TERM 2 - WEEK 7 JUNE 2021

IN THIS ISSUE

The Headmistress Junior School Chaplain Senior School Shuttle Community Time flies faster than a weaver’s shuttle.

FROM THE HEADMISTRESS 2021: Our Year of Connection Reconciliation – true connection with our First Nations people

Mrs Megan Krimmer Headmistress

This week, our Junior and Senior School girls have participated systemic racism as well as speaking up about them, joining in poignant and meaningful activities as the School clubs or groups, or even signing policy petitions. There are commemorated Reconciliation Week, a very important week limitless ways you can act towards reconciliation; nothing is too in our nation’s calendar. Reconciliation Week, beginning on 27 small or too big.” May, immediately follows National Sorry Day and is bookended by two very significant anniversaries: the 1967 Referendum and At the assembly, we were very fortunate to be entertained by the historic Mabo decision (1992). the Year 8 First Nations students from Riverview – supported by Mr Kaleb Taylor, Riverview’s First Nations Program Coordinator. In an entirely student led Senior School assembly, we The boys danced and Kaleb shared language and the stories recognised 20 years of reconciliation in Australia and almost behind the dances, while recognising the importance of the three decades of Australia’s formal reconciliation process. Led land on which Abbotsleigh stands and its significance to the by the Mana Allawah Club, the assembly celebrated Aboriginal traditional owners. and Torres Strait Islander history and culture. Sophie Oakeshott (Year 11) spoke of this year’s theme ‘More than a word. We then heard a powerful message from Isaiah Dawe. Isaiah Reconciliation takes action’ and what it means: is a 26-year-old Butchulla and Garawa Salt Water Aboriginal man. He founded the first Aboriginal mentoring organisation “On the official Reconciliation Australia website, it states by to support Aboriginal youth in out of home care. It is a not-for- definition, ‘This year’s theme urges the reconciliation movement profit organisation called ID. Know Yourself. Their mission is towards braver and more impactful action,’ thus focusing on to break the inter-generational trauma and disadvantage by transforming awareness into action. To me, the most important establishing belonging, discovering purpose and empowering part of this year’s theme is the word action. positive choices.

It is easy to sit comfortably talking about ‘closing the gap’, but Isaiah shared his story of growing up within the foster care it is something not as easy, but much more impactful, to get up system in New South Wales from the age of two months until he and move. This movement is already evident within our school, was 18. His central message for the girls was to dream big and within the great eagerness to listen and learn about Indigenous focus on what you want in life and stay away from negativity. He culture and by taking the extra steps to apply that knowledge to reminded them of the power of possibility and to always remind encourage a more reconciled school, community and nation. themselves that anything is achievable.

Furthermore, although our words are important, it is our actions In the spirit of this year’s theme, after the assembly the girls that are the change-makers. To create change, we can start were encouraged to pick up a cardboard hand and write what with little things such as participating in organised activities, actions they felt they could take to move forward in ‘closing informing ourselves about current issues of inequality and

Visit the Parent Portal to edit your profile, view the calendar and view parent notices. TERM 2 - WEEK 7 JUNE 2021 the gap’ and reconciliation. They then placed the hands in the and try to achieve it in some form no matter how big or small garden outside the Old Gym beneath the Reconciliation tree. it is”

Anjali Lambotharan (Year 11) encouraged the girls: A huge thank you must go to Ms Hannah Ranby, our Indigenous Support Officer, for all her superb work in the organisation of “...to not just write something down and forget about it. This such a wonderful assembly. activity is for [them] to reflect upon the message on [their] hand TERM 2 - WEEK 7 JUNE 2021

