From the Head of Senior School

From the Head of Senior School

This week we have enjoyed many wonderful events to celebrate our Year 12 students as they finalise their time at school in classes.

On Monday we started with the Celebration Assembly where the Year 12 students shared a hilarious muck up video with many teacher cameos and clever pranks! On Tuesday the girls sang their hearts out in the Chapel for the final time and I hope you have enjoyed the photos and videos of their final assembly; with the one of the best parts being our cute Kindergarten kids singing their farewells on behalf of the Junior School! 

Yesterday, of course, was the highlight, with our Valedictory Assembly in Potts Hall, whole School guard of honour and dinner at Le Montage last night. I know I speak for all the staff in the Senior School when I congratulate them and wish them the best of luck as they prepare for their HSC and IB examinations in just a few short weeks.

What is happening in the holidays?

As the holidays approach, we are proud to support our students and staff as they embark on a series of enriching tours around the world. These experiences reflect the School’s commitment to holistic education, fostering a deeper understanding of history, culture, and community service.

Our students and staff have shown dedication by participating in these tours during their term break. We would like to extend our gratitude to all those involved—students, staff, and the supportive families behind them.

A summary of the trips we are embarking on is below:

Round Square Conference – Bogota, Colombia

From Monday 16 September to Thursday 3 October 2024, Deputy Principal Melissa Boyd, Director of Experiential Learning Sarah Jauncey, and Round Square Co-ordinator Xavier Maling will lead students Emily Wu (Year 10), Priyanka Thanigasalam (Year 11), and Liliana Hollands (Year 11) at an international conference of global citizenship.

Culture College – Arnhem Land, Northern Territory

From Friday 20 September to Thursday 26 September 2024, Head of Learning and Teaching Linda Emms, Natasha Collins, and Megan Ling, together with students from Year 9 to Year 11, will engage with the Indigenous culture in Arnhem Land. This tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with the land and its people, gaining a greater appreciation of Australia’s cultural diversity.

History Tour – Italy and Germany

From Saturday 21 September to Saturday 5 October 2024, students from Year 9 to Year 11 will delve into Europe’s rich historical tapestry. Accompanied by David Posker-Hill (Head of Department – History and Religious Education), Sharon Connolly (Head of Year 11), Chris Highman, Claire White (Head of Year 9), and Stavroula Koulouris, they will explore key historical sites and deepen their understanding of the world’s heritage and past.

Duke of Edinburgh Silver and Gold Outback Adventure – Northern Territory

From Monday 23 September to Sunday 29 September 2024, 12 Year 10 students and one Year 9 student will tackle the rugged beauty of the Northern Territory as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award. This adventurous journey will be a test of resilience and teamwork, led by our dedicated staff.

World of Wearable Art Tour (WOW) – New Zealand

From Saturday 28 September to Wednesday 9 October 2024, Year 9 to Year 11 students, led by Robin Langford and Sally Marks (Head of Department – Visual Arts), will explore the vibrant world of wearable art in New Zealand. This unique tour will immerse students in the intersection of fashion, art, and culture, allowing them to witness the creativity and innovation of this renowned international event.

We look forward to hearing about the transformative experiences they will undoubtedly bring back. Safe travels to all.

Staffing news

Today, we farewell Kylie Bickerstaff and offer her great thanks for all she has contributed to the School and the development of our students in her various roles, as Assistant Director of Sport and Head of Year, and wish her every success at her new school. From Term 4 Emily Marsh will be Acting Head of Year 8.

We have two staff members who are using some of their well-earned long service leave in Term 4. Term 4 is often the best time for teachers to make the most of this leave and is part of the many ways we look after our staff. These classes will mostly be allocated internally.

  • Monica Lee – Mathematics, will be away from Week 2 of Term 4 (week commencing Monday 21 October 2024) and will return in 2025.
  • Henry Wijanto  – Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) will be away from Week 4 to Week 7 of Term 4 (Monday 4 November 2024 to Friday 22 November 2024).

Wishing all of you a restful school holiday break.

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School