PPaarreennttss && CCiittiizzeennss’’

AAssssoocciiaattiioonn MMeeeettiinngg Thursday 25 May

Staff Common Room 7pm

MMootthheerr DDaauugghhtteerr DDiinnnneerr Saturday 3 June

6pm – 10.30pm

MMootthheerrss’’ CCoommmmiitttteeee MMeeeettiinngg Wednesday 7 June

Library 10am

PPaarreenntt TTeeaacchheerr EEvveenniinngg

YYeeaarrss 1100 aanndd 1111 Monday 19 June Assembly Hall

3.30pm – 6.30pm

Correction of Venue Georges River 16ft Sailing Club Sanoni Avenue, Sandringham

SStt GGeeoorrggee GGiirrllss HHiigghh SScchhooool Telephone: 9587 5902 Facsimile: 9553 8043

Email: stgeorgegi-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au Website: www.sgghs.com.au

The Gazette

Monthly Bulletin May 2017

Vol. 22 No. 4 PPrriinncciippaall’’ss MMeessssaaggee Dear Parents and Students, At the mid-point of Term 2 we have been busily preparing for and running a range of activities and events at St George Girls High School. We held our Athletics carnival, participated in the 2nd round of the Mock Trial competition, hosted a visiting school from Japan, Year 11 students completed their Mid-Course Assessment week, the Cross Country carnival was held, NAPLAN Tests for Years 7 and 9 were completed, Year 9 attended their camp at Stanwell Tops, the Prefects hosted their Prefect afternoon tea and our Year 10 and 12 students participated in a study skills workshop presented by Dr Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning Educational Services.

The next few weeks will continue to be particularly busy for our school community. All of our junior students will be working tirelessly to complete their assessment tasks, while all staff will be thoroughly marking the student’s work and compiling valuable feedback to include on the mid-course reports for all of our students in Years 7-12. The school assessment policy and corresponding term schedules have been compiled to support students plan for and organise their time to meet their assessment requirements. Can I remind all students and parents to check these documents carefully, particularly over the next few weeks, to ensure that all deadlines are met. The school procedures for illness and misadventure are also clearly described in these documents and it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that procedures are followed in the event of illness or misadventure.

YYeeaarr 1122,, 1111 aanndd 1100 RReeppoorrtt IInntteerrvviieewwss aanndd PPaarreenntt--TTeeaacchheerr NNiigghhttss Year 12 students were the first cohort to be issued their Mid-Course reports. The Year 12 students had their personal best report interviews on Monday 22 May and I thoroughly enjoyed being involved in this process and welcomed the opportunity to meet and discuss strategies and ideas with the students.

Year 11 students will be issued their reports in a similar manner on Thursday 15 June. Again, I would like to reinforce how important it is for our senior students to reflect on the valuable feedback received from their teachers and seek to act on this advice as they approach their next round of assessment tasks. The panel of teachers interviewing the students are very keen to meet with the girls to go through their reports and guide them towards setting personal best goals for the second semester. The report interviews were initiated to provide the students with an academic adviser to help them devise and discuss strategies to improve and work towards their identified personal best goals. The conversations that take place at the report interviews have supported the girls develop a more organised approach to their learning and classwork. They have in many instances also focused on discussing a range of strategies to help students with their motivation levels and wellbeing. Last year we expanded the report interview process to include Year 10 students. The Year 10 report interviews are scheduled for Friday 16 June to ensure that the students have their reports prior to their parent teacher evening the following Monday. All Year 7-9 reports will be issued to the students on Friday 30 June. Parent Teacher night for Years 10 and 11 will be Monday 19 June and for Years 8 and 9 on Wednesday 19 July from 3:30pm-6:30pm. Both these dates follow the distribution of the students’ semester one reports and will allow parents the opportunity to discuss these with the daughters class teachers. Appointments will be made online for both of these evenings. The information regarding the online booking process for these evenings will be circulated to the students and the link will made available at least two weeks prior to each parent teacher night to ensure that parents have the opportunity to book their appointments. To make bookings parents will need to determine the time slots that best suit them and know the names of each teacher they would like to make an appointment with prior to logging on to schoolinterviews.com.au. The end of the first semester is such a critical time for students as they receive some valuable formal feedback through their reports and informal feedback through the scheduled parent teacher evenings. It is so important that the students take a moment to digest all of this information about their progress and determine what they want to focus on in the second semester. It is through this reflection and identifying the key areas for improvement that will hold the key to progress and achievement in the second semester. I am looking forward to seeing many parents attending the upcoming parent teacher evenings to receive the rich and valuable feedback about their daughter’s progress. My only advice to all students is to ensure that they act on some of the strategies and advice offered by their teachers. There is a very positive correlation between effort, achievement and meaningful feedback. I ask that all our students seek to increase their effort and work on their identified personal best goals over the second half of the year.

OOppeenn DDaayy ffoorr PPrroossppeeccttiivvee EEnnrroollmmeennttss iinn 22001188 Each year we receive significant interest from prospective students and their parents to visit the school and we have historically run a number of school tours to accommodate such requests. Following the success and positive feedback from the centenary Open Day held last year, we have decided to hold an Open Day to showcase our school to the broader community who are considering St George Girls as the school of choice for their daughters. The Events Management strategic team are in the process of making the arrangements for Open Day to showcase the school and the breadth of opportunities it provides for its students. The Open Day will be held on Tuesday 29 August (registration for this event is required to support the school with its organisation). The Open Day morning will include an assembly, school tours and class visits. We look forward to hosting this morning and welcome any prospective families of enrolments into Years 7-12 in 2018 to attend this event.

KKoojjiimmaacchhii VViissiitt On Wednesday 10 May our school hosted Japanese students and teachers from Kojimachi High School in Tokyo. We are so pleased to maintain the strong reciprocal relationship between our two schools. We were again so thrilled to host this cultural exchange and our students thoroughly enjoyed the invaluable opportunity to engage and interact with the students from Japan. I know our students were very excited to spend the day with our visiting students and I am sure that lasting friendships have been forged amongst them.

