28 November 2024 - 28 November 2024
From Ms Allum

From Ms Allum

It has been another full and busy year at SCEGGS. As a community we have come together to learn, to teach, to play and to celebrate. We have enjoyed many music performances, drama productions and participated in countless sporting activities. And, who can forget the fabulous Festival on Forbes or our elegant Gala Dinner or the fun and generosity of Giving Day. 

But what is it about all these things that make them distinctively SCEGGS? Well, for me, that is easy to answer. It is Mr Lee-Lindsay greeting our girls at the School gates every morning. It is Ms Moss who knows the name of every girl who comes to student services. It is Mrs Soultados and Mrs Kantares who attend to every scrape and graze with such care. It is the teachers playing basketball at lunchtime in the Staff vs Prefect basketball game (well.. attempting to, anyway), or sitting quietly in a corner helping a student in need. It is our girls who look after each other and are there for each other. It is you, it is me, it is each one of us who make up SCEGGS. I am grateful and proud to lead this wonderful community. 

My warmest Christmas wishes to each of you and may the holidays offer you uninterrupted time with your loved one.

Please enjoy the photo gallery below with just some of the highlights from 2024 … and I look forward to seeing you all back in 2025, to celebrate our 130th year of SCEGGS!

Luceat Lux Vestra.

Jenny Allum
Head of School

 

Year K – 11, Christmas Service
 
Light Her Path Gala Dinner

 

Festival on Forbes

 

Year 12 Final Assembly 

 

Giving Day

 

K-2 Musical

 

Alice in Wonderland

 

Musicale 4

 

Primary Swimming Carnival

 

Red Balloon
 
Parents’ and Friends’ Association Welcome Cocktail Party – Save the Date

Parents’ and Friends’ Association Welcome Cocktail Party – Save the Date

The much-loved annual P&F Welcome Cocktail Party is scheduled for Friday 28 February 2025 from 6.00pm – 8.00pm at SCEGGS. Further details, including how to purchase your tickets, will be provided in Behind the Green Gate next year.

On behalf of the P&F we thank you for your support throughout 2024. We extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for a safe and happy holiday season and we look forward to seeing you all in 2025!

 


Rob Jessup
P&F Association President

From The Chaplain

From The Chaplain

The Sienna Weir Memorial Prize for Poetry

Throughout SCEGGS’ history, certain prizes have been awarded in memory of staff and students that have died, recognising the significant impact and contribution that they made to the life of the school. 2024 is the inaugural year for the Sienna Weir Memorial Prize for Poetry. Sienna was from the class of 2017 and began her SCEGGS journey in Year 3. She had a great love for creative writing and poetry, so much so that Sienna achieved a mark of 98 in her HSC in Advanced English, the highest mark in this subject that had been achieved at SCEGGS. She went on to study English Literature at a tertiary level and excelled in her studies. Sadly, Sienna died last year as a result of a horse riding accident. This tragedy continues to have an impact on those who knew her, including myself. I remember her as an inquisitive and reflective student, determined in her outlook and full of enthusiasm for life. We shared plenty of laughs, a few tears but always a good, meaningful conversation.

A workshop was held earlier this year, made possible by the generosity of Sienna’s parents, Geoff and JoAnna, where 16 students from Year 6 and 7 came together, under the guidance of the Sydney based poet, Jane Gibian. The winner of this prize has been decided from this workshop and there are plans to publish the final products. It is a privilege to honour Sienna in this way and pay respect to and remember her grieving family.

 

A Massive Thanks  

I wanted to send out my appreciation to all of those within our community that have been so generous with donations of all sorts of items over this year. I delivered our most recent toiletry drive last Monday and when I opened the very full van, packed to the brim and smelling like the toiletry aisle of the supermarket, the worker that was present remarked how overwhelmed they were by the donation. At one of the agencies that I regularly take food to, one of the clientele asked me recently “What can we do for SCEGGS to return their wonderful generosity to us?”. This act of giving to those in need is deeply embedded in our Christian ethos but is also part of our culture historically and traditionally. It is something that I am very proud of and am always encouraged by.

 

A New Development for our Food Program

Many of you will know that over the last few years, a program has been going where I collect homemade food from families on a Monday morning to take to some of the welfare agencies around the Inner Sydney area. This year we had over 120 families and individuals provide food throughout the year, which is absolutely incredible. This is an amazing venture which is meeting a great need within our city, where more and more people are needing help to provide food for themselves and their families.

