From the Chaplain

Toiletry Drive

When I have been delivering food, I have noticed that many organisations that provide food parcels are very low on toiletries. I will have a basket inside my office if anyone would like to donate these goods until the end of term. Items such as soap, conditioner, shampoo, roll on deodorant and toothpaste are needed (there seems to be an abundance of toothbrushes for some reason??). Sanitary pads and nappies are often sought after as well. At SCEGGS, we are always looking at how our community can serve the wider community in practical ways. Having said that, I also want to make it clear that there is never an obligation to donate and understand if people do not want too. Any help is always appreciated.

Confirmation at SCEGGS 

Confirmation has been part of the SCEGGS tradition since 1927. It is the Christian practice of confirming the promises made on one’s behalf at baptism. By being confirmed, the confirmee is saying that they understand the Christian faith and want to make it an important part of their lives. It is a formal way of declaring publicly a belief in Jesus Christ. The confirmation ceremony is not only an expression of faith but also a welcoming into the worldwide Christian church.

Confirmation is offered to all students in Years 8 to 11. There will be a number of meetings held during lunchtimes to prepare for the confirmation ceremony. During these meetings we will be looking at the basics of the Christian faith, discussing their importance and answering any questions you may have. All students are welcome. There is also an opportunity for those seeking baptism within the confirmation process. A confirmation service will be held in Term 2 in the School Chapel, officiated by the Bishop of South Sydney, the Reverend Michael Stead. Relatives and friends are invited to this very special occasion.

Please let me know if you would like your daughter to be part of this tradition by Friday, 13 March.  

Rev. Garry Lee-Lindsay
School Chaplain

Conditions of Enrolment

All families are encouraged to ensure that they are familiar with the Conditions of Enrolment at SCEGGS. These conditions cover important information about areas such as:

• Student and parent obligations
• Payment of fees
• The importance of disclosing any changes in the needs of a student
• Requests for student leave in advance (required for all absences other than illness)
• Process for providing at least one term’s notice before the withdrawal of a student and the charges if a shorter notice period is provided.

A full copy of the conditions of enrolment is always available publicly on the SCEGGS website.

Holly Gyton
Head of School

NAPLAN Testing

NAPLAN testing is being conducted nationally in the coming week.  These tests are conducted predominantly online, with each student in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 completing four different components over several days. The arrangements this year for students at SCEGGS are as follows:

Years 3 and 5

Years 7 and 9

If a student is absent on the day of a test, arrangements will be made for them to catch up on the test, provided they return to school within the testing window.

Parents/carers can expect to receive the reports on their daughter’s performance some point late in Term 2.

Additionally, I would also like to remind you about the content and structure of the report. The NAPLAN Proficiency Standards were introduced a few years ago with student performance consisting of four levels of achievement. These levels are labelled: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs Additional Support. We will provide you with more information about each of these levels and how to interpret the reports when you receive your daughter’s results.

If you have any questions or you would like further information about anything relating to NAPLAN please contact:

• Primary School: Cristi Wilsmore, Deputy Head of Primary (Teaching and Learning)
• Secondary School: Amy Webb, Director of Curriculum

Good luck to all students – just like any learning task, the most important thing is to try your best!

Amy Webb
Director of Curriculum

Year 6 Excursion to Canberra

Last week, Year 6 travelled to Canberra for a three-day, two-night excursion that connected classroom learning with real-world experience. Designed to enhance their History studies, the program immersed the girls in the story of Australian Federation, democracy and citizenship through an interactive and engaging program.

On Wednesday morning, our learning began at the National Capital Exhibition, located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Here, the girls explored the story of Canberra’s selection as Australia’s capital city and its significance as a powerful symbol of Federation. When Canberra was chosen in 1908, an international design competition was held to plan the new city. The girls were fascinated to learn that Marion Mahony Griffin played a pivotal role in the winning design. Although only her husband, Walter Burley Griffin, was formally credited at the time, Marion’s creative contribution has been increasingly recognised in more recent decades.

Our focus then shifted to Australia’s democratic history at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Through the People Power and Making Change program, the girls examined key moments in Australia’s political story and reflected on the leadership of past Prime Ministers. A particular highlight was sitting in the historic House of Representatives chamber, where the girls gained a deeper understanding of parliamentary roles and procedures.

From there, we visited the National Electoral Education Centre, where the girls participated in a simulated federal election. With candidates named Orange, Apple, Peach and Banana, the experience brought the electoral process to life. The girls took on roles including issuing ballot papers, guarding the ballot box, counting preferences and scrutinising results. The interactive nature of the session helped them understand the responsibility and complexity of Australia’s voting system.

