From Ms Gyton

Over the last week, I have had the wonderful opportunity to connect with so many SCEGGS Old Girls and hear about their journeys Beyond the Green Gate.

Last night, we held the Old Girls’ Careers evening when we were joined by more than 50 alumni who volunteered their time to share their words of wisdom with our current students. It was so interesting to hear how distinct and unique their career paths have been since leaving school, even when they have worked in very similar industries or roles. With refreshing frankness, we heard them speak of periods of stability and periods of great change, tales of career pivots and career pauses, AI enthusiasts and AI pessimists, volunteering, internships, changes of profession, changes of city … and many other things too! I personally loved hearing such open and honest reflections in response to some of the questions our current students asked. For example: “Yes, some parts of doing medicine are really hard, but it goes in phases. When I was doing my specialty training, had two very young children at home and was on call 24/7, it was really, really hard! But looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing because that phase allowed me to get where I am now, doing a job I love and feel passionate about and with a work-life balance I really value. So don’t let the hard bits deter you. If that is what you really want to do, then go for it!” This is such great advice for all our current students. Whether in learning, or examinations, or sport, or even repairing friendships … don’t let a fear of some hard parts deter you!

I felt that same honesty, passion and enthusiasm at our Old Girls’ Ascension Day function last week. Thank you to our musicians who helped to make it such a special afternoon. As we talked over lunch, these Old Girls recounted so many tales of their experiences over the 50, 60 or even 70 years since they finished school. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing them reflect on the parts of their long professional journeys, the parts of their education that they still value so highly, what makes friendships stand the tests of time … and some very funny stories (some of which I have promised to keep in the ‘cone of silence’) about the very occasional bit of mischief that may have happened many years before but which still make them giggle today.

I am so grateful that we have a community of Old Girls who are so generous with their time and willing to return to SCEGGS to share their collective wisdom and their amazing life stories with us all.

Holly Gyton
Head of School

From the Chaplain

The SCEGGS Podcast “Walk The Mile” Is Back!

Episode 73 A Head of the Rest with Holly Gyton

Walk The Mile has finally returned!! We have a whole new bunch of people having great conversations coming up throughout the rest of the year and I am so excited that our first podcast for this year is with our new and 6^th Head of School, Holly Gyton. This podcast was recorded early in Term 1 this year. Find out what makes her tick, where she has come from, what she wants for SCEGGS and how she sees education. I found out a lot about Holly that I never knew (and I have been working with her for a long time) so I hope you do so as well.

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.

Collection Drives

Our annual collection of “Hoodies, Trackies and Blankies” is underway. In Chapel this week we have been considering the need and right for comfort for all people, and this is particularly relevant as we get closer to the colder months. Any size hoodie or tracksuit pants for any gender are accepted, as long as they are in new or good condition. Larger sizes are particularly welcomed as it gives people room to wear layers of clothing to protect them from the cold.  There is a basket outside the Chapel for collection. 

And a reminder that I have started a continual collection of food and toiletries. At the moment, all toiletries are in low supply. Items such as soap, conditioner, shampoo and toothpaste are needed. Non perishable food items such as peanut butter, jams, vegemite, two minute noodles, UHT milk and anything else that doesn’t need too much preparation are also in short supply. This donation drive will continue for however long the need is there. Thank you in advance for your kindness. 

Rev. Garry Lee-Lindsay
School Chaplain

Festival on Forbes

As we prepare for our much-loved Festival on Forbes, we are gathering a selection of prizes, silent auction donations and stall donations. If you happen to have something suitable to contribute, we would be delighted to include it.

If you are cleaning out your wardrobe, found a new love of preserving jam, given up on skateboarding or finished that great book; think of Festival on Forbes and start collecting your donation pieces.

Items we are collecting are:

• Vintage designer fashion, shoes, bags, accessories in excellent, wearable condition 
• Your well-loved, but in great condition sports equipment including everything from wetsuits to surfboards, yoga mats and bikes for example
• Clothes and accessories either new and unused or worn but cared for
• Gourmet pantry items such as preserves and sauces
• New kids’ toys and games which will be used as prizes
• Books, all genres and audiences, this is one stall that sees donations literally fly off the shelf

Respectfully we request that all items are in clean working order that can be resold. 

We appreciate the wonderful generosity within our school community and thank you for helping make the fair such a special day for our children. If you are unsure if your donation is appropriate at first instance, please ask your relevant class parent.

Class parents will be in contact with you about arrangements to drop items off in the lead up to the Fair, but for now please start collecting your donations and keep them at home until further notice.

We thank you in advance for your support – we can’t wait to celebrate together at the Festival on Forbes!

Please reach out to us if you need any further information.

