Shuttle Junior School Time Flies Faster Than a Weaver’S Shuttle

TERM 3 - WEEK 3 ABBOTSLEIGH NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2019

IN THIS ISSUE

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

FROM THE ACTING HEADMISTRESS Look Up, Reach Out: Looking After Our Girls and Each Other Many of you would be aware of the accident that occurred in Wahroonga Village two weeks ago after Saturday sport where a young girl from Loreto ran across Coonanbarra Road into the path of a car.

Mrs Megan Krimmer Headmistress

As the police said numerous times that day, As members of the Abbotsleigh community, UPCOMING EVENTS the driver could not possibly have seen her – I know that you and our girls are well drilled Monday 12 August there were cars parked, cars moving, traffic about our safety rules for our girls walking HSC Trial Examinations lights changing, the girl just ran out; it was in Wahroonga, especially the rule that NO Abbotsleigh Christian certainly not the driver’s fault. Nevertheless, girl is to cross Coonanbarra Road at any Fellowship Prayer Meeting the driver was understandably shattered, as place other than the pedestrian crossing APA Meeting – with Guest were all the witnesses, especially the young near IGA. It is simply too dangerous to Presenter Susan Filan girl’s friends. cross that road anywhere else.

Tuesday 13 August Our girls, notably Charlotte Churchill, Lizzie As a reminder about our rules: girls walking HSC Trial Examinations Ramsay, Pier Sakkar, Ella Turner (Year 11) to and from the Junior School must use Abb-Lib Theatresports and Mia Johnson (Year 9), sports coaches the pedestrian crossings provided when and parents who were at the scene were they cross a road. All girls walking to and Wednesday 14 August nothing short of sensational. The police and from the Senior School from Wahroonga HSC Trial Examinations paramedics were equally sensational. The station or anywhere in the village, must use Year 10 Drama Excursion ‘Life parents of the young girl and I could not be the pedestrian crossing near IGA and the of Galileo’ more grateful. footbridge over the Pacific Highway. The Senior School Play only time a girl has permission not to use Fortunately, the outcome of what was the footbridge is if she is injured and has Thursday 15 August potentially a dire situation, is good. The HSC Trial Examinations written permission from her parents. She young girl who had suffered a head injury may then use the pedestrian crossings on Adult Discussion Group was airlifted to Westmead Hospital. Extensive the Pacific Highway and Ada Avenue until Senior School Play tests showed that her injuries were not she has recovered. life threatening nor permanent, and, after Friday 16 August spending some time in hospital, she is now at The consequences for the girls crossing HSC Trial Examinations home and is due to return to school next week. where they are not supposed to perhaps SS Twilight Athletics appear draconian. However, we cannot Senior School Play As you would expect, everyone, especially the apologise for this. Our girls are simply girl’s parents, the driver, as well as the girl’s too precious for us to allow them to put friends and all those at the scene, are greatly themselves at such risk. relieved by this good news; the outcome could have been so much worse. Some of you will know young people who have been in accidents where the

Visit the Parent Portal to edit your profile, view the calendar and view parent notices.

01 TERM 3 - WEEK 3 ABBOTSLEIGH NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2019 outcomes have not been so positive she did survive, but the consequences roads for that matter) at places other as the young girl above. Indeed, every were horrendous. Suffering severe brain than pedestrian crossings – it’s quick, week, I am reminded about the terrible damage and ongoing physical disability it’s easy, it can save time and so on. consequences of children and young and pain, this once vivacious, highly However, it is just not worth it. people being injured in accidents by a intelligent young girl’s life was changed woman who attends my church. Many forever. None of us wants this to happen Safety must trump convenience years ago, at the age of 10, this former to any of our girls! every time. Abbotsleigh Junior School student was almost fatally injured after running across As I said to the girls in Senior School a road on her way home from school. Yes, assembly last week, it is very tempting to cross Coonanbarra Road (or other

Chaplain

Abbotsleigh Recycles Books to Rural Papua New Guinea Chloe and Madeleine McDonell 8C and 10C

