TERM 4 NO 3 Wednesday 8 November 2017

Winifred West Schools Limited . ABN 14 000 025 0267 PO Box 34 Mittagong NSW 2575 . Phone: +61 2 4860 2000 . [email protected]

Thank you in advance for your support of the Iris Country Fair! 9am-4pm, Saturday 18 November ...and thank you to Michele Scamps, coordinating and overseeing the entire event... for WWS Foundation Ltd and the School. Please host friends and family for a full day’s entertainment for all ages. Gib Gate Land is a new element of this year’s Fair, as is scheduling of the 2017 Sturt School for Wood Graduation and Graduate Exhibition ...along with all that Iris Country Fair visitors have come to expect and love...

*** 2018 Curriculum innovation Literacy Enhancement/Academic Writing Embracing the ongoing challenge to meet the current and future needs of our 21st century 'digital native' students, a team of staff has worked for the past 12months on strategies for improvement of Academic Writing. We have a strong track record of developing the talent of our passionate writers into exceptional communicators and strive constantly to enhance our pedagogy to provide all students with access to the best possible learning experiences. Most recently we have focused on refining cross- faculty strategies for Years 9 and 10, and our next step is built on all that has been achieved.

In 2018, we will trial a Frensham-developed, research-based Literacy Enhancement programme, aimed at providing all students with targeted support to develop and enhance their Academic Writing skills, including their skills in Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling. Our goals include: To provide students with the writing skills to communicate effectively in any context, from examinations and text-based projects to related activities beyond the school setting; To empower students with the skillset to assess their own progress and understand what they need to practise to improve their communication skills; The adoption of a cross-curricular approach, based on the Cambridge International Examination Writing rubric. [All of Year 9 study Cambridge IGCSE Global Perspectives and Year 10 study for the Cambridge AS Level General Paper, and the rubric against which written work is assessed is highly developed and accessible.]

Embedded in our approach: - The explicit teaching of Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling, as core to the development of students' knowledge and skills, and their application. - Essential understanding of the importance of a growth mindset and of grit, to the achievement of personal academic goals.

Impact of the programme will be measured by collecting data on students’ attitudes and beliefs about their capacity to communicate, and by analysing student improvement on externally benchmarked measures and school-based assessment.

Exciting news re Kennedy House Project Following very recent negotiations with our building contractor Project Coordination, I am pleased to advise that a revised schedule of works has been agreed, to bring forward completion of the project by almost six months.

It is our normal practice at Frensham to move Year 11 into ‘current Year 12’ accommodation when Year 12 boarders complete their Higher School Certificate (i.e. for the final four to five weeks of Term 4) and to move Year 10s from Linden Turner House to ‘Year 11 accommodation’ in Bryant McCarthy.

This week, we have taken the opportunity to move all of Kennedy House (Years 7 to 10) to Linden Turner House, giving our builders additional access to the unoccupied site.

As a result, Project Coordination is undertaking to complete the Kennedy House project in time for student return for Term 1, 2018 – months earlier than the original completion date set for Term 3.

Staffing of Linden Turner till the end of term – to facilitate the change – is being led by Mrs Robyn Parsons (Head of House, Kennedy) and Ms Sally Arnold (Head of House, Linden Turner) with the combined support of staff of both Houses.

We hope all Kennedy girls will keenly embrace this short ‘Kennedy in Linden Turner House’ experience. ‘Moving on’ commenced on Tuesday evening for Year 11 and all will be in their new accommodation by the end of the week.

2 Acknowledgement to: Arabella McKenzie (Year 12), recently selected for the NSW Open Rugby 7s team; Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award recipient Chloe Hickson (Year 11) and Skyla Harris (Year 12); Tom Milner (Year 6) member of the winning CIS team in the NSW PSSA Boys Hockey championships; Team Peregrine, Eleanor Swan, Grace Lewis and Eliza Friend (Year 8), placed 1st in the NSW F1 in Schools Competition.

Special Acknowledgement Eleven HSC Visual Arts students whose works have been nominated by NESA for inclusion in the ARTEXPRESS Exhibition of outstanding works: Liana Berzins – Portrait of a Culture; Ruby Crane – Not All Smiles; Georgina Fuller – Taking Atoll; Laura Gardner – Boundless Plains to Share?; Emily Ives – Our Family; Natasha Long – The Subjectivity of Spontaneity; Matilda Martin – Crowd of Consciousness; Sophie Montgomery – Kooyong; Annabel Munro – Drawn to Create; Molly-Rose Renowden – Control; Róisín Spencer – Still Not Listening. Six HSC Design & Technology students whose works have been nominated for the SHAPE Exhibition, of exemplary HSC major works: Isabella Alderton, Ellie Arnott, Georgina Fuller, Skyla Harris, Sarah Hassett and Nina Whitfeld. [See Visual Arts and Design & Technology report for details.]

Staff – Acknowledgement - Dr Ruth Phillips last week attended the University of Wollongong ceremony for award of her PhD in Education: ‘Identification of gifted students at risk of underachievement using ROC curve analysis; using an understanding of the relationships and patterns of social coping, attitude toward school, and self-efficacy to identify underachieving gifted students: An Australian sample.’ - - This year as Resident Researcher, Dr Phillips has led projects in data analysis of teaching and learning in Mathematics (including the Term 4 team-teaching trial in Year 8 Mathematics) and has worked with a cross-faculty team to develop strategies for enhancement of Academic Writing Skills. Dr Phillips is also the 2017 class teacher of HSC English Extension 2.

Curriculum Innovation - Acknowledgement The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation recently requested our permission to highlight on their blog Frensham’s linking of their award (for all of Year 9) to Cambridge Global Perspectives, as part of the Jamieson Programme. Their blog cites Frensham’s Jamieson Programme as an excellent example of a broad, balanced curriculum that develops students’ experiences beyond the classroom, particularly in the areas of teamwork and communication skills, complementing the academic programme and supporting success well beyond school - for their future lives and the world of work. Describing the Award itself, they note: The (D of E) programme is designed to challenge students in a number of ways that broadens their experience and helps them to develop compassion, resilience, teamwork and self-confidence. Students have the opportunity to develop their own skills and interests, pursue physical recreation, experience community service, and develop confidence through carefully managed adventure.

Staffing update: Mrs Tanya Vaughan [Dip Teach (UTS), M Ed (in progress - UOW), Flagship Programme – Leadership (AISNSW)] current Principal of Roseville College Junior School has accepted the residential Executive position of Director of Boarding, commencing January 2018. A member of the K-12 strategic and operational leadership team of Roseville College over the past six years, Mrs Vaughan has been a Head of School for 14 years, and brings to Frensham significant experience in academic care, curriculum innovation and development of wellbeing and growth coaching programmes. Ms Emily Sinden [B Music (Music Education) Sydney Conservatorium of Music, USYD] has accepted a fulltime permanent position as Music Teacher, commencing Term 1, 2018. Ms Sinden, an experienced teacher and accomplished violinist, is currently a member of the Macarthur Strings and the Southern Highlands Symphony Orchestra and moves from her current role as Acting Head of Faculty at Oxley College. [This position arises owing to Ms Flora Benson’s decision to extend her 2017 travels and seek work in the UK. Flora wrote last week to express her appreciation for the School’s support of her year’s Leave and to send best wishes to colleagues and to HSC students. Currently in a short-term music teaching position at Queen Anne’s Caversham [where Winifred West attended as a boarding scholar], Flora’s message was prompted by her involvement in Queen Anne’s Ascension Day Service 20 October conducted in Westminster Abbey. [Queen Anne's School, Caversham was established in 1894 by The Grey Coat Hospital Foundation (which dates back to 1698, and for whom Westminster Abbey is ‘home’).]

