NEWSLETTER

Academic • Christian • Caring

Issue 6 Term IV 2013

TIGS Dance Troops Volunteering at Kids Wish

TIGS Celebrate Christmas“Sawadee Pee Mai”

The number of Thai words in my vocabulary is rather limited but this Christmas salutation is a must have for anyone visiting Thailand over the coming month. Despite being the most tropical of tropical cities in Asia, I observed Christmas trees, adorned with the usual lights, artificial snow, Santa and candy canes appearing in shopping centres and hotel foyers on a recent visit to Bangkok.

The commercial opportunity that Christmas brings is universally recognised by retailers, not just in Australia. Our large department stores replace Father’s Day displays with the first offerings of Christmas decorations in early September. They are already behind the retailers of Singapore who begin the festive frenzy even earlier in the year.

It is almost too clichéd to follow these observations with comments about the true meaning of Christmas, how ‘Jesus is the reason for the season’ or that Christmas is too commercialised. The reality is that Christmas has many different meanings. Retailers rely on strong sales at Christmas time to get through the year, families take holidays together and commercial television runs programmes that no one will watch at any other time of the year. The Christmas period serves a variety of purposes.

As a school TIGS identifies Christmas, as the name suggests, as the time to celebrate the birth of Christ. Our flagship event is the TIGS ‘Christmas Celebration’. Through communal singing of traditional carols, performances by students and the reading of passages of the Bible, the story of God’s intervention in history through the birth of Jesus Christ is told. The programme is suitable for children and adults of all ages.

This year the theme will be ‘Joy to the World’ and will recognise how many of the cultural groups that send their children to TIGS celebrate Christmas. It will capture the richness of our TIGS community and provide new perspectives on the story of the birth of Jesus.

It is surprising how culturally diverse the TIGS community is. How many of the language communities that enrol children at TIGS can you identify in the following translations of the greeting ‘Merry Christmas’?

1. Sawadee Pee Mai, 2. Joyeux Noël, 3. Kalá hristúyenna 4. śubh krisamas 5. Buon Natale 6. Kurisumasu omedeto 7. Krismasi Njema 8. Fröliche Weihnachten 9. Sheng Dan Kuai Le 10. krismas Mubarak 11. Wilujeng Natal 12. Gun Tso Sun Tan’Gung Haw Sun 13. Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah 14. Sung Tan Chuk Ha 15. Sreken Božik 16. Chúc Mung Giáng Sinh 17. Vrolijk Kerstfeest 18. Sretan Božić 19. Maligayang Pasko 20. İyi Noeller ve Mutlu Yıllar (Answers below)

A number of families from our community will be selling their traditional food prior the Christmas Celebration from 5.30pm. Dinner can be enjoyed on the Library lawn while our concert and jazz bands entertain us with carols.

During the Christmas Celebration which commences at 7.00pm and will last for an hour, students will have the opportunity to present gifts to less privileged members of the Illawarra community through Anglicare. Parents are also invited to contribute.

It is important that we as a school make a clear statement about the importance of Christmas to our community. It will be exciting to do this is a way that recognises the cultural diversity that exists in our community.

I hope to see all members of the TIGS community on Wednesday 4 December.

How many of these languages did you recognise? (they are all spoken by students enrolled at TIGS): 1. Thai 2. French 3. Greek 4. Hindi 5. Italian 6. Japanese 7. Swahili 8. German 9. Mandarin 10. Urdu 11. Sudanese 12. Cantonese. 13 Iraqi 14. Korean 15. Macedonian 16. Vietnamese 17. Dutch 18. Croatian 19. Filipino 20. Turkish

Stephen KinsellaHeadmaster

Stephen Kinsella Headmaster

A Little Perspective I always thought Port Kembla as a port was impressive. The figures are imposing: Port Kembla is Australia’s largest vehicle import hub; Australia’s largest export grain terminal; and the second largest coal export in NSW. The numbers don’t lie. Port Kembla is an awesome port. And to think it is a part of the Illawarra – a part of us!

I always thought Port Kembla was impressive - until I saw the Port of Hong Kong recently. Now that is an impressive port! I hate to say it but when I saw the Port of Hong Kong I couldn’t help think how it made Port Kembla seem so small, so insignificant. I still love Port Kembla but I view it differently now. I have gained perspective.