Books provide the power of knowledge In Term 2 both the Junior school (through be paid for months and many schools are and knowledge opens the door to so many Sasha Seeto, 5O) and Senior School held not able to provide up-to-date information opportunities. As Abbotsleigh girls, we are a drive to collect second-hand books and for their students. There are no school or so fortunate to be surrounded by endless textbooks. The response was fantastic public libraries. educational resources that it can be easy with several Abbotsleigh departments to forget the value of books. However, did donating hundreds of textbooks and New textbooks are expensive and most you know that the books that we take for many students donating their own books students struggle to afford books. granted or no longer use are desperately or textbooks from previous years. These The wide variety of books donated by needed in other countries? books were stored in the garage of Mrs Abbotsleigh were given to teachers as Seeto who then packed them into the teaching materials, and to students as Talking to the Heads of Departments, we spare space of shipping containers. extra resources. found that there was a surplus of quality Sasha’s grandmother works closely with The books were given to a ranges of textbooks that were no longer part of the many of the schools and hospitals in the schools from preschool through to tertiary NSW curriculum and therefore of no use. rural areas of PNG and the Seeto family institutions and these are the schools that Although they wished to donate these distributes the books themselves to save were supported: books to areas of need, the opportunity handling costs. to do so was very limited because of • Rabaul Play School the costs involved and the logistics of Sasha and Mrs Seeto first distributed • Kokopo Primary transporting the books. books to East New Britain Province, which is a rural and agricultural area. • Ranguna Elementary In addition, after each school year, we all The schools they selected were large in • St Mary’s Vuvu Secondary end up with a pile of textbooks that we no size but lacked educational resources. • Takubar Elementary longer need and we are at a loose end as Many of the schools were selected by the • Viviran Primary to what to do with them. Seeto family; however, Mrs Seeto also asked a member of Parliament to select • Tauran Primary These books would most likely go some remote schools that needed the to landfill and with the high rate • Malabunga Secondary resources. of disposal that our consumeristic • Destiny Elementary society already generates, we needed Without an initiative like this, it is • Chanel Teachers’ College to do something about it. We were so impossible for a child in rural Papua New We would like to thank all students and fortunate to be put in contact with Guinea to gain access to educational Heads of Departments for their generous an Abbotsleigh parent who kindly books. Most of the schools do not have donations. organises the collection and distribution funding and therefore many schools are of second-hand books from Sydney to forced to close down. Teachers may not rural schools in Papua New Guinea. TERM 3 - WEEK 3 ABBOTSLEIGH NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2019 Community

Saturday Barbecue – 7 September: Volunteers needed! Ms Kathy Campbell APA President

The APA is holding a barbecue on Sign up here. Saturday 7 September at the Senior It’s a great opportunity for us to offer this School. We need your help with service to the Abbotsleigh community volunteering on the day. Please, mums and visiting students and parents. and dads, if your daughter’s game is at Abbotsleigh that day, can you assist for an hour?

Kate Forsyth – More Than a Million Books Sold Ms Kathy Campbell APA President

The APA Book Club is thrilled to have author and Abbotsleigh Old Girl Kate Forsyth at our next Book Club event on Monday 19 August. Kate wrote her first novel at the age of seven and has since sold more than a million copies of her books around the world. Kate’s books have received numerous accolades and awards. Just to name a few, Kate has been awarded: • American Library Association award for Best Historical Fiction 2015 (for Bitter Greens) • The Aurealis Convenors’ Award for Excellence 2016 • The William Atheling Jr Award for Criticism 2017 (for The Rebirth of Rapunzel: A Mythic History of the Maiden in the Tower) • The prestigious Nancy Keesing Fellowship 2019 offered by the State Library of NSW Kate is launching her latest book, The the author interview will be very Thanks to Novella Fine Books, Cards & Blue Rose, and will be interviewed by interesting. Gifts, Kate’s book will be available for Abbotsleigh’s own Sarah Luke. Sarah’s purchase on the night. experience as a published author Book via Trybooking. Please note this event is for 18+. of historical non-fiction will ensure Parents, grandparents, friends and Old Girls all welcome.

