Issuu

Newsletter Edition Two 05 March 2021

Contents From the Principal ....................................................................................................... 1 From the Head of School Operations - Acting ..................................................... 3 From the Head of Curriculum .................................................................................. 5 From the School Chaplain ......................................................................................... 8 From the Head of Pastoral ........................................................................................ 9 From the Head of Science ......................................................................................... 11 From Health and Physical Education - Outdoor Education .............................. 13 School News .............................................................................................................. 17

St George’s Anglican Grammar School; an exciting, innovative co-educational secondary school based in a high-rise building in the Perth CBD. The School caters for local and international students in Years 7-12, and is a proud member of the Anglican Schools Commission network of schools in Western Australia. We are committed to child safety and protection, and expect all staff, volunteers, visitors to the School and contractors to respect and abide by all policies, procedures and practices developed and put in place by the Anglican Schools Commission (ASC) and/or the School in this regard.

From the Principal Tina Campbell

It has been an absolute delight to have started my St George’s journey this week as Principal.

I am now officially the newest member of the St George’s School family. Students and staff have been incredibly warm and welcoming, and I have enjoyed my drive into the city each day. The energy and vibrancy within this school is indeed tangible and it is so wonderful to finally be here and immerse myself in all things St George’s. I would like to sincerely thank the Reverend Peter Laurence OAM for his care, compassion and wise counsel as Executive Principal. I know that he returns to the ASC with a piece of St George’s in his heart. My first steps as Principal are to get to know students and staff and the inner workings of the St George’s Community. I am keen to find out the essence of what makes this such a special place and whilst I know that it is always about the people, I am starting by finding out what it feels like to be a St George’s student. I begin by shadowing the Head Girl, Cosette Pachioli, for the day. I thank those students across Years 7 – 12 who have volunteered to spend the day with the Principal. I assure them that it will be a day full of fun and laughter. One of the greatest strengths I believe of a leader today is that of kindness. Lucy McCarthy writes that kindness is a choice made by those with a generous disposition and is shaped through mindfulness. The language used by kind people is appreciative and optimistic and stems from a gratitude for, and a valuing of, a shared humanity. Time, 1

experience and age has shown me that it often takes greater courage and strength to be kind, but it is kindness that drives me as a leader. I also hope to inspire others in leading St George’s Anglican Grammar School. The poem by English poet and playwright Christopher Logue is one of my favourites as to me it epitomises what great teaching and leading is all about. For me, it is about having a belief so strong in the potential of others and in doing so developing in them enough trust in you as a leader that they are willing to come to the edge of their comfort zone, to reach further than they themselves ever imagined was possible and to fly. This is my hope for staff and students alike at St George’s this year. Warmest wishes,

Tina Campbell Principal “Come to the edge,” he said. “We can’t, we’re afraid!” they responded. “Come to the edge,” he said. “We can’t, We will fall!” they responded. “Come to the edge,” he said. And so they came. And he pushed them. And they flew.“ Christopher Logue

St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter

Edition 2 | 2021

From the Head of School Operations - Acting Mrs Susan Lazenby

I trust that you enjoyed the long weekend and the beautiful weather. It seems that we had barely started the term, and now we are halfway through already. This week’s news is very much operational with some reminders.

manufactured over east and their delivery was hampered by lockdowns and border closures. Just when we thought it would be safe to believe that the delivery was on its way, a train derailment added further delays. Nevertheless, we were able to borrow some and more will arrive this week for the new students who have patiently endured being without lockers.

Lost Property

We do our best but do need your help. Over the last fortnight, we had an avalanche of lost property, mainly due to possessions left behind at the Inter-House Swimming Carnival. Fortunately, most have been claimed. The Receptionists send Direqt Messages to students when the lost property’s owner can be identified; however, we still have some unnamed and unclaimed blazers, jumpers, cardigans, shirts, shorts, trousers, sports bags, books and pencil cases, a pair of black school shoes and oddly, one forlorn school shoe! We would like to clear the pile this week so check at home to see what could be missing. Please can you make sure that all possessions are marked with your child’s name to help locate their rightful owners. The Great Locker Saga Our Business Manager likened the experience of the locker order delivery to that of a popular soap opera! The lockers are 3