Next year, we are starting a new system of signing up to be on the roster. We will be using an app called “Sign Up” which will make it a lot easier for people to choose their dates to cook and the frequency that they would like to be involved. I will tell you more about it next year but I do want to thank Phillippa Baker (mother of Anja Baker – Year 7) for volunteering to do all of the groundwork with this. Whether you have been part of the program before or not, the app is up and running so see what it looks like then give it a go. Here is the link.

And of course, to all of you, I would like to wish a very joyful Christmas season, a refreshing holiday and for those leaving SCEGGS, all the best for the journey ahead. For those who aren’t, see you at the gate in 2025!

Rev. Garry Lee-Lindsay
Chaplain

Year 2 Camp

Year 2 Camp

On Thursday 21 November the Year 2 class set off with great excitement for their inaugural overnight camp at Stanwell Tops. The trip was filled with engaging activities and memorable experiences.

The first day was packed with enriching activities. Students participated in team-building games that fostered co-operation and camaraderie among classmates. A thrilling raft-building challenge at the pool tested their creativity and problem-solving skills, while an adventurous treasure hunt bush walk was an exciting way to explore the gorgeous bushland around us.

Day 2 brought new adventures as the young campers headed to the beach. They enjoyed entertaining beach games that provided both amusement and physical activity. We concluded our camp experience with a picnic lunch before heading back to school.

The teachers were thoroughly impressed by the maturity displayed by all the girls as they embraced the challenge of spending a night away from home. Their positive attitudes and resilience throughout the camp were truly commendable.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Johnstone, Miss Lynch, and Miss Gellert for their invaluable support and guidance during the Year 2 Camp. Their presence and dedication contributed significantly to the success of this memorable experience.

This camp marks an important milestone in the students’ journey, providing them with opportunities for personal growth, independence, and the creation of lasting friendships.

Kaitlin Ryan
Year 2 Teacher

Cape York 2024 Student Immersion

Cape York 2024 Student Immersion

We continue to share the personal reflections and photos from the students who were on this year’s immersion to Traditional Homelands in Cape York. This week we hope you enjoy the reflections from Talia Barrack (Year 10) and Laila Basha (Year 10).

For the previous week’s reflections see here.

Carol Bloomfield
Head of Student Wellbeing Programs

 

Reflections from the Cape York Immersion

My experience at Cape York was the most amazing time of my life. I learnt so much and I had so much fun. On this trip I went to the homelands Wurrey and Melsonby, both very different places where I experienced different things. Through these two homelands I learnt so much about the longest living culture that I could have never learnt while still being in Sydney.

At Wurrey, Uncle Bernie and Aunty Cheryl welcomed us onto their land. We had many discussions on the education system for Indigenous kids, learning a lot about language as well. Almost every day at this homeland we went down the creek to refresh and reflect. Learning from Uncle Bernie and Aunty Cheryl really changed my perspective on a lot of things. They shared their childhood stories; Aunty was taken from her home to go to boarding school at a young age. Uncle was going to be taken away, but he ran away and lived in the bush. Uncle Bernie also told us about his totem ‘Old man fog’, telling us that he would stay with us everywhere we travel. We made sand bottles out of the sand from the nearby beach.

Uncle Bernie and Aunty Cheryl took us on a bush walk where we learnt about different trees, plants and animals. We tried the green ant for the first time which I was nervous to try but it was fun to try. I really enjoyed learning about different bush tucker. We made scones with Aunty Cheryl with their honey from their bee hives. We had a language lesson with Aunty Cheryl in their traditional language, Guugu Yimithirr. Then Uncle Bernie showed us how to throw a spear and he set up a box as a target for all of us. The tactic was to throw the spear upwards rather than straight to the target. At night we watched a documentary, ‘An Australian Diaspora and land claim’. Then it was time to say goodbye to Aunty Cheryl. For our last night at Wurrey we all sat around the campfire and reflected on our experiences and thanked Uncle Bernie and Aunty Cheryl for welcoming us onto their land. We talked about our changed perspectives and were forever thankful for the experience that Uncle Bernie and Aunty Cheryl gave us.

The next morning it was time to leave Wurrey homeland and go to Melsonby. During our journey we did a scavenger hunt in Cooktown, learning about the history of it. We then went for a swim at Isabella falls but then it was time to start travelling again to our next homeland.

