TERM 1 - WEEK 3 FEBRUARY 2021

IN THIS ISSUE

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

FROM THE HEADMISTRESS 2021 A Year of Connection Have a ‘Heart to Heart’ about Safer Internet Day

Mrs Megan Krimmer Headmistress

The internet is fabulous; 2020 certainly demonstrated that! How factors that they can put in place to stay safe when using could we have conducted lessons online and spoken with girls the internet. and parents via Zoom if the internet did not exist? How could we have maintained connections with friends and family members, Safer Internet Day is a worldwide event to raise awareness about both here and overseas, so well if it hadn’t been for the internet? online safety and encourage everyone to help create a better online community. The theme for 2021 is ‘Start the Chat’ about Technology, the internet and social media all provide incredible online safety. windows into research, knowledge and wisdom; they also provide wonderful ways in which we can connect with each I spoke to the Senior School girls at Assembly this week (Ms other. If only they could be used for good by all, all the time. Ruston will talk to the Junior School next week) about Safer Internet Day, emphasising the great aspects of the internet as Sadly, as you are only too aware, there is a dark side, and it is to well as the pitfalls. I also reminded the girls about ways to stay this dark side that we must alert our girls and protect them from safe and promote respectful relationships online. In keeping it. As such, we have used Safer Internet Day as an opportunity to with this year’s theme, I encouraged the girls to ‘Start the Chat’ remind the girls about the potential dangers and the protective so that our online behaviour is appropriate.

I would like to join with ’s eSafety Commissioner in encouraging all parents to mark the Safer Internet Day by starting family conversations about online safety. Resources can be downloaded here and can be used to start a conversation about online safety with your family. eSafety resources include advice for parents and carers to help children have safe experiences online and information for young people with advice for reporting different types of online abuse. Find out more at esafety

As Mrs Cannon states: ‘We recognise that social media has many benefits and, if used appropriately, it adds greatly to our lives. We educate and encourage our young people to use social media responsibly and respectfully as we know that overuse and misuse can negatively impact the wellbeing and mental health of the young people involved.

Visit the Parent Portal to edit your profile, view the calendar and view parent notices. TERM 1 - WEEK 3 FEBRUARY 2021

‘Negotiating with teenagers regarding social media use is strongly recommended, eg, setting limits on screen time and not using technology at the dinner table. It is also vital to set firm boundaries and rules around technology use, including not having devices in the bedroom overnight to ensure a good night’s sleep, which is vital for wellbeing. It is also important as adults we role model these good approaches to technology use.

‘It is essential that parents keep the lines of communication open between themselves and their children so that children feel confident that they can talk to their parents if there is an issue online – such as feeling unsafe or being bullied. If children fear that their parents will overreact or cut off their internet use, they are less likely to seek their help. Having said that, if you notice a change in your child’s mood or behaviour, it is important to talk with them about what may be happening and, if needed, seek professional help from the school counsellor or GP.’

In line with Safer Internet Day we encourage the girls to be aware of their digital behaviour; to always be respectful and to only share appropriate pictures or videos with consent. In its most simple form, only say online what you would say to someone face-to-face, it must be respectful.

www.esafety.gov.au

Chaplain

Giving up on roses for the sake of daisies Rev Jenni Stoddart Chaplain

What if this Valentine’s Day roses were swapped for daisies? the growth, diversity, skills and gifts of each person. In my After a year when our worlds became smaller we are able to mind, we can take Chesterton a step further when we think take part in our neighbourhoods. One of the great joys of the of young people: beginning of the school year is getting to know students and their families. ‘It must be that God makes each person separately, and has never grown tired of making them.’ Each year I am reminded of the wonderful diversity of human life that brings so much joy to our world. G K Chesterton, a At times we all grow weary, sometimes of each other! Yet philosopher who reflected deeply on the God you discover the God who made us and our students delights at the centre of the Christian faith, once pondered a field of in each one of us. It is the days that I see others with his daisies. He said: eyes of delight that I am more myself than any other. What if instead of roses you gave daisies this weekend? A reminder ‘It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies of each person’s wonder and value. alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we.’