Chaplain

Calm in the storm Mrs Charlotte Galea JS Christian Studies Teacher

Have you ever been worried or anxious about something? friends were terrified and had only seen the big waves. This was the question we considered in Junior School They had forgotten that if Jesus was with them, they had Chapel as we learnt about the story of Jesus calming the no reason to be scared. As a young child feels safe in the storm from Mark, chapter 4. arms of a parent when navigating strong waves at the beach, so too can we feel safe in the strong arms of Jesus Jesus’ disciples were out at sea when a terrible storm hit. Christ, knowing he is in control. They felt their lives were in danger as they lost control of the boat. What made it even more shocking was that Jesus In the book of Philippians, The Apostle Paul encourages us was asleep! It seemed like he didn’t care. Jesus got up and to bring our concerns to God in prayer, “Do not be anxious spoke to the wind and the waves, saying “Quiet! Be still!” about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and At the sound of his voice the wind died down and the water petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. was completely calm. Like a well-trained dog recognises And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, and obeys his master’s voice, so too the wind and waves will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” recognised Jesus’ voice, the same voice that had made Philippians 4:6-7 them in the very beginning. After rebuking the wind and the waves, Jesus turned to his disciples and asked them “Why are you so afraid?” Jesus’ TERM 2 - WEEK 7 JUNE 2021 Community

Lifeline Book Fair Mrs Trisha Roy Community Relations Manager

Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury’s major book fair will again be held at Knox Grammar School, Wahroonga on:

• Thursday 1 July, from 9 am-9 pm • Friday 2 July, from 9 am-9 pm • Saturday 3 July, from 9 am-5 pm • Sunday 4 July, from 9 am-5 pm on the income received from their book fairs, which are run Lifeline offers an important service to our community. In entirely by volunteers, to maintain this work. addition to the 13 11 14 crisis support telephone service, they provide a range of counselling services and rely heavily For more information, download the flyer.

A Glimmer of Glow A celebration of life, light and learning Ms Terri Moore A Glimmer of Glow will showcase student projects and Head of Research, Learning and Enrichment performance pieces developed this semester through our Senior School programs. Service clubs will be dishing up some wonderful treats at our Chapel Walk food stalls. Enjoy Wednesday 16 June 2021 a range of performances by our musical ensembles and join 5.30-8.30 pm in with the light-up games and activities. We look forward to welcoming you to this celebration of learning. Senior School Campus TERM 2 - WEEK 7 JUNE 2021

We warmly invite you to a concert that celebrates Abbotsleigh’s senior ensembles and farewells our Year 12 musicians in their final performances. Tuesday 15 June 7 pm Peter Duly Concert Hall

Gala at the Gallery –

don’t miss out! Abbotsleigh Foundation Fundraising Event Ms Sasha Carrel A Night of Celebration Fundraising Manager Saturday 14 August 2021 Art Gallery of NSW 6.30-11 pm More than 50% of tickets have already sold for the Abbotsleigh Foundation’s major fundraiser for 2021. This event will sell out! You can use NSW Dine and Discover vouchers when Avoid disappointment and book now! (individual tickets or booking. (Note, these vouchers expire on Wednesday 30 tables of 10) June.) If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for your You also have the option to purchase $30 tickets to a VIP business at this event, or you would like to contribute a exclusive viewing of the 2021 Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prize for our silent or live auctions, please contact me or call Prizes Exhibition being held prior to the event commencing 9473 7738. at 6 pm. TERM 2 - WEEK 7 JUNE 2021 Junior School

Altruism in practice

Ms Sally Ruston Head of Junior School

If we count the ways in which we give and keep score to to purchase equipment to make solar lights for students in ensure that each offering is repaid in full, it is very easy to Vanuatu. Light Up Vanuatu is a national campaign for IPSHA develop a negative mindset and a sense of entitlement. At member schools to eradicate extreme energy poverty in Abbotsleigh we have a culture of giving, of being outwardly Vanuatu. The Year 1 students have discussed the importance focused and a desire to help our girls understand the of education in providing a pathway out of poverty. They opportunities that abound and responsibilities that are learnt that in remote parts of Vanuatu, there is no electricity inherent when contributing to a fully functioning community. so children cannot continue reading and learning after dark. This is especially so when we consider just how fortunate The girls want to give the gift of light to as many families as our girls and our families are in the main. possible. Throughout this term we are looking to raise funds to purchase the solar light kits. Please help us buy as many Indeed, one of our school values – ‘Integrity’ speaks of ‘doing kits as possible to Light Up Vanuatu. what it right; not easy’. Such behaviour is essential, as acts of kindness are also crucial in building emotional wellbeing In Term 4 the Knox and Abbotsleigh Year 1 students, in for the girls. Last Sunday was the Salvation Army’s Red partnership with SolarBuddy will build the solar lights and Shield Appeal and while door knocking was not possible this ship them to Vanuatu with an accompanying letter from time around, our girls raised $360.70 through their chapel each student. collection for this worthwhile cause.

