A Christmas CelebrationPrevious Year

ISSUE 8 TERM IV 2014

NewsletterAcademic Christian Caring

HeadmasterThank you to the students, staff, parents and supporters of TIGS for contributing to a memorable 2014 at TIGS. In the last fortnight of the year, I will have given seven formal speeches reflecting on the year that has passed. It would be unusual for me or in fact any Headmaster to say anything that was not encouraging and congratulatory – it goes with the job.

So in our final Newsletter for the year, I would like to report three things that crossed my desk this week that caused me great delight and which I hope you will see as evidence that my calling 2014 a memorable year is more than wishful thinking on my part.

Year 1 have been learning about the true meaning and purpose of celebrations. This is quite a complex concept for a 6-year old and yet the writing of the students was quite sophisticated and demonstrated mastery of technique and understanding.

This story, written by Katie Binks, is just one example of the many wonderful stories created by 1T:

The Easter Story

The day before Easter the Easter Bunny was getting ready to set off on his journey. “The last thing I need is my Easter Eggs” he said. So he went over to get them out of the fridge but there weren’t any in the fridge. The Tooth Fairy Annie took them back to fairyland and hoped the Easter Bunny wouldn’t find out!

Meanwhile the Easter Bunny was trying to find out who had taken his Easter Eggs. It was nearly night. “I have to get them back! I have to!” said the Easter Bunny.

In fairyland the Tooth Fairy was flying into her hide out. Luckily the Easter Bunny knew her hide out. So he flew to fairyland and found the Tooth Fairy

and explained to the Tooth Fairy that he needed to teach the children that Jesus died on the cross to save them and bring new life. He needed to deliver the eggs to be able to spread his message.

So the Tooth Fairy gave them back with lots of toothpaste and tooth brushes to give to the children so they could brush their teeth after they had eaten their Easter eggs.

The End

What a lovely story. It demonstrates mastery of writing, story-telling and communication skills beyond that expected at Year 1 level. In addition, the story is laden with evidence of an understanding of the core values of the School, including the purpose of the death and resurrection of Jesus and the importance of caring for others - all at age 6. Well done Katie, the students in 1T and Ms Tresidder.

The second event was the news that our Year 12 Visual Arts students have excelled again in the HSC. We already knew that our students had received 9 nominations by HSC Examiners to be featured in BOSTES exhibitions or performances. This is an outstanding result and places TIGS and our Faculty of the Arts amongst the elite schools - a wonderful achievement given that TIGS is not a ‘selective’ school.

We have now been advised that our three nominations for ARTEXPRESS have been selected for public exhibition:

• Angus Cochrane - Art Gallery of NSW and Maitland Regional Art Gallery

• Lucy Donovan - Bega Valley Regional Gallery

• Harrison Heycott - The Armory, Sydney Olympic Park and Bega Valley Regional Gallery

Congratulations to these students, to their teacher, Ms Goodman, and to the Faculty of the Arts on such an outstanding achievement. Examples of their work are currently hanging in my office which is a lovely reminder of their wonderful talent.

Finally, we have just received advice that Adrian Whitehall (Year 12), has won the National Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) Composing Competition. He was required to submit a composition which integrated Indigenous Australian composition themes with the Secondary Music Syllabus. His composition will now be recorded by the ACO. We have always been delighted at Adrian’s performances as a gifted Bass player and we are thrilled that he has now received recognition as a composer. What an outstanding talent and what a great honour to receive this award.

The last week of term gives us the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the year and to recognise the academic performance of our top scholars. I hope to see you at these events:

• Junior School Presentation Evening Monday 8 December, 6.00pm

• A Christmas Celebration Wednesday 10 December, 7.00pm where students from Prep to 12 will display their remarkable talents through music, dance and drama in telling the story of the birth of Jesus.

• Senior School 56th Annual Presentation Day Friday 12 December, 10.30am

I wish all members of the TIGS community a happy Christmas and a restful holiday period.

