From the Chaplain

Our Community Easter Events

Everyone in the SCEGGS community is invited to this year’s Easter Festival on Wednesday 5 April, starting at 7pm 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 day the whole school will be involved in our Easter Service. At both services, a collection will be taken to support Vinnies Community Centre in Redfern, an organisation which addresses the needs of our city’s disadvantaged, those living in social housing and the growing number of people struggling to make ends meet. This is the same place that has received our food, toiletry and pet items collection recently. The last day to bring in items for any of these drives is this Friday 24 March. Due to the rising cost of living in our city and the financial pressures that this places on many, the number of people visiting this community centre is growing on a daily basis. Students have been asked to bring a monetary donation to go towards their form class’s Lenten offertory in support of this cause.

The SCEGGS Podcast “Walk The Mile” Episode 33: The Olympic Dream  

The journey of a full-time athlete can be a unique and bumpy experience in the effort to succeed at their given sport. This episode is a conversation with Marina Carrier, an Old Girl from the Class of 2014, who has represented Australia in the Modern Pentathlon in the Olympics. She talks about her years devoted to the sport, the things she learnt, the highs and the lows. We also discuss what its like to face retirement in her twenties. A very insightful and interesting discussion that I hope you enjoy.  

And a reminder that we are published on Spotify, Apple, Google Podcast and Deezer, 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.

Garry Lee-Lindsay
School Chaplain

Thinking Allowed

‘We had one air-raid scare in the term. Some of the new girls tried our shelter for the first time. We doubt if they were favourably impressed.’- Lux Magazine, August, 1943

The SCEGGS girls of 1943 may not have been impressed, but 2023 Year 10 History students most certainly were, as they excitedly and eagerly volunteered to be the first ones to venture down into the cellar of Barham House, which once served as the SCEGGS bomb shelter during World War II.

The SCEGGS girls of 1943 would surely have been intrigued to hear the excited chatter and exclamations of Year 10 descending the narrow steps to the cellar, when they, 80 years earlier, must have felt fear and trepidation around those same steps.

The students explored, as one student remarked “both intrigued and confronted”, moving from room to room, accumulating sandstone on their navy uniforms, unaware of, as another student commented “the deep history it held”. Their excitement simmered as they gathered in the largest room of the cellar and then began, naturally, doing the work of an effective historian: asking questions.

“Would all the students fit down here?”, “what are we underneath?”, “how would this have protected students in a raid?”, “would we ever use it again?”. And just like that, the excited history students transformed into historians, curiously analysing the past, and as they surveyed the room, and touched the walls and ceiling, they became archaeologists, encountering and investigating the physical remains of our school’s history.

As part of the Stage 5 History curriculum, Year 10 History have been investigating the lives of Australians and the impact of World War II on Australia.  With this task, our students were given the challenge to investigate the experiences and impact of war from a SCEGGS perspective. They immersed themselves in the unique opportunity to explore this important time of our history through the eyes of SCEGGS Old Girls with the help of our wonderful archivist Prue Heath, who expertly and intricately collated the records of lives of many SCEGGS Old Girls during World War II. Fascinated by the many experiences, Ms Heath remarked “we often think history happens elsewhere, but the Archives and the history of SCEGGS reminds us we are all affected by world events”.

Students pored over the archival evidence, including copies of Lux articles, memoirs, newspaper columns, records from the National Library of Australia and the National Archives of Australia and other in-depth resources collected by Ms Heath. Many students even carefully handled and read from original copies of Lux from the 1940s!

Through their work as historians, Year 10 learned of the lives of everyday SCEGGS Old Girls who were transformed by the impact of a world war. There were those who contributed to the protection of Australia and its people, including Violet (Vivi) Bignold OBE (1932) who worked as a nurse with the Australian General Hospital and found herself stationed all around the world contributing her medical expertise in Greece, Crete, Eritrea, New Guinea and aboard the hospital ship Manunda. They also learned about Esme Tombleson CBE (LAWSON, 1935) who joined the Women’s Emergency Signalling Corps, was appointed the Manpower Executive Officer for the Timber Control Office, and who later became Gisborne’s (NZ) first female MP.

