Newsletter
ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL Edition One 8 February 2019
Contents From the Principal 3 From the Head of Curriculum 5 From the Head of Pastoral 7 From the Head of Health and Physical Education
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From the Music Coordinator 13 Administration 15 Community Noticeboard 16
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 Mr Gary Racey
Xin Nián Kù Lè! Happy Chinese New Year! We are fortunate to have been able to celebrate the ‘Year of the Pig’ with our Chinese students on Tuesday 5 February. A luncheon was provided for all international students on the day and our school was transformed into a place of celebration to acknowledge this special occasion. Thank you very much to Zixen Wang (Zoe), Ho Kit Wong (Hugo) and Jingyi Xu (Sophie) for taking the time in their holiday break to prepare the school.
transitioned away from the traditional space to ones that inspire creativity, collaboration and critical thinking, and I look forward to sharing some of the developments with parents once we have settled in.
It has been wonderful visiting classes over the first two weeks of the school year and seeing the engagement of our students in their learning, particularly our new and vibrant Year 7’s whilst they settle into secondary school (see the photograph attached) and because of the reaction of the children to our new flexible and engaging 21st century learning spaces on Level 2. It is hoped that by the end of the year most of our learning spaces will have
The new school year brings with it much excitement for students as they actively participate in their classes and the scheduled activities. It has been pleasing to see the students return so positive, well rested, energetic and eager to learn – the soul of the school has returned! While I have had the opportunity to visit classes recently, I have also enjoyed meeting parents over the last two weeks. The positivity and eagerness from the parents that I have spoken with, to partner with the school in the education of their children, is heartening. The success of each child’s experience at St George’s Anglican Grammar School relies on the partnership that exists between the home and school and the school looks forward to strengthening this partnership with all parents throughout this year. I remind parents again to please seek to communicate with staff, particularly any new staff, when you feel inclined to and require information. One of our focus areas this year will be in the area of formative, SEQTA feedback to seek consistency and relevant information that students and parents can use to enhance performance and understanding. Whilst this may take some time to get right, we will endeavour to maintain accountability and expectation across the board. 2019 is shaping to be another very positive year for St George’s. Over 330
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St George’s Anglican Grammar School Newsletter
Whilst I have already welcomed families in my mailout a couple of weeks ago, as this is the first newsletter of the year, I do so again. If you have not read the previous communication please do so to find out about some of the exciting things we are doing and planning for this year. One small thing is the new format for our newsletter as a flip book – we hope you like it!
students are enrolled to commence the school year and we are very hopeful that we can attract more students throughout the year – don’t forget to advocate for our school with your friends, family and colleagues. The new 21st century flexible classrooms are currently being used, with more furniture to come, and I know that the staff and students are enjoying the new learning and teaching environments in these spaces. The café will be re-designed in the coming months. I am also excited by the pastoral and educational opportunities that the students will have throughout the 2019 school year. The PAWS and PBP programs have had a positive start and I look forward to working alongside all members of our school community in the support of the many initiatives and programes that are planned for students that attend our school.
In conclusion, I look forward to sharing in your child’s journey this year and celebrating their joy and success. As I have mentioned a number of times previously, the Strategic Plan is now under development. Parents are encouraged to take part in the process. The Strategic Plan Parent Workshop will be held on Wednesday 27 February 2019 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Every blessing
Gary Racey Principal
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From the Head of Curriculum Mrs Angela Tanham
By now students have met all of their teachers and are well underway in the study of their subjects. I have been pleased to hear from several teachers about how well students have settled back into school and are applying themselves both at school and home.
username: stgeorges password: 35achieve
Homework Help Classes
This year the school will again be running Homework Help classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. Students may attend the classes to get assistance with homework or to complete their homework in a supportive environment. The classes run from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm on level 2.
