From Ms Gyton

As we approach the end of Term 2, I must confess that I have found myself quietly asking ‘…. are we there yet?’ several times over this last week of term!

Schools are always busy places – high energy, many different activities happening at the same time and all with the intricacies that exist in large communities and the social dynamics contained within. For all these complexities, there have also been moments of celebration and great joy.

From our youngest students holding an animal exhibition, to Merit Certificate presentations or our Year 10 Commerce Market Day, this week has had lots of different celebrations of the learning and growth in students as we approach the holiday break. These are not celebrations of perfection, but instead, these are opportunities to recognise the incremental development in students’ skills, thinking, approach and knowledge following an extended block of learning.

As part of the Year 10 Market Day on Monday, our Commerce students were the ‘entrepreneurs’ challenged with generating ideas for their business, assessing the feasibility, collaborating, marketing their idea, problem-solving, planning, resolving differences of opinion and organising themselves. In doing so, they learned a lot … but also provided a fun and enjoyable lunchtime experience for the ‘consumers’ of Secondary School.

Throughout this term, there were many moments where our community came together in similar ways; from the lively Drama Production Girl Asleep, uplifting Musicale 2 featuring special guest artist Lior, the Primary and Secondary School Athletics Carnivals, marking National Reconciliation Week and of course, celebrating the official opening of Wilkinson House.

But, for now, I wish all our families and staff a restful and refreshing break. Safe travels to all who are heading off on family adventures … and hopefully you don’t hear the same cries of ‘are we there yet?’ on your holiday travels over the next three weeks!

I look forward to welcoming all students back for Term 3 on Wednesday 22 July.

Holly Gyton
Head of School

Festival on Forbes – Get Involved!

We can’t wait to see you at the Festival on Forbes on Sunday 23 August.

Many of the stalls are run by year groups and rely on donated goods and with the school holidays around the corner, now is the perfect time to set aside items for the Fair.

What pre-loved items can you donate?

• Vintage designer fashion, shoes, bags, accessories in excellent, wearable condition 
• Your well-loved, but in great condition sports equipment including everything from wetsuits to surfboards, yoga mats and bikes for example
• Clothes and accessories either new and unused or worn but cared for
• Books, all genres and audiences

What prizes can you contribute?

Support our Silent Auction

The Festival on Forbes Silent Auction is a wonderful celebration of community, generosity and connection. Funds raised will support the growth of our scholarship program, helping more local students from diverse backgrounds access a SCEGGS education.

We are seeking prize donations to help make this year’s auction a success.

Popular items include:

• Entertainment
• Experiences
• Getaways/holiday houses
• Artwork
• Gift vouchers of any kind
• Jewellery

To donate a prize, please email Bree Parker in the Development Office.

Thank you for your support.

 Chocolate Wheel and Coin Toss

• Toys
• Vouchers under $100
• Candles
• Pamper items (face masks, bath salts, nail polish)
• Wine

Gourmet Pantry

• Condiments & savoury spreads such as pesto, relishes and tapenade
• Sauces & dressings such as marinades and salad dressings
• Preserves & sweet spreads such as jams, marmalade and honey
• Pantry staples such as dried fruit, granola, oils, mixed spices and risotto mix
• Baking mixes such as cookie mix

How can you drop-off your prizes or donations?

Wishing all families a fabulous school holiday break – we look forward to seeing you refreshed and ready to get involved in the Fair in Term 3!

The Festival on Forbes Committee

Win 50% Off SCEGGS School Fees in 2027!

All proceeds support the Light Her Path Campaign, expanding scholarships that make a SCEGGS education possible.

First Prize: 50% off your daughter’s school fees for 2027

Runner-up Prizes: 4 x $250 vouchers for the SCEGGS School Shop

Ticket pricing:

1 for $150
2 for $250
5 for $500

To purchase your tickets and for T&C’s please click here or use the QR code below.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Festival on Forbes on Sunday 23 August.

Good Luck! 

