From Ms Gyton

Welcome back to Term 2!

It was so lovely for me to hear the inevitable ‘first day’ noises of staff and students in our vibrant community coming back together this week. At a time when many in our community are grieving, I have felt a great sense of pride as I have seen firsthand the dignity, strength and compassion within the SCEGGS community. We are looking out for each other, holding out a hand to a friend and caring deeply about each other too … and we will keep doing so as we gently take the next steps together. Grief is a journey we walk together, but each in our own ways, and just one small step at a time.

Our new term also brings the promise of new learning opportunities and memorable experiences … and none more so than the many ‘firsts’ in Wilkinson House. This week has seen our first Form Times happen in the new classrooms, the first lessons being taught, the first lunches and preps in the beautiful Year 12 Common Room, and even the first surprise rendition of Happy Birthday sung to an unsuspecting member of staff! Wilkinson House is indeed a magnificent addition to the facilities of the School and it has made me smile to see it in action this week. So thank you again to all in the community who helped make this important project a reality – we look forward to showing it to you all soon!

Holly Gyton
Head of School

Vale Lou Bein

In a time when many members of our school community are hurting with the deeply sad news of Lou’s passing, we are reminded of the strength of our school community. The care and support by the staff, students and SCEGGS families for each other has been a great comfort to us all as we have returned to Term 2.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Bein Family, all of the students in Year 12 and Lou’s closest friends, the staff and everyone who is grieving, for many different reasons, in the school community.

Vale Lou Bein
(2008 – 2026)

At this time, we may seek comfort and hope in God, the one who gives meaning and purpose in an often-confusing world and we offer the following prayer for those who may seek His help in times of need.

Dear God,

There is much that we do not understand in this world, much that we wish could be different. In this time, we ask that you provide comfort for all those who mourn and help for us in our times of sorrow and loss.

Jesus said “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest”.

We pray that the incredible pain and grief that Lou’s family and friends are feeling would in some way be comforted. Help us all to find hope and light in a world shadowed by darkness, and strength when we recognise our weaknesses.

We pray for our community here at SCEGGS and ask that you help us all to treat one another gently, as your precious creation.

In Jesus name

Amen

SCEGGS Trust and SCEGGS Darlinghurst Limited Annual General Meetings

Members of the SCEGGS Trust and the School Company are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of each entity. The meeting details are:

Date:  Monday 18 May 2026

Location:  Joan Freeman Lecture Theatre

Time:    7.00pm – Pre-meeting refreshments

              7.30pm AGM of the SCEGGS Trust

              8.00pm AGM of SCEGGS Darlinghurst Ltd (the School Company)

Parking:  Parking will be available in the Joan Freeman Carpark (entry from St Peters Street) from 6.30pm, closing immediately after the AGM of the School Company.

If you are not a company member of the SCEGGS Trust or SCEGGS Darlinghurst Limited but are interested in attending one or both AGMs, you are most welcome to do so. This is a great opportunity to hear more about the work of the Trust and School Board and to meet the Trust and Board Directors.

You can read more information about the SCEGGS Trust here and the School Company here.

Careers News

In Careers News this week, we are excited to share more information about our Old Girls’ Career Evening as well as the latest issue of the Careers Corner newsletter.

SCEGGS Darlinghurst Biennial Old Girls’ Careers Evening

Date: 20 May

Time: 6pm–7.30pm

Location: Joan Freeman (JF) Lecture Theatre and JF Rooms

Parking: Parking will be available from 5.30pm in the JF car park, accessible via St Peters Street. The car park will close promptly after the event.

Please click here to RSVP for this informative evening

We are delighted to be welcoming back to SCEGGS over 50 Old Girls to share with current students their career insights and advice across a variety of professions.

