PPaarreennttss && CCiittiizzeennss’’ AAssssoocciiaattiioonn MMeeeettiinngg Thursday 28 July 2011 Staff Common Room

7pm

MMootthheerrss’’ CCoommmmiitttteeee MMeeeettiinngg Wednesday 3 August 2011

Library 10am

SStt GGeeoorrggee GGiirrllss HHiigghh SScchhoo

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ool Telephone: 9587 5902 Facsimile: 9553 8043 Email: stgeorgegi-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Website: www.sgghs.com.au

he Gazette Monthly Bulletin July 2011 Vol. 16 No. 6

PPrriinncciippaall’’ss MMeessssaaggee Dear Parents and Students, Welcome back to Term 3! I hope you and your family had an enjoyable two week break. This term promises to be a very busy and exciting one as we have come to expect at St George. I must however mention two important events which took place late last term. OOnnee IInnssppiirreedd EEvveenniinngg…… This highlight of the school calendar was once again a triumph! On Wednesday 29 June the school hall was transformed for our annual showcase of works from our Textile and Design students. Each student had designed a garment or fashion accessory and modelled her creations with poise and sophistication. Our Year 11 students transformed a length of teal coloured jersey material into a unique garment. The individuality and creativity of the garments bode well for our HSC class of 2012. Our Year 8 students modelled their fascinators and their individual T shirts. Year 9 will become style divas while Year 10 glided down a recycled runway and also created an architectural statement. The highlight of the evening, however, was the breathtaking designs of our

current HSC class which once again did not disappoint with their major works. Dance, film, vocal and drama items also provided colour, glamour and excitement to a spectacular program. Prior to the evening, students were invited to enter this year’s annual design challenge inspired by outer space. As in previous years the winner of this challenge received a sewing machine generously donated by Ms Bev Barter of Busy Bee Cottage in Hurstville. Ms Barter has been a sponsor of our Inspired evening since its inception. This year’s prize went to Amy Vinh. Many other prizes were awarded in what was perhaps the best design challenge yet. Congratulations to all students who participated both on stage and behind the scenes to make it a most memorable event. I also congratulate our TAS faculty and all staff who had input into the night. EEnnggaaddiinnee BBaannddffeesstt SSuucccceessss Once again our music ensembles achieved success in the Engadine Bandfest held at St George Bank Auditorium in Kogarah. Our Intermediate, Stage and Concert Bands were all awarded gold for their performances. I was able to catch the performance of the Stage Band and I was immensely proud of our wonderful musicians! Congratulations to Ms Hamilton and Ms Oyston for their nurturing of our ensembles. GGaallaa MMuussiicc EEvveenniinngg Hopefully many students and parents were able to attend our Gala Music Evening held last Friday. This night gave all members of our school community the opportunity to experience the performance of our many ensembles as well as performances by Year 12 students Grace Patten and Catherine Bao. This is our 18th Annual Gala Music Evening and, as expected, was a most uplifting and exhilarating evening. Every year we bid farewell to many of our Year 12 students who are most important members of our ensembles. This year we are farewelling many wonderful musicians