I would like to thank our Head Teacher Languages, Ms Georgius for making the necessary arrangements for this visit. I know that the time and effort that was invested to make this visit possible was certainly appreciated by our visitors and students on the day. The students enjoyed all of their planned activities and I enjoyed listening to the Japanese students perform Waltzing Matilda for us during the morning assembly. I look forward to continuing to grow the already strong relationship between our two school communities in the years to come.

YYeeaarr 99 CCaammpp The Year 9 Camp held at The Tops Conference Centre, Stanwell Tops departed on Wednesday 17 May and returned safely on Friday 19 May. The camp program is a highly valued annual wellbeing initiative that is designed to give our students the opportunity to develop friendships, build team skills, take risks, and to challenge themselves physically and mentally in a safe environment. I had the pleasure of visiting the camp on the Thursday and was so impressed to see the students giving each activity their very best and pushing themselves outside of their own personal comfort zones. What I found equally impressive was witnessing the students encouraging each other as peers through all the varied activities. I would like to acknowledge the work of our Year 9 Year Adviser Mr Davis who did a fabulous job in organising the camp. I also would like to thank the dedicated team of staff who volunteered to attend the camp over the three days, Mr Treacy, Mrs Williamson, Miss Barbagallo, Mr Cowper, Ms Dwyer, Mrs Jospe, Ms Mileski, Mr Walters and Miss Quah. Without the good will of staff volunteering their own time, events such as these camps are not possible and we are grateful for their continued support.

AAtthhlleettiiccss CCaarrnniivvaall The school Athletics Carnival was held on Friday 5 May at The Ridge Athletics Track, Barden Ridge. I am pleased to announce that Allunga was the victorious house on the day with an impressive 665 points, Mitamit was placed second on 540 points, Larool placed third with 530 points and Mirrabooka was fourth on 440 points. Allunga had the highest points for the championship events, while Mitamit had the highest points for Novelties. In the House Relays, Allunga won the Junior Relay team race and Larool won the Senior Relay team race. I am also pleased to report that the teachers were victorious over the students in the highly anticipated Teacher versus Students race. Overall the carnival was a very successful and enjoyable event for the whole school to enjoy and the student participation levels I witnessed on the day were most impressive. The Sports Captain, the House Captains and Vice-Captains did a wonderful job supporting and organising their houses on the day.

Some of the outstanding student achievements from the day included;

Talia Quartullo (Year 10) broke the record for the 16 years 1500m run

Emily Hsu (Year 12) was the winner of our School Champion of Champion 100m race

I would like to congratulate the following Age Champions:

12 Years – Chloe Xu and Runner Up – Kieu-An Nguyen

13 Years – Chloe Khan and Runner Up – Catherine Law

14 Years – Taylor Ong-Le and Runner Up- Steffany Cho

15 Years – Michelle Lee and Runner Up – Miranda Feletar

16 Years – Jessie Kuang and Runner Up – Eloise Cooper

17+ Years – Emily Hsu and Runner Up – Jennifer Tan

The Zone Athletics Will be held on Tuesday 27 June and Wednesday 28 June at ES Marks Athletics Track. We wish our Zone participants all the very best of luck and I look forward to hearing about their achievements over the two days of competition.

JJuunniioorr aanndd SSeenniioorr HHooww YYoouu DDooiinn’’?? DDaayyss One of the most highly anticipated events on the school calendar, is the Prefect led and organised How You Doin’? Days for the junior and senior students. This event has evolved over the past two years with each Prefect group making their own additions and enhancements to the program. How You Doin’? Day is designed to enhance positive wellbeing and raise awareness about the range of mental health realities that are prevalent in society and amongst adolescents in particular. The junior morning (Years 7, 8 and 9) will be held on Monday 29 May and the senior morning (Years 10, 11 and 12) will be held on Monday 5 June in the Gymnasium during Periods 1-3. The program is being finalised by the Prefects and I know they have been busily organising this day and have secured some interesting and relevant guest speakers (including ex-students and our school counsellor Ms Murray). The program will also include student performances, a mindfulness session and a Q&A session (senior students only). Written information will be sent out to parents prior to each morning with the specific details and an outline of the final program for both sessions.

SScchhooooll PPllaannnniinngg CCoommmmuunniittyy CCoonnssuullttaattiioonn This term I plan to start the community consultation process to inform the 2018-2020 School Plan. I vividly remember hosting a community forum when I commenced my principalship in 2015 to draft the current 2015-2017 School Plan and I can’t believe that we are already at the end of that school planning cycle. I was then, and still am now, so very proud of the current School Plan that we collaboratively created and all the work that has gone into the execution of the key projects and initiatives over the past 3 years.

I am now so excited to lead the consultation to collaboratively develop the next school plan for St George Girls High School. To support this process, I will be hosting a school planning forum on Thursday 22 June at 5:00pm in the school common room. My aim in hosting this forum is to create the platform for representatives from the staff, student and parent bodies to work together as a community to reflect on the progress we have made over the past 3 years, identify the key areas and priorities to focus on in the next School Plan, as well as think about what possible strategies could be implemented to support these identified priorities. I am very much looking forward to the forum and the creative and imaginative products that will be generated through a truly collaboratively process. I would like to encourage parents to take part in the forum and I know the P&C and Mothers’ Committee will be asking for parent volunteers from each year group to attend the forum to ensure that a representative parent voice is present on the evening.

LLMMBBRR IImmpplleemmeennttaattiioonn 22001177 This term our school is going through its preparation to deploy to the new Learning Management and Business Reform (LMBR). This will be a significant change to school administration and finance systems and the administration staff and I have commenced our intensive training for its deployment this term. All primary schools have transitioned to LMBR in 2016 and secondary schools are next to deploy. I have attached a copy of the letter that was emailed to parents earlier this year informing them about the payment changes that will take place and some of the key dates to be aware of as we transition to new NSW Public Schools’ finance system and a new bank account on 24 July 2017.

