26 October 2023 - 26 October 2023
From The Chaplain

From The Chaplain

The SCEGGS Podcast “Walk The Mile” Episode 45: When a kid needs a home.

It is estimated that in 2021, over 46 000 children were living in out of home care in Australia. And more and more kids get added to that number every day. The struggle to find adequate accommodation and care is also increasing. In this conversation, I speak to a parent within our community who has been a foster carer for a number of years, to a variety of children. She shares her own experience, the highs and lows, and the lessons that she has learnt through her experience. I found it a very enlightening and encouraging conversation and I hope you find it helpful.

This podcast contains material that some might find confronting or disturbing. Sometimes words or images can cause sadness or distress or trigger traumatic memories for people. For some people, these responses can be overwhelming. If you need to talk to someone, support is available.

  • Kids helpline: 1800 55 1800
  • Lifeline: 13 11 14
  • Mental Health Access Line: 1800 011 511
  • Parent Line: 1300 1300 52
  • Alcohol and Drug Support Line 1800 198 024
  • Domestic Violence Hotline 1800 737 732 (1800RESPECT)

And a reminder that we are published on Spotify, Apple, Google Podcast and Deezer, so you can access it more easily 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.

Rev. Garry Lee-Lindsay
Chaplain

A Reflection….Student Prefect Retreat 2023

A Reflection….Student Prefect Retreat 2023

On Friday 13th October the 2023/2024 Prefect Body embarked on a day of learning, development, and teamwork. As a group, we visited Yirranma Place in Darlinghurst, a community precinct for social purpose with a predominant focus on philanthropy. We were greeted by the lovely staff and had the lucky chance to meet some of the people working there, including Deirdre Mair. Deirdre is an associate working at For Purpose Investment Partners, a company focused on merging private sector capital and investment with social impact and change. For many, this was an inspiring experience, where girls, safe within the intimate space of our group, were able to ask questions over breakfast and gain insight into Deirdre’s experience with leadership and working as a team in the financial world. It was an excellent way to start the day, opening our eyes to some of the lessons she has learnt and experiences she has had.

 

The day followed with some teambuilding activities as well as a multitude of advice and learning from teachers and past leaders. One teaching which stood out to many of the Prefects was Mr Lee-Lindsay’s acronym, CHANGE. This represented the key qualities and aspects of a good leader. The acronym, standing for Character, Humility, Acknowledge, Noticing, Generosity and Everyone was particularly resonant with numerous girls, teaching us about the role and importance of leadership within our SCEGGS community. It was particularly helpful in establishing some of the goals of inclusion, commitment, and participation we would like to achieve as a Prefect Body over the coming year.

In addition to Mr Lee-Lindsay’s teachings, the Prefects were also addressed by Ms Allum where we were able to have an open conversation about the difficulties that come with leadership. Upon reflection, many girls took away the importance of maintaining balance between work and relaxation, where family and friends remain just as high a priority as school life and study. We also learned about how it is the leader’s role not to please everyone or choose the most popular option, but instead make the thoughtful and most appropriate decisions which will benefit the community. Most importantly, as a Prefect Body, we learned the importance of teamwork, playing to each other’s strengths, and ensuring that as a group we can work together to produce the most desirable outcomes for the journey of leadership we set to embark on over the coming year.

Towards the end of the day, the Prefects were lucky enough to read through the advice and learnings of past Prefect bodies. Not only did they help teach us many valuable lessons, but they reminded us of the legacy of SCEGGS Prefects and in turn, the importance of the role we must now play for the broader school community.

Overall, the Prefect Day was an incredible success, allowing us to learn about the fundamentals of leadership, but also integrate and build on our skills as a team. A huge thank you must be given to all the staff at Yirranma place as well as all the teachers who came and spoke to us. We are incredibly grateful for all your efforts and the advice you have generously passed on.

We are so excited for what’s to come and can’t wait to continue the SCEGGS tradition of strong, passionate student leaders!