On Friday, in Primary assembly, we were treated to an informative and inspiring presentation from the educators at St Lucy’s to kick off our Week Without Words campaign. We were again reminded of the communication struggles faced by many of the children at St Lucy’s and the great benefit technology is to enhance their ability to engage.

We also know of the great expense of such technology. Thus, our Year 3 girls have stepped up to find innovative and creative ways of raising funds. From colourful badges and key rings to bookmarks and St Lucy’s memorabilia, the girls are busy creating and selling their wares. Understanding a need in others and responding demonstrably is altruism in While we have already raised more than $2,000, we are keen practice. We will all share in a silent morning tea on Friday to continue to do our best for the students in Vanuatu. To to build empathy and insight to the challenges associated donate to this service initiative, please click here. with when non verbal communication is our only means of engaging. This past week all staff and girls have had the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for the Cancer Council through On Wednesday of this week our girls donned yellow attire hosting the ‘Biggest Morning Tea’ with treats in the Tuckshop and were involved in a full day of activities and assemblies and a remarkable spread for staff. Collectively we raised to honour and recognise our Indigenous past through our nearly $1,900 to support this cause that does such good Reconciliation Day events. Fundraising was also a feature through research and support of people experiencing cancer. on this day. Read more about this important event in the following article. The Year 5 girls will have the opportunity to build more meaningful relationships with the aged care facilities of We are collaborating with Knox in the School Aid appeal to the Upper North Shore. They will now visit their Adopted ‘Light Up Vanuatu’. This involves Year 1 girls at Abbotsleigh Grandparents to enhance their empathy, understanding joining forces with Year 1 boys at Knox to initially raise funds and service. TERM 2 - WEEK 7 JUNE 2021

At the end of the year, the girls will have the opportunity to In times that can be troubled, it is so affirming, reassuring hone their spelling skills in our end of year Fact-a-thon. Last and uplifting to be attentive to the good people do, day in, year we raised $18,761.35 for St Jude’s in Tanzania as we day out around us. Such focus away from self is an important honed our mathematical skills in the Fact-a-thon. habit to acquire in shoring up our wellbeing.

The girls have been quick to email me with examples of their peers modelling the School Values so that we can present bookmarks in assembly to applaud such impressive behaviours.

Reconciliation Week Ms Emily McMahon Classroom Teacher

In Week 7 on Wednesday 2 June, the Junior School recognised Reconciliation Week.

The Junior School came together to be a part of a traditional Smoking Ceremony which included a welcome song and dance. The girls were engaged in different activities throughout the day and asked thoughtful questions. The Junior School participated in a farewell concert where the girls were invited to perform a dance that they had learnt.

A beautiful canvas artwork was gifted to the School which It was delightful seeing the girls in their yellow attire. In total, was made by the Year 5 and Year 6 girls. This artwork will be the Junior School raised $283.05, which will be donated to placed in the new Learning Hub for all students to enjoy and Children’s Ground. symbolise our unity. Thank you to all the parents who donated and thank you to all the students for their enthusiastic participation. TERM 2 - WEEK 7 JUNE 2021

Kids’ Lit Quiz 2021 Ms Sally Ruston Head of Junior School

Abbotsleigh Junior School enjoyed participating in the 2021 Sydney heat of the Kids’ Lit Quiz on Monday 24 May at Jasper Road Public School.

Our Stage 3 girls drew upon their wide reading to answer challenging questions about children’s literature.