Julie A Gillick Head of Frensham Head of Winifred West Schools

Frensham Advisory Committee 2017 Gib Gate Advisory Committee 2017 Mrs Caroline Begg [email protected] Dr Guy Bashford (Chair) guy.bashford@ Ms Ruby Curtis [email protected] sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au Mrs Penny Hanan [email protected] Mrs Rowena Bendror [email protected] Mr John Hayes (Chair) [email protected] (FOGG Representative) Mrs Kiki Hill [email protected] Mrs Holly de Manincor [email protected] Mrs Erica Holcombe [email protected] Mrs Chelsea Doyle [email protected] Mrs miChelle McGufficke [email protected] (Chair of FOGG) Mrs Angela Macken (Sec) [email protected] Mr David Griffin [email protected] Mr Gavin Martin [email protected] Mrs Kate Iori [email protected] Mr Sam Paradice [email protected] Mr Trent Johns [email protected] Mrs Nicola Robertson [email protected]. Mrs Sara Moylan [email protected] au Mrs Tina Scales [email protected] Ms Jo Thomson [email protected]

TERM DATES 2017 – Gib Gate and Frensham

Term 4 Term 4 Gib Gate: Tuesday 10 October-Friday 8 December, Frensham: Tuesday 10 October-Sunday 10 December 3.00pm from 12noon (after 11.00am Carol Service)

TERM DATES 2018 – Gib Gate and Frensham

Term 1 Term 3 Gib Gate & Frensham Gib Gate & Frensham Wednesday 31 January-Thursday 12 April, 3.00pm Tuesday 24 July-Thursday 27 September, 3.00pm (Boarders always return evening before classes start) (Boarders always return evening before classes start)

Term 2 Term 4 Gib Gate & Frensham Gib Gate: Monday 15 October-Friday 7 December 3.00pm Monday 30 April -Thursday 28 June, 3.00pm Frensham: ends Sunday 9 December 12.00pm (after (Year 10 Work Experience ends Friday 29 June) 11.00am Carol Service) (Boarders always return evening before classes start) (Boarders always return evening before classes start)

2018 PARENT WEEKENDS – Confirmed dates for attendance of all students Years 7-12

Term 1: Term 3: Year 7 Saturday 3 March-Sunday 4 March Year 11 Saturday 11 August-Sunday 12 August Frensham Open Day – Saturday 3 March [Year 10 Saturday 11 August – Year 10 planning for Senior Studies (with parents on Saturday)] Year 10 Saturday 17 March-Sunday 18 March Year 9 Saturday 1 September-Sunday 2 September Term 2: [Date aligned to HSC Visual Arts/Design Tech Exhibition] Year 8 Saturday 19 May-Sunday 20 May **Saturday 1 September Father~Daughter Ball** Year 12 Saturday 2 June-Sunday 3 June WWS Birthday – Friday 1 June Reminder – all of Years 7-12 Frensham’s 105th Birthday – Sunday 3 June attend Open Day and attend all Parent Weekend Services Ranier Uniform Shop

All fittings for uniforms are by appointment, during shop hours: Mondays and Thursdays 12.00pm-5.00pm Shop Manager: Mrs Michelle Wynn. To order items, please call the Shop: (02) 4860 2136 [BH], email: [email protected]

1 Week to go – it’s getting exciting!

Opening Night ~ Friday 17 November Cooper Hall, 6.00pm - $30.00pp Book now and be there to… x beat the crowds to the Vintage and Secondhand Books stalls x browse the display of Silent Auction prizes and place your bids x bid on the three Live Auction prizes x Book online – www.frensham.nsw.edu.au/icf-opening x Shortie pyjamas – now available. Stocks are limited so order now to avoid disappointment

Order online - www.frensham.nsw.edu.au/icf-shortie x Silent Auction is now online Register now and start bidding on the 140+ items. Browse through the prizes - www.iriscountryfairsilentauction.com x Christmas cakes & puddings – order now Order online - www.frensham.nsw.edu.au/icf-christmas x Last Sewing Bee – this Friday 10 November At 9.30am in Waverley Annexe, Frensham. Please contact Annette O’Connell if you are able to join the team – 0412 490 494 [email protected] x No more books – thank you! x Follow the Fair on social media Our Facebook and Instagram pages are abuzz promoting thee Iris CCountryountry Fair Please follow wwsfoundation to stay up to date with the latestst news ofof the Fair and and these posts to broadcast Fair updates to your friendsnds and ffamily.amily.

For more information or to arrange a delivery, please contact: Michele Scamps Iris Country Fair Coordinator [email protected] 02 4860 2100 0407 919 718

For more information on WWS Foundation, please contact: Michele Scamps, +61 2 4860 2000 – [email protected]

We are always pleased to receive updates for both contact details and information which highlights the many achievements of Old Girls across the years. We welcome contributions to the fortnightly Newsletter, the Chronicle and the Fellowship Newsletter.

With the Iris Country Fair rapidly approaching, we would like to thank Carol East (Clemson, 1964) for donating a number of linocuts created by her sister, Katie Christine Clemson (1967). We are delighted to include these donations in the Art Category of the Iris Country Fair Silent Auction.

Katie was born in Temora, NSW and lived in England for many years, where she started her business, White Gum Press in the 1980s - a print workshop specialising in woodcut, linocut and monotype. Katie exhibited extensively in Britain in both group and solo shows, including the Redfern Gallery, London.

From 1995 until 2001, Katie was based in Canberra, while her husband was the British High Commissioner. For Katie, this resulted in a number of exhibitions and a commission for display in the foyer of the British High Commission building. Katie had an extensive background in printmaking, including many teaching posts both in Australia and Britain, and was co-author of The Complete Manual of Relief Printmaking published by Collins.

Katie’s work is represented in collections worldwide, including the Ashmolean Museum (Oxford), Ruskin School of Art (Oxford), Artbank, Brooklyn Museum (New York) Curtin University (Perth) and the State Library of Western Australia. Katie Clemson died in November 2007.

Getting away from it all (2), Edition 8/10 Border with Iris, Sonersby, Edition 11/20

The above samples of Katie’s works will be exhibited at the Iris Country Fair.

For a full list of events and Reunions, please visit: www.frensham.nsw.edu.au/community/fellowship

Preparing Students for Their Future How we prepare today’s students for a future where artificial intelligence and automation is the new norm is the subject of a current NSW Education Department review being conducted by Dr Phil Lambert, former General Manager of the Australian Curriculum at ACARA and lead expert to the OECD’s Education 2030 project.

Dr Lambert’s research* indicates that the teaching of competencies, whilst not new to education, is very much, ‘newly important’, and that Australia needs to respond to the global transition from an information based economy to a knowledge based economy, equipping students with 21st Century skills.

