Edition Fifteen 5 NOVEMBER 2021
THE DRAGON
Know le d g
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FORTNIGHTLY NEWS AND EVENTS FOR ST GEORGE’S PARENTS
From the Principal Tina Campbell
“Family, like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one.” Like many West Australians, and probably Australians, I am filled this week with a strong sense of family connectedness, love, care, and compassion with the wonderful news of the safe return of Cleo Smith to her family in Carnarvon as well as the celebrations we shared as a St George’s Family for World Teachers’ Day earlier last week.
Family is often one of the single most important influences in a child’s life. Parents, Guardians or Carers are frequently a child’s first teachers. They act as role models and mentors in our lives. They show us how to act and how to positively experience and interact with the world around us. By nurturing and teaching our children we seek to see them flourish and thrive. The importance of a sense of family benefits our physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing as it offers human beings things that cannot easily be found elsewhere in our lives.
Whether the notion of family is the one that you are born into or the one that you choose later in your life, a sense of family is important to all of us. They form our tribe and the outpouring of love and the need for Cleo to be found safely was indeed instinctive for us all. The feeling and sense of community was evident in all reports of Cleo being welcomed home across our magnificent state.
When life gets hard, people need support. Family will provide the encouragement and love at such times. They’ll be your backbone, your cheer squad and your constant motivation and encouragement to succeed. Family will boost your self-esteem; they will help soothe your worries and they will always be there for you. Families are the protective shield that allow us to develop and grow our own unique superpowers. They are the compass that guide us and the inspiration for us to reach our dreams and aspirations. When we have each other as family, we have everything.
The definition of family changes for each person but it usually includes a group of people either related to one another or living together. Family is the oldest and most fundamental social institution in our human civilization. Like most healthy social relationships, strong bonds with family can have great benefits for individuals as well as for society at large. For me, whilst my family both here and in the UK are vital to my wellbeing, my St George’s family is equally important to me and all are part of my tribe, the village that is crucial to me and of whom I am proud.
Families also provide us with a hub of traditions and offer us a sense of belonging which help us to keep life balanced and in perspective. Families offer a helping hand, they include a wide 1
St. George's Anglican Grammar School – THE DRAGON
Congratulations As we celebrate our many fabulous staff as part of World Teachers’ Week, we especially congratulate Miss Chloe Hewitt who has been appointed to Head of Learning Area – Maths and Miss Jamie Pedler who has been appointed to Head of Mandela House from the start of 2022.
Miss Chloe Hewitt Head of Mathematics
Miss Hewitt has continually developed and grown her passion and enthusiasm for Maths over her five years as a teacher at St George’s Anglican Grammar School.
network of people who welcome us with a warm hug, and they surround us with love whenever we need it. They are the canvas through which we paint our own world and landscape – I hope for many of you, just like me, that St George’s is a big part of your family.
She is always the first to aid students struggling in Maths and her Maths Club is a popular ‘go to’ for many students after school. She is also our very capable Maths Methods and Maths Specialist teacher, and she inspires students with her love of all things Maths.
The connection with our children is indeed something to be celebrated. I am in awe of the many achievements of the St George’s students that surround me. They continually surprise me, and I am so proud of them. I also thank God for my own children and for the many positives that they bring to my life. They are a part of my daily blessings.
I am confident that Miss Hewitt will be an exceptional leader of the Maths Department.
Miss Jamie Pedler
Head of Mandela House
As I reflect on my own sense of family, both internationally in the UK and here in Perth as well as importantly at St George’s, I am reminded of a favourite quote of my Mum’s “Families are like branches on a tree. We grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one” ~ this has always been crucial to me in celebrating my own family that spans across oceans, but it equally helps us to understand and cherish the diversity, uniqueness, and sense of community that we share as members of the interconnected St George’s Family.
Miss Pedler has previously held the role of Head of House at both Nagle Catholic College and Newman College prior to joining St George’s Anglican Grammar School within the Phys Ed Department earlier this year. She has a wealth of experience as a highly regarded educational practitioner and is currently undertaking her Masters in Educational Leadership to enhance her leadership skills and practices.
I wish you all the circle of strength, love, and comfort of family as we celebrate the resilient connectedness, care, and compassion of our school community.