Study Skills Tips
Just like many people set new year’s resolutions, it is a great idea to set some Study Skills Handbook clear targets for school this year. Here’s Parents are often concerned about how they what you do. can help their children get into good study habits and routines. The School subscribes Brainstorm ideas on what you could do this to a website called Study Skills Handbook. It year at school or at home to improve your provides many tips and ideas to help learning, to make yourself more effective or students make the most of their lessons at to improve your results this year. Let all the school and home revision. To access the ideas flow unrestricted. Ask your parents handbook, go to www.studyskillshandbook. and family and friends for ideas. It might be com.au and login as a subscriber with these things like ‘do study notes at the end of each details: topic’, or ‘work in half hour blocks with no
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social media during that time’. Once you have lots of ideas, it is time to focus. Cross out the ones that aren’t that great – there will be a few. Now read through what is left. Choose the top 3 ideas that if you implemented them would make the biggest difference for you. But no point just circling these, you need to take action!
3. Put reminders in as many places as possible, if you have an iPhone you could create a reminder that pops up each week. Write it in your school diary, in your books.
1. Write the 3 things you are going to try and do and focus on this year on a big piece of paper or whiteboard and place it somewhere in the house where you will see it every day – like your mirror! Or the fridge! Or the toilet!
5. At the end of the term, think about how you are going. If you have them under control, what else could you try. If they are not under control, what could you do differently?
4. Aim to have a regular time each week where you assess how you are going with these actions.
Angela Tanham
2. Tell at least 3 people what you are aiming Head of Curriculum to achieve this year. Maybe a friend, a family member and a teacher.
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From the Head of Pastoral Mr Hilton Hardman
passionate about.
It is with great pleasure that I write my first newsletter to the St George’s Anglican Grammar School community. Holding the position of Head of Pastoral can only be described as a blessing, and is an area I am extremely
Pastoral Care is a key focus in our school and has continued to evolve with the introduction of Pastoral Care Groups. Students have had their first experience of the Protective Behaviours Program (PBP), with the topic for Term one being ‘The Right To Be Safe’. This course links in well with our school’s priority around child protection. Our Pastoral and Well-being Session Workshops (PAWS) sees students completing their Sync swim routines before the senior school starts the Elevate Studying program which includes outsourced workshops, and before our middle years students begin their study skills programs.
number of strategies were mentioned that could support teens, but I found these help students the most: Distract yourself Make a coping plan for when you start to feel anxious or when you find yourself worrying for the umpteenth time about your grades or test results. Make a list of activities you can do instead of stressing out – then actually get up and do them. Some distracting activities may include patting your dog, calling a friend, tidying your room, drawing, going for a walk or run, and so on. Choose time-limited activities that allow you to get back to work when you need to rather than watching TV or checking social media, which can suck you in for hours. Accept and label your negative emotions Often students react to feelings of stress by trying to hide them. But research shows that shoving down emotions doesn’t work long-term. They will eventually find a way to ‘leak out’ and disrupt your life. A better strategy is to work on accepting that the emotion (like anxiety, anger, or sadness) is there, to stop blaming yourself or putting yourself down for feeling that way, and to find a way to tolerate it so you can keep moving towards your goals anyway. It is often not the emotions themselves that are the problem, but the way we intensify them with negative judgments or fearful predictions.
year, where students across Years 9 to 11 could self-nominate as Mentors. These students have done a four-week training program designed to develop skills of supporting others while understanding your personal boundary’s. Each Mentor will be assigned a Pastoral Care Group (PCG) where they will look to run activities and develop unity within that group of students. Mentors will provide an approachable and non-threatening alternative for students who need support with any concerns or personal issues. They will have weekly group sessions run by the Head of Pastoral to debrief and provide ongoing guidance and support. This aspect of the program is predicated on the knowledge that students are often more likely to speak to a trusted peer than to an adult. Not only will our Mentors be a support for their peers, but they will also learn incredible life skills through being
part of the program. I want to congratulate this year the 2019 Student Mentors: Tahlia McGrath-Colgan Caitlin Miller Ashlyn Marriott Sofia Pascall Chantelle Wellsted Genna Price Marvel Sukadis Lola McQueen Eliza Griffin Jack Blachford Grace Solibun Phoebe Cala-Willis Ella George Carson Pikkert (not pictured) Jack Joyner Meghan Green
Hilton Hardman Head of Pastoral
At the start of each year and term, a common struggle for students is stress. Be it because they are starting a new school, entering their final year or have the stress of tests on the horizon. I came across a well-written article by Melanie Greenberg who discussed the source of stress for teens and some de-stressing tools. It is indicated Finally, this will be the second year running that the top sources of stress for teens is our exciting Student Mentorship Program. school and getting into a good university. A Nominations took place at the end of last 7
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From the Head of Health and Physical Education Ms Jodie Scheele
Hello and a warm welcome to the 2019 Physical Education (PE) Program. We are looking forward to another year of working with your child/ren to provide many sporting opportunities and fun, interactive carnivals and events. The PE philosophy at St George’s is about providing a safe, fun and inclusive environment that encourages participation, builds confidence and a willingness for every student to ‘have a go’. I hope your child will feel confident to try all activities and find a sport or activity that will assist in lifelong health and well-being.