There were those who pushed boundaries as women in the military such as Nell McKenzie (PALFREYMAN, 1921) who, as a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), was on duty the night of May 31, 1942 when Japanese midget submarines came into Sydney Harbour not too far from her alma mater where she was one of the first eight students to be appointed a SCEGGS Prefect. Nell also received experience flying aircraft, which was an unusual accomplishment for a woman at the time, and went on to become one of the first three WAAF’s to work in operations in the fleet air arm of the British Royal Navy in the Pacific.

There were those who experienced extreme hardship yet showed tremendous resilience such as Pamela De Neumann (THANE, 1939) who trained in the St John Ambulance Brigade and was a nurse alongside her mother in the Women’s Medical Auxiliary Service.  At the age of 19, she was taken as a prisoner of war with her mother, by the Japanese after the fall of Singapore and endured three and a half years in a Sumatran prison camp, resulting in her nursing and eventually burying her mother who died from the horrible conditions.

Our students, of course, learned of the woman who features every day in the SCEGGS community in the eponymous building highlighting her amazing accomplishments; Dr Joan Freeman (1934/35). Joan was the fourth woman to graduate in Physics from Sydney University, and during the war helped develop important radar technology after she joined the Sydney Radio Physics Laboratory of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

The Year 10 historians curiously analysed the sources and spoke to their peers, remarking on the amazing narratives they were extracting from their research such as, “it came as a surprise to me just how many SCEGGS Old Girls were involved in WWII through different acts of service”.

This educational experience also highlights the meaningful opportunities we have as educators to teach our curriculum. With empathy and significance being core principles of quality teaching, utilising the history of the school which the students attend every day assists our students in understanding the true meaning of living history and, as Mr Gallagher stated “helping students feel the connectedness to their school and to those who have come before them and understanding the contributions SCEGGS students make to society beyond their school experience”. 

These stories which come to life from the Archives not only tell us about the unique experiences of Old Girls during a tumultuous time of our history but also tells us something magnificent about a SCEGGS education. Beyond the walls of Barham House, beyond (not just behind!) the Green Gate, and beyond the steps taken onto Forbes Street at the end of the last leaving exam, our students are equipped with resilience, determination and passion to be independent, goal oriented and meaningful contributors to society.

We must continue to learn from and educate through the layers of history upon which SCEGGS stands. From the teachings of culture and connection to land of the Gadigal People, from the visions and foundations of a school built to foster an independent girl’s education, and from the experiences of the thousands of people who were and continue to be a part of the SCEGGS community, there is an important lesson: each day we come together upon land marked by the strength, wisdom and determination of thousands of individuals, and the responsibility to continue and contribute to the shining path started by the footsteps of those before us is one no SCEGGS girl forgets.

Marie Salakas
History Teacher

Cuts for Cancer

Last Friday March 17 was Year 12’s “Cuts for Cancer” day, where we all cut our hair at lunchtime as part of the Leukaemia Foundation’s “World’s Greatest Shave” campaign.

When I was in Year 7, I remember going to the Sports Hall one Friday lunchtime and watching almost the whole Year 12 class cut their hair together for “Cuts for Cancer”. I remember feeling very proud to be part of a school community that all came together in this way for such an important cause. Before I knew it, it was our turn!

A group of almost 90 students (and Ms Wymer!) cut our hair together on Friday. It was such a special event. The Sports Hall had such an amazing atmosphere, with students from younger years filling the Hall to cheer us on.

Together, we raised over $41,000! The money will go to the Leukaemia Foundation, helping them provide support to those affected by leukaemia and fund crucial research. This is such an important cause, as more than 135,000 Australians are living with the devastating impacts of blood cancer. Our hair will be used to make wigs for people living with cancer, and the hair that cannot be made into wigs will be used to clean up oil spills. We all feel very proud and lucky to have been able to support the campaign.

The day would not have run so smoothly without the help and guidance of Ms Whitney, Ms Wymer, Ms Connolly, Ms Gyton and Ms Allum. We also had five incredible hairdressers who volunteered to cut our hair, and they truly made the event possible. A massive thank you to:

• The wonderful Andy Berry from Viva Hair in Potts Point, who closed his whole salon for the day so that he could come help!
• Michael “Ash” Ashton, a fabulous (and award-winning!) hairstylist and owner of Ashton Wigs Co.
• The terrific Elley Lees from Koda Cutters in Bondi Beach.
• Diane, a past SCEGGS mum and very experienced hairdresser!
• And the beautiful Aleks James who dropped everything to come and help.

