TERM 1 - WEEK 1 ABBOTSLEIGH NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2020

IN THIS ISSUE

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

FROM THE HEADMISTRESS Welcome to Abbotsleigh 2020 This year promises to be very exciting as we enter a new decade and celebrate Abbotsleigh’s 135th birthday.

Mrs Megan Krimmer Headmistress

It has certainly been fantastic to see the will continue to do this. Your generosity UPCOMING EVENTS eager and expectant faces of our new towards our boarder families has been, and girls entering the gates of our Junior and I know will continue to be, sensational – Please note that the Senior Schools and, of course, it has thank you. Many too, have assisted during Aquatic Centre is closed been wonderful to welcome back so many the bushfires – thank you. I have also been until Monday 10 February of our girls returning to another year of so inspired by our families who have visited Monday 3 February curiosity, innovation, creativity, connection, China and being so responsible AbbSchool Extended Tuition involvement and very deep learning. in not sending their daughters to school commences for 14 days. If this situation had occurred Year 12 Connections Evening Amidst the excitement though, we cannot this time last year, I would not be at school but acknowledge that many members of for a few more days, as I, like so many our community have faced a very turbulent Australians, visited China on my way to Tuesday 4 February summer break. The drought has continued Europe and transited through Shanghai on APR meeting unabated and so many of our boarder my way back. Thank you to all those who T-6 Photo Day 1 families are continuing to do it really tough. have been so caring towards the rest of This, combined with the prolonged and T-6 Parent Information Evening our community by keeping their daughters tragic bushfires, the choking smoke that has at home in this most unusual of situations. engulfed Sydney and much of NSW/ACT, the Thursday 6 February rain that in some areas did more harm than SS USA STEAM Trip good, and the dreadful dust storms that have Information Evening enveloped many in country NSW, has meant that our traditional time of celebration – Christmas and New Year, as well as our time of rest during the long summer break, has been Friday 7 February somewhat muted. POSTPONED - Twilight on the Plaza The fact that some girls and members of staff have missed out being at school at the start of the year to help our community mitigate the possible spread of the coronavirus is also sad.

Yet, despite all of this, there has been much cause for hope and even joy. To see our community come together so beautifully to support one another has been inspirational – and I know that the Abbotsleigh community

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01 TERM 1 - WEEK 1 ABBOTSLEIGH NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2020

We have seen hope in nature too. The provides hope and optimism for so many birthday. The staff and I are really looking beautiful photos of small green shoots of us. forward to working in partnership with you and flowers sprouting out of the charred and your daughters in what promises to be bush gives us much hope. The rain – That being said, with the summer we have a great year. where it has been good, has meant that had, the prolonged drought and the very brown paddocks and lawns have started real danger that some of our families faced If your daughter is unwell: to turn green – and we are continuing during the bushfire crisis, wewa nt you to • Please keep your daughter at home to pray that really good, sustained and know that we are here for you and your useful rain starts to fall so that everyone daughters. Your daughter’s wellbeing is • Please see your GP if your daughter can experience this hope. very important, so please do not hesitate appears to have a virus to contact Mrs Liz Cannon in the Senior • Please do not allow your daughter At school, we are focusing very much on School or Miss Amy Newsom in the to return to school until she has hope and optimism. In fact, Reverend Junior School should you need to do so. recovered fully Stoddart spoke to the staff and the girls • Download the this week about what she has dubbed as Despite our different type of summer and Standard Virus Protection poster ‘hopetimism’. We are ‘hunting the good start to the school year for some, I am stuff’ as we have much to be grateful confident that 2020 will bring us all much for. School also provides security and hope and joy as we begin a new decade the comfort of routine, and that in itself and celebrate Abbotsleigh’s very special

