Health and Safety Information

Help our community stay healthy

As we move into the cooler months of the year, it is important that we all use a commonsense approach to health and safety guidelines to help reduce the risk of transmission of illnesses such as influenza and COVID throughout our school community.

Help reduce the spread of flu and COVID:

To reduce the spread of all respiratory illnesses, please make sure your daughter knows to:

• Stay at home when sick with acute cold and flu symptoms (such as a runny nose, sore throat, fever, cough)

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and sneeze into her elbow instead of her hands.
• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.

If a student is unwell and has cold-like symptoms they should stay home and test for COVID-19 and flu, if possible. Whether the test comes back positive or negative for either of these, the student should not return to school until they no longer have any acute symptoms. Once the acute symptoms have passed, they may return to school.

Further information is available from NSW Health, including information about recommended vaccinations.

Antigen tests

The next iteration of nasal, self-test antigen kits have been approved by the TGA and are now available in most supermarkets and chemists. These antigen tests allow a person to test for both COVID-19 and Influenza A & B at the same time.

Parents/carers should continue to notify the school if a student has tested positive for influenza or COVID-19 as part of the usual absence notification process, by emailing absences.

Rest is best

Health advice is that staff and students who are sick should always stay home to rest and recover properly. This allows people to look after themselves and it avoids putting others at risk of getting sick too. We all have an important part to play, so please help us keep everyone in our community as safe and well as possible this winter!

Holly Gyton
Deputy Head of School

Festival on Forbes 2024

There are just over 100 days until the Festival on Forbes!

We warmly invite everyone in the SCEGGS community to bring their families along for a wonderful day.

A highlight of the day is the Silent Auction, which is the major fundraising activity of the Fair, with funds to contribute towards the Light Her Path campaign.

The success of the Silent Auction relies heavily on the P&F securing fabulous donations from our SCEGGS community and beyond.

Donations to the Silent Auction have an enormous impact on the Festival’s success and we greatly value the generosity of everyone who contributes to the auction.

In the past, popular prizes have included holiday home vacations, restaurant vouchers, concert tickets, vacation weekends, art, luxury products, day spa packages and premium wine and champagne – just to name a few!

The Festival on Forbes Committee would love to hear from you if you wish to donate to the Auction. If you have any queries or ideas, please contact Katrina Lonergan in the Development Office or Tina Mavritsakis, the SCEGGS P&F Liaison.

Many thanks for your support.

The Festival on Forbes Committee

Year 12 Cuts for Cancer – Happening Tomorrow!

It is not too late to support our Year 12s as they participate in “Cuts for Cancer” for the  Leukaemia Foundation. Read more about the initiative here.

Below is the QR code which will direct you to the SCEGGS fundraising page.

NASA Space Expedition

SCEGGS Space Camp Adventure Unveils the Wonders of Science and Nature

Over the span of 10 action-packed days, a group of 41 students and seven dedicated staff embarked on an unforgettable journey to Florida, USA, to partake in the SCEGGS STEM-based Space Camp expedition.

The first stop on our expedition was Cocoa Beach, which holds significant historical importance to the NASA space program. Its proximity to the Kennedy Space Centre, which includes launch sites for numerous iconic space missions, made Cocoa Beach a hub for NASA astronauts, engineers, and personnel during the pioneering era of space exploration, including the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle programs.

During our stay at Cocoa Beach, we spent three days at Kennedy Space Centre, where students undertook the immersive International Astronaut Training Experience Program. This included several STEM-related activities and simulations, giving them a glimpse into the challenging work done by astronauts and the unique training they receive to help them live and work in space.

Our days at the Space Centre also included a tour of major NASA facilities, including various launch sites for historic Apollo and Space Shuttle missions, and the massive Vehicle Assembly Building. This building, the tallest one-storey building in the world, is where rockets, including those that will soon send humans back to the Moon, are assembled prior to their launch. Other highlights of our tour included the inspiring Saturn V and Space Shuttle exhibitions, which beautifully showcased the historical significance and incredible space technology involved in the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs, as well as an engaging talk by Astronaut Mike Lee, who conducted four Space Shuttle missions over the span of his career with NASA.