Then we were welcomed to Melsonby ranger station by Uncle Bulla and many other traditional owners who lived on the land. We were also welcomed by many puppies and their mum. Then we had a smoking ceremony done by the traditional owners to fight off evil spirits on the land. We set up camp and made dinner, going to sleep ready for the next day. This day Uncle Bulla took us on a bush walk where we saw many rocks painting and did many activities. We put these nuts on sticks and had to fling them as far as we could. He said this was a game that kids would play on the homeland. There were many plants on the bush walks that could be used for medicine, soap and dyes. The rock painting consisted of many things but the one that stood out to me were the paintings of spirits. Two that I remember were the medicine man and another short red man that would steal children. These were the evil spirits the smoking ceremony was protecting us from. Denta was another traditional owner that told us about the paintings, many used as maps from past generations. Then we went fishing with the traditional owners with hand lines which was surprisingly hard. Denta taught us how to do it and also got the bait on the hook for us. Then, Aunty Julie gave us rocks and paint, creating beautiful patterns on them. I had a very insightful conversation with one of the traditional owners, Denta. She really changed my perspective on many things and taught me new things about her culture that we would have never learnt in school. She told me about her totem and what it meant to her. Her totem was the brown snake and embodied the spirit of her old people. We learnt many other things about spirits and how it connected to the passing of people and future events. I found it extremely interesting to hear about the amazing connection to land that Indigenous Australians have. Denta also gave us her opinion on the education system, foster care and Australia Day. All these opinions have me a new perspective to consider.

We did more bushwalks, learning more about the traditional owner’s culture each day. There were so many rock paintings that we saw at Melsonby that each had a unique story and connected to their culture. After learning about many more paintings, we started to prepare the Gumura (cup Murray) to have for dinner that night. This was a special experience where the Elders taught us a traditional practice that many generations had used to prepare dinner. The Traditional Owners put all our tinfoil wrapped food in the underground oven and while we waited, we painted the rainbow serpent on the water tank of Melsonby. This was a great way to finish off our experience at this homeland, leaving our mark like every other school that had been there. We all added our handprints and our own animals on the tank and then left it to dry. After that night it was time to say goodbye to this homeland and go to the campsite to end this amazing experience.

This entire experience was once in a lifetime, and I could not wish for anything else. My highlight of this trip was talking to Denta about various aspects of her culture with many stories to tell about her life as an Indigenous woman. Uncle Bernie and Aunty Cheryl also were very open with their experiences, teaching me so much through stories and conversations. Denta mentioned when she was talking to me that one thing, she would change in the education system is the bullying. As an Indigenous person she experienced a lot of prejudice from for non-Indigenous classmates which caused her and many others to not finish school. I also heard many other confronting things that had happened to her family members because of bullying. This is the key thing I will take away from this trip because of the common misconceptions about Indigenous people’s education. I feel that no matter how hard the government tries to get Indigenous-Australians in school, the only thing that will keep them strong is to stop the bullying. I think this can be acted upon by me spreading this message to lots of people and passing on many of the stories that I heard from the traditional owners on both homelands.

Cape York was not only fun but a life changing experience for me that I would not trade for the world.

Talia Barrack (Year 10)

 

Cape York was an experience in which I will never forget and will forever be grateful for. It showed me and exposed so many important things and great experiences that I wasn’t aware of before. Being away from home, no technology, being around people 24/7. Meeting and getting to know the Traditional Elders were something unforgettable, truly a one in a lifetime experience. The knowledge and culture that they shared is something I will always treasure and hold dear. Thinking back and reflecting on the time spent at Cape York makes me rethink decisions in day-to-day life, things like gratitude and not taking anything for granted, it really made me realise how privileged and lucky I really am. Something I didn’t give much thought before. One of the things I really enjoyed was spending time with people that I didn’t know much before and creating unbreakable connections and friendships with people that I see daily, whether it was a teacher, fellow Year 10s and Year 9s. We all have a special connection now that we spent that precious time together which is something that I appreciate and love dearly. The first homeland we visited was Kalkajaka with the Traditional Owner Ian. We spent time, fishing, cooking, swimming, around the campfire, showing off our talents at the talent show and spending valuable time with everyone around the campfire, settling into this environment and getting used to the lifestyle. From this homeland I took way several values that I will keep close to my heart, kindness, teamwork, appreciation of the things we love and need and the benefits of green ants! Then we said bye to Ian and set off to meet Tim and Elaine at Panamuunji. This was a completely different experience as we started building things like flushing toilets and garden beds. This was an experience that at the time seemed a bit slow in the heat of Queensland but now that I look back it is something I will treasure. Now that I am back home, in the comfort of my own house and family I often think about my time away and catch myself missing certain aspects of Cape York life. It was a trip I am so very grateful for and recommend to everyone. This trip for me, brought about gratitude, knowledge, teamwork and just simply precious connections with people which is something we all take for granted and thanks to my experience it is something I aim never to do again.