Miss Pedler is passionate about the pastoral care of students. She is kind, considerate, outgoing, empathetic, and caring. She is known by many Mandela students already throughout the School in her role as a Phys Ed and Health teacher as well as her contributions to a variety of pursuits in our Co-Curricular Program.
Mrs Tina Campbell
Miss Pedler will bring enthusiasm, energy, and an effervescence to the role of Head of Mandela House and whilst she has big shoes to fill with Mrs Fassom’s departure at the end of the year to a new role at St Mark’s Anglican Community School, I have every confidence in her ability to lead Mandela House to further successes and to build upon the positive House Spirit of all within Mandela House. Miss Pedler also has a competitive spirit – so may the best house win!
COFFEE MORNING A chance to share a coffee and catch up with the Principal and members of the School Executive Team. Level 4 Café 7.30am - 8.30am Friday 12 November 2021 Bookings required. RSVP to events@stgeorges.wa.edu.au
Mrs Tina Campbell
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Chaplain’s Corner
the person we hold up as the Church’s ultimate leader and role model. Sometimes I think we gloss over the most important characteristics of Jesus, and in doing so we rob ourselves of the chance to affirm and develop our vulnerable and nurturing characteristics. It is important for our world and communities that we raise whole and healthy leaders. The ability to admit vulnerability and hold on to humility are key factors in good mental health and healthy relationships. This is one of the lessons we should take from our Gospels, and the stories of Jesus.
Last week I led a leadership session with Year 11 leaders from Western Australian Anglican Schools. In our examination of Christian leadership, we compared a modern day, secular leader with Jesus. For the sake of comparison, we left the divine attributes of Jesus aside and focused on his human actions. They included: • Crying in public • Asking for support from friends/admitting weakness • Having poor and unpopular friends (and taking them to fancy parties) • Acting as a nurse • Acting as a servant • Saving a wedding reception by providing fancy drinks • Being raised in a faith tradition • Exposing corruption in a powerful organisation • Scaring the government with revolutionary talk
Another important aspect of Christian leadership is the courage to speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves, even if this means making ourselves unpopular. This is one of the most difficult aspects of leadership, but also one of the most important. It was an honour to share time with the senior leaders of Western Australia’s Anglican Schools, and I am confident that they will lead their schools with integrity and humility.
For most of the students, these things that Jesus did were a surprise. The secular leaders we chose did not have a lot in common with
Chaplain Sarah
School Operations Susan Lazenby
By the middle of next week, we will be at the half way mark of Term Four. This year, our calendar has been jam packed, and even though this term’s calendar seems sparse in comparison to other weeks of the year, the senior students are preparing for their examinations and there are still excursions happening during class time. These types of excursions range from a visit to Scitech to apply the theory learnt in lessons, to ordering food in Mandarin at a Chinese restaurant. ‘Park Play’ has been reintroduced on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays this term and we have had groups of students from Year 7 to Year 9 going out at lunch time with the duty teachers. From soccer to basketball, skipping to hula hoops, skateboards to scooters, ice creams to bridge walks, and lots of things in between, the students are enjoying their lunchtime outings, as are the teachers on duty!
9 November 12 November 15-22 November
The Co-Curricular Program for 2022 is being planned with some exciting new additions as well as the old favourites. If there is an activity that your child is interested in, please let us know and we will do our best to include it. You can send a Direqt Message to either me or Ms Emilie Emilien who is my right hand in the CoCurricular planning.
18 November 18-19 November
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Year 10 and Year 11 Japanese Excursion Coffee Morning with the Principal Year 11 Semester 2 Examinations Parent Guest Speaker Series Year 7 2023 Transition Days
Pastoral Focus
many national TV and radio organisations, including The Project and Australian news media.
Hilton Hardman
Paul’s qualifications include A+ Certification in Computer Technology, Certifications in Computer Forensics and Social Media Marketing, and a Diploma in Public Speaking. He also holds a Certificate IV in Education and numerous other qualifications in digital design and technology.