These include:

Creative, Arts, Media & Marketing

• Advertising Industry Leaders
• Director of Audiences at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• Head of Content Acquisitions at Fox Sports Australia
• Journalists at the Australian Financial Review
• Managers of the Sydney Contemporary Art Fair
• Marketing and Media Managers at Qantas
• Senior Wardrobe Stylists for Network 10
• Writers, producers, director, actor and voice artist
• Associate Product Marketing Managers, Platforms & Devices, Google
• Marketing Managers at Google and Commonwealth Bank

Architecture, Design, Property & Engineering

• Architects
• Interior Designers
• Development and property management
• Women in Property and Engineering (Including Chemical and Biomedical Engineering)

Medicine, Health, Wellbeing & Social Services

• Doctors
• Gastroenterologist
• Exercise Physiologists
• Occupational Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Dermatologist 
• Social Workers (Wellbeing Managers at Qantas)

Veterinary, Science & Zoology

• Wildlife Scientist at Taronga Zoo
• Veterinarian

Entrepreneurship & AI

• Alumni Working in AI‑Related Fields

Finance & Banking

• Analysts, Equity Capital Markets (ECM), Commonwealth Bank
• Quantitative Risk Analysts at Macquarie Bank
• Investment Banker at Barclays Bank

Law

Education

The evening will begin with a panel discussion in the Lecture Theatre about the role of AI in the workplace.

Following this discussion, students will move to classrooms to investigate two careers of their choice. This event is targeted at students in Years 9 – 12, however all students and parents are welcome!

Careers Corner

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

Andrea Pinnock
Careers Advisor

From the Archives

This term, as we reopen Wilkinson House, we thought you might enjoy seeing the ‘New Building’ of one hundred (and one) years ago.

In 1925 the Gym or ‘G’ Building was completed. At a cost of £6,000, a large sum at the time, it was felt that it brought SCEGGS “right up to date and in line with the best-equipped schools”. It featured a Gymnasium which was also used for assemblies, dances and performances; our first Science laboratory; three classrooms; two bedrooms for teachers; and our first tuck shop. With this new space for assemblies, the Main Hall was then converted into our much-loved Edith Badham Memorial Chapel in 1926, using funds raised by the Old Girls’ Union.

Today the Gym building continues to provide useful spaces for sport and classrooms and the Chapel remains the heart of the School as students fill it at the morning services.

Best wishes to success of the new Wilkinson House and to all the students who will enjoy its beautiful, functional and “up to date” classrooms!

Prudence Heath
Archivist

Festival on Forbes

It’s your time to let your creativity shine — whether that means donning an apron in the gourmet kitchen or simply bringing your warmest smiles and friendliest service to our amazing community.

However you choose to contribute, this is your moment to be part of something special. Let’s come together, have fun, and make it a day to remember!

2026 Festival on Forbes Stall Allocations

Your fabulous class parents will be guiding you on your particular volunteering options, how you can assist and how you can otherwise be involved. More to come… in the meantime if you have any particular questions then feel free to email our convenors Carrie Roberts and Niamh Brosnan.

Years 9 and 10 P&F Parent/Daughter Breakfast

Students in Years 9 and 10 and a parent/carer are warmly invited to attend the Parent/Daughter Breakfast:

We are excited to welcome an extraordinary guest speaker who proves that creativity, courage and hard work can take you anywhere. SCEGGS Old Girl Eloise SNAPE (2002) is an award‑winning writer, actor, producer and voice artist.

Eloise’s journey began with a love of storytelling. After completing a Bachelor of Media (Writing) at Macquarie University, she earned a scholarship to study in London, before returning to Australia to train as an actor at Actors Centre Australia, where she graduated with an Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts.

Since then, Eloise has built an impressive career across film, television and theatre. On screen, she has appeared in major productions including Disney’s The Artful Dodger (Season 2) and CBS/Binge’s hit series Colin From Accounts (Seasons 1 and 2). On stage, she recently starred as Mary Jane in the Australian premiere of Mary Jane by Amy Herzog, named one of the Sydney Morning Herald’s Top 5 Shows of 2025, and will return to the Ensemble Theatre this year in Midnight Murder on the Christmas Cruise of Death.

As a writer, Eloise’s debut play Pony was a breakout success, shortlisted for multiple major awards and applauded by critics and audiences alike. After premiering in Sydney, Pony is heading to London later this year and is now being developed for the screen.

