years Boys1st Caleb Stamper2nd Joel Moore3rd Cameron Barrett

14 Year Girls1st Madeline Negus2nd Maudie Skyring3rd Hannah Kim

15 Year Boys1st Hamish Paine2nd Alexander Seal3rd Angus Cochrane

15 Year Girls1st Lilli Bennett2nd Cassandra Wallace3rd Lucy Donovan

16 Year Boys1st Damien Galanti2nd Benjamin Goodhew3rd Fred Newman

16 Year Girls1st Siobhan Butler2nd Caroline Hamilton-Smith3rd Laura Stutchbury

17 Year Boys1st Alexander Morlando2nd Jackson Gray3rd Daniel McNamara

17 Year Girls1st Phoebe Fraser2nd Emma Ramsey3rd Tegan Richards

18 Years Boys1st Dylan Mena Naydovski2nd Mark Mura3rd Blaise Gassin

18 Year Girls1st Sophie Bennett2nd Emily Debrot3rd Sophie Donovan

Student Success:Cycling: Bridget Mullany (Year 9) named NSW Junior Under 15’s Cyclist of the Year 2010.

Hockey: Tegan Richards (Year 11) was selected in the AICES Open Hockey team. Tegan has also been named in the NSW Under 21 Hockey Squad at the age of 17 years.

Touch Football: Cassandra Wallace (Year 10) was selected in the AICES U/15’s Girls Touch Football team.

Football: Phoebe Fraser (Year 11) and Nathan Belsito (Year 12) were selected in AICES Football teams.

Rugby Union: NASSA Under 16 TeamStuart Mill (Year 11)Ken Issa (Year 10)Jake O’Connor (Year 10)NASSA Open Team

Ben Toussis (Year 12)James Needham (Year 11)Lachlan Shrubb (Year 11)

Congratulations to all the above students on these fantastic achievements.

Year 9/10 Sport Term IIThese Winter Sports for Years 9 - 10 have begun for Term II.

Badminton Monday - IGC - 3.30 -4.30pm

Basketball – Wednesday – IGC 3.30 – 4.30pm

kickboxing – Monday – Reflex Centre Auburn Street Wollongong – 3.30pm - 4.30pm

Rock Climbing – Wednesday - Hangdog Auburn Street Wollongong – 3.30 – 4.30pm

Table Tennis – Monday – IGC – 3.30 – 4.30pm

Senior School Sports Training opportunities (Years 7 – 12):

Swimming (McKeon Swim Centre) – Tuesdays and Thursdays – 7am – 8am - $3.00 entry fee.

Athletics (Beaton Park) – Wednesdays - Bus leaves Western Avenue at 3.20pm and returns at 4.45pm.

Cross Country – Thursdays – meet at Senior School oval – 3.30 – 4.30pm.

All students participating in these training sessions must collect a permission note from Student Reception.

Interschools Snowsports Entries are now open for the NSW Northern Region Snowsports championships held from July 6 to July 9. Please notify Mr Jay

Tregonning at jtregonning@tigs.nsw.edu.au for more information or confirm your attendance.

Bill Turner Cup – BoysTIGS vs Edmund Rice. Edmund Rice took an early 1-0 lead in the 1st half, and then were able to put the game beyond doubt late in the 2nd half with a second goal to win the game 2-0. Well done to all the boys on great effort.

The team was:Cameron Barrett, Joshua Chapple, Kyle Del, Thomas Goodhew, Robert Gyngell, Michael Hoynes, Steven Hristovski, Samuel Isabella, Jonathon Kollaras, Michael Ledwidge, Zac McLaren, Joel Moore, Damon Pupovac, Dominic Riordan, Ali Sawan, Lachlan Scott. Coach: Mr Deck

National Youth Science ForumApplications for the 2012 National Youth Science Forum are now open!

Students can register to attend one of three 12-day sessions held in Canberra and Perth each January.

Successful applicants will visit leading laboratories and participate in cutting edge science. They will speak to researchers and engineers, and learn about career paths through university and beyond.

All Year 11 students with an interest in science, engineering and technology are encouraged to apply online at: www.nysf.edu.au/applying

Applications close May 31 2011

Creative Arts NewsThe Archibald PrizeLast week 40 TIGS students had the opportunity to see Australia’s premier portrait competition The Archibald Prize,

Art From The HeartArt from the Heart is a very successful and popular after school art workshop that is continuing again this year with some very enthusiastic and artistic kids. There are still some places available in these classes on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and costs to cover art materials and tuition are involved.

Enquiries should be forwarded to Art From the Heart’s teacher Mrs Kallinikos via email bkallinikos@tigs.nsw.edu.au.

Photography and Digital Media workshopWe are also very excited to announce that a Photography and Digital Media workshop will be running in Term II on Tuesday afternoons and will be open to students in years 5 to 12. Students will receive tuition in using cameras, taking great photos and using digital software. Again, there are costs involved.

To register your interest in the Photography course or to find out more, please contact the Head of Visual Arts, Mrs Esposito sesposito@tigs.nsw.edu.au.

Click here to see the flyer and here to download the permission note.

GenerationnextGenerationnext is an exciting new art event at The Wollongong City Art Gallery. It is for students aged 12 to 18 and it includes free food, music and art. It is held Thursday 2 June from 6.00 - 8.00pm.

Please RSVP by Thursday 26 May 5.00pm via education@mca.com.au or on 02 9245 2433.

Fete Face Painting For all students: Volunteers are needed to help out with Face Painting and Hair-spraying at the Great Fete for one hour. See the Art Staff or call into the Creative Arts Staffroom at recess or lunch.

Art and Photography CompetitionsThere are some great art and photography competitions coming up where students can get involved and can extend their creativity.

See the following table for more details:

Seniors enjoying Sculpture Voting for the People’s Choice Award

To keep up-to-date with the latest news and events that are happening in and around our School, we encourage you to subscribe to the email Newsletter.

Simply visit our website: www.tigs.nsw.edu.au and sign up on the home page.

• ChangeofUniform(S

S&JS)

Monday 16 May 2011

• Year9Camp

16 - 20 May 2011

• TIGSGreatFete

Saturday 21 May 2011

• P-12StringConcer

t

Wednesday 25 May 2011, Recital Room, 6.30pm.

• TermIIKarobran

Meeting

Thursday 26 May 2011 in Rees Hall at 7.00pm

• TIGSBiggestMorningTea

Thursday 26 May 2011 at Piato Grand at 10.00am