Chaplain

God’s Signpost of Hope Rev Jenni Stoddart Chaplain

Each one of us has a story from this never leave me. Drought, fire and now summer. Something of the events our hearts and minds are with those will have caught in our minds and my suffering from the coronavirus. prayer is that within those stories each of us has a note of hope – an image At the centre of the Christian faith is of hope that can be brought to mind: a vision of the future which is shaped perhaps the calm leadership of Shane by hope. The Apostle Paul is a man Fitzsimmons, a photo of a cyclist giving who sees with hope. The Apostle Paul water to a koala, those wonderful firies experienced great suffering. He is a who have done proud or brave man who describes a ‘thorn in his Wuhan locals placing Wuhan jiayou in side’ – some kind of physical ailment their windows. that never leaves him. He is a man who experienced being chased by a I was overseas this summer and for mob, shipwrecked, falsely accused and the first time in my life was thankful arrested, abandoned by friends and for jet lag. I have an aunt and uncle yet he saw the future with hope. Why? in Sussex Inlet and at one point we Because of his faith in Jesus. didn’t know where they were. My signpost to the future. God’s promise night was Australia Day – I prayed and Paul says: is a future where there is no death, occasionally dozed and was thankful ‘In this hope we were saved. But hope sadness or pain. God’s past act in that despite being on the other side that is seen is no hope at all. Who Jesus enables Paul to see with hope. of the world, I could chat with family hopes for what they already have? But Jesus’ resurrection is a signpost on in Australia. Finally, as the light began if we hope for what we do not yet have offer to each of us to say that we can to break through the curtains in my we wait for it patiently.’ (Romans 8:24) be ‘home safe’ with God, whatever our room, the message came through: circumstance, though faith in Jesus. ‘Home safe.’ Home was no longer their How can he see the future with such physical home – that had been left hope? Paul looks back to Jesus’ saving My prayer is that you might find a note behind in Sussex Inlet – they were act of dying in our place and rising of hope, an image of hope to hold on home with family. The image of light to new life that first Easter, and sees to. God offers Jesus as ultimate hope; a breaking through the curtains will that God has acted in the past as a note that will ring into eternity.

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03 TERM 1 - WEEK 1 ABBOTSLEIGH NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2020

Hunter Baillie Church Presents A FESTIVAL BY THE EARLY MUSIC COLLECTIVE SYDNEY

CONCERT ONE V ENICE Sunday 15 March 3pm CONCERT TWO ACROSS THE ALPS Sunday 22 March 3pm CONCERT THREE VERSAILLES Sunday 29 March 3pm

VENUE: Hunter Baillie Church cnr Johnston and Collins Streets Annandale NSW 2038 PERFORMERS: Including Camerata Antica, Scholars of St Mary’s Cathedral, The King’s Viols, and Ricercar Recorders, and the Chamber Strings of Abbotsleigh School INSTRUMENTS: Voices, sackbuts, cornett, viols, strings, recorders, theorbo, lute, organ, percussion

Tickets: • $35 each • $25 CONCESSION • $80 for 3 concerts INFORMATION: [email protected]

