From Ms Allum

On Monday Year 8 held their Pastoral Care Day with the theme “We’re all in this together.” One of their group activities was to produce an artwork with each group’s tile coming together to form a big picture.

This simple yet powerful concept is a reminder that each and every one of us is in an integral part of the big picture of SCEGGS – one missing part and the picture is incomplete! As we come to the end of Term 1, I extend my warmest thanks to all of you for being a part of the mosaic of SCEGGS – whether you are a student representing the School in sport, a teacher delivering a lesson, a staff member who works “behind-the-scenes” or a parent who generously volunteers their time or expertise, your contribution is deeply appreciated and valued.

I was delighted to see many girls and their families join us for our Easter Service last night; a solemn yet joyous occasion reminding us of the significance of Easter. I hope the message of hope, renewal and celebration resonates with you these holidays and I look forward to a wonderful Term 2 ahead!

Best Wishes

Jenny Allum
Head of School

From the Chaplain

The SCEGGS Podcast “Walk The Mile” Episode 34: The Gift of Giving

There are a wide range of causes and projects that, on any given day, we might be called upon to donate towards. In the end, it is up to the individual to consider what philanthropy might mean to them, how they might want to contribute, what they think is worthy of their contribution or even if it’s necessary. In this episode, two very active members of our parent body, Christy Boyce and Matt Jones, share their thoughts on giving and how it plays an important part in their thinking and practice.

And a reminder that we are published on Spotify, Apple, Google Podcast and Deezer, so you can access it easier from your preferred device. I always welcome your feedback or any ideas you may have for further episodes. You will find each podcast as they are produced in this newsletter and on the other platforms as well as our website.

And on that note, I want to say how encouraged I have been by the nature of giving that I have seen over this past term by many members of our community. There was an incredible amount of items for Harvest Festival and our toiletry and pet items drive. And the number of volunteers for our weekly food contribution to Rough Edges on a Monday morning continues to grow. It is such a privilege to work amongst such a generous community and that together we can make difference to those around us. As it gets closer towards winter and the temperature drops, we will run a blanket and instant coffee drive after the holidays for those living on our streets. More information about that will be available next term. I hope you all have a lovely break and that the Easter messages of hope and restoration will provide comfort and strength.

Garry Lee-Lindsay
School Chaplain

Jump Rope for Heart “Jump Off”

On Tuesday morning, the Primary School came together for a giant “Jump Off” to celebrate their incredible achievements as part of the “Jump Rope for Heart” fundraising initiative.

This term, as part of our House Families program, the Year 6 leaders have led our involvement in this program which has seen us raise an outstanding amount of money for the Heart Foundation, all while getting fit. Established in 1983, Jump Rope for Heart is a skipping and fundraising program run in Australian primary schools every year. It encourages kids to have a positive attitude towards exercise, healthy eating and heart health, all while raising vital funds to fight heart disease.

During the “Jump Off” morning, each House took to the playground to show off their well-developed skipping skills. The energy was high, as Nina from Jump Rope for Heart also confirmed that SCEGGS had currently raised over $20,000, making us the second highest fundraising school in the whole of Australia!

Special Mentions and certificates were also awarded to girls who racked up the highest numbers of hours skipping and greatest funds raised.

Most hours skipped:

• Claire Tesvic (Year 5): 12 hours 40 mins
• Amelia Mitchell (Year 5): 10 hours 18 mins
• Maya Clark (Year 3): 8hrs 28 mins
• Abigail Tanious (Year 3): 7h 15m
• Evie Thorpe (Year 5): 6h 30m

Most money raised:

• Mimi Macris (Year 2): $1081.53
• Ying Huang (Year 4): $1052.76
• Natalia Adrian (Year 4): $1046.22
• Giselle Wharton (Year 5): $1000.00

Jump Rope for Heart has been a great Primary School initiative and we thank the girls and their families for participating wholeheartedly in this fundraising venture. A special thanks must go to Mrs Sarah Johnstone for facilitating the organisation of the program.