who have performed in our ensembles for many years, forging friendships across the grades and giving our whole school community pleasure and joy at many performance nights. I would like to acknowledge and thank the following Year 12 students for their contribution to our school: Catherine Bao, Rina Choy, Janene Dalrymple, Adela Greenbaum, Georgina Hayes, Irene Jin, Rebecca Lawrence, Lauren Lee, Laurean Lim, Katherine Lui, Carmel Mangura, Emily Sullivan, Amy Reid, Sarah White, Winnie Zhao, and Emong Zheng. The ensembles will greatly miss your magical music making! EEnnvviirroo IInnssppiirroo Once again our enviroclub leaders entered this state-wide competition which required them to produce a DVD highlighting an environmental initiative they have instigated within the school. Last year the team was highly commended. This year they reported on their “No Bottled Water” campaign and were awarded third place. They have won $800 to be used for an environmental initiative and also individual prizes for the students who produced the DVD. I congratulate students Liesl Ziegler, Julie Tran, Jacinta Britton and Sharika Kabir on their successful submission! YYeeaarr 1100 SSuubbjjeecctt SSeelleeccttiioonn PPrroocceessss A most successful and well attended Subject Selection Market and Parent Information Evening was held on the last Monday of last term. I wish to thank Mr Morris and Mr Ponder who explained the HSC requirements to students and parents. Year 10 submit their initial subject selection requests early this term. We do our best to satisfy the majority of students’ subject selections. Occasionally a small number of students may find their choices are not available. These students will be assisted to make a second selection. BBeesstt WWiisshheess YYeeaarr 1122 I extend everyone’s best wishes to our Year 12 students who begin their Trial HSC examinations on Friday July 29. This is an intensive and stressful time for students and their families. For some students these examinations will be followed by HSC examinations in languages, drama and music. Students will also be submitting their major works in courses such as visual arts, English extension 2 and textiles and design. I assure all Year 12 parents of our commitment to support your daughter through this time and ask you to contact the school if we can assist in any way. SSttuuddeenntt SSuucccceessss I wish to congratulate two Year 11 students who have experienced enormous success recently. Victoria Costello has written an essay which will see her attend World Youth Day in Madrid. De Yi Wu has been successful in auditioning for an international vocal competition to be held in Beijing. Both students will gain an incredible experience by participating in these international contexts and they leave with our very best wishes and warm congratulations. AApppplliiccaattiioonnss ffoorr YYeeaarrss 88--1122 EEnnttrryy Each year a small number of vacancies may occur in Years 8-12. The application package is now available from the school. The selection is determined by a

panel comprising staff and parent representatives. The closing date is Thursday 28 July and applications must be handed in to the school office by 3pm on this day. TThhaannkkss ttoo tthhee SStt GGeeoorrggiiaannss If you happen to be driving along Harrow Road you may notice our crest on the gymnasium wall. This sign was purchased thanks to donations made by the St Georgians and also the “girls” of 1961. I thank these wonderful ex-students for their generosity. CCoonnggrraattuullaattiioonnss I would like to congratulate the following students for receiving Principal Certificates: Celine Choong, Anna Ha, Talissa Jondral and Nina Pirola of Year 7. Sidney Tulau (3) of Year 8. Sarah Huang (2) of Year 9. Annabelle Hayes and Meera Seermaran of Year 11. Well done to all of these girls and to all who have experienced personal success this term. Yours sincerely Carole Knott

Sivanjali Karalasingham Year 9

Artwork selected by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for possible use in their future publications

DDeeppuuttyy PPrriinncciippaall’’ss RReeppoorrtt Year 12

ear 12 will be commencing Trial HSC exams on Friday and parents should ensure that their daughters do not do ‘all night’ study sessions.

They are better off facing an exam rested and alert. Last minute cramming is rarely effective and often counterproductive. If your daughter is ill contact the school, obtain a medical certificate and get her to organise an alternative exam time. Do not send her to school with a certificate and a request to take her illness into consideration. This cannot be done. She must either present for the exam or have a legitimate excuse and doctor’s certificate.

Year 12

YYeeaarr 1100 The process of subject selection for the HSC is now under way with girls having made their initial choices and the school now needing to decide what subjects run and how subjects are placed against each other. Please be assured that we do everything we can to ensure the majority of girls get what they want but also be aware that no system will ever be able to guarantee that every student gets her subjects. Mr Morris JJuunniioorr OOuuttddoooorr CChheessss

he Junior Outdoor Chess Champions for 2011 are: Suvini Suriyarachchi, Jessica Wei, Yvonne Truong and Gina Chen all from Year 9.

Due to the rain the finals and grand finals were constantly rescheduled. After a very tense match these students prevailed to be the champions for 2011. A very big thank you to Monica Du and Joy Chen of Year 12 who facilitated and organised the games, rosters and constant follow up with the students. Joy and Monica even fed the students on grand final day with scrumptious home baked shortbread biscuits. The senior outdoor chess completion will soon begin so any students in Years 10, 11 or 12 who wish to participate please register with either Mrs Duffy, Joy Chen or Monica Du. A special invitation goes to Year 12 students as this is your last year and the senior champions usually come from a Year 12 team so you need to uphold the tradition, girls, and participate. There is no cost, just register a team of up to three players.