the ACC team. Appropriate swim wear for swimming lessons are necessary. Common bathers used are ‘jammers’ for boys and one-piece swimmers for girls. All swimming classes will begin on Monday 4 February and will run through to Week 6 with the last swimming class finishing on Friday 8 March. For all interested students, we are hosting optional swimming training every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 6:30 – 7:45 am at Mercedes Swimming pool. Ms Scheele and Mr Gharsallah will be in attendance to support the students and supervise the
Pictured: Mandela House competing in the 2018 Sync Swim event.
This year the PE Department will be supported by Mr Yousri Gharsallah, Mr Peter Quan, Miss Lauren Carrick and myself, Ms Jodie Scheele. We welcome back Mrs Katherine Green who is implementing all the Health classes for 2019.
Swimming
We will commence the PE year with our swimming and aquatics program. Year 7 to 10 students will catch the bus to the UWA Aquatics Centre in Crawley during their timetabled PE class. Please ensure your child has appropriate bathers and swimwear, goggles and a towel for their PE lesson. School bathers are available from the School’s uniform suppliers; however, are not compulsory for PE lessons unless they are representing the School in 9
Thursday 21 February 2019 at UWA. This is a compulsory school day for all students. Races, novelty events, land-based games and the famous School Sync Swim performances will all be occurring at the event. Parents and Guardians are encouraged to come along to UWA and be part of the day.
(NWAS) summer sporting fixtures against other schools begins in Week 5. Students will catch the bus to and from the venues where they will play games from 4:00 - 5:00 pm. The Year 7 and 8 competition takes place on Tuesdays and Year 9 and 10 on Wednesday.s
Pictured: The 2018 SGAGS Swim Squad at the ACC Championships.
Sporting Achievements
session. Ms Courtney Spanbroek from Kingsway Swimming Club is our expert swimming instructor. Please ensure your child brings along their school uniform so they can shower and change at Mercedes ready for the School day. They will catch the red CAT bus on Hay Street which will drop them at the end of Hay Street Mall where they will walk back to school ready for the 8:30 am period one class.
The ACC Swimming Carnival at HBF stadium follows on March 19. The ACC team will be selected from successful performances in our Inter-House Carnival. St George’s has proved to be a strong swimming school. 2016 was our inaugural year in the Associated and Catholic Colleges (ACC) competition. This is our inter-school sports association consisting of 88 Catholic and Independent Schools. In 2016 we began our ACC swimming journey in the I-Division Carnival, resulting in a very close 2nd place. In 2017 we were elevated and won the H-Division Carnival. This year we will compete in G-Division.
The Inter-House Swimming Carnival is on
ACC North Western Associated Schools
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We have some very talented students at SGAGS. I would firstly like to acknowledge Year 11 student, Isaac Blackwell, for being selected in the Taekwon-do Australian National Team. He will be competing in the 2019 ITF World Cup in Inzell, Germany this year. Isaac’s Incredible commitment and determination balancing five days a week training with his schooling commitments is admirable. Along with this achievement, Isaac has been nominated for the RAC WA Sports Star Award. We wish Isaac all
Health and Physical Education cont. the very best for the upcoming presentation at Optus Stadium. We will keep you updated on Isaac’s progress and performance leading up to the World Cup. Go Isaac! We also have two very talented and able seamen, both Harry and Jack Joyner are tackling the youth sailing world at ‘a rate of knots’! This past weekend the talented duo won their Mini Series Regatta at Royal Perth Yacht Club. During the holidays Jack and Harry travelled with their family to Tasmania to compete in the nationals. Their results were remarkable coming 12th in the Nationals, 9th in the Youths and 4th in the Junior competition. They were outstanding in the WA contingent, achieving 3rd in WA for the Nationals and 2nd in WA for Youths. Congratulations on your success, Jack and Harry!