Helen Dempsey
Head of Primary

Visual Arts

Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize

We are delighted to announce that two of our co-curricular tutors have been selected for the 2023 Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize. Lilli Stromland and Chris Gleisner are both finalists in this prestigious annual acquisitive prize that aims to provide opportunities for emerging and established women artists in Australia. It is the highest value professional artist prize for women in Australia. We congratulate both Lilli and Chris!

The exhibition opens on 12 May 6.00 pm-8.30 pm at Ravenswood School for Girls, Centenary Centre, 10 Henry Street, Gordon, NSW. We warmly invite Lilli and Chris’ co-curricular students and the broader school community to attend.

National Art School Holiday Workshops

Autumn School Holiday Art Workshops are open for booking, held Tuesday 11 – Friday 14 April and Monday 17–Friday 21 April 2023. NAS’s on-campus workshops cater to young people from ages 6–16, offering a variety of creative experiences in engaging and nurturing studio environments, taught by first class artist-educators.

You can book here.

Mosman Youth Art Award

Mosman Art Gallery aims to supports the next generation of artists through the Mosman Youth Art Prize. Each year young artists are invited to submit their drawings, paintings, photographs, videos, prints, sculpture and ceramics.  

Entries are open for artists aged 12 – 21. Many SCEGGS students choose to enter and are often selected for exhibition, so we encourage as many entries as possible! Applications and more information can be found here.

Year 10 Modernism Paintings

Finally, we are thrilled to share a beautiful range of Year 10 paintings from their recent assignment on Modernism. These works are accomplished examples of students’ understanding of the principles and approach of early to mid 20^th century painters. The entire selection of Year 10 works are currently on show in the Luci Campbell Memorial Cabinets opposite the Lecture Theatre entrance.

This week’s banner is from Year 10 student Isobel Murray’s Modernism assignment.

Heidi Jackson
Head of Visual Arts

Year 6 Build a Business

In Year 6 Mathematics, the girls were challenged to explore the mathematics behind what makes a successful business. Through the Build a Business project, the girls were tasked with designing their own business. The brief was to create a product that appealed to a targeted demographic, in this case Year 3 and Year 4 girls, to be sold on Market Day. Working in small groups as business partners, the Year 6 girls began the process by developing a Business Plan. During this phase of the project, the girls spent time researching and calculating all the associated costs required to create their product. This included mathematical calculations to determine the quantity of materials required to purchase to create a specified number of products as well as calculating the cost price for each individual product. From here, the girls were able to assign a suitable sale prices and estimate the profit they anticipated to make on Market Day.

There was a buzz of excitement on Market Day last Wednesday. The Year 3 and Year 4 girls came to school ready with their $5 to spend on the most enticing products! The Year 6 girls started their business with a small float and each transaction involved the use of effective and efficient mental strategies to calculate total cost and change required. Each business developed their own record keeping process to ensure their books were balanced at the end of the trading period. The girls were required to use effective and efficient strategies to count the cash they had collected and to double check each other’s calculations. With the final totals recorded, the girls then set to work to calculate their profit margin. In coming back to the original question “What does it take to build a successful business?”, the girls then analysed their financial data and reflected on their experience of being business owners. Collectively, Year 6 made a profit of $833.30 which they have decided to donate to the Cancer Council.

Living in a predominately cashless society, children do not have the breadth of opportunities to handle, manipulate and count cash like they used to. Nonetheless, financial literacy remains an essential life skill. In the younger years, financial literacy in Mathematics is best taught through practical financial problems. The Build a Business project provided a meaningful context for the girls in Year 6 as the business owners and the Year 3 and Year 4 girls as the customers to apply mathematical concepts such as place value, mathematical operations, efficient strategies for calculating with money, data analysis, reasoning and problem solving. There was certainly lots of mathematics to process and understand!

Cristi Wilsmore
Deputy Head of Primary (Teaching and Learning)

Science News

Our Year 8 scientists write about their recent Excursion and Incursion.