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Year 1n 24 June, three Year 12 biology classes attended the Biology Kickstart Workshop at Sydney University. We were keen to begin our

sessions in an out-of-school environment of dissections and analysis.

Year 122 BBiioollooggyy

Our first session consisted of brain and eye dissections, examining the ear and exploring the sensory systems of animals. A group of experienced and enthusiastic scientists, including Stephanie Yee, who graduated from our school in 2010 guided us. The two hour session quickly passed in the blink of an eye. Time flies when you’re having fun! After lunch, we attended a seminar on the different types of hearing aids in our market. Just like the morning session, the talk went quickly. Overall, the day was very informative; a day which will help us Year 12 students enormously. By Winnie Zhang and Rene Chang Year 12 SSttuuddeenntt WWeellffaarree

ince the issue of the last Gazette, the following students have been presented with Dragon Badges:

Trisha Hassan of Year 7. Artchaki Chandrasegar and Sidney Tulau of Year 8. Faye Flevaris of Year 10. Annabelle Hayes of Year 11.

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ggaarrddeenniinngg cclluubb has formed thanks to the efforts of Amelia Mertha, Roanna Chan, Zoe Pan and Michelle Fang.

The veggie patch has continued to flourish as evident in the photos below. The students would also like to thank Mrs Duffy and the two student teachers, Ms Alison Chau and Ms Felicity Dwyer for their help with the gardening club after school.

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Anyone wishi

is available for purchase and is much cheaper than buying fertiliser elsewhere. ng to buy fertiliser please see Mrs Duffy.

A reminder that anyone who has previously bought our fertiliser can return their empty bottle to be refilled at half price. EEnnvviirroo IInnssppiirroo 22001111 C

A very big thank you goes to Jacinta Britton, Julie Tran, Sharika Kabir and Liesl Ziegler for the many hours and days that went into the production/editing of the film. Also the following students are to be acknowledged for their efforts: Belinda Goh, Lakshmi Logathassan, Pearl Kim, Stephanie Xu, Cherry Alom, Sahani Jayawardane, Anisha Hegde, Richa Mudaliar and Mr Morris (for his voice over). Mrs Duffy

Coonnggrraattuullaattiioonnss to the EEnnvviirroo Club and all of the students involved in the production of the 5 minute film clip that was entered in this year’s EEnnvviirroo IInnssppiirroo achieving tthhiirrdd ppllaaccee and winning a $1000 prize. Title of this Year’s film was “BEYOND the School Gates”. A copy will be placed on the school’s intranet at a later date.

““WWaattcchh OOuurr WWaattttss”” On Tuesday, 21 June, eight Year 9 girls – Abbie Winspear, Marlene Manks, Aimy Yan, Sivanjali Karalasingham, Katerina Bampos, Katherine Guo, Melissa Han and Melanie Tran visited Carlton Public School to participate in the ““WWaattcchh OOuurr WWaattttss”” program. This program, run by the Department of Education and Communities, aims to encourage schools to reduce electricity wastage and their carbon footprint. The day was centered on the primary school students implementing and undertaking an energy efficiency plan which they would deliver to the whole school to minimise their energy consumption. The program consisted of interesting facts and information, resources and ‘hands on’ activities which highlighted the areas of the school which the students could target. The students also learnt about renewable energy sources such as wind, water and solar energy and techniques to prevent electricity wastage. Our St George Girls were actively involved, providing support and guidance for the Carlton students to help them gain an understanding of climate change. Overall, the day was a great success and Carlton Public School was able to launch their plan – and look forward to a cleaner, greener future. Now Carlton has challenged our school to reduce our electricity usage more than them. So listen to announcements and come along to meetings if you wish to help out. By Marlene Manks Year 9