04 TERM 1 - WEEK 1 ABBOTSLEIGH NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2020 Junior School

​Welcome to Junior School 2020 Ms Sally Ruston Head of Junior School

I was reminded why teaching is such a committed to supporting student and learning support and swimming rewarding profession, when I entered staff wellbeing. programs. Miss Middleton knows the the playground on Thursday, the first Abbotsleigh routines, organisation and To the Year 1 team we welcome day of the academic school year, and expectations and will teach Year 5G Miss Kristen Pollack who is highly heard the joyful and excited voices of until Mrs Kylie George returns from qualified with a Bachelor of Arts the girls. Whether returning or new Maternity Leave in Term 2. (Psychology) and a Bachelor of to Abbotsleigh, the girls were full of Education, both from Macquarie As Lynne Verghese takes Maternity stories of holiday happenings and University. The winning of multiple Leave, we welcome back Mrs early rises due to the excitement of university awards and scholarships Christy Kohlhoff to our Christian being at school. This was very special bears testament to Kristen’s drive for Studies Team. Prior to joining us to witness. Equally I know that we excellence and passion for educating. at Abbotsleigh last year, Christy have girls still at home who are so While completing her studies, had taught at Covenant Christian keen to be back at school. I have Kristen taught at Thornleigh West School for 17 years in a range of been reminded of how wonderful our Public School supporting students roles including classroom and music community is when responding to with a range of learning needs. teaching. She has been a very involved the most supportive and responsible She is also a keen dance tutor and member of Pittwater Uniting Church stance being taken to keep our girls already has teaching experience at for 15 years. During this time she has and school safe. The Headmistress Abbotsleigh having completed her lead Bible Studies, helped with music has shared how challenging and practicum with us. Kristen brings ministry, children’s ministry and in difficult the past months have been great energy, warmth and optimism the Sport and Fitness Centre run with extreme heat, drought, fires, to support the learning of the girls through the church as an outreach smoke haze and now coronavirus. in Year 1. program. She has also coordinated a Yet, I too see the hope, optimism and Christian program supporting mums potential possible for all our girls in To the Year 2 team we welcome Mrs of pre-schoolers as she is passionate Abbotsleigh’s 135th year. Ruby Robertson who completed her about mothers being encouraged, first degree, a Bachelor of Arts in As this academic year opens, I take supported and equipped to raise their Media and Communication, at Deakin time to particularly welcome to the children in the Christian faith. This University and then attaining her Junior School our newly appointed has also involved hosting conferences Master of Teaching from the University Deputy Head of Junior School – Mrs for this organisation. Both Christy of Melbourne. Ruby is an experienced Carmen Gaspersic. With extensive Kohlhoff and Alison Soper will ensure teacher, having spent the past four leadership and teaching and learning the School’s commitment to Christian years teaching across several year experience, we are thrilled that Mrs engagement is well realised. levels at Glen Waverley Primary Gaspersic has joined our teaching School in . She has a special To our Before and After School Care and leadership teams. Mrs Gaspersic interest in gifted education with her Team we welcome Miss Jessica has both a Bachelor of Teaching and referees speaking glowingly of her Cunningham who is currently Bachelor of Education and 23 years of ability to differentiate curriculum to completing her teaching degree. Jessica teaching experience, predominantly in meet the diverse learning needs of is already known to our girls in BASC independent schools. Last year, Mrs students. Ruby is known for her strong and Vacation Care as she was working Gaspersic lead literacy learning at the rapport with students and ability with us last year. Jessica’s warm and Hills Grammar School and previously to see great, holistic learning gains enabling manner is already being very has held leadership roles as Acting attained by all in her class. much appreciated by the girls. Deputy Head of Junior School at MLC, Director of Early Learning (Pre K-2) To the Year 5 team we welcome back We warmly welcome back Mrs Meg at Trinity, and Assistant Principal, Miss Sarah Middleton. Many girls Lim as she returns from Maternity and Academic and Welfare Team already know Miss Middleton as she Leave and Mrs Jo Colman from Long Leader at Newington. Mrs Gaspersic taught 4G here for a term while being Service Leave. We were delighted is experienced in working with high mentored by Mr Murray Keating. to hear over the holidays that both performance leadership teams, is Sarah has completed a Bachelor of Mrs Porter and Mrs Tucker have passionate for personalised learning Education with Honours and has welcomed baby boys into their and committed to the process of also been committed to teaching families. Our warmest congratulations continual improvement. She is equally children through the delivery of to them both.