But the angel said to them,

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Luke 10: 10-11, NIV

Stephen KinsellaHeadmaster

This year the rock band U2 took a unique approach to releasing their new album Songs of Innocence: they gave the album away. Anyone who had an iTunes account (estimated to be around half a billion people) woke up on 9 September to find U2’s new album in their library. That was the first surprise. The second was that many were very annoyed to have received it – some were positively angry. There was an immediate request from many for instructions on how to permanently delete the album. Instead of being a ‘gift that keeps on giving’ this was a gift that many wanted to give straight back. Such was the outcry that Bono, the lead singer of U2, issued an apology for presuming that people wouldn’t mind receiving a gift. Strange days indeed!

This experience got me thinking about the gift of God at Christmas. There are many similarities and a few differences. One of the differences was that, unlike U2, God had forewarned us that he was going to gift us with his Son to save us from the penalty and power of sin in our lives. Just when God would do that would remain a mystery, but that he would do that was made very clear on a number of occasions. For example, in Isaiah 6.14, some 700 years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet spoke of a time when a virgin would be found with child and would give birth to a son who would be known as Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’). In Matthew 1.22-23, the writer of the Gospel declares that the birth of Jesus to Mary was the fulfillment of that promise.

This is where the similarities to the U2 experiment begin. Many were happy to receive the gift of this Son, but many were not – some were positively outraged. John notes this surprising fact at the beginning of his Gospel when he says that Jesus “came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” (John 1.11) Later on in that same Gospel there is a plot to

murder Jesus, so furious were some at the claims Jesus was beginning to make about himself (John 10.31-33). As we know, Jesus’ opponents finally had their way and Jesus was delivered up to be crucified. It was an attempt to consign him to the trashcan of history – permanently deleted.

There are many reasons why gifts might be rejected: Some might think they have no need of what is being offered; some are too proud to receive a gift; others simply resist any intrusion into their carefully constructed lives. Each of these reasons (and more besides) would be behind the rejection of God’s gift of Jesus. But God is persistent. He still holds out his gift to us today. And the pronouncement of blessing upon those who received the gift back then holds true for those who receive it today:

“To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1.12)

Let us be counted among those who receive the gift of God in Jesus so we might celebrate afresh the benefits we receive through Jesus this Christmas.

Rev James RogersChaplain

Chaplain’s MessageU2 AND THE GIFT OF GOD

Monica WattHead of Senior SchoolDeputy Headmaster

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2015The timetable for 2015 is being put together and there are a couple of changes that we have made to accommodate the changing demands of the IB MYP. We will be letting students know at our next Assembly of the fact that the day will begin, as usual, with Mentor on three days of the week: Monday, Tuesday and Friday. On Thursday and Friday we will begin with academic lessons. It is therefore important that students are here on time, ready and prepared to start learning by 8.45am.

The other change is that the timetable will be scheduled over two weeks, rather than one. This allows for greater flexibility for timetablers to spread classes and learning experiences in more fair and equitable ways. This means that in the Diary, in their timetables, on Olle etc will state which Week we will be following.

The other changes that we will be making will be that we will return to having Assembly every Tuesday at a set time, as well as regular timetabled Chapels and Year Meetings/House Meetings but they will all be of shorter duration than a period. As I said these will be conducted every week,

irrespective of whether it is Week 1 or 2. We will manage to find a few more minutes for lunch but the start and end times for the school day will still be the same. We are largely dictated to by bus companies and train timetables on that front.

In 2015 we will be aiming to expand the information being communicated to parents through Olle. But did you know that you can currently ask your children to share the information accessible to them for their learning? It varies greatly from year to year, subject to subject, but it could be an interesting exercise for you at this time of year to gain this insight when your children might not feel too threatened or disempowered by your intrusion into their world!

