From Ms Allum

Welcome to Term 4!

This week we marked an important milestone in the life of the School, inducting our 2025/2026 House Officials on Monday and commissioning our 2025/2026 Prefects yesterday. Both occasions were moments of reflection and celebration, as our new student leaders begin their passage of service and leadership within the SCEGGS community.

Every girl from Kindergarten to Year 12 belongs to one of six Houses — Badham, Barton, Beck, Christian, Docker and Langley. Established in 1926 by Headmistress Miss Wilkinson, the House system was designed to “have a profound effect on the development of our school,” increasing “enthusiasm in work and sport.”

Moreover, our Houses give every girl a strong sense of belonging and connection; a place where she feels known, supported and valued; a place where friendships grow and memories are created that will last long after they have departed the Green Gates.

Over the next 12 months the House Officials will lead their peers in Inter-House competitions in Sports, Music, Drama, Debating and other activities. They will model service leadership, be agents of change and impact and continue the friendly House rivalry of their predecessors.

The commissioning of our Prefects was held in the Chapel, a fitting setting that reminds us of the Christian values of our School, underpinned by the notion that true leadership is service to others. As Prefects, these students are entrusted with representing all students, upholding our values, and setting an example for others to follow. Throughout the year they will initiate charity collections, co-ordinate whole school events, and encourage participation in community activities.

Congratulations to all our 2025/2026 leaders!

Today also saw the start of the HSC written examinations. We extend our best wishes to the Class of 2025 and encourage them to remain confident in their preparations as they close this chapter of their SCEGGS journey.

Jenny Allum
Head of School

Year 2-6 Swimming Carnival

Parent / Spectator Seating

Parent and spectator seating will be available on the balcony viewing area at the north end of the pool, as well as behind the students in the tiered stand.

Parents and spectators are asked not to sit with students, who must remain in their designated House areas.

Please note, entry for parents and spectators (16 years and over) is $3.50.

On the Day

Students should arrive at school by 8:15am, wearing their PE uniform with swimmers underneath, and attend Form time as usual. They will travel by chartered bus, departing SCEGGS at 8.30am.

At the Carnival, students may wear decorated hats, coloured socks, t-shirts, and other House coloured accessories in support of their House. To help protect the environment, pom-poms and paper streamers are not permitted. Students are to wear their PE uniform correctly to and from school.

At the conclusion of the carnival, students will either:

• return to school by chartered bus, or
• be collected by a parent/carer from the venue.

If your daughter will be collected from the pool, please provide written permission to her classroom teacher in advance. Students returning by bus will arrive back in time for normal carline collection.

Students are expected to stay for the entire carnival. Early departures will only be permitted with prior approval from Mrs Dempsey.

Program and Events

Years 4–6

All students will automatically be entered into the following events:

• 50m Freestyle
• 50m Breaststroke
• 50m Backstroke

Additional events are available for students who attend squad training and are capable of completing them confidently, within an appropriate time:

• 50m Butterfly
• 100m Freestyle
• 200m Individual Medley

Students wishing to enter these additional events must complete the Clipboard form. Registration link below.

Year 3

All Year 3 students must complete the Clipboard form. Registration link below.
They may choose to compete in either 25m or 50m races for Freestyle, Breaststroke, and Backstroke.
Students are encouraged to challenge themselves with 50m distances, though confidence and enjoyment are the top priorities. Please discuss with your daughter which events best suit her ability and comfort level.

Year 2

Year 2 students will compete in 25m Freestyle and Backstroke events.
This serves as an introduction to the swimming carnival experience and a chance to support their House. From Year 3 onwards, they will have the opportunity to participate in a wider range of 50m events.

Years 3-6 Event Registration

Please complete the 2025 Primary Swim Carnival form via Clipboard.

The Online Program will be available in Week 5 via Behind the Green Gate and the SCEGGS App.

Sun Safety

The pool at Lane Cove is outdoors, so sun protection is essential.
Students must:

• wear a t-shirt when not competing,
• wear a hat while seated in the stands, and
• bring and apply sunscreen regularly throughout the day.

Students should wear their SCEGGS swimsuit and are encouraged to also wear rash shirts or other sun-protective swimwear.