JJooiinntt PP&&CC MMeeeettiinngg Each year, we hold a joint P&C meeting with Sydney Technical High School. This year it is Sydney Technical High School’s turn to host and this meeting will be held on Tuesday 1 August in their school auditorium at 6:30pm-8:30pm. I believe the guest speaker will be Dr Jung from the University of NSW. Dr Jung is a senior lecturer in the School of Education. His research focus is on the decision-making of adolescents (including gifted adolescents) on topics such as careers, university entrance and friendships, usually incorporating motivational and cultural perspectives. I will forward additional information to all parents once I receive it, however, I wanted to communicate the date and encourage all members of our school community to attend this combined event that has now become such a valued and reciprocal tradition between our two schools.

BBuuiillddiinngg FFuunndd As many parents may be aware the school has a building fund that has been used in the past to refurbish learning spaces and enhance various buildings within the school. All donations made by parents towards this fund are tax deductible and I wanted to remind parents about this fund prior to the end of the financial year, should they wish to make a contribution.

The monies raised via this fund in 2016 went towards to construction of a new school security perimeter fence. In 2017 the school is planning to direct funds from the building fund towards the installation of air-conditioning in selected areas on the first floor of A block. I look forward to keeping you all updated on this project over the course of the year and I would like to thank the P&C who will also provide funding to ensure that we deliver on this project.

AAfftteerrnnoooonn HHoommeewwoorrkk CCeennttrree The afternoon Mathematics Homework Centre is open in the Library every Thursday from 3:30pm-5:00pm. This initiative began in 2016 and has been effectively managed by Mrs Iosifidis (Head Teacher Mathematics). This resource has been so well received by the students and has become such a valuable additional support structure. I also am so grateful to have our talented ex-students return back as tutors to support their fellow St Georgians, fostering a connection between the past and the present. I also wanted to thank the P&C and Mothers’ Committee who have so kindly agreed to continue to fund the ex-student tutors employed to provide support and encouragement to the students in Mathematics. Mr Murray has also began an Economics Afternoon study Centre that is open every Thursday from 3:30pm-5:00pm in Room 23. This afternoon commenced this term and I have been glad to hear that many students have also taken up this valuable opportunity. I would like to thank Mrs Iosifidis and Mr Murray for the time and effort their have invested to provide these additional support structures for our students.

SScchhooooll UUnniiffoorrmm The change-over to winter uniform has commenced from Week 4. I am always so proud to see our students in full school uniform and overall the standard of uniform is very high. What unites the students together is the school uniform and I would like to see this standard maintained during the winter months. I know that all our students wear the St George uniform with pride and it is the uniform that acts as one of the great equalisers and symbols of belonging amongst our student body. Our students should feel very proud to belong to St George Girls High School. We are certainly very proud of them and are delighted that they have all selected us to be their school of choice.

I ask that as we transition into the cooler months this impeccable standard of uniform is maintained, to continue to reflect the pride we all feel to belong to this school community. I would like to ask all students and parents to ensure that the correct uniform is worn each day. On very cold days, students are permitted to wear a long black coat provided that it is over full school uniform, including a jumper. Students are not permitted to wear black cardigans, hoodies or jumpers at any time, as they detract from the overall presentation of the uniform. If students are out of uniform on any particular day, they are required to obtain a uniform pass from their Deputy Principal or myself in the morning. It is also advisable that parents provide a written explanation outlining the reason why the student is unable to wear the correct uniform. The school will be enforcing a number of uniform blitzes

over the coming weeks and if patterns of uniform indiscretions are identified, parents will be contacted.

The Department of Education recommends that the school’s uniform policy and school uniform requirements be reviewed at least every five years. The SRC will be working with me to compile a community review survey to seek feedback from the school community about the current school uniform. I know that this survey is timely as we are also having a few supply issues in sourcing some of our current uniform items, the winter tunic in particular. Please look out for the survey this term as the feedback from students and parents will be vital in informing the planning and timeline for any suggested changes that may need to be considered or implemented over the next few years.

MMootthheerr DDaauugghhtteerr DDiinnnneerr aanndd TThhaannkk YYoouu

ffoorr tthhee NNeeww BBlliinnddss The Mother Daughter Dinner will take place on Saturday 3 June at the Georges River 16ft Sailing Club. I always look forward to this special evening and I know that it will again be well attended and supported by the school community. I would like to thank the Mothers’ Committee for their kind invitation to attend the evening and for organising this event this year. I would also like to thank our Prefects who will play a significant role in providing the entertainment and events throughout the evening. I would like to encourage all members of our community attend this evening that is such a valued tradition and I certainly would like to see many of our new students and their mothers attend and support this well-established school event.

I would also like to publicly thank the Mothers’ Committee for their kind donation towards the installation of new blinds in key areas identified across the school. Their support has allowed the school to replace damaged and broken blinds in A Block and the Science Laboratories. This was a project that was only made possible as a result of the support of the Mothers’ Committee and I must say the new blinds have been appreciated and well received by staff and students.

OOuuttssttaannddiinngg SSttuuddeenntt AAcchhiieevveemmeennttss Two talented musicians from St George Girls High

School, Eleni Carydis (Year 12) and Zoe Morris (Year 10) were part of a group of 38 students from across NSW invited to meet and learn from London’s Academy of St Martin in the Fields world famous chamber orchestra that recently toured Australia. The students participated in a two day music writing and rehearsal workshop that culminated in a performance at the Sydney Opera House.

Isabella Chidiac (Year 8) participated in one of the biggest football tournaments in the world, the Dallas International Cup in the April School holidays as a member of the Under 13’s Squad. Teams from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Canada and England participated. This is such an incredible experience and a wonderful opportunity for Isabella and her team to showcase their skills at such a prestigious girls football tournament.