As human beings we are impressive creatures. We have achieved so much; we are capable of so much. In many respects we are masters of the universe. Nothing can touch us for sheer magnificence. Yes, I know a sunset is beautiful and all creatures are wonderful in their own way, but nothing comes near the absolute grandeur of humankind. We compose symphonies; we write literature; we create enduring works of art. As far as competence goes, we are it.

I used to be totally convinced of this until I came to know God. An encounter with God gives perspective. It teaches us that we are not “it”. He is. To come to know God is a huge reality check. It is like living one’s life thinking Port Kembla is the par excellence of ports only to learn there is a far more significant one – something like the port of Hong Kong.

One of the reasons I delight to teach the knowledge of God at TIGS is so that our students get a right perspective on their humanity. Don’t get me wrong. I still believe human beings are marvelous. But God is much greater. We cannot properly measure our place in the universe until we come to know God. Without a knowledge of God we will tend to think far too much of ourselves. Without a knowledge of God we will act in ways which are unbefitting of our place in the universe. We will act as if we are gods. This can only cause us harm.

God says through his prophet Isaiah: “I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God.” (Isaiah 45.5)

TIGS students learn this truth well. They learn this lesson so they can embrace all that it means to be human without needing to claim more than they ought. That can only ever be good for us.

Rev James Rogers Chaplain

Rev James RogersChaplain

Senior School Sport and after school activities for 2014Parents of students in Years 7 - 10 next year will have already received - or will receive shortly - a letter from Mrs Sharpe our Director of Sport outlining all of the Sport options available to students in 2014. In order for us to plan and book venues, buses, staff etc. it is critical that you complete and return the form by the due date.

So that students can be involved in both Sport and the Production, rehearsals will be on Monday and Wednesday afternoon, while Sport will be scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons and some mornings.

TIGS is committed to ensuring that all students participate in regular sporting activity. It is an essential part of the TIGS curriculum because it

• Promotes behavior that contributes to good physical and mental health

• Teaches important social and life skills

• Allows them to explore different physical activities and assists the development of new skills which stimulate brain development

• Promotes lifelong participation in physical activity

It is part of our holistic approach to life and learning and we see it as a key component of the balanced approach, which results in outstanding academic results for TIGS students.

For this reason it is a requirement that all students in Years 7 – 10 participate in the Sports Programme. The School will continue to work in partnership with families where there are unique or special circumstances in order to ensure that the benefits of Sport are enjoyed by all.

We are also working on the Cocurricular and Extracurricular options for 2014 to ensure that there continues to be a range and diversity of opportunities for our students to develop, grow and be challenged in academic, spiritual, aesthetic, cultural and social areas.

There are so many opportunities available. Please ensure that your child’s unique skills and talents are identified and nurtured during this critical stage of their development.

Mrs Monica WattDeputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School

Monica WattDeputy Headmaster and Head of Senior School

Judi Nealy Head of Junior School

Junior School The Mind and its PotentialLate last week I was fortunate to attend training in Sydney looking at the human mind and it’s potential. This was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the things we are doing well in the Junior School as well as potential for further growth and development.

There was great data and research about the plasticity of the brain and it’s potential to develop new connections and continue to change right through life, while at the same time there was fantastic learning about how to really capitalize on childhood brain development. Interestingly there was much discussion about the tension between teaching Gen Z learners (who can be focused on instant gratification and multi shifting attention) and the need to develop perseverance. This is a challenge in teaching our students.

The second part of the learning was focusing on wellbeing and mindfulness. Here I was able to see clear connections between our school statement of mission and values as well as the IB. There was a lot of time spent on being “other aware” as well as self aware, of being present in the moment and using each moment wisely and authentically. There was also a really interesting session looking at purpose, exploring how feeling purposeful in the activities you are doing improves mental wellbeing. I could easily see the links between student centred, inquiry based learning which is authentic and purposeful and can see why this is enjoyed so much by our students and why they achieve success using this methodology.

Finally I must admit that I was really very challenged by the learning about multi tasking. The presenter was very clear that there were “three things about multi tasking, it takes more time, you make more mistakes and it is more stressful.”