Laila Basha (Year 10)

Year 10 Social Justice Program

Year 10 Social Justice Program

We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have courage to change old ideas and practices so that we direct their power to good end.

These are some inspiring words spoken by Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955), an African American civil rights activist, womanist, philanthropist and humanitarian who imagined and worked for a better world. This quote is a powerful reminder of the way that the young adults whom we teach, can be some of the most wonderful human beings who also want to help make our world a better place! And during this year’s Year 10 Social Justice Program, we witnessed just how thoughtful, engaged and interested these Year 10’s were in working towards being agents of change.

The theme of “Let me be as Christ to you” served as a reminder that our foundation as a school, calls for us to show love and compassion as Jesus did, and that this first begins with noticing and being aware of where in our world, there is injustice. As Jesus did, so must we do! His compassion, and also unwavering commitment to justice, meant that he provides for us, a model of how to love our neighbour with the same dignity and respect that we show to ourselves and those who are our family and friends.

Year 10 began the program by listening to, and learning from Uncle Roger, a Stolen Generations survivor who was taken from his mother at a very young age and lived at Kinchela Boys’ Home. Uncle Roger spoke about the harsh and cruel realities of his time there. He also spoke about his hope for all of us living here in Australia, that we can be a more reconciled people because of our common and shared humanity.

 

Florence Furness (Year 10) recounts beautifully what the talk from Uncle Roger meant to her:

“Year 10 was left feeling appalled as Uncle Roger described the hardships that Indigenous Australian boys faced, educating us and shining a light on not just the history of Indigenous People in Australia, but a personal story, from the mouth of a person who faced it. His words, “I don’t know why they made us do it, but they did” made my heart sink. It was such a valuable experience to be able to reflect on what Australia’s First Nations People have faced. At the end of Uncle Roger’s story, we were given the opportunity to ask him any questions we had. This was such a privilege, to be able to hear personal answers on a topic from someone who survived it. Uncle Roger’s story evoked not only the largest amount, but the most thoughtful and genuinely curious questions I’ve heard from my year group. I think the whole of Year 10 feels so lucky to have got this experience and we are so grateful to Uncle Roger for being brave enough to share such a powerful story with us.”

 

Year 10 were just as thoughtful and interested when they met with two survivors from the Rwanda Genocide in a program called Kumva and Kwibuka, which means to listen and learn. Hearing form Yvonne and Lambert about their experience of being refugees and finding safety and a life in Australia was moving and a reminder that we are citizens of a global world, and our responsibility is to all of humanity. The students’ questions were just as powerful as they were for Uncle Roger.

I am so proud of Year 10 and the way that they were prepared to listen and learn. They have been such a credit to the school, and to their year group and when they cooked at Our Big Kitchen in Bondi on the last day of the program, they showed that they really do want to help make the world a better place. Throughout the program, Year 10 have been willing to have difficult and hard conversations, bring energy and enthusiasm to the OBK and Yatimba dance activities and be some of the most inspiring and thoughtful young adults that have participated in the social justice program. Well done and thank you, Year 10. You really have shown us what it means to be “like Christ”.

Finally, I would like to thank all the teachers and staff who helped to make this program possible. Ms Marie Salakas delivered an informative and well considered seminar on our obligations as a nation to refugees and asylum seekers that enabled the students to ask as many questions about this, so that they could be informed about this social justice issue. Furthermore, without the help of Ms Eloise Ford, Ms Lidia Simpson, Ms Angela Pizzinga, Mr Paddy Molloy, Ms Agnes Hoareau and Mr Vic Woolley the program would not have been so successful. It was a successful program as Year 10 reflected to the community that they are people who care deeply about their world and want to help make it a more just place for all.

Dynielle Whitney
Head of Religious Education

Secondary Sport News

Secondary Sport News

Merry Christmas

On behalf of the PDHPE and Sports Department, we would like to thank the SCEGGS community for your support throughout the year. We wish everyone a safe and relaxing Christmas break with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you all back on the sporting field in 2025!

 

Touch Grand Finals – Easts Touch

Good luck to all teams who are playing in the Grand Finals of Easts Touch on Saturday at Queens Park.