Sophia Tran (Year 11) has been invited to attendthe UBS Finance Academy in July. The program isa residential course designed to be a creative mixof theory, industry exposure and field visits. Thisyear 40 students have been chosen from publicschools in NSW and this is a wonderful opportunityfor Sophia.

Erica Li (Year 11) is a member of the AustralianSynchronised Swimming Senior National Team.This year the Senior National team will representAustralia at the FINA World Championships andErica will be attending a series of training campsand competitions leading into this event takingplace in Budapest, Hungary in July. This is such asignificant achievement and we all wish Erica andher team all the success at such an elite level ofcompetition.

The following Year 11 students have been selectedto attend the 2017 NSW Public State Drama Camp;Isabelle Laxamana, Davina Oh and Angela Tran.This is a wonderful opportunity and I know thestudents will benefit from the opportunity toimmerse themselves in the activities andworkshops that will further sharpen and refine theirdramatic skills.

I wish our school community a great second half of the term and I look forward to seeing many of our parents at the many events and activities over the coming months. As always, if I can be of assistance in any matters, please do not hesitate to contact me at school.

Ms Betty Romeo Principal

DDeeppuuttyy PPrriinncciippaallss’’ RReeppoorrtt ––

TTeeaacchhiinngg aanndd LLeeaarrnniinngg

WWiinntteerr UUnniiffoorrmm he students are now in winter uniform andlooking very smart. Students are reminded thatthey may wear a black tailored coat over their jumper if they require additional warmth,

especially travelling to and from school. Scarves, if worn, are to be plain red, navy or white. Opaque black stockings may be worn as an alternative to the white ankle socks and skirts are to be no more than 10 cm above the knee. Adherence to uniform provides a sense of belonging and pride in being part of the St George cohort.

If, for any reason, your daughter is out of uniform, please provide her with a note that she must present to the Deputy Principal in the morning before period 1 to collect a uniform pass. A record is kept of students who present to school in the incorrect uniform and if this becomes a regular occurrence, parents will be contacted.

RReecceenntt YYeeaarr 1100 aanndd 1122 SSttuuddyy SSkkiillllss

WWoorrkksshhooppss On Wednesday 10 May Dr Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning Educational Services (www.enhanced-learning.net) ran a study skills session with Year 10 and Year 12.

The Year 10 session ‘Achieving Your Personal Best’ focused on helping students prepare for the upcoming examinations. The session looked at setting up their study space effectively, organising their resources to study, making brain-friendly study notes and using a wide range of active study techniques. Students are encouraged to choose 2 subjects each night to focus on, and ensure they spend time learning, memorising and practising the skills of the subject. The Year 12 session was an opportunity for students to reflect on their approach to their examinations last term and the changes they need to make going forward.

The Year 12 session ‘Maximising Your Results’ looked at advanced research about the brain and how that could be used to make their study more effective. Students also examined the study techniques they traditionally used, exploring new techniques they could try. The students also discussed how much time they should allocate to schoolwork during term time (2-3 hours per night) and the type of independent learning they should consistently be doing throughout the year. Students were also given guidance for planning their study time in the holidays prior to the Trial HSC Exams and HSC Exams.

Parents are encouraged to review the handout from the session with students and discuss the main areas identified where changes need to be made. Parents can also find extra study skills tips on the following website: http://studyskillstoptipsparents.com/.

All secondary students at our school also have access to a great study skills website to help students develop their skills. Go to www.studyskillshandbook.com.au and enter the username: and the password: and start improving your results today!

Years 7 and 8 Parent/Student Study Skills Evening ‘Tools For Success’ All Year 7 and 8 parents/carers have been emailed the information flyer about this very valuable evening. Any Year 8 families who were unable to attend last year are more than welcome to join the session this year.

When: Monday 29 May 2017 Time: 6.00-7.40pm Where: School Hall

Please return the RSVP slip to Ms Abson by Wednesday 24 May 2017 so that we have an indication of numbers attending to assist with organisation and printing of session booklets.

TT

SSttuuddyy SSkkiillllss TTiipp ffoorr MMaayy This month’s study skills tip is ‘Resolving Conflict Around Homework’. It outlines some of the most common arguments related to schoolwork and some simple steps and strategies to use to resolve any conflict.

Ms Pam Abson Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

HHiissttoorryy

TThhiiss MMoonntthh iinn HHiissttoorryy……………………....

1100HH11 VViieettnnaamm WWaarr RRaallllyy aving spent the previous ten weeks studyingthe Vietnam War – in particular, Australia’sinvolvement therein – our Year 10 History class

finished off Term 1, with a role play. We gathered into small groups, each of which represented a different perspective on Australia’s role in Vietnam and particularly, on conscription. But perhaps that is too colourless a description – it doesn’t capture our passion and enthusiasm, the chanting and the shouting.

The mothers of the ‘Save of our Sons’ movement issued a heartfelt plea to end conscription. So too did the National Servicemen who had returned from Vietnam injured, struggling to readjust to everyday life and having lost friends in the war. The Labor Party waved pennants and called for a change in government to recall our troops from Vietnam. Religious groups argued that it was our duty under God to maintain peace. The ‘Youth Against Conscription’ delivered a simple message in a very clever rap: ‘Conscription Ain’t Groovy’. Through every speech, rap or chant, the audience cried out. Highly enthused, we interjected, expressing support or sympathy or blatant disagreement.

The opposition to conscription was strong and emotional, so my role representing the Liberal Party with Zoe was a difficult one. With only two people in the room trying to justify conscription and the war in Vietnam, I can’t say we were particularly successful in changing minds, but the experience was great nonetheless.