He went on to explain that multi tasking reduces efficiency (due to switch time), decreases quality, hampers creativity, dulls perspective, reduces wellbeing and drains energy – not a list of attributes that seem very appealing! I was trying very hard to link our focus shifting, delayed gratification poor Gen Z learners- not to mention my own work and learning habits (which are very multi tasked in their character) with this information about the possible negative impact of multi tasking in our learning and work.

I was encouraged to reflect on both my own behaviour as well as that which we expect, encourage and sometimes allow from our students. There is much to be said for turning screens off, slowing down, tuning in and sticking with a task until completion. Perhaps this is something some of our Junior School families might like to attempt this weekend!

Junior School LeadersYear 5 are currently involved in the process of choosing new leaders for 2014. This is an important task. It must be considered carefully by those willing to lead and also by those choosing the leader. At TIGS we are looking for leaders who represent the values and beliefs of our school. We are seeking servant leadership. The concept of servant leadership begins by being a servant first. A servant leader must first learn to serve before taking on a leadership position. Servant leaders serve because they are motivated by love and humility. Jesus is the perfect example of servant leadership. Jesus humbled himself and became a servant of all. “Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant...just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28).

Leadership is observed throughout Year 5 in decisions and choices made by each student, reflected in their conversation and their action. In Term IV Nigel Vaux from Crusaders lead a workshop on servant leadership. Students then nominated themselves for actual positions. These students filled in a nomination form and had it signed by parents, (who are agreeing to support their child in this role) their teacher and a specialist teacher. These students prepare a speech reflecting what they believe it means to be a leader in the Junior School. Years 4-6 then vote for who they believe would make a suitable leader. Teachers also vote. Considering each of these aspects of nomination, a number of students are invited to an interview with myself, Rev Rogers and Mrs Nealy. School Captains are announced at the Years 3-6 Presentation Evening. The rest of the leadership positions are announced in 2014.

All of Year 6 is expected to act as servant leaders within our school community, modeling kindness and thoughtfulness to the younger years. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:3-8.

Nicki Stanis

Dates for your diary:• Thursday 28 November – Prize Giving Assembly• Saturday 30 November – Infants Pageant• Wednesday 4 December – A Christmas Celebration• Thursday 5 December – Year 6 Exhibition and Honours Program• Monday 9 December – Years 3 – 6 Presentation Evening

Junior School Awards Weekly AwardsKB Lexi MitchellKM Matthias Simon, Nelle-May MakowskiKP Nikita Nicholson, Samantha Gadsdon1C Emilie Simmons, Daniel Radojicic1M Thomas Devlin1T Ethan Bywater, Gabriella Thornton3R Michael Marzano, Amelia Druett, Darcy Cross, Faisal Syed, Bowen Kimberley-Mastalir, Shahla Green, Katie Gorham3W Kiarna McIlwarith, Ameesha Gogulan, Samuel McLennan4S Dean Borbilas, Ruby D’Rozario, Aria Bacic-Johnston5Y Aaron Avenido, Maya Soligo, Piper Kimberley-Mastalir, Connor Harvey, Shay Harper6Y Arah Mizori, Michael Kyriakoudes, Zoe Kelman, Emmanuela Franco

Zoe KelmanMaya MiddletonArah MizoriNicole RussoSophia SantosJack ScottSarah TubmanAria Bacic-JohnstonClara SwainsonFarrah Al-SalihMichael MarzanoNathan MolnarJoshua BurdenRuby D’RozarioLileah VroharisAlexander VartazarianZoe MandziyHugo ParrishAya Naito

Alana NewhouseJacobus NewhouseAngus KiangRyan MolnarElla SmithHolly JennerLilli FellowesAdil QureshiArchita SitharthanAmeesha GogulanSally GyngellNikita NicholsonMatthias SimonSamantha GadsdonFaisal SyedKivaan Mudaly-NaidooKeya MurtyMichael Kyriakoudes

Michael KyriakoudesCody NugaraZaynab PanjuNicole RussoSophia SantosJames BrewerSunday WindsorMin Seo KangElizabeth MichelmoreJack BurrowsKivaan Mudaly-Naidoo

Harrison KiteleyNicole RussoTaylan ArapaliNadia Nagaratnam

Merit CertificatesAcademic Service Personal Presentation

Student Success Kate Martin - Year 12 Congratulations to Kate Martin, who won the Figtree Lions Club Youth of the Year event this week at The Grange Golf Club. She and Hamish Paine both represented TIGS in this competition in which they were required to be interviewed by a panel of local business and community representatives, before presenting two impromptu and one prepared speech. Hamish spoke on the importance of Mentors in our lives, while Kate spoke on cultivating a sense of Perspective in life.