Vanessa Liell
SCEGGS Trust Chair

Blazer Pocket Awards

Blazer Pockets recognise excellence and achievement at the highest level in the Secondary School. Following the award of a pocket, the details of the activity and the year are then embroidered on the student’s blazer to recognise these achievements. Along with many other awards, these are announced at the End-of-Term Assembly which is always held on the last day of term. Further information about these awards and others is available in the 2026 SCEGGS Diary on page 31.

Been awarded a pocket in Term 2, 2026?

Girls who have been awarded a blazer ‘Pocket’ for excellence and outstanding achievement in a co-curricular activity can only have their blazers embroidered during holiday periods. Blazers may be left at the Student Services or Reception any time before 1pm on Monday, 29 June (the first weekday of the School Holidays). Students with previous awards that have not yet been embroidered can also leave their blazers at this time.

As above, blazers cannot be accepted after the cut-off time of 1pm Monday, 29 June. Any late submissions will need to wait until the next school holidays.

Embroidery and dry cleaning will be completed during the holidays and the cost will be charged to your daughter’s account.

General Office

Reconciliation Speaks Every Language

This year, Reconciliation Australia highlighted that reconciliation is a shared journey for everyone in Australia, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, by releasing Reconciliation Week posters in 13 different languages for the first time. This powerful message prompted our Languages Department to reflect on how language can be a bridge for connection, understanding and respect, and how they too could meaningfully engage with Reconciliation Week in their classrooms.

In class, students developed their understanding by learning key vocabulary of Acknowledgments of Country in their target language. They then built on this foundation by creating their own posters or composing original poems that integrated both visual elements and written Acknowledgments of Country in Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish. These activities allowed students to deepen their cultural understanding while applying their language skills in a meaningful and creative context.

Please enjoy looking (and translating) the posters here.

SCEGGS RAP Committee

Supporting our Students to Build Respectful Relationships

On Thursday 11 June, students in Years 7–10 participated in a series of respectful relationships education workshops, delivered in partnership with Consent Labs. The sessions are an important part of our wellbeing program, supporting students to develop the understanding, confidence and practical skills they need to navigate relationships safely and respectfully.

In the Year 7, Foundations of Consent and Boundaries workshop, students were introduced to affirmative consent as an ongoing, enthusiastic “yes”, and began developing the language to express their own boundaries, to recognise and respect others’ boundaries, including how to hear and accept a “no”.

The Year 8 Consent in Online Spaces workshop focused on navigating consent online. Students unpacked how social media and pornography can misinform ideas about relationships, and explored issues such as sexting, online safety, and where to seek help if something goes wrong.

The Consent and Intoxication workshop for Year 9 examined how alcohol and other drugs can affect decision-making, boundaries and the ability to give consent. They learned to recognise signs of intoxication, identify risky situations, and developed practical strategies to look after themselves and their friends in social settings.

Recognising and Responding to Sexual Harassment and Assault was a sobering but important workshop for Year 10. Students developed a deeper understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment and sexual assault. A strong focus was placed on seeking support, understanding reporting options, and learning safe ways to intervene and support others.

Across all year levels, there was a strong emphasis on building students’ confidence and language on how to clearly express their boundaries, how to check in with others, and how to respond when something doesn’t feel right.

It was particularly encouraging to hear how students responded to this practical approach. Many reflected on the value of strategies they could use in everyday situations:

• “I learned more ways to say no… and that it’s okay to say no.”
• “We got to discuss our own boundaries and how to say what we are comfortable with.”
• “I now know what to do if I am in a situation and how to respond.”

Alongside these reflections, the vast majority reported a stronger understanding of respectful and non-consensual behaviour and a willingness to apply this learning in their own lives.

Respectful relationships education is most effective when schools and families work together. We encourage you to continue these conversations at home in ways that feel comfortable for your family. You might find these resources helpful when having these conversations.

Further Resources

Below are a selection of resources from our Online Safety Hub and SchoolTV. You will see on these sites there are many, many helpful resources. I invite you to save the pages and come back and explore other topics.

From our Online Safety Hub

• The dangers of sexting: what parents need to know
• Conversation Starter Cards: Safe Online Relationships

From SCEGGS School TV

• Conversations about respectful relationships
• Impact of porn on how teens think about sex

If this article has raised any concerns for you or your child, a list of excellent support services are provided below. And of course, please don’t hesitate to call the School during the School Term for support or for a conversation about any of the content in this article.