To hear about Eloise’s real-world experiences, challenges, successes and advice, please join us on Friday 22 May!

P&F Class Parent Events

Welcome back to Term 2. Your P&F Class Parents are delighted to share the following events to help you connect with your cohort:

• Year 6 Afternoon Tea
• Year 8 Mothers’ Day High Tea for Mum, Carers and Daughters
• Year 11 Parent/Daughter Screening of the Devil Wears Prada 2

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 8 Mother’s Day High Tea for Mums, Carers and Daughters

Date: Sunday 3 May

Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm

Venue: Burnt Orange, Mosman, 1108/1109 Middle Head Rd, Mosman

Cost: $85 (includes bubbles) / $75 (non-alcoholic/daughters)

RSVP: by 30 April via Trybooking.

Year 11 Parent/Daughter Film Screening of the Devil Wears Prada 2

Date:  Wednesday 6 May

Time:  6.15pm – 8.30pm

Venue:  Randwick Ritz Cinema, 45 St Pauls Street, Randwick

Cost:  $20 per person

RSVP: by Wednesday 6 May via Trybooking

Emotionally Intelligent Parenting During Adolescence

Are you interested in joining a parenting program at SCEGGS that aims to help you and your child manage the many emotional challenges of adolescence?

REGISTER TODAY by replying by email to our team!

This program will teach you how to manage your own and your adolescent’s emotions in ways that help you to remain close and keep communicating. By learning these skills, you are less likely to have as much conflict within your family and your teen is more likely to talk to you about the challenging issues they face.  These are factors that have been found to reduce the risk of mental health and emotional problems. Tuning in to Teens® is a six-week program, run one evening a week at SCEGGS for two hours, specifically for parents of students in Years 6-8. 

• 6 x 2hr sessions
• Mondays, 5pm-7pm
• Starts Monday 4th May
• Held at SCEGGS

Would you like to find out more?

Please email  by Thursday 23 April to participate or if you have any questions. This is a great opportunity to learn some skills to assist your relationship with your daughter, and also to connect with other parents in a relaxed and comfortable setting.

Some Feedback received from SCEGGS parents who have previously attended Tuning in to Teens:

I highly recommend this program to anyone with teens as you never know what is around the corner, and having a toolkit available to use is most helpful.

It has given (us) the opportunity to be more aligned in our parenting styles and how we deal with certain situations.

Practical examples/strategies, listening to others experiences (was helpful).

Family is calmer.

The practice we got in the class really helped.

We’d love to see you there!

Melissa Saxton and Caroline Blyth
School Counsellors

Music Matters

Term 2 is filled with exciting musical opportunities as we prepare for Musicale 2 with Lior Attar, Ascension Day, ASBOF, community performances, studio concerts, lunchtime concerts, a Year 12 Music Elective Concert and House Music.

A reminder to check Clipboard regularly so you are in the right place at the right time.

AUSTA String Festival

The AUSTA NSW String Festival is an event organised to give school-aged string players (violin, viola, cello and double bass) the opportunity to perform in a friendly, non-competitive and supportive environment.

Participants are invited to play one piece either solo or with an accompanist to the best of their ability. Participants will play one by one in a small group with other players of a similar age and ability. Each performer will receive a report and a trophy.

Click here to enrol.

Musicale 2

Beyond the Green Gate

We love hearing about ways our musicians are involved in music-making outside of school. Please send details to Heidi Jones.

Clipboard 

All co-curricular music ensemble schedules are now available on Clipboard. For any issues with Clipboard set-up, contact our Music Administrator.

Heidi Jones
Head of Music (Co-curricular)

Debating

Welcome to the busiest Debating term here at SCEGGS! In Term 2, SCEGGS participates in three competitions concurrently – ISDA, Eastside and Archdale.

SCEGGS had a successful first term of Debating with all ISDA in-rounds complete and Eastside finishing on Round 5 last term. 

Training will commence for Years 7–10 in the OG Building from Monday, 4 May 2026 after the upcoming public holiday. Please refer to Clipboard for all dates that apply to debaters.