Aside from the inevitable fun of getting riled up, our ‘rally’ encouraged us all to wholeheartedly participate and to empathise with other Australians from other times. Not only did we need to understand the protest movements against the Vietnam War, we also needed to appreciate why they were so important to so many people and the controversial and contestable nature of the war. We were given the opportunity to engage with history beyond books. Thank you to Ms Zoupantis for organising such a fun, valuable activity to end the term with.

By Maja Vasic

VViissuuaall AArrttss

YYeeaarr 88 AArrtt EExxccuurrssiioonn n Thursday the 27th of April, the Year 8 electiveart classes went on an excursion to Wendy’sSecret Garden, and the Sydney Sea Life

Aquarium. Little did we know that we were in for an adventure!

The art classes along with Ms Clark and Ms Miranda, set out in the morning of the bright and sunny day. We catched the train from Kogarah to Milsons Point and walked the rest of the way to Wendy’s Secret Garden taking in views of the city as well. We were told that the garden was quite spectacular but that wasn’t enough to describe the garden. It was amazing! Perched right next to the harbour and full of beautiful plants, flowers and sculptures by famous Australian artist Brett Whiteley, it was quite a sight to behold. We took many pictures and tried to do part of our assignments throughout. After an hour or so, we said goodbye to the garden, ready to set off on part 2 of our excursion.

After spending time in the garden, we rushed trying to catch the ferry on time. Alas, time was not on our side, and we missed it by a touch. Looking back, the ferry ride gave us the most insight into the inspiration driving all of Brett Whiteley’s artworks. We had a great view of the Sydney Opera House with

the Harbour Bridge standing high and mighty above the shimmering water. The cherry on top however, were the small little sail boats, passing underneath, with their sails shining brilliantly in the sunlight. It was an experience that was definitely art-worthy.

After visiting the garden and going around the harbour, we made our way to the Sydney Sea Life Aquarium. A variety of colours and shiny scales welcomed us. Our favourite part of the aquarium visit was going on Sea Life’s newest attraction, the Penguin Expedition!

HH OO

Inspired 2017

You are all invited to our annual Inspired

evening, Wednesday 28 June, Week 10, Term 2.

It is an exciting night full of fashion,

dance, drama and animation.

Tickets will be on sale soon, so please keep this night free in your calendars,

you do not want to miss out!

We had the opportunity to get in close with the penguins while riding a raft. We took many pictures (probably too many…) and also learnt a lot from this experience. We also had the chance to draw the fishy creatures, and we certainly had fun at the touch pool, where we got to touch some slimy and soft starfish.

All in all, Year 8 certainly had fun visiting the gorgeous Secret Garden, the beautiful Sydney Harbour, and the colourful aquarium. Thank you to Ms Clark and Ms Miranda for organising and supervising this amazing excursion for us.

Aneeta Nelson, Teagan O’Shea, Phoebe Tandjiria

TTeecchhnnoollooggiiccaall aanndd AApppplliieedd SSttuuddiieess

?

WHAT WILL THE 2017 INSPIRED PROGRAM LOOK

LIKE?

YOU DESIGN IT!!!

Annual Inspired Challenge

Open to all elective Textiles and Design students!

This year’s theme for our challenge is:

‘Up-Cycled’!

The challenge is to start with an existing textile item or two e.g. old jackets, jeans, t-shirts, scarves, ties etc. and turn it into a completely new and creative textile item!

Please make sure to look at the noticeboard outside DT1 for inspiration and competition details. This challenge has 1st prize of a sewing machine!

All entries receive a Prize! All entries will be due to the TAS Staffroom on Monday 26 June.

Please come to the TAS staffroom to collect an entry form or ask your Textiles teacher.

Inspired Program Design Competition

Open to All Students Years 7 – 12!

Do you love designing? Do you know how to use Photoshop? Would you like to have your design used for all the promotional material for our 2017 Inspired program?

Entry is Now Open!

Please give your email address to the TAS faculty to express your interest.

You will then be provided with the fashion illustration to incorporate into a cover design that can be used for our programs, tickets and advertising material for Inspired. Your design must be completed digitally, using Photoshop. First prize is a $50 voucher of your choice!

Entries close Friday 2 June.

If you are interested, come and visit the TAS Faculty for more details.

YYeeaarr 1122 FFoooodd TTeecchhnnoollooggyy EExxccuurrssiioonn ttoo

PPuurree GGeellaattoo n Thursday, 27 April, the Year 12 FoodTechnology visited Pure Gelato in CroydonPark as a case study for the food manufacture

and Australian food industry units for our studies.

First was a tour of the production facilities and a talk about how the product is made. We discovered some fun facts!

The company only has 38 employees.

Their product is legally called gelato because it onlycontains about 3-4% of fat and ice-cream has aminimum of 12% fat.

Instead of having their electrical power points on thefloor, they hang from the ceiling for safety reasons.

They use chlorine to clean their equipment twice aday once before closing and as soon as they openbecause chlorine evaporates the bacteria.

After the tour we had an opportunity to sample the product which was then followed by a spending frenzy of tubs of gelato. Unfortunately, we had to carry all our purchases on the bus home with us. After all that our weight bearing exercise, we consumed/taste tested all the gelato we bought when we returned to school.

YYeeaarr 88 FFoooodd TTeecchhnnoollooggyy EElleeccttiivvee n two consecutive Mondays, Miss Barbagalloand Miss Quah watched in anticipation as webaked and decorated our cupcakes to

perfection.

Beginning this huge project, we thought that it was going to be a piece of cake, or cupcake in this case, but it was harder than we anticipated - nothing was predictable, we had to overcome some obstacles but eventually our beautiful cupcakes were made to perfection! Through the whole double period, powdered sugar filled the air like dust storms.

The bell went after period 5 and we sat in our next class, eagerly waiting for 40 minutes until the lunch bell went. It was time… Show Time! Running down stairs and across the school, just like Miss Barbagallo's class did the week before, to the hungry St Georgians.

