A huge thank you to all our parent volunteers for giving up their time and expertise to help organise the wonderful Festival on Forbes for this coming Sunday. Thank you Niamh and Carrie for leading the charge, to Stevie for all his work on logistics and all the parent volunteers in every year level and in the P&F Committee too!
We are looking forward to seeing all SCEGGS families for a great day of fun on Sunday! See you there!
Holly Gyton
Head of School
The Commonwealth Games finished earlier this month and I did have a casual glance at the results and a few of the sports. Well done Australia!! Whenever they are on, I am always reminded of our own representative at the 2010 games, Samantha Marshall. Not only was she swimming for our country but she was also in Year 12 completing her HSC! In this episode we reminisce about what it was like to be juggling two major events, what motivated her to attempt such a feat and where that experience has influenced what she does now: being a powerful advocate for women in sport. We also talk about ambition, equality and gender roles. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
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.
This podcast includes discussion of topics that may be sensitive for some members of our community. Listener discretion is advised. If you are concerned by some of the content or would like to talk further, please do reach out to one of the counselling services below or contact me at garryl@sceggs.nsw.edu.au:
There are still a few spots left for the remainder of this term if you would like to volunteer or find out about how it works, here is the link.
I know that many of you have been giving up a lot of time in helping with the Festival on Forbes, so I understand if a lack of time and energy becomes a factor. I and the school truly appreciate all of your efforts in whatever field of generosity and volunteering you take part in. Thank You!!
Rev. Garry Lee-Lindsay
School Chaplain
A massive thank you to our SCEGGS parent community for coming together so generously to volunteer their time, expertise and energy for the Festival on Forbes!
Held every two years, the Fair is run by our fabulous Festival on Forbes parent volunteer committee, with many parents across the K-12 community getting involved. From Class Parents co-ordinating Stalls, to volunteers on the ground at the Friday morning drop-offs, to those baking, pickling, sorting and preparing behind the scenes, we say a FABULOUS thank-you!
Here is a sneak-peek of some of the action:
“Thank you to our wonderful Year 7 volunteers who have been collecting, cleaning and organising pre-loved sporting equipment!” Kate Nixon, Year 7 Parent, Festival on Forbes Committee Member
“We know everyone has family, work, and other commitments, so we truly appreciate every minute you were able to give. Whether you stayed for the whole session or just dropped in to lend a hand for a little while, every bit of help makes a real difference each Friday”. Jennifer Zhu and Alix Cameron, Year 9 Parents, Book Stall Co-ordinators.
We are nearly there, but there is still more to do; check in with your Class Parents, sign-up to help on the day, or bake a cake – we simply can’t do it without you!
Thank you again for your generosity, teamwork, and willingness to pitch in -we can’t wait to enjoy the Fair with you on Sunday!
Niamh Brosnan and Carrie Roberts
2026 Festival on Forbes Convenors
When: Tuesday, 1 September 2026
Time: 7.00pm
Where: SCEGGS Lecture Theatre
RSVP: by Monday 31 August via this link.
Parking: available in the JF car park accessible via St Peter’s Street
How do you know what nutrition advice to trust in a world of social media trends, conflicting headlines and endless opinions?
Join Accredited Practising Dietitian and Co-Founder of The Biting Truth, Alex Parker, for an engaging and practical parent education evening designed to help you confidently support your daughter’s nutrition from Kindergarten through to Year 12.
You’ll learn:
Whether your daughter is just starting school or preparing for her final exams, you’ll leave with practical, evidence-based strategies that you can put into practice at home.
Join this webinar hosted by Project Rockit to help gain an understanding of what AI means for learning, thinking and growing up in a digital-first world.
Carol Bloomfield
Head of Student Wellbeing Programs
Date: Wednesday, 2 September 2026
Time: 7:30 pm (online)
How to join: Click here.
This webinar is suitable for parents, carers, grandparents, school leaders and staff, offering practical insights and guidance to help support the wellbeing of both primary and secondary students.
This presentation forms part of a broader webinar series designed to strengthen mental health literacy across school communities.
Join international experts Dr Emma Woodward and Dr Joe Stammeijer as they share valuable insights into recognising early signs of concern and practical approaches to supporting the wellbeing of young people.
Topics in this session will include:
Laura Connolly
Director of Student Wellbeing
We are delighted to invite Primary parents to join us for the official launch of the mural.
When: Wednesday 2 September
Where: Primary School Playground
Time: 2.15pm
Over the past few weeks, our Primary Playground has been undergoing a rather wonderful transformation as our Artist-in-Residence, Jeff McCann, has worked alongside our girls to bring their ideas and designs to life in a vibrant new mural for our Primary School.
Earlier in the project, the girls were invited to develop their own ideas and artwork, thinking creatively about what might represent our Primary School and the community they are part of. Jeff then drew inspiration from their designs, weaving their ideas, imagery and creativity together to develop the wonderful mural that has gradually been taking shape on our playground walls.
At the launch, we will hear a little more about the creative process, hear from Jeff about his experience working with our girls as our Artist-in-Residence, and, of course, have the opportunity to take a closer look at the finished artwork and discover some of the girls’ ideas within it.
Our youngest artists have been busy too! As part of the project, our Kindergarten to Year 2 girls have created their own sculptural artworks, which will also be on display for families to enjoy.
It has been such a joy to watch this project develop from the girls’ initial ideas on paper to a large-scale artwork that will become part of the everyday life of our Primary School. Most importantly, this is a mural that has been inspired and designed by our girls, giving them a real sense of ownership over a colourful and joyful addition to their playground that will be enjoyed for many years to come.