Kids Helpline

1800 55 1800

Headspace

1800 650 890

1800RESPECT

1800 737 732

eSafety Commissioner

Carol Bloomfield
Head of Student Wellbeing Programs

Celebrating Student Voice – Stage 3 Oracy Showcase 2026

Throughout the term, the girls in Stage 3 have been developing their speaking and communication skills by exploring the qualities of effective speakers, crafting persuasive speeches, and learning how to connect with an audience with confidence and purpose. This learning journey culminated in our Stage 3 Oracy Showcase on Monday, an event held annually to celebrate the diverse voices of our Year 5 and 6 girls. Guests, staff and Years 4-6 were all treated to a range of thoughtful and engaging presentations that highlighted the ideas, passions and perspectives of our eight finalists:

Year 6

Ivy Zhang-Why using time wisely matters (winner)

Amelia Chow- Why laughter matters (Highly Commended)

Rose Johnston- Why exercise matters

Chloe Anderson- Why fast fashion matters

Year 5

Harriet Homann- Why deforestation matters

Harriet Burreket- Why recycling phones matters

Queenie Lloyd-Roberts – Why banning zoos matters

Tove Klettenberg -Why endangered species matter

At SCEGGS, we are committed to developing confident and articulate young women who can play a meaningful and compassionate role in society. Opportunities such as the Oracy Showcases in the Primary School are an important part of this journey. Strong oral language and communication skills empower the girls to express their thinking, engage respectfully with others, advocate for what they believe in and contribute positively to their communities.

We hope everyone enjoyed hearing about the issues that our Stage 3 girls so confidently shared. Each speaker demonstrated courage, preparation and a growing understanding of what it means to communicate effectively and authentically with an audience. Congratulations to Ivy Zhang in Year 6 who was named winner of the showcase, and Amelia Chow in Year 6 and Harriet Burreket in Year 5 who received Highly Commended on the day.

A sincere thank you to the Stage 3 teachers, Ms Madeliene Whitfeld, Ms Katherine Lock, Ms Kaitlyn Ryan, Ms Julia Jakael and Ms Laura Tennant, for their ongoing support throughout the term. Their guidance helped the girls not only craft and refine their speeches but also develop an understanding of the qualities that make an effective orator.

We also extend our gratitude to our judges, Ms Elizabth Walsh, Perri Lawrence (Year 10), Lilly Zadgan (Year 10) and Lulu Weston (Year 10), for generously giving their time and expertise to adjudicate the showcase. Finally, special thanks to our hosts, Alice Chandler (Year 6), Defne Aslan (Year 6), Olive Manton (Year 5) and Sienna Fleming (Year 5), who led the proceedings with such aplomb.

What a wonderful way to celebrate a term of rich oracy learning in Stage 3!

Kristy Williams
Primary Teacher- Science and Technology/Curriculum Coordinator

Music Matters

Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival

Congratulations to the Holst Wind Ensemble, Amati Strings and Clarion Concert Band for their recent performance at ASBOF, the Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival. Thank you to Mr Tierney, Mr Gresham, Mrs Sweeney and Ms Ryan for preparing and conducting these performances.

• Clarion Concert Band were awarded Gold in the Raymond Hanson event.
• Holst Wind Ensemble were awarded Silver in the Graham Lloyd event.
• Amati Strings were awarded Gold in the Loreta Fin event.

Ascham Battle of the Bands

Congratulations to Isabelle Flower in Year 11 and her band Izzy and the Flowers who won the Ascham Battle of the Bands last Friday night. First prize was a $1 000 recording session.

Heidi Jones
Head of Music (Co-curricular) 

Creative Writing Opportunities

In the English Department, we are often inspired and excited about the creativity of our students. Over the semester, it has been uplifting to see our Year 7s experiment with poetry, our Year 10s write compelling gothic narratives and our Year 12s write creatively across the Advanced and Extension courses.