03 TERM 3 - WEEK 3 ABBOTSLEIGH NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2019

Sustainability Discussion at APA Meeting Ms Kathy Campbell APA President

Just a reminder that the APA General Committee will have special guest, Susan Filan, Head of Environmental Education, attending our meeting on Monday 12 August. Susan will be discussing Abbotsleigh’s Sustainability Policy with us. As Head of Environmental Education at Abbotsleigh, Susan runs the Abbotsleigh Centre for Environmental Education Click here to book RSVP to Deepa Pillay (ACEE). This involves creating and facilitating environmental education from pre-Kindergarten to Year 12. It also involves being patron of the Environment Sarah Luke Shortlisted Council and Agriculture Club at Abbotsleigh, in addition to Mrs Heidi Grout teaching Earth and Environmental Community Relations Manager Science (EES) to Years 11 and 12.

We are proud to share that Senior for the 2019 NSW Premier’s History Outside her role at Abbotsleigh, School English Teacher, Sarah Luke, Prize in the NSW Regional and Susan also speaks about EES at who does the author interviews for Community History category. conferences, is a HSC Marker and the APA Book Club, has some good Read more about the award on Judge Marker in EES, and has also news about her own published work. the State Library website. authored an EES textbook that will be published this year. Sarah’s book, Callan Park: Hospital for the Insane, has been shortlisted We are very much looking forward to hearing about the School’s Sustainability Policy and how we can support it through our planning of community events. All parents are warmly welcome at the APA General Committee meeting: Monday 12 August 7 pm Global Learning Centre, Senior School

04 TERM 3 - WEEK 3 ABBOTSLEIGH NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2019

2019 SPORTS LUNCH CLICK HERE TICKETS Selling Fast! TO BOOK

Friday 16 August 2019 Free after school care available for attendees. Funds raised will go towards our Indigenous Scholarships 12-5 pm and improving our facilities.

Can you help us? Doltone House Many Abbotsleigh parents have businesses and may be able Jones Bay Wharf to support the 2019 Sports Lunch by donating a prize for our silent auction. Please contact Sasha Carrel, Fundraising Pyrmont Manager or call Sasha on 9473 7738. TERM 3 - WEEK 3 ABBOTSLEIGH NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2019 Junior School

How to Flourish Ms Sally Ruston Head of Junior School

Most know of my passion for If find it fascinatingly sad that work colleagues. There is very little learning. I was thus fascinated to in spite of our living conditions that we do alone that brings us joy have the opportunity to hear again being so much better than in past and a positive demeanour. from Professor Martin Seligman as he generations, our levels of anxiety and It is the latter two elements that presented to an audience of more depression have never been higher. Seligman has added to his researched than 1000 in Sydney last Tuesday Thus, we need to accept that a sense list of features. With such a list we evening. His latest research spoke of of wellbeing requires much more can see that when learning is good the hope of finding a cure for than changing our environmental hard fun, by giving, in succeeding depression. I found this really great conditions. I share here the research and relating, such outcomes will be news given Seligman’s premise that work of Prof Seligman included in achieved. Strong interpersonal and adjusting an environment is not his book, Flourish: A Visionary New organisational skills coupled with a sufficient to reduce incidences of Understanding of Happiness and keen motivation to learn and acquire anxiety and depression. Well-Being. His work researched knowledge are the essential skills through Pennsylvania University While we are quick to find fault we as educators and parents seek to on happiness and wellbeing has with our world, Seligman gave 12 imbue in our girls. undergone recent revisions. We need researched facts showing just how to define the underlying experiences, Further, I was most interested in much better off we are than in skills and attributes that creates Seligman’s research that showed previous eras and generations. Facts optimal learning contexts and healthy that success within and beyond the included: states of wellbeing: schooling context correlates best with the amount of effort given to any • Enhanced literacy levels. In the • Positive emotions: as experienced learning task. Another key element 1800s only 10% of the population when eating small amounts of of success is our capacity to not only were literate compared with 90% chocolate or laughing at a good acquire new information quickly but worldwide by 2010. joke. Generally, the sensation of to then slow and deepen our thinking • Increased universal suffrage. Only happiness is short lived. to allow for planning, reflection and one country allowed women to vote • Engagement: when we are in a refinement. These two elements are in 1893 (New Zealand) and by 2017 state of flow and totally engrossed not always acknowledged by the girls this number had increased to 193 in a project or activity. Time as essential to success. countries. disappears, challenge is high and I commend to you the research work learning is empowering when in • Malnourishment reduced. From and writings of Prof Martin Seligman this mind set. 28% of the world’s population – a copy of both his books is in the starving in 1980, this figure has • Meaning: achieved through parent section of our Palmer Library. reduced to 11% this year. contributing and serving By working to develop these identified • Child mortality reduced. From 44% beyond self. This might be to an traits in our girls we will do much to of children not reaching their 5th organisation, family, church group inoculate them against anxiety, stress birthday in the early 1800s, this or charity and involves thankless and depression. How reassuring it is figure has dropped to 4% today. giving and contributing with no to know that to see our girls flourish expectation of extrinsic rewards. • Similar figures were shared in is achievable with the acquisition relation to reduced levels of • Accomplishment: where of teachable skills, knowledge and poverty, reduce ozone damaging we pursue success, winning, attributes. emissions, reduced battle achievement and mastery for their deaths, reduced oil pollution, own sakes. the eradication of smallpox and • Positive relationships: forged with increased areas worldwide that other people. These bonds and enjoy national park protection and connections need to be established status. with family, friends and school or