Chesterton’s point is that the God at the centre of the universe never gets tired or bored of creating. He finds joy in each new daisy. If this is so, what must his joy be like at TERM 1 - WEEK 3 FEBRUARY 2021 Community

Forested 23 January to 20 February 2021

A suite of new works by based artists Jan Handel, Melinda Marshman and Lisa Woolfe

In response to the practice of Shinrin-yoku or Forest Bathing; of being in nature and connecting with it through all our senses.

Please note – Gallery closed Mondays in 2021

Gallery hours: Tue to Sat, 10 am-5 pm FREE ENTRY I Gate 7, 1666 Pacific Highway, Wahroonga 2076 I 02 9473 7878

[email protected] I www.gcsgallery.com.au

Visitors to the gallery are asked to abide by social distancing recommendations and are encouraged to wear a mask. Forested 23 January to 20 February 2021

Artwork: Melinda Marshman Forest Panorama, Oil on polyester, 61 x 132 cm

Junior School

Strong Moral Fibre

Ms Sally Ruston Head of Junior School

Our academic year has started most smoothly with initial by conquering such fears with reassurance from peers, parents assessments and ongoing screening providing additional and staff that girls are able to emerge at the end of the camp valuable information to ensure strong and appropriate learning experience stronger, more resilient, independent and confident programs are in place. Yet equally our focus is directed to individuals. The ability to persevere, delay gratification and find ensuring a schooling environment that supports strong social an inner strength to show ‘grit’ when experiencing challenges and emotional wellbeing. For us as adults, both as educators and adversity is essential to our girls’ wellbeing. We seek parent and parents, we want our girls to be strong, courageous support in modelling a positive mindset and an enabling view individuals with the capacity to stand true to their beliefs, to so that this is the reality for each and every girl. Details of this year’s camps can be found in this edition of The Shuttle. stand up against victimisation and to stand tall with integrity and honesty. Such courage isn’t innate but comes with practice Our Junior School Counsellor, Jacqui Olsson has provided and when opportunities present for such actions to be taken. a document with strategies that you might find helpful in supporting your daughter as she prepares for the fun and action One such opportunity exists now as girls are preparing for packed outdoor education programs planned for all girls from outdoor education camps. We know that while nervous and Transition to Year 6. You may also like your child to complete the excited anticipation is mounting for many, that packing both the brave4you program for 8-12 year olds. physical and emotional kitbag for camp can cause the girls (and sometimes parents) a degree of anxiety and concern. Yet it is TERM 1 - WEEK 3 FEBRUARY 2021

• Friday 5 March – Year 2 Parent Morning Tea Morning Teas • Monday 8 March – 6G and 6O Parent Morning Tea • Wednesday 10 March – 6L and 6O Parent Morning Tea Ms Sally Ruston Head of Junior School

What a delightful sense of community I encountered this morning at this year’s first Parent Morning Tea with new and past parents. These morning teas are a wonderful opportunity for parents to renew and forge friendships. They start at 7.45 am and are held on Bundarra Lawn. For busy mums and dads, we believe this time allows many to attend before heading off to work or other commitments. You will receive an invitation for your daughter’s year group morning tea from Heidi Grout in the Development Office. Please note the dates below for your diary:

• Thursday 18 February – 5G and 5O Parent Morning Tea • Friday 19 February – Year 1 Parent Morning Tea • Monday 22 February – 5L and 5D Parent Morning Tea • Monday 1 March – 4G Parent Morning Tea • Tuesday 2 March – 4O Parent Morning Tea • Thursday 4 March – 4L Parent Morning Tea

