From The Chaplain

Our Community Easter Events

Everyone in the SCEGGS community is invited to this year’s Easter Festival on Wednesday 27 March, starting at 7.00pm in the Great Hall. This is always a wonderful event which focuses on the meaning and significance of Easter, with readings, prayer and music provided by the School Choir, Madrigal Ensemble, Cantare, Years 5 & 6 Choir and Amati String Ensemble. We look forward to welcoming many parents and community members to our Easter Festival at this very special time of the year.

The following morning the whole school will be involved in our Easter Service. At both services, a cash only collection will be taken to support Women and Girls Emergency Centre in Redfern, a specialist homelessness service for women and families escaping gender-based violence. Students have been asked to bring a monetary donation in the next couple of weeks to go towards their form class’s Lenten offertory in support of this cause.

Rev. Garry Lee-Lindsay
Chaplain

From the Student RAP Committee

Student RAP Committee 2024

This year the Student Reconciliation Action Plan Committee (SRAPC) aims to continue to promote Reconciliation throughout the SCEGGS community. Our goal is to come together and actively involve the SCEGGS community in discussing and reflecting on the important themes of Reconciliation, Racism and Truth Telling to name a few. We are seeking to engage the school in activities where students listen to and connect with First Nations People firsthand and understand Indigenous perspectives and stories through educational videos, art and music. It is such an important time to actively fight to ‘close the gap’ and to move towards reconciliation for all. 

Committee Members, Primary School and Teacher RAPC

This year we welcomed many new members who we are excited to work with throughout the upcoming year. With a range of students from Years 8 -12, SRAPC truly represents the scope of voices at SCEGGS. Each member contributes their passion, experiences and ideas on how to foster reconciliation within SCEGGS and the wider community. We also had, for the first time, a stall at the Co-Curricular Expo earlier in the term which was an important step in becoming a more established and formalised Co-Curricular group. This allowed us to interact with the wider student body, promoting the value of our role and providing vital insights into our work. 

To take Reconciliation beyond the Secondary School, we have begun collaborating with the SCEGGS Primary RAP Committee. We have three representatives sitting in on our weekly meetings who contribute to our discussions and enable our initiatives to blossom within the Primary Years. Additionally, we plan to work more closely with the Teacher RAP Committee and hope this collaboration will foster a further sense of community, purpose and dedication. 

National Close the Gap Day 

National Close the Gap Day is coming up this month on Thursday, 21st of March, with the central theme of “Voyage to Voice, Treaty, Truth and Beyond”. The aim is to move forward with strength and success despite the setback of the Voice proposal outcome in the October 2023 Referendum. Close the Gap Day aims to raise awareness of the health inequities faced by Indigenous Australians across the country, and to rally support and commitment towards a more equal, just Australian society, as well as to listen to Indigenous Australian opinions on these issues. We urge everyone in our community to use this opportunity to send our governments a clear message of the value of health equality as an intrinsic right for all Australians. 

We encourage the wider community to read more about Close the Gap Day and progress towards Close the Gap targets via the link here.

The SRAPC has set out to support and promote local Indigenous businesses. We have identified some exciting groups and individuals who communicate powerful messages and spread their culture. An example is The Blak Markets at The Rocks which are organised and run by First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation, with a mission to close the gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Visitors connect directly with Indigenous artists, designers and small businesses and make ethical purchases of authentic Aboriginal products. We aim to bring attention to Indigenous authors whose works can inform students in both the primary and secondary school. This includes ‘Create the life of your dreams in your teens’ by Aboriginal educator, Kylie Captain which provides an insight into the strength of culture and connection to Country. Ms Conliffe is securing copies of these books which we hope will arrive soon. We also hope to connect the SCEGGS community with upcoming artists and musicians. The APY Indigenous owned Gallery in Darlinghurst is a valuable starting point as it celebrates both established and emerging artists from around Australia. The SRAPC is continuing to search for businesses, groups and individuals to support as we believe this is a worthwhile avenue to engage the SCEGGS community with First Nations Peoples and their culture. 

Thank you for reading.

Student Reconciliation Action Plan Committee 2024

Public Speaking – ASCA Awards

ASCA Awards

On Saturday 16 March the Australian Speech Communication Association (ASCA) Awards Ceremony was held. Speech students at SCEGGS undertake an examination with ASCA each year and this is an opportunity for students from all over NSW to be recognised and rewarded for their outstanding results.

Congratulations to all the girls who participated. A special mention goes to the following girls who received awards:

Giselle Wharton (Year 6) also performed a characterisation as the White Queen from The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe from her exam last year.