Gong xi far cai to all our Chinese students and their families, we wish you all the very best for the Year of the Pig. If you have ever witnessed a Lion Dance, then you will have some idea of the physicality involved in the team that drives and brings the lion costume to come to life. Sebastian Seidl has worked amongst his Kung Fu School for the past year to master the Lion Dance and will deliver it this Chinese New Year. We wish him the very best with his performance.
Jodie Scheele
Head of Health and Physical Education
Pictured: Jack and Harry Joyner’s sailing success in recent Perth and Tasmanian competitions.
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From the Music Coordinator Mr Michael Newton
Fringe World
St George’s Electrocity Ensemble presents “A Loop is a as Good as a Rest” at FRINGE WORLD 2019. Captivating music crisscrossing funky jazzy vibes through to lush layered soundscapes performed by an ensemble of students and staff from St George’s Anglican Grammar School. A unique show driven by the creative drive of high school students, exploring the innovative potential of traditional instruments in a contemporary electronic world. Bring the whole family for a night of possibilities, imagination and inspiration. Tickets start at $10. Book now! For more information go to http://electrocity.com.au/ or book online https://fringeworld.com.au/whats_on/electrocity-ensemble-a-loop-is-as-good-as-a-rest-fw2019 Electrocity Ensemble recently finished recording an EP – Reflections – that will be available at both shows.
What is ElectroCity?
violin, flute, piano, clarinet, bassoon), ‘A Loop is as Good as a Rest’ creates captivating music crisscrossing funky jazzy vibes through to lush layered soundscapes. A collaboration of students and staff from St George’s AnglicanSchool,combiningsampling,looping, instrumental performance, live electronics, and sound design: Electrocity Ensemble is surprising, enchanting, haunting, beautiful, edgy. Electrocity was formed out of a week-long cross-curricular workshop at the end of 2016. That initial workshop (like all our rehearsals) was a week of crazy, creative, experimentation and led to the formation of Electrocity as a permanent group.
Instrumental Lessons & Bands/ Ensembles
All instrumental lessons and rehearsals begin Week 3. Timetables will be distributed during Week 2. Learning and playing an instrument is great for brain development (see this short video for details), but the main reason is it’s fun and is a significant contributor to quality of life and a life well-lived.
Coming Up & Opportunities
Thursday 7 February - Electrocity Ensemble FRINGE WORLD Performance (Fremantle) Tuesday 12 February Electrocity Ensemble FRINGE WORLD Performance (East Perth) Thursday 21March - On The Roof Concert
Weaving loops and samples with contemporary (electric guitar, synths, bass, drums) and traditional instruments (voice,
Michael Newton
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Music Coordinator
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Administration Enrolments
There are very limited vacancies for 2019 Term 2 intake. Please spread the word to family and friends to ensure they don’t miss out on a place at our unique school.
Community Noticeboard Fees
Thank you to all families who have paid their school fees. If you have not yet arranged payment please contact the Accounts Department on 9312 0800 or accounts@stgeorges.wa.edu.au
Interviews for Year 7 2021 will commence shortly. Further details will be ciruclated via Uniform Shop St George’s uniforms are purchased from email. If your SGAGS child has a younger sibling and has not yet applied, please do so Matrix Uniforms Showroom, 1 Hasler Road Osborne Park or online. Uniform fittings are to ensure they do not miss out on a place. available from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday. A reminder that the School Enrolment Policy requires one full term’s (10 weeks) 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.
Term 1 Tour Dates
If you know anyone that would like a tour of the School, please ask them to book in for one of our upcoming tours. Tours fill very quickly, so it is advisable to book early. All tours commence at 9:00 am. Thursday 28 February Wednesday 20 March Wednesday 3 April
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Please visit ATARGET or click the above images for more information regarding the upcoming ATARGET Master Classes. These classes cover subject revision, OLNA and NAPLAN preparation, study skills and tutoring. You can find out more information by visiting their website at www.atarget.com.au
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