Saturday Sport

Ms Sally Ruston Head of Junior School

I witnessed healthy exercise, fun, skill development and • Condemn the use of violence in any form, be it by strong sportsmanship at football, FlippaBall and water spectators, coaches, officials or players. polo trials on our first weekend of sport. Please know that • Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them this program focuses on participation, skill acquisition there would be no game. and recognition; that playing the game with integrity and • Encourage players to follow the rules and the inclusiveness is all important. I repeat here for parents, the officials’ decisions. IPSHA Sporting Code so that we can all model for our girls the standards that ensure healthy and positive interactions • Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using are always present. I also include here the link to our own foul language, harassing players, coaches or officials. Abbotsleigh Parent Code of Conduct and highlight to you • Comments should not interfere with the running of the importance of always seeking permission from parents of the game. other girls if wishing to include children other than your own • Focus on the efforts and performance of the children daughter in photos taken. rather than the result. IPSHA SPECTATORS’ CODE OF BEHAVIOUR • Praise is encouraged at all levels. • Children play organised sports for fun. They are not • Complaints concerning the conduct of games should not playing for the entertainment of spectators only, nor are be made during or after the game. Any concerns should they miniature professionals. be referred to the Head of Junior School and any action • Applaud good performances and efforts from each team. should be left to her discretion. Under no circumstances Congratulate all participants upon their performance should parents contact directly. regardless of the game’s outcome. • All grounds must be kept clean - litter must be placed in • Respect the officials’ decisions. the bins provided. • Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during Information regarding the games for the season, including a competition. wet weather contingency plans, has been distributed and is • Positive comments are motivational and encourage also available on the parent portal. If you have any queries continued effort. regarding the procedures please make contact with Mr Paul Guirreri for clarification. TERM 1 - WEEK 3 FEBRUARY 2021

Friday Kindergarten will enjoy a tractor ride, cow milking, sheep Year 2 Day Camps shearing and whip cracking as they experience the delights of life on the farm at Calmsley Hill City Farm. Mrs Peita van Bussel Transition - Year 2 Coordinator Year 1 start camp week with a combined literature and STEAM day. Girls are encouraged to dress as a fairytale character, and Transition to Year 2 will participate in a range of day camps, with solve science and engineering puzzles, such as ‘Just how strong Year 2 having the opportunity to spend one night away, their is the house of straw?’ The girls will visit the Australian Reptile first overnight camp experience. Park on the Thursday as part of their Science explorations of Living Things. An extended day camp is planned for the Friday. Transition will begin with a Teddy Bear’s Picnic themed Girls will travel by bus and barge before embarking on a variety day. Many indoor and outdoor activities have been planned, of activities at Broken Bay. These include beach engineering, culminating in the picnic with the girls’ teddy bears. Transition’s bushwalking and indigenous craft and storytelling. second day camp is to the ACEE. This will be the first of many visits to the ACEE for the class for the year. After walking to the Year 2 take a step back in time for their first day, visiting the Senior School, the girls will have the opportunity to build using NSW School House Museum. Here, the girls learn to write sticks, hessian and rope, dig in the dirt, explore the sensory with chalk on slate and dance the maypole as part of their garden and observe the natural bush surroundings. History studies. Thursday brings much excitement as the girls head off for their first overnight camp. At Yarramundi on the Kindergarten’s first day camp is to a Light exhibition at the Hawkesbury, the girls experience rock climbing, orienteering, Museum of Contemporary Art. The girls will catch the ferry bush cooking and archery as well as taking responsibility to the city and walk around Circular Quay on their way to the for setting the table and keeping track of their belongings. MCA. Guides will take the students through the museum, then After three very busy days, the girls arrive back at school on engage them in hands-on activities. Kindergarten’s second Friday afternoon exhilarated from all they have achieved, and day will be spent at school exploring the world of colour. The thoroughly exhausted! girls will participate in art and science activities. Finally, on the

Year 3 Year 4 Convict Camp

Milson Island Camp Ms Brittany Black JS Year 4 Coordinator Mr Murray Keating JS Year 3 Coordinator On Wednesday 24 to Friday 26 February, Year 4 will participate in Convict Camp. This unique experience will see Year 3 students are looking forward to their two-night stay at the girls learning about Australia’s convict past and the First Milson Island Sport and Recreation Camp in Week 5. Girls Fleet through numerous experiential learning activities. will enjoy participating in a range of outdoor activities that will build their teamwork skills and resilience. Students are Girls are to arrive at the Junior School by 8 am on to be dropped at JS Reception at 7.45 am on Wednesday, 24 Wednesday 24 February. Day 1 will begin with girls and February. They should come dressed appropriately, with their staff traveling to The Rocks by bus before participating in swimwear underneath their clothes. Along with their day pack a guided tour of the historic area. Girls will then travel to and overnight bag, girls should also bring a full water bottle Cockatoo Island by tall ship, departing from Campbells and morning tea for the first day. Any prescription medication Cove and cruising Sydney Harbour. Day 1 will conclude with must be handed to the allocated staff member, with all dinner, a campfire (weather permitting) and campout in necessary information attached. Students will return to school onsite tent accommodation on Cockatoo Island. on Friday 26 February at approximately 3.15 pm. Girls can be On Day 2 girls will have breakfast on Cockatoo Island, collected from outside Poole House or Carline. They may go followed by a ferry ride to Circular Quay. They will visit The to After School Care or catch the bus home. We are all looking Big Dig Archaeological Education Centre and partake in forward to a challenging and fun camp! a hands-on experience, learning more about the historic Rocks precinct and site history. Staff and students will return to Cockatoo Island and undertake a guided tour of convict ruins.