Rostrum Voice of Youth

This week, six Secondary students will compete against students from all over Sydney and NSW in the Rostrum Voice of Youth. Students present a prepared speech of six or eight minutes, depending on their age. 

This year’s team is Sofia Tzouganatos (Year 8), Jessica Gallie (Year 9), Caitlin Cameron (Year 9), Sadie Juneja (Year 10), Zoe Lindner (Year 11) and Celia Watson (Year 11).

Good luck girls. 

Elizabeth Walsh
Speech and Public Speaking Co-ordinator

Visual Arts

Acclaimed contemporary painter, SCEGGS art assistant and Old Girl Lilli Stromland (Class of 2012) is currently in a group show hosted by Home @ 735 Gallery. It opened Wednesday 20 March, and the show continues for a month, open on Saturdays 2.00pm – 5.00pm.

Location: 735 Bourke Street Redfern.

Keep up to date via the gallery website or Instagram page.

This week’s banner is Lilli’s work “Vine Toms 2.1”, 2024, stoneware and oil on linen.

Heidi Jackson
Head of Visual Arts

Year 9 PDHPE

Our Year 9 PDHPE students reflect on one of their favourite PE units, Ultimate Frisbee!

Ultimate Frisbee has been one of our favourite PE units so far. One of the highlights from frisbee this term would be the Gala Day. On this day we went out to Moore Park and had the choice to dress up in our team costumes and play against all the teams in Year 9. Discy Business was an amazing experience that we were able to participate in. All the teams in this unit worked well together and it was a great way to practise working with new people and building up teamwork skills. Ending this unit was upsetting, but it has created many wonderful memories within this assessment.

This unit gave us so many opportunities to strengthen existing friendships and make so many new ones! We have learnt many skills and now have all learnt about a new sport most of us thought we would never do, as it’s quite unique and not commonly played in Australia. As well as the gala day we had the opportunity to practise playing round robin games against other classes in our stream, this was a great way to practise strategies and practise working together as a team. Overall Ultimate Frisbee taught all of us many skills and many important values that are useful in all aspects of sport.

Jaime Currell and Sophia Hanel
Year 9 PDHPE Students

Primary Poetry Week

The Primary Celebrate Poetry Week

In Week 11, the Primary School will engage in an exploration of the beauty of language, creativity, and imagination as we celebrate Poetry Week. This special week will offer a glimpse into the enchanting world of poetry through a kaleidoscope of lenses.

For our youngest learners, poetry serves as an introduction to the wonders of language and reading. Its rhythm and playful rhymes capture the girls imagination, transforming learning into a delightful adventure. To begin this journey, K-2 will take part in a performance by The Flying Bookworm Theatre Company which will see poetry come to life through storytelling.

As our students progress through Stage 2, they will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the diverse forms and structures of poetry. From the structured elegance of haikus to the light-hearted charm of limericks, each poetic form offers a unique avenue for creative expression and exploration. As part of the week, the girls will have the opportunity to take part in a performance of Banjo Patterson’s classic poems, Mulga Bill’s Bicycle, The Man from Iron Bark and The Geebung Polo Club. What better way to explore the ‘bush’ ballad then through the works of an Australian master!

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, poetry holds the power to evoke profound emotions and provoke thoughtful reflection. As our older students in Years 5 and 6 delve into the realm of poetry, they will explore various literary techniques, language nuances, and stylistic elements, broadening their understanding of human experience. To assist the girls in decoding complex texts and boosting understanding of poetry, they will take part in a drama and writing workshop run by Poetry in Action.

Throughout Poetry Week, our entire Primary community will come together to celebrate the magic of words and the boundless possibilities of poetic expression. Whether through reading, writing, drama, art, music or reciting, the girls will be encouraged to embrace the joy, originality, and playfulness that poetry brings. The week will culminate with a special end of term assembly where the girls’ learning will be showcased. All are welcome. The assembly will be held in The Great Hall at 12.00pm-1.00pm.

Kristy Williams
Acting Co-ordinator of Curriculum (English)

Secondary Music

Thank you to Holst Wind Band, under the direction of Mr Michael Tierney, who performed El Zorro Rojo (The Red Fox) by Randall Standridge in Assembly this week. The music portrayed both the mischievous nature and the graceful beauty of this creature. They also accompanied the hymn and the intro and outro for Ms Allum. Congratulations to all the performers, you sounded fantastic!

New Parent Dinner – Thursday 21 March, 6.50pm, Great Hall

Lux Strings, under the direction of Ms Eliza Sdraulig, will play a selection of music as guests arrive for the New Parent Dinner on Thursday 21 March. Before the performance, this ensemble will rehearse from 5.15pm – 6.00pm. They will perform from 6.50pm – 7.25pm and can be collected from the DB Centre around 7.30pm.