Hannah Guest and Emily Gyton
Head Prefect and Deputy Head Prefect

SCEGGS Stories of Immersion in Indigenous Australia

SCEGGS Stories of Immersion in Indigenous Australia

We hope you enjoy reading a range of reflections about Stories of Immersion in Indigenous Australia from the students this week. For the previous week’s reflections see here.

Reflections from the Cape York Immersion 

Sleeping under the stars,

The maps of many,

And the calendar of the old people,

It holds many memories

Least of all us,

Staring in wonder and awe,

Hearts just a little sore,

Knowing this view is once in a life

We savoured the sky,

And swallowed the moon’s light

We heard the call of a bird,

Felt the rumbles beneath the ground,

Dozed off to the sounds.

 

The earth living despite us

With wonder and might

The stubborn ground and eternal sky,

With birds that fly, and ‘roos that run

This is Australia.

 

We observed the Red Earth,

The dust beneath our feet

Slipping between our toes

And were told how the colour belonged to the dreamtime.

 

The whispers on the wind pleading with us

To share the stories it has seen while passing through the land

Stories of faces long lost,

And hands long scarred

Blood long shed

Peace long marred

As we were slipping and sliding in the rocks of old

And the company of new companions.

 

Although our reverie is heard

We are only visitors here,

We return to our lives changed,

And will never forget the moments and tears,

Happiness, hopes or fears,

That have allowed us to roam here.

Zoe Linder
Year 10

 

Cape York, what a beautiful and informative journey. I’ve grown such an extensive and important knowledge on Indigenous culture and the world. For me personally, it had been a growth moment because it really taught me so much, about how to care for my country and to take the chance to talk to my elders to gain the knowledge of my culture and where I live.

At Yungee Bush Camp, we learned the importance of looking after land, the strength in connection to family and their understanding of how to use the traditional land around them. Desmond, one of the traditional owners, took us through his life explaining how he cut down his land all by hand with the help of his friends and an axe for a station. He also explained to us that because of the Native Title Act he got his land back, but because there are two National Parks surrounding his home, he said that “I got the worst part” and it really highlights that although it is relieving to gain that recognition, it didn’t feel complete. Throughout the days spent there, he showed immaculate willingness to teach and perseverance, as he kept going to and from hospital for dialysis, he was still willing to come outside and teach us about his culture and tell us stories, illustrating how important this knowledge is to pass onto others. Estelle, another traditional owner and Desmond’s wife, showed us how to make damper and was really open to teaching us about her family and traditions no matter the question that was asked. On our final day she said to us, “If you were to take my blood and yours, it would bleed the same because we are family.” Really communicating to us that no matter who you are, Indigenous or non-Indigenous, it is important to connect to one another and learn from each other’s experiences. The kids at Yungee really showcased the beautiful nature of childhood without technology, they had endless things to do, having the most fun with the little things they could find. One day they filled gloves with water and painted on them, playing with them for the entire day not breaking a sweat or getting bored because they had the endless landscape around them to run around and play. The kids also show how important it is to pass down culture because they performed traditional dances for us while Desmond played the clapsticks. They knew all the dances and all the children who were there participated. Not being shy, they even taught us the shakealeg (a traditional Indigenous dance) although I’m not the best at it. Yungee was a very free and mentally changing experience for me because it really opened my eyes to living in the moment, taking the time to look around you and appreciating the little things in life. It was an emotional departure from the homeland but looking back I don’t ever regret allowing myself to take this trip.