SCEGGS 1 vs Kincoppal Rose Bay 1 9.50am
SCEGGS 6 vs Kambala 4  8.00am
SCEGGS 7 vs Kambala 5  9.00am
SCEGGS 9 vs St Vincent’s 10 9.00am
SCEGGS 11 vs Kambala 8 8.00am
SCEGGS 15 vs Kincoppal Rose Bay 17 8.00am

 

East Touch Best & Fairest

Well done to the following players who won Best and Fairest Awards from Easts Touch:

SCEGGS 5 Aiyana McKinley-Rowe (Year 10) Grade Senior F
SCEGGS 9 Annabelle Jessup (Year 8) Grade Junior C
SCEGGS 10 Lucinda Morgan (Year 8) Grade Junior D 

Photos this week are from Teams 4 and 10 who played their final matches last weekend.

 

Gymnastics

Congratulations to Jamilla Yamani (Year 8) who has just been named as a finalist in the 2024 Gymnastics NSW Awards for:

Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Junior Levels Athlete of the Year

 

Equestrian

Congratulations to Scarlett Webber (Year 9) who competed at the Sydney International 3 Day Event held last week. Scarlett won the 95 Eventing Open Class and was the Junior Winner as well. It was a class of 40 riders. Scarlett did a great job leading from the start with a great dressage, clear cross country run and 1 rail down in the showjumping to hold on to the lead. Well done Scarlett!

Also achieving in the sport of equestrian (dressage) is Isla Oxley in Year 8 and her horse Jett. Isla has won several Youth Championship competitions which saw her receive a Bronze in Medium at the Dressage NSW Awards night. She also represented NSW in Tamworth at the Australian Interschools Championships in which she won Reserve Champion for a novice.

 

Final Sporting Fixtures

Please note that the final round of matches for Easts Touch, IGSA Water Polo, IGSA Tennis, IPSHA Basketball and Year 3 Football will take place this Saturday November 30. We look forward to seeing all students in action.

 

Inter-House Tennis

Some of the action from Inter-House Tennis last week. Congratulations to Docker.

 

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.

 

SCEGGS Training sessions before and after school plus Saturday Sport

Any cancellations or adjustments will be made in Clipboard and families will receive a notification or email when changes are made. Please ensure you have notifications enabled.

All Clipboard notifications will now come through the SCEGGS Mobile App too, so if you have been receiving notifications from Clipboard (eg when sport is cancelled due to wet weather), you will need to download the SCEGGS Mobile App to ensure that you continue to receive these push notifications.

 

IGSA Fixtures, Results and Wet Weather

The IGSA website and platform for accessing wet weather, 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

Primary Sport News

IPSHA Sport

Round 6 of IPSHA Basketball took place on the weekend. All Year 6 teams lost their fixtures at home, although managed to win the second half of each game. A big shout out to the 4C team who had their first win of the season, defeating a strong MLC team 8-2. Well done girls for your perseverance. The 5C team had a tough outing against St Catherine’s and the 5B team drew 10-10 to MLC in an incredibly close game. Special mention to Eliza Wilcsek (Year 5) for her teamwork and enthusiasm. She also showed pinpoint shooting accuracy for the 5A team scoring five shots in a row. The 5A team has shown incredible skills this season and had another dominant performance, defeating Barker College 50-16.

A fantastic weekend of tennis for all teams. All four teams played extremely well and won their matches against tough competition. The SCEGGS 1 team has been a standout on the court this term with some incredible rallies and superb shot-making. Shoutout to Alice Chandler (Year 4) who not only excelled on the court but showed very professional umpiring of a doubles match. Congratulations to Mrs Joukhadar, her team of coaches, and all players for an excellent term of tennis.

 

Year 3 Football

Year 3 Football teams have done a fantastic job this term and shown great improvements with their understanding of Football tactics and skills. Mrs Sweeney has been happy with the efforts of the girls, particularly with their passing and shooting. The students have also shown good teamwork this season by supporting each other during the games. Well done to all Year 3 Football teams and Mrs Sweeney and her team of coaches for an excellent season.

 

K-1 Games and 2-3 Basketball Skills

The music was bouncing off the walls in the Old Gym last Thursday for K-1 Games as the girls were showing off their best dance moves. This term, participants have played a variety of fun games, learned to be a part of a team, and developed their movement skills under the watchful eye of our enthusiastic coaches.

Students in Years 2-3 have continued to involve themselves in different games and drills designed to develop their Basketball skills, including shooting, dribbling and passing.