Easter Festival – Wednesday 27 March, 7.00pm, Great Hall

Family and friends are invited to join us for the Easter Festival on the evening of Wednesday 27 March. Choir, Madrigal Ensemble and Amati Strings are preparing for involvement in the upcoming Easter Festival and Easter Service. Click here for more details.

Musicale 1 – Thursday 11 April, 6.00pm, Great Hall

The following secondary ensembles will be performing at Musicale 1;

• Contemporary Strings
• Clarion Concert Band
• Van Reyk Percussion Ensemble
• Glennie Percussion Ensemble
• Years 7-10 Choir
• Years 7-10 Madrigal Ensemble

Further details can be found in this note.

Clipboard

All co-curricular music ensemble schedules are now available on Clipboard. If you haven’t set this up yet, please follow these instructions.

If you are having any issues with Clipboard set-up, please contact our Music Administration Assistant, Miss Alice Kotowicz.

Important Dates

Term 1

Heidi Jones
Head of Music (Co-curricular)

Primary Music

Thank you to The Bugles’ Band under the direction of Mr Tierney who performed Ghostbusters arr. Michael Story at the Year 3–6 Assembly in the Great Hall last week. We are fortunate to be able to share so many wonderful performances with the school community.

Easter Festival – Wednesday 27 March, 7.00pm, Great Hall

Family and friends are invited to join us for the Easter Festival on the evening of Wednesday 27 March. Years 5 & 6 Choirs, Primary String Octet and Cantare are preparing for involvement in the upcoming Easter Festival and Easter Service. Click here for more details.

Musicale 1 – Thursday 11 April 6.00pm, Great Hall

Please be aware that the date in the school diary is incorrect.

The following ensembles will be performing at Musicale 1:

• Sinfonietta
• Chamber Strings
• Primary String Octet
• Bugles’ Band
• Primary Percussion Ensemble
• Cantare
• Stage 2 Choir

Further details can be found in this note.

Clipboard

All co-curricular music ensemble schedules are now available on Clipboard. If you haven’t set this up yet, please follow these instructions.

If you are having any issues with Clipboard set-up, please contact our Music Administration Assistant, Miss Alice Kotowicz.

Beyond the Green Gate

We are always happy to hear about ways our primary musicians are involved in music-making outside the school. Please send details to Heidi Jones.

Important Dates

Term 1

Heidi Jones
Head of Music (Co-curricular)

Secondary Sport

Cross Country

The SCEGGS Inter-House Cross Country Carnival was held last week at Queens Park before school. Over 160 students turned up to run and support their House in the early hours of the morning. A shout out to Matilda Emanuel (Year 10) and Francesca Emblin (Year 11) who stayed behind to help as runners leading out the Primary Carnival.

Congratulations to the individual age champions:

Congratulations to Beck who was the runaway champion House with strong results across each age group.

Overall Point Score

Easts Touch

Easts Touch Best & Fairest

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Best & Fairest awards by East Touch for their grades:

Grand Final Schedule – Saturday March 23 at Reservoir Fields

Please note that all Grand Finals for Easts Touch will be held at the Reservoir Fields in Centennial Park. It is important to know that the park will be closed for car access on this day due to a music festival. Everyone is encouraged to take public transport or be dropped off on Oxford Street in Paddington. Parking nearby will be extremely limited!

NSW Schools Teams Racing (Sailing)

SCEGGS sent a team of Sailors to the NSW Schools Teams Racing Championships that were held at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron from March 15-17. Well done to Alexandra Argy (Year 11), Isobel Payne (Year 11), Jessica Board (Year 10), Sophie M (Year 10), Astrid Straesser (Year 10), Michaela Docherty (Year 9), Abigail Tattersall (Year 9), Sophia Bolot (Year 8) and Natalie Perkins (Year 8).

Friday saw tough windy conditions which were challenging to navigate however the team was successful in beating Newington College in one race. Saturday saw great improvement and the team recorded some wins over Cranbrook 4, Redlands and Sydney Boys.

The team will return to their regular lessons at Woollahra Sailing Club and continue to work on their skills for 2025.

Gymnastics

Congratulations to Ilana Patkar (Year 12) who competed at the Rhythmic Gymnastics State Trials 1 and 2 at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, Redfern held in February and March. The field of Level 10 gymnasts across the state is incredibly high and Ilana performed with grace and confidence in her skills and routines.

Results:

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.

SCEGGS Training sessions before and after school plus Saturday Sport

Any cancellations or adjustments will be made in Clipboard and families will receive a notification or email when changes are made. Please ensure you have notifications enabled.