Resilience, collaboration and co-operation are now seen as essential competencies together with compassion, empathy, social responsibility and a global mindset. Understanding and valuing diversity, and personal growth capabilities such as a growth mindset, being a challenge seeker and persevering (grit) as also seen increasingly as core competencies, enabling young people, ‘to navigate life and work in a world that is complex and charactered by ambiguities and uncertainty’.

Two projects taking place at Gib Gate this term, specifically designed to build essential STEM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and 21st Century competencies, have students in Year 6 and Year 2 highly engaged and motivated in their learning.

*Education: Future Frontiers Background Paper Hard focus on “soft” skills Dr Phil Lambert https://education.nsw.gov.au/media/exar/Hard_focus_on_soft_skills_Dr_Phil_Lambert.pdf

Year 6: Tinkercad Project

Left: Year 6 students, Duncan Greig and Romeo Atra Right: Camilla O'Brien, Spencer Lewis, Joe Quilty Year 6, together with Dr Tristan Burg and Mr Peter Bull from Frensham, embarked on a CAD Design and 3D printing project using the web-based platform Tinkercad. At the start of the project, Year 6 worked their way through six online tutorials where they practised basic skills such as: moving and re-sizing objects; adding objects onto the different planes such as number on a 6-sided dice; modifying shapes by cutting holes in them; and changing their dimensions.

Once they had completed the online tutorials, each student designed a named key ring tag for their Kindergarten buddy which was then printed using a 3D printer. The key rings are a Alexander Martinek (Year 6) watching his design farewell gift for the Kindergarten children to clip onto their school being created by the 3D printer bag, so they can carry with them a daily reminder of their long term friendship with their Year 6 Buddy.

Year 6 then used their skills to work on a Tinkercad project where they could practise and refine their new skills. Designs they made included a model of an air craft carrier and various outstanding house designs.

Ms Horan reports that the Year 6 students were completely engaged throughout both sessions and the classroom had that real ‘buzz’ of everyone working and problem solving and helping each other through the process. Many students accessed the website at home and made many more designs, or improved ones they had already created.

Year 6 student comments: Angus: I found it interesting how you are able to use one single material, the PLA filament, and recreate it into something completely different. It’s amazing how the printer knows exactly where to put each layer. Tom: I really enjoyed the design process of the task. It was interesting using Tinkercad to learn some of the skills that engineers, architects or designers might use. Spencer: I liked being able to design our own objects and have them printed. We got to see a 3D printer in action and learn how it all happens. It takes more than two hours to print a small key chain. Sophie: I love the idea of designing and seeing our creations coming to life. Savannah: I like the variety of things you can make using the guided projects in Tinkercad. Elise: I enjoyed the problem solving part of the process even though it was frustrating. Elizabeth: We had the opportunity to make something for ourselves and our buddies.

Year 2: FIRST Lego League Junior Challenge, ‘Aqua Adventure’

Left: Anthony Neilson (Year 2) connecting the motor to his model; Middle: Clodagh Luckie (Year 2) with her Engineering notebook; Right: Iman Byrne and Sophie McAndrew (Year 2) building their Aqua Adventure Lego Complementing Gib Gate students’ great interest and skills in Robotics, Year 2 are ‘trailblazing’ this term, participating in Gib Gate’s first adventure into the FIRST Lego League Junior Challenge which involves exploring, creating, testing and sharing findings of a STEM investigation.

In this challenge, titled Aqua Adventure, students are investigating where our water comes from and how it gets to us. Working in small groups, they are designing, building and testing a model made from Lego, including a motorised component called the Inspire Model pump. Students add a motor to the pump to demonstrate how water Isla McVinish and Victoria Trotter is delivered to our taps.

(Year 2) with their First Lego Using the engineering design process, Explore, Create, Test and Share students League design come up with their own ‘problem’ to solve, investigating different uses of water and trying to improve an existing design. Students will share their learning through the creation of a poster and will participate in the FIRST Lego League Junior Expo at the University of Wollongong Innovation Campus on Saturday 25 November.

Ms Sally Robson, Head of Gib Gate

Curriculum Highlights 2017 Curriculum Insights: Thinking like Scientists at Gib Gate The BHP Billiton Young Scientists Awards Presentation Ceremony 2017 was held last Wednesday evening 1 November at 6pm at the University of Wollongong, hosted by STANSW and sponsored by the University. Mrs Venish and Year 5 students Kyle George, Cate Horsfall and Kate Nicholl were awarded their certificates for achieving equal 1st’ place in the Years 3-6 category. Their project, ‘Fabulous Fabrics’, aimed to conclude which fabric is best to use when travelling in wet weather conditions. They wanted to find out this information because travelling or hiking in the outdoors can become very unpleasant when clothing gets wet. The result of their investigation, that cotton is the most water resistant fabric, will have long reaching benefits for all students at Gib Gate as they prepare for their outdoor education adventures, and for all families who enjoy the great outdoors.

During Term Four, all Year 5 students are working towards designing and making a display board for the Illawarra Coal and University of Wollongong Science Fair to be held on Wednesday 29 November. The display will present their long- term investigations, shared with the school community last term during the Gib Gate Science Fair. This process involves researching the characteristics of an engaging design, with consideration for features which enhance appeal and capture the attention of their audience. Students are considering visual design elements such as font, colour, shape, texture, line and image. Right: Young Scientist Awards 1st Place: Cate Horsfall and Kyle George [Kate Nicholl, absent] (Year 5)

Kindergarten scientists are actively engaged in their study of ‘Weather in our World’, developing their knowledge and understandings about the air, sun and wind as they work through a series of hands-on activities. Through their investigations they will discover how weather affects their daily lives. A feature of their learning is a project to design and make a kite, which will explore the effects of wind.

‘Up, Down and all Around’ investigations are allowing Year 1 students the opportunity to explore natural, made and managed features of their world that undergo change. Through outdoor observations and photographic records, students are recording the daily, weekly and seasonal changes in their local environment.

The ‘Night and Day’ unit is keeping our Year 3 students thinking all day and into the night as they observe and identify the changing patterns in the length and direction of shadows over the duration of a day; the changes in the position of the sun throughout the day; the observable effects of sunrise and sunset; and the relationship between the sun, the Earth and the moon. ‘Moon watching’ is becoming a favourite evening pastime!

Year 4 students are thinking like geologists this term as they work to discover what lies Beneath Our Feet, acquiring new understanding about how landscapes change over time. They are exploring tectonic plate theory, weathering, erosion and types of soils and rocks. The Beneath Our Feet unit involves two interesting investigations which require simulation in order to draw conclusions about scientific phenomena which, in reality, occur over thousands of years.

‘I didn’t fail the test. I just found 100 different ways to do it wrong.’ Benjamin Franklin

Ms Kate Chauncy, Director of Teaching and Learning, P-12 and Coordinator of Gifted and Talented Programmes

Enrichment/Activities Performances Gib Gate offers many performance opportunities for students during the year. The Friday Performance Assemblies provide a supportive opportunity for musicians at Gib Gate to perform for the whole school. There are two Soirée evenings each year in which individual students from Year 5 and 6 are invited to perform.