 

Sport Reminders

  • IPSHA Tennis and Basketball, and Year 3 Football competitions finish on Saturday 30 November (Week 7). All students are expected to make this round.
  • Monday 2 December – Speech Night Years 3-12

On behalf of our dedicated coaches and staff, we want to thank all students (and their families) who have involved themselves and supported primary sport at SCEGGS this year. There have been so many highlights, and it has been truly fantastic to witness so many students embracing various activities. Lastly, well done to all Year 6 players. I hope you have enjoyed your final year of primary sport and wish you all the best next year.

Wishing all families a safe and joyous holiday break!

Mr Adrian Hammond
Primary Sports Coordinator

Primary & Secondary Music

Primary & Secondary Music

AMEB String Examinations

Congratulations to the 23 string players who have their practical music examinations at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music this month with the Australian Music Examinations Board. These national music examinations take months of preparation, both in lessons at school and with daily home practice. Special thanks to the string tutors who prepared the girls for these examinations – Ms Michelle Kelly, Ms Sophia Vasic, Ms Ella Bennetts, Ms Amelia McCluney, Ms Eliza Sdraulig, Ms Jessica Holmes, Mrs Anne Sweeney and to the exam accompanists Ms Jayne Groves and Ms Chloe Waldron Reilly.

Luciana Kwok (Year 1) Grade 1 Violin
Amelia Hidayat (Year 4) Grade 1 Violin
Ava Grange (Year 4) Grade 1 Violin
Rose Johnston (Year 4) Grade 1 Viola
Kate Gao (Year 3) Grade 2 Violin
Chloe Humphrys (Year 4) Grade 2 Violin
Diya Shankar (Year 6) Grade 2 Violin
Olivia Yeo (Year 5) Grade 2 Viola
Olivia Yan (Year 1) Grade 2 Cello
Alessandra Voitenko Turner (Year 5) Grade 2 Cello
Georgina Sharp (Year 4) Grade 2 Cello
Sophia Prodromou (Year 4) Grade 2 Cello
Romy Schmidt (Year 7) Grade 2 Double Bass
Charlotte Randall (Year 6) Grade 2 Double Bass
Matilda Napthali (Year 6) Grade 3 Violin
Peyton Tiong (Year 7) Grade 3 Cello
Harriet Hilton (Year 5) Grade 4 Violin
Alexis Monahan (Year 9) Grade 5 Violin
Olivia Flanagan (Year 7) Grade 6 Violin
Anna Slack (Year 7) Grade 6 Violin
Angelina Wang (Year 7) Grade 6 Violin
Olivia Chua (Year 7)  Grade 6 Violin
Zara Clarke (Year 11) Grade 8 Violin

 

Kids For Kids Charity Music Event

Primary musicians Amelia Chow, Alexis Rex-Ballard, Bianca Carroll, Fiona Wu, Isabelle Lee and Olivia Tan gave their time and talent to be involved with “Kids for Kids”, a charity music event at the University of Sydney last weekend to support the Cancer Council and the Daffodil Centre, focusing on aiding cancer-affected children and supporting cancer research. The girls dedicated extensive hours to rehearsing over weekends and during their spare time at home. Their hard work truly paid off and the event was a resounding success. The audience and the charity hosts were captivated and deeply moved, praising the SCEGGS girls for their dedication, passion, and generous spirit.

 

Musical Christmas Cheer in the Primary School

Parents of musicians in String Power and Stringalong were invited to an open rehearsal last week and were entertained with a medley of Christmas carols. The young string players from Years 1-3 showcased their progress and skill development, playing beautifully dressed in Santa hats and with their instruments decorated! Special thanks to Mr Jamie Krockenberger for playing Double Bass with the students for this performance.

This week, a pop-up playground performance before school on the Primary Playground by the most advanced primary string ensemble Chamber Strings brought a wonderful sense of Christmas cheer to the SCEGGS community, with students and parents alike bopping along in the audience! The string players were joined by vocalist Annabelle Coonan and drummer Klemintine Chylek for a selection of Christmas carols and a fun rendition the Wham song “Last Christmas”. Special thanks to Ms Allison Harrigan for vocal assistance to prepare Annabelle and Ms Jayne Groves for drum tutoring to assist Klementine.

 

Sydney Youth Orchestra Summer School (SYO)

Join SYO for five fun and intensive days in January of rehearsals and tutorials with Sydney’s best educators, culminating in a concert and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music to showcase the week of work. SYO Summer School is suitable for any student in primary or high school who plays an orchestral instrument, from those in their first year of playing through to AMEB Grade 7 or equivalent. SYO Summer School is open to all, no audition required. Click here for more information.