We would love you to join us as we celebrate its completion!
Following the launch, girls who have co-curricular commitments will be expected to attend these as usual. Girls who would ordinarily be heading home via carline are very welcome to leave with their parents at the conclusion of the event.
Helen Dempsey
Head of Primary School
We are very much looking forward to welcoming families to the Primary School Fathers’ Day Breakfast open to all Fathers, Grandfathers and Father figures.
When: Friday, 4 September
Where: Primary Playground
Time: Celebrations will begin at 7:30am and conclude at 8:15am
A few things to note:
There will be no formal proceedings during the morning, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the range of activities on offer with your daughter. We hope it is a special and memorable time for you both.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Kaitlin Ryan
Primary Teacher, Year 5, Stage 3 Wellbeing Leader
On Thursday 13 August, I had the privilege of accompanying Year 5 students Charlotte Baker, Chloe Harrington-Lowe, Cleo Ballard, Estelle Sicari, Madeline Devlin and Olive Manton to the Children’s Kindness Convention, held at Pymble Ladies’ College. The convention brought together students from schools across Sydney to explore the values of kindness, empathy, and compassion, and to consider how these qualities can create positive change in our communities.
A highlight of the day was a presentation from Alice Peel, co-founder of Grow Your Mind, who shared insights into wellbeing, resilience, and the importance of fostering positive connections with others. Alice also introduced her new book, How to Be a Good Enough Kid, encouraging students to embrace imperfection, practise self-compassion, and recognise that they do not need to be perfect to thrive.
Working together as a SCEGGS team, the girls tackled the real-world issue of fast fashion. They investigated the social and environmental impacts of the fashion industry and collaborated to develop practical solutions that encouraged more sustainable and compassionate consumer choices. They adopted the slogan “Size Up for Sustainability”, encouraging consumers to buy clothes with longevity in mind rather than focusing on short-term trends.
The day concluded with students sharing their solutions and reflecting on how acts of kindness can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
Thank you to our SCEGGS Year 5 delegates for representing the school so positively. We look forward to seeing how they continue to demonstrate leadership, empathy, and kindness within our community.
Kaitlin Ryan
Stage 3 Wellbeing Leader
Co-curricular sport has continued each week at SCEGGS. Each term, SCEGGS offers tennis programs across a range of venues, providing students with opportunities to develop their skills and enjoy the sport.
This term, Year 3 students have been participating at Trumper Park Tennis Centre, Year 4 at Eastside Tennis Courts, and Years 5 and 6 at Camperdown Tennis Centre. Across the sessions, students have been developing a range of tennis skills, including forehand and backhand strokes, volleying and gameplay, while building confidence through fun and engaging games.
The Year 3 girls have particularly enjoyed their tennis sessions, and it has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm grow alongside their developing skills.
This term, our Years 2 and Year 3 students have been participating in development sessions led by SCEGGS coaches Kirrily, Matilda, Lizzy and Tessa. The sessions have been fun, engaging and thoughtfully designed to help students develop their technical skills and build confidence in preparation for competition.
It has been wonderful to see the students’ enthusiasm and commitment each week, as well as the noticeable improvement in their skills and confidence. Their positive attitude and willingness to learn have been wonderful to see!
Congratulations to Ciara Rosswick (Year 4), who completed the City2Surf last weekend, tackling the challenging 14km course to Bondi in just over 82 minutes.
While her impressive finish time is certainly something to celebrate, it was Ciara’s wonderful attitude and determination that truly stood out. She ran with a big smile on her face for most of the course, demonstrating an incredible level of enthusiasm, resilience and enjoyment throughout the event. What a fantastic accomplishment, Ciara!
Have a wonderful week at sport!
Mr Adrian Hammond
Primary Sport Coordinator
All members of the SCEGGS community are warmly invited to attend the Official Opening of the Year 12 Body of Work HSC Visual Arts Exhibition.
Speeches will commence with Finlay Simmons, Visual Arts Captain, Ms Gyton, Head of School and the Visual Arts Department from 5.30 pm on Thursday, 27 August in the Auditorium.
We look forward to celebrating the stunning achievements of the Class of 2026 with you all.
Refreshments will be served.
The exhibition is open:
Heidi Jackson
Head of Visual Arts
Almost all our music ensembles are preparing for performances at Festival on Forbes this Sunday, 23 August. We look forward to sharing music with the SCEGGS community. Click here to see performance schedule/meeting place.
Heidi Jones
Head of Music (Co-curricular)
Year 9 SCEGGS students are invited to participate in the 2026 Year 9 Trivia Night hosted by Sydney Grammar School and supported by the Sydney Grammar School Women’s Association. Students will enjoy a fun evening of trivia, team games, and pizza.
Date: Tuesday 22 September 2026
Arrival: 5:45pm
Event: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Venue: Big School, Sydney Grammar School, College Street, Darlinghurst
Dress: Casual
Ticket Price: $45 per student
RSVP: ASAP before 31 August as there are limited places. The link to purchase the ticket can be found here.
Year 4 Parent Catch Up
Date: Thursday 17 September 2026
Time: 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Venue: Lord Roberts Hotel, Stanley Street Darlinghurst
Price: $60per person (Includes welcome drink and canapes)
RSVP: 4 September via trybooking.
Please click here to read this week’s Careers Corner Newsletter.
Andrea Pinnock
Careers Advisor
All families are encouraged to ensure that they are familiar with the Conditions of Enrolment at SCEGGS. These conditions cover important information about areas such as:
A full copy of the conditions of enrolment is always available publicly on the SCEGGS website.
Holly Gyton
Head of School