The Term 4 Soirée was a great success this week with over 20 student performances on piano, violin, viola, flute, saxophone, clarinet, drums, voice, trumpet, guitar and cello. Students enjoy the opportunity to perform in this formal evening recital context. The high standard of performances has been noted by parents and tutors this year, brought about by increased emphasis on practice, achieved through homework goals.

The Gib Gate Orchestra performed two pieces at the Friday Performance Assembly last week. This group includes 27 students from Year 2-6, who will also perform with the whole school at the Christmas Concert at the end of term.

Alexander Martinek (Year 6) represented Gib Gate at a workshop with the Australian Haydn Ensemble workshop for senior string students at Winifred West Schools. Alexander had the opportunity to work with the professional musicians in this group.

Remembrance Day Year 2 students will lead the Remembrance Day Assembly on Friday 10 November. They will share their understanding of this important day with the school.

IPSHA Public Speakers’ Challenge Monique Andersson, Angus Mackie (Year 6) and Kate Nicholl (Year 5) represented Gib Gate at the IPSHA Speaker’s Challenge at St Andrew’s Cathedral School this week. Mrs Venish supported the students in their preparations and they enjoyed the valuable experience.

Iris Country Fair Gib Gate Kindergarten to Year 6 students will be performing a number of dance routines at the Iris Country Fair on Saturday 18 November. The dance performances will take place at 12:30pm under the large tree on the front lawn in front of the Frensham Administration building.

Mrs Anne Graham, Gib Gate Coordinator (Administration)

Sport Cricket Jessica Savage (Year 6) is congratulated on her strong performances in the CIS Primary Girls’ Cricket team at the NSW championships held in Maitland last week.

Swimming The Swimming Development Programme for Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 resumes during Thursday Sport in Week 6 and will run every Thursday until the end of term.

Gymnastics

IPSHA Gymnastics Teams Levels 1 & 2

Back L-R: Evalina Castro (coach) Madeleine Bendror, Eliza-Grace Bashford, Penni-Rose Collins (Year 4); Hannah Bendror (Year 6); Front: Lexi Wimalaratne, Matilda Telford, Jade Neilson, Gretel Wansey (Year 3) Congratulations to the Gib Gate Gymnastics Team; Hannah Bendror, Sophie Hassall, Chloe Kennedy-Green (Year 6), Olivia Trotter (Year 5), Eliza-Grace Bashford, Madeleine Bendror, Penni-Rose Collins (Year 4) Chloe Dent, Amber McGlynn, Jade Neilson, Matilda Telford, Gretel Wansey and Lexi Wimalaratne (Year 3) on their fine performances at the IPSHA Gymnastics competition which was held at the Sydney Gymnastics and Aquatics Centre last week.

Results included: Chloe Kennedy-Green, Chloe Dent, Sophie Hassall, Amber McGlynn and Olivia Trotter placed 4th in the Level 3 competition, Gretel Wansey, Hannah Bendror, Lexi Wimalaratne, Matilda Telford and Jade placed 2nd in Level 2, and Eliza-Grace Bashford, Penni-Rose Collins and Madeleine Bendror placed 3rd in the Level 1 competition.

Mr Michael Standen, Co-ordinator of PDHPE and Sport

Preschool (Pre-Kindergarten) Initial interest in ‘Shaun the Sheep’ started with one of the Preschool students. Alice brought her soft toy into Preschool many times, to the point where Shaun often attends Assembly with us and joins in a lot of activities that occur throughout the day. Alice made Shaun a bag which inspired other students to create bags for themselves and for their own toy friends.

Left: Ruby Hutchison. Right, Francesca Smiles-McCabe, Violet Palise The Preschool programme often focuses on the children’s interests being incorporated into their daily experiences. This helps students feel acknowledged, respected and heard. The children were encouraged to make up their own stories about Shaun and the characters from the book, and a teacher scribed their stories. The children were then challenged to make a character using recycled boxes and to think about the shape of each character they wanted to make. It was rewarding to see children support each other in their creations, offering support and suggestions. They were encouraged to use words like ‘stabilisation’, ‘support’ and ‘secure’ as they worked with masking tape and string.

Francesca asked: ‘So what does stabilisation mean?’ Madeline explained: ‘It will make it strong so it doesn’t wobble. It’s actually going to make it stronger than masking tape!’ Francesca: ‘That’s a good word!’

Construction work with three-dimensional cardboard items provides an extension to cutting and pasting activities, and offers further opportunities for children to refine previous collage skills. Construction work provides an opportunity for working three- dimensionally, extending children’s interest in form and structure and developing their awareness of spatial relationships. Construction work also involves a particular type of problem solving and many children delight in balancing and stacking items or making them stand up.

Unfortunately, the sheep and pigs weren’t as secure as the children had hoped so they decided to use papier-mâché to strengthen them. After the models dried the children painted them and added a variety of collage materials.

Mrs Tinna Loker, Preschool Coordinator

FRIENDS OF STURT Denise Sumner (President), Penny Hoskins (Secretary), Ruth Wright (Roster Secretary), Joan Dinning, Bill Dinning, Anne Thomson, Julie Musgrave, Michael Harris, Libby Hobbs, Jill Dyson

Summer School 2018 – Wednesday 3-Sunday 7 January 2018 2018 brings the 20th Summer School. Over that time we have built an unparalleled creative learning experience of breadth and depth in a special setting led by inspiring and experienced tutors. This year we present a programme of 23 adults’ courses and daily courses for children. Also on offer accommodation and meals packages and the week includes a range of social events, talks and demonstrations. Details of courses are noted on the website http://www.sturt.nsw.edu.au/education/summer- school and at the Gallery. Places are filling fast, with some courses already full and waitlisted.

Sturt Permanent Collection in the Archive Gallery A new display of the Sturt Permanent Collection is now on show in the Archive Gallery. For the first time we will be able to display a significant proportion of the Sturt Collection that has been amassing since the 1950s and includes ceramics, metalwork, jewellery, furniture, textiles, glass, basketry, photographs and historical written material. Uniquely among collections of its type anywhere in the world, almost everything in the Sturt Collection was made at Sturt and therefore the Sturt Collection tells the story of the development of Australian craft and design since World War II.

With volunteer support we aim to have the Archive Gallery open twice a month. The next confirmed day will coincide with the School for Wood Graduation on Saturday 18 November.

For details: http://www.sturt.nsw.edu.au/about/sturt-permanent-collection In these hands – Ernabella Arts, 70 years of Indigenous art & design Sturt has received a grant of $40,000 from the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support programme, the Federal Department of Communication and the Arts, to support the development and production of our major end of year exhibition in conjunction with Ernabella Arts Centre in South Australia. This special project for Sturt will be a celebration of many things – Ernabella’s 70th birthday, the unique residency collaboration that took place between Sturt and Ernabella in the 1970s and the wonderful contemporary work that is produced now at Ernabella. The funds received will enable us to produce the exhibition to touring standard including a full catalogue and interpretation. The exhibition will open at Sturt on Thursday 7 December.