 

Noël! Noël! 2024

We are delighted to offer $20 tickets for students to the upcoming concert series, Noël! Noël! at City Recital Hall for the Thursday 12 and Saturday 14 December, 7.30pm performances. 

Find more information here.

 

Beyond the Green Gate

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

 

Clipboard

All co-curricular music ensemble schedules are now available on Clipboard. If you haven’t set this up yet, please follow the provided instructions. For any issues with Clipboard set-up, contact our Music Administration Assistant Miss Alice Kotowicz.

 

On behalf of Music Department, we would like to wish everyone Merry Christmas with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you all back on the sporting field in 2025!

 

Upcoming Events:

Term 4
Week 8 Monday 2 December Speech Night
  • Woodwind Ensemble
  • Basie Jazz Band
  • Holst Wind Ensemble
  • Amati Strings
  • Special Project Orchestra
  • Glennie Percussion Ensemble
  • Year 3 & 4 Choir (all students)
  • Combined Choir
Sydney Town Hall

 

Heidi Jones
Head of Music (Co-curricular)

Visual Arts

Visual Arts

SCOPE #14 has launched!

The Visual Arts Department is delighted to present the 14th edition of SCOPE, our student-led art magazine. This edition showcases a vibrant collection of articles, essays, and reviews written by students who have immersed themselves in the world of art in the broadest terms. Through their thoughtful engagement with artists’ work, exploration of contemporary issues shaping the art world, and insightful critiques of exhibitions they have visited, SCOPE continues to reflect the creativity and critical thinking that define our Visual Arts program. We hope you enjoy this inspiring journey through the perspectives of our talented students.

We take this opportunity to congratulate Isabelle Flower in Year 9 who has been outstanding in the position of Editor and to all the contributors to this issue you should feel very proud of your work!

Special thanks also to Ms Mercedes Schwedes who makes SCOPE look so beautiful!

Click here to view the 14th Edition of SCOPE. 

Scope will be up and running again in 2025 and students are encouraged to sign up early in Term 1 and get involved in stretching themselves as leaders, writers, collaborators and organisers.

 

Summer Art Exhibitions

If you are looking for things to do over summer, to beat the scorching heat and stimulate your creativity inspiration, Georgia O’Keefe of Year 10 has compiled a list of sensational art exhibitions happening around Sydney:

Georgia Says: “After the jubilation and relief of speech night, the holidays stretch eternally ahead. The empty days of heat and sun, at first so welcome, become daunting. Art galleries are the greatest escape from this feeling. Free, air-conditioned, and thought-provoking, and Sydney’s art scene should be the oyster of each SCEGGS girl’s holiday.”

Art Gallery of NSW (near the Domain)
  • Rene Magritte (French Surrealist painter) On now – 9 February
  • Cao Fei (Chinese Contemporary artist. Film, photography and installation on themes of surreal cyber futurism) 30 November-13 April
  • Nusra Latif Qureshi (Australian/Pakistani contemporary artist) On now- 15 June
Museum of Contemporary Art (Circular Quay)
  • Isaac Julien (British Contemporary artist. Multi-screen film installation critiquing the art world and colonial history) On now – 16 February
  • Primavera 2024 (Young Australian artists) On now until 27 January
S.H.Ervin Gallery (Observatory Hill)
  • Portia Geach Memorial Award Exhibition (58 portraits by Australian female artists) On now until 15 December
White Rabbit (Chippendale)
  • XSWL: xiao si wole//laughing to death (multimedia works commenting on China’s digital age) 18 December-18 April
Head On Photography Festival (annual international photography competition)
  • Multiple sites around Sydney including Paddington Reservoir and Bondi Beach Pavillion. On now until 1 December
  • Bus tour from Art Gallery of NSW
National Art School Galleries and Studios (Paddington)
  • Graduate show, 6-15 December

 

Congratulations to all our students for a most wonderful year of Visual Arts. We have loved teaching you and seeing you thrive in your creative work. Merry Christmas from all the Art Department!

Banner Acknowledgement: This week’s banner is Ms Brennan’s Year 8 ceramic “Tree of Life” sculptures.

Heidi Jackson
Head of Visual Arts

 

Public Speaking – Speech Tuition

Public Speaking – Speech Tuition

Speech Lessons are open to girls in Years 3 – 12. These follow the ASCA (Australian Speech Communication Association) Syllabus with graded examinations up to the Diploma of Communication (Year 12). The group lessons focus on all aspects of oral communication.