Later that afternoon, we travelled to Mount Ainslie Lookout, where the panoramic view of the bush capital made the city’s geometric design immediately apparent. From this vantage point, the girls identified the National Triangle, with Parliament House, Defence Headquarters and City Hill forming its key points.

Thursday morning took us to Government House, the official residence of the Governor-General. This visit furthered our exploration of Australia’s democratic framework, as the girls learnt about the swearing-in of Prime Ministers, the signing of legislation and the recognition of outstanding Australian citizens. Set across expansive and beautifully maintained grounds, Government House is rich in tradition and history. Unfortunately, the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, was in Darwin on official business during our visit. However, members of her staff were on hand to generously answer the girls’ many thoughtful questions.

Following this, we visited the National Gallery of Australia, where the girls participated in guided tours in small groups. They analysed significant works and made connections to their Visual Arts learning, particularly enjoying the opportunity to view Blue Poles: Number 11, 1952 by Jackson Pollock.

Our visit to the Australian War Memorial was both reflective and meaningful. Through the We Will Remember Them program, the girls considered the importance of remembrance and the reasons we continue to honour the service and sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women. Listening to personal stories and learning about symbols such as the poppy deepened their understanding of commemoration and national memory.

At Parliament House, the girls toured both the House of Representatives and the Senate, strengthening their understanding of how laws are debated and passed, how governments are formed and how accountability is maintained. In the Parliamentary Education Office, they stepped into the role of Members of Parliament, debating a bill in a lively and engaging mock session that brought the legislative process to life.

Our final stop was Questacon. Despite feeling a little weary after two full days of learning, the girls enthusiastically embraced the hands-on exhibits exploring robotics, the human body, Earth’s forces and the evolving relationship between humans and machines. A few brave participants, including Ms Lock, Miss Whitfeld and Mr Massey, even tested their courage on the two-storey Free Fall slide!

The Year 6 girls are to be commended for the maturity, curiosity and enthusiasm they demonstrated throughout the excursion. They represented the school with pride and embraced every opportunity to extend their learning beyond the classroom. We look forward to seeing how these rich experiences continue to shape their thinking in the weeks ahead.

My sincere thanks to Ms Lock, Miss Whitfeld, Ms Kerner and Mr Massey for being part of the adventure and for the outstanding care they showed our Year 6 girls. Their support ensured a safe, purposeful and memorable experience for our Year 6 students.

Cristi Wilsmore
Deputy Head of Primary (Teaching and Learning)

2026 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge

It is with great pleasure that we announce the launch of the 2026 Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) at SCEGGS Darlinghurst!

The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition or a fundraiser, but a challenge to each student to read, to read more, and to read more widely.

Kindergarten to Year 2

The students in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 will participate in the Challenge at school. Their online Reading Logs will be completed by Mrs McBride.

Years 3 to 6

The Years 3 to 6 students are invited to participate in the Challenge by reading 20 books, 10 from the PRC booklist and 10 of their own choice. This is followed by the completion of an online Reading Log. The girls will be shown how to complete their online Reading Log during a Library lesson in March.

Every student will be issued with a new Department of Education username and password during their Library lesson.

How to register and record books online:

1. Go to the PRC website
2. Click LOGON. This will take you to the NSW Department of Education portal login page. This is where students need to enter their username and password.
3. Complete the READER SURVEY if prompted.
4. You are now ready to complete the ONLINE READING LOG.
5. Click on top right – CIRCULAR ICON.
6. Click MY READING LOG. Add PRC Book or Personal Choice Book by title.

The Premier’s Reading Challenge concludes on 18 September 2026. All students who complete the Challenge will be presented with a personalised certificate in Term 4.

Please visit the PRC website for further information, or do not hesitate to contact me.

Karen McBride
Primary Teacher Librarian

P&F AGM and Nominations

We hope to see many of you at the Annual General Meeting of the P&F:

Date:                    Tuesday 10 March

Time:                    6.30pm for drinks and refreshments for a 7.00pm start

Venue:                 Joan Freeman Lecture Theatre

Parking:               JF Carpark, St Peters Street

I am pleased to present the following nominations for the 2026 P&F Committee:

Votes and elections for the candidates will be held at the AGM; we encourage you to attend and have your say!