The next stop on our expedition was Orlando, which began with our visit to Universal Studios. Here, physics came to life as students experienced a behind-the-scenes tour of attractions such as the iconic ‘Spiderman’ and ‘Hulk’ rides. Both rides included cutting-edge technology at the time of their construction. This provided us with a fascinating glimpse into the science of sensory manipulation through lighting and special effects and enriched our understanding of the physics and artistry behind theme park attractions. Of course, the students (and thrill-seeking staff) loved experiencing first-hand the principles of gravity, inertia, and centripetal forces whilst riding many of the park’s other thrilling attractions.  

Continuing our adventure, now with a focus on biology, we ventured into the heart of the Florida Everglades. Snorkelling with majestic manatees on the Crystal River offered our group a privileged insight into the world of these gentle giants and made for yet another unforgettable experience. This day also included an airboat ride through the Central Florida Everglades, where students experienced the thriving and diverse flora and fauna in this unique ecosystem.

A visit to iFLY on our final day allowed students and staff to test their physical skills whilst gaining a practical understanding of air resistance and terminal velocity through an ‘indoor’ skydiving experience.

Over the course of the trip, our students demonstrated resilience, maturity, and a genuine thirst for knowledge. Their boundless enthusiasm and curiosity made sharing the various experiences with the group an absolute pleasure. We hope each student will regularly look back at the expedition and be reminded that the pursuit of scientific knowledge knows no bounds.

NASA Staff Crew

Peer Mentoring

Last term, from weeks 8 to 11 the Year 7s, with the help of the Year 10 Peer Mentors, participated in Midweek Madness Football games. These were great opportunities to build inter-year and Inter-House relationships with some friendly competition. At the end of last term, we reached the end of Midweek Madness Football games when Badham defeated Docker in a tough Grand Final, an exciting end to the first term of high school for the Year 7s and a great culmination of all their hard work!

Lily Cooney, Ava Weekes, Emma Conway, Amelie Hewitt-Taylor, Sarah James
Year 10 Badham House Peer Mentors

It was a delight to witness the Sports Hall brimming with positivity and enthusiasm as Year 7 and Year 10 Peer Mentors injected their vibrant energy into the final stretch of a demanding Term 1. Wednesday lunchtimes became animated with camaraderie, music, and encouragement as the Houses engaged in their weekly football matches with great house spirit and friendly rivalry.

The determination was evident as the last round of games determined the contenders for the Grand Final; although Langley emerged victorious in their final match, they narrowly missed out on advancing due to a tiebreaker on points. Badham was victorious however, Docker won the Golden Boot award, scoring the most goals over the course of the competition. A huge thanks also to Lola Hush in Year 10, for refereeing the Grand Final match.

Sport is such a powerful connector, and it was fantastic to witness the active involvement of Year 7 students and the exemplary leadership displayed by the Peer Mentors throughout the four weeks of competition. Term 2 we will venture into our Midweek Madness with basketball taking centre stage from Week 6 onwards.

Lisa Thompson
Peer Mentor Coordinator

From the Chaplain

Urgent Pet Supplies for the Underprivileged

Last year, we had a collection of pet supplies to provide to the Vinnies Community Centre at Redfern and it was a huge success. A number of people that use the centre have pets that are often their only companion. These pets provide comfort and love, especially during tough times. Some of these people live on the street or by themselves in public housing. Many of these people can’t afford to buy the essentials to look after their animals and this becomes another point of frustration and worry for them. I am asking for donations of pet food and pet accessories (eg. Bowls, collars, leashes, beds, toys etc. new or used but in good condition) to be given to the centre for distribution amongst their clientele. There will be a basket outside the Chapel, clearly labelled, where donations can be left. I have also extended the cut off date for donations to Friday 24 May.