If you would like your daughter to continue with her Speech Lessons or commence lessons in 2025 please fill in the form below. The cut off date for enrolments will be February 3 2025. Places are limited so please sign up early to avoid disappointment.

Click here for the 2025 Speech Enrolment Form.

Elizabeth Walsh
Speech and Public Speaking Co-ordinator

Advance Life Photography Discounts for Select Group Photos Available

Advance Life Photography Discounts for Select Group Photos Available

Advanced Life 20% Discount on Sport & Co-Curricular Group Photos until Tuesday 10 December 2024

These school sports and co-curricular groups were photographed on 5 November 2024: 

Eastern Suburbs Touch Team 1 IPSHA Athletics
Equestrian IPSHA Gymnastics Team
Festival of Speech Primary Percussion Ensembles
History Debating Primary SRC
IGSA Gymnastics Team Primary Tournament of Minds
IGSA Tennis Comp Team 1 Secondary Tournament of Minds
IGSA Water Polo Team 1 Snowsports
Indoor Hockey Team 1 Years 5 & 6 da Vinci Decathlon

 

You can now view and purchase the group images listed above and if you place your order before 10 December you will get a 20% early order discount. Just click on the link below. Please note the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

Images can be viewed by visiting Advanced Life and entering the 9-letter school code (which can be found on the Parent Portal) and clicking on “Group Photos”.

Important

  • Sports and co-curricular group photos can only be purchased online, PLEASE DO NOT return payment to school
  • Photos will be sent to 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.

School Holiday Arrangements

School Holiday Arrangements

The School will close over Christmas and New Year from Monday 23 December 2024 and re-open on Monday 6 January 2025.

Reception will be open 8.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday during the remainder of the school holidays.

The SCEGGS Shop will be be open from Monday 6 January to the end of the school holidays from 9.00am to 3.30pm by appointment. Please call the school to make an appointment. The SCEGGS shop is closed from Monday 2 December to Friday 3 January.

 

Phil Rogers
Director of Administration

Blazer Pocket Awards

Blazer Pocket Awards

Girls in the Secondary School who are awarded a blazer ‘Pocket’ for excellence and outstanding achievement in a co-curricular activity can have their blazers embroidered only during holiday periods.

Awards will be announced at the End-of-Term Assembly on Friday 29 November.

Blazers may be left at the Student Services or Reception any time before 1.00pm on Tuesday 3 December (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 1.00pm Tuesday 3 December. Any late submissions will need to wait until the next School Holidays.

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

General Office

Careers Corner

Careers Corner

Welcome to Issue 58 of your Careers Corner Newsletter.

Featured in this issue is information about:

  • University Information Sessions
  • Entry Schemes and Admission Pathways

If you have any feedback or information for future Careers Corner Newsletters, please get in touch with our Careers Advisor, Andrea Pinnock.

Andrea Pinnock
Careers Advisor

Vacation Care

Vacation Care

With the Summer holidays fast approaching, we would like to take the opportunity to share our Summer Vacation Care Program with you.

Sumer Vacation Care will be operating for 4 weeks and 1 day of Vacation Care this Summer. 2 weeks in December, from Monday 9 December- Friday 20 December and 2 weeks in January, from Monday 13 January – Tuesday 28 January (closed Monday 27 public holiday).

Term 1 will start Wednesday 29 January 2025 for girls in Years 3-6 and the following day for Kindergarten.

We welcome all school aged boys and girls enrolled in primary school in 2024 and in January we welcome 2025 Kindergarten children.

We now use a simple Google Form for all bookings. Payments will be through Xplor using direct debit.

Confirmation of  your requested days will appear on the Bookings Calendar in your Xplor Home app by Wednesday 4 December. If they do not appear please contact me as soon as possible. Kindly be advised that cancellations made after Friday 29 November, will be subject to a cancellation fee equal to the standard daily rate.

Limited places are available each day and bookings are made on a first come, first serve basis.

Due to child to educator ratios, excursions are limited to 40 children per excursion, depending on the activity type.

Please reach out if you have any inquiries about Vacation Care, do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Adam Mawardi
After School Care Coordinator

 

Parents’ and Friends’ Association Events

Parents’ and Friends’ Association Events

Year 3 Family Fun Day Date: Sunday 1 December
Time: 12pm – 3pm
Location: Diamond Bay Bowling Club
709 Old South Head Road, Vaucluse
Ticket Cost: Ticket $20 per person. Barefoot bowling and food included.
Sibling welcome.
RSVP: Sunday 1 December 
The Trybooking link can be found here.