From The Chaplain

A Massive Thanks For Harvest Festival

It was with great delight that I was able to deliver a van load of food to several agencies around our city. There was so much that some of the community centres were contacting other organisations to see if they needed any supplies. Thank-you to everyone who donated items for Harvest Festival. I know firsthand that it makes a big difference to people’s lives, particularly when so many are experiencing financial struggle at the moment. I would also like to thank Jo Whiteman and her team of student and staff helpers who decorated the Chapel and packed all of the goods into boxes at the end of the week. It is always a great way to start the year and an inspiring time.

Toiletry Drive

When I have been delivering food, I have noticed that many organisations that provide food parcels are very low on toiletries. I will have a basket inside my office if anyone would like to donate these goods until the end of term. Items such as soap, conditioner, shampoo, roll-on deodorant and toothpaste are needed (there seems to be an abundance of toothbrushes for some reason??). Sanitary pads and nappies are often sought after as well. At SCEGGS, we are always looking at how our community can serve the wider community in practical ways. Having said that, I also want to make it clear that there is never an obligation to donate and understand if people don’t want to. Any help is always appreciated.

Confirmation at SCEGGS

Confirmation has been part of the SCEGGS tradition since 1927. It is the Christian practice of confirming the promises made on one’s behalf at baptism. By being confirmed, the confirmee is saying that they understand the Christian faith and want to make it an important part of their lives. It is a formal way of declaring publicly a belief in Jesus Christ. The confirmation ceremony is not only an expression of faith but also a welcoming into the worldwide Christian church.

Confirmation is offered to all students in Years 8 to 11. There will be a number of meetings held during lunchtimes to prepare for the confirmation ceremony. During these meetings we will be looking at the basics of the Christian faith, discussing their importance and answering any questions you may have. All students are welcome. There is also an opportunity for those seeking baptism within the confirmation process. A confirmation service will be held in second term in the school chapel, officiated by the Bishop of South Sydney, the Reverend Michael Stead. Relatives and friends are invited to this very special occasion. Please let me know if you would like your daughter to be part of this tradition by Friday 13 March.  

Rev. Garry Lee-Lindsay
School Chaplain

Pedestrian Safety in St Peters Street

With the increased numbers in our morning music ensembles, traffic management on St Peters Street is increasingly important. Please take a few minutes to read through the following so you know where you can and can’t stop. When dropping off outside the Great Hall door, please drive to the bottom of the street to allow other cars to park behind you.

Your co-operation is greatly appreciated.

Please help us keep everyone safe in St Peters Street, particularly around the pedestrian crossing, by remembering the following rules:

• Pedestrian Crossings: You must not stop or park on a pedestrian crossing, or within 20m before and 10m after a pedestrian crossing.
• ‘No stopping’ signs: mean you must not stop at any point on the road or kerb. This includes the entire left-hand side of the street.
• ‘No Parking’ signs: There is a small “No Parking” section on the right-hand side of the road AFTER the pedestrian crossing. The “no parking” sign indicates that you can stop for less than 2 minutes if you stay within 3m of your vehicle if you are dropping off/picking up passengers or unloading items.

Do NOT stop or park:

• before the pedestrian crossing
• on the pedestrian crossing
• after the crossing on the left hand side of the road.

Please help us keep everyone safe in St Peters Street by following these important safety signs.

Phil Rogers
Director of Administration

2027 Term Dates

2027 term dates are available on the website.

You may also access term dates via the SCEGGS App.

ySafe Parent & Carer Education invitation

Empowering Parents & Carers in the Digital Age

We are excited to be hosting an important education session for parents with ySafe, an Australian provider of online safety education for all families.

Even with the social media delay law, which came into effect in December last year, there is still much uncertainty about the use of social media. If you worry about the online games your children play, and you are concerned that your child is spending excessive time online, then this workshop will help.

In the session, designed for parents of children of all ages, you will hear about:

• Practical tips for online safety
• Information on social media and gaming
• Recommendations for screen time
• Step-by-step guide for creating a cyber-safe home for children of all ages.
   

When: Tuesday 3 March (6pm to 7pm)

Where: SCEGGS Lecture Theatre

RSVP: Please indicate your interest to attend by signing up here.

Parking: The Joan Freeman Carpark will open from 5.30pm, and close immediately after the event.