And one final shoutout to my incredible peers, the Class of 2023! I am so lucky to be surrounded by such an inspiring group of people and I am so proud of what we have accomplished!

Sammie Dawson
Year 12

Primary School Assemblies

Parents, Carers, extended family members and friends are warmly invited to join us at our Primary School Assemblies. These Assemblies provide us with an opportunity to come together on a regular basis to celebrate the achievements of the girls across the Primary School.

In each Assembly, a range of awards are presented and a selection of academic work that has been completed in classrooms is shared.

Please see below for details of the scheduling and location of these assemblies.

Years K-2 Assembly

Every Friday Afternoon at 12.20pm in the Primary Music Room.

The Years K-2 Assembly is simply the most joyous end to the week. Here the girls receive Merit Certificates, we listen to student musical performances and each class takes it in turns to share something that they have been learning about in class in the previous week.

Mrs Bronwyn Cleworth also leads us all in song and dance. Be warned, audience participation is mandatory!

Years 3-6 Assembly

Scheduled Wednesday Afternoons: Dates as per the termly newsletter. 2.30pm in the Lecture Theatre.

The Years 3-6 Assemblies are hosted by the Year 6 House Leaders on a rotating basis. Again, Merit Certificates are awarded, and other notable achievements are acknowledged. Class groups will take it in turns to share short snapshots of learning from their classrooms and a musical performance from a student will be enjoyed.

End of Term Assembly

In the last week of every Term.

Term 1: Tuesday 4 April, 12.15-1.00pm, SCEGGS Great Hall.

The End of Term Assembly is an opportunity for us to come together, across Years K-6 to celebrate and acknowledge the highlights of the term. Each term, a variety of classes will share items to celebrate the learning they have been engaged with across a range of Key Learning Areas.

This term Year 6 will share the highlights of their Mathematics Build a Business unit of work, Class 3L will teach us some key facts about the history of SCEGGS they have learnt in their History unit of Inquiry and Year 2 will share their knowledge of Sound and the design process that they have learnt in Science and Technology.

We look forward to hopefully seeing some of you soon at these wonderful community events.

Helen Dempsey
Head of Primary

Year 7 Camp

On Wednesday 8 – Friday 10 March, Year 7 went on camp to Wombaroo. We made so many unforgettable memories. When we first got there, we were warmly welcomed by the OEG staff. During the camp, we were encouraged to make new friends and dive into the learning pit by trying new things that were out of our comfort zone. 

We participated in a variety of activities – the giant swing, high ropes, raft building, mountain biking, initiatives and camp craft. All these activities were great fun, and everyone displayed high levels of enthusiasm, participation and teamwork. Some of these activities also challenged us and pushed us out of our comfort zone. For example, some were afraid of heights, but still had fun in high ropes and the giant swing, while being cheered on by their friends.

Other than daytime activities, we also had lots of fun during the evening, with a Minute to Win it competition between our form classes. Our Form, 7H, won (because obviously we’re the best). On the second night we had an awesome skit, where each Form prepared a performance around the theme of courage, compassion and connection. Congrats to Form 7Ck for winning this one!

Personally, one of our favourite memories from camp was completing the high ropes course. It was really fun and exhilarating to climb so high up knowing that you’re putting your trust in someone else’s hands. It was also quite funny when the belayer- the person at the bottom supporting you- would fly up into the air when you were coming down and both people would just float in the air.

Overall, camp was a fantastic experience. We all got to meet new people and make new friends. We had great fun by pushing and challenging ourselves. Everyone was very helpful and supportive, creating a welcoming and hospitable atmosphere that resulted in an everlasting memory.

But none of this would have been possible without all the teachers and staff. On behalf of everyone in Year 7, we would like thank Miss Smith and the Year 7 Form teachers for everything they did to organise the camp and make this incredible experience possible. Many thanks also go to the staff at OEG, for leading the activities and preparing the camp. And lastly, thank you to everyone in Year 7!