ISDA Updates

• Knox had to reschedule last term, therefore, Round 7 will occur during the Makeup Round on Friday, 24 April hosted at Knox. The bus will depart at 3.15pm to ensure students can get to Wahroonga by 4.00pm. There will be a return bus back, which will disembark from the Primary School Entrance on Bourke Street. This is easier for buses late at night.
• Octofinals starting on Friday, 1 May 2026 – qualifying teams to be announced soon.
• For the final in-round against Loreto Kirribilli on Friday, 20 March 2026 the Year 7, Year 10, Senior B team each won their respective senior in-house debate rounds for the season. What an incredible achievement across the board.

Eastside Updates

• For Round 5 of Eastside pm Friday, 27 March congratulations to the Year 11 Eastside team for their win against Sydney Boys High School.
• Round 6 begins this Friday, 24 April 2026 being hosted at Sydney Girls High School, the bus will depart after school. There are no buses back for the Eastside Competition. Followed by Round 7 on Friday, 1 May being hosted at Reddam House.
• SCEGGS will be hosting the Eastside Semi Finals this year, details to come when the draw is finalised.

A special thanks to all the wonderful students who supported Debating thus far as timekeepers and chairpeople. Overall, in Term 1, we had a series of competitive and engaging debates where our students were able to demonstrate their skills and represent the school with pride.

As we begin Term 2 of Debating, the Archdale Competition begins with eight teams competing in Round 1 on Tuesday, 5 May 2026. All finalised teams are on Clipboard with dates for the entire season. Friendly reminder to please complete the permission slip via this link.

If a debater is unable to attend a training or debate, please email debating and CC to their coach, especially for Tuesday evening absences. This allows coaches to roster speaking orders effectively.

We look forward to another exciting term of Debating ahead.

Suvini Kottegoda
Debating Co-ordinator 

Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journeys

Most Duke of Edinburgh participants have now successfully completed their Practice Adventurous Journeys, exploring the diverse bushland and waterways of Waterfall, Heathcote, Berowra Waters, the Colo River, and Kangaroo Valley.

Recent highlights include a Silver practice expedition in the Berowra Waters area, the final Bronze practice journeys along the Colo River, and a memorable six-day Gold Adventurous Journey during the holidays.

The Gold expedition began with a warm 11km bushwalk from Waterfall to Heathcote via the Uloola and Karloo Falls tracks. On the second day, students completed an 11km return journey along the Bullawaring Track. Despite the challenge of 30-degree heat on the first day, the group was rewarded with a refreshing swim at Karloo Pool before the final climb to Heathcote campground.

The next stage of the journey saw students paddling from Bendeela to Acacia Flats along the Kangaroo Valley River. What began as a tranquil paddle soon tested the group’s resilience. Midway through the journey toward Beehive Point—where they had planned to begin their hike to Griffin’s Farm—conditions changed dramatically. Strong, gusty winds made paddling extremely difficult, pushing canoes backwards and sideways and resulting in a capsize.

Demonstrating determination and teamwork, the group applied their newly developed canoeing skills to return safely to Acacia Flats. Maintaining a positive mindset and supporting one another, they recovered well, spreading out gear to dry in the sun. Due to delays and a forecast of continued strong winds, the group adjusted their plans. Instead of continuing to Griffin’s Farm, they completed a walk to Beehive Point and back, with some students enjoying an afternoon swim.

An early 5:30am start the following day allowed the group to paddle to Farmer’s Flats ahead of worsening conditions. The final stretch became a memorable bonding experience, as students rafted their canoes together and floated to the finish.

Throughout the journey, students developed essential skills in efficient paddling, outdoor living, and self-sufficiency—key aims of the Adventurous Journey component. Camping at remote riverside locations accessible only by canoe, they fully embraced the spirit of adventure. Evenings were spent around the campfire, sharing stories and enjoying games beneath star-filled skies.

Congratulations to the 22 Year 11 participants for their resilience, adaptability, teamwork, and camaraderie. Their achievements reflect the spirit of adventure and personal growth that our school community values.