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 few 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 the candidates may have. Neither baptism nor connection with the Anglican Church is necessary, all people of any faith or no faith are welcome. There is also an opportunity for those seeking baptism within the confirmation process. A confirmation service will be held during the third term 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.

If you are interested in being confirmed this year or have any questions about it please contact me via email or call me before Friday 31 May.

Rev. Garry Lee-Lindsay
Chaplain

Year 9 Design and Technology Excursion

In the final weeks of Term 1 both Year 9 Design & Technology elective classes were given the opportunity to go on an excursion to Signature Handprints, a distinguished print and design studio in Sydney’s inner west. Signature Handprints is one of the few remaining commercial screen-print studios in Sydney and wider Australia who are still using traditional techniques to produce their high-end fabrics, wallpapers and prints.

On arrival we were greeted warmly by SCEGGS Old Girl, Sheridan Black and her business partner Jennifer, who both proceeded to tell us about the design and production processes and then demonstrate their craft of screen printing. It was interesting to learn that they use the same Adobe Illustrator software that we used in class to create our individual fabric designs. An important part of designing for screen printing is formatting parts of the printed design so it can be aligned seamlessly to create an endless pattern.

This technique is extremely complicated, as even a difference as small as a few millimetres can impact the overall design immensely. Once the design has been completed, it is transferred onto the silk screens using UV light machinery and transfer ink. 

Sheridan and Jennifer showed us many samples that included unique designs, custom made for their clients. Their main genres of work include wallpaper, upholstery fabrics, and some fashion. Some of their more specialised designs include printing lace fabrics for wedding gowns, bespoke dance leotards and even restoring and printing wallpaper designs for NSW Parliament House.

We were lucky enough to participate in a workshop. Our mentors were very helpful in teaching us the ways of printing and guiding us with their precision techniques. As a class, using our knowledge of colour theory, we collaborated on deciding on a colour scheme and watched this come to life as a strip of wallpaper. Then we individually got to try our hand at practicing the craft. We fell in love with our creations and had the most amazing time. 

Going to Signature Handprints was a wonderful experience for both classes. We are grateful to both Signature Handprints, and the SCEGGS Design and Technology staff for organising this incredible excursion for us.

Daisy Carson, Katerina Giannikouris and Amelia Wilcsek
Year 9 Design & Technology Students

SRC – Fresh Fruit Friday

Fresh Fruit Friday is back! It’s an initiative led by the SRC and an opportunity for SCEGGS families to donate fresh fruits and vegetables to a local charity called Rough Edges.

Rough Edges is a program of St John’s Community Services that provides a space for people experiencing homelessness to find a community, connect with others, reach out for help, and share a meal. As a school, Rough Edges is important to us, as it cares for people in our local community of Kings Cross and Darlinghurst.

If you would like to help Rough Edges, students are asked to bring in fresh fruits or vegetables on Friday morning before school in Weeks 2, 3, 6, and 7 to the Jacaranda Gate or to the Cafeteria for it to be collected and taken to Rough Edges. It’s an easy, small gesture, but one that is highly appreciated.

We hope to see as many of you as possible dropping off your donation at the Jacaranda Gate or the Cafeteria on Fresh Fruit Friday!

The SRC

Secondary Sport News

Secondary Athletics Carnival

Roll Call: All students are to arrive at school as usual in correct sports uniform in time for Roll Call in their Form room by 8.20am.

Travel Arrangements: The Carnival may be cancelled in the event of rain, so it is essential that all students make their way to school and travel by the hired buses.

No student is permitted to make their own way to the Carnival.

The School will leave ES Marks Athletics Field at approximately 2.30pm.

All students will be taken back to school on the buses.

** If students would like to depart from ES Marks with a parent or carer at the end of the carnival, an email must be sent from parents/carers to Form Teachers.

Uniform: Students must wear their correct school PE uniform to school. After arriving at school students may change into appropriate House coloured sports clothes. A hat/cap, sunscreen, and school jumper and/or school tracksuit should be brought to the Carnival. Students will be sitting in an exposed area which can get very cold.