On Day 3, girls will depart Cockatoo Island by ferry before boarding a bus that will take them to the Hyde Park Barracks and the Australian Museum. In between visits the girls will enjoy lunch in Hyde Park. Students will return to school at approximately 4 pm.

Year 4 staff and girls are very much looking forward to the learning, fun and memories that this exciting experience will provide. TERM 1 - WEEK 3 FEBRUARY 2021

Year 6 Canberra and Year 5 Colo River Camp Thredbo Camp Mrs Kylie George JS Year 5 Coordinator Miss Susanna Matters JS Year 6 Coordinator

Year 5 will be venturing out to a three-day camping trip Year 6 girls are looking forward to an educational, stimulating on the Colo River. The girls will need to be at school and fun-filled trip to Canberra and Thredbo. To complement by 7 am on Wednesday 24 February and will return to our History unit, whilst in the nation’s capital the girls will visit school by 3.30 pm on Friday 26 February. The camp the National Capital Exhibition Centre, Old and New Parliament will be a wonderful opportunity for them to make new Houses, the Australian War Memorial, the Electoral Education friends, take part in ‘challenge by choice’ activities and Centre, Questacon – the National Science and Technology experience the great outdoors. They will participate Centre and the National Gallery. They will also ride around Lake in activities such as camp craft, obstacle courses, Burley Griffin, visit the Institute of Sport and hike to the summit donutting along the Colo River, rock climbing and of Mount Kosciuszko. The girls are also excited about visiting crawling through the infamous ‘wombat hole’. the Snowy Hydro Visitors Centre in Cooma as they are learning about energy in Science. To make sure they are well-prepared for this hike, the girls will complete the Spit to Manly 12 km walk on 18 February.

The Year 6 teachers are looking forward to observing the girls further develop their friendships and character strengths through the Year 6 Camp program. CIS trials

Ms Georgia Scott JS PDHPE Teacher

On Monday 8 February, Neomi Verma and Isabel Wood represented Abbotsleigh at the IPSHA basketball trials. Both girls trialled competitively and showcased their finest skills. They are congratulated on their selection to attend the CIS trials on Friday 19 February. We wish them every success.

Year 6 training walk for Mt Kosciuszko climb

Miss Susanna Matters Transition-Year 2 JS Year 6 Coordinator Intensive Swimming In preparation for our walk to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko in Week 5, all girls in Year 6 will be completing Week the Spit to Manly walk on Thursday 18 February. As this Mr Paul Guirreri walk is of a similar distance the girls are asked to carry Head of JS Sport and PDHPE their backpacks with similar provisions to the real walk as we hope to replicate conditions and ensure all is in readiness for this pinnacle experience. Next week sees the running of our Term 1 Intensive Swimming Week. This is an important week for our Please note an early departure time has been organised girls to ensure they are water safe and to develop their to assist with traffic management. Students should arrive skills in the water. Please ensure your child has all their at Bundarra Lawn at 7.45 am on Thursday 18 February. requirements with them on Monday. We look forward to The girls and their teachers will depart school at 8 am an exciting week of swimming! and travel by bus to the commencement of the walk at the Spit Bridge. The walk will take approximately four hours and conclude at Manly, where the girls will enjoy a quick swim and then be collected by bus. We anticipate arrival back at school to be approximately 3 pm. TERM 1 - WEEK 3 FEBRUARY 2021

Snow Sports Team Primary Swimming Carnival Mr Paul Guirreri Head of JS Sport and PDHPE Ms Georgia Scott JS PDHPE Teacher The Ski Northern NSW Interschools Championships are held during the winter school holidays from Monday 28 June to The girls have been working hard during PE lessons and during Friday 2 July. This year’s Interschools will be held at Perisher last week’s Swimming Trials in preparation for today’s Primary and events include: Alpine, Moguls, Skier Cross, Snowboard Swimming Carnival. A full report will be posted in next week’s Cross and Snowboard GS. If your daughter enjoys skiing or edition of The Shuttle. boarding and having fun at the snow, being part of the JS Snow Sports Team will mean a wonderful week for her. All girls in K-6 who are competent on the snow are welcome to join the team. A letter will go home early next week which will have an online sign up/expression of interest form attached.