I look forward to sharing more of your adventures and successes after exams. The first upcoming trip will be the postponed Silver Adventurous Journey, featuring a scenic hike in the Berowra Waters National Park and a paddle from Crosslands Reserve to Twin Beaches on the Hawkesbury.

Congratulations again to all participants. These journeys are not only about reaching a destination, but about the growth, friendships, and lasting memories created along the way.

Ms Joanne Bower
NSW Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Leader

Air Force Cadets Bivouac

During the school holidays our Air Force Cadet students participated in a bivouac, a key part of Cadet training, involving three days of exercises to build skills and apply their theory in real life settings. Here, Year 8’s Madison reflects on the experience.

On 10 April, SCEGGS and Sydney Grammar Air Force cadets had the opportunity to go on bivouac. We met at Sydney Grammar and took a bus to Douglas Park. From there we walked into the park and were briefed and then headed to our campsites.

Once we were there, we set up our tents and had dinner, which was for some of us ravioli or chicken and corn, both in a can. Our section leaders then set up the fire. For all three nights, we had the option to Picket, which is just staying up late at night talking with your friends.

On the second day, we were given some coordinates for checkpoints, and we were to find them. We also had to correctly waylay (identify) other sections without being seen. At lunch, we walked to a clearing where a helicopter landed, and plenty of cadets and staff got photos. We also ate the other can we were given. After lunch, we finished completing the checkpoints.

On the third day, we left our campsites and played a day-long capture the flag. We had to create an area in the bush with natural resources. We were also given some rope and a tarp. After this, we were given a flag and some of us were sent to look for the other flights’ bases. My section was also sent to complete a vehicle checkpoint, which was really fun. Then, we ate lunch, which consisted of more cans. We continued playing capture the flag late into the night.

On our last day, we packed everything up, and then my section went to HQ to help staff pack up there. After that, we had a ceremony for awards, and my flight won ‘Best Flight’. On the way home, some people slept, but the majority were talking and being social. Then, when we got back, we cleaned cars and were given some food that wasn’t eaten at camp.

Overall, it was a really fun experience, and I would totally do it again.

Madison Scheuboeck
Year 8

Visual Arts

Co-curricular classes will resume this term for students and their families who have enrolled via Clipboard.

Our tutors are highly experienced educators and practising artists in their own fields. Darkroom Photography is run by Ian Lever who is a professional photographer with decades of national and international experience. His work is widely acknowledged, especially his social documentation of Sydney life. The Drawing and Painting classes are run by practicing artist, part time art assistant and Old Girl (Class of 2012) Lilli Stromland. 

There are limited places available for some of these classes.

• Drawing with Lilli Stromland. Mondays: 3.15 to 4.30. Open to Years 7 to 12
• Darkroom Photography with Ian Lever. Tuesdays and Thursdays: 3.15 to 4.45. Open to Years 8 to 12.
• Painting with Lilli Stromland. Thursdays: 3.15 to 4.30. Open to Years 7 to 12.

Please contact Ms Lilli Stromland if your child would like to join for Term 2.

If there are any applicable fees, these will be placed on the school account towards the end of the term. Fees will be charged for late withdrawals once the term has commenced.

Painting starts this Thursday, 23 April with Drawing and Photography classes commencing the week of 5 May.

We look forward to another wonderful term ahead in Visual Arts!

This week’s banner is a painting by Year 10 student Sophia Whiting as part of her preliminary still life studies completed in Term 1.

Heidi Jackson
Head of Visual Arts

Secondary Sport News

Welcome back to Term 2.

Please note that there is no sport this weekend due to ANZAC Day. Please check Clipboard for all sports details.

The Start and Finish Dates for all Secondary Sport can be found in this link.

In Secondary School sports news this week read about:

• Athletics
• Swimming
• Equestrian

Athletics

Congratulations to all of our talented athletes who competed at the Australian Championships over the holidays. We are incredibly proud of these wonderful results.

Australian Open Athletics Championships – Sydney

Matilda Emanuel – competed in the 800m where she won her heat and progressed to the semi-finals. This is a fantastic result at the open level racing against the very best in Australia.