Year 8 Excursion at Kamay Botany Bay, Environmental Education Centre

On Tuesday 7 March our Year 8 class went on a fascinating excursion to Kamay Botany Bay, Environmental Education Centre. In Term 1 we had been investigating everything to do with the underwater: the anatomy of coral, the Great Barrier Reef, and oceanic adaptations. This intriguing adventure allowed us to take a closer look into one of Sydney’s very own biodiverse ecosystems and how everything has evolved, changed, and continues to work together.

When arriving at Kamay Botany Bay, the environment changed. It began to transform into a bushland at the brink of an ocean, rather than a city bordering the harbour. This national park provided an in depth example of how Sydney has evolved due to humans building, and destroying natural landscapes.

During the time here we worked hard, exploring the woodlands and the beach, and comparing the two types of environments. We also identified different animals by their appearance and description.

We also went down to the rock platform, investigating the different types of organisms that call it home. Tinged with sadness, we also learnt about the devastating human impacts such as climate change, plastic and noise pollution, infrastructure, oil spills and overfishing that have caused this seamless ecosystem to become vulnerable and for some species close to extinction. Additionally, the Year 8s explored how the Indigenous population used the local wildlife to build their own communities and the wide variety of native plants that inhabit this area. Overall, this excursion was filled with laughter, new experiences, and a different view of the topic. This excursion has allowed us to connect with what we are learning on a new level and elevate our learning further.

Isabella Brook

Year 8 Incursion a visit by George Evatt, International Cinematographer

On Wednesday of Week 7 George Evatt came to speak to Year 8. George is a well-known marine cinematographer who has filmed scenes for countless movies including the new movie “Blue Back”. He has worked with National Geographic and David Attenbourgh. This term Year 8 has been studying coral, adaptations and ecology, so he showed us amazing footage and images of marine life we have never even thought of before and that are only found of the east coast of Australia.

For example, the Blanket Octopus, an octopus so rare,  few scientists have encountered it and very little is known about it.

We saw videos of blue whales just metres away from the camera and photos of weedy sea-dragons only found in Australia and ghostly footage of octopii and cuttlefish gliding across the sea bed, while changing and shifting their colour to blend into their surroundings.

Do you know why we have such incredible and unqiue marine life in Australia? It is because of the East Australian Current (EAC), which goes along the whole east coast and plunges into the cold Tasman waters. This current, while low in nutrients, transports warm water and a variety of organisms such as sea turtles, tuna, lobsters and dolphins.

Lastly, we learnt the three main ways humans impact and threaten oceans and all the life they contain; green house gases, overfishing, and pollution. He discussed the disappearance of the Giant Kelp Forests in Tasmania due to these human impacts, especially the heating of the waters around Tasmania due to the strengthening EAC (as a result of climate change).

Though this was depressing, we have learnt about some of the innovative things people have done to combat these imposing problems. For example, the Crown of Thorns Starfish invaded and ravaged the coral, devastating the reefs, and we learnt scientists have now created a robot that preys upon the starfish.

George Evatt showed us what we can do and why we should help the oceans and all the amazing life they contain. His photos of unique marine life just off the beach were captivating. He implored us to go snorkelling, to explore, to experience and to help the marine life and oceans. Overall, I thought it was an inspiring talk and, I can’t wait to go snorkelling!

Phoebe Lowe

Music Matters

Congratulations Musicale 1 “Disney”

Congratulations to the following ensembles who performed in last Tuesday evening’s Disney themed Musicale 1:

• Cantare
• Chamber Strings
• Choir
• Contemporary Strings
• Contemporary Vocal Ensemble (CVE)
• Clarion Band
• Glennie Percussion
• Madrigal Ensemble
• Primary Cello Ensemble
• Primary String Octet
• Primary Percussion Ensemble
• Primary Ukulele Ensemble
• Sinfonietta
• Stringalong
• Van Reyk Percussion
• Year 7 Choir

Special congratulations to the Year 7 Choir who made their first performance this year singing The Promise, a work commissioned for the School’s 125^th Anniversary, composed by Alice Chance and Georgiana Thomas Peddell.  The Year 7 Choir also sang in the concert’s finale item, selections from the movie Brave, composed by Mandel.  The performance was accompanied by Contemporary Strings, the Van Reyk Percussion ensemble, Choir, Madrigal Ensemble and Cantare.  It was a great evening with many of the recognised Disney melodies enjoyed by the packed audience!  Many thanks to the Music staff and tutors who diligently prepared their ensembles for the concert.  It was lovely to see the evening so well supported by parents, friends and teachers of the SCEGGS community.