Question categories included snakes, birthdays, captains and the classics. Special congratulations to our Year 6 girls who placed 8th overall in this thrilling competition. Well done girls!

Year 6 team: Neave Bailey, Serena Chi, Becky Qiu, Ashleigh Xu

Year 5 team: Yiran Bi, Hailey Chan, Meredith Evans, Ria Kim

Tails of Hamelin Ms Darcy-Lee Tindale AbbSchool Speech and Drama Coordinator

Friday night has sold out; however, tickets are still available for Thursday evening 10 June at 7 pm and the Wednesday matinée 9 June at 12.45 pm. Bookings through Humanitix. Please read the CovidSafe instructions upon purchase of your tickets.

Cast and crew will have a full dress rehearsal this Saturday 5 June from 2-4.30 pm. Professional photos will be taken on the day and available through Anthony Khoury Photography. Cast members need to bring the correct shoes and any additional items needed for their costume. Hair and make-up Book and lyrics by Chris Blackwood will be done by staff and supplied on the day. Music by Piers Chater Robinson

If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact me.

I’m really looking forward to seeing the end result and think it will be an energetic, memorable and colourful performance. The girls have been a delight to work with and have really put their all into this year’s production. From the cast and crew, we hope you enjoy the show. Please note the important dates below.

Full dress run and cast photos

• Saturday 5 June, 2-4.30 pm Wednesday 9 June Tickets 12.45-1.45 pm – Matinée Production $25 adults $16 students Thursday 10 June 7-8 pm – Evening Performance 1 • Wednesday 9 June 12.45-1.45 pm Everett Hall Abbotsleigh Junior School Friday 11 June • Thursday 10 June 7-8 pm 7-8 pm – Evening Performance 2 Visit https://events.humanitix.com/tails-of-hamelin • Friday 11 June 7-8 pm (sold out) Masks are to be worn on the night TERM 2 - WEEK 7 JUNE 2021

Infants Athletics Carnival 2021

Mr Paul Guirreri Head of JS Sport and PDHPE

After missing the 2020 renewal thanks to COVID-19, last Friday Congratulations to the following girls who were awarded saw another edition of our JS Infants Athletics Carnival brought Outstanding Athlete Pennants: back to life. Kindergarten: Isabella Brunacci, Arya Parashar, Leah van On a glorious sunny day, the girls gave their best at each activity Niekerk, Michelle Wang demonstrating persistence, skill and house spirit. The girls took part in a sprinting race; various field events including shot put, Year 1: Emmalyn Chen, Rachel Lin, Charlotte Newton, discus, long jump, high jump and vortex. Our Colour House Ellivia Zhang Cross Country race was a big highlight with some fabulous Year 2: Imogen Bailey, Andelaine Mackie, Elmina Ng teamwork evident, particularly from our Year 6 Captains, who displayed such amazing support, encouragement and leadership Well done to Blaxland who won the House Points Competition! to the girls. The novelties were also a big hit with the class vs parents tug-o-war match-ups a highlight of the day! A special thank you to our Year 6 Captains who were absolutely outstanding in everything they did to help make the day such Congratulations to all the Infants girls for such wonderful a success and also to our wonderful parent helpers who so displays of sportsmanship, enthusiasm, team spirit and generously gave their time to support the girls! athleticism throughout the day. TERM 2 - WEEK 7 JUNE 2021

Term 3 IPSHA Saturday Sport AFL and touch football trials Mr Paul Guirreri Head of JS Sport and PDHPE

Next week we will be holding our Term 3 IPSHA Saturday Notice: Primary athletics trials rescheduled Sport trials for AFL and touch football. All girls are required to wear their full PE uniform to the trials. Girls who are Unfortunately, we had to postpone our Primary athletics playing AFL must have a mouthguard, which is mandatory. trials on Thursday due to the wet weather. The trials have been rescheduled for Monday 7 June. Please ensure that The trials will be held on the Junior School Oval from your daughter has all her requirements on the day as per the 3.20-4.30 pm as follows: original note sent home to parents.