Who’s in residence? Isabelle Moore, fine furniture maker and chair designer from Scotland is here for eight weeks teaching the chair design component in the Sturt School for Wood. Cara Johnson, graduate jewellery/textile maker from Victoria and winner of our award in last year’s National Contemporary Jewellery Award exhibition will be here for four weeks developing new work in the Jewellery studio.

Exhibitions and Events: Ephemeris - Some notes from the Natural World – continues till 12 November

Idyll - Sturt School for Wood Graduating Exhibition 2017 - 18 November to 3 December The world class Sturt School for Wood accepts just 12 students each year to learn the craft of fine furniture making and design. This end of year exhibition offers a showcase of the exceptional works produced by the students during the year. The exhibition (including graduation ceremony) will be opened by Neil Erasmus, fine furniture maker/designer from WA.

Iris Country Fair The Sturt School for Wood 2017 graduation will be part of the Iris Country Fair that will be held throughout the grounds of Frensham 9.00am-4.00pm on Saturday 18 November.

Artisans Night Market in the gardens at Sturt - Thursday 7 December from 5.00pm Join us for our annual Artisans Night Market when we will have all types of wares on sale from a wide variety of makers in a market style setting in Sturt’s historic gardens. The night will include live music, food and drink on offer, plus the opening of two new exhibitions in Sturt Gallery and some great special offers in Sturt Shop. The perfect night before Christmas is at Sturt.

Full details of all Sturt courses, exhibitions, residency programmes and events can be found on the website www.sturt.nsw.edu.au or to make a booking or enrolment call Sturt Shop on +61 2 4860 2083 or email [email protected]

Mr Mark Viner, Head of Sturt

Deputy Head Every member of the School is being asked to offer part of their day on Saturday 18 November to support our Iris Country Fair, and enthusiasm for taking up opportunities to contribute is building exponentially, as the day approaches. - A once-every-five-years event – the Iris Country Fair is so much more than those who have not attended before can ever imagine! - We expect thousands of visitors on the day because the Fair has built its own momentum and draws interest from well beyond the Highlands. - My particular role on the day is with the Years 7 and 8 Clean-up teams, and we expect to be kept very busy!

Looking Ahead – Jamieson Week The Jamieson Week timetable will be finalised within the next week. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons of Jamieson Week will involve all students in a variety of Year Group activities. As well as Community Service activities there are sessions designed to enhance the existing curriculum and prepare students for tasks they will have next year.

On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, we host local primary school students and Nursing Home residents for two matinee performances of the end-of-year musical, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in Clubbe Hall. Thursday will involve all girls visiting a Nursing Home or Retirement Village to sing Christmas Carols. Friday centres on the traditional Frensham Christmas Lunch.

All students will be actively involved in Jamieson Week.

2018 Sport: In preparation for 2018, girls will be asked to nominate their sporting and extra-curricular involvement for Term 1 before the end of this year. This is designed to assist students to plan their weekly activity schedule and their involvement throughout the year.

Fitness, Health and Well-being a) Year 10 students recently participated in a mental health programme hosted by Batyr, an organisation specialising in Mental Health education for young people. The programme addressed areas of concern identified by students, related to this content area of the PDHPE syllabus. Results for students surveyed after this workshop were: 90% of students reported being more likely to seek help if they needed it.* 100% of students said they felt engaged or very engaged. 98% of students thought it was important to share real stories about mental health. *Research indicates that only around 22% of young people experiencing a mental health problem will seek professional help.

In addition, the following comments were made by students: - ‘Being brave enough to seek help is inspirational. You are enough!’ - ‘I feel a lot more confident about what to do when I need help and who to go to! Thank you so much!’ - ‘It’s given me inspiration to speak up about these issues whether it’s me or other people.’ b) Part of our annual ‘audit’ of peer relations, Year 9 this week completed an online confidential Bullying Survey. When results are analysed they will be reported back to Year 9 and actions agreed to address issues arising.

Mr Geoff Marsh, Deputy Head

Boarding News - Over the last two weekends, girls enjoyed recreational use of The Centenary Pool, outdoor games, local trips and a Macarthur square shopping excursion. - Many girls have been involved in a letter box drop to help inform the locals of the Iris Country Fair. - Please check with your daughters re their requirements for play rehearsals on Saturday and Sunday. - Weekend activities will continue to be published on Schoolbox each Friday.

The Frensham bus from Harden or Yass will be operating on Sunday 12 November: Sunday Return to Frensham: Departure (Harden): 5.00pm from Jackson’s Bakery, East Street, Harden; Departure (Yass): 6.00pm from Yass Junction, McDonald’s Carpark; Arrival (Frensham): approximately 8.00pm. [$50 per student]

Mrs Ros Buick, Director of Planning & Events; Mrs Amanda Wansey, Deputy Head of Boarding

Director of Teaching and Learning The 2018 leaders of Pen and Ink, Katchmirr Russell and Isabella Letherbarrow-Verran, led their first meeting for 2017 last Thursday 2 November with a range of engaging and thoughtfully prepared creative writing activities based on the theme of Adventure. The theme was most apt as they welcomed 10 new members from Years 8 and 9 to the group for the next ‘writing year’.

Amelia Byrne, Meg Fairrie, Eliza Friend, Ruby Halloran, Sophia Pernice, Caitlin Quinn, Anna Rickwood, Georgia Shakeshaft, Eleanor Swan (Year 8) and Ella Haydock (Year 9), together with continuing members from Years 9 to 12, spent two hours writing, sharing and enjoying each other’s creative company. Collaborative, co-constructed adventure poetry warmed up the pens of the group, followed by a predictive piece inspired by the short, animated film version of the fable, The Mouse and the Fox. This then inspired students to begin a longer-term task of writing an adventure story suitable for children, which required concentrated thinking to create characters and settings, appropriate themes and disciplined word choice. Another feature of the evening was the ‘wow factor’ writers elicited as they read their creations aloud to their friends.

Currently, the 2017 edition of the much-anticipated Pen & Ink Collection is under the microscope of editors prior to being formatted for publishing. Contributions have been selected from not only Pen & Ink members, but from students’ work in English and from public speaking events and competitions beyond the classroom. Over 60 Frensham writers in Years 7 to 12 are represented in this year’s edition, the cover of which features the creativity of resident logophile* Harper Northam (Year 10). An excerpt from one of the most recent contributions, submitted by Imogen Senior (Year 10) is published below. The full story can be read in December this year.

Sleeping Beauty Titanium was playing on repeat. Soft footsteps at the door, and a knock. A peeking nose around the corner, IV tubes framed massive wide eyes surveying the sterilised needles and forms. The small chubby arms felt empty without ‘Donkey’, who was placed into a scratched locker on top of coats and toothbrushes, their owners long since gone. Mum’s coat was in there. Maya didn’t know if it would come back out again.

Her mum stirred in the bed, the gown riding up to reveal a pattern of bruises on her stomach. Her hair had taken to falling out and now lay coating the sheets, nurses too busy to deal with such minor problems. Maya stepped forward, old curiosity leading her to the charts blue-tacked to the white walls. Her Year 1 teacher had once expressed concern at the fact the only words she knew how to spell were ‘clots’ and ‘steroids’. Two steps into the room, and only then did she see her daddy sitting on her favourite chair in the corner. Just yesterday she had sat and told a sleeping mother about her newly-received pen licence, a response denied to her excited chatter by the drugs being pumped into the now wrinkled veins.