Food

Students should bring sufficient food and water for the day.
While canteen facilities will be available to parents and spectators, students are not to purchase food or drinks.

Co-curricular Activities on Monday 17 November

• Years 3-6 Swim Squad will be cancelled in the morning
• After school sport will proceed as usual, though attendance is optional. If your daughter will be absent from after school sport, please inform the relevant Sports Coordinator or email here.
• Art Club will be cancelled
• St. Peters Payers will proceed as usual

IPSHA Selection

Results from the carnival will be used in the selection of the 2026 SCEGGS Swimming Squad for students in Years 3-6. We encourage all students to participate enthusiastically and strive for their personal best.

Students who are absent on the day, along with all 2026 Year 3 students, will have an opportunity to trial early next year. (Date to be confirmed)

The final SCEGGS Swimming Team, to compete at the IPSHA Carnival, will be selected based on the best times from the school carnival, time trials and current NSW Swimming times, at the discretion of the Sport Department.

We are looking forward to a wonderful day of swimming and House spirit!
In the event of inclement weather, a decision regarding cancellation will be made by 7.30am and communicated via Clipboard and the SCEGGS App.

For any questions, please reach out.

Mr Adrian Hammond
Primary Sports Coordinator

From The Chaplain

The SCEGGS Podcast “Walk The Mile” Episode 71: The Long Run with Jessica Baird Walsh

In order to accomplish anything we have to start somewhere. And for many of us (myself included) getting started can be the biggest obstacle. In this episode, I am speaking with Jessica Baird Walsh, a woman who runs everyday but for more than just fitness. Her inspiration is the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, an organisation that not only encourages people to run, but endeavours to build confidence, leadership and resilience. This conversation is about more than just running. It is about what drives us to do the things we do and what might hold us back. I hope you enjoy our chat as much as I did. 

And a reminder that we are published on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other popular platforms so you can access it easier from your preferred device. I always welcome your feedback or any ideas you may have for further episodes. You will find each podcast as they are produced in this newsletter and on the other platforms as well as our website.

Term 4 Dates for Monday Food Delivery

Term 4 dates for our Monday Food Delivery can be found in the SignUp app. All the information you need is there but if you have any questions, please contact me at anytime. Thanks again to everyone within our community for your continued generosity. I can assure you that every meal is very well appreciated. We have had a few brothers of our students take part as well. This can help with their own schools community service programs and I welcome any other siblings that might like to get involved. If it is for a program that needs someone to sign off for them, I can do that too!

Rev. Garry Lee-Lindsay
School Chaplain

Drama News

Welcome back to Term 4 everyone – another busy one for the Drama Department.

Pippin

We are well into rehearsals for the musical Pippin. The show has been blocked and we are now running it. Our director Mr Colyer is heading a terrific team of creatives who have ‘magic to do’ to ensure the cast excel in their storytelling.

We are delighted to be joined by boys from Cranbrook, Grammar and Newington in the telling of the tale, first presented on Broadway in 1972 by the great Bob Fosse with a score by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked and Godspell).

Bookings for Pippin will open on Monday 27 October (Week 3). A booking link will be provided in next week’s Behind The Green Gate.

Drama Captain

Applications are now sought for the role of Drama Captain in 2026. Information has been sent to girls in Year 10 and 11 and keen students are encouraged to apply, demonstrating a passion and commitment to curricular and co-curricular drama. Applications close on Monday 20 October at 3.15pm.

Quote/Trivia

Shakespeare’s Globe is the only building in London permitted to have a thatched roof. Since the Great Fire of London in 1666, there has been a law banning buildings with thatched rooves because they are such a fire hazard. The Great Fire burned for three nights and destroyed over 13,000 houses in the capital. But don’t panic – fire retardants and sprinklers protect the modern thatch used today to ensure we don’t repeat history. The Globe actually burned down in 1613, 53 years before the Great Fire.

There was only one casualty: a man whose breeches caught fire and were extinguished with a bottle of ale.