• Year 6: Monday 7 June • Year 5: Wednesday 9 June • Years 3 and 4: Thursday 10 June

Fantastic fencers Mr Paul Guirreri Head of JS Sport and PDHPE

Congratulations to Elaine Wu in 3L and Ellivia Zhang in 1G who both Their coach, Ping Yuan, commented that the girls, who have been competed in the NSW Mini Series 2 Fencing Championships on 23 fencing for two years, are hard working, show great self-control, are May and 30 May 2021. dedicated, enthusiastic and loyal students.

Elaine won a gold medal in the U10 girls foil individual event and Ellivia won a bronze medal in the U8 girls foil individual event. TERM 2 - WEEK 7 JUNE 2021 Senior School

Abbotsleigh’s TEK Piano Trio competes in Musica Viva’s Strike a Chord competition Mrs Ingrid Little SS Music Teacher

Congratulations to our TEK Piano Trio who received a to dynamic variation is particularly fine; there is a nice Bronze Award for their participation in Musica Viva’s Strike a feeling in the group with good communication; Keep up the Chord National Chamber Music Competition for secondary good work!” school ensembles. We thank Musica Viva for this wonderful opportunity to Abbotsleigh’s TEK Piano Trio is formed by Trinity Teh on showcase our chamber groups. The Abbotsleigh TEK Piano violin, Emma Yap on ‘cello and Kotoko Takehara on piano. Trio continues to further explore their potential and we wish The students performed two movements from Haydn’s them every success for the year ahead in the joy of making ‘Gypsy’ Piano Trio in G Major for the competition. This is the music with friends. first time Abbotsleigh has entered such a competition.

Part of the championship requires each group to submit two separate video recordings – the first is of their performance, and the second is a spoken introduction of the group. A recording of TEK Piano Trio’s performance in digital format was then submitted earlier this term.

The jurors were Blair Harris, a highly regarded solo ‘cellist and member of Southern Cross Soloists and Ensemble Offspring and Elyane Laussade, a Juilliard graduate and solo pianist who has performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and been featured by ABC Classic FM.

Both jurors were highly impressed by Abbotsleigh’s TEK Piano Trio – “A sensitive performance; your attention

Year 7 Ancient Egypt History incursion Ava Martinez Year 7

The Year 7 History incursion involved a range of The tombs and paintings-based activity involved imagining Ancient Egyptian themed activities that were not only what the tomb of Tutankhamen would have looked like enjoyable and interactive, but also informative and a vital and identifying the meaning behind each tomb painting, learning opportunity. which was a depiction of the preparation for the afterlife. Furthermore, we drew the specific way the Egyptians drew to In archaeology, we looked at pieces of pottery that dated gain an insight into their beliefs/religion. back from 2,000 to 4,000 years ago and learnt about what information can be inferred from an artefact like this. In The Tut Truck was a favourite with all the History classes addition, we experienced how an archaeologist would figure where we watched historical videos and look at replicas out the gender and cause of death by analysing a replica of a of artefacts mentioned in the video. Some artefacts human skull. were authentic! TERM 2 - WEEK 7 JUNE 2021

The seals activity provided us with a souvenir from this incredible incursion where we were given the opportunity to work with clay and embed different types of seals into the clay, including the pharaoh’s seal.

Overall, this incursion provided fun activities and was a valuable learning experience. TERM 2 - WEEK 7 JUNE 2021

Year 8 History excursion Lara Valmadre Year 8

On 27 May, Abbotsleigh Year 8 History students boarded a train the site of a replica of the Union Jack flag at Sydney Cove, and to the city to explore the earliest days of European contact we saw an anchor which was recovered from Sirius, one of and colonisation. In the weeks leading up to the excursion, the ships of the First Fleet. We then walked back to Wynyard each class had been split into groups to conduct research station and caught the train back to Abbotsleigh. Overall, it on an assigned place that was significant to the First Fleet’s was an incredible day of literally walking through Australia’s colonisation of Australia – the Rocks, the Lanes of the Rocks, colonial history. Dawes Point, Bennelong Point and Barangaroo.