Maya looked at her daddy’s face. She could see the clinical light reflecting in the streams down his cheeks – a river system worn into the predictable lines. She had never understood this - when she cried it was normally because of blood from a scraped knee, and was accompanied with screams and a well-received scoop of ice-cream. Crying wasn’t for sleeping mums with purple patterns on their belly.

With a glance through the third story window, Maya remembered that fairy-tale her mum had read to her early last year, about the sleeping princess in the tower who was awoken with a kiss. A smile crept across her face…

*logophile: Someone who loves words is called a logophile. Despite there being quite a few of us word-lovers, logophile is not common enough to find its way into most dictionaries. Logophile comes from two Greek roots--logos, meaning ‘speech, word, reason’ and philos, meaning ‘dear, friendly’.

Ms Kate Chauncy, Director of Teaching and Learning, P-12 and Coordinator of Gifted & Talented Programmes

Director of Studies Year 7 Reports will be emailed this week and Year 8 Reports the following week. It is important to understand that in many instances there can be a significant difference between a student’s examination marks and course marks. Course marks in practical subjects such as PDHPE, Visual Arts, Music and Technology include assessments in which performance or completed products often inform marks. Also, many students are better able to demonstrate their learning with hand-in tasks than under examination conditions. Assessment is designed to provide a variety of methods to determine skills and knowledge to allow all students success. The assessment programme, conducted over the academic year by each subject area, acknowledges the different ways in which students learn and provides a range of opportunities for them to demonstrate achievement of their learning. Different modes of assessment include work samples, oral tasks, research projects, portfolios and classwork.

Year 10 students are currently sitting examinations and Year 9 students will complete their examinations in Week 6. Examinations are an assessment of knowledge and skills under timed conditions. Students are prepared for this style of

assessment in several ways. Girls know what to expect in terms of the format and style of questions, and the content areas being examined. Teachers prepare students for examinations using the following strategies: Guiding the process of analysing questions/content areas (highlighting and breaking down each part of the examination) ͒ Notification and focusing on key terms. ͒ Using prepared exemplar responses and/or past examination papers/questions to model answers with students. ͒ Providing guidance and instruction about the study methods appropriate for their subject. This includes specifying areas of ͒ focus for review and study during Prep and time beyond the classroom. Annual examinations for Years 7-10 are stand-alone tasks and are reported on separately from course work. Examination notifications and timetables are published to students in advance to facilitate prioritising of revision programmes. ͒

Examinations are a form of summative assessment and only one means of measuring a student’s developing competence in achieving course outcomes. It is important to remember that it is the daily classroom teaching and learning activities in which students participate that facilitates achievement - not the testing.

Year 12, 2018 students have commenced their HSC assessment programme with the first tasks in most subjects being spread over the remaining weeks of this term.

Ms Janene van Gogh, Director of Studies – in Residence

English and Drama Drama As we come to the end of another year, we have so much for which to be thankful, particularly for the dramatic opportunities students have had in the classroom as well as on and off the stage. With their final examinations almost complete, students in Years 10 and 12 Drama will have completed the Stage 5 and Stage 6 courses respectively and students in Years 8 and Year 10 have will have selected their subjects for Years 9 and Year 11 to commence in 2018.

So, why choose Drama?

Drama is a unique tool to explore and express human feelings which are fundamental to who we are. People usually do not realise that we unknowingly use Drama skills every day. Drama assists in the development of: the use of imagination powers of creative self-expression decision-making and problem-solving skills an understanding of self and the world self-confidence, a sense of worth and respect and consideration for others

At Frensham, Drama is one of many subjects that extends well beyond the classroom, with school plays and performances presented throughout the year. Rehearsals for this year’s end-of-year musical, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast are well under way. Everyone has been working incredibly hard and we are all very excited to showcase the talent and dedication of those involved during Jamieson Week.

Mrs Sally Hannah, Head of Drama

English Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. – Nelson Mandela

‘Politics is a contest of perspectives; a battle people wage with every means available.’ This quote, despite its seeming relevance, is not a reflective comment on our present national or global governments published in the media. It is a statement Year 12 students faced in the HSC Advanced English Paper 2, where they were required to explore how such a ‘contest of perspectives’ was represented in Shakespeare’s history play, Henry IV Part 1 and a related text of their own choosing. Having studied themes such as honour, leadership, ambition, power and the legitimacy of rule, Frensham students generally found the question provided them with a good opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of people and politics in the play, and in related texts as varied as Picasso’s famous painting Guernica, the SBS documentary series, Australia’s Secret Heroes, and ancient historian Thucydides’ writing of the Melian Dialogue.

In the same examination paper, students had to discuss the extent to which the statement, ‘Speeches aim to manipulate the audience through powerful rhetoric at the expense of substance,’ aligned with their personal view of Egyptian President, Anwar Sadat’s 1977 Speech to the Israeli Knesset and one other of the speeches set for study. The prescribed speeches represent a

range of interesting and passionately expressed viewpoints from political addresses such as those by Sadat and Paul Keating in his 1992 Redfern Speech, to the role of stories in developing and sustaining a well-informed literary culture, such as Doris Lessing’s 2007 Nobel Lecture and Geraldine Brooks’ 2011 Boyer Lecture 4. Critical study of language, extensive contextual research, and lively class discussion of the ‘rhetoric’ and ‘substance’ of the seven speeches set for study had prepared the girls to discuss their views of the statement in the HSC question with confidence and conviction.

Standard English students were similarly required to demonstrate their ability to connect their understanding of the themes of a text with other texts. One of their Paper 2 questions asked them to consider the extent to which the statement, ‘The significance of personal interactions lies in individuals gaining new perceptions of themselves and others,’ applied to the 2008 film, The Black Balloon and another text of their own choosing. These skills were also tested in the common Advanced/Standard Paper 1, which focused on the Area of Study, Discovery. Using previously unseen texts to justify their views, students were required to write about aspects of discovery relating to delight, a journey and speculation, before exploring the idea that unexpected discoveries can be intensely meaningful.

These examples of summative HSC assessment of the English Standard and Advanced courses demonstrate the focus of the current Stage 6 Syllabus on the complex meanings of texts, and their connection with the personal, social, historical and cultural contexts that produce and value them. Of course, the syllabus also includes well-known literary texts such as the work of Australian poet (and Frensham Old Girl, 1936) Rosemary Dobson, and Virginia Woolf’s classic modernist novel, Mrs Dalloway. Our students are indeed fortunate to have the opportunity for deep engagement with such an array of classic and contemporary reading and viewing. Their study of English fosters higher-order social, aesthetic and cultural literacy, while encouraging them to develop a strong sense of themselves as autonomous, reflective and creative learners. Importantly, students develop their enjoyment of English, and an appreciation of its value and role in learning, in a way that promotes self- awareness and broadens their experience of the past and present world, allowing them to not only deal effectively with change, but to bring it about.

Ms Jennie Mickle, Director of English

French This year, most year groups have had the opportunity of informal ‘chats’ in French with our native-speaker ‘assistante’, Madame Annie Chabert-Mackay. During the one-on-one sessions, Mme Chabert, a trained teacher, brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and understanding of the needs of language learners to develop strategies for self-expression in a foreign language.