Lunch: There are no canteen facilities. All students must bring their own lunch and plenty of water to drink during the day. No student will be allowed outside the venue for any reason.

Behaviour: SCEGGS has been very fortunate to have the opportunity to use ES Marks. The staff at the venue have been very co-operative and helpful. Please return their hospitality by showing thoughtful behaviour and ensuring that all rubbish is placed in the appropriate bins.

General: There are to be no electronic devices, phones, laptops etc and no chewing gum. Just bring your House spirit and participate enthusiastically! All students must sit in their allocated areas when they arrive at the venue.

House Officials, Year 12 and Year 7 will depart on the first buses.

Preview the program here for the Athletics Carnival.

Sports Training / Rehearsals on Wednesday afternoon:

• There will be No Secondary Team sports trainings on the day of the Carnival
• There will be No Drama rehearsals on the day of the Carnival
• Secondary Music rehearsals will still go ahead
  • Contemporary Vocal Ensemble at 7.30-8.10am
  • Holst + Amati Strings at 3.15-4.45pm

Wet Weather

Be fully prepared for wet weather (umbrellas, raincoats, etc.). In the case of extremely inclement weather a decision will be made at 8.00am to proceed with the carnival or cancel.

If Wet Weather results in the cancellation of the Carnival, we will operate on the Day 3 Timetable.

Students should be as prepared as possible for the day, although we will understand if they are not able to have every single item they need for the four lessons!

Student Information

1. Major and  Minor Heats

There are two different types of heats for running races, Major and Minor heats.

Major Heats are not exclusive to the fastest runners but are for all students who wish to give their best effort in a race and be competitive on the day, for their House! If you are keen to challenge yourself or be in the mix for IGSA selection, we encourage you to enter a Major heat.

If you do not nominate for a Major Heat, you may join a Minor Heat on the day and will still have the opportunity to run and receive points for your house.

All students received a Major Heat sign-up email from Ms Axford on Monday this week.

2. 6 Lane Races (1 lane for each house)

All Major heats will be full of 8-10 athletes. Minor heats will consist of 6 lanes (6 athletes), 1 athlete from each House. This will mean that you will be running against 5 other athletes if you are in a Minor heat. This is a great opportunity to be competitive against the other Houses and challenge yourself to get the maximum points for your heat. 

3. 800m Races Starting Early (only Major Heats)

For those wishing to compete in the 800m races, there will only be Major Heats. These will begin prior to the official start time of the Carnival at approximately 8.15am. A bus will depart school at 7.30am. Students wishing to compete in 800m events must complete the Major Heat sign-up form emailed to all by Ms Axford.

4. Open Invitational 100m and Staff v Prefects Fun Relay

The Open Invitational 100m is the 10 fastest students in the school across any age who will have the opportunity to race against one another (times taken from all 100m races on the day). We are also hoping to run a staff v prefects relay. These events will only proceed if there is enough time at the end of the Carnival.

5.  Appropriate Athletics Attire

We want you to show your House spirit however please ensure you are competing in appropriate clothing and shoes for athletics. Staff at all events will be asking you to remove any clothing that is not appropriate eg: Onesies.

Please come and chat to myself, Ms Axford, or the Athletics Captain Isla Hootman for more information.

Here are some images of last Year Athletics Carnival:

Hockey

Congratulations to Madeleine Tudehope and Jess Weatherall who were selected in the IGSA Open Hockey Team recently.

They will now compete at the NSWCIS Hockey Championships later this month.

Further congratulations to Jess Weatherall who represented NSW at the Australian U16 Championships that were held in Hobart over the holidays.

The NSW team reached the final and were defeated 2- 0 by QLD to claim the Silver Medal.

Equestrian

Well done to Scarlett Webber in Year 9 who represented SCEGGS at the NSW Interschools Equestrian Competition over the holidays.  Scarlett and her horses produced some excellent results. They finished 4th in the Open Combined Training (dressage & showjumping) and 6th in the Showjumping 90cm.