The Festival on Forbes Committee

Drama News – Theatresports Invitational Cup

Come along and support the two SCEGGS teams competing in a Theatresports friendly competition and workshop!  SCEGGS will be competing against teams from Ascham, Sydney Grammar School, and Scots.

The event details are:

Date: Wednesday 27 May 

Time: Students 4.30pm and 7.30pm (Audience arrive at 5.45pm for a 6.00pm start)

Venue: Palladium Theatre at Sydney Grammar School

Entry: Free, no ticketing required

Students representing SCEGGS in the Theatresports team are:

• Juliette Clark
• Nancy Newton
• Frances O’Donnell
• Calla Ciszewski
• Nina Fitzgerald
• Mackenzie Hansen
• Charlotte Self
• Sophie Downes
• Maya Mitchell-Zancanaro
• Lucy Balderstone

Theatresports is a form of improvisational theatre that uses competition for dramatic effect, where opposing teams perform scenes based on audience suggestions. It involves no rehearsals or scripts, requiring actors to rely on their quick wits and creativity. Teams participate in games where they create scenes from themes given just moments before performing, making it a highly interactive and engaging experience.

Peter Eyers
Head of Drama

The Junior Secondary Public Speaking Competition for Years 7 – 9

The Junior Secondary Public Speaking Competition is a competition run by the Department of Education for students in Years 7, 8 and 9.  SCEGGS can enter two students in the competition and trials will be held in week 8.  Students present a five minute prepared talk on a topic of their choice and an impromptu speech of two minutes with five minutes preparation time.  Both speeches will be trialled.  For students who would like to trial there will be a sign-up sheet at the Speech room, OG12, by the end of week 6 and a trial time will be assigned. 

More information can be found here. 

If students have any questions please come and see me in the Speech Room or email me.

Elizabeth Walsh
Speech and Public Speaking Co-ordinator

Debating

Term 2 has begun with tremendous energy across the SCEGGS Debating program. With approximately 120 students from Years 6–12 involved and three major competitions running simultaneously, this is our busiest and most exciting term of the year. Students have shown impressive commitment, enthusiasm, and growing confidence as they take on increasingly challenging debates.

ISDA: Semi-Finals Success

The ISDA season has been a standout, with many teams progressing deep into the competition.

• Primary A has qualified for the Semi-Finals, held this Friday, 22 May at Scots College at 6.00pm. Congratulations to the team on this outstanding achievement.
• Year 7 delivered an exceptional season, winning every round up to the Quarter Finals – a remarkable accomplishment for such a young team.
• The majority of other ISDA teams reached the Octofinals, demonstrating the strength and depth of our debaters this year.

We are incredibly proud of all students who represented SCEGGS in ISDA this season.

Eastside: Three Teams in the Grand Final

It has been an exhilarating Eastside season, with Year 9, Year 10, and Year 12 all qualifying for the Grand Final this Friday, 22 May at Sydney Grammar School all debates will start at 6:15pm.

The Year 12 team, who have lost only one debate this season, deserve special recognition for their exceptional skill, teamwork, and leadership. After many years of success in SCEGGS Debating, we hope they finish their final Eastside season on a high. Go, SCEGGS!

Archdale: A Strong Opening to the Season

The Archdale competition is now underway, with Round 3 taking place this week at Loreto Normanhurst. Early results have been extremely promising.

• Round 1: Year 7A, Year 7B, Juniors, Year 10 and Seniors all recorded strong wins against Ravenswood.
• Round 2: Hosted at SCEGGS, Year 7A, Year 8A, Year 9 and Seniors secured victories over Mount St Benedict’s.

We wish all teams the very best for Round 3 and the remainder of the season.

Looking Ahead

There is plenty more to look forward to as the term continues.

• Inter-House Debating for Senior students will run on Wednesday, 3 June and Wednesday, 10 June. No experience is required—just enthusiasm and House spirit.
• Archdale buses depart at 3pm for away debates. Students should inform their teachers at the start of the lesson and may leave ten minutes early. They are expected to catch up on any missed work.
• With most students now finished with ISDA and Eastside, we extend our thanks to all debaters, chairpersons, and supporters who contributed to a successful season.
• Archdale remains our major competition, running until early Term 3. Further updates on additional competitions will be shared if they become available.

Suvini Kottegoda
Debating Co-ordinator 

da Vinci Decathlon

Imagine waking up at 5:30am to catch a bus to Knox Grammar School and spend the entire day completing challenging tests. This became a reality last Thursday when our two primary teams competed in the annual da Vinci Decathlon.

The day began strong with English, Ideation, Science and Mathematics. We worked incredibly hard during this first session and were rewarded with a wonderful morning tea, where we enjoyed catching up with students from other schools.