Our faces lit up in joy as the dozen of cupcakes we put blood, sweat and tears in, vanished right before our eyes. The week before Miss Barbagallo’s class had entered Big Top, only to return to Food Lab 2 cupcake-less and with a money box full of proceeds for the school charity – the Dragon Aid. We barely stepped out of Food Lab 1, and swarms of people gathered. We hadn’t even arrived at the big top and then suddenly hundred of cupcakes vanished in only a short time. The ravenous students and teachers couldn’t wait much longer.

Year 8 Food Technology Elective classes A and B managed to feed the sweet-toothed students of SGGHS with our marvelous creations, from Starbucks, pretzels and salted caramel to Maltesers, strawberry and red velvet. Our hard work, running like crazy selling our cupcakes and the minor set-backs definitely paid off.

Written by Tammy Lee and Samantha Edvell, 8FT1B.

OO OO

Year 10 IST Careers in IT Excursion BiG Day In @ UTS

As a class develop a recount on this excursion

n Wednesday 29 March, two enthusiasticYear 10 IST classes caught the morning trainto UTS for the BiG Day In conference. When

we arrived, we were escorted into the ‘great hall’, where we joined many more students from other schools from Years 10 to 12. The day was filled with engaging new careers and pathways in the IT industry, prospective courses and institutes and of course, emerging technology.

We heard from a range of inspiring speakers including people from Westpac, which talked about cyber security and hacking; Wisetech Global; Animal Logic (who were involved in the making of the Lego Movie and The Great Gatsby), which explained the behind-the-scenes and the production of the animation and FX in their movies; Technology One and Microsoft.

In between speakers we were able to walk around to different stalls to interact with different technology, talk to people in the industry and find out interesting information on careers in the industry that we have not heard of before. The stalls gave away goodie bags and stationery which we could look back on if we wanted to find out more information about that company. Lots of companies now provide traineeships to school students!

Overall, we all had a great time! We feel very inspired about our possible endeavour into the IT industry!

Thank you to Miss Barbagallo and Miss Stiskala for organising this special opportunity for 10IST.

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ardening, Worm Farm and Paper Recycling arethe main ongoing activities of the Enviro Club.New members welcome! Read the daily

announcements for updates.

Shutter Bugs Watch This Space! The 2017 photo competition “Through the Lens” will commence soon.

Reconnect with the natural world. Start snapping the urban jungle!

This year’s theme:

Great prizes to be won.

1st Prize - $50

2nd Prize - $30

3rd Prize - $20

Start planning your entry and watch the notice boards for more details.

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“War on Waste!”

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irstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitudeto team of three P&C members, Giang Ho, MikeMa and Sajith Gamage for fixing the falling

letters of our school name written on the main building. These three proud parents took the initiative to fix them and save potentially thousands of the school budget.

We have collected $829 from our latest Bunnings BBQ and cake stall. I would like to thank on behalf of the whole St George Girls school community the dedication of the parents who volunteered to help out for this event despite being held on Mother’s Day. Special thanks to Usha our events coordinator, John, Leanne, Andre and Mon Chua for the extra hard work contributed on the day. The students who assisted will receive school service certificates. Once again, I would like to thank all the students and parents who volunteered to make this event a success.

The 2017 combined P&C meeting with Sydney Technical High School P&C will be held on 1 August 2017 and the guest speaker is Dr Jung from UNSW (bio here: https://education.arts.unsw.edu.au/about-us/people/jae-yup-jared-jung/) Please keep the day free and more information will be given in the coming months.

Once again we are running Sydney and Surrounds Entertainment Book Fundraiser Entertainment™ Digital Membership – allows you to redeem offers directly from your iPhone or Android smartphone. Purchase your 2017-2018 Entertainment™ Membership now by click this link: https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/203j324 . 20% of every membership sold contributes to our fundraising. Help us achieve our goal by sharing this link with your Friends and Family. Thanks for your support! Alternatively, if you prefer a hard copy please make your purchase online and collect the book from the school office.

The next P&C meeting will be on Thursday 25 May 2017 in the staff common room at 7.00pm. Our guest speakers of the day are Mrs Forster and Mr Nousis, Head Teacher TAS and Head Teacher History. For parents new to the school, please park in Victoria Street and enter the school via the front gate. Tea/coffee and biscuits will be available prior to the meeting.

Jude Perera President

Jude Perera Iromi Flamer-Caldera John Pistevos Ravinder Baweja President Vice President Treasurer Secretary0431 369 089

Andre Flamer-Caldera Usha Marrett Mon Chua Finance Committee Event Coord Event Coord 0419 296 997 0402 485 632 0419 803 888

Giang Ho Andre Flamer-Caldera Executive Committee Executive Committee

0403 348 269

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his month we continue to welcome newmembers to the Mothers’ Committee. We startedwith the updates from our principal Ms Romeo.

She informed us of the recent changes on teaching staff. We welcome Ms Chand, the new Mathematics teacher and Miss Chapman who joins the CAPA faculty from Week 3 this term. Ms Romeo also appreciated the Committee for the $20,000 funding support of the new blinds. The installation has now been completed. She also let us know that the school athletics carnival was held successfully on 5 May. Thank you Ms Romeo.

The focus of this month’s meeting is the preparation of the upcoming Mother Daughter dinner. I was so excited to have many enthusiastic mums volunteering to help out for this event.

MMootthheerr DDaauugghhtteerr DDiinnnneerr The celebration of Mother’s Day and the 101st year of the Mothers’ Committee is coming soon. It is going to be a FUN fundraising event. The school prefect body has actively promoted this event via posters and social media, and the event has been well responded.

If you have any spare unused gift baskets, please bring them to the school as we need them for the raffle prizes for the night.

The Mothers’ Committee would greatly appreciate donations to make up prizes to be raffled on the night of the dinner to raise funds for the school. Please refer to the attached flyer for donated items.

If you are a business owner and want to be our corporate sponsor for the night, please contact me.