Parent Guest Speaker Series This term, the School has secured Paul Litherland, recently announced as the 2022 WA Australian of the Year, as our parent guest speaker. This will be the second time we have Paul present to our parent body, and his second presentation has come at the request of all parents who attended his first session in Term One. It was an eye-opener for parents and provided many practical strategies. This session will be a progression from the one at the start of the year, and all parents are encouraged to attend.
Over seventy thousand students, parents and educators have seen an SOS presentation. The demand for his services has increased dramatically, and this reflects the high quality of his work and the passion he has for education in this ever-changing environment. Points to be covered in the session:
Paul is well known for Surf Online Safe (SOS) and his media appearances talking about the online world and student safety. Paul was a Western Australia Police Officer for 20 years. He worked in a diverse range of areas during a decorated career, receiving three commendations and two nominations for Police Officer of the Year. In 2007, Paul received a Pride of Australia Medal.
• • • • • •
Social Networking trends, risks and advice. Online Footprint minimisation and monitoring. Grooming and Sextortion of teens. Nudes – Trends, current stats and risk mitigation. Reporting options – For parents and their children. What was discussed with St George’s students and how their sessions were received. • Tips, hints and apps to support parents.
In 2016, Paul was awarded a National Service Medal for his continued service to the Western Australian community, and in 2018 he was nominated for Australian of the Year. In 2019, he was a finalist in the Small Business Champion Awards and also received a nomination for the Telstra Australian Businessman of the Year. He is passionate about his education, which is reflected clearly in the recommendations and testimonials he receives. Paul is a regular contributor to Australian media and is a first point of contact for
This talk will take place on Thursday, 18 November from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. This time includes questions at the end of the session. If you wish to attend this session, please email events@stgeorges. wa.edu.au. Please note that we have a restricted number of seats available for this session.
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Curriculum Update
Introducing New Staff
Victoria Kelleher
Mr Todd Thatcher
End of Year Exams
Business Manager
The schedules for Year 10 and Year 11 exams have been sent to all students via Direqt Message. Exams provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their learning and effort over the past year, but also to identify areas for improvement. Students should be maximising the remaining time in class with their teachers identifying exam content, exam structure and subject specific study techniques.
Todd comes from a corporate background and has always had ambitions to join a community-based organisation. He is a qualified CPA with over 20 years’ experience and is excited about the opportunity to help St George’s grow and build a reputation as a caring and rewarding School.
During exams, students must wear their school uniform, which includes their school bag. Attendance for all exams is compulsory. A student who is not able to sit an exam, must provide a medical certificate. Without a medical certificate, a student is at risk of receiving a ‘0’ for the exam.
Todd lives in Jindalee with his wife Lisa, two adult boys, Corey and Ben, and Reggie the Border Collie. His interests are AFL, camping, bike riding and gardening.
ST GEORGE’S SUPERSTARS
Year 11 students who are not enrolled in an ATAR course will not have exams and are therefore not required to attend school during these dates. All Year 11 students will return to school on Tuesday 23 November.
Year 11 Exam Timetable Monday 15 November
English Literature EALD
Xavier Camacho
Tuesday 16 November
BME Chemistry Modern History
Wednesday 17 November
Biology Computer Science Politics & Law Visual Art Japanese
Thursday 18 November
Applied Information Tech Physics Psychology Drama
Friday 19 November
Human Biology Accounting & Finance Design Maths Specialist
Monday 22 November
Recently, Xavier (Year 10) completed his first ‘area solo’. Xavier flew for over an hour by himself. He travelled down south and back navigating with a map. In addition to his flying, Xavier received 96% in his last theory exam. Xavier is well on track to achieve his Recreational Licence on his 16th birthday in January. His goal is to receive the CASA record for the youngest person in Australia to obtain this licence. Xavier is an exceptional young man following his passions. Not only does he spend a lot of time flying but he also made the WA State hockey team as goalie, plays drums for Electrocity, is an excellent cook and is starting his own spice rub business!
Nathan Mitchell Nathan (Year 9) has been selected to participate in the U17 Division 3 Perry Lakes State Championship Basketball Team.
Maths Applications Maths Methods Drama Practicals
Nathan had to go through a very tough and competitive trial process for selection. We wish Nathan all the best for the tournament. We encourage you to head down to the Bendat Basketball Centre on 3-5 December to cheer on Nathan.