Uniforms This is a reminder that students are to wear full School Uniform to and from school each day. There are of course exceptions when students are participating in all day events like the Swimming Carnival, or for the ACC teams at all day Inter-School Carnivals. Ms Scheele will let students know what the dress code is for those occasions. If for any reason your child cannot wear their full school uniform, please inform their PCG tutor. By the same token, if your child has a uniform mishap at school, the Receptionists have spare uniforms to tide them over temporarily. It is also important that students always wear their uniforms correctly. Whether they are out in the city, on public transport or in the community, they are representing the School and should therefore be well groomed and well turned out. St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter

don’t delay! Each year, the students’ talent and creativity produce music of an exceptionally high standard. This is a performance not to be missed. Parent Seminar Paul Litherland, an expert on internet awareness and cybersafety, will be conducting a seminar on Wednesday 10 March. This is a unique opportunity for parents to be kept up to date with what is happening online and to learn about cybersafe Laptop and Mobile Phone Policy strategies. Make sure that you have sent your Students in Year 7 to 10 are to keep their RSVP to book seats for the seminar to Sharon phones switched off and in their lockers unless Gamble on sgamble@stgeorges.wa.edu.au they have been instructed by a teacher to have them in class for educational purposes. There School Production are several students who have permission to The 2021 production of School of Rock will keep their phones with them for particular be held at the State Theatre on three nights: purposes.Year 11 and 12 students may have Thursday 20 May, Friday 21 May and Saturday their phones with them; however, they are to 22 May. From my office, what I hear of the be turned off when they are in the School. rehearsals have me toe-tapping and singing Smart watches are included in the policy; they along. Those of you who saw the productions need to be in aeroplane mode during the of The Addams Family and Annie will know school day. Before the start of an assessment, why the performances are a sell-out. Keep an all phones and all watches need to be given to eye out for when booking opens. the teacher. Students may not use their laptops during recess and lunch unless they have express permission from a teacher to do Susan Lazenby schoolwork. There are rooms on Level 1 set Head of School Operations - Acting aside for this purpose. The temptation to turn to a screen is great; nevertheless, during recess and lunch we encourage students to enjoy the company of friends, play some sport on the roof, join in a boardgame in one of the designated rooms, or if they have Senior Status, to go out into the city. Electrocity at the Fringe Festival Have you purchased your tickets yet? There are only two performances next week: Wednesday 10 March and Thursday 11 March at The Actors’ Hub. Tickets for the initial performances sold out very fast, so 4

Edition 2 | 2021

From the Head of Curriculum Ms Victoria Kelleher

SEQTA The learning management system used by the School is called SEQTA. Parents/ Guardians, along with students, have access to this management system and can track their child’s academic progress as well as comments by teaching staff that have been entered into the system. For parents/guardians it is called SEQTA Engage. Please log into this valuable feedback tool regularly to stay informed of your child’s progress. If you experience trouble logging-on to SEQTA contact the IT help desk at ITsupport@stgeorges.wa.edu.au Save the Date – Parent Teacher Interviews Family engagement is critical to a child’s academic success. By connecting with your child’s teachers, talking about school matters at home and being involved in school events promotes positive partnerships between home and school can support success at school. Parents and carers will have an opportunity to meet with their child’s teacher on Thursday 1 April between 1:30 pm and 6:30 pm. Information about how to book appointments will be provided on Thursday 18 March. Assessment Templates Summative assessments are developed as formal assessment tasks that provide evidence of our student’s mastery of knowledge, skills, and understandings at a point in time. We provide our students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding through assessments that: • directly relate to the learning intentions or learning outcome 5

• are explicit about what learners are required to do • are time efficient and manageable • include clear and explicit assessment criteria • provide challenge for the full range of learners being assessed • are fair to all students including those with additional needs • are marked based on transparent rubrics • are appropriate to where learners are in their learning To support a consistent delivery of effective assessment tasks, we have introduced common assessment templates across all learning areas, that are tailored to our students in Year 7 to Year 10 and Year 11 and Year 12. This consistent approach by all teaching staff provides our students with assessments that clearly identify the purpose of the task, what is expected, and how the task will be assessed. In Year 7 to Year 10 General Capabilities to be assessed are highlighted and in Year 11 and Year 12, the Syllabus Criteria to be assessed are provided. Student Success At the Year 10 Pathway to Success Information Evening, the discussion centred on goal setting along with a positive growth mindset. Any student can achieve success with the right mindset, support and strategy. Research shows that academic success is a result of effective study strategies, support, and a positive mindset. Students who are generally optimistic, tend to perform better in school. Increased optimism leads to improved academic success because optimism serves as a shield, allowing us to see the world in a light that is more conducive to our own mental and physical wellbeing. According to Daniel Gilbert, psychologist and author, it all comes back to expectations. When we expect to do well, we push on. When St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter

we set our sights lower, we balk at signs of resistance. Cynics set themselves lower goals to begin with and then give up when they find that they are falling short. As everyone’s favourite pessimist, A. A. Milne’s Eeyore, tells Pooh, “We can’t all, and some of us don’t. That’s all there is to it.” Eeyore doesn’t find his tail or his house or much of anything, really; his expectations are so low that the effort doesn’t seem worth it. The negative view is self-fulfilling: you set lower expectations, do less, achieve less, and experience a worseoutcome, which in turn conforms to your initial negative views. Tigger, on the other hand is the unrelenting optimist, who finds himself eating thistles, stuck 6

in trees, and otherwise caught in all manner of inopportune situations. When we’re overconfident and think we’re in control of situations when we’re not, we may find ourselves overreaching and persisting in hopeless tasks. It’s a fine balance. With support and guidance, we encourage our students to find that fine balance. To set goals for themselves and to pursue them, without ever giving up. We support them to be in control of situations, to plan and to prepare for tasks and assessments so that they are successful in all of their endeavours. In this Newsletter, I have the pleasure of featuring another two new staff members whose optimistic approaches to their teaching and learning are certainly more Tigger than Eeyore! Edition 2 | 2021

Ms Courtney Fraser

Ms Taryn Sephton

What subject do you teach? Humanities specialising in Business and Economics.

What subjects do you teach? My teaching area is Humanities, Years 7 – 12, with a specialisation in Geography.

How long have you been teaching? This is my third year.

How long have you been teaching? My first full time teaching role was in 2007. Since then, I have worked in a few schools, in a variety of roles, across both the government and independent sectors.

What made you become a teacher? I wanted to interact with the future generations – they are the generations who I believe will make this world a much better place. What is the best thing about teaching? How much my students make me laugh and simply the fact that I cannot believe I get paid to do something I love so much. What are you excited about for 2021? Getting to know all the students and staff at St George’s Anglian Grammar School!

What made you become a teacher? I enjoyed my time in high-school and was taught by excellent teachers who engaged their students. In becoming a teacher, I wanted to share my love of Geography with my students and encourage them to engage with the world around them by making connections between the ideas and concepts covered in class and current world examples, particularly around sustainability and planning challenges within our changing cities. What is the best thing about teaching? Schools are enjoyable places to work. The energy brought by our students and the commitment and knowledge of the other staff members keeps you on your toes. There is never a dull day and the profession is constantly evolving, requiring us to reflect, adapt and grow.

St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter

From the School Chaplain The Reverend Sarah Stapleton

‘lentiness’ of this Lent.

The Challenge of Lent In this second week of Lent I feel like we have been fully embraced by the wilderness. I wish I could say I have embraced it, but I must confess I was not prepared for the The wilderness is not always a place of danger or fear, but it certainly is a place of uncertainty and challenge. As students get to grips with new classes, new teachers and new friend groups, there will be times of discomfort and uncertainty. I am particularly mindful of the new students and families to St George’s this year. For some, the process of growing a young person and watching them take their first steps into high school can be tinged with awe and trepidation (are they really ready for high school!? Where did the years go!?).You have all been in my prayers.

We are grateful at St George’s to be trusted with the care and education of students, whether they are in Year 7 or Year 12, and we are always mindful that new students need extra care to settle in and get comfortable. 8

This is a time of challenge and growth. The wilderness can also be a place of surprising beauty, and help can come in the most unexpected of places. As we move ever onward into the academic year, I am on the look out for the little blessings, the smile from a friend or colleague, the helping hand that comes out of the crowd, the first hints of promise of a new friendship. We are also profoundly grateful to welcome our new Principal, Mrs Tina Campbell to the St George’s family. In the wilderness time of Lent, it is wonderful to have a new leader to walk with as we steadily make our way towards the celebration and new dawn of Easter.

Rev Sarah Stapleton School Chaplain Edition 2 | 2021

From the Head of Pastoral Mr Hilton Hardman

Mobile Phones and Social Media The latest statistics tell us that around 940,000 young Australians aged between 13 and 17 use social media. This is roughly two-thirds of young people in that age category. We know from national statistics that about 1 in 5 young people experience cyber-bullying, and this is supported by a recent survey of students in WA schools, which found that 1 in 5 students experienced bullying at school, with a majority of cases involving a component of social media use. These figures equate to around 80 St George’s students experiencing issues.

