Giving Day Today!

There is no better time to contribute towards the redevelopment of Wilkinson House and the expansion of our means-tested Scholarship program!

Until 9am tomorrow, thanks to our generous matching donors, your donation will be doubled.

If you give $100, SCEGGS receives $200.

If you give $500, SCEGGS receives $1,000.

If you give $1,000, SCEGGS receives $2,000.

SCEGGS has been built through the generosity of past generations. It’s our turn to give.

The Capital Campaign Committee

Class Parents 2025

Although 2024 is not quite over yet, the P&F are excited to have started planning for a range of wonderful events for next year to bring the parent community together. To do this we need your help!

Volunteering as a Class Parent provides a vital way to be involved in your daughter’s year group, connect with other parents and bring your cohort together.

Class Parents are an important part of the School community and act as liaison between parents, the P&F Association, the Trust and the School. They create and organise opportunities for their Year Group to meet and get to know each other and provide invaluable assistance to the P&F.

We generally find four Class Parents per year is about right, but there are always more in some years, and we always do accept more for Year 12 and for Year 6, as both year groups have graduation events towards the end of the year.

We are particularly in need of Class Parents for:

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 5
• Year 6
• Year 8 – Year 11

To find how you can get involved and to register for 2025, please click here.

From P&F Association

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.

Jenny Allum
Head of School

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 reflection from Illaria Giuffrida (Year 10) from our Yellow Group.

For the previous week’s reflections see here.

Carol Bloomfield
Head of Student Wellbeing Programs

Cape York Reflection – Yellow Group

First Homeland – Wurrey

When we arrived at our first homeland in Cape York, called Wurrey, we were greeted by our Traditional Owners, Uncle Bernie and Auntie Cheryl. Both Bernie and Cheryl were extremely welcoming, allowing us onto their land, that means so much to them, sharing knowledge and telling their stories allowing us to gain a deep and intimate understanding on how and why they are so connected with their land and how their ancestors have helped shaped their world. I loved hearing about the local school in Hopevale where Auntie Cheryl worked, how it is run and the systems they have in place to help keep the children in school and finish their education so they can enter the world. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the traditional language called Guugu Yimithirr language. Uncle Bernie’s dream time story on Old Man Fog really captured my attention. On the property, we had time to swim in the creek where we as a group could further bond together, playing games and having meaningful reflection surrounded by the nature around us.

Second Homeland – Melsonby

Our second homeland, Melsonby, was truly a captivating homeland, in a national park where we visited incredible rock art paintings and where we learnt the meaning behind the art and the stories that are specific to Melsonby. The rock art really fascinated me as it was a large painting and the styles that were used to paint the cave art ranged from using chewed up sticks to chewing ochre. One highlight from my time at Melsonby would have to be working on our community project – painting the mural, directed by Auntie Julie. She instructed us to paint a Rainbow Serpent with a river behind with other animals added that we found symbolic to our trip such as a crocodile and a bee, and then finished off with a handprint signature. I found this homeland different from our first homeland in terms of the facilities, location and elders, at Melsonby we were on a ranger station with working rangers whereas our time at Wurrey was more relaxed and simplistic in terms of facilities such as the ‘loo with a view’.

Remote Australia

I found traveling around remote Australia in Cape York an incredible experience that I would most likely not have experienced if it wasn’t for this immersion. I was able to surround myself with new people in the year below and in my own year who I can now say I have a good and strong connection with. I was in an environment that is not familiar to me but the Elders explaining the area allowed me to gain a better understanding of where I was and how the landscapes change depending on the seasons.

In summary I found this immersion to be a life-changing, unforgettable and an eye-opening experience that seemed to go too fast. From this trip I gained first-hand knowledge and understanding of the Aboriginal people that have been in Australia for tens of thousands of years learning about their connection to culture and their day-to-day life. The memories I have made, the activities that I participated in and the knowledge that I learnt will forever stay with me and will always be an experience that had a lasting impact on me. I hope from this experience I can tell others about my time at Cape York and try and share my understanding of their culture to others who have not gone.

Illaria Giuffrida
Year 10 Student

From The Chaplain

The End of One Drive, the Beginning of Another and a Podcast about Marriage!

We are more than halfway through this very quick term and there’s lots to tell you about.

Mr Lee-Lindsay Needs Toiletries By Friday 15 November!

Thanks to all of those people that have brought in toiletry items for those in need already. These items often get left off the list of essentials as many families and individuals prioritise food when budgeting. The type of items that are needed include:

• Pump bottles of soap
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Tooth Paste
• Tooth Brushes
• Razors
• Deodorant (preferably roll on)
• Small packets of Toilet Paper and Tissues.

There will be a basket outside of the Chapel where these items can be placed. I will deliver these items towards the end of week 5 (15 November). Your generosity is always appreciated.