Loggy Crossing, wow, what an upbeat and stunning place. The traditional owners Dora and Trevor on our first night, sang us beautiful songs written and composed by themselves (they are a band called The Red Soil), accompanied by their nephew Naz who sang beautifully. They sang an abundance of their own songs which were lovely to hear and made a lot of us cry. Their daughter Tammy, has a cheerful and upbeat personality and she really wanted us to tell the wider community that the stereotypes Indigenous people face are not true. She said, “When you see an Indigenous person in the street drunk you think, ‘wow, what a disgusting person, better leave them, they’re just like that’, but when you see a white man on the street drunk you think, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s so-and-so, we better go help them.’” We went on a bush walk looking at the gorgeous scenery with Trevor as our guide so we could find the plants that they used for certain things. This taught me that they use the nature around them for so many things and they use it all effectively and sustainably, not taking too much for themselves. That night Trevor, Naz, and Dora gave us the opportunity to listen to their songs, as if we were in a concert, seated, watching, and listening to their pleasing voices, which again made people cry because of how lovely and emotionally charged the songs were. 

Ebony Colliss
Year 10

 

 

I have decided to make a collage to reflect Miriam-Rose’s ideology of “walking in two worlds“. The immersion to the top end of Australia opened my eyes to the ignorance we face in Sydney on the needs of the Indigenous community within Australia. It taught me that the First Nations people of Australia are similar to us in a magnitude of ways, but also still have strong connections to the rich history they are a part of, and choose to reflect this within a variety of ways. Cheryl showed her connection to her culture by sharing it with us through the occupation she has at the Miriam-Rose Foundation. The community at Banatjarl shared their connection to their history with us around sharing stories in a circle at night time, playing the Digeridoo for us and sharing the belief of not cooking after dusk, so the spirits do not become disturbed. Moving forward with reconciliation I will continue to remember Miriam-Rose’s quote.

walking in two worlds” to deepen my empathy towards any Indigenous person branching out and experiencing a western way of life, and I will try to share my understanding of the Indigenous communities we visited and try to take any opportunities that arise to be in a similar situation, where I am able to visit or live in an Indigenous community.

Please see this article about Dr Miriam-Rose, the 2021 Senior Australian of the Year, for further context about Antonia’s collage.

Antonia Miller
Year 11

 

 

Giving Day 2023

Giving Day 2023

On Thursday 9 November SCEGGS will host its second annual Giving Day. This is the day when we all come together to support the Light Her Path campaign. For 24 hours from 9.00am on 9 November, all donations received will be doubled by our generous matching donors. So far, we have made terrific progress and have raised over $6 million toward our $12 million goal for the redevelopment of Wilkinson House, as well as over $3 million for the Scholarship Program.


The reconstruction of Wilkinson House is under way and expected to be completed by the start of the 2025 school year. This will provide our girls with state-of-the-art classrooms, an extension of the Sports Hall facilities, a wonderful Year 12 Common room, excellent flexible Academic Support facilities to assist individuals with their learning needs, and a culturally appropriate space to support our Indigenous students. We need to continue our efforts to raise the balance of the funds and making a tax deductible donation on Giving Day is a fantastic way to double your contribution.

The girls will join in on the fun by wearing mufti clothes to school, and join with their Houses for a BBQ. They are asked to bring a gold coin donation for the BBQ. Please mark Giving Day, 9 November, in your diary!

Christy Boyce
Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee

 

 

 

Stage 1 Oracy Showcase

Stage 1 Oracy Showcase

In the Primary School, we recognise the significance of oral communication. It goes beyond merely conveying information or presenting a rehearsed speech in the classroom; it’s about creating a rich and engaging environment through the way we communicate. Last term, in Stage 1, the girls enriched their language skills by practising the art of reciting a poem.

Reciting poetry may sound a bit formal, but it’s an exciting way to learn and grow. When the girls read and recite poems, they get better at using their voices, controlling the volume, and adding expression to their words. It also helps them to grasp the rhythm in words, which makes for more fluent and confident readers. In fact, diving into the world of poetry is not just about having fun with words; it sets the girls on their way to becoming language experts!

 

We would like to congratulate the following girls who presented their poem at the Stage 1 Oracy Showcase. In Year 1 we had Stephanie Wang, Lauren Lee, Cynthia Xia, Emily Button-Kwan and Sophie Assaad reciting their poem and in Year 2, Scarlett Scott, Olympia Polyviou, Liyana Joshua, Grace Walsh and Bronte Lusted. A special mention to kindergarten who recited The End by A.A Milne in choral to begin the proceedings.