Bugles’ Open Rehearsal Morning – Tuesday 4 April

It was wonderful to see the parents who were able to participate and share in the music performed by the students from Bugles Band.  The rehearsal was directed by the band’s conductor and Director of Bands, Mr Michael Tierney.  The students played a variety of pieces that they have rehearsed throughout Term 1.  We look forward to Bugles upcoming participation in the City of Sydney Eisteddfod in Term 2 Week 6.

Invitation for Interested String Players to apply for AUSTA String Festival 2023

An open invitation is extended to any interested String players who would like to participate in the 2023 AUSTA’s (Australian Strings Association) String Festival on Sunday 21 May.  The event is designed to invite young string players to play in a friendly, non-competitive and supportive environment.  Players may perform either a solo piece or a work with an accompanist.  For further information please visit here.  Entries closes 7 May 2023.

Upcoming Music Events for Term 2

Upcoming Music Events for Term 3

Pauline Chow
Head of Music

Years K-6 Mother’s Day Breakfast: Save the Date

All Mother’s, Grandmothers, Great Grandmother’s and special female family friends are warmly invited to join us at the SCEGGS Years K-6 Mother’s Day Breakfast and Assembly on Tuesday 9 May. The breakfast will start at 7.30am on the Primary playground and will be followed by a special assembly in the Great Hall. The morning celebrations will conclude by 9.00am.

Please note, no parking will be available on site and the carline on Bourke St must be left free for drop off. Parking is available in nearby streets or at the Riley St paid parking garage. However, getting a lift or ride to the morning is highly recommended.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Helen Dempsey
Head of Primary

Parents’ and Friends’ Association Trivia Night – Save The Date

The Parents’ and Friends’ Association (P&F) Trivia Night is back!

Save the date on Friday 2 June 2023 for an evening of fun, great company and a little healthy competition!

Tables of 10 will go on sale at the start of Term 2 – watch this space for booking information, or contact the P&F for more information.

Secondary Sport News

Tennis

Congratulations to the SCEGGS Junior 1^st Tennis Team who placed 3^rd overall in the J01 grade after defeating Wenona 7-1 on the weekend at Camperdown Tennis Centre.

IGSA Water Polo

Congratulations to the SCEGGS 1 Water Polo team who defeated Kambala 13-7 to win the IGSA S02 grade.

SCEGGS 2 played out a thrilling match against Queenwood 4 for a 9-9 all draw to place equal 3^rd in S07 grade.

Well done also to the SCEGGS 4 team who were runners up in J04 after a close fought Grand Final against PLC Sydney.

Down south in Hurstville the SCEGGS 4 (Year 7) team played their final match of the season against St Vincent’s. Well done to all players who participated in the Water Polo competition.

Good luck to Claudia Quinn (Year 11) who is attending the Australian Water Polo camp at the AIS in Canberra this week as part of the Australian Cadet Squad. We trust that this will be a wonderful learning experience.

Equestrian

Good luck to all the SCEGGS Equestrian riders who will be competing at the NSW All Schools Equestrian Championships in the holidays:

• Scarlett Webber (Year 8)
• Hannah Doolan (Year 9)
• Maggie-Rose Dunlop (Year 12)
• Chloe Copp (Year 12)
• Georgina Sharp (Year 3)

Here’s hoping for sunny weather after last year’s competition was a washout.

Cricket

Well done to Elspeth Herbert (Year 8) and Marnie Flett (Year 8) who both competed recently in the NSW Youth Cricket Championships.

Elspeth was Vice-Captain for North Shore and contributed strongly with the bat and as wicket keeper in a nail-biting semi-final loss.

Marnie captained the Inner West team to win the NSW U13 Mollie Dive Shield and took three wickets in the final. It’s the first time that Inner West Harbour has won the shield since the competition began in 1998.

