From Ms Allum

A message of love and support to you all                                                     

Dear Students and Parents/Carers

I hope you are doing OK. I have been thinking of you all, wherever you are. I know that there will be so many differing experiences within our community. Some of you will be in places outside of Greater Sydney, and in relative comfort. Some of you will be finding Greater Sydney Lockdown not too difficult – you might be enjoying the quieter, slower life. Others will be finding at-home learning and working very tedious and trying. And some of you might be experiencing feelings of anxiety, confusion or stress. I do hope that you can find some peace and calm in your life, and some activities to enjoy each day. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, and we are here to help and support you all – girls and their parents too.

To that end, there are some resources to help.

Firstly, in this edition of Behind the Green Gate, our Director of Pastoral Care writes an article about enhancing the time spent with your family and gives some resources for you to access.

The Deputy Head of Primary (Student Wellbeing) also gives some tips for managing social isolation in lockdown.

I also know that there have been a large number of other resources sent home to support learning wellbeing. Please do keep these on hand, and also reach out to any one of us if we can help in any way.

But just a few messages from me here:

• Don’t set your expectations for learning too high! We know it isn’t easy to learn at home. We know that lessons on Zoom are much harder and more tiring than face to face. If students can do at least some things in each lesson, that is OK! It is important for them to take regular and frequent breaks from screens, and this will be factored into lesson times and teachers’ instructions throughout the day.  So do expect the girls to be off their screens, in the backyard, or taking a break in other ways, quite frequently throughout the day. I know that teachers are well attuned to times when the students are feeling overloaded, and they will often set other activities or a scheduled break before they regroup, or before the next lesson. And if the learning activities and need to focus are too much for your daughter at some times, encourage her to make contact with her teacher and let them know. We do understand this is a common experience! So be easy on yourself and on your daughters!

• There are some co-curricular activities scheduled after school (and sometimes at lunch time etc), but it is perfectly fine if girls choose not to participate, if they just need a break and time away from screens. They can jump back in to their regular co-curricular activities when we are back on-site. Again, being flexible and relaxed around expectations for the girls will help with their well-being and aid good mental health.

• Try to keep a perspective on life. Life isn’t easy at the moment, and it is easy to focus on the difficult, trying or tedious things. But things could be worse! There is a lot to be thankful for too! We are relatively safe and well. Life is good! Do try to maintain a balance –recognising the things which are tricky, but also finding things to be grateful for, recognising some joyful and fun parts of the day, spending time as a family together to share stories of the day, share a joke, a game or an activity, and check-in on each other.

• Finally, do reach out to any of us at school if you are struggling or worried. We have such a wonderful team of people here with such life experience and special skills and expertise. We will find someone who is just right for you, whatever your issues, concerns or troubles. Just ask! If you are not sure what to do – give me a ring. I am at school every day and can have a chat on the phone if you would like, and I can refer you to the right person. Or send me an email. We will do all we can to look after each and every one of you – girls and adults too! You are always in my thoughts. God bless you all.

Lots of love to everyone.

Jenny Allum
Head of School

In this together

In this week’s In This Together, our Director of Pastoral Care writes about the wellbeing impacts of the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a clear impact on everyone, but particularly on our young people. No doubt there are conversations happening in your homes about being in lockdown again; worries about friendships and relationships, disappointments that are being felt, and bouts of anger, worry or fear. But I am sure there are also many positives, too. I know that when I speak to my Year 9 class on zoom, they always have lovely stories to share about “lockdown life” and how they are trying to make the most of each day.

When things in our life feel out of control it is human nature to seek ways to manage what we can. People might see the opportunities and feel a sense of control by focusing on the positives, or creating new routines, but they might also choose more destructive ways to gain a sense of control.

One thing that we do know is that there has been a sharp increase in anxiety and depression in young people, and maladaptive coping strategies such as self-harm, substance use and disordered eating. This is in no way meant to be alarmist or frightening, but we do want parents to be aware of what is happening for young people nationwide, but also the things that they might be sharing and talking about with each other. Regular conversations with your daughter about how she is feeling, appropriate boundaries with friends, and positive ways to manage the changes and uncertainty of living in this pandemic, will help your daughter to see that you care and that you are there to listen to her experiences. We would also encourage you to be conscious of any changes you notice. For any change in behaviour or mood, always pay attention to intensity, duration and frequency.

It is particularly important to be aware of changes in your daughter’s appetite, weight, eating habits or exercise routines. For example, an increase in the amount of exercise a young person is doing can be very positive, and when we are spending so much time on screens it is important to balance this with a healthy amount of exercise. But if the focus becomes excessive or obsessive, then this may be an indication that something else may be happening. We would also encourage you to seek advice from your GP if you do feel worried.

We do know that simply eating regular meals as a family is a key protective factor. This is something that, due to the pandemic, is able to be achieved and prioritised. There are things you can do to make this a really lovely time too:

• Sit and have breakfast together every day so that you know that everyone in your family has started the day with a healthy meal. This also helps you to check in with your daughter, see how she is feeling, and making sure she is ready for the day ahead.
• Have a family cooking competition. Get into teams or be your own ‘Master Chefs’!
• Create a restaurant at home or have theme nights.
• Play a game at the end of dinner, rather than moving off to do your own thing.
• Remove all devices and distractions.

And please share what you are doing with each other- you are your best resources!

We are thinking of you all and know that things are not easy at the moment in so many ways. But, despite the distance, we are still here to help and support you.

Some resources you might find helpful:

• SchoolTV issues can be accessed through Behind the Green Gate, and you can explore past issues too. For example, you might like to revisit the Coronavirus special report that was issued in 2020. 
• Support a young person’s Healthy Headspace
• Butterfly Parent Seminars

Bethany Lord
Director of Pastoral Care

Attention Years 7 to 10 – Choosing your subjects for next year!

During Week 4 of this term, we will hold the relevant subject selection information sessions for 2022. Again, this year, these sessions will be conducted via Zoom.

As subject selection is very important, parents are encouraged to participate in these meetings with their daughters remotely. For each Year group, there is a Subject Information Booklet available on our website. These information booklets expand on the NSW Education Standard Authority (NESA) requirements and the details about the subjects offered. A link is provided below to each of these booklets.

Year 8, 2022 (Current Year 7 girls)
Elective Subject Selection
Thursday, 5 August – Via Zoom commencing at 2pm
Link to Booklet 

Year 9, 2022 (Current Year 8 girls)
Record of School Achievement and Elective Subject Choices
Wednesday, 4 August – Via Zoom commencing at 2pm
Link to Booklet ­

Year 10, 2022 (Current Year 9 girls)
Record of School Achievement and Elective Subject Choices
Tuesday, 3 August – Via Zoom in Form time (girls only)
Link to Booklet 

Year 11, 2022 (Current Year 10 girls)
Introduction to the Higher School Certificate and Subject Choices
Tuesday, 3 August – Via Zoom commencing at 2 pm

Part A – A presentation from Mr Gallagher for about 45 minutes

Part B – An opportunity to speak with other staff about courses 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Link to Booklet 

I look forward to speaking with you all in Week 4. In the meantime, if you have any questions about these sessions please do not hesitate to be in touch.

Andrew Gallagher
Director of Curriculum

Light Her Path

Scholarships Expand All Horizons

We are all cognisant of the value of an education, both in instilling knowledge and values, but also in providing the freedom to choose one’s path.  Education, as WB Yeats commented, lights a fire and that fire can change lives, societies and civilisations.  This recognition underscores the value of scholarships.  A scholarship can be a key to a different life for recipients and happily SCEGGS currently has the ability to award 53 scholarships to girls, recognising a range of different talents and individuals whose contribution enriches the school.

The very first SCEGGS scholarship was funded by Old Girls in 1914 not long after the founding of the school in 1895.  The first recipient of this scholarship was Violet Norwood who attended SCEGGS from 1921 to 1926.  Since that time the generosity of the SCEGGS community has expanded the scholarship program offering full and partial tuition for candidates in the following areas:

• Academic scholarships
• Science/mathematics scholarships
• Music scholarships
• Old Girls Union scholarships
• Indigenous scholarships
• Boarding scholarships
• All-rounders scholarships
• Equity scholarships

Many of these scholarships honour members of the SCEGGS community and keep alive the memory of their character and achievements.  The Joan Freeman science and mathematics scholarships honour the renowned nuclear physicist who completed her PhD at the University of Cambridge in research into short-range alpha particles.  Joan Freeman was the first woman to receive the British Institute of Physics’ prestigious Rutherford Medal despite neither physics nor chemistry being offered in the Leaving Certificate for girls at SCEGGS in the 1930s.  Joan attended night school at Sydney Technical College to achieve the pre-requisites required to gain entry into science at the University of Sydney where there were so few women it was stipulated that a seat had to be left vacant between men and women in science lectures. 

In her latter years at SCEGGS, Joan received financial assistance to remain at SCEGGS and these science scholarships remind us of the determination and tenacity that underpinned Joan Freeman’s ground-breaking career and of the value of being able to offer scholarships.

Further expansion of the scholarship fund has enabled SCEGGS to offer scholarships to members of Australia’s Indigenous community.  Indigenous students bring perspectives and stories into the SCEGGS community that are critical to expanding our understanding of Australia’s history and our society.  SCEGGS has a longstanding commitment to social justice and reconciliation and the scholarships are an essential element of that commitment.

The Light Her Path Capital Campaign is seeking to raise $20 million:

• $12 million this year to ensure we can bring the new designs for Wilkinson House, melding heritage and function, to life
• a further $8 million to expand SCEGGS’ scholarship program with further means-tested scholarships

We invite every person in our community to give as generously as they can.

See the proposed plans for Wilkinson House on our website.  You may also pledge to the Light Her Path Capital Campaign or call the SCEGGS Development Office on (02) 9332 1133.

The Light Her Path Committee

From the Chaplain

As we go into our second week of at home learning it is slightly more obvious to see the fatigue setting in. I am not a big fan of teaching or connecting with others online and by the looks on some of those on the screen, I don’t think I am alone. I am also guessing that there are many parents that are struggling and frustrated with the current set up, even trying to work out how best to do “school from home”. I continue to think of you all and pray for your patience and endurance during these uncertain times. The presence of others and being able to have the interactions that we are use too counts for a lot and helps us to make our way through the world that we know. I hope that we are able to get back to normal very soon.

One of the things that I am doing during this lockdown is trying to have a chapel service with each of the year groups on any given day. I have planned for each year group from 3 to 12 to have one fortnightly at this stage. If parents would like to join in (or look over their daughter’s shoulder with their permission 😉) you are most welcome too. It is not what we usually do and I am sure I will be experimenting along the way.

SCEGGS Podcast: our latest episode and easier access to previous episodes 

This week’s episode of Walk The Mile is a conversation with Chris Gleisner, our regular school photographer and the woman behind the project “Let’s Build A School”. It was recorded last term, before the lockdown. Chris also took all of the photos that can be found in the recently released “A Year In The Life Of SCEGGS, 2020”. She talks about what the experience was like in trying to make it work amongst the difficulties of last year, what she is trying to portray through her art and her passion to see education more available for girls in Cambodia. I hope you enjoy it.

“Walk the Mile Episode 10: Every picture tells a story (and has one)”

And a reminder about the link to all previous podcasts on the SCEGGS Darlinghurst web page. If you click on the Community tab you will find a link to the catalogue.  Topics that we have covered so far have included education, shock, grief, Indigenous issues and fathers raising daughters. There is even one with our Head of School!! I welcome your feedback and let me know if you would like to join me on the podcast. I am currently recording a few via zoom so I happy to organise it in that format if you are willing to be part of it.

Garry Lee-Lindsay
School Chaplain

From the Primary School

The first week of Home Learning in the Primary School has been filled with fun, challenge and adventure, just like every week in the Primary School! The girls have adjusted to this different way of learning with resilience, determination and adaptability, all signs of a true independent learner! It was lovely to see some smiling faces during the carline distribution of resources last week and it was great to hear that the girls were so keen to get home and set themselves up for learning. We have been so impressed by the level of independence the girls have demonstrated as learners, ensuring that they are ready on time and organised with everything they need for their lessons. We hope that this continues throughout the period of At Home Learning.

The COVID pandemic might have put real life international travel for most of us on hold, but it was wonderful to see our girls travel outside of their classrooms to learn about Bastille Day in French and the upcoming Tokyo Olympics in Geography and Maths lessons. Year 3 were even sent a special virtual message from Olympic Water Polo Player Hannah Buckling, who was jetting off to Tokyo that morning. She wished the girls well in their online learning adventures and shared a little inside information about what its like to be an Olympic athlete! And of course, staying home hasn’t stopped us moving in the Primary School. The PDHPE staff have kept the Primary girls active this week, with their heart rates well and truly elevated. It was lovely to see the girls involved in Dance and Aerobic lessons from the comfort of their own homes. The School community celebrated NAIDOC week too across all year groups. Kindergarten completed a beautiful collective class artwork from home, with each girl colouring their own individual square which Ms Anderson then put together as one large piece. I’m sure you’ll all agree, it looks brilliant.

The Primary teachers could not be prouder of the girls and the way in which they have thrown themselves into this new learning adventure. We’ve all been in the Learning Pit a few times over the past week, but with kindness towards ourselves and others, some patience, commitment and good humour we’ve had a wonderful week of learning. Who knows when we will come together as a community again face-to-face, but until then, we’ve got this!

Take care and stay safe,

Helen Dempsey
Head of Primary

Secondary Sport News

Cricket                                                       

Congratulations to Lily Hreszczuk who was selected into the NSW U’15 Cricket Metro Academy in the holidays. We wish Lily well with her training program when current restrictions lift.

SCEGGS goes to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics

With the Olympic Opening Ceremony being held on Friday it is time to get into the Olympic spirit.

Our Athletes to watch…

Marina Carrier (SCEGGS Class of 2015) competing in the Modern Pentathlon

Shannon Parry (SCEGGS Touch Football Coach) competing in the Women’s Rugby 7’s

George Ford (SCEGGS Water Polo Coach) competing in the Men’s Water Polo

For those who are interested, here is a link to the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games Schedule.

SCEGGS First Olympic Athlete – Jane Cortis (Tokyo 1964)

Jane Ross (CORTIS, Class of 1965) attended SCEGGS from 1961 to 1965 and was in Christian House. 

During Jane’s time at SCEGGS, she competed in the 440 yards Individual Medley at the 1962 British Commonwealth and Empire Games in Perth, WA and in the 400 metres Individual Medley at the XVIIIth Olympiad (Tokyo 1964).  Jane held the following Australian Titles and Records:

• 1964 1^st Australian Junior 440 yards Freestyle, and
• 1964 Australia Junior Record, 440 yards Individual Medley.

After school, Jane continued her swimming career touring New Zealand with the 1967-1968 Australian Universities Swimming Team.  She was awarded a University of Queensland Blue (swimming) and in 1969 graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy.

SCEGGS Dress Up Form Challenge

The Sports Department would like to invite all Form classes to be involved in our Olympic Dress Up Challenge. You can choose your favourite country, athletes or any other Olympic theme to dress up or simply create a virtual background. 

We anticipate that you will join in the fun this Friday 23 July – to celebrate the Opening Ceremony of the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. However, you may prefer to do this early next week if that is more suitable for your form class.

Online Fitness Activities

For those of you looking to do some exercise from the comfort of your home, we have lots of online fitness, yoga, and dance exercise options posted online in the Sport module of Cognito. Stay tuned for more information regarding ‘live’ zoom classes.

SCEGGS Darlinghurst Strava Running Club

Did you know that we have our own Strava Running Club? Just download the App and request to join the SCEGGS Darlinghurst group. You will be able to track your exercise and see what other SCEGGS students are up to during lockdown. You can even log your bike rides.

If families have any sporting news, photos and achievements please send details to alisongowan@sceggs.nsw.edu.au. We love hearing and seeing about our students.

Alison Gowan
Director of Sport

ICAS Assessments in the Primary School

Each year, girls in Years 3-6 have the opportunity to participate in a range of ICAS Assessments. ICAS Assessments, developed by UNSW, are designed to target students’ higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics and Science. Girls in Years 3-6 can complete ICAS English and ICAS Mathematics and girls in Years 4-6 can also complete ICAS Science.

This year, participation in the ICAS Assessments will be optional. These assessments will take place before school at 7.45am on selected days. Please see below for details of the ICAS Assessment schedule.

The ICAS Assessment organisation will be monitoring the current situation closely. If schools have not resumed face-to-face teaching by the scheduled testing dates, ICAS will enact a contingency plan to reschedule the testing periods. 

If you would like your daughter to participate in any of the ICAS Assessments, please visit the online Parent Payment System to make a direct payment to UNSW Global. The Parent Payment System is a simple and secure online payment service specifically for parents to purchase ICAS Assessments. The ICAS English, Mathematics and Science assessments cost $17.05 each.

Click on the link below to access the Parent Payment System to register your daughter for the ICAS Assessments. You will then be asked to enter the school’s access code.

If you have any questions about the ICAS Assessments, please feel free to contact me.

Cristi Wilsmore
Deputy Head of Primary (Teaching and Learning)

Go Greener

Biodiversity update at SCEGGS                                                          

One of the school goals for this year is to explore ways SCEGGS can become a more bio-diverse inner-city school environment. The most common species of birds seen in our SCEGGS garden are the rainbow lorikeet, the white cockatoo and the Australian white ibis. Smaller birds are becoming a rarity in urban areas due to a loss of habitat. Examples of birds we would like to encourage are the superb fairy wren, willie wagtail, new holland honeyeater, silver eye and the welcome swallow.

We have chosen an area near the frog pond, at the back of the Old Girls Building to create a small bird habitat. Plants and grasses have been chosen to encourage not only birds, but insects as well. We have considered local native plants and have no showy flowering grevilleas or callistemons which are likely to attract the larger bird groups. The larger birds are known to scare away the smaller species. Some of the plants are prickly for the protection of these smaller birds and will grow to different heights in order to create a variety of spaces for birds, bees and insects.

The following species have been planted by Innes McManus, our school gardener:

• Hakea sericea – Silky hakea
• Grevillea linearifolia – White spider flower
• Grevillea sericea – Pink spider flower
• Westringia fruitcosa – Coastal rosemary
• Acacia Floribunda – Wattle
• Melaleuca thymifolia – Honey myrtle
• Melaleuca armillaris – Bracelet honey myrtle
• Isopogon anethifolius
• Indigofera australia – Australian Indigo
• Bursaria spinosa
• Lambertia Formosa – Mountain devil
• Maleuca hypericifolia – Red flowered paper bark
• Poa labillardei – grass
• Dichilachne macrantha – grass
• Juncus continius – reed

At home, you might want to look at areas in your own garden which could be adapted to provide a safe habitat for small birds. Check the bird species which come into your garden by sitting for twenty minutes to count them. Is there something you could easily do to help these endangered species? Many Councils have information on their websites to guide you and native plant nurseries can be a great resource as well. Below are some resources we found useful.

The City of Sydney urban habitat creation guide

Native plants guide for the Eastern suburbs

Birds in backyards website

Habitat network resources

And of particular interest are diagrams on arranging plants for a bird habitat.

Finally, you might also want to participate in the Aussie Backyards Birds count which will be held this year between 18 – 24 October.

Happy twitching!

Sue Zipfinger
Maailma Environment Committee

Premier’s Reading Challenge 2021

Congratulations to the 80 primary students who have completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge, with more than 4 weeks remaining until it officially concludes on Friday 20 August.

The Kindergarten to Year 2 students are getting very close to finishing too, by completing the Challenge in the Library and during class time at school.

A special mention to the following Year 3 to Year 6 students for recently completing the Challenge:

Year 3: Sofea Davey, Annabelle Dempsey, Wavy Ellis, Gabriella Goddard, Jada Lewis, Alexia Marskell, Victoria Poniros, Matilda Reuss, Grace Webster, Giselle Wharton.

Year 4: Holly Ancher, Alice Cameron, Mila Filus Rasmussen, Olivia Flanagan, Olive Hunt, Olivia Liu, Asha Meagher, Isla Roberts, Perdita Taylor, Bonnie Turnbull.

Year 5: Georgina Auld, Gemma Munro.

Year 6: Ashley Diec, Zara Grace.

Please do not hesitate to contact me at karenmcbride@sceggs.nsw.edu.au if you have any questions or concerns regarding the Premier’s Reading Challenge.

Karen McBride
Primary Teacher Librarian

Managing social isolation in lockdown

With families being thrust back into lockdown during the school holidays and now being in the midst of At Home Learning, there have been and are many challenges to face and overcome. Juggling the management of your daughter’s learning from home with your own commitments and those of other family members certainly is no easy feat! We thank you for your continued efforts and support.

In my opinion, one of the biggest challenges to overcome during this pandemic is the significant decrease in real human interaction. Outside our immediate families, it is likely that we are interacting very little with other people in a face-to-face capacity. This social isolation impacts us all, but the impact for children can be significant.

After last year’s series of lockdowns around the world, researchers in the UK reviewed a large number of studies to explore how social isolation could impact the mental health of previously healthy children. The review discovered that social isolation did have a negative impact on the wellbeing of children, with there being an increase in the risk of developing symptoms of depression and anxiety with the effects potentially lasting long after the lockdown is over. (Shalberg, P. & Goldfield, S., Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, 2020). 

Whilst technology is a wonderful way to stay connected to family members and friends outside your household, it is important to be mindful of the amount of additional screen time your daughter is exposed to on top of her school day. So, what can you do to minimise the effects of social isolation and loneliness during lockdown other than jumping on another Zoom or FaceTime?  

1. Get outside!

Playing in natural environments such as gardens, parks, beaches or a quiet neighbourhood street is a simple yet powerful way to positively impact a child’s wellbeing. Outdoor play promotes health benefits including cognitive, social and emotional development. So, encourage your daughter to get outside during break times and before and after the school day. Allow them to play, explore, discover, create and challenge themselves. You don’t need to plan structured games or activities, let nature do the talking!

2. Make time for play together

I am almost certain that all SCEGGS Primary girls are missing their daily playtimes with her friends at school greatly! And the health impacts of decreased play and interaction can be detrimental too. We know time is tight but a precious gift you can give your daughter is to make time to play with her each day. Take this time seriously, switch off from your devices and give them your full attention. This will show her you also value this time and the positive effects it has on wellbeing and learning. Teach her a new game of cards, build a fort, engage in a game or activity she enjoys using her toys, or if you’re feeling brave, bust a move together with a “Just Dance”!

3. Exercise together

We are all aware of the physical and mental health benefits of keeping active. Consider how you can structure your day to “hit two nails on the head” by exercising and connecting with your daughter in one! Heading outside to throw a ball around, having running races, going for a bike ride or doing some yoga together are just some simple ways to achieve this goal.

4. Practice gratitude

Whilst it may be easy to get stuck in a negative spiral at the moment, try your best to take time each day to stop and name something you are grateful for. There is extensive research that shows that practising daily gratitude has significant health benefits and it is something that is so easy to do! You and your daughter may like to write down three things that went well each day, or do “5 Finger Gratitude” where you name one thing you’re grateful for for each finger. Maybe you’ll even get to 10 one day!

5. Set clear guidelines for technology

It is more important than ever to discuss safe and responsible use of devices and digital media. This may involve having agreements regarding time limits of screen time outside of the school day, dedicating times within your day where the whole family “unplugs” such as creating a ritual around meals. This is a great way to connect and hear about each other’s day without the distraction of devices. For more information on how to effectively manage screen time, see the Parent Resources from the eSafety Commissioner.

All the Primary teachers are working together to ensure your daughters feel as connected as possible to each other and the school community during this period. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have concerns regarding your daughter’s wellbeing or would like to discuss ways in which you can boost wellbeing in your home environment. We’re missing the girls’ energy and smiling faces around school greatly and can’t wait to have them safely back on campus once restrictions allow.

Sarah Johnstone
Deputy Head of Primary (Student Wellbeing)

Music Matters

Despite the state being in lockdown, we are fortunate that Year 12 Music students can continue with their HSC Performance preparation.  The health guidelines for these rehearsals have been strictly adhered with distance rules in place.  It has been lovely to see the girls working with Ms Heidi Jones and with external musicians who form a small band to accompany some of our Music 1 students.  Our best wishes are extended to our Year 12 Music students as they work towards their performance trial examinations on Monday 2 August.

At Home Learning – Kindy on Zoom!

Online learning has its challenges, but Mrs Cleworth’s Kindergarten class had no problems following her directions.  You can see in the picture below Mrs Cleworth teaching her Kindergarten class and asking them to copy her rhythms and actions on Zoom.  Well done Kindergarten and thank you Mrs Cleworth.

Co-Curricular Music Activities – Primary and Secondary

Primary students are now invited to participate in their co-curricular music ensembles starting next week.  Please see below for the addition of Primary ensemble times.

All students can access the musical materials that will be rehearsed in their ensembles through Seesaw (String Power and Stringalong) and Cognito.  Students are encouraged to take these parts to their instrumental teachers to prepare in their online lessons.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr Peter Jewitt, Ensembles Coordinator – peterjewitt@sceggs.nsw.edu.au

We look forward to when we can resume our rehearsals with our friends and conductors.  In the meantime, we encourage students to take part so we can be ready when we resume our face-to-face rehearsals. But we do understand that learning online can be very tiring and so if you need a screen break, please don’t feel you have to come to co-curricular music activities. Having down time, away from screens and being outside are important too!

Peripatetic Zoom Lesson Guidelines

Peripatetic lessons via Zoom are being offered to families to maintain continuity with learning.  If you decide to proceed with online lessons for your daughter, please note the following:

1. There must be an agreement between you and your daughter’s tutor, detailing date, time and platform for lessons (Zoom is preferable to Skype).
2. For the protection of both parties, a parent/guardian should be nearby to assist during the lesson if necessary. This is to protect both parties.
3. Students must let their class teachers know well beforehand if they have a music lesson during a timetabled class.
4. If your daughter is unwell, please let the music tutor know.

Practical considerations:

• Ensure that appropriate device and setup is confirmed well before the lesson.
• Ensure that the tutor has necessary contact details.
• Instruments should be tuned before the start of the lesson. Your daughter’s tutor can recommend a suitable app to assist in tuning instruments.
• Consult with tutor to determine the best camera angle for the lesson.
• Quality of connection may be improved if other family members remain offline during the lesson.
• Establish a dedicated space for music lessons is useful to eliminate distractions and extraneous noise where possible.
• Student should be appropriately addressed for the lesson.

We would love to see pictures of your daughter’s Zoom music lessons at home.  If you would like to share these with our school community, please email them to paulinechow@sceggs.nsw.edu.au.

Meet our Tutor – Lerida Delbridge

This week, our tutor of the week is Lerida Delbridge who teaches Violin in our Music program.  This week we asked Lerida the following questions:

What attracted you to your instrument? 
My big sister – who is 9 years older – played the violin.  I just wanted to do everything that she did!  My Dad made me a cardboard violin when I was 2 and at 3, they gave me the real thing. The rest is history!

Share a performance highlight.
I have been fortunate to have had many performance highlights and perform in many of Europe’s greatest halls.  The most memorable was performing in the war-torn town of Mostar in 1998 in one of the first open air orchestral concerts programmed at the newly built Pavarotti Music Centre.  The concert was attended by NATO troops and communities from both sides of the conflict, with the aim of using music to start the journey of reconciliation.  NATO bombers patrolled the skies throughout the performance which was, without a doubt, one of the most extraordinary nights of my musical life. 

Where has your instrument taken you?
As you can see from my previous answer, playing the violin has taken me to many wonderful places!  I remember playing for a remote Fijian community at the age of 7. I first toured Europe with a small chamber ensemble at 9.  I have toured throughout Europe and North America with the Tinalley String Quartet and more recently with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra – and was fortunate to spend several Winters in Banff studying at the Banff Centre for the Arts – with endless days at minus 30!  It has been a wonderful way to see the world!

What do love about teaching at SCEGGS?
The girls!  I love getting to know them all.  Every girl has a different approach to learning the violin and it is such a joy to discover each girls’ strengths and then work together to improve the more difficult aspects of violin playing.  Most of all, I love the imagination and determination that every girl shows and the wonderful desire to learn!

Pauline Chow
Head of Music

2020: A Year in the Life of SCEGGS Darlinghurst

You may still purchase our 125^th anniversary commemorative photo book online, however books may not be collected from the School until COVID restrictions are lifted.

The book features over 1,500 photos from our 2020 photographer in residence, Chris Gleisner, and will cost $77 + processing fee of $0.50.

We hope that you enjoy this beautiful keepsake from a momentous year!

Visual Arts

This week’s banner is an excerpt from Year 12 student, Pei Xiang Deacon’s Body of Work.

Pei writes:

My body of work endeavours to convey the repetitive cycle, impact, and abusive culture of greyhound racing. I have chosen to paint a large-scale portrait of a greyhound to connect with the viewer and ground the work. I have used images and text of the betting apps and mobile phones to convey the ease of betting and anonymous participation in animal cruelty. I found some historic photos of greyhound racing dogs and their owners to show the long-standing history that persists in this culture. The use of objects associated with greyhound racing is a way to build a sense of how these animals are treated in such a barbaric manner. In preparation for my body of work, I visited and photographed greyhounds living in rescue kennels in NSW.  These greyhounds are hopefully awaiting new families and homes. My artwork is dedicated to the 18,000 greyhounds that are killed in Australia every year and the volunteers who work tirelessly to save their lives. 

Creative Kids Vouchers

We are mindful that some families will have art and craft supplies at home and students will be able to access materials such as paint, brushes and paper/board/canvas but in the event this is not an option for your family we would like to suggest that students take advantage of the NSW Creative Kids Voucher that gives them $100.00 towards a creative pursuit.

We encourage you to apply for the following art kits:

https://alittlespirit.com.au/collections/creative-kids

and the application form is here:

https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-creative-kids-voucher

This process takes a matter of minutes, shipping is free and within the week your daughter can have access to a great range of art materials to use now and into the future.

We have sent this link to our painting students in Year 9 with a specific kit in mind for their painting tasks this term.

This is a great opportunity to engage your daughters with some creative enterprise during the Lockdown period.

Please let me know if you would like any further information or assistance.

Heidi Jackson
Head of Visual Arts

Careers Corner Newsletter

It is university “open day” season! Save the date for one of the many online sessions listed in this issue of the Careers Corner newsletter.

Also, don’t forget to get your UAC application in on time – by 30^th September!

P&F Events

Please see below coming events:

NOTE: all events are subject to COVID-19 restrictions.

Year 12 Mother and Daughter Brunch

Please join us for a special event for Year 12 Mothers & Daughters.