Festival of Lessons and Carols

Our Festival of Lessons and Carols is being held this year on Tuesday 26 November at 7.00pm in the Great Hall. Everyone in and connected to our community is warmly invited as we celebrate the joy and meaning of Christmas. We take a collection at this service every year and the money donated always goes towards a local charity. Please remember to bring cash if you would like to contribute to the offertory. I hope to see you there!

Christmas gifts collection

As part of our annual school Christmas service, we ask each student to contribute towards a gift for either a boy or a girl, wrapped in cellophane, to donate to different organisations that provide presents for families. These gifts will be distributed to children that may not otherwise receive anything at Christmas due to poverty or other family issues. The demand is ever increasing due to the unsettling times that many families face due to financial pressure and housing stresses. It is a great joy to be able to deliver these gifts personally to these organisations. The feedback that we get each year is that these gifts make a huge difference to children throughout our city, giving them the message that they are loved and cared for. We will be receiving those gifts up until Monday 25 November. More information will be delivered to students via their form or class teachers.

The SCEGGS Podcast “Walk The Mile” Episode 59: The Changes and Challenges of Marriage with Unity Patterson and Chris Warren

I have conducted over 300 weddings in my 24 years as an Anglican minister and many of those have been for students that I have taught. This is always a great privilege and honour to be invited into such an important event in their lives, to continue that connection post school and to recognise that the SCEGGS community means something to people, even after they no longer walk in through the green gate. I first taught Unity Patterson when she was in Year 1 back in 2002. Who would have thought that one day I would be conducting her wedding to Chris Warren in January 2025? In this episode, we talk about marriage in the 21^st century, the reasons why some people choose it and others don’t, the value of commitment and the perceptions that we place upon it. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

And a reminder that we are published on Spotify, Apple and other popular podcast platforms 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.

Rev. Garry Lee-Lindsay
Chaplain

ICAS Mathematics Achievements 2024

Congratulations to all students who participated in the International Competitions and Assessment for Schools (ICAS) Mathematics Competition this year.

The competition saw impressive results from students in Years 3-10, with several achieving High Distinction and Distinction.

From these students:

• 7 achieved High Distinction Awards
• 32 achieved Distinctions Awards

High Distinction Recipients

Distinction Recipients

Scott Lankshear
Head of Mathematics

Inquisitive Minds Mathematics Incursion

Last week, the Years 3-6 girls participated in a mathematics incursion facilitated by Inquisitive Minds. Each year group enjoyed an 80 minute session filled with problem-solving challenges. Led by experienced Mathematics teacher, Debbie, the girls warmed up with brainteasers which emphasised the importance of approaching problems strategically. Through Debbie’s explicit teaching of some useful problem-solving skills, the girls were able to add a few more strategies to their tool kits. And then the fun really started as the girls raced to complete as many problems as they could in the Relay Challenge. Working collaboratively with a partner, the girls used their maths content knowledge together with their problem-solving skills to answer as many tricky maths problems as they could. Each group had their own problem-solving kit with manipulatives like 2D shapes, counters, blocks, and tangram pieces to help them explore possible solutions using these concrete materials. While some questions might have initially looked easy, the girls soon realised that jumping to assumptions about what they thought the question was asking led to an incorrect response. Debbie spoke about the importance of taking time to carefully read and interpret problems before just racing in. By working in pairs, girls were able to articulate their interpretation of each problem with their partner and had the opportunity to debate and discuss solutions. Another important learning point was the need to double check answers! With each correct answer, the girls received a prized “Inquisitive” stamp on their Stamp Chart! The more stamps they collected the better! It was a joy to see every girl across Years 3-6 engaging in this incursion with so much energy and persistence. Congratulations to the girls for making the most of this wonderful learning opportunity.

Cristi Wilsmore
Deputy Head of Primary (Teaching and Learning)

Stage 1 Oracy Showcase

Last term, Stage 1 students took a wonderful journey into the world of poetry, polishing their language skills through the art of recitation. By selecting and practicing poems, our girls learned to use their voices more effectively, controlling volume, adding expression, and experimenting with tone to bring each poem to life. Through this process, they also gained a better sense of rhythm, which in turn will help them become more fluent, confident readers.

Congratulations to all our finalists who were selected from Years 1 and 2 to perform at the Stage 1 Oracy Showcase on Monday, 21 October!

They presented with great confidence in front of an appreciative audience.

Congratulations also to Kindergarten, who performed a choral reading of I Don’t Like Custard by Michael Rosen. They captivated the audience with their enthusiasm and expressive voices, bringing the humour of the poem to life.

Many thanks must also be given to the girls in Year 5 who capably hosted the event, Harriet Hyde, Daisy Grice, Dasha Jolley, Evie Keatinge-Adams, Lulu Holt and Olivia Hung.

Exploring poetry goes beyond simply enjoying words – it also builds essential language skills that set our students on the path to becoming articulate communicators. The Oracy Showcases across the Primary are fast becoming a much-anticipated event for the girls each year.