06 TERM 3 - WEEK 3 ABBOTSLEIGH NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2019

We have lift off! Maths and Science Week Soars into the Junior School! Year 2 RideAbility Program Mrs Nicole Hunt Transition to Year 2 Coordinator

Last week our Year 2 girls kicked off their six session long Bike Education Program. RideAbility provides cycle skills and road education for the on and off road cyclist. Their mission is to inspire and teach people of all ages to confidently and safely ride their bikes for health, commuting, sport and play. The course is aimed at providing our girls with the skills and knowledge to be a safe and confident bicycle rider. The program links with the Road and Bike Safety outcomes from the PDHPE curriculum. This is achieved in a safe and enjoyable learning environment. Girls have also be given the opportunity to reinforce their skills by riding their bikes during lunchtime in designated areas of the Junior School. This exciting program will run every Wednesday for Year 2 until 4 September.

07 TERM 3 - WEEK 3 ABBOTSLEIGH NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2019

Wahroonga Tree Planting

Meera Nirmalendran Environment Captain

The Junior School Environment Club and Envirominis had a glorious, sunny day last week working with Wahroonga Waterways Landcare planting new seedlings for National Tree Day.

Firstly, we headed down to see the seedlings we had planted from the previous year. I was amazed at how much my tree had grown over a year. It was even taller than me!

Planting new seedlings taught everyone how to handle a plant correctly without harming it. Everyone really enjoyed planting several new seedlings until we had covered a whole new area. This is part of a bush regeneration program in Wahroonga.

We were extremely lucky to spot the rare and beautiful Satin Bowerbird and its nest, which is called a bower. We ended the program with a bushwalk, stopping many times to observe all the outstanding flora and a snack of freshly made popcorn and some sweet lemons.

Thank you to Mrs Eriksen and Mr Keating for organising this memory making experience for us.