There will also be a Parent Information evening on Tuesday 9 March from 7 pm in Everett Hall. This evening is an excellent IPSHA Saturday Sport opportunity for parents to ask lots of questions and gather the information needed for this year’s Championships. Mr Paul Guirreri Please contact Mr Paul Guirreri for further information. Head of JS Sport and PDHPE

Saturday Sport commences tomorrow, with 28 JS teams spread across soccer, FlippaBall and . Please remember to allow plenty of travel time and arrive at the venue 15 minutes prior to the scheduled match time. All team sheets, including venue maps were sent out in hard copy and via email this week. Please remember to download the IPSHA App as this is where all wet weather announcements are made. Instructions for download are on your daughter’s team sheet. Carnival

Ms Michelle Penn JS PDHPE Teacher

Thursday marked the JS Diving Carnival in the Aquatic Mackie, Allie Marinovic, Mia Micallef, Emily Rundell, Centre where the top divers from Junior School Sherlock and Jasmine Yap. assembled to dive, somersault and twist their way onto the podium. We wish the girls every success at the upcoming IPSHA Carnival. Congratulations to all girls who competed in the Junior School Diving Finals the results were as follows:

9 years: 1st Allie Marinovic (Lawson); 2nd Katherine Carless (Blaxland)

10 years: 1st Jasmine Yap (Macquarie); 2nd Victoria Sherlock (Wentworth); 3rd Ava Jamieson (Macquarie)

11 years: 1st Mia Micallef (Blaxland); 2nd Charlize Mackie (Macquarie); 3rd Eve Glendining (Blaxland)

12 years and above: 1st Emily Rundell (Lawson); 2nd Katherine Gooden (Blaxland); 3rd Carys Byrnes (Macquarie)

Senior Diving Trophy: Emily Rundell (Lawson)

The following girls have now been selected to compete for Abbotsleigh in the IPSHA Diving Carnival on Tuesday 2 March at The Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre: Grace Black, Carys Byrnes, Katherine Carless, Eve Glendining, Katherine Gooden, Ava Jamieson, Charlize TERM 1 - WEEK 3 FEBRUARY 2021 Senior School

Sport dates for your diary

Mrs Kate Howitt Head of Sport

Dear parents and girls,

As you will have seen, most Senior School sporting events were not included in the diary this year. Please see below for some important dates for 2021!

DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION Term 1 Tuesday 23 February 8.20 am-3.30 pm SS Swimming Carnival Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre Saturday 27 February 1-5 pm SS football and basketball trials (Years 7-9) Synthetic Field and Sports Hall Wednesday 17 March to All day Tildesley Pennant Hills Park Friday 19 March Friday 26 March All day IGSSA Swim/Dive Carnival Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre Tuesday 30 March 12.30-3.30 pm SS Cross Country Carnival Top oval Term 2 Thursday 22 April All day SS athletics heats SS campus Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre Tuesday 4 May 12.30-3.30 pm SS 400 m and 1500 m finals (warm-up track) Wednesday 5 May 8.20 am-3.30 pm SS Athletics Carnival Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre Friday 7 May All day IGSSA Cross Country Carnival Saturday 15 May 1-5 pm SS hockey and trials (Years 7-9) Synthetic Field and Sports Hall Thursday 3 to All day NorthWest Expo (Equestrian) Coonabarabran Tuesday 8 June Saturday 12 June All day No Saturday Sport (June long weekend) Monday 28 June to All day Northern NSW Regional Snow Sports C’ships Perisher Friday 2 July Term 3 Friday 16 July 4-8 pm IGSSA Athletic Twilight Carnival #1 Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre Friday 23 July 4-8 pm IGSSA Athletic Twilight Carnival #2 Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre Friday 30 July 4-8 pm IGSSA Athletic Twilight Carnival #3 Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre AeroSchools (Sport Aerobics) Friday 30 July All day Valentine Sports Park State Championships Friday 6 August 4-8 pm IGSSA Athletic Twilight Carnival #4 Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre SS football (Yrs 7-9) & water polo trials Saturday 7 August 1-5 pm Synthetic Field and Aquatic Centre (Yrs 7-12) Thursday 12 August 2.30-7 pm IGSSA hurdles and 800 m heats Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre Friday 13 August All day IGSSA Athletics Carnival Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre Friday 20 August to State Interschool Snow Sports All day Perisher Friday 27 August Championships Tuesday 7 to AeroSchools (Sport Aerobics) All day Gold Coast Friday 10 September National Championships Wednesday 8 to Sunday All day Australian Interschools Snow Sports C’ships Mt Bulla (VIC) 12 September Term 4 Friday 22 October All day IGSSA Gymnastics Carnival TBC (Abbotsleigh and PLC Croydon) Saturday 6 November 1-5 pm SS trials (Yrs 8-12) Top oval TERM 1 - WEEK 3 FEBRUARY 2021