Anna Luo and Elizabeth Teoh
Class 7H

Visual Arts

This week’s banner is one of Thea Anamara Perkins’s works from the the La Prairie Art Award.

Arrernte and Kalkadoon artist and Old Girl Thea Anamara Perkins (Class of 2009) was announced last week as the winner of the $80,000 La Prairie Art Award, an annual prize in association with the Art Gallery of NSW that champions work by Australian female artists. Thea, whose family often are the subject for her work, won for a suite of four paintings that depict three generations of her relatives in medium scale images.

Thea’s other recent works include a large scale mural at Carriageworks that was part of the Sydney Festival over the Summer. In this ambitious and striking work, Thea painted her Great Grandmother, Hetty, against the backdrop of her Country near Arltunga, around Mparntwe/Alice Springs where she lived and worked. The mural questions who is mythologised in the foundation narratives of this Country, using the language of the Australian gothic.

You can read more about the mural here.

“It’s about taking charge of representation – I find that painting is a very simple and direct way of communicating things that I want to say.” – Thea Anamara Perkins

Below are the la Prairie winning works

© Thea Anamara Perkins, image © Art Gallery of New South Wales

Each of the images is an appropriation of photographic snapshots of intimate moments from the past, including a family birthday party and Charles Perkins’ graduation in 1966 from Sydney University holding his daughter, Hetti, Thea’s Mother.

“I was trying to present a very nuanced view of these emotions,” says Perkins. “They are unified by a sense of safety and connection but as First Nations people there is always a melancholy we have to deal with.”

Heidi Jackson
Head of Visual Arts

Science News

Women in STEM Event

Last week, some girls from Year 9 and Year 10 attended the Women in STEM event at the Maritime Museum. The day was incredibly informative and fun – we all had an amazing time and left feeling so lucky to have been given this opportunity! Girls from all around Sydney came to the event and we all were fascinated with the depth of knowledge that everyone we heard from shared. We met palaeontologists, conservators, marine scientists, doctors and more, and each of the women had a different story to tell. Here’s an overview from our favourite parts of the day.

Our first activity was listening to speeches from several incredible women in STEM. This ranged from a wildlife scientist to an exercise physiologist.

It was inspiring to be able to listen to the stories they shared about going into a STEM career. First we heard from Vanessa Pirotta, a wildlife scientist who started her career in dolphin training and is currently using advanced technology to help detect and stop animal smuggling. Then we heard from Cay-Leigh Bartnickle, an assistant curator at the Maritime Museum, who told us about the inner workings of the museum. We also heard from Sally Hurst, a palaeontologist who founded the app “Found a Fossil” and later participated in an archaeology dig in Ireland. Next Varsha Bubathi, a Cloud solution architect, talked to us about various projects she has been part of including one where she used AI to help farmers increase crop yields. We then heard from Eliza Macdonald, an Exercise Physiologist who specialises in exercise Oncology. We then heard from Agata Rostek-Robak, the head of conservation of objects at the Maritime Museum, who talked to us about conservation. Next, we heard from Suki Jaiswal, an optometrist who is studying the impacts of bush fire smoke on firefighter’s eyes. Finally, we listened to Kylie Russel, who works in fisheries studying Coastal Wetland rehabilitation and also helps restore Oyster Reefs. A big thank you to all these brilliant speakers!

During our Women in STEM excursion, we were lucky to have the privilege of going to different offices, workshops, and storage areas to see all the work that goes on behind the scenes of the exhibitions and events that the Maritime Museum hosts. We were able to observe the warehouses that held artefacts that were not currently being used for exhibitions. Here we saw objects such as model vessels, cannons, underwater breathing apparatus and boat engines! We were also able to see the museum’s photography studio where Valerie Taylor’s camera was in the process of being photographed for an upcoming exhibition.

We also toured the offices where they preserve various artefacts that will be later used in their exhibitions. We were able to see and hear the story behind a model ship, cutlery from a shipwreck, and the original promotional graphic for the harbour bridge!

The third session involved a collection of hands-on activities. We had so much fun identifying zooplankton and phytoplankton under a microscope (our best friend was Garry, a wiggly worm!), and we also identified different types of plastic pulled from the ocean in a Seabin.