Peter Eyers
Head of Drama

Primary Sport News

Term 4 Saturday Sport

Welcome back. I hope you all had a wonderful break. The Term 4 Saturday Sports are IPSHA Basketball and Tennis, and Year 3 Football. A reminder they commence this Saturday 18 October (Week 1). Please check Clipboard for fixtures and locations. A few reminders:

• Students are expected to be at the venue 30 minutes prior to the scheduled game time.
• Approved leave from Saturday sport is needed from Mrs Dempsey at least one week prior to the absence. If your daughter is absent on a Saturday morning due to sickness, then please contact the relevant sports coordinator and coach.
• Any cancellations or changes to Saturday sport (such as wet weather) are made straight into Clipboard.
• A reminder of the IPSHA Spectators Code of behaviour:

• • Children play organised sports for fun. They are not playing for the entertainment of spectators only, nor are they miniature professionals.
  • Applaud good performances and efforts from each team. Congratulate all participants upon their performance regardless of the game’s outcome.
  • Respect the officials’ decision.
  • Positive comments are motivational and encourage continued effort.
  • Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would be no game.
  • Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials’ decisions.
  • Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language, harassing players, coaches or officials.
  • Comments should not interfere with the running of the game.
  • Focus on the efforts and performance of the children rather than the result.

Primary (Years 2-6) Swimming Carnival

The Primary Swimming Carnival is taking place on Monday 17  November (Week 6) at Lane Cove Aquatic Centre. Please read here for event details.

Student Achievements

At the end of last term, Alessandra Voitenko Turner (Year 6) competed at the iconic Sydney International Equestrian Centre, the very venue that hosted the 2000 Olympic Equestrian Games. The event brought together an extraordinary number of talented athletes and their magnificent horses.  The atmosphere was electric, the standard of competition inspiring, and the experience unforgettable.

Over two gruelling days of competition in both Dressage and Showjumping, Alessandra’s hard work, determination, and talent shone through, and she was crowned National Champion in her category. Alessandra is now not only a NSW State Champion, but also the 2025 National Champion in Primary Combined Training 80cm, AND Reserve Champion Combined Training Teams! This year, Team NSW was also the winning state at the Nationals. What an incredible achievement.

During the holidays Emilia Laban (Year 6) played in two Tennis J125 tournaments in the Under 12 girls singles category. Emilia was the runner up at the J125 Springwood Junior Competition and she won the Under 12 singles titles at the J125 NSW Hardcourt Metro Championships. Congratulations to Emilia!

Important Sports Dates:

Have a wonderful week.

Mr Adrian Hammond
Primary Sports Coordinator

Primary & Secondary Music

Term 4 Overview

Please refer to Clipboard for information regarding Term 4 rehearsals and performances. It’s a very busy term as we prepare for the K-2 Concert, Musicale 4, Festival of Lessons and Carol, Speech Night, Music Tour and several community performances out of school hours.

Secondary students are reminded that they must communicate with their conductor or ensemble director in advance, if they are unable to attend a rehearsal.

Primary String Studio Concerts

Mrs Sweeney will host three String Studio Concerts for Primary musicians next Monday 20, Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 October at 3.30pm in the Primary Music Room. Parents and friends are most welcome to attend. Each student will play a short piece to showcase the progress that they have made on their instrument this year. Special thanks to Ms Heidi Jones, Ms Stephanie Holmes and Ms Catherine McKay for providing piano accompaniment for the string players at these concerts.

AUSTA String Festival

The Australian String Teachers’ Association (AUSTA) is an event designed to give string players the opportunity to perform in a friendly, non-competitive and supportive environment. Beginner to advanced musicians playing violin, viola, cello and double bass are encouraged to be involved in this performance opportunity on Sunday 16 November at Sydney Grammar St Ives campus. Each participant will receive a certificate of participation, a trophy and a panel report with valuable feedback. Click here for more information.

Beyond the Green Gate

We love hearing about ways our musicians are involved in music-making outside of school. Please send details to Heidi Jones.

Clipboard

All co-curricular music ensemble schedules are now available on Clipboard. If you haven’t set this up yet, please follow the provided instructions. For any issues with Clipboard set-up, contact our Music Administration Assistant, Miss Alice Kotowicz.

Heidi Jones
Head of Music (Co-curricular)

Farewell Cocktail Party for Jenny Allum

We look forward to seeing many of our parents on Friday 24 October to celebrate and honour Ms Allum’s 30 years of remarkable leadership.

A small number of tickets are still available. Please refer to the SCEGGS Mobile App for booking details.

Parents’ and Friends’ Association