Kristy Williams
Acting Curriculum Coordinator-English

Primary & Secondary Music

Year 3 Orientation morning

It was wonderful to welcome the new students joining SCEGGS in Year 3 in 2025 to an Orientation morning last week. Mrs Cleworth welcomed the new students and our current Year 2 cohort into the Primary Music Room. The girls were introduced to the myriad of orchestral instruments that girls are able to play at SCEGGS next year – flute, clarinet, oboe, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, viola and double bass. Talented primary SCEGGS musicians demonstrated how these instruments sound and the Year 2 students then nominated their top three instrument choices for 2025. Playing a musical instrument is a wonderful addition to a child’s life, bringing joy, creativity and connection through shared music making! More information will be sent home over coming weeks regarding students starting an instrument in Year 3 next year.

Suzuki Graduation – Sydney Opera House

Congratulations to cellists Bronte Lusted (Year 3), Georgina Sharp (Year 4) and Sophia Prodromou (Year 4) who performed in the Opera House at the recent Suzuki Graduation concert. They shared such a wonderful experience. Special thanks to their cello tutor Ms Amelia McCluney for supporting their graduation journey.

Sydney Youth Orchestra Big Busk

Bronte Lusted, Hana Yao and Monica Zhang, three Year 3 girls from SCEGGS, performed with their respective Sydney Youth Orchestra ensembles at The Big Busk event during the recent school holidays. The SYO ensembles played at various locations throughout Sydney to raise money for endangered instruments, equipment and to support the continuation of SYO. $43,000 was raised collectively, an incredible result for SYO.

Festival of Lessons and Carols

• Primary students involved: Years 5 & 6 Choirs (all students in Year 5 & 6) & Cantare
• Secondary students involved: Choir, Madrigal Ensemble and Amati Strings

Further details can be found in these notes Primary and Secondary. 

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.

Upcoming Events:

Term 4

Heidi Jones
Head of Music (Co-curricular)

Secondary Sport News

Gymnastics

Congratulations to our SCEGGS Gymnastics team who competed at the IGSA Gymnastics Championships that were held last Friday at the Sydney Aquatic and Gymnastics Centre, Rooty Hill – Louisa Brooks (Year 7), Alexa Falzon (Year 8), Sienna Lim (Year 7), Emilia Narev (Year 10), Abigail Sauer (Year 10), Peggy Van Haandel Williams (Year 10) and Jamilla Yamani (Year 8).

SCEGGS placed 12^th Overall in the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics.

Highlights of the day

Indoor Hockey

Congratulations to Maddie Soulos (Year 7) who has been selected in the U14 Indoor Hockey SEHA representative team. The team will compete at the NSW U14 State Championships to be held in Orange in December.

Sailing

Well done to Isobel Payne (Year 11) who competed in the Australian National Open and Youth Match-Racing Championships that were held ats the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania in Hobart. They competed over four days, with three days of qualifying against all other teams, and the last day in the finals. Isobel’s team placed 3^rd in the Youth Championships.

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 on Saturday November 30. The final day of term is on December 2 (Speech Night) so we will be training and competing right up to the final Saturday. All players are expected to honour their commitment to their teams.

Sports Nominations

All Sports Nominations for Term 1, 2025 close on November 8. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Alison Gowan.

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

IPSHA Sport Round 3

It was a great morning of tennis on Saturday with the teams coming away with three wins and one loss and all teams showed great improvements in their gameplay. Mrs Joukhadar has been happy with the sportsmanship shown by the girls so far this term.

It was a tough morning for the IPSHA Basketball teams who came away with only one win, with the 6B team just getting over the line by one point with some accurate shooting by Evie Duncan. In the 6A game, not even a masterclass performance by Alexia Marskell could get the team across the line, going down 29-19 against a very strong St Catherine’s team.

Well done to all IPSHA teams. It is great to see the girls ‘shine their light’ at sport!

IPSHA Gymnastics Results

Congratulations to all the girls who competed at the IPSHA Gymnastics carnival last Thursday 31 October. The girls did a fantastic job representing the school, and they should be extremely proud of their efforts. The coaches were happy with the dedication shown by all the students. It was also fantastic to see the support they showed to each other, with a highlight being the SCEGGS girls cheering on Victoria Poniros (Year 6) in her Level 5 Floor routine at the end of the day. Congratulations to all involved and a big thank you to all the coaches, in particular Glen Hay (Artistic) and Rachel Weiner (Rhythmic) who supported the girls. The results for the team events are:

Rhythmic

Artistic

Sport Reminders:

• The Years 2-6 Swimming Carnival will take place on Monday 18 November at Lane Cove Aquatic Leisure Centre. Further information on the Swimming Carnival can be found here. 
• IPSHA Tennis and Basketball, and Year 3 Football competitions finish on Saturday 30 November (Week 7). All students are expected to make this round.

Upcoming Dates:

I hope you have a wonderful week!

Mr Adrian Hammond
Primary Sports Coordinator

Parents’ and Friends’ Association

Class Parent Events