At each of these places we listened to short presentations by the assigned group and completed activity sheets to consolidate and record what we had learned. Additionally, we stopped at TERM 2 - WEEK 7 JUNE 2021

Savouring Year 12 Roshiynie Baskaran, Saskia Jenkins and Anouk Wickham Year 12 Prefects

Term 2 has meant finally being able to wear our Year 12 jerseys! The entire year group loves having something to share and represent the unity of our cohort. Although some girls experienced a few washing and drying problems resulting in a missing letter or two, the jerseys all look incredible.

Our year group recently came together for our last ever carnival at SOPAC. We danced in the bucketing rain, cheered as loudly as we could and watched our House Captains and teachers take on the power walking relay which was very interesting! There was no better way to end this era of carnivals for us.

Now with our third set of HSC assessments behind us, we are well and truly on the final stretch. As the rest of the School winds down towards the end of term, Year 12 is steaming ahead in our preparation for the Trial and HSC exams. However, for now, the idea of exams has been supressed by the upcoming Formal, which is at the forefront of everyone’s minds!

Student Voice through the SRC Olivia Harlamb SRC Prefect

SRC is a wonderful opportunity for the girls to share their ideas and school guidelines, but is also an opportunity to students to and make a difference in the school community. Each year personalise their notes, co-curricular times and homework. group has four SRC representatives that interact with their peers, and then discuss their year groups’ suggestions in our We sent out a survey to Years 7-11, asking what they value in fortnightly meetings. the diary and how they would like to improve it. The majority of suggestions asked for more space for writing notes and With the disruptions of COVID-19, it is more important than homework, as well as maintaining the termly timetables that ever to collaborate across cohorts in order to connect with each allow the girls to plan their term on a single page. other in a time where that has been very difficult. It was very enjoyable to read all the girls’ suggestions and we Recently, SRC has been working on designing the new School can’t wait to see what the diary will look like next year! Diary for 2022. The diary is a crucial part of student life and organisation as it holds crucial information about lesson times TERM 2 - WEEK 7 JUNE 2021

Professional skills Mrs Marg Selby Careers Advisor and Exchange Coordinator

Our successful Health Professionals Career Focus on team needs to be able to differentiate the best ways to Tuesday night illustrated that many health professions communicate to their varied audiences. Thus, obviously, the share a common skill base and regularly work closely need for collaboration is essential, drawing on the differing together. Hence, while their training is different, the way expertise of a range of specialists. Serving the multiple they work offers many similarities. An understanding of the needs of their patients and working towards the best inter-connectedness between health professionals is an possible outcome for them is always vital. important concept for our students to gain in order that they can devise suitable back-up plans when developing their All health professionals are very much part of a service career strategies. industry, where searching for and deciding upon the best treatment plan is just one of the many ways health One obvious skill required by any health worker is emotional professionals can serve their clients. It is quickly evident in intelligence, so that they can skilfully assess the individual the workplace that no one health professional is superior to needs of each patient they treat. However, equally important another. They all rely on the expertise of their colleagues. are a number of other professional skills. Thus, our students need to work on developing a range of Obviously, strong communication skills are paramount, so transferable skills like negotiating and analysing the best that the professionals not only provide their clients with decision-making strategies, in order to prepare them for the sound, unambiguous information, but also so that they can workforce of the future. work together with other health professionals. For current careers information about information sessions It is most often the case that a team approach is taken to and webinars, please visit the Careers page on AbbNet. achieve the best long-term outcomes for the client. The

Day girls vs boarders sport

This week saw the playing of the highly anticipated and hotly contested annual boarders vs day girls matches. Congratulations to the day girls who triumphed in all three sports: netball (21-6), football (6-1) and touch football (5-1). TERM 2 - WEEK 7 JUNE 2021

Senior School 02 9473 7777 An Anglican Pre K-12 Day and Junior School 02 9473 7700 Boarding School for Girls www.abbotsleigh.nsw.edu.au