We know that we are also fortunate to have many keen writers in our midst; midnight scribblers, fledgling poets and students onto the thirty-fifth chapter of their novel (or fifth draft of their screenplay!). We always love to encourage our students to submit their work for external competitions – this can be a great way to feel a part of a bigger writing community. Below are some competitions which students may want to look into and consider entering over the holidays. We wish everyone all the best for the break!

Creative Writing Competitions

The Dorothea Mackellar Writing Competition is one of Australia’s most prestigious poetry awards for young people. This year’s theme is “The Traveller.” The school has registered an account for this competition and your daughter will be able to check with her teacher about entering before the due date of Friday 30 June. More information can be found here. 

The Insight Writing Competition is open to students in Years 7 – 12. Students are invited to compose creative pieces (short story, poem, script) of up to 1,400 words. The theme for this year is “Ignite.” This competition is open until 1 September. More information can be found here. 

Red Room’s Poetry Forest Competition encourages students to compose poems which celebrate the “Sounds of Country.” This competition is closes on Friday 25 September. More information, as well as many poetry resources, can be found here.

Better Read than Dead’s writing competition “Metamorphosis” invites students aged between 6 – 17 to submit a creative piece of no more than 300 words, based on the topic of literal or psychological change. Entries are due by August 1 and winning entries receive book vouchers from the store and are published in their annual Kids Writing Anthology. More information can be found here.

The Hachette Australia prizes are yet to open for 2026, however include prizes for Creative Fiction, Creative Non-Fiction and Poetry. There are wonderful resources that can be found on their website.

Jenny Bean
Head of English

Secondary Sport

In Secondary School sports news this week read about:

• Football
• Cross Country
• Basketball
• Equestrian
• Swimming
• Striders

Football

Congratulations to all players on another fantastic football season.

Across our teams, we had players ranging from relative beginners to experienced footballers, and it was pleasing to see so much development over the course of the season. Players grew in confidence, improved their skills, and developed a better understanding of the game.

While most of us enjoy winning, our measure of success goes beyond the score. What impressed me most was the teamwork, tenacity, and sportsmanship shown by our players each week. Generally, every team had its moments and can be proud of the progress made, as well as the way players represented the school.

That said there is so much potential for improvement at all grades and going forward the coaching program will continue to evolve to suit the development all players. 

Thank you to our coaches, SCEGGS staff, and families for their ongoing support, and to all players for the enthusiasm and effort they brought throughout the season.

As the season comes to an end, we hope everyone enjoys watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup over the holidays. Whether you’re supporting Australia, England, England, or perhaps even England, we wish your team the very best of luck.

We look forward to seeing the girls back on the pitch in Term 3.

Craig Blesson
Head Football Coach (and Proud Pom)

Cross Country

Well done to all of the SCEGGS Cross Country runners who competed at NSW Cross Country Championships that were held at Nowra on the weekend.

Beatrice Emanuel – 6^th in the 13 yrs

Matilda Emanuel – 5^th in the U20s

Annabelle Jessup – 7^th in the 16 yrs

Nancy Newton – 9^th in the U20s

Well done to all girls who have now been selected to represent NSW at the Australian Championships to be held in Victoria in August.

Basketball

Congratulations to all our Basketball teams who played their final matches on Saturday. Teams 5, 6 and 7 won their divisions, while Teams 2, 3 and 9 finished as runners up. A special shout-out to the Team 7, consisting of Years 7 – 9 players, who remained undefeated all term!

Equestrian

Congratulations to Hannah Doolan (Year 12), and her horse Checkbook, who were selected by Equestrian Australia to be part of the Australian Show Jumping Squad competing at the Nations Cup in Deauville in France. Over recent months Hannah has had the opportunity to compete in the USA and Europe gaining valuable international experience.

Swimming

Congratulations to Georgia Baker Wood who competed at the Australian Swimming Trials that were held at Homebush. Georgia competed in the 50m Breaststroke and shaved .45 second off her entry mark. Well done Georgia as you continue to focus on your HSC studies. 

Striders

On the coldest run of the year for Striders we farewelled Ms Grasso who is leaving SCEGGS at the end of Term 2.

A great finish to the term – thanks to all striders who ran throughout the term and of course those who braved the cold conditions for the last run.