A Museum educator taught us about some ocean artefacts including a Port Jackson Shark Egg, and we tested boat hydrodynamics in water troughs. This was a super interesting part of the excursion and we were able to apply lots of the knowledge we had gained!

We also took part in an expo showcasing several different organisations and universities that promoted women in STEM. We were able to walk around, ask questions, and find out about all the different careers available in STEM. There were many different stalls, and we were able to meet representatives from ANSTO (Australia’s nuclear organisation), the ACS Foundation, UNSW and the University of Tasmania.

Thank you so much to the awesome science teachers (especially Mrs Sharma!!) for organising this event. We all had such a fantastic time and it would never have been possible without you. The whole day was incredible, and we were all left feeling empowered to pursue a career in STEM.

Zara Perkins, Natalie Assaad, Isabelle Rath-Mazzochi, Amelie Hewitt-Taylor and Georgia Cate Baker Wood
Year 9

Music Matters

SCEGGS Eisteddfod Highlights Concert – Friday 24 March, Great Hall

An invitation is warmly extended to all members of the SCEGGS community to come and hear, celebrate the musical talents of SCEGGS students.  Over 250 performers from Primary and Secondary performed in the Eisteddfod heats for our adjudicators: Mr Robert Harris (primary instrumental), Ms Melanie McLoughlin (secondary instrumental) and Ms Donna Balson (vocal). 

There will be two Highlights Concerts this Friday in the Great Hall:

• SCEGGS Primary Highlights Concert 4.30pm. See here for the performer list.
• SCEGGS Secondary Highlights Concert 6pm. See here for the performer list.

Thank you to members of the Woodwind Ensemble who will be providing the musical entertainment during the Secondary Highlights adjudication.

Parking will be available at the Joan Freeman car park on Friday afternoon from 4pm.  The carpark will close promptly at the conclusion of the Secondary Highlights concert.  Other parking options are also available at Wilson Parking (70 Riley Street, Darlinghurst) and Budget Parking in Darlinghurst (Wisdom Lane Darlinghurst).

We look forward to sharing the musical performances by our talented music students.

Musicale 1 “Music of Disney” – Tuesday 28 March 6pm, Great Hall

In celebration of Disney’s 100^th Anniversary, the SCEGGS Music Department are very excited to bring to you a collection of musical favourites from the Disney franchise in our Musicale 1 concert next Tuesday 28 March 6pm in the Great Hall.  In this concert, we will also be presenting the first performance by our Year 7 Choir who will be singing in the opening and closing items of the concert.

The other ensembles featured in the concert include:

• Choir
• Madrigal Ensemble
• CVE
• Clarion Concert Band
• Primary Cello Ensemble
• Stringalong
• Sinfonietta
• Chamber Strings
• Primary String Octet
• Primary Percussion
• Ukulele Ensemble
• Glennie Percussion
• Van Reyk Percussion
• Contemporary Strings

Parking will be available at the Joan Freeman car park on Tuesday afternoon from 5pm.  The car park will close promptly at the conclusion of the performance.  Other parking options are also available at Wilson Parking (70 Riley Street, Darlinghurst) and Budget Parking in Darlinghurst (Wisdom Lane Darlinghurst).

We look forward to seeing you there next Tuesday evening!

Pauline Chow
Head of Music

RPA March Arts Making Music Day – Choir and Madrigal Ensemble

On Wednesday 15 March, Choir had the fantastic opportunity to sing a variety of repertoire as a part of the inaugural March Arts Making Music Day, in the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. The March Arts Making Music Day is a day which focuses particularly on inviting musicians to share and make their music accessible to all areas of different communities.

At 10.15am, 32 choristers from Years 7 to 12 loaded onto the bus where they warmed up as they headed towards the venue. When we arrived, Choir sang 10 songs in the stairwell located outside of the Intensive Care Unit to a very warm and appreciative audience of hospital staff, visitors, patients as well as numerous SCEGGS alumni and parents who work at RPA. We sang, accompanied by Ms Holmes on the piano, sacred Easter works, including “The Lord’s My Shepherd” and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” as well as “Psalm 100.” We also sang “Vuelie” from Frozen, along with other works written by Australian Choral composers. The event was organised by Arterie, who facilitate the innovative and valuable inclusion of visual and performing arts in healthcare practices. The use of music in healthcare and the medical field is something that is increasing as research towards the health benefits associated with music expands, which made Choir’s contribution so meaningful. One of the organisers who helped bring the day to life, Amanda Solomon, expressed; “a huge thank you for your amazing performance today – it was such a joy to see you all in action and watch the response from people walking past, up and down the stairs, hanging over the glass walls and to receive comments from other staff members who told me they heard it all over the hospital. The mix of tunes and tempos gave such a variety so I really appreciate your time and hope we can do it again sometime.” Following the performance, we were informed that our singing could be heard from the 11^th floor of the hospital!