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MMuussiicc RRooaadd TTrriipp

his year’s road trip was amazing to say the least. From the 6th of June to the 10th of June, 71 girls, 5 teachers and 2 drivers set off to country-

town Dubbo. Yee Ha! On the way we stopped at Katoomba and Orange, feeling very enthusiastic about finally arriving in Dubbo. Arriving in Dubbo, we quickly realised how lucky we were to have our cosy jumpers and specially designed Road Trip jerseys when we settled into our rooms at Aussie Cabins. That night we were entertained with Tangled. Quite a few unfortunate people found themselves sharing rooms with mice which resulted in sleepless nights and screaming. We woke early the next day (and did so every other morning), gobbled down our rice bubbles and hopped back on the coaches for Manildra Public School. Our first performance was really exciting and we received a good response from the townsfolk. Then we got back onto the bus and headed to the Parkes Public School. After another success we headed back to Aussie Cabins.

That night we headed to Dubbo observatory; however

due to the clouds we were unable to see anything. We fell onto our beds anticipating the next day.

The following day only included one performance and after this we boarded the coaches for Dubbo Western Plains Zoo. There, we had a choice of either bike-riding (with a charge of $15) or just walking around the zoo to observe the beautiful animals. After we returned to Aussie Cabins, we were anxious for that night’s activity; only to receive terrible news that some Year 10 girls had to do a Maths Test. We ended the day with ten-pin bowling and found ourselves dancing to the Macarena and Nut Bush on the bowling alley. Miss Hamilton showed off her fantastic bowling skills and won overall.

The next day, we went to schools of central years and “Shake a Tail Feather” really got those students up and dancing. Like past camps and road trips, Trivia Night was met with an array of colourful costumes. This year’s theme was “TV shows” and was hosted by our wonderful Year 11 students. The winning team was the Year 10 “SpongeBob Square-pants” group. The other team’s costumes included “The Simpsons”, “The Wiggles”, “The Rugrats” and “The Mr Men Show”. The teachers dressed up as the “Beverly Hillbillies”, and Mr Howden opted to transform into a woman... (no comment). One of the challenges was a capella sing-off of GLEE’s “Don’t Stop Believing”. On the final day (“boo hoo”) we got back on the coaches, said our goodbyes to Dubbo, snuggled up in our coach seats and fell fast asleep knowing that the past five days had been well spent.

For those who hadn’t been on a road trip before this was a great first time; out on the road with their fellow musicians, playing great music and generally having loads of fun. Not only did the Concert Band, Stage Band and Orchestra improve their performance skills but everyone got a little bit closer and new friendships were formed amongst the years.

We would like to thank our drivers Frank and Shaun for being terrific drivers and being supportive of our tour. Also a huge thank you Mr Howden, Ms Vourdanos and Mrs Jospe for coming along and supporting us and joining in on all the fun and of course a GIGANTIC thank you to Ms Oyston and Miss Hamilton for organising the whole trip and being absolutely amazing conductors.

By Michelle Feng and Amelia Mertha Year 10

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LLaanngguuaaggeess YYeeaarr 88 JJaappaanneessee EExxccuurrssiioonn ttoo tthhee TTaannkkeenn CCeennttrree

t the end of Term 2 the relieving teacher of Japanese Ms Shida accompanied the two Year 8 Japanese classes on their annual excursion to

the Tanken Centre at Kirrawee High School. The purpose of the Centre is to provide students of Japanese with a day of total immersion in Japanese. The day includes advanced speaking skills exercises, interactive games, computer aided learning, a bento box for lunch, as well as fun activities such as dressing up in Japanese costumes.

SSppoorrtt SSppoorrttss FFeeeess aanndd UUnniiffoorrmm

ll Sports fees for Term 2 are overdue. Our instructors need to be paid on time. This requires you paying your fees for the Sport you

have selected. Information about Sports fees was published in a previous Gazette and is available from the PE Office and on the intranet. Correct PE uniform, including socks and predominantly white joggers, must be worn for all Sport (except Self-defence where alternative appropriate clothing should be worn). Girls should leave the change rooms clean and tidy after using them.