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We have a most dedicated, Mackenzie Luu, our Junior School Vice • Literary Festival: Organisation professional band of educators Captain for 2020, opened with the is well underway for this biennial passionate about working with the following prayer. community event. Please keep an girls this year. I know your daughters eye on future editions of The Shuttle Dear Lord will benefit greatly from the diverse for details. The Opening Champagne skills and dedicated commitment Thank you for all the many things you Reception will be held on Tuesday each staff member brings to teaching give us. Thank you for holidays, time with 24 March, while speakers and while at the same time very much family and friends and for rest. Thank workshops will run from Wednesday enjoying our wonderful facilities. you for our school, our teachers and our 25 to Friday 27 March. friends. Please help us to be welcoming On Thursday this week, as we • ELC 10 Year Anniversary: Saturday to girls who are new and make them feel commenced our school year with 4 April from 2-4 pm. comfortable. For our new girls, please Chapel, I was delighted that Georgia • The Junior School production help them settle in quickly and adjust to Wood, the Junior School Captain for this year will be Tales of Hamelin, life at Abbotsleigh. 2020, delivered the School Lesson a musical adaptation of The so well. This is printed in the girls’ We continue to pray for the bushfires and Pied Piper with song, dance and diaries and very much embodies the the drought across our country. Please acting. Performances will be held essence of what we are looking to send rain Lord to put out the fires and help on Wednesday 17 June as a matinée, achieve for our girls: our farmers. with two evening performances on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 June. 4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say We pray for the people in China who have it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see been affected by the coronavirus. We ask Curious girls with a love for learning will that you are considerate in all you do. that you will help doctors to find a solution be well catered for this year with these Remember, the Lord is coming soon. to stop its spread. Please comfort those great programs augmenting an already exciting and challenging academic 6 who are worried for their families in China. Don’t worry about anything; instead, program. To hear more of the learning pray about everything. Tell God what As we start our year, help us to remember programs and activities planned for you need, and thank him for all he to breathe, to think about what is true and your daughter, please join us for the 7 has done. Then you will experience to remember that we are not alone. Thank Junior School Parent Information God’s peace, which exceeds anything you God that you never leave us. Evening on Tuesday 4 February at 7 pm. we can understand. His peace will We pray this in Jesus’ name, (See below for more information.) guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Amen For these experiences to be lived by the girls, it is essential that family trips are 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, Important dates for Term 1 2020 confined wholly to the generous school one final thing. Fix your thoughts on Term 1 will be a busy and industrious holiday periods. To enable families to what is true, and honourable, and right, time. With 11 teaching weeks, we will forward plan, Please check the school and pure, and lovely, and admirable. be able to accomplish much in terms of calendar on the Parent Portal regularly Think about things that are excellent the curriculum, while also enjoying the in order to be kept up to date with and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting great diversity Abbotsleigh is renowned events and activities. into practice all you learned and for. Explicit teaching is essential to skill received from me—everything you development, yet of equal importance heard from me and saw me doing. Then are the enquiry experiences to enable the God of peace will be with you. skills to be applied and passions explored. To that end the following Philippians 4:4-9 events will see much opportunity for the girls to engage in experiences that are rich, diverse and exciting:

Parent​​ Information Evening Ms Sally Ruston Head of Junior School

We know that connected and seeing our girls thrive and make a positive Presentations from Class Teachers will knowledgeable parents are best placed social impact. In a world where anxiety ensure we are all working in tandem to support their daughters in their is on the rise, having helpful tips that to assist your daughter in becoming educational journey. To this end we come from research as to how to support an independent, curious and capable warmly invite you to come along to the our girls build resilience, is invaluable. learner with strong social skills and a Transition to Year 6 Parent Teacher Sessions will be tailored to the different healthy sense of wellbeing. Please be Information Evening in Week 2 on age groups and I warmly encourage all aware that the purpose of the evening Tuesday 4 February at 7 pm. parents to arrive with sufficient time is to come to a better understanding of to attend the relevant sessions both in the teaching programs and policies in On this night we are delighted to share Everett Hall and the classrooms. place in the Junior School. It is too early the expertise of our very own Director and inappropriate to be questioning or of Wellbeing and Counselling, Mrs Liz discussing your daughter’s progress with Cannon, who is truly passionate about the teachers. 06 TERM 1 - WEEK 1 ABBOTSLEIGH NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2020

Please note the following organisational Year 4-6 parents meet in the Everett Hall 9 pm arrangements to ensure that you hear – please ensure that you arrive in good Evening concludes the School’s directions and specific time to hear these essential messages. classroom programs intended for the year. We are expecting a large number of 7.50 pm parents on this evening and will ensure 7 to 7.45 pm Year 4-6 parents meet in the following that both car parks are open until the Transition to Year 3 parents meet in the locations: close of the evening. We ask for your following locations: support in ensuring correct parking • Year 4: 4G and 4L classrooms protocols are observed and that our • Transition: Transition classroom • Year 5: 5O and 5L classrooms neighbours are not inconvenienced. • : KG and KO classrooms • Year 6: 6O and 6L classrooms • Year 1: 1G and 1O classrooms This night will be a great opportunity to 8 pm hear important information about your • Year 2: 2G and 2O classrooms Transition to Year 3 parents meet in the daughter’s schooling in 2020. • Year 3: 3G and 3L classrooms Everett Hall