These sessions benefit the girls and improve their language skills quite considerably. The students bring an intense concentration to each interview and work to the best of their ability to express themselves fluently and comprehensibly, bringing together all the structures, concepts and grammar they have studied in class to produce a meaningful communication in an authentic environment. We are grateful for Mme Chabert’s contribution to the success of the faculty.

Mme Mary Kidner, Teacher of French

Latin Girls in Years 9 and 10 are sitting their examinations this week and next. Following their examinations, Year 10 students who plan to continue their Latin studies will have a taste of Year 11 work over two weeks of Stage 6 Orientation. During this time they will extend their study of grammar and engage with authentic Latin texts, mainly the poetry of Gaius Valerius Catullus (c. 84-54BC), Rome’s first and most popular love poet.

Ms Liz Stephenson and Miss Victoria Akins, Teachers of Latin

Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) Orientation for Year 10 into 11 is currently being prepared by HSIE staff. Students in all HSIE subjects will be engaged in a variety of experiences in all subjects, focused on showcasing the key skills in each. It is an important time for Year 10 students and should there be any questions about the content studied or the skills required for success in senior HSIE subjects, they are encouraged to ask their teacher.

On Saturday 11 November, Ella Pratt and Desiree Chan (Year 11) will deliver the student address at the Mittagong RSL Sub- Branch Remembrance Day Service. They will focus on the Spring Offensive and Allied Counter Offensive that took place 100 years ago this year. Their contribution will focus on the Australian involvement in these campaigns and the experience of Australian soldiers. This will also be the focus of the school’s Remembrance Day assembly on Friday, which will be led by the Year 12 Modern History class.

Studies Highlights Senior students are working through their first HSC topic. Ancient History students are learning about government and society in Ancient Sparta and have shown particular concern about the plight of the helots, the enslaved population in Spartan society. Modern History students are engaged in using sources to examine the Home Fronts in Britain and Germany during the First World War. Economics students are witnessing how world politics can have such a significant impact on the economy, particularly focusing on international organisations. Students in Business Studies are studying how large businesses develop human resources strategies to enhance their success. Geography students are examining fragile ecosystems under threat.

Year 10 girls are currently taking their Term 4 examinations. Students of Australian Studies and History Elective will be tested on core areas of content and the skills necessary to succeed in these subjects. Year 7 are about to deliver their World Studies assessment. This focuses on natural hazards, students will be delivering a presentation on how the hazard happens and how different groups prepare and respond to these disasters. Working in groups, students have demonstrated excellent group work capacities and the presentations will be a wonderful learning experience for all students in World Studies.

Mr Stephen Clarke, Head of HSIE

Jamieson Programme The Jamieson Programme began with Jamieson Weekends in 1986 when some of the bequest of Hilda Jamieson was used to buy camping equipment for Frensham. It has expanded since then to become an integral programme in the School, built on the belief that ‘… Exposure to challenges, in a secure environment, can awaken in young people a belief in themselves which will stay with them throughout their lives…’

Year 7: Students are composing Shadow Books for Year 7, 2018, as well as continuing their study of Frensham history.

Year 9: Last Thursday, 27 October, it was a pleasure to welcome former MP Katrina Hodgkinson who addressed Year 9 students on Women in Politics. She took the students through the work of Parliament and educated them on the four separate parliamentary departments. The students were impressed with Ms Hodgkinson’s recount of her entry into politics and the challenges she has faced in her career. Across Australia women continue to be significantly under-represented in parliament and executive government, with females comprising less than one third of all parliamentarians and one fifth of all ministers. The girls were interested in Ms Hodgkinson’s perspective on gender in politics and the broader context of women in leadership and executive decision-making roles in Australia.

Year 9 students completed their Cambridge IGCSE examination on Global Perspectives last Thursday. The teaching staff comprising Dr Burg, Mrs Harris, Mr Nash and Ms Farmer, congratulate Year 9 the students on their fine efforts in the two Individual Research Projects as well as the Group Project.

This Thursday, students will complete a Walk in Her Shoes activity to raise awareness on how, in developing countries, some women have to walk hours each day to collect food, water and firewood, often in rugged terrain and under quite dangerous circumstances. The hours spent walking prevents the women from spending time going to school or earning an income. Students and staff will walk approximately seven kilometres around Mt Alexandra and the Mittagong area. Upon their return, they will reflect on the toll that a walk like that every day, often carrying 10-15 kilograms of water or firewood, would have on their schooling, leisure time and physical wellbeing.

Ms Merrilee Harris, Jamieson Programme Coordinator

Mathematics The Mathematics Club was enjoyed by the 37 girls who attended last week. A treasure hunt consisting of six questions scattered around the School for four different groups had the girls racing across campus to try and complete as many questions as they could. New Heads of Mathematics Club, Jessica Latimer and Gabrielle Steiner, are congratulated for embracing their leadership roles with such passion and enthusiasm.

Years 9 and 10 girls have been working industriously to review the year’s work in preparation for their examinations and it has been impressive to see their work ethic and ‘grit’, as well as the collaborative efforts of all girls to help each other.

After having completed an examination in Term 3, Years 7 and 8 continue to work in the lead up to a final assessment task which is scheduled towards the end of term. During this process, students are being assisted to learn how to approach longer assessments and develop good study and examination techniques as a continuing focus.

Mrs Yvette Semler, Head of Mathematics

Music Year 9 Music students enjoyed their Meet the Music concert at the Sydney Opera House last week. It was the product of collaboration between the divine voice and music of Australian vocalist, Katie Noonan and Michael Leunig's charming drawn characters. The girls were surprised and delighted to have Leunig drawing right there in the Concert Hall with his images thrown up onto a screen as part of the performance.

LEFT: Kennedy Strings spent last Monday afternoon in workshops and performances with one of Australia’s L-R: Emily Senior, Charlotte Senior, Zoe Gallagher (Year 7), Elvira premiere early music ensembles, the Berzins (Year 10), Paige Medich, Madeleine Mulligan (Year 8) Australian Haydn Ensemble.

The Ensemble arrived with five musicians, including a double bass player and each player gave our musicians close attention in sectional rehearsals. The visiting musicians addressed issues of stylistic phrasing, dynamics, bowing technique and ensemble, as the students rehearsed a Vivaldi Concerto for Two Violins (Op.3, No.8). They also brought with them an accessible Telemann piece that the ensemble will enjoy performing in the future.

Term 4 Concert Practice was run entirely by Extension Music student, Georgia Richardson (Year 11). She liaised with the performers beforehand and instituted a new policy requiring each performer to give the audience a few brief insights into their chosen piece.

Mr Michael Spencer, Head of Music

Science Year 9 Science classes are studying the topic, Natural Resources and have spent time testing the abiotic factors of the creek running through the Lower Holt. Factors tested included pH of the water and the soil, turbidity, temperature, water salinity and dissolved oxygen content. Consensus was that the creek is fairly healthy at the moment, but turbidity becomes a problem close to the Centennial Bridge due to lack of rainfall in recent months.