The consequences for children who experience cyberbullying are monumental. They can range from anxiety and social isolation to significant school avoidance, and at its worst, self-harm or suicide. At St George’s, we try to remind our students as often as we can about the pitfalls of social media and the behaviours that are appropriate or not. Living by the THINK principle when posting is an excellent start to ensuring we all treat each other with the respect we deserve.

This topic links well with our Parents Guest speaker coming in on the 10 March from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Paul Litherland will be discussing several points relating to Online safety and Online gaming. If you wish to attend this session, please email sgamble@stgeorges.wa.edu.au - we have a restricted number of seats available for this session. World’s Greatest Shave The world’s greatest shave is coming up soon, and this year, the Students Guild would like to get our school involved. The Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave aims to raise money for research into blood cancer and provide aid to affected families, especially throughout COVID-19. Every day 47 Australians will be diagnosed with blood cancer, with 110,000 Australians currently living with blood cancer or related conditions. We encourage students to get involved in this drive and support by making a donation or getting in contact with Mr Hardman on how they could get involved. Mr Quan has set the students the challenge of raising $2000 for him to shave his head, and Mr Hardman will shave his head if the students hit the $4000 mark. The School’s goal is to hit $5000. For sponsorship, please click on this link St George’s World’s Greatest Shave

St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter

Edition 2 | 2021

From the Head of Science Ms Charlotte Donovan

Another jam-packed fortnight in Science! The Year 11 Biology students went to Perth Zoo, accompanied by Mr Quan. Perth Zoo offers students an educational experience focused on their current topic of Classification. Students completed dichotomous keys, had a close encounter with some lizards and spent the afternoon observing the animals in the zoo, taking careful field work notes. All students represented St George’s proudly, and enjoyed their day ‘out of the office’. The Year 7 Nobel Pathway Rotation is well underway, with student grappling with the big questions around Health and Wellbeing, or Australia: A Secure Nation. Students have narrowed their focus and are challenging themselves to answer their own questions ranging from ‘How do we make vaccines?’ to ‘How

can we detect and help lower loss of life and land in times of extreme drought or flooding?’ These are challenging questions and we are looking forward to seeing what solutions our students put forward. In classes, students have hit the Week 6 assessment block, with most having an assessment, or receiving feedback from one just completed. Students and parents are encouraged to check on SEQTA for feedback and make plans to be well prepared for the upcoming tasks. Our next excursions will be with the Year 12 Psychology class, heading to Perth Zoo to complete some Operational and Conditional Behaviour therapy, and the Year 9s will be visiting Kent St Weir, and the EcoEducation classroom.

Charlotte Donovan Head of Science

St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter

Edition 2 | 2021

From the Head of Health and Physical Education Ms Jodie Scheele

It’s hard to know where to classes. start this newsletter as there The ACC Swimming Team has been training has been a lot going on in the hard at Trinity College’s swimming pool and Physical, Health and Outdoor are progressing well in their preparation for Education Department! Swimming has been a focus in Term One so I will begin by reporting about two of our talented sportspeople, Year 10 Milla Howard and Year 11 Harrison Maude, who both participated in the Rottnest Channel Swim. Milla swam in a quad and Harrison completed it in a duo in fine form placing an amazing 3rd Place for his age group. This is a fantastic achievement for Harrison’s first channel swim. He claimed it was a very tough swim where he battled stingers, currents and swell. I would also like to mention Year 10, Bonnie Baugh who completed the Busselton Jetty swim in the school holidays. Congratulations to these three students, and their families on their achievements. All Year 7-10 classes have been travelling to UWA Aquatics Centre for swimming lessons. We are very fortunate to have the coaching expertise of Mrs Courtney Ivatts who has been working with our school for the past four years. I have seen the development and improvements made by our students with their swimming skills and Courtney has been instrumental in their skill progression. Swimming will continue in the double PE lessons until the end of this term. Well done to all students for your adjustment and organisation to the newly timetabled PE 13

the up-and-coming ACC F-Division Swimming Carnival at HBF Stadium on 19 March. We wish all swimmers the best of luck and look forward to watching you back at school oN the live stream.