We are all looking forward to 2015 and the development and enrichment of our IB programmes - both the MYP and DP. We are also looking forward to adapting and providing more choices in our Co-curricular offerings following a very successful survey conducted by the Student Representative Council (SRC). And if you haven’t got your Sport choices in for 2015 you better hurry. They’re out and being finalized as this Newsletter is coming out!

Have a Happy and Joyful Christmas 2014. Join us to celebrate at our Christmas Celebration on Wednesday 10 December. Picnic here from 5.30pm and attend the Service at 7.00pm. The Academic Year will close with our Presentation Day and Prize-giving ceremony at 10.30am Friday 12 December. Reports will be distributed at the conclusion.

Senior School

Christmas Wine HampersTIGS FOUNDATION

With the festive season upon us it is often the time for entertaining, social gatherings and corporate gifts.

The TIGS Foundation has released a range of quality Australian wines as part of an annual TIGS wine collection. Quantities are available for purchase along with novel two bottle set gift packs adorned with TIGS ribbon priced at $30.00, which would make ideal Christmas and Corporate gifts.

Please contact Mrs Lisa Wilson, Foundation Coordinator on 4220 0264 to place your order in time for Christmas.

Alcohol should be consumed in a responsible manner and only by those individuals who are of legal drinking age

Sport SENIOR SCHOOL All sport will start Term I Week 2 if you have any question please contact the Sports Department.

Monday Swimming 7.00am - 8.00am University PoolSurfing 6.30am - 8.00am South BeachStand Up Paddle Board 6.30am - 7.30am Belmore Basin

TuesdaySurfing 6.30am - 8.00am South BeachStand Up Paddle Board 6.30am - 7.30am Belmore BasinCheerleading 7.00am – 8.00am NRG StudioRowing 6.30am – 8.00am Illawarra Boat ShedsGirls Strength Conditioning 3.30pm – 4.30pm RekreateHangdog Climbing 3.30pm – 4.30pm HangdogRacquet Sports 3.30pm – 4.30pm Collegians Sporting ComplexHangtime Trampolining 3.30pm – 4.30pm HangtimeStreet Dance 3.30pm - 4.30pm Street Beatz

Thursday Group Fitness 4 Fun 3.30pm - 4.30pm Uni Rec and Aquatic CentreTennis 3.30pm - 4.30pm Beaton Park TennisHangtime Trampolining 3.30pm - 4.30pm Hangtime, ConistonHangdog Climbing Gym 3.30pm - 4.30pm Hangdog

Friday Aqua Sport 7.00am - 8.00am University Pool

HELP NEEDED

Volunteers are needed to help out in our canteen

in 2015.

Please contact Debbie on 4220 0241

The Arts THE SUCCESS OF OUR ARTS STUDENTS 2014 The Illawarra Grammar School would like to congratulate the students of The Arts on a fantastic year with results continuing to impress. Listed below are some of these exciting highlights.

Please join us in congratulating these students and the effort of everyone who has nurtured their talents.

Drama 2 OnStage nominationsHenry Hulme Individual PerformanceMichaela Georgiou Individual Performance

Dance 3 Call Back nominationsJessica Kuit Core CompositionZoe Bolt Core and Major Performance

Music 1 1 Encore nominationNicole Mealey Performance

Visual Arts 3 students nominated AND accepted into ArtExpressAngus Cochrane work to be exhibited at: Art Gallery of NSW, Maitland Regional Art GalleryLucy Donovan work to be exhibited at: Bega Valley Regional GalleryHarrison Heycott work to be exhibited at: The Armory, Sydney Olympic Park, Bega Valley Regional Gallery

Australian Chamber OrchestraAdrian Whitehall National ACO (Australian Chamber Orchestra) Composition Competition WInner

Judi NealyHead of Junior School

Junior SchoolTeachers have finished writing reports and they are ready to be posted home to parents. This means that it is time to begin planning for 2015.

The class construction process in the Junior School is complex, requiring the input and expertise of all classroom teachers to design learning communities for the next academic year.