We extend this invitation to families interested in and/or navigating the challenges of the digital world.

About ySafe

ySafe is an organisation of child psychologists, ex-police officers and teachers who specialise in cyber safety education.  

Additional Resources

You are always welcome to visit our SCEGGS Online Safety Hub for families. The Online Safety Hub is a partnership between ySafe and SCEGGS. You can access the resources and information using this link.

Carol Bloomfield
Head of Student Wellbeing Programs

Australian Secondary Students’ Alcohol and Drug Survey

SCEGGS has been chosen based on a systematic random sampling procedure to participate in the Australian Secondary Students’ Alcohol and Drug Survey. This national project, conducted every three years, is an important part of efforts to improve the health of our young people and is supported by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care. It is a survey of secondary students’ experiences across Australia with tobacco, vapes, alcohol and other substances.

The results of the national survey will be used to inform and evaluate policies and programs aimed at reducing harms associated with adolescent use of these substances. Paul Dillon from DARTA (Drug and Research Training Australia), who many of you have had the opportunity to listen to a parent information evenings in Year 7 and Year 9, often uses and references this data to present up to date information.

Which SCEGGS students will participate?

SCEGGS has agreed to take part this important national data collection process with all students in Years 7 to 12.

Individual student participation in this research is voluntary. If you do NOT wish your daughter(s) to take part, please complete the form at this link to opt out. They are also free to withdraw from the research at any stage up until the survey is completed.

Who will administer the survey?

Year Coordinators and PDHPE teachers will conduct the questionnaire with students in the coming weeks.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Students’ responses to the questionnaire are confidential and anonymous and will be used only for research purposes. Students are not asked for their name and are instructed not to enter their names anywhere on the questionnaire. Completed online questionnaires are submitted electronically with no involvement of classroom teachers.

Further information?

If you have any questions about the implementation of the survey at SCEGGS, please contact Ms Laura Connolly or Ms Carol Bloomfield on 93321133.

If you would like more information about the survey, please contact the ORIMA Research Team or 1800 654 585.

Carol Bloomfield
Head of Student Wellbeing Programs

Australian Government 2026 Student residential address Collection Privacy Notice

The Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment collects student residential and other information from schools each year to inform Commonwealth school education policy and funding arrangements. This collection is taking place in February and March. Parents and carers should go to the SCEGGS Parent Portal on the School’s website to see the Government’s official collection notice.

Please also take this opportunity to check on the Portal that your address details are up-to-date. You can update any incorrect information yourself on the Portal. Please contact me or Mr Adrian Craig, the School’s Business Manager, if you have any questions.

Phil Rogers
Director of Administration

Primary & Secondary Music

SCEGGS Eisteddfod

Entry forms for the annual SCEGGS Eisteddfod are now open! Click here for more information.

Please click on the relevant link to record your entry (or entries):

Please note that entries will close next Monday 23 February at 4.00pm!

No late entries will be accepted.

Heidi Jones
Head of Music Co-curricular

Secondary Sport News

Term 2 Sports Selections Now Open

Selection for Term 2 2026 Sport is currently open in Clipboard.

To assist in the planning of all Sport for Term 2, we ask that Parents / Carers sit down with students to submit the online form by Friday 20 February. A reminder that all Parents/Carers must submit activity selections. Secondary students are not permitted to make their own co-curricular sport selections via Clipboard. 

To access the Activity Selection via Clipboard please use the SCEGGS App or this link.

Around the Grounds

Last week saw a lot of action on the sports field and in the pool.

We share photos from some of Touch Teams who both played close matches at Mission Fields.

The SCEGGS 6 team featuring our fabulous Year 12 students played a nail-biting match against St Vincent’s and were narrowly defeated (5-6)

The SCEGGS 7 team finished with a 3-3 draw to celebrate Valentine’s Day. A special shout out to all our parents on the sideline who could be heard from across the other side of the oval.

Water Polo

Our Senior 1^st Water Polo team has started the year strongly with close wins against St Vincent’s College (9-7) and Queenwood (8-6).

SCEGGS 2 had a good win against Danebank (7-2) in week 1. They went down to St Vincent’s College (6-9) in a tight match in week 2.