Scarlett Webber and Abby Simmons in Year 9 will both be competing at the North-West Interschools Expo in Coonabarabran later this month. This is the largest equestrian competition for secondary students in Australia. We look forward to hearing their results.

Pink Sock Round – May 11

This Saturday is Pink Sock Round at IGSA. Pull out your Pink Socks and clothing in recognition of the Breast Cancer Network of Australia who support those living with Breast Cancer.

Commitment to SCEGGS Co-Curricular Sport

Regular physical activity is an essential part of promoting positive health and wellbeing. Building relationships, fostering sportsmanship and teamwork is another element of co-curricular sport. We expect a full commitment to all co-curricular sporting activities at SCEGGS. Students should be respectful of the impact that any absence has on team sport: their teammates, the opposition, the coach, and the reputation of the school.

To be eligible for House points and recognition on school reports, students must attend a minimum of 75% of scheduled training sessions and matches.

All absences must be communicated to the PDHPE Department using the following guidelines:

• Parents and guardians are to request written permission for leave from Ms Allum (Secondary) or Mrs Dempsey (Primary) at least a week in advance of a sporting fixture e.g. Year 12 students attending a University Open Day
• If a student is sick on a Saturday, a parent/guardian must email or message the relevant coach and Sport Coordinator, or Director of Sport, explaining their absence as soon as possible.
• If a student is unable to attend a training session, the student, or a parent, is to notify the relevant Sports Co-ordinator. 
• In case of a clash with school co-curricular activities e.g. Musicale, Sports Training, Duke of Ed Hike, the student is to liaise with both Co-ordinators to negotiate an acceptable outcome.

Failure to adhere to the above guidelines in the secondary school will result in:

• A detention for any unexplained absences from a competition match.
• A penalty point for any unexplained absence from training.
• A penalty point for late arrival to more than two training sessions or matches in the same term.

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.

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

Week 1 IPSHA Results

IPSHA Minkey/Hockey commenced last weekend across various venues. It was a promising start to the season for our three SCEGGS teams. The 6A team had a close win, defeating Wenona 3-1, including accurate passing and shooting from Giselle Wharton (Year 6). The 5A team had a convincing 5-0 win against Ravenswood, showing excellent ball movement.

A big shout out to the 5B team, who were involved in one of the weekend’s most exciting games. The team played with no reserves and although narrowly lost 5-6, the team clawed their way back into the game and almost snatched a last-minute draw. Special mention to Olivia Yeo (Year 5) for her fearless tackles, and Ella Hyland (Year 4) for her skilful dribbling. Most importantly, the girls did an exciting job exhibiting the SCEGGS Sports Values, including grit and determination. We are proud of your efforts!

IPSHA Code of Conduct

A reminder of the IPSHA Code of Conduct for all IPSHA sports:

• Children play organised sports for fun. They are not playing for the entertainment of spectators only, nor are they miniature professionals.
• Applaud good performances and efforts from each team. Congratulate all participants upon their performance regardless of the game’s outcome.
• Respect the officials’ decision.
• Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during a competition.
• Positive comments are motivational and encourage continued effort.
• Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would be no game.
• Encourage players to follow the rules and the officials’ decisions.
• Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour by not using foul language, harassing players, coaches or officials.
• Comments should not interfere with the running of the game.
• Focus on the efforts and performance of the children rather than the result.

Commitment to SCEGGS Co-Curricular Sport

Regular physical activity is an essential part of promoting positive health and wellbeing. Building relationships, fostering sportsmanship and teamwork is another element of co-curricular sport. We expect a full commitment to all co-curricular sporting activities at SCEGGS. Students and parents should be respectful of the impact that any absence has on team sport: their teammates, the opposition, the coach, and the reputation of the School.

To be eligible for recognition on school reports, students must attend a minimum of 75% of scheduled training sessions and matches. All absences must be communicated using the following guidelines:

• Parents and guardians are to request written permission for leave from Mrs Dempsey at least one week in advance of the sporting fixture.
• If a student is sick on a Saturday, a parent/guardian must email or message the relevant coach and Sport Co-ordinator, explaining their absence as soon as possible.
• If a student is unable to attend a training session, a parent is to notify the relevant Sports Co-ordinator.