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

IPSHA Cross Country Team

Well done to the following girls who qualified for the IPSHA Cross Country team. The IPSHA Cross Country will take place on Saturday 6 April at The Kings School. We wish you the best of luck with your training over the next two weeks.

Student Achievements

Congratulations to Emilia Laban (Year 5) for her efforts at the Super 10s Tennis Tournament. Only a small group of girls in NSW qualified for the event and Emilia won both of her singles convincingly. She also thoroughly enjoyed the experience!

Emilia also competed for North Bondi SLSC at the recent NSW Surf Life Saving Championships and her team won a silver medal for the U10 Female Surf Team Race. Well done, Emilia for your sporting efforts! What a great achievement at both Tennis and the Surf Life Saving Championships.

Years 3-6 Swimming

A special mention to the Years 3-6 Swimming group who have been working hard to improve their skills this term. The focus has been on skill development and building stamina in the water. All participants have been working hard to achieve these goals and the improvement is evident. Keep it up girls.

Reminders:

• Any cancellations or adjustments to sport sessions will be made in Clipboard and families will receive a notification or email when changes are made. Please ensure you have notifications enabled.
• Term 2 Sport enrolments have now closed. If you would still like to enrol your daughter in sport for Term 2, then please email Adrian Hammond.
• All Parents and Spectators are expected to follow the IPSHA Code of Conduct at IPSHA sport. These can be found here.

Have a wonderful week!

Mr Adrian Hammond
Primary Sports Co-ordinator

School Cafeteria

Payments at the Cafeteria

The easiest way for secondary students to pay for purchases/orders in the School Cafeteria is with their SCEGGS student ID card. To enable this payment feature, parents need to link the student ID card to a Flexischools account.

The full instructions about how to do this can be downloaded here. To do this, you will need:

• your own Flexischools account details
• your daughter’s student card number

The student card number is visible at the bottom of the ID Card:

Students wishing to pay with their SCEGGS student card at the Cafeteria must present their SCEGGS student card to the Cafeteria staff who are required to see the photo before a purchase is made. Students will NOT be permitted to make a purchase with a card if:

• The image on their card has been damaged/destroyed/defaced so that their photo is no longer clear or visible on the card
• They choose not to show their photo to the cafeteria staff
• … and most importantly, the image on the card they show is not them!

Need a new student card?

Secondary students are advised to see Student Services if a new student card is needed for any reason.

Other alternatives to pay at the Cafeteria?

Other alternatives for purchasing are to pre-order online using Flexischools or to pay with a physical debit/credit card.

Please note: As phones are not permitted during the school day, the Cafeteria will NOT accept payments using a mobile phone.

Adrian Craig
Business Manager

Parents’ and Friends’ Association

Dear Parents and Friends of SCEGGS,

It gives me great pleasure to introduce your 2024 P&F Committee:

The positions of Secretary and another Vice President are still vacant, and we warmly welcome any expressions of interest for these roles here.

I thank the 2023 Committee for their unwavering support of the P&F and the School and engendering a culture focused on building connections and community.

I know the 2024 Committee will continue this trajectory and look forward to the year ahead.

Penny Newton
Former P&F Association President

Class Parent Events

Year 7 Vaccination Clinic – Friday 22 March

Parents of Year 7 students – if you would like your child vaccinated please complete the online form before the clinic on Friday 22 March.

If your child is in Year 7 or Year 10 in 2024, you will need to provide consent online for school vaccinations offered by NSW Health’s School Vaccination Program. Vaccinations will only be provided at school if consent has been received. Online consent will only be accepted if provided through the NSW Health School Vaccination Program portal.

How to provide consent:

1. To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit: health.nsw.gov.au
2. Follow the steps to log in to your existing ServiceNSW account. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s licence. If you don’t have a ServiceNSW account, refer to ServiceNSW to create one.
3. Update or confirm your personal details in ServiceNSW as required.
4. Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren. You will need to:
   1. Enter your child’s personal details
   2. Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child
   3. Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and privacy statement
   4. Provide consent

Detailed instructions can be found on the NSW Health website.

If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper consent form from the school.

If you have given consent for your child to be vaccinated at the school clinic, but they are absent on the day of the clinic visit, the school immunisation nurses will try to catch them up at their next visit. Alternatively, you can speak to a GP or pharmacist about catching up on vaccinations.

For more information on school vaccinations visit here or if you have any questions, please contact South Eastern Sydney Public Health Unit on: 9382 8333 (Ext 2).

SCEGGS Vaccination Clinic dates for 2024 are as follows:

• Year 7 – diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines 
  – Friday 22 March
• Year 10 – meningococcal ACWY vaccine 
  – Friday 2 August

Phil Rogers
Director of Administration