GGyymmnnaassttiiccss Two of our students will be competing in the C.H.S. Gymnastics competition at Glendale on 8 – 10 August. Eden Ghim of Year 8 will compete in the Rhythmical section and Amelia Causley-Todd of Year 10 will compete in the Artistic section. Good luck to both of these gymnasts at this elite competition.

RReeggiioonnaall CCrroossss CCoouunnttrryy Twenty-five students competed at this carnival at the new venue at Miranda Park. All students are to be congratulated on their efforts on the day. Greta Hayes of Year 9 was placed 4th in her event and will compete at the All Schools carnival on Friday 22 July at Eastern Creek. Good luck to Greta at this State carnival. Mrs Cooper Head Teacher PDHPE PPaarreennttss aanndd CCiittiizzeennss’’ AAssssoocciiaattiioonn

irstly, a big thank you to Mr Jagelman, Head Teacher Languages, for his highly entertaining and informative presentation to parents. The

session included a teaching retrospective, the traditions of St George Girls, the impact of technology on languages education …. and the significance of jacaranda and rosemary in the school gardens. Do you know? On Thursday 23 June 2011 the Annual General Meeting of the P&C Association was held prior to the June monthly meeting. At the meeting the 2010 AGM Minutes were confirmed and the 2011 Annual Report and Financial Statement were presented to the meeting. The following parents were elected as P&C Office Bearers for the 2011-2012 year: President: Michael Costello Vice-President: George Mak Treasurer: Aparna Hegde Secretary (Minutes): Marion Downey Secretary (Correspondence): Mark Yan The next meeting of the P&C will be held on Thursday 28 July 2011 in the Staff Common Room at 7pm. The guest speaker at the meeting will be Mr Howden, Head Teacher Mathematics. You may have noticed in newspapers the two school promotions being run by Coles (for sports equipment) at http://www.coles.com.au/ and Woolworths (for educational resources) at http://www.earnandlearn.net.au/ . More information about these promotions will appear in the next Gazette. DDoonn’’tt MMiissss OOuutt ….. the P&C is still offering parents, families and friends of the school a final opportunity to get some great discounts at restaurants, stores and cafes across the St George area, including McDonald’s Coles, K-Mart and Bi-Lo. The popular Entertainment Books cost only $65 and are valid until June 2012. This fundraiser will finish at the end of Term 3 and only 10 books remain. The purchase of every book will return $13 to the school which will directly benefit students. (Please see flyer for details)

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The Guest Speaker at our next meeting will be Mrs Jospe, Careers Adviser and Year 8 Adviser.

For the Diary – two important P&C events in Term 3: • Sunday 28 August – the fundraiser BBQ at

Bunnings Warehouse, Rockdale from 8am to 6pm is another opportunity for the school to mingle with the wider community and raise funds for the school. All proceeds go directly towards teaching and learning resources for our students. These BBQs have become a regular event on the P&C calendar. As always parent and student volunteers (and good weather) are vital to the success of the day. We hope to see many parents and students drop in for a sausage on a roll and a drink. (Please see flyer for details)

• Saturday 3 September – the annual Father and Daughter Dinner at St George Leagues Club (Mahogany Room) from 7pm to 11pm to coincides with Fathers’ Day. A great opportunity for friends to organise tables (and their Dads!) for a night of excellent food, music, prizes and games. Year 12 students, including prefects, are encouraged to attend as part of their final year at school. Payments via the finance office. (Please see flyer for details)

We hope to meet new parents at our July meeting and at upcoming P&C events. Michael Costello Marion Downey Mark Yan Aparna Hegde President Secretary Secretary Treasurer 0408 195 739 0401 713 850 0410 665 198 9385 1569 MMootthheerrss’’ CCoommmmiitttteeee LLaasstt MMeeeettiinngg –– NNoo JJuullyy mmeeeettiinngg dduuee ttoo tthhee

lschooope the school holiday break was enjoyable and we look forward to meeting some new parents in Term 3 at our monthly meetings.

school hhoolliiddaayyss

Information about the Mothers’ Committee and what we do was provided at the recent Parent Teacher Evenings to encourage more parents to come along as it is a great way to be involved with the school community, meet other parents and find out what is happening at school from the Principal and guest speakers. As well as providing a forum for liaison between parents and the school, the Committee has a major fundraising function through the management of the Uniform Shop and the organisation of the annual Mother-Daughter Dinner. The Committee also provides representatives on staff selection and annual report review panels.