08 TERM 3 - WEEK 3 ABBOTSLEIGH NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2019

UNSW ICAS Competition Primary Changes Athletics Mrs Kate Coventry Carnival Deputy Head of Junior School Mr Paul Guirreri As shared with you in the Week If you wish your daughter to JS PDHPE Coordinator 1 Shuttle, we are offering the participate in the optional ICAS opportunity for students in Years 3-6 competition, you can register and to sit the ICAS competition papers purchase the test papers you would Today saw the running of our in Science, English (Reading) and like your daughter to sit here. Primary Athletics Carnival at the Mathematics. The cost of one ICAS The School’s unique access code, International Athletic Centre, test is $15.95 per student. Please which will enable you to register and Homebush. The girls have been note that participation in the ICAS purchase papers, is: ea8dcdbc23 preparing well in PE lessons and were primed for a big day. A competition is optional and the test will be administered before school on If you would like your daughter comprehensive report will appear in the prescribed testing dates below: to participate in the competition, next week’s edition of the Shuttle. you have until next Wednesday 14 • Science ICAS – Wednesday 4 August to register. September at 7.30 am Further details regarding the test • English ICAS – Monday 16 logistics will be communicated to September at 7.30 am relevant parents closer to the • Mathematics ICAS – Thursday 19 testing time. September at 7.30 am Should your daughter be absent or late on the day, she will be unable to catch up on her missed test.

SSA National Diving Success

Mrs Paul Guirreri PDHPE Coordinator

Last week, Harriet Kaan (6O) competed to the next round. The technical level as part of the NSW State team at the of difficulty increases each round SSA National Diving Championships in adding to the pressure. Harriet then Melbourne. Harriet had a sensational pulled out one of her best ever scores competition and came home with a under the pressure of her final dive to swag of medals. Harriet’s results are as win the gold medal! follows: Many long hours of hard work and • 12 Years Girls Knockout: Gold medal training, dedication and commitment, • Team Synchro and 10-12 Years Girls all wrapped up with both elation and and Mixed Synchro: Silver medal disappointment along the way has • 12 Years Girls Springboard: Bronze been Harriet’s world over the past medal couple of years. We are all very proud Harriet was thrilled with her results, of Harriet and her diving achievements especially the girls knockout. In this and look forward to seeing her grow event, competitors are eliminated from and develop as an elite athlete in her the competition as other girls progress chosen sport in the coming years.

09 TERM 3 - WEEK 3 ABBOTSLEIGH NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2019 Senior School

Debating Draws for Term 3

Ms Jennie Kelly Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator PDHPE Teacher

Archdale Debating Calendar Term 3 2019 SDN Debating Calendar Term 3 2019 Tie-breakers Tuesday 20 August Round 3 Friday 9 August V SCEGGS Redlands Home Quarter finals Tuesday 27 August Round 4 Friday 16 August V Roseville Home Semi finals Tuesday 3 September Round 5 Friday 23 August V Stella Maris Away Grand final Tuesday 10 September Round 6 Friday 30 August V St Pius Away at Abbotsleigh Round 7 Friday 7 September V Wenona Home Play-offs Friday 13 September At Abbotsleigh Grand Final Friday 20 September At Redlands

Future Challenges and Some Solutions

Mrs Marg Selby Careers Adviser

On leaving school, students are faced into lesser known options which match Each person has their own interests with a huge range of pathways to well with their skills and abilities. and skills base, and these cannot follow. There are countless different An open, inquisitive mind, while be superimposed on others. Making tertiary courses offered through undertaking Year 10 work experience a decision on the basis of personal a variety of media, like University, for example, is one way to ensure that experience and knowledge is essential. TAFE and with private providers. the student can broaden their outlook Encouraging young people to involve Between them, they offer a vast array on the availability of employment in themselves in as many diverse of courses and learning experiences. areas that interest them. experiences as possible, before they Then, on graduation, there is an even enter the workforce will assist them to more extensive variety of workplace Students can get a feel for whether make the best possible decisions. opportunities available. This can be a careers area is right for them very confusing for students, who are personally through undertaking For other careers news, please visit the unsure of the best pathway for them. experience in that area. It might be Careers page on AbbNet. Thus, they tend to just look at the high an area which is highly recommended profile mainstream options like law by a relative or friend, but that does and medicine and not delve further not mean that it is right for everyone.

10 TERM 3 - WEEK 3 ABBOTSLEIGH NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2019

Maths and Science Week Soars Abbotsleigh Recycles Books into the Junior School! to Rural Papua New Guinea

Maths & Science were at the forefront of learning in the Opening the door to knowledge and opportunities Junior School this week. through the power of books.