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SScchhooooll LLiibbrraarryy The Mothers’ Committee has been an integral part of the school community since SGGHS began 101 years ago. Involvement through our monthly meetings or volunteering in the Uniform Shop is a very rewarding and worthwhile experience as well as a great way to meet other parents and find out what is happening at school from our Principal and Guest Speakers.

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The Mother Daughter Dinner will be held on Saturday 3 June

at the Georges River 16ft Sailing Club Sanoni Avenue Sandringham.

Please dress up and join us for a fun night with your daughters.

There are many prizes to win including door prize, best look alike (mother and

daughter) and trivia.

The Mothers’ Committee is a registered charity with the ACNC and raises funds primarily through the co-ordination of the Uniform Shop. The committee provides a number of additional functions within the school including the annual Mother Daughter dinner, parent representatives for staff selection panels, funding of yearly student awards.

We acknowledge the achievements of the Mothers’ Committee since our last AGM as we continued our major fundraising functions of managing the Uniform Shop. All funds being returned to the school for Special Projects and end of year student awards. Thank you to all of our committee members and uniform shop volunteers as this was only achieved through your efforts and generosity.

It has been a pleasure and honour to serve as the president of the Mothers’ Committee for a second year. It was great to see the tradition of the Mothers’ Committee continue onto 101 years. In the last two years, I personally enjoyed the learning experience and the friendship I built with many parents. I am so grateful for the support of the executive team and the members. The generous contributions of many busy parents to the school deeply touched my heart. As my daughter is already in Year 11, it would be a good timing to pass it onto a younger year parent to take on the role to ensure the smooth transition. I want to encourage each of you to participate either in Mothers’ Committee or P&C. It will definitely be a rewarding experience.

The Committee’s executive roles are as follow:

President - oversee and manage our responsibilities to the ACNC (Australian Charity Non-profit Commission), Insurances and ensure we fulfill our duties at the school. Run monthly meetings, organise guest speakers, prepare meeting agenda, Contact point for Principal.

Vice President (3) – Assist the President, co-ordinate with the uniform shop, organise volunteers for the shop.

Treasurer – Manage the MC account and payments.

Secretary (2) – takes the minutes during the monthly meeting.

All of our Executive positions will be declared vacant at our AGM and we are looking for new parents to take on these positions to ensure the tradition of Mothers’ Committee continues at St George Girls. This is an excellent opportunity to become part of the wider school community and broaden your own personal horizons. Should you be interested in taking on an Executive role and want to know more, please contact me on 0416 082 088.

UUnniiffoorrmm SShhoopp NNeewwss Monday 15 May 2017 was changeover to Winter Uniform. The girls are encouraged to come to the uniform shop during the lunch break to purchase their winter uniform.

The Juniors wear Winter Tunic, Long Sleeve Junior Shirt and Tie. Seniors wear Skirt and Long Sleeve

Senior Shirt. Payment is by Credit Card, cash or cheque. Volunteers are required to assist in the Uniform Shop. If you are able to assist, please contact Sarah Widjaja at 168sarah@gmail.com or on 0416 188 198.

The Uniform Shop opens on every Wednesday during term from 12.45pm to 2pm. Please note that the girls’ lunch break commences at 1.10pm.

The MC would like to thank the following parents who have volunteered to help in the uniform shop in the last four weeks.

Kim Le (Iris Le Jones 10) Marianne Skinner (Claire Jenkins 8) Rokiya Akhand (Nashita Choudhury 7) Subathini Sriganeshwaran (Trilochana 7) Cathy Li (Vivian Cao 7) Madusha Atapattu (Chaturimi Atapattu 7) Leanne Qi (Tiffany Li 9) Louisa Kok (Clarissa 10) Thuy Trinh (Christine Doan 9)

The Mothers’ Committee always meets at 10am, on the first Wednesday of every month (except during school holidays)

The next meeting is AGM held on 7 June. We look forward to seeing you at our AGM.

Debbie Wong President

Debbie Wong Mon Chua, Thuy Trinh and Sarah WidjajaPresident Vice Presidents Uniform Shop Coord0416 082 088

Mandy Hook and Yvonne Yu Kim Le and Jan Patterson Treasurers Secretary

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The St Georgians will this year return to a favourite venue for our Annual Reunion Luncheon, holding it at The Gardens on Forest, Peakhurst. Our members will receive their invitations in the mail shortly, and of course the reunion is open to all ex-students and staff of St George Girls High School.

The Luncheon will be held at 12 noon on Saturday 12 August 2017. All money raised at our reunions goes towards Speech Day prizes and supporting other projects at the school. It is always a friendly, happy, talkative gathering, and we love to see new faces. If you’d like to organise a reunion of your schoolfriends to join us, contact us for assistance as we’d love to welcome your group.

The St Georgians meet on the fourth Thursday of each month during school terms, at the St George Leagues Club. For details of our next meeting, please email or ring us. We are always keen to meet new members, and look forward to seeing you there!

TheStGeorgians@hotmail.com

Melissa George, President 0419 613 454 ah

SStt GGeeoorrggee GGiirrllss MMaakkee NNeewwss!!

Experience of a lifetime for young St George musicians 4 May 2017, 2 p.m.

Young musician: St George Girls High School student Zoe Morris playing the double bass.

Picture: Supplied

Two talented musicians from St George Girls High School have been handed an experience of a lifetime – performing at the Sydney Opera House alongside musicians from the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields is London’s world-famous chamber orchestra on tour in Australia for the first time in almost 30 years. They recently visited the Sydney Opera House.

St George Girls High School students Zoe Morris (double bass) and Eleni Carydis (percussion) were part of a group of 38 students from across NSW invited to meet and learn from the orchestra.

Academy of St Martin in the Fields animateur John Webb led the students on a two-day music writing and rehearsal workshop, culminating in a performance between the students and select musicians from the orchestra at the Sydney Opera House.