SCEGGS 3 have had a tough start to the season narrowly losing to Brigidine (9-11) in week 1 and Kambala (3-11) in week 2.

Equestrian

Hannah Doolan has been very busy combining Year 12 studies with various Equestrian events. We wish her well as she heads to the USA to compete.

Winter Olympics

Well done to Phoebe Cridland (Class of 2019) who has proudly represented Australia over the past week. Phoebe placed 58^th in the Skiathlon, 49^th in the 10km and 14^th in the team relay. In a history making moment, this was the first time Australia has ever entered a relay team in Cross Country Skiing.

Phoebe will be back in action competing in the team sprint on Wednesday morning and the 50km mass start on Sunday at 4am.

IGSA Spawtz

Please see the link for information on how to access the team results and table standings for all IGSA Sports. IGSA sports this term are Tennis and Water Polo.

Easts Touch

For all the latest Touch results please refer to the East Touch webpage.

SCEGGS at Play

Do you have any sporting news or photos to share in the Green Gate?

We love seeing our students being active and want to celebrate their passion and enjoyment amongst the SCEGGS community. Please send in any action shots from the weekend and any other interesting sporting highlights to Alison Gowan.

IGSA Fixtures, Results and Wet Weather

The IGSA website and platform for accessing wet weather, fixtures and team results can be found here.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact myself on 9052 2721 or 0418 491 521.

Alison Gowan
Director of Sport

Primary Sport News

Saturday Sport

The Year 3 Basketball, IPSHA Football, and IPSHA Water Polo competitions kicked off last Saturday. Year 3 Basketball teams had an excellent start to the season, displaying impressive ball skills and coming away with two wins and a narrow two-point loss. Mrs Carter and the team of coaches were impressed by the standard of play.

In IPSHA Football, the teams came away with two wins and a draw, although there were some extremely close encounters that came down to a single goal. Amelia Wilson (Year 5) was a standout for the 5A team against Kambala with her enthusiasm and accurate shots on goal, a thrilling game that ended 6-7.

The IPSHA Water Polo team had a positive start against Ascham. It was the first Water Polo game some of the girls had ever played! Special mention to Luca Tuigamala (Year 6) who showed powerful shooting to help the team score three goals. Congratulations to all students on a positive start to the year for Saturday sport.

Student Achievements

The Junior State Cup 2026 (Southern Conference) took place last weekend at Wagga Wagga. Georgina Sharp (Year 6) represented Eastern Suburbs Roosters and she was coached by SCEGGS Old Girl Sophie Davis. Georgina won two games and made it through to the round of 16. There were 300 girls competing in the under 12s division. She had a fabulous time away making new friends and learning new skills. Congratulations to Georgina for her efforts.

A reminder, if your daughter participates in sport outside of school, such as at representative level, then I would love to celebrate their achievements in this newsletter. Please email photos/updates to Adrian Hammond.

Activity Selection for Term 2

Activity Selection for Term 2 2026 Sport will open at 6pm on Friday 20 February, in Clipboard.

To assist in the planning of all Sport for Term 2, we ask that parents / carers sit down with students to submit the online form by Friday 27 February.

A reminder that all parents / carers must submit activity selections

Please click on this link to enrol students for Term 2 2026 Co-Curricular Sport.

Sporting Reminders:

• For any questions or issues, please email Adrian Hammond and the SCEGGS Sport Department.
• Girls must arrive in the correct SCEGGS uniform, including a hat, water bottle and other sports-specific equipment required to play (e.g. shin pads for football).
• Any potential changes or cancellations, including for wet weather will be made in Clipboard via a push notification.
• If your child is going to be absent from Saturday sport, then you need to contact Helen Dempsey at least one week prior to gain approved leave.

Important Sports Dates:

Have a wonderful week and a reminder to students to ‘Shine their Light’ on the sporting field.  

Mr Adrian Hammond
Primary Sport Coordinator

Visual Arts

This year, we continue to encourage our students to participate in a range of external courses, competitions and prizes to share and reflect the significant skills they are learning in Visual Arts. Over the past couple of years, we have had Imogen Zimmerle (Class of 2025)  selected to exhibit in the Young Archies (the Youth Section of the Archibald Prize), Aurelia Cortese (Class of 2025) selected to exhibit in the Waverley Landscape Prize, Jade Brennan (Class of 2024) selected for the Australian Time Life Photography Prize and over 15 students from Years 7 to 12 selected for the Woollahra Short Film and Photography Prize with Bianca Rosza (Class of 2024) winning the Film section in 2024. Below are some opportunities we encourage students to consider:

HSC Intensive Studio Practice at the National Art School

Applications are now open for the National Art School HSC Intensive Studio Practice Course for Year 11 students.