Kristy Williams
Acting Curriculum Coordinator (English)

Secondary Sport News

Secondary Sport News

Halloween – October 31

Please be advised that on Tuesday October 31, which also coincides with Halloween, all students are still expected to attend their regular sports training session.  Missing training or leaving early to go “Trick or Treating” is not an option. We have hired fields and employed coaches and expect all players to commit to the full session with their teammates.

 

Liberty A League Football

SCEGGS students were out in force for the opening match of the Women’s A League to watch Sydney FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers.

Year 10 students Simran Murphy, Georgia Tsangaris and Isobel Murray were amongst a record crowd of 11 471 to cheer on Sydney FC to a win. They even managed a highly sought after photo with Matildas’ World Cup superstar Courtney Vine.

 

Running

Congratulations to Matilda Emanuel (Year 9) who participated in the 1500m at the NSW All Schools Athletics.

 

Well done to Annabelle Jessup (Year 7) who competed in the 4km event at the Maroubra Fun Run on the weekend. She was the first female to finish and placed 4th overall (from 640 competitors).

 

 

The SCEGGS Striders are back in action this term taking in the sights of the city on Wednesday mornings at a more leisurely pace. If anyone would like to join the group there are still vacancies. For harder cross- country training, students can head to our Friday sessions in Centennial Park.

 

Sports Nominations Term 1, 2024

Sports Nominations for Term 1, 2024 will be open this week via Clipboard, so keep an eye out! Only parents will have access to complete the Sports Nominations.

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.

 

SCEGGS Training and matches Wet Weather

Wet weather notifications will now be sent out on Clipboard.

 

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

Primary Sport

Primary Sport Training

Please be advised that on Tuesday October 31, which also coincides with Halloween, all students are still expected to attend their regular sports training session. Missing training or leaving early to go “Trick or Treating” is not an option. We have hired fields and employed coaches and expect all players to commit to the full session with their teammates.

 

Years 2-6 Primary Swimming Carnival

We look forward to a fantastic day for our annual Years 2-6 Swimming Carnival held in Week 7 on Monday, 20 November, at Lane Cove Leisure Centre.

As usual, girls must be at school by 8.15 am on the carnival day. Students will travel by hired bus and leave SCEGGS at 8.30 am to take students to Lane Cove Leisure Centre. Students wishing to travel straight to Lane Cove will need to provide an email to their class teachers before the day. Upon arrival at Lane Cove, students must get their names marked off by the class teacher. After the event, girls will either return to school by bus or can be collected by a parent from the venue. No students are to be collected before the conclusion of the carnival. Written permission must also be sent to their Classroom Teacher if a student is being collected from the carnival. School will conclude at the usual time of 3.10 pm.

Girls should come to school in PE uniform with their swimmers on underneath. At the carnival, the girls may wear decorated hats, coloured socks, t-shirts, and the like in House colours. Students are not to bring pom-poms or streamers to the carnival in our efforts to minimise any adverse impact on the environment. PE uniform must be worn correctly to and from school.

The pool at Lane Cove Leisure Centre is an outdoor pool. While ample undercover seating is available, girls must wear t-shirts and sun hats when not swimming and are expected to bring and apply sunscreen throughout the day. Girls may wear any sun-protective swimwear for the day if preferred. We ask that the girls bring enough food and drink for the day. 

Parents may sit near the students’ seating area or on the balcony overlooking the pool’s finish line. While the canteen facilities are open to parents, we ask that parents not purchase food or drinks for their children. For students attending before-school and after-school activities, the school swim squad, Art Club and Drama Club will be cancelled for the day. All after-school sports activities will be on, but attendance is not compulsory.

This year’s carnival will be used to select next year’s IPSHA Swimming Team. We encourage all girls to get involved in all events and strive for their personal best! Any students who are absent and do not attend the carnival and wish to try for the IPSHA Swimming Team will be able to do so in early 2024. This date is yet to be confirmed.