Choir had such a wonderful time, and it was a really lovely way to share our love for singing with so many people. Thank you so much to Ms Holmes for learning our piano accompaniments – your brilliant accompaniment really inspired each and every chorister to sing out on the day, and your contribution is much appreciated by the entirety of Choir as well as the audience at the RPA. Thank you also to Ms Harrigan for inviting Choir to get involved with the March Arts Making Music Day, it was such a fantastic opportunity for the choristers to perform for such a great cause.

Bridgette Dunlop
Choral Captain 2023

Years 2 and 3 Author & Illustrator Visit Sophie Masson and Lorena Carrington

Last week, the students in Years 2 & 3 were thrilled to listen to a presentation by the award-winning author, Sophie Masson and the acclaimed illustrator, Lorena Carrington. The duo shared insights into their latest picture book, “Satin,” a beautifully written but haunting fable.

Sophie discussed the book’s inspiration, revealing that the sighting of a rare Satin Bowerbird during a road trip to a Writers Festival in Melbourne sparked the idea for the story. The girls were thrilled to see Sophie’s personal notepad filled with her thoughts about the bird.

During the presentation, Lorena spoke about her unique approach to illustrating the book. She emphasised that anyone can be artistic and create illustrations, even without the ability to draw. She shared her process of using “discarded” blue shards of china to create intricate patterns and shapes, which she then photographed to accompany the story. The girls were fascinated by the creative techniques used by both Sophie and Lorena and had the opportunity to ask questions about the writing and illustration process.

The students may order signed copies of Satin books on the following link.

Every morning early, when no-one’s about, Satin slips out of the forest and walks along the sleepy sunrise streets, looking for blue…

He’s collected all kinds of blues, from all kinds of places. He’s making something beautiful, with all those blues. But something’s missing, and he doesn’t know what it is. And then, one day, he comes to a street he’s never been in before. And what he finds there will change his lonely life forever.

Karen McBride
Primary Teacher Librarian

Secondary Sport News

Tildesley Shield Tennis

On Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 March, SCEGGS Tennis competed in the 103^rd Tildesley Shield where we had 15 players represent the school. Well done to all players, who performed brilliantly across the two days.

Tildesley Shield Team for 2023

Four of our seven singles players progressed to the second round, three of our four doubles pairs progressed into the second round. Some highlights of the tournament included: 

• Bridget Murray reaching the singles fourth round before being defeated by a strong Meriden player.
• Vivienne Henry and Madeleine Phillips reaching the fourth round of the doubles draw. 
• Alathea Hutley and Pippa Brenner reaching the doubles fifth round before being defeated by a team from Meriden.  

Our SCEGGS team achieved 14^th in the overall competition – an incredible achievement! Thank you to all players and coaches who have spent the past two terms preparing for this highly competitive tournament; the hard work paid off. And thank you to all spectators who attended throughout the tournament to support the team. The atmosphere created from the chants was electrifying. 

Madeleine Phillips
SCEGGS Tildesley and Tennis Captain

NSW Schools Teams Racing (Sailing)

Well done to all 10 students who represented SCEGGS at the NSW Schools Teams Racing Championships that were held on the weekend at Woollahra Sailing Club:

• Gemma Ashton (Year 11)
• Georgia Cate Baker Wood (Year 9)
• Abby Tattersall (Year 8)
• Jessica Board (Year 9)
• Michaela Docherty (Year 8)
• Scarlett White (Year 8)
• Amelia Wilcsek (Year 8)
• Orla Darroch (Year 8)
• Sophia Bolot (Year 7)
• Alexa Argy (Year 10)

This was a very new look team for SCEGGS with several students advancing from the Monday Learn to Sail program. The team competed in two round robin stages and improved with every race. The successfully defeated Pymble Ladies College in one of the later rounds.