Spectators at SS Sport - Term 1, 2021

Mrs Kate Howitt Head of Sport

There have been some updates to spectator restrictions for Term 1: Softball No restrictions, but please respect social distancing guidelines. AFL No restrictions, but please respect social distancing guidelines. Tennis Only 1 spectator per player at Ascham, Meriden, Ravenswood, Ridge Street, Snape Park, Southend Tennis Badminton NO SPECTATORS at Abbotsleigh, , Academy, Strathfield Sports Club and Tennis World Kincoppal Rose Bay and Ravenswood Masks to be worn at Meriden and Strathfield Sports Club. Only 1 spectator per player at NBC Homebush and PLC Sydney Masks to be worn at Meriden. Please sign in at all venues with the supplied QR codes.

In AFL there were three wins and three losses, with many girls playing Sports Report their first game of AFL. It is so exciting to see AFL grow every year as WAFL becomes increasingly prominent as a national sport. Sophie Wines Sport Prefect As well as our Saturday sports, we also have a local basketball comp on Tuesday and Thursday nights. We have four teams in the comp Senior School girls kicked off 2021 with an amazing start. Over the and it is amazing to see girls develop their skills leading up to the past few weeks, girls across all years have participated in swimming IGSSA comp. and diving trials for our carnival in Week 5. It has been impressive to see so many coming to earn house points and support their friends. I look forward to watching more sport across the rest of the year. It This is a true testament to the Abbotsleigh school spirit. is incredible to watch players grow in skill and confidence as well as form priceless connections with their teammates, within their own As well as their time in the pool, girls participated in their first round of year as well as others. Well done girls on an amazing start to the year! Saturday sport last weekend. This term we have the option of playing softball, tennis or badminton in the morning and AFL in the afternoon. There is an incredible number of girls competing in these sports in both social and competitive teams.

In softball last Saturday we had nine wins, two losses and one draw with the two Year 7 teams participating in a Gala Day at Kelso Park. This is an awesome start to the season! A massive shoutout to Mrs Poole (Headmistress 2005-2016) who came to Kelso Park to watch the Senior 1st’s and coach the Year 7 teams.

In tennis we had 14 wins, nine losses and three washouts. There are 34 teams this term for tennis – the second biggest number of teams in the entire comp! Over the holidays we also had 33 girls from the Tildesley team participate in a camp run at Abbotsleigh with some cross-training sessions at F45.

Badminton had 23 wins, 31 losses and five byes. There is a total of 59 badminton teams, an awesome effort! TERM 1 - WEEK 3 FEBRUARY 2021