Jodie Scheele Head of Health and Physical Education St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter

2021 ACC Swim Team

Edition 2 | 2021

Congratulations to Gandhi House for winning the 2021 Inter-House Swimming Shield and to Mandela for taking out the “Sync Swim” Trophy. St George’s excel at carnivals thanks to all the students. The Guild is always there for bumping in and out and their support is greatly appreciated. Student participation and involvement is just outstanding and credit to each one of you for making the most of opportunities and coming together with incredible House spirit. Well done to our individual medal winners! This week we had two ACC Championship

Basketball Carnivals. The Junior Boys competed at Lords Recreation Centre. We have strength across the year groups in Basketball and the future looks promising for Basketball at St George’s. Both teams were outstanding ambassadors for the school. I received multiple comments from people about their skill level and the standard of their play.

JUNIOR BOYS: Nathan Mitchell, Harry Joyner, Kalan Tran, Harry Stubbs-Denny, Rory Bingham, Jasper Bridgeman, Blake Hutton, Erik Beltz, Hamish Maude, Brayden Tan, Henry Beck, Dylan Herbert, Nathan Mitchell.

The Senior Boys just missed out on going through to the Championship competition losing to Seton 36-46. Many thanks to our past students, Alex Maude and Sebastian Millington, who were fantastic mentors and played significant coaching roles at the events. Also, to Mr Peter Quan for his on-going support and time in developing our basketball teams.

SENIOR BOYS: Casey Harris, Luke Di Lallo, Charles Beck, Harrison Flower, Nicholas Millington, Sam Beck, Coach: Seb Millington, Taj Racey, Alan Leung, Sebastian Knubley, Harrison Maude,

The North Western Associated Schools (NWAS) Inter-School sporting fixtures are up and running. We have Indoor Beach Volleyball playing at Malaga every week and thanks to Ms Charlotte Donovan for her ongoing support with our volleyball teams. We have girls and boys basketball teams and a cricket team along with a new AFLX Team battling it out each week.

St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter

Week 6 ARANMORE

Week 7 JOHN SEPTIMUS ROE

Edition 2 | 2021

St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter

School News Student Term Dates - 2021 Term 1 29 January - 01 April New Student Orientation, 28 January Students Mid Term Break, Friday 26 February

SEQTA The St George’s Anglican Grammar School SEQTA account is not a monitored platform. Please contact the staff member directly to ensure prompt action to your message.

Term 2 21 April - 02 July Students Mid Term Break, Friday 4 June

Computer Rental Agreement Computers are not always reliable and will sometimes fail and require repairs. This causes the student to, sometimes, go without a computer for a couple of weeks. The School can now offer free loan computers when required. Parents/guardians, please fill out and sign the agreement form here and allow the IT department 24 hours to prepare a computer for use.

Term 3 26 July - 24 September Students Mid Term Break, Friday 21 August Term 4 12 October - 09 December Enrolments The School Enrolment Policy requires one full term’s notice in writing prior to the withdrawal of a student from the School. Where such notice is not received, the School will charge an amount equal to the tuition fees for that current term. To avoid fees in lieu being charged, notice of a student’s withdrawal must be received by the School before the first day of the School Term preceding the Term of the student’s departure. If this does not occur, families will be charged the remainder of the current Term, plus an additional Terms fee in lieu.

Battery Recycling Used batteries are being collected in the IT Manager’s office. Please take advantage of this free facility. What batteries can be collected? Dry cell batteries include AA, AAA (single use or rechargeable), C, D, button batteries, 9V, 6V and cordless power tools. What batteries cannot be collected? Lead acid batteries, such as car batteries, and mobile phone batteries cannot be collected. Please contact your local council for details of how to dispose of these batteries.

Upon withdrawal of a student from the School, all fees and charges incurred for that student are payable to the School in full within seven days of exit.

More information can be found here: https://www.mrc.wa.gov.au/School-community/Battery-programs/School

If the account has been paid in full and a refund is due, payment will be processed for the full refund due within seven days of exit. 14 18

St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter Edition 2 | 2021

St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter

St George’s College is a welcoming and diverse community which provides accommodation for regional, rural, metro, interstate and international students studying at UWA, Curtin, Notre Dame, Murdoch and Edith Cowan Universities. The College will be open between 9am and 2pm on Sunday 28 March for Open Day so come along for a tour and to meet our residents. You are also welcome to join us for breakfast between 9 and 10am. For more information and to register for breakfast go to https://stgc.uwa.edu.au/openday Can’t make it that weekend? – book a tour at a time that suits you via our web page https:// stgc.uwa.edu.au/book-a-tour, email admin@stgc.uwa.edu.au or call 9449 5555

Edition 2 | 2021