BCNA Pink Sock Round – May 13

This year IGSA in conjunction with Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), is inviting schools to get involved in this season’s PLAY4BCNA “Pink Sock Round” in support of Australians affected by breast cancer. The PLAY4BCNA round will take place across all IGSA competitions on Saturday 13 May 2023 – Mothers’ Day weekend. Basketball, netball and football players are encouraged to wear BCNA Pink socks and hockey to wear BCNA Pink Laces for the round.

SCEGGS has registered for Pink Sock Round and will be sending around a link for any players who would like to be involved. Stay tuned for more information.

Focus Football Holiday Training

If anyone is looking to brush up on their football skills in the holidays SCEGGS will be hosting some holiday camps through Focus Football. Contact SCEGGS Head Coach Craig Blesson on 0422 372 913 for more information.

Volleyball

Well done to Aliyah Bensan (Year 9) who competed at the Australian U16 Beach Volleyball Championships that were held in QLD.

Aliyah and partner won several matches in the round games against other states but unfortunately didn’t make it through to the finals rounds.

Aliyah will next be in action at the NSW All Schools Trials at Homebush this week.

SCEGGS Around The Grounds

Well done to the SCEGGS 6 Basketball Team on their efforts in the St Catherine’s Basketball Competition after a tough match against Moriah College last Wednesday.

A special congratulations to the SCEGGS 13 (Junior G) Touch team who defeated Schols 9-6 in the Easts Touch Grand Final to be undefeated all season.

The Senior 1^st Indoor Hockey team after their Semi Final last Wednesday.

A few pictures from our Striders, hopping around!

Do you have any sporting news or photos to share in Behind the Green Gate?

We love seeing our students being active and want to celebrate their passion and enjoyment amongst the SCEGGS community. Please send in any action shots from the weekend and any other interesting sporting highlights to alisongowan@sceggs.nsw.edu.au

SCEGGS Training sessions before and after school plus Saturday Sport

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

IGSA Fixtures, Results and Wet Weather

The IGSA website and platform for accessing wet weather, fixtures and team results can be found at

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact myself on 9052 2721 or 0418 491 521.

Alison Gowan
Director of Sport

Primary Sport News

Saturday Sports 

A big thanks to all the girls who trialled for our Year 3 Netball and IPSHA Netball and Minkey/Hockey over the past two weeks. It was fantastic to see girls giving their all. Sports teams for Term 2 will be released at the beginning of next Term when fixtures have been finalised.

Thanks to our coaches and PE staff who have compiled notes over the last three trials to best place your daughter in a team. Please remember that while some selections may not always be the desired outcome, parents should challenge their daughters to work hard and develop skills throughout the year, regardless of whether they agree with the team selection. Encouraging a positive attitude and a focus on improvement can lead to a successful and enjoyable sports experience for all involved.

As always, please get in touch with Tom Mitton if you have any questions regarding team selections. 

IPSHA Cross Country

Congratulations to our Cross Country runners who represented the school at the IPSHA Cross Country Carnival at The Kings School last weekend. You all demonstrated incredible determination and perseverance throughout the challenging course over two or three kilometres. We are proud of your hard work and well done on representing SCEGGS! A big thanks to goes to Scarlett Jessup and Claudia Rennie-Meyenn who were late additions to the team. 

A massive congratulations to Emilia Laban, Beatrice Emanuel and Anna Slack, who also made the IPSHA Cross Country team that will go onto CIS Cross Country on the 8th of June at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. Beatrice also finished first in her race, an absolutely amazing achievement against 119 other students.

Wishing you all a happy and safe Easter break.

Tom Mitton
PDHPE and Sport Coordinator: Primary

Blazer Pocket Awards

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

Awards will be announced at Final Assembly on Thursday 6 April. Blazers may be left at the Student Services Reception from Thursday 6 April until 12.00pm on Tuesday 11 April (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.

Blazers cannot be accepted after the cut-off time of 12.00pm Tuesday 11 April. 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.

Angelique Cooper
Special Projects