Lisa Thompson
PDHPE/Sport Teacher

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

In Primary School sports news this week read about:

• IPSHA Minkey/Hockey
• IPSHA Netball
• Year 3 Touch Football
• Student Achievements
• K-6 Athletics Carvinal
• Important Dates

IPSHA Minkey/Hockey

Congratulations to all of our IPSHA Hockey players on a wonderful season. Throughout the term, the girls demonstrated impressive improvements in their hockey skills, tactical awareness and overall understanding of the game. Despite being one of our smaller sports at SCEGGS, the girls brought tremendous energy, enthusiasm and commitment to every training session and match.

Our combined Years 5 & 6 team competed in the 8-a-side competition and showed outstanding progress in their understanding of more complex hockey plays, positioning and rules. Their effort and determination in every game were exceptional and reflected their growth throughout the season.

The Year 4 team has provided great hope for the future of SCEGGS Hockey. While there were many impressive individual performances, the most pleasing aspect was the development of a strong and supportive team culture that grew throughout the season.

A sincere thank you to our dedicated coaches, Luella, Maddy, Stella, Hannah and Anna, for their enthusiasm, expertise and passion toward supporting the girls each week.

We are incredibly proud of all the players and cannot wait to see everyone back on the hockey field again soon!

Sarah Carter
PDHPE Teacher

IPSHA Netball

Congratulations to all students on a highly successful IPSHA Netball season. Throughout the season, every team demonstrated outstanding commitment, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship. It was wonderful to see the players work collaboratively on the court, displaying excellent teamwork and communication to move the ball effectively down the court and create scoring opportunities.

At training sessions, students consistently put in a strong effort to refine their skills and challenge themselves to improve. The growth in skill development across all teams has been particularly pleasing. Players showed significant improvement in their footwork, passing accuracy, and decision-making during match play. Their willingness to listen, learn, and adapt, contributed greatly to their progress throughout the season. All players should be extremely proud of their achievements this season. We thank them for their commitment and enthusiasm and look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in the future.

Arabella Moar
PDHPE Teacher

Year 3 Touch Football

What a fantastic term of Touch Football for our Year 3 students. Throughout the season, the girls developed a strong understanding of the game, building their skills and knowledge in areas such as passing, defensive strategies, and driving the ball forward. Most importantly, they demonstrated great enthusiasm, teamwork, and a willingness to learn.

The students should be extremely proud of their efforts and the progress they have made over the term. Their positive attitude, commitment, and sportsmanship were evident each week and contributed to an enjoyable and successful season for all involved.

A sincere thank you to Matt, Sophie, Isla, and Zara for their dedication and support of the teams. Their guidance and encouragement played an important role in creating such a positive experience for the girls.

Congratulations to all of our Year 3 Touch Football players on a wonderful season.

Adrian Hammond
Primary Sport Coordinator

Student Achievements

On Friday 12 June, Rose Johnston (Year 6) attended the inaugural CIS Primary Girls Football Trials in a Championship style format. This was the first time IPSHA had an Association Team. Rose and the IPSHA team performed exceptionally well with the highlight being a strong defeat of the unbeaten CSSA team in the Semi Final to advance to the Grand Final. A tough 0-0 draw was played out against NCIS in the final with the IPSHA team eventually declared Runners-Up on a count back. Congratulations to Rose for her efforts.

K-6 Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to all students on their wonderful efforts at last Thursday’s Primary Athletics Carnival. The enthusiasm, energy, and determination displayed throughout the day were outstanding, and it was fantastic to see so many smiles as the girls participated and supported one another.

Thank you to all students for embracing the spirit of the carnival and representing the school with such positivity and sportsmanship.

Please note that a full summary of the event, including results and photographs, will be featured in the next edition of Behind the Green Gate.

Important Sports Dates:

• Saturday 25th July: Round 1 of IPSHA Touch Football and IPSHA AFL
• Saturday 1^st August: Round 1 of Year 3 Netball Competition
• All other Term 3 cocurricular sport commences in Week 2.

Have a wonderful break and looking forward to more sporting action next term!

Mr Adrian Hammond
Primary Sport Coordinator