Rob Jessup
P&F President

Secondary Sport News

In Secondary School sports news this week read about:

• The Inter-House Cross Country Carnival
• The NSW All-Schools Triathlon
• The IGSA Swimming Championships
• Student achievements in Athletics and Surf Lifesaving
• Snowsports

Secondary Inter-House Cross Country Carnival

The SCEGGS Secondary Inter-House Cross Country Carnival will take place on Tuesday, 10 March at Queens Park. Students should arrive no later than 6.45am and meet near the toilet block at Baronga Ave (opposite Moriah College).

ALL students from Years 7-12 are strongly encouraged to attend and participate. Bring your House spirit and don’t forget to wear your House colours. Parents, siblings, dogs and any staff are also welcome to attend and cheer on the competitors. Please remember to stay to the outside of the course and not crowd the finish line.

The schedule for the morning is as follows:

7.00am – Warm Up Race 1

7.05am – Race Briefing and House participant count

7.10am – Start Race 1 – 15, 16, 17, 18 years age groups

7.15am – Warm Up Race 2

7.25am – Race Briefing and House participant count

7.30am – Start Race 2 – 12, 13, 14 years age groups

7.45am – Finish

7.50am – Buses depart Queens Park to return to SCEGGS

Triathlon

Congratulations to our outstanding team of students who competed in the NSW All-Schools Triathlon on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 February at the Sydney International Regatta Centre.

Thirteen girls took part in the Individual Triathlon and Aquathon events, some competing for the very first time. They did an excellent job managing the logistics of transitions, equipment and race requirements in extremely hot conditions, demonstrating resilience and determination throughout the day.

In the Teams event, 45 students represented SCEGGS across 15 teams – Junior, Intermediate and Senior divisions. Despite overcast skies and continuous drizzle that made the bike leg particularly challenging, our students competed with pride, supported one another and gave their best effort from start to finish.

We hope this experience has provided new opportunities and inspired students to pursue future triathlon and multisport events. We are incredibly proud of their commitment and enthusiastic participation to sporting opportunities at SCEGGS.

Swimming

The SCEGGS Swimming team to compete at the IGSA Swimming Championships has now been finalised. The team had a fun warm-up meet last Friday at Cranbrook School. SCEGGS teamed up with Cranbrook in the Dual Relay style event and placed 2^nd overall behind a combined Trinity Grammar/Meriden team.

Good luck to the SCEGGS Swimming team who will compete at the IGSA Swimming Championships on Friday March 13 at SOPAC.

Athletics

A huge shout out to Matilda Emanuel (Year 12) who was selected by Athletics Australia to compete in the Women’s 800m at the Hobart Track Classic, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour on 28 February. The meet featured Australia’s best athletes (including Paris 24 Olympians and Paralympians).

Matilda placed 7^th out of 11 competitors, ran a personal best time of 2:08.15 and attained the World Junior Qualifying time for the 800m. Well done Matilda, we are so proud of you.

Surf Lifesaving

Congratulations to Emily Snow (Year 7) who competed in the Nippers State Championships that were held in Newcastle recently. Emily achieved some excellent results:

• Silver Medal – U13 Female Flags
• Gold Medal – U13 Mixed Beach Relay

Snowsports

Preparation for the 2026 snow season has now begun. All interested families are encouraged to sign up with the Term 2 Sports Nominations selections. You are not locked in if you change your mind later in the term.

Anyone keen to compete for SCEGGS this year should book your accommodation immediately before everything books out.

SCEGGS competes at the Sydney Regional Championships that will be held at Perisher from July 14-17. All students from Kindergarten through to Year 12 are eligible to compete. The Sydney Regionals are a participation orientated competition. However, all skiers and snowboarders do need to be capable of skiing a blue run unassisted.

For more information and any questions please contact Alison Gowan on 0418 491 521.

Easts Touch

For all the latest Touch results please refer to the East Touch webpage.

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

Saturday Sport

The Year 3 Basketball teams continue to go from strength to strength and it was impressive watching some of the action last Saturday at Heffron Centre. Congratulations to the SCEGGS Blue team who came away with a 12 to 8 victory against a strong Ascham team and special mention to Adelle Conomos for being a standout performer.

Another highlight from the weekend was the IPSHA Water Polo team who had their first win of the term. The team has been training hard, working on their defensive tactics, passing, and strength in the water, and thoroughly deserved the victory. The team also played with no substitutes making the win even more impressive. Congratulations girls! You should be proud of your efforts.

In IPSHA Football, the Year 6 teams are leading the way. The 6A team had a strong performance across the park with every player working hard and fulfilling their role effectively. The team maintained good structure and intensity throughout the match, creating consistent pressure and moving the ball well. Madeleine Chirakis, Rose Johnston, and Victoria Tang were standout contributors, demonstrating excellent skill, good positioning and an impressive work rate. Rose’s impact in the attacking third was particularly good, finishing confidently to score both goals and secure a well-deserved result for the team.