We are all looking forward to a beautiful day. In the case of inclement weather and the need to cancel the carnival, a decision will be made by 7.30 am.

Here are the images from previous year swimming carnival:

 

Sporting opportunities

For any students looking to get into Waterpolo or play more, check out TigerBall presented by Balmain Waterpolo Clubs latest offering. (Insert picture for Tigerball) This opportunity is open to all students who are 8 years or older. Check out the link for more information!

 

Please help us celebrate any other achievements outside of school!

Does your daughter compete in any sport outside of school (for example, at a representative level or a sport we do not currently offer)? If so, I would love to celebrate their achievements by recognising them in this newsletter!

 

Please email Tom Mitton any information (and photos, if possible), will be included in newsletters throughout the term.

 

Upcoming Sport Events

IPSHA Gymnastics (selected students) Thursday 2 November
Years 2-6 Primary Swimming Carnival Monday 20 November

 

Tom Mitton
Primary Sport Co-ordinator

Music Matters

Music Matters

Year 11 Music 2 Composition

During Term 2, students embarked on a creative journey with their class teacher Ms Stephanie Holmes. Their mission was to compose a piece of music for two to three instruments that lasted around two minutes. This is the requirement for the HSC Music Core Composition, so it was a good opportunity for the students to hone their skills in preparation for Year 12. They were very fortunate to be guided by the well-known Australian composer, Gerard (Gerry) Brophy, who visited our classroom on four occasions. After analysing one of his own works, Gerry encouraged the students to look for inspiration, improvise on their own instrument and come up with a motive on which to build their musical work. In August, each student was given 30 minutes to rehearse and record their piece with professional musicians. Some students even conducted the musicians themselves, which in itself is a wonderful experience, especially when the music is something you have written yourself. Here is a taste of the amazing results of their creativity:

Teagan Barrack  Through the Dark Clouds
Elektra Cook Carnival in Spring
Sophie Gallagher-Horne Baklava Shimmer
Georgina Madsen Piano Trio in C Major
Lauren Ransom Fallen Sky
Ilaria Roncolato Music 2 Comp
Emmaline Shapiro Duo in G minor
Isabella Stern Discorso Serale
Lucy Thomsen Due Dialogano

 

AMEB Singing for Leisure Grade 8 Congratulations

Congratulations to Jemima Smith (Year 12 – Class of 2023) who completed her Grade 8 AMEB Singing for Leisure examination in the final week of last term.  Jemima achieved an outstanding result! Thank you to her voice tutor, Ms Eloise Evans, who helped prepare her for the examination.

 

Primary String Studio Concerts

In Week 4, all primary string players from Kindergarten to Year 5 will be invited to perform a short solo at one of three Studio Concerts being held on Monday 30 October, Tuesday 31 October and Wednesday 1 November at 3.20pm in the Primary Music Room. Solo performances of this nature, in a familiar and non-threatening environment with an appreciative audience, are vital to a musician’s development. Please complete the form to enrol your daughter in one of the three concerts.

Parents, siblings and relatives will be most welcome to come along. Girls are encouraged to chat with their string tutor in lessons to decide on a performance piece for the concert. Year 6 string players will not participate in the Studio Concerts due to their busy schedule with the musical “Moana” in Week 4.

 

Bugles Solo Performance Open Morning

Term 4 Week 6, Tuesday 14 November (7.15am to 8.10am) at Great Hall

Click here to find out more information

 

Upcoming Music Events

Term 4
Week Event Date and Time Location
Week 3 Musicale 4 ‘Our Natural World’ Thursday 26 October
6.00pm

Great Hall
Week 4 K to 5 String Studio Concerts

Monday 30 October
Tuesday 31 October
Wednesday 1 November
3.20pm

Primary Music Room
  Year 6 Musical “Moana” Friday 3 November
6.00pm
Great Hall
Week 6 Primary, Secondary Jazz Combo Concert and Basie Jazz Band Wednesday 15 November
1.10pm to 1.40pm