​​Before and After School Care ​School Ms Sally Ruston Head of Junior School photographs Ms Sally Ruston Before and After School Care who are not in an organised activity. In Head of Junior School is being offered again this year. this way we can ensure the safety and The Before School Care service care of all our girls. Class and individual photographs will be taken on the following days: operates from 7- 8.15 am for all girls The morning session includes a simple arriving at school before 7.45 am breakfast and time for supervised • Tuesday 4 February: play and craft both indoors and out. individual photographs Miss Penny Charalambous supervises • Monday 17 February: class both Before and After School Care to and individual photographs maintain continuity for the girls. Penny These photographs will be sent can be contacted via email or from 2 home with your daughter by the pm each afternoon by phone on 9473 end of Term 1. 7622. Visit the Before and After School page on the Abbotsleigh website for more information.

Travel arrangements for Junior School students Ms Sally Ruston Head of Junior School

As part of our continued sustainability parents to walk part of the journey with To quickly collect your daughter in focus for 2020, we are looking to promote their daughters – whether from the the afternoon from the car park, it is and encourage girls to walk or scooter to station or Wahroonga village. A detailed essential that the family name is clearly and from school whenever possible. This description of safe travel routes and displayed in the windscreen. New is to promote a healthy, active lifestyle as car park arrangements can be found in families will have received their car park well as looking for ways to reduce traffic the Parent Handbook on page 20 and label on Orientation Day. I seek support and pollution. Where girls are too young in the Parent Resources section of the from all families using this facility. to walk or scooter alone, we encourage Parent Portal.

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Girls wishing to trial for our carnival Primary swimming and diving trials will have the opportunity to do so at the conclusion of the swimming events. Mr Paul Guirreri JS PDHPE Coordinator Parent helpers In preparation for the Primary Swimming Girls are permitted to wear their PE To ensure the efficient running of our Carnival we will be holding time trials uniform to and from school on the day of swimming and diving trials and Swimming for all students in Years 3-6 next week. their trials. Carnival, we require some parent helpers to Information about these trials was sent assist with timekeeping. If you are available home to parents today. The trials are At the trials the girls will have the on either of the two dates to assist, please an extension of PE lessons and will opportunity to compete in freestyle, complete this online form. be held during normal school hours. breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly and The School requires your Working With Girls are asked to come prepared, with individual medley events. Please note Children Check number prior to helping swimmers, cap, goggles and towel, on the that girls will only be entered in events at at the trials. Click here if you still need to appropriate day as listed: the carnival if they have entered them at complete the application process the trials. • Years 3 and 4: Wednesday 5 February • Years 5 and 6: Thursday 6 February