The score did not reflect the performance of the 6B team as the girls gave absolutely everything from start to finish. Alexandra Hackett and Sasha Copley were excellent in defence making several strong tackles and showing real determination, but they were not the only ones who deserve credit because the entire team worked hard and battled throughout the match. The girls played with enthusiasm and with a bit more luck they could easily have scored a couple of goals. It was a spirited and committed performance and Mr Bradley and the coaches were all very proud of the team.

IPSHA Swimming Carnival

The IPSHA Swimming Carnival took place on Tuesday, 3 March at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre and 20 SCEGGS girls attended from Years 3 to 6. Our youngest competitor was Alice Zhang in Year 3. The girls did an excellent job on the day, showed great team spirit, and cheered each other on. Many of the girls swam personal best times in what was an extremely competitive meet. Congratulations to all students who achieved a top four place in their heat and took home a ribbon for their efforts. Special mention to Lark Xiao (Year 4) who was a standout performer and finished 6^th overall in the 50m Freestyle with a time of 34.49 and Alice Zhang (Year 3) who finished 5^th in her 50m Freestyle race in the 8-Year-Old division.

Some of the team also attended a friendly meet at Ascham in the lead up. It was an enjoyable experience and a great opportunity for the girls to practise under race conditions. A big thank you must go to Ms Styles and the team of SCEGGS swim coaches who supported the girls in the lead up and at both carnivals. Congratulations to the SCEGGS Swim Team on their commitment, efforts, and determination in the pool.

Sporting Reminders:

• For any questions or issues, please email Adrian Hammond and the SCEGGS Sport Department.
• Girls must arrive in the correct SCEGGS uniform, including a hat, water bottle and other sports-specific equipment required to play (e.g. shin pads for football).
• For all IPSHA Football fixtures, please ensure your daughter takes both running shoes and football boots to every game.
• Any potential changes or cancellations, including for wet weather will be made in Clipboard via a push notification.
• If your child is going to be absent from Saturday sport, then you need to contact Helen Dempsey at least one week prior to gain approved leave.

Important Sports Dates:

Have a wonderful week and a reminder to students to ‘Shine their Light’ on the sporting field.  

Mr Adrian Hammond
Primary Sport Coordinator

Secondary Music

Our girls have had some wonderful experiences in the music classroom this term. Here, students from Years 8 and 9 provide their fascinating insights!

Year 8 Taikoz Incursion

We had such a fun and memorable time playing Taiko with the amazing performers from Taikoz. From the very first drumbeat, the room was filled with energy and excitement. It wasn’t just about learning the rhythms or playing the drums, but it was about listening to each other, and feeling the power of the drums as a group.

The experience felt so meaningful and unique due to how generously the Taikoz artists shared Taiko culture with us. They spoke about Japanese customs and traditions, and even taught us some Japanese words along the way. It felt like we were being welcomed into something important, not just being taught how to play an instrument and it’s something we’ll be talking about for a long time.

Mackenzie Jothy (Year 8)

HSC Encore

ENCORE is a prestigious annual concert that highlights outstanding performances and compositions of HSC Music students. All the performances were performed at an exceptional standard, although some stood out to us more than others.

This included a vocal performance of Vanilla Ice Cream (from She Loves Me),  displaying the singers outstanding vocal control and dynamics; a Clarinet player performing Klezmer Dances No. 3 that showed impressive use of virtuosic techniques and  the full range of the clarinet. And a composition titled The Altars of Glass, which utilized a unique arrangement of instruments (Piano, Piccolo, Tenor Drum & Violin), which blended wonderfully together. 

ENCORE was a fabulous opportunity to hear a range of styles and performances. We learnt that you don’t need to perform the hardest or fastest piece to achieve an outstanding mark. Instead, you can explore your own musical journey and achieve the highest outcomes. ENCORE is a truly wonderful and valuable experience. 

Audrey Young & Ruby Tyrrell (Year 9) 

David Gresham
Head of Music (Curriculum)

Careers Corner

Careers Corner

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

Andrea Pinnock
Careers Advisor

School Opal Card

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply for a new card or update their existing card as soon as possible. Students who receive a notification that their School Opal card is expiring need to re-submit their details. 
 
If a student has lost their School Opal card, they will need to apply for a replacement card. 

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card.

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use. This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents/carers ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

Phil Rogers
Director of Administration