Upper Primary Playground
Week 7 K-2 Concert Friday 24 November
2.00pm

Great Hall

 

Pauline Chow
Head of Music

IGSA Festival of Speech

IGSA Festival of Speech

The IGSA Festival of Speech is an annual competition where girls from the IGSA schools across NSW and the ACT come together to compete and enjoy the spoken word in all its forms. It is a huge undertaking and the girls who represent the school dedicate hours in preparation time in the lead up to the Festival. This year’s team consisted of 17 girls, the maximum number of students a school can enter.  The team events were Current Affairs with Georgia Tsangaris (Year 10), Emma Chang (Year 10) and Catherine Park (Year 11) and Religious and Ethical Questions with Sophia Papadakis (Year 10), Zoe Lindner (Year 10), Bianca Hardge (Year 10) and Helaina Travassaros (Year 10), who was the reserve.  Sadie Juneja (Year 9), Pippa Brenner (Year 9), Astrid Hooper (Year 11) and Lucy Thomsen (Year 11) competed in the Soap Box division and delivered engaging and entertaining speeches on something that “gets their goat”.  Marnie Flett (Year 8) and Susannah Sheumack (Year 11) competed in Poetry, Jessica Gallie (Year 8) and Celia Watson (Year 10) competed in Public Speaking and Sienna Kaddour and Sybilla Hooke competed in Readings. 

It is a team event with every student who competes earning points for the school. This year SCEGGS came first in Religious and Ethical Questions and second in the Senior Reading section. A special congratulations to Sophia, Zoe, Bianca and Sybilla. As a team we came 2nd in  the Senior Division and equal 5th overall. The whole team worked tirelessly toward this result. Special thanks also to Ms Dynielle Whitney who coached the girls in Religious and Ethical Questions and Anna Ho who prepared the Current Affairs team.

Congratulations to you all.

Elizabeth Walsh
Speech and Public Speaking

Year 6 Musical: “Disney’s Moana Jnr“

Year 6 Musical: “Disney’s Moana Jnr“

Members of the SCEGGS School community are warmly invited to the Year 6 Musical: “Disney’s Moana Jnr” on Friday 3 November at 6pm in The Great Hall.

 

Lanneke Jones
Primary Music Teacher

Advance Life Photography Discounts for Select Group Photos Available

Advance Life Photography Discounts for Select Group Photos Available

A message from Advanced Life Photography: 20% Discount on Sports & Co-Curricular Group Photos available until Wednesday, 1 November 2023

These school sports and co-curricular groups were photographed on 23 August 2023.

Bands Co-Curricular Captains IPSHA Athletics Team
Bugles Band Debating Netball – Team 1
Cantare Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Sailing
Chamber and Small Ensembles Hockey – Team 1 String Ensembles
Choral Ensembles IGSA Athletics Team  

 

You can now view and purchase the group images listed above and if you place your order before November 1 2023 you will get a 20% early order discount. Just click on the link below. Please note that the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

Images can also be viewed by visiting Advanced Life entering the code: LAF MAC YTE and clicking on “Group Photos”

Important

  • Sports and co-curricular group photos can only be purchased online, PLEASE DO NOT return payment to your school
  • If your child’s group or team is scheduled to be photographed at a later date, you will receive an additional email notification when the images are ready to be ordered
  • Photos will be returned to your school for distribution approximately six weeks after the discounted early order period has closed
  • Past years’ photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available at your school’s advancedorder and your child’s advancedyou photo sites

If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience, please contact us at Advanced Life

Parents’ and Friends’ Association

Parents’ and Friends’ Association

Year 9 End of Year Parent/Carer Event

When: 6.30pm Friday 10 November

Where: Darling Point (Year 9 class parent’s home)

Cost: $80p/p – covers beverages and cocktail-style food

RSVP: via TryBooking by Friday 3 November