AFL Paul Kelly Cup – Years 5 and 6

The Paul Kelly Cup is an AFL competition taking place across various venues in Term 2. It is designed to engage and introduce students to the game of AFL. Students in Years 5 and 6 are eligible to participate.

Please send expressions of interest to Adrian Hammond.

Upcoming Dates:

A reminder that any changes to sports, including cancellations, will be made through Clipboard. Please ensure you  have the Clipboard ‘App’ saved to your mobile home screen with push notifications enabled, to receive the most up to date information.

Have a wonderful week!

Mr Adrian Hammond
Primary Sports Coordinator

Secondary Music

Commitment to SCEGGS Co-Curricular Music

Participation in co-curricular music activities has many benefits for social and emotional wellbeing. Participation is a choice and with that choice, a high level of commitment to both rehearsals and performances is expected. Relationships, musicianship, and teamwork can only be developed when members of the ensemble are committed to rehearsals and performances. We expect a full commitment to all co-curricular music activities at SCEGGS. Students should be respectful of the impact that any absence has on their ensemble: their peers, their conductor, and the reputation of the school.

All absences must be communicated to the Music Department using the following guidelines:

• Parents and guardians are to request written permission for leave from Ms Jones, Head of Music Co-Curricular (Primary & Secondary parents) at least two weeks in advance of a performance if they are unable to attend.
• If a student is sick on a performance day, a parent/guardian must email or message the Music Department (Administrator or Ensemble Director), or Head of Music Co-Curricular, explaining the absence as soon as possible.
• If a student is unable to attend a rehearsal, the student, or a parent, is to notify the relevant Ensemble Conductor or Ensemble Director.  
• In case of a clash with school co-curricular activities e.g. Sports Trials, Duke of Ed Hike, the student is to liaise with both Co-ordinators to negotiate an acceptable outcome.

Music Department Contacts

Ascension Day

Thank you to Miss Harrigan and the Madrigal Ensemble for their involvement in the Old Girl Chapel Service today. At the Ascension Day lunch, Old Girls were entertained by the Year 4 Choir together with the Madrigal Ensemble – thank you to Mrs Cleworth, Miss Harrigan, and Ms Holmes. They also enjoyed a performance from Basie Jazz Band conducted by Mr Gresham who performed In the Mood, Fly Me to the Moon, and Mamma Mia. Thank you to all the Music staff and students who were involved.

Secondary Athletics Carnival 

Secondary Athletics Carnival is on Wednesday 15 May.

Please note that Contemporary Vocal Ensemble, Holst Wind Ensemble and Amati Strings rehearsals will be on next Wednesday 15 May in preparation for Musicale 2 in Week 6.

Co-curricular Music Overview

There are a wealth of performance opportunities within the Co-curricular Music program this term.

Please read the term overview for each program.

• Band
• Choral 
• Strings

Carmina Burana – Choral Collaboration with Sydney Grammar School

Click here for more information.

Musicale 2

We are excited to announce that Musicale 2 will be taking place on Wednesday 5 June, with Katie Noonan as our guest artist.

There will be many opportunities for our students to be involved and celebrate the musical talents of our community as outlined below:

Secondary Ensembles Performing

Year 7 Choir (all students in Year 7), Choir, Contemporary Vocal Ensemble, Madrigal Ensemble, Year 9 Rock Band, Secondary Jazz Combo, Holst Wind Ensemble, Basie Jazz Band, Amati Strings, Lux Strings.

Further details can be found in this note. 

Songwriting & Musicale 2

During the week of Musicale 2, we would like to feature a songwriter from each year group, with one or more songs to be performed in the Musicale. If you would like to be considered, please submit a draft of your song (it may still be unfinished) to Mr Gresham by Friday 24 May. Songwriting lessons are available for free on a Thursday afternoon, though these are not compulsory for consideration. Please come and speak to Mr Gresham if you have any questions.

Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival

Several SCEGGS ensembles have been enrolled to perform in the Australian School Band and Orchestra (ASBOF) Festival this year. The Festival is a non-competitive event and rather than being ranked, all ensembles received a Gold, Silver or Bronze rating which reflects their level of achievement for the particular event level in which they have performed. All events are adjudicated by professional musicians and music educators. ASBOF is a wonderful opportunity for our SCEGGS ensembles to perform on stage, to hear ensembles from other schools and to receive inspirational advice and performance tips from the adjudicators.

Contemporary Strings – ASBOF Loreta Fin Event

130 Years of SCEGGS – Hope Concert 2025

In 2025, SCEGGS will celebrate 130 years. The Music Department has the privilege of creating a concert to celebrate this milestone.

The concert will be held in the Sydney Town Hall on Monday 23 June 2025 and the theme for the concert is ‘Hope’. 

Hope involves optimistic thinking and focusing on good things to come. We will collect and commission works that reflect the theme of hope.

But we want you to be involved. We want to know what it is you – the students, staff, parents, and old girls of SCEGGS – are hoping for.

Some examples might include equality, reconciliation, better care of the environment, and peace. Your responses will be shared with composers, and commissioned works will be created that reflect the things that the SCEGGS community is hoping for. You have 140 characters to let us know what it is you are hoping for. Go!

Term 2 Secondary Piano Concert

Thursday 13 June at 1.10pm in the Great Hall.

All pianists are invited to perform a short, well-prepared solo. Pieces that exceed 4 minutes will be cut.

Please click here to complete the form and note the closing date carefully as no late entries will be accepted.

Family and friends are most welcome to attend.

100 DAY Practice Challenge

String players are encouraged to take up the challenge to practice their instrument every day for 100 days starting this week. Mrs Sweeney has given out 100 Day Practice Challenge sheets in both primary and secondary string ensemble rehearsals. Girls are encouraged to play their instrument every day, even for just a few minutes. “Little and Often” is the best strategy to become proficient on a musical instrument. Short daily practice sessions are far more beneficial than longer practices on fewer days of the week. Please encourage your daughter to play her instrument every day at home, even on busy days. A few minutes is better than nothing!

Sydney Youth Orchestra (SYO)

My name is Sophie Gallagher-Horne and I am currently in Year 12 studying Music 2 for the HSC.

I am the principal double bassist in the Peter Seymour Orchestra within the SYO programme, which means I dedicate my Saturdays to studying musicianship and then rehearse with like-minded music nerds from the Conservatorium of Music and schools all over Sydney for three hours. SYO is a not-for-profit organisation that provides pathways for young musicians to learn the skills they will need to enter the professional music world. I have played in their various music programs over six years in 5 different orchestras.

During the April school holidays, I was lucky enough to attend the annual Youth Orchestra Camp in Armidale, regional NSW. It brings together over 250 musicians in four orchestral groups. It was a fabulous experience travelling by coach to regional towns such as Gloucester, Gunnedah, Inverell and of course, Armidale, where we performed.

We stayed at TAS Armidale which looks like Hogwarts out of Harry Potter. The camp provides a wonderful environment for all musicians including regional musicians to immerse themselves in a week of making music. You rehearse in groups as well as being individually tutored. The intense rehearsals provide camaraderie and the bond that glues together the orchestra in which you play. It gives you a taste of what it might be like to work in a professional orchestra like the SSO and should be considered if you are thinking of pursuing a career in music.

We played a range of repertoire such as Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto 2, Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture, Sibelius’ Symphony No.2 and Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances, just to name a few.

Through playing in PSO and on YOC, I learned about appreciating the ability to play famous symphonies with a full orchestra, accompanying great soloists, learning about the quirks of music culture, and mostly, expanding my musical experiences. I encourage all musicians to either join SYO or watch one of our concerts, as there is just something special about watching young, passionate people play incredible music.

Watch a video SYO performing at Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No.2 here