​Sun protection Years 3-6 IPSHA Saturday Sport trials Mr Paul Guirreri at the Junior JS PDHPE Coordinator Trials for girls who have signed up for School Saturday Sport soccer or flippa ball/water Mr Paul Guirreri polo, are on this Saturday 1 February JS PDHPE Coordinator in the Senior School. Please ensure that your daughter arrives on time to meet the PE staff in the stand area for each venue. The Junior School prioritises sun Session times are listed below: Training safety at all times. The rash vest Training will be as normal for all teams is mandatory for all girls who • Year 3 soccer: 8-9 am from Week 2 on the Junior School oval or swim in the Junior School pool. • Year 4 soccer: 9-10 am swimming pool and will run from 3.20-4.30 For all PE lessons, After School • Year 5 soccer and /flippa pm. All girls not collected from outside the Care swimming and water safety ball: 10-11 am PE storeroom by 4.40 pm will be escorted sessions for Years 3-6, girls are to After School Care and parents will be • Year 6 soccer and water polo/flippa required to wear the Abbotsleigh charged accordingly. Training days are as ball: 11 am-12 noon rash vest. follows: Venues Infants girls are also required to All soccer trials will take place on the • Years 3 and 4: Thursday afternoons wear a rash vest when participating synthetic field. • Year 5: Wednesday afternoons in the Infants Intensive Swimming • Year 6: Monday afternoons Program. This can be purchased All flippa ball/water polo trials will take from the Abbotsleigh Uniform Shop. place in the Aquatic Centre. Round robin sessions This term, the first round of IPSHA Saturday All girls are reminded to wear a Uniforms Sport does not commence until Saturday 15 rash vest on camp. Girls are also All girls trialling for soccer must wear February (Week 3). We will be running round encouraged to bring and regularly their PE gear (Abbotsleigh black PE robin match sessions at the Senior School apply sunscreen. The usual ‘no hat, shorts and house shirt), shin pads on Saturday 8 February for soccer and no play’ policy is also in operation. (compulsory) with long white socks, flippa ball/water polo. soccer/football boots or runners and Please assist us in protecting their PE hat and also bring a water bottle. Sessions times are as follows: your daughter from sun damage Mouthguards are strongly recommended. • Years 3-6 soccer from 8-9 am (synthetic by always ensuring thatshe has Sunscreen should be applied. her white PE hat (labelled) on all field) occasions and sunscreen and rash All girls trialling for flippa ball/water polo • Year 5 flippa ball/water polo from vest for swimming in the Junior must wear their PE gear (Abbotsleigh 10-11 am (Aquatic Centre) School pool. black PE shorts and house shirt) with their • Year 6 flippa ball/water polo from Abbotsleigh swimmers underneath. Girls 11 am-12 noon (Aquatic Centre) also need their house swimming cap, towel and a water bottle. These sessions are compulsory for all girls playing IPSHA Saturday Sport this term. Wet weather Trials will GO AHEAD regardless of weather Team sheets, wet weather information conditions. Please ensure your daughter and venue directions will be sent home with comes prepared with a raincoat if needed. your daughter as soon as they are available.

08 TERM 1 - WEEK 1 ABBOTSLEIGH NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2020 Senior School

Years 7 and 8 NASA Trip 2020 Information Evening Dr Elizabeth Russell Science Assistant Head of Department

Thursday 6 February 2020 other exciting opportunities in Florida. 6 pm The trip is 13 days, departing Saturday Peter Duly Concert Hall 5 December and returning Thursday 17 (note change of venue) December 2020.

We are delighted to announce an exciting For a closer look at the itinerary please opportunity for students in Years 7 and click here. 8 in 2020. In December 2020 we will be taking a group of students to the USA. The password (case sensitive) is: Schooltrip. The trip will start in San Francisco and For more information please contact include taking the ferry to Alcatraz, either Ms Claire Stubbs (TAS visiting Silicon Valley and other activities Department) or Dr Elizabeth Russell. before travelling to Orlando, Florida. (Science Department) Here they will take part in a three day space camp at Kennedy Space Centre before engaging in a STEM program at one of the surrounding theme parks and

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Tickets Available Mrs Kate Howitt Head of Sport

The ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup friends) for the opening match between takes place in Australia next year. It is Australia and India, to be held at the going to be a spectacular celebration of Sydney Showground Stadium on Friday 21 women in sport! It will raise the bar in February from 7 pm. women’s sporting events – with all major stadiums being used, prime time coverage Tickets are $5 for children (aged 2-16) and being given and full resourcing from the $20 for adults. We have already sold ICC to make it the best event yet! 124 tickets and only have 42 left to sell, but they must be purchased by Thursday Abbotsleigh, being one of only two schools 6 February (Week 2). in the IGSSA system to still play cricket, is getting fully behind this event. One of Purchase your tickets here. the main goals of the tournaments is to Once tickets are purchased, we will keep inspire the next generation of cricketers, a record of sales and forward on the actual especially girls. tickets before the game. For any enquiries, The ICC has set aside a block of tickets for please contact Mrs Kate Howitt or Abbotsleigh girls (and their families and Mrs Belinda Robertson.

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