Kate will now progress to the next level of the competition in February. A wonderful achievement!

Emma Hatton - Year 12Congratulations to Emma Hatton, who won the Kiama Lions Youth of the Year competition this evening, following a panel interview, one prepared and two impromptu speeches.

Emma’s success is particularly outstanding because she won both the Public Speaking and overall Youth of the Year awards in a very strong field of students.

Her speech on ‘Hybrid Humans’ and the importance of being yourself, was one of the most well delivered public speeches heard in many years. The impromptu questions addressed the competitors knowledge of Chloe’s Law and Camp Quality. Emma was able to speak passionately and informatively about both.

Another wonderful achievement for our Senior Lions competitors this year. Both Kate and Emma will progress to the next level in February.

TIGS Dance On Tuesday 19 November the final TIGS Dance Evening for the year was held in the IGC. The night showcased the excellence of TIGS students from Years 3 to Year 12 in both co-curricular and elective Dance programmes which offer opportunities to students who are skilled in different Dance forms as well as those who simply enjoy dance and performance and wish to build on their skill and experience. Elective Dance students showcased their class works in the three areas of performance, composition and appreciation of dance as works of art and demonstrated movement principles and stylised techniques.

The night also showcased our 2013 Dance HSC Callback Nominated works from Laura Stutchbury (Core Performance and Major Study Performance), Grace Crisp (Major Study Composition) and Hannah Garbo (Core Composition) whom we congratulate on their outstanding works and success. The study of dance as an art form within the School environment offers students new and positive ways of learning and growing and the Dance evening proved this to be true.

Congratulations to all involved who showcased the strength of their talent and commitment to Dance and Arts.

Ms Cassandra James

A Notice to Parents Bus/Train Passes 2014As the end of the year fast approaches just a little reminder that those students who are going into Years 3 and 7 and currently travel by bus and/or train must reapply for 2014. Forms can be collected from either the Junior or Senior School Offices. If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Lisa Dent on 4220 0227.

A Message from P&FLets Decorate the IGC!Christmas is nearly upon us and what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than decorating the IGC for our annual School Christmas Celebration. We will be turning the IGC into a Christmas wonderland on Tuesday 3 December from 1.00pm to 3.00pm and we need your help.

Please join us if you are available.

Annual General MeetingThe TIGS Parents and Friends Association will be holding its Annual General Meeting on the 25 November from 6.00pm to 7.00pm in the Goodhew Rasurch Centre (Library).

During the AGM we will review the year and discuss moving forward into 2014.

Recyled Uniforms ShopCommencing in 2014 The Recycled Uniform Shop will be opened on Tuesday and Thursday AFTERNOONS ONLY from 2.30pm to 3.45pm

A Christmas Celebration 2013Save the Date - Wednesday 4 December for this year’s Christmas Celebration.

5.30pm International Food Fair on the Library Lawn and 7.00pm Carol Service in The Illawarra Grammar Centre (IGC)

Extend at TIGSSummer School Holiday Program bookings NOW OPEN!

Friday 13 December to Friday 20 December

We have heaps of jam-packed activities and incursions ranging from Arts & Crafts, Cooking, plenty of games and sports and lots of festive, summer activities! Visit the Extend website at extend.com.au for program timetables, booking forms, and activity descriptions.

Bookings close Friday 29 November – book now to avoid disappointment.

Holiday Study BlitzStudy courses are being held at the School during the summer school holidays for any student from Years 7 - 12.

The courses being run are:

Study Skills and Strategies - Years 7 - 9Senior Study Skills and Strategies - Years 10 - 12Essay Skills - Years 10 - 12Advanced Reading Skills - Years 10 - 12

Please click here for more information and to download your enrolment form.