The NAS HSC Intensive Studio Practice Course is a significant opportunity for students who are deeply passionate about art and want to extend their skills or experience in the Art School setting.

To apply for the course, NAS needs students to: 

• Reflect high achievement in their Preliminary Visual Arts Course
• Talk a bit about why they want to participate in the HSC Intensive. 
• Submit a portfolio of four images. 
• Have an endorsement from their Visual Arts teacher. 

Students can apply to do workshops in:

Photography, Ceramics, Life Drawing, Time Based Forms (video, animation, sound, performance documentation), Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture

After having a chat with their art teacher: Apply here.

The dates for the 2026 HSC program are:

Cost is $475 which covers all materials and tuition.

Applications close Friday 2 April 2026.

We had two SCEGGS girls, Aida Tristram and Charlotte Woollard accepted last year so we encourage Year 11 to talk to their Visual Arts Teacher and get involved!

Waverley Youth Art Prize

The Waverley Youth Art Prize is open to young people aged between 9 and 18 who are living, studying and playing in Sydney’s East. Each year, artists are asked to respond to a theme, with broad interpretation of this theme encouraged. Entrants may utilise ideas relating to popular culture, science fiction, sustainability or something else. All mediums and interpretations are welcome.

There are multiple prize categories, and the work of finalists is exhibited at the Waverley Library Galleries.

In 2026, you are invited to create artworks inspired by the theme ‘Dreaming Future Worlds’. This theme encourages innovation and experimentation as you envisage surreal new realms that defy the rules of reality, devise fantastical inventions that change the way we live, or depict your dreams for the future.

Applications must be submitted via an online application form by 5pm on Friday 1 May 2026, with artworks delivered to Waverley Library between 9:30am–5pm on Friday 22 May 2026. View terms and conditions here.

This week’s banner is a preliminary still life work by Jemima Collins in Year 10.

Heidi Jackson
Head of Visual Arts

P&F Annual General Meeting

Dear Parents and Friends

We hope your daughters have had a smooth start to the year so far.

Welcome drinks will be served from 6.30pm in the Lecture Theatre Foyer and parking will be available in the St Peters Street carpark.

You are all invited to attend and participate in the meeting. The meeting is a wonderful opportunity for you to hear and understand what the P&F does, its plans for the year and indeed the future.  Various reports are presented by officeholders and a general discussion is undertaken.

The P&F also warmly invite you to consider submitting a nomination form to join the Committee – no qualifications are required other than enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute. Nominations for the following positions are welcome:

• President
• Vice President
• Treasurer
• Secretary
• Primary School Convenor
• Secondary School Convenor
• Committee Members

We request forms to be submitted to the P&F Secretary via email by 5pm on Tuesday 3 March.

I do encourage you to attend the meeting and look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.

Rob Jessup
P&F President

Year 11 & 12 P&F Parent/Daughter Breakfast

Students in Years 11 and 12 and a parent/carer are warmly invited to attend the Parent/Daughter Breakfast:

We are delighted to welcome back to SCEGGS Old Girl Sophie STUART-JONES (2017) as our guest speaker.

Sophie has recently been admitted as a legal practitioner in New South Wales and is now working as a solicitor at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

Upon graduating from SCEGGS Sophie was unsure of the career path she wished to pursue and enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts at the University of New South Wales allowing her to select a diverse range of subjects across multiple faculties, including Nutrition, Sociology, Politics, Psychology, Gender Studies, and Criminology. It was during this time that she discovered a passion for criminal law and justice.

Sophie then successfully applied for a Bachelor of Laws degree, completing it in 2024 with a clear intention to pursue a career in criminal law.

To hear more about Sophie’s career journey and her insights of life beyond the Green Gate, please join us on Friday 27 February!   

Careers Corner

Careers Corner

Please click here to read this week’s Careers Corner Newsletter.

Andrea Pinnock
Careers Advisor