During this process we discuss each child’s academic, physical and social needs and construct intentional classes designed to support learning. There will be movement between classes and being with a friend is only one element that is considered when placing a child in a learning group for the next academic year. In fact, sometimes, being with a particular friend is not the best decision for constructing a learning (not purely social) environment. In each grade there will be cluster groups formed for children who are gifted and talented or who have a particular area of skill or need. This allows us to cater specifically to these needs.

I encourage parents with any particular concerns regarding class placement to come and speak to me over the week. I will be happy to hear your perspective. However we will not construct classes based on teacher or even friendship requests as this is not a good method for creating purposeful and positive learning communities.

The 2014 teachers will spend a considerable amount of time handing over to the 2015 teachers so that continuity of information and care is maintained. The children (and their parents) will find out who their 2015 teacher and classmates are on the first day of school in February. On the first day of school, all children go back to their old classroom, catch up with their old teacher and classmates and then we progress each year up into their new groups over the course of the morning. This is the most organised and stress free way to do this for the children. Meet The Teacher evenings will occur in week 2 of Term I so you will all have an opportunity to get to know your new teachers very early in the year.

We all start to get excited as we plan a new year of learning, but it is important that we finish 2014 well. It is my expectation that the children will all work right up until the end of the year as well as maintain their high standards in the areas of uniform and behavior. Thank you to our parents who support us in ensuring a great finish even as we look to the year ahead.

The final weeks of Term IV have been a true indication of our entire year of learning in 2014. Student centered, authentic and action based with a focus on service, collaboration and the clear and consistent message of Jesus. There has been much to celebrate this year in the Junior School. I have read the student reflections as I have signed all reports and it is

wonderful to observe how our learners are really thinking about their goals and reflecting on the extent to which they have achieved them.

Thank you to our community for a really positive and productive year together in 2014. I wish each of you a wonderful holiday break celebrating the birth of our savior Jesus, some time of relaxation and reconnection with families and friends and I look forward to learning with you and from you in 2015.

DIARY DATES:• Year 3 – 6 Presentation Evening

Monday 8 December6.00pm to 7.30pm - IGC

• A Christmas Celebration Wednesday 10 December 5.30pm to 8.00pm - IGC

WEDNESDAY 10 DECEMBER 20145.30pm Family Picnic on Library Lawn7.00pm Carol Service in the Illawarra Grammar Centre

Bring your own picnic. Sausage sizzle and drinks available for purchase

A ChristmasCelebration

Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects Pty Ltd26 Moore Street / PO Box 3064 Austinmer NSW 2515

Tel: +61 2 4267 5088 Fax: +61 2 4267 4826Email: southcoast@taylorbrammer.com.au

LANDSCAPE PLAN - INFANTS PLAYGROUNDProject: The Illawarra Grammar School Infants PlaygroundProject No: 13-076W

Drawing No: LC01Revision: A

Client: The Illawarra Grammar School

Date: 25.11.20140 2 4 8 12m

Scale: 1:200@A1

Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects Pty Ltd26 Moore Street / PO Box 3064 Austinmer NSW 2515

Tel: +61 2 4267 5088 Fax: +61 2 4267 4826Email: southcoast@taylorbrammer.com.au

LANDSCAPE SECTIONS - INFANTS PLAYGROUNDProject: The Illawarra Grammar School Infants PlaygroundProject No: 13-076W Revision: A

Client: The Illawarra Grammar School

Date: 25.11.20140 1 2 3m

Scale: 1:50 @A1 Drawing No: LC02

Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects Pty Ltd26 Moore Street / PO Box 3064 Austinmer NSW 2515

Tel: +61 2 4267 5088 Fax: +61 2 4267 4826Email: southcoast@taylorbrammer.com.au

LANDSCAPE SECTIONS - INFANTS PLAYGROUNDProject: The Illawarra Grammar School Infants PlaygroundProject No: 13-076W Revision: A