A special thank you to 2022 SCEGGS Old Girls, Hannah Kernohan and Xanthe Kibble, who assisted with coaching the team.

Easts Touch Grand Finals

Many of the semi-finals and finals for Easts Touch were held last weekend.  Congratulations to all SCEGGS teams and the coaching staff on an excellent season, and to all team who made the finals in very warm conditions.

Congratulations to Annabelle Jessup (Year 7) and Heidi Lyndon (Year 7) who achieved Best & Fairest Awards by Easts Touch for their respective grades.

Saturday 25 March at Reservoir Fields

The remainder of the semi-finals and grand finals will be played this Saturday. We hope to see as many spectators as possible come along to cheer for our teams. SCEGGS is currently leading the Overall Champion School Pointscore for Term 1 which will add to the excitement of the day.

SCEGGS Around the Grounds

Strength and Conditioning

SCEGGS offers Strength and Conditioning classes on Tuesday mornings from 7am-8am. There are still vacancies in Term 2 is anyone would like to join in, please contact Alison Gowan alisongowan@sceggs.nsw.edu.au or Brittany Robbins brittanyrobbins@sceggs.nsw.edu.au.

Tennis

Our Junior Tennis team celebrating a win.

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 alisongowan@sceggs.nsw.edu.au

SCEGGS Training sessions before and after school plus Saturday Sport

Please check the @SCEGGSSport Twitter feed for the latest updates relating to cancellations and wet weather.

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 News

Saturday Sports

This weekend we have our last round games for Year 3 basketball, IPSHA Football, Flippa Ball and Waterpolo for Term 1. Best of luck to all teams this weekend; we can’t wait to hear great results.

A big congratulations to our 5C Football team last weekend. The girls attained their first win of the season, playing with just five players in the heat, a fantastic effort. Well done, girls!

Thanks to our coaches for their hard work and dedication in Term 1 Sport. Despite the interruptions to training, students played positively and gave their best efforts throughout Term 1 across all sports. Thanks to all the coaches and sports staff for their ongoing work to help girls improve their skills and enjoy themselves at all weekly sessions and Saturday games. We look forward to doing it all again in Term 2!

Term 2 Saturday Sports Information

IPSHA Minkey/Hockey Years 4-6

Training sessions will be held in Weeks 9 and 10 of Term 1 as follows:

For all Tuesday sessions, girls will catch the bus to and from SCEGGS and the venue. Girls can be picked up at 4.50 pm from Moore Park or approximately 5.20 pm outside the Sports Hall on Forbes Street.

Please note that all girls are required to have a mouthguard and shinpads to be able to participate in the Minkey trials.

IPSHA Netball Years 4-6

Trial sessions will be held in Weeks 9 and 10 of Term 1 as follows:

For all Tuesday sessions, girls will catch the bus to and from SCEGGS and the venue. Girls can be picked up at 4.50 pm from Moore Park or approximately 5.20 pm outside the Sports Hall on Forbes Street.

Year 3 Netball

Trial sessions will be held in Weeks 9 and 10 of Term 1 as follows:

For all Tuesday sessions, girls will catch the bus to and from SCEGGS and the venue. Girls can be picked up at 4.50 pm from Moore Park or approximately 5.20 pm outside the Sports Hall on Forbes Street.

If your daughter is unable to attend any of the Term 1 sessions listed above, please contact TomMitton@sceggs.nsw.edu.au.

Reminder: Permission Requirement for all Primary Sports

Permission notes (or an email) are required for all students being picked up from a sports activity or training session by another parent/carer, including nannies and babysitters. If arrangements are reoccurring, parents may provide one permission email for the term.

Permission emails need to be received by SCEGGS Sports Staff before 11:00 am for the coaching staff to be communicated to.

Tom Mitton
PDHPE and Sport Coordinator: Primary

Year 5 and 6 Outdoor Education Camps Parent Briefings

The Year 5 and 6 Outdoor Education Camps are coming up in Term 2.