The changing face of tertiary education

Mrs Marg Selby Careers Advisor

At the start of a new academic year, it is timely to consider We are proud of our girls’ enthusiasm and energy and their the future of tertiary education and how it is changing. It has high take-up rate in sport, music, drama etc. This is not only always been recognised that education helps individuals to ensuring their future academic success, but also forms an reach their full potential. To this end, there is a worldwide important part of their wellbeing and provides them with push to ensure education is provided equally to people from enormous long-term health benefits. all levels of society. Tertiary institutions are similarly ensuring that they are Changes are occurring in different ways. Some of our top interacting better with society in general and industry in tertiary institutes are experimenting with finding ways to particular, to ensure their courses meet the needs of our encourage capable students from a wider demographic range current workforce. Many more traditional providers are seeing to continue with their education. One way of enabling this the need for this to happen and are starting to make steps to to happen is by lessening the importance of the ATAR as an move in this direction. entrance requirement. This is welcome news because, as we all well know, our students are much more than a rank Let’s all join together to support our girls to ensure their or number. Hence, the rise of early entry schemes, which success as life-long, motivated learners by supporting them take a more holistic view of the students they seek to admit. to make wise decisions that will benefit their educational Student co-curricular activities in these schemes now form journey to its fullest extent and allow them to keep up with an important part of their application process, just like they changing workforce needs. do in applications to overseas universities. For other Careers news please go to the career page on AbbNet

Boarding is fun!

Lexie Wilson and Phoebe Fenwicke Year 7 Boarders

Our first couple of weeks of boarding has been fantastic but we have! There is always something fun or exciting for the weekend somewhat overwhelming at the same time. We really love the Year 7 or after school, which always puts us in such a great mood – and boarders because we all get along so well and if you’re ever feeling we get to sleep in on the weekend. down or if you are homesick, there’s always a girl there to help you and cheer you up. They’re a great bunch of people to be around! We’ve gone on an outing to Raging Waters and we had a pajama The overwhelming part is just how different the routine is compared party and a pizza picnic in the park. We also got to go out for the to our routines at home but we’re slowly getting used to it, and day with our day buddies. The food is surprisingly pretty good most actually starting to like it! of the time and the desserts are so delicious! We’re very grateful that we’ve been given the chance to be Abbotsleigh Boarders and Our Boarding Coordinator Mrs Clemenger and the boarding staff are really looking forward to the opportunities available to us and all are great to have because they’re super helpful and really fun to the new girls we are going to meet. have around and we enjoy having a chat or laugh with them. Our favourite part of boarding so far would have to be the amount of fun TERM 1 - WEEK 3 FEBRUARY 2021

COVID-19 update for the boarding houses

Mrs Chemane Fairleigh Head of Boarding

Social distancing Weekend outings Boarders need to continue to adhere to social distancing We are now able to organise weekend outings for boarders, rules in houses. For this reason, boarders will remain in their predominately on Sundays between 10 am and 4 pm. These are ‘boarding bubble’ for most recreational boarding activities for mainly offered to Junior boarders but all boarders can attend if the time being. Meal times will continue to be served in each they wish. Details of outings to be published shortly. house to minimise the interaction between year groups in accordance with Department of Health guidelines. Shopping leave Provision is as follows: Gym access Due to restricted numbers being able to access the school Year 9 may visit Westfield Hornsby with a staff member using fitness room, boarder-only gym sessions are now available on public transport every second Sunday afternoon. the following evenings after school: Year 10 are permitted to travel to Westfield Hornsby in groups of Monday: Year 10 (5-5.45 pm) four, using public transport, on Saturday or Sunday afternoons Tuesday: Years 11 and 12 (5.15-6 pm) between 1 pm and 4 pm. Thursday: Year 9 (5-5.45 pm) Year 11 are permitted to travel to Westfield Hornsby or Years 7 and 8 have the opportunity to engage in a fun and Macquarie Shopping Centre in pairs, using public transport, on invigorating outdoor fitness session every Monday from 3.45- Saturday or Sunday afternoons between 12 pm and 4 pm. 4.45 pm. The level of provision will be regularly monitored and modified to meet the needs of students. The sessions are run Year 12 are permitted to travel to Westfield Hornsby or by past Abbotsleigh student, Larissa Pasternatsky. All fitness Macquarie Shopping Centre in pairs, using public transport, on levels are welcome to attend and enjoy. Saturday and/or Sunday afternoons for a period of up to four In addition to this, all boarders may visit the gym on Sunday hours. They must be back no later than 5 pm. afternoons to exercise: Years 7 and 8: 3.30 -4.10 pm Years 9 and 10: 4.15-4.55 pm Years 11 and 12: 5-5.40 pm.

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