Client: The Illawarra Grammar School

Date: 25.11.20140 1 2 3m

Scale: 1:50 @A1 Drawing No: LC03

Taylor Brammer Landscape Architects Pty Ltd26 Moore Street / PO Box 3064 Austinmer NSW 2515

Tel: +61 2 4267 5088 Fax: +61 2 4267 4826Email: southcoast@taylorbrammer.com.au

LANDSCAPE SECTIONS - INFANTS PLAYGROUNDProject: The Illawarra Grammar School Infants PlaygroundProject No: 13-076W Revision: A

Client: The Illawarra Grammar School

Date: 25.11.20140 1 2 3m

Scale: 1:50 @A1 Drawing No: LC03

EMAIL: info@moduplay.com.au www.moduplay.com.au 17-19 Waverley Drive, Unanderra NSW WEB: ADDRESS:

MODUPLAY GROUP PTY LTD Due to ongoing product improvement and Australian Standards requirements Moduplay reserves the right to change any products as required. Drawings are supplied in good faith and product supplied may differ in construction detail from drawings. Colour matches are restricted by printing processes available. Moduplay equipment is designed to comply with AS 4685 1-6: 2004, AS/NZS 4422: 1996, AS/NZS 4486.1:1997.

The Illawarra Grammar SchoolBushwood DesignDrawing No. CMC 1410-15BR4

School ImprovementsINFANTS PLAYGROUNDConstruction of a new Infants playground off the Spine pathway (between Junior School and Senior School) will commence construction next week. This project is due to be completed in January 2015.

Architects impressions:

Important InformationLAST DAY OF TERM IV 2014Thursday 12 December 2014School will finish for ALL students at 12.30pm on the last day of Term IV, Friday12 December 2014.

Buses will be running as usual but at this new time.

CHRISTMAS CLOSURE During the Christmas School holidays the Office will be open from 9.00am until 3.00pm from Monday 15 until Friday 19 December.

On Wednesday 17 December the office will be closed and only contactable for emergencies. The office will re-open for business on 5 January 2015.

FEESThe School Council has approved the schedule of fees for 2015 which includes a 5% increase for tuition fees. The 2015 school fees will be billed on January 15 and will be sent via post and email. The 2015 Fee Commitment Forms will need to be returned to the TIGS Finance office by 28/01/15.

The School Council has also approved adding a voluntary donation to the TIGS Foundation to the annual account. More information about this donation is included in the Terms & Conditions and the 2015 Fee Commitment Form.

Please note that the final date for payment for 2014 School Fees is Friday 12 December 2014.

Extend at TIGSSUMMER HOLIDAY PROGRAM BOOKINGS ARE OPEN

Booking deadlines apply and excursions fill fast. Book now to avoid disappointment at extend.com.au. All holiday programs are open to primary school aged children from the wider community

EXTEND @ TIGSLOCATION:Junior SchoolPowell Street, MANGERTON NSW(Entry via Senior School carpark)HOURS:8.00am - 6.00pmPay between $9.55 - $26.50 per session!

Receive at least 50% off regardless

of income!

FOR FURTHER INFO & BOOKINGS VISIT:

.com.au

SUMMER

HOLIDAYS!Fun-filled holiday programs for primary kids

MONDAY 15 DEC TO WEDNESDAY 24 DEC

MONDAY 12 JAN TO WEDNESDAY 28 JAN

December bookings: Book by Friday 28 November

January bookings: Book by Monday 15 December

Excursions are limited and fill fast! Book now to avoid

disappointment.

BOOKING DEADLINES:

WEEK 10Years 3 - 6 Presentation Evening

6.30pm Monday 8 December 2014

A Christmas Celebration Wednesday 10 December 20145.30pm Family Picnic Library Lawn7.00pm Carol Service IGC

56th Annual Presentation Day Ceremony 10.30am Friday 12 December 2014

Last Day of Term IV 12.30pm Friday 12 December 2014

WEEK 1 2015First Day of Term I

Thursday 29 January 2015

UPCOMING EVENTS