The Middle Years Programme (MYP)The School is currently implementing the International Baccalaureate Organisation’s (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) across Years 7 to 10.

There have been some enquiries from parents seeking clarification to the information provided through the Newsletter over the last year. Parents seeking information about the MYP are invited to contact the Director of Teaching and Learning, Ms Melina Sangster.

An ideal opportunity to observe the outcomes from the IB approach to teaching and learning is to attend the Year 6 Exhibition on Thursday 5th December starting at 4:00pm in the Library and IGC.

As an alternative, my staff and I will be available on Monday 2 December at 5.30pm in the Library to discuss the MYP and how it will impact on student learning.

The most common questions about the MYP follow very similar themes:

Q How will the curriculum for Year 7 and 8 be different next year?

A There will be no change other than those required through the introduction of the Australian Curriculum. Students at TIGS, like all students in NSW, are required to study the NSW Board of Studies (BOS) Curriculum. Students will study the same subjects as previous cohorts and still choose two electives when they reach Years 9 and 10.

Q How is the teaching and learning in the MYP different to how students currently learn at TIGS?

A The Australian Curriculum is bringing a consistent approach to teaching and learning across all Australian schools. As the BOS implements the Australian Curriculum in NSW, teaching and learning is changing from being content and skills driven to concept-based, inquiry-focussed learning. While being engaged in their learning, students still learn the same content and skills. The MYP is an internationally recognised and ideal framework for this to occur and is the approach chosen by TIGS. Students not only learn essential knowledge and skills, they learn how to learn as well.

Q Does my child have to learn an additional language?

A Yes. The NSW Board of Studies requires that all students study English. The BOS also requires that students study an additional language - at TIGS the choice has been between Japanese, French and Mandarin in Years 7

& 8. Students currently in Years 8 to 10 may continue studying their additional language through to Year 12 as an elective. Students currently in Year 7 already know they will be studying their current additional language through to Year10 and then may choose to continue as an elective through to Year 12. Learning an additional language is a priority of the Australian Curriculum and is a requirement of the School and the MYP.

Q Is the MYP a ‘middle schooling’ programme with large groups of students taught by multiple teachers teaching non- traditional subjects?

A No. TIGS is committed to teaching subjects in the traditional academic disciplines. TIGS classes will remain small (25or less) with one teacher teaching one of the academic subjects usually on offer at TIGS. There will be planning by teachers under the MYP framework to ensure that learning in individual academic subjects is complementary to learning in other subjects.

Q What course will my child study in Years 11 and 12?

A The HSC. The School teaches the NSW Board of Studies curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 12. The framework used to teach the BOS curriculum is the PYP for Prep to 6 and the MYP for Year 7 to 10. The School has no plan to offer the IB Diploma for Years 11 and 12. TIGS students will study the HSC.

Note: Unlike the PYP and the MYP that provide a framework for studying the NSW BOS curriculum, the IB Diploma Programme, offered in some schools in Years 11 and 12, is an entirely different curriculum and assessment course. TIGS only offers the HSC in Years 11 and 12.

Q How will studying under the MYP be of benefit to my child?

A The TIGS approach to learning already delivers great outcomes for our students – 88% of graduates in 2012 were offered a place in a university course of their choice. By adopting the PYP and now the MYP we expect to improve on these already enviable outcomes.

The PYP and the MYP develop in students the attributes of the IB Learner Profile - students become Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced and Reflective. I have yet to meet a parent that does not want their child to have these attributes.

With these attributes our students are well equipped to meet the challenges of the HSC.

Stephen KinsellaHeadmaster

• MYP Information Evening

Monday 2 December

5.30pm in the Library

• Junior School Prize Giving Assembly

Thursday 28 November

10.50am in Rees Hall

• Year 10 Formal

Friday 29 November

6.30pm at the Villa D’Oro

• Infants Pageant

Saturday 30 November

10.00am in the IGC

• A Christmas Celebration

Wednesday 4 December

5.30pm International Food Market on Library Lawn

7.00pm Carol Service, Illawarra Grammar Centre

• Years 3 - 6 Presentation Evening

Monday 9 December

6.00pm in the IGC