All funds raised by the Mothers’ Committee are used to purchase necessary items for the school with recent contributions made towards technology infrastructure, annual faculty funding, the refurbishment of the Drama Studio and annual Speech Day and Year 12 Graduation prizes. The Committee holds approximately nine meetings each year and you will be made most welcome whenever you are able to attend our meetings.

UUnniiffoorrmm SShhoopp NNeewwss The Uniform Shop is open Wednesday lunchtimes during term from 12.45pm – 2pm (but please note that if you wish to meet your daughter, the girls’ lunch break commences at 1.10pm). Due to good stock levels, the Uniform Shop is allowing Year 9 girls the opportunity to purchase their senior uniforms in Term 3 without limits. NO LIMIT on the number of Senior Skirts (usually one). NO LIMIT on the number of winter and summer blouses (usually two for each). This offer will not be available in Term 4 or at the start of the 2012 school year. Please donate any unwanted St George Girls uniform items to the shop. All profits from the shop are donated to the school for the benefit of our daughters. The Mothers’ Committee always meets the first Wednesday of the month (except during school holidays). Next Meeting: Wednesday 3 August 2011 in the Library at 10am Lisa Tulau Maria Radcliffe Megan Eriksson President Treasurer Secretary 0407 007 211 9533 5303 9580 1167(wk) SStt GGeeoorrggiiaannss

elcome back, we hope you all had a relaxing and rejuvenating break. The St Georgians are winding down after our big annual

reunion, and heading towards our AGM this month. Any ex-students are invited to attend. Why not come along and be part of the small group of ladies who are keeping our association alive? The ex-students’ association dates back to 1921 – and we are as excited about the future of St George as we are interested in its past.

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One of our favourite St Georgian social events is our theatre party group, to which all are welcome. Our next outing to the Guild Theatre, Rockdale is for the double bill Separate Tables, on Wednesday 31 August. Curtain-up is at 8pm; why not meet some friends for dinner first and spend an evening at the theatre? The St Georgians meet in Room 5, at 7pm on the fourth Thursday of each month during school term. Our next meeting will be Thursday, 28 July, following on from the Annual General Meeting. We are always keen to meet new members, and look forward to seeing you there! Pam Appleby Diana Renton Melissa George President Treasurer Secretary 9587 0355 9580 3282 9522 2527 (after 6pm) (after 6pm)

CCoommiinngg EEvveennttss

Tuesday 26 July Gazette issued on school website Students Dismissed 2.25pm Wednesday 27 July Opportunity Class Examination Year 12 Drama Showcase, Drama Studio, 6.30pm Thursday 28 July Chemistry Quiz Year 12 Trial HSC Stuvac Parents and Citizens’ Association Meeting, Staff Common Room, 7pm St Georgians Meeting, Room 5, 7pm Friday 29 July Trial Higher School Certificate commences Friday 29 July – Sunday 31 July Ski Trip Monday 1 August Regional Athletics Carnival Tuesday 2 August Regional Athletics Carnival Wednesday 3 August Mothers’ Committee Meeting, Library, 10am Thursday 4 August Mathematics Competition Friday 5 August Year 8 French Excursion, City, 11.15am – 3.05pm Saturday 6 August HSC Japanese Continuers Oral Wednesday 10 August Year 7 Visual Arts Excursion, Taronga Zoo, 8.45am – 3.05pm Year 11 Biology Excursion, City, 9.15am – 3.05pm Thursday 11 August – Friday 12 August Year 10 History Excursion, Canberra Saturday 13 August HSC Japanese Extension Oral Monday 15 August Expanding Horizons Concert Thursday 18 August Year 9 Music Excursion, City, 8pm – 10.45pm Saturday 20 August HSC French Continuers Oral

It is important that payment for excursions is made to the Finance Office on the days as designated by classroom teachers.