In the second session, we competed in five additional disciplines: Cartography, Code-Breaking, Engineering, Art & Poetry, and Creative Producers. These proved to be the most creatively demanding challenges we had faced so far.

Our day concluded with the Legacy task. While Year 6 did not excel in this discipline, it was still a fun way to finish the day.

After performances from three Knox Primary School bands, including our personal favourite, the Screaming Cucumbers, the results were announced. The Year 6 SCEGGS team placed 15th in English, 14th in Science, 8th in Mathematics, and an outstanding 2nd in Ideation!

Our Year 6 team, comprising Ivy Zhang, Zoe Hepple, Madeleine Chirakis, Defne Aslan, Olivia Tan, Ava Grange, Eva Lobato Williams, and Alice Chandler, is extremely grateful to Mrs Gloor and Miss Lock for their guidance, preparation, and support throughout this process.

The Year 6 Team

On Thursday 14 May, Ines Allen, Bronte Lusted, Jasmine Loa, Millie Wilson, Olive Manton, Piper Prain-Pfahl, Tove Klettenberg, and Eva-Rose Asrress participated in the da Vinci Decathlon. We began the day with an early start at school before travelling to Knox Grammar School, where the competition was held.

Before the events commenced, the host and Head of School addressed participants, including an Acknowledgement of Country.

The first round consisted of Mathematics, Ideation, English, and Science. The second round presented more challenges. These included Code Breaking, Engineering, Art and Poetry, and Cartography.

After completing the final Legacy task, the winners were announced. Year 5 placed in the top 10 in Engineering and English. Our team also received a special mention for excellent collaboration, which we were very proud of.

Overall, it was a highly challenging and enjoyable experience. We particularly enjoyed the competitive spirit, solving complex codes and puzzles, and designing creative food-delivery contraptions.

The Year 5 Team

Katherine Lock
Primary Teacher – Year 6

Year 10 Great Race Event with Sydney Grammar School

Year 10 – grab your spot for a super fun event with Sydney Grammar School, joining forces to compete in The Great Race!

Tickets are strictly limited.

Date: Sunday 21 June 2026
Time: 10.00am – 1.00pm
Venue: Weigall Sports Ground, Sydney Grammar School, 6 Neild Avenue, Darlinghurst
Ticket: $45 (includes The Great Race hosts/activities, snacks, drinks & prizes!) Purchase your ticket here.

Secondary Sport

Inter-House Athletics Carnival

The Secondary Athletics Carnival was held at ES Marks on Wednesday 13 May. We were blessed with fine weather despite the threat of rain throughout the day. Much to the delight of spectators, we saw several records broken on the day.

Congratulations to Christian who were the overall Champion House. All the prize winners are listed below.

New Records

Overall House Points

Hockey

The Senior 1^st Hockey Team won a tight match (1-0) against Kincoppal Rose Bay at Marang Hockey Fields and maintained their winning streak for this term.

IGSA Fixtures, Results and Wet Weather

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

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.

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

Alison Gowan
Director of Sport

Careers News

Careers Convention – Professional Advisors – Your advice counts!

Once again, SCEGGS Darlinghurst will be participating in the Sydney Schools Careers Convention on Monday 1 June at Sydney Grammar School. This event brings together over 70 industry speakers for an engaging evening to assist students explore future study and career opportunities.

If you are a SCEGGS parent/carer or Old Girl and are able to volunteer and offer your professional advice, we would love to hear from you!

The advisor’s component takes place from 5.30pm-7.00pm with a briefing at 5.15pm.  Please email Andrea Pinnock if you can volunteer.

Careers Corner

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

Andrea Pinnock
Careers Advisor

P&F Class Parent Events

Here are our Term 2 Class Parent events: 

• Year 6 Afternoon Tea
• Year 6 Parent Gathering
• Year 8 End of Term 2 Movie Event

Year 6 Afternoon Tea

Date: Saturday 13 June

Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm

Venue: The Private Dining Room in The Four Seasons

Cost: $126.50 per adult (includes a glass of sparkling wine), $60.50 per child

RSVP: by 29 May via Trybooking.

Year 6 Parent Gathering

Date: Thursday 25 June

Time: 6.30pm

Venue: Lord Roberts Hotel, 64 Stanley Street, Darlinghurst

RSVP: No booking required! Please drop in and join us for a casual catch-up. Drinks may be ordered directly at the bar.

Year 8 End of Term 2 Movie Event – Minions & Monsters

Date: Friday 26 June

Time: 4.00pm – 6.30pm

Venue: Ritz Cinemas, Randwick

Cost: $25 per attendee 

RSVP: by 25 June via Trybooking.