Mr Webb, who also works as a composer, said he tried to create a playful kind of atmosphere which allowed students to try things out.

“It’s not pencil and paper, it's trying things out, practically, aurally. Seeing if you like them, altering it if you don't and then gradually building up melodies and accompaniments," he said.

“They’ve been a fantastic group, amazing to work with, so on the ball and so eager and keen to keep going... which is great for the musical future of Australia.”

NSW Department of Education school operations and performance deputy secretary Murat Dizdar congratulated Zoe and Eleni on their performance and participation in the workshops.

“This has been an amazing opportunity and privilege for the students to learn from renowned musicians including those from Academy of St Martin in the Fields,” Mr Dizdar said.

“Congratulations to all of the students involved on their efforts in music and for their performance at the Sydney Opera House.”

The NSW Department of Education arts unit has an on-going arrangement with the Sydney Opera House that aims to deliver educational programs, events and attractions encouraging innovation in arts learning.

More than 10,000 public school students are expected to have the opportunity to benefit from the

collaboration between the Sydney Opera House and the arts unit.

CCoommiinngg EEvveennttss Tuesday 23 May Years 7 and 8 Da Vinci Decathlon

Blood Bank Year 12 HSC Music Composition Masterclass Gazette issued on school website and emailed to parents and students

Wednesday 24 May Years 9, 10 and 11 Da Vinci Decathlon Years 8 and 10 History Competition Knockout Tennis Competition

Thursday 25 May Walkathon Parents and Citizens’ Association Meeting, Staff Common Room, 7pm

Friday 26 May Years 11 and 12 Legal Studies Excursion, City, 9.30am – 2pm

Saturday 27 May Year 12 French Continuers Study Skills Day, Sydney University, 8.30am – 12.25pm

Monday 29 May ‘How You Doin?’ Day, Years 7, 8 and 9 Year 7 Parent/Study Skills, School Hall, 6pm – 7.40pm

Tuesday 30 May ICAS Test

Wednesday 31 May Year 11 English Excursion, Sydney Theatre, 10.15am – 2pm Blood Bank Sydney Eisteddfod Orchestra

Thursday 1 June Year 12 UBS HSC Economics Excursion, City, 8.20am – 2.45pm Year 12 HSC and Careers Expo, Moore Park, 4pm – 7pm Year 11 Mathematics Talented Student Day

Friday 2 June Blood Bank Sydney Eisteddfod Stage Band

Saturday 3 June Year 12 Japanese Continuers Speaking Skills, North Sydney, 9am – 12 noon Sydney Eisteddfod Percussion Ensemble Mother Daughter Dinner, Georges River 16ft Sailing Club, 6pm

Monday 5 June ‘How You Doin?’ Day, Years 10, 11 and 12

Tuesday 6 June Vaccinations

Wednesday 7 June Mothers’ Committee Meeting, Library, 10am Blood Bank

Wednesday 7 June - Friday 9 June Music Camp

Thursday 8 June Year 12 Careers Excursion, Darlinghurst, 9am – 1pm

Friday 9 June Year 7 Visual Arts Excursion, Taronga Zoo

Monday 12 June Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday

Tuesday 13 June Year 7 Languages Day Year 10 IST Excursion, The Powerhouse Museum, Ultimo, 8.45am – 3.07pm

Thursday 15 June Year 11 Reports Issued

Friday 16 June Year 10 Report Interviews

Saturday 17 June RACI Titration Competition, North Sydney, 8.45am

Monday 19 June Year 9 Geography Excursion, Picton, 8.15am – 4.30pm Year 8 Japanese Excursion, Tanken Centre, Kirrawee, 9am – 3pm Years 10 and 11 Parent Teacher Evening, 3.30pm – 6.30pm

It is important that payment for excursions is made to the Finance Office or Online prior to the due date.

STUDY SKILLS TIP FOR MAY

RESOLVING CONFLICT AROUND HOMEWORK

Some of the most common arguments at home (related to schoolwork!) lead to statements like this:

- “Stop playing computer games and do your homework.” - “I told you, get off your phone, I can see you are on Facebook.” - “Why haven’t you started your homework yet?” - “What do you mean you have no schoolwork to do?”

If these are common refrains in your household there are some simple steps that can be taken to deal with this.

Step 1: Family meeting. Both students and parents get a chance to explain what is bugging them.

Step 2: Agree on how much time will be allocated to schoolwork per day or per week.

Step 3: Agree that during this time homework will be the first priority, then assessments and any remaining time should be spent on independent learning (e.g. reviewing difficult work, making summaries).

Step 4: Allocate set times for schoolwork and write these out and put them on the fridge e.g. Monday 4-5pm, 6-6.30pm.

Step 5: Agree that in these blocks of time, there will be no personal technology use (preferably phones switched off and put out of sight).

Step 6: Decide on rewards and consequences if the agreement is not honoured.

There are many units in www.studyskillshandbook.com.au that can help you specifically with these areas. For example

DEALING WITH CONFLICT – strategies for conflict resolution TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS – find out the recommended amount of time to spend on schoolwork, learn more about independent learning and print weekly planners DEALING WITH DISTRACTIONS – strategies for managing technology addictions

Log into www.studyskillshandbook.com.au with these details –

username:

password:

 

 

 

For Mother Daughter Dinner raffle prizes Mothers Committee would greatly appreciate donations to make up

prizes to be raffled on the night of the dinner to raise funds for the school

We need packaged food items to make up Gourmet Food Hampers

Jars of olives and sundried tomatoes Sauces and condiments / Jams and preserves

Crackers and biscuits Bottles of wine or champagne

Chocolate in any shape or form

We need items to make up Pampering Baskets Soaps and body washes

Bubble bath Hand and Body moisturisers

Fragrances or perfumes Scented candles

…and any medium

to large baskets

Small cash donations to purchase prizes would be greatly appreciated

All donations will be accepted by the school office. Thank you for your support.