• Year 5 are heading to Tallong from Wednesday 17 May – Friday 19 May
• Year 6 are off to Attunga from Wednesday 10 May – Friday 12 May

In order for you and your daughter to be as best prepared as possible for these camps, leaders from Southbound Adventures, our camp provider, will be coming to SCEGGS to deliver separate student and parent briefings.

The Year 5 and 6 Parent Briefings will run concurrently on Tuesday 2 May between 5.30pm – 6pm, with the Student Briefings occurring earlier that day. If you would like your daughter to go to After School Care for the duration of the briefing, please be sure to book her in by contacting the Primary Office.

Further information regarding the camps will be sent home with your daughters shortly, which will entail a lot more detail regarding the programs, packing requirements and expectations. 

Sarah Johnstone
Deputy Head of Primary, Student Wellbeing

Primary and Secondary Debating

Congratulations to the following debating teams for their wins last Friday night: Years 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 in the Eastside competition, and Years 6B, 9, and 11 in the ISDA competition.

This week Eastside debating will again be hosted at SCEGGS. Our ISDA debaters will be travelling to Queenwood. Audience members are welcome at both venues. The bus to Queenwood will leave immediately after school ends on Friday, so debaters are reminded to bring food from home for their supper. The bus will return to SCEGGS at the conclusion of the senior debates, so should be back before 9.30pm.  

Some new Year 6 debaters will be joining the debating cohort this week, with our first training session for IPSHA this Friday at lunch. IPSHA debating is a great opportunity for those in Year 6 to learn and practice the skills of debating – debates begin in Week 2 of Term 2, and take place from approximately 12.45-2.30pm fortnightly on Fridays. There are places available for Year 6s who wish to join IPSHA debating. Please email me here if you would like more information.

Imogen Harper
Debating Coordinator

Careers News

Careers Corner Newsletter

Welcome to the 40^th issue of the Careers Corner newsletter. Click here to read about a variety of exciting career options in STEM.

Lunchtime Career Talk

SCEGGS warmly welcomed back Old Girl Finola SULMAN (2010) on Tuesday to speak with current students about her career as a social worker. Finola shared her experiences about her studies and career, highlighting to the students the diversity of her role as well as the rewards and opportunities being a Social Worker brings.

She spoke about the different career paths whether it be in the government or private sector, noting that she changed her role every few years to gain more knowledge and experience. The intimate setting was ideal for the students to engage in an in-depth Q&A and learn even more about this exciting and interesting profession! SCEGGS is very grateful to Finola for giving up her time and providing current students with real-life insights.

Scholarships at SCEGGS Darlinghurst

Three new scholarships for students entering Year 11 2024 are now available. They are the:

1.  Joan Freeman Science & Mathematics Scholarship
2. Barbara Chisholm Humanities Scholarship
3. Diana Bowman General Academic Scholarship

If you know a candidate who demonstrates academic achievement and a willingness to participate in the life of the school, encourage them to apply today!

School Shop

Winter Uniform for Sale

The SCEGGS School Shop will be selling the Winter uniform in Week 9 of Term 1. The Winter uniform is to be worn from the second week of Term 2, commencing 1 May 2023. Week 1 Term 2 is the transition week whereby the Summer or the Winter uniform can be worn. If a full uniform fitting for your child is required, it is advisable to make an appointment. The best available times for full service are between 9.00am-12.00pm Monday to Friday. We will be closed during the school holidays and re-open Wednesday 26 April 2023.

Students who are new to SCEGGS will be required to purchase long sleeve shirts, a winter tunic, knee high navy socks and/or tights and a tie if you are in Years 3-12. The blazer can be purchased in time for the Photography days in Week 6 Term 2. Years K-2 Primary students are to wear the belted tunic with a striped long sleeve shirt. Year 3 Primary students are to transition into a collared striped shirt, a tie and an unbelted tunic. For those who prefer to wear pants we offer a tailored wool blend pant. Primary students can wear these pants with the primary striped blouse. Secondary students who choose this option are to wear the pants with a navy striped blouse as well. A tie is not required to be worn if you choose to wear pants.

We also have good quality second hand uniform available for purchase.

We look forward to helping you with your Winter uniform needs.

Clare Reid
School Shop Manager

Parents’ and Friends’ Association

Class Parent Events