L-R: Harriette Beedle, Gabrielle Metua, Annaleena Turnbull testing turbidity (Year 9)

L-R: Olivia Laverty, Lara Kyriazis and Phoebe Lyne carrying out food tests (Year 7)

An athlete’s preparation, diet and equipment choices are all governed by the application of scientific analysis and understanding. During their study of Science of the Athlete, Year 7 students will follow the preparation of an athlete for the Olympic Games. Hands-on activities such as heart dissections, food tests, energy content of food tests and measurement of lung capacity help students to look at the functioning of their own bodies and relate this to the needs of elite athletes.

This week saw the conclusion of the first Drone Academy programme at Frensham, completed by all Year 10 students. In the project, students constructed their remote control and learned the syntax of the Arduino coding language used to programme the remote and control the drone. They learned fundamental coding concepts such as variables, inputs, outputs, if statements, timers and loops, through undertaking activities during which they: controlled the remote-control’s speaker customised the drone’s lights Harriet Taylor, Amelia Thomson, Georgina Ridge with their pre-programmed flight paths for the remote controls and drones drones programmed the IR sensors on the remote to trigger manoeuvres in flight programmed the remote’s dual joysticks to allow free flight around ‘obstacle courses’ customised code to play games of drone battle-tag

Additionally, Year 10 students have just completed a collaborative project in which they applied their knowledge of Physics (displacement, velocity, acceleration and Newton’s Laws) to complete a firsthand investigation to analyse the motion of the drones in flight.

Science staff offer their congratulations to Year 10 for their spirit of adventure and positive attitude toward undertaking this programme. Their determination to succeed and resilience in the face of technological challenges made it a wonderful learning experience for staff and students alike.

Mrs Alison Andrew, Head of Science

The F1 in Schools Regional Competition was held at The Ponds High School on Tuesday 5 September. Year 8 student teams, Peregrine (Grace Lewis, Eleanor Swan and Eliza Friend); Lightning Storm (Sachi Darling, Lara Tait); Blitz (Amy Thompson, Adelaide Alker), and Sudo (Madeleine Mulligan, Amelia Guilfoyle) were invited to compete.

Peregrine was awarded the Regional Championship with Blitz a close Reserve Regional Champions. The Lightning Storm team had the fastest car on the day and the teams were all commended for the documentation of their development of the F1 car.

Peregrine’s success at the Regional F1 Race Day allowed them to attend the State F1-in-Schools Competition at the Western Sydney University, Parramatta Campus from 23-25 October. The girls Eleanor Swan, Eliza Friend and Grace Lewis were competing with a range of schools in the Cadet section state-wide. Their F1 cars' speed, durability and overall performance on track were assessed, together with their documentation of design, manufacturing processes and aero dynamical testing.

Peregrine was awarded the Best Engineered Car and the Best Portfolio Documentation, which, together with their racing results, meant they won the F1 in Schools State Championship.

Congratulations to all competitors on a most successful year at the F1-in- Schools Competition. Students in all Frensham teams are commended for their resilience and enthusiasm.

Ms Sophie Piper, Senior Teacher in Innovation, Design and Technology

PDHPE Currently, a revised PDHPE syllabus K-10 is awaiting confirmation with possible implementation in 2019. What is clear is the three-strand model that will form the basic structure of this syllabus. The three strands include:

Health, Wellbeing and Relationships focuses on developing the knowledge, understanding and skills students need to build respectful relationships, enhance personal strengths and explore personal identity to promote the health, safety and wellbeing of themselves and others.

Healthy, Safe and Active Lifestyles is designed to provide opportunities for students to participate in meaningful learning experiences that combine health, safety, wellbeing and physical activity concepts.

Movement Skill and Performance promotes an approach that focuses on active participation in a broad range of movement contexts to develop movement skill and enhance performance.

While many of these content areas are taught at present, a further focus in the new syllabus will be on self-management, interpersonal and movement skills. The PDHPE Faculty will conduct their annual review of programme and assessment units prior to the end of the year and will be mindful of ensuring that the knowledge and skills of our subject align with current research and health data to provide students with valid, meaningful experiences in PDHPE.

Ms Janene van Gogh Acting Head of PDHPE

Sport Wet Weather arrangements for Saturday Sport Cancellations of Saturday Sport are rarely made before Saturday morning, unless a venue notifies IGSSA that the facilities will not be playable prior to this. [See details on Schoolbox re three ways to access information direct from IGSSA.]

Tildesley Tennis The first round of selections is being finalised this week. All girls selected for the squad will then progress to play matches to determine the singles and doubles teams. The remaining girls will play an important role as lines girls for this two-day tournament to be held in March next year.

Softball Trials Selections for Teams 1 and 2 Softball will commence in Week 6B this term. Any player wishing to be selected for either team must attend trials on Tuesday and Friday mornings: 6.10am-7.10am.

Miss Erin Gray, Acting Head of Sport

Visual Arts/Design & Technology This week, the School was informed that eleven Visual Arts Bodies of Work were nominated for inclusion in ARTEXPRESS 2. This extensive number of nominated works (approximately 25% of the cohort) reflected in part the outstanding overall standard achieved by students studying Visual Arts for the HSC this year. The nominated Bodies of Work are:

Liana Berzins - Portrait of a Culture (Painting) Four detailed paintings which explore the rich cultural history of her family Ruby Crane - Not All Smiles (Printmaking) Using her father as the subject, five multi-plate prints exploring the power of facial expressions Georgina Fuller -Taking Atoll (Ceramics) Five highly intricate ceramic forms which explore the damage caused to coral reefs Laura Gardner – Boundless Plains to Share? (Sculpture) A sculptural work which addressed issues relating to the detention of refugees in Australia; Emily Ives - Our Family (Printmaking) A series of finely etched portraits which documents three generations of her family Natasha Long - The Subjectivity of Spontaneity (Painting) Four paintings of Abstract Expressionist artists rendered in a realistic and ironic way Matilda Martin - Crowd of Consciousness (Painting) Five evocative and expressive paintings of everyday life on city streets Sophie Montgomery - Kooyong (Painting) Three detailed, layered paintings of livestock on her property Annabel Munro - Drawn to Create (Sculpture)

Three innovative portraits of an artist, formed by the physical forms of pencils Molly-Rose Renowden - Control (Printmaking) Three unique sculptural forms and three prints exploring the issue of culling animals Róisín Spencer - Still Not Listening (Collection of Works) A refined series of painted and printed works which explores the effect of introduced species on native flora and fauna.

Congratulations to all girls on their nominations, and we wish them well for the next stage of the process, when Bodies of Work are selected for this showcase exhibition.

Pictured below: Supported by the Rotary Club of Bowral, secondary schools in the Southern Highlands were invited to contribute a painting to be installed on the wall of the Empire Cinema Walk. During late Term 2 and early Term 3, Year 11 students Alice Battcock, Celia Battcock, Isabella Camilleri, Darcey Gwynn-Jones and Stella Wilde designed and executed a painting, featuring a creative and imaginative representation of the flora, fauna and landscape of the Southern Highlands region. Their colourful, expressive painting (along with works by other schools) was installed and opened for public viewing on Thursday 26 October.

Mr Phil Alldis, Head of Visual Arts and Design