Year 10 Exam Timetable Thursday 25 November
English Humanities
Friday 26 November
Science Maths 5 St. George's Anglican Grammar School – THE DRAGON
Around the School
Drama Review Last week, the Year 10 and Year 11 Drama students attended a performance of Bite the Hand at the Subiaco Arts Centre. This presentational play explored the idea of pets being given the language skills and intelligence of human beings. A quirky concept on the surface, but this play explored so much more. Bite the Hand was definitely an entertaining dark comedy which confronted the audience and posed questions about freedoms, ownership, and relationship dynamics.
Year 7s Paving the Way
This term we are recognising Year 7 students who demonstrate actions in line with our school values. Students who demonstrate Faith, Excellence, Justice, Respect, Integrity or Diversity during their classes, breaktimes or Co-Curricular activities are nominated for recognition by their teachers.
We were very privileged to meet with the cast after the show and spoke all things theatre with them. It was wonderful to compare interpretations of the piece and discuss the different conclusions we all made from the open ending of the play.
The first group of Year 7 students were awarded their certificates during a Year Group meeting on Friday 29 October. Congratulations to Sabine Zuideveld, Cate Williams, Stella Bain, Harvey Miller and Sophie Gardner.
Year 9s have been working through a unit on Shakespeare and were fortunate to have an incursion on Stage Combat. Nastassja Norwood from Stage Combat, Perth, took time out of her busy schedule working with Black Swan State Theatre Company to give the class some amazing tips and tricks. The Year 9s will now create their own stage fights and incorporate them into their upcoming performance assessments.
Ms Taryn Sephton Head of Year 7
AISWA Project for World Teachers’ Day On Friday 22 October, twenty Year 7 students participated in a filming project to promote World Teachers’ Day 2021. As part of the project, AISWA (The Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia) filmed a group of students and teachers from a number of schools as they walked across Matagarup Bridge. From the footage taken on the day, a short video was created and shared on the AISWA website and YouTube. View here.
Ella John Drama Captain
What’s SUP? The Year 9s are enjoying the beauty of the Swan River for Outdoor Education this term. Gordon, from SUP Central, is taking the students through the fundamentals of Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) and how to SUP safely, while also giving them a complete core body and cardiovascular workout!
Our St George’s Year 7 students should be congratulated on the positive way in which they represented themselves and the school. Ms Taryn Sephton Head of Year 7 6
St. George's Anglican Grammar School – THE DRAGON
Scitech Discovery On Friday 29 October, the Year 7 students visited Scitech and the Planetarium. The students were welcomed into the dome, where they learnt about the night sky and consolidated their understanding of the Earth and Sky unit from last term. After the dome experience, students were then able to access the Scitech floor, where they were challenged with forces and simple machines. Students were able to have some hands-on experience with forces and will hopefully take their learning back into the classroom to help them understand this term’s content. Thank you to Mr Lim, Mr Hatton and Mr Dempers for accompanying the students on the day.
Whether your child is athletically inclined or not, stand up paddling can be enjoyed by children of all ages and the benefits are numerous. Besides being extremely fun, paddling a SUP also works on the child’s balance, coordination, fitness level and confidence. Furthermore, paddleboarding helps children immerse themselves in nature. The tranquillity and peace they can experience while SUPing is hard to find anywhere else. Once a child immerses themself in such serenity, they quickly let go of any anxieties they may be experiencing. The Year 9s have paddled to various locations from Matilda Bay, including to the blue boat shed, the bird sanctuary and around the point from the boat harbour. Ms Charlotte Donovan
Mrs Jackie Sullivan
Head of Science
Outdoor Education Teacher
A S C
INTERNATIONAL
Sharing Cultures | Creating Friendships
Part of The Anglican S chools Commission (Inc.)
Student Hosting Opportunity The Anglican Schools Commission International is looking for caring families to host* regional, interstate and international students intending to study at St George’s Anglican Grammar School. • NO COST TO REGISTER • LONG TERM HOSTING • SHORT TERM HOSTING • TEMPORARY HOSTING (SCHOOL HOLIDAYS)
All enquiries to: Accommodation Coordinator | homestay@asci.edu.au
*Hosts are paid a weekly fee
www.asci.edu.au
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