Australian Athletics Junior Championships – Brisbane

Beatrice Emanuel (Year 7) – 7^th in the U14 800m (PB 2:17.39) and 11^th in the U14 1500m

Matilda Emanuel (Year 12) – 4^th in the U20 800m

Sarah James (Year 12) – 6th in the U18 High Jump

Annabelle Jessup (Year 10) – 16^th in the U17 3000m

Nancy Newton (Year 12) – 15^th in the U20 5000m (PB)

Stasia Serafin (Year 7) – 4^th in the U12 100m. Stasia also went on to anchor the NSW 4 X 100m relay team, which broke the Australian record set in 1979 and won gold.

Swimming

We also had several of our wonderful swimmers compete at the Australian Age Championships that were held on the Gold Coast over the holidays. We are thrilled with the results and pleased to see so many Personal Best times achieved during these Championships.

Gemma Munro (Year 10) – competed in the in the 100m and 200m freestyle and two relays. Gemma swam a PB in the 200m and placed 34^th overall. 

Kate Hawkins (Year 10) – Kate had a very busy meet swimming in lots of events: 100m Breaststroke, 200IM, 100m Fly, 50m Fly. Kate’s best result was a 9^th in the final of the 400IM (PB).

Georgia Cate Baker Wood (Year 12) – This was Georgia’s 5^th year (and final) competing at the Australian Age Championships. Georgia competed in the 18 years 200m Breaststroke and placed 9^th overall with a PB.

Chloe Yule (Year 12) competed as part of the Cranbrook Aquatic and Swim Club’s relay team and swam a PB in the Backstroke leg before handing over to our own Georgia Cate Baker Wood.

Equestrian

Congratulations to Abby Simmons (Year 11) who has produced some excellent results on the Equestrian circuit. Under the guidance of longtime coach Christine Bates, Abby and Clancy have developed from beginner to podium finishes!

Canberra International Eventing – Abby and her horse Clancy, led from dressage to finish on a score of 27.8 adding no penalties to win the EvA80 Junior Class.

Tamworth International Eventing – Abby and her horse Clancy, scored a 29.2 in dressage, went double clear in showjumping and added 2 speeding penalties out on XC to finish in 3rd on 31.2 in the EvA80 Junior Class out of a huge competitive class of 37 which is a huge achievement. 

The NSW Interschools Equestrian Championships will be held in the July holidays at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. We look forward to hearing more from our SCEGGS riders as they prepare for this event.

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

Primary Sport News

Term 2 Sport Information

Welcome back! I hope you had a wonderful Easter break. Year 3 Touch Football, IPSHA Minkey/Hockey, and IPSHA Netball trials continue in Week 1. There is no sport on Saturday, 25 April due to ANZAC Day. All other co-curricular sport commences in Week 2. Please check Clipboard as well as the T2 Primary Sport Venues Dates and Times for dates and locations for each sport.

Please see below for contact details for the co-ordinators of each of the Saturday sports. If your daughter is going to be absent from any training throughout the term, please ensure you let the relevant co-ordinator know. A reminder that approved leave is required from Mrs Dempsey for any absences from Saturday fixtures at least one week prior. Once teams are finalised, these will be uploaded to Clipboard along with all fixtures for the term. We appreciate your patience with this.

Year 3 Touch Football – Adrian Hammond

IPSHA Minkey/Hockey – Sarah Carter

IPSHA Netball – Abby Moar

IPSHA Cross Country

The IPSHA Cross Country took place on Wednesday, 1 April at The Kings School. Congratulations to all students who participated. The competition was fierce and the girls showed great determination to complete the challenging 2km and 3km courses. It was wonderful to see the team spirit amongst the SCEGGS girls who cheered each other on throughout the day. Please find final placings for each age division below and congratulations to all competitors for their efforts.

Important Sports Dates:

• Saturday 25 April: No sport
• Saturday 2 May: Year 3 Touch Football, IPSHA Minkey/Hockey and IPSHA Netball competitions commence (check Clipboard for times and locations)
• Thursday 18 June: Primary Athletics Carnival (K-6)

Have a wonderful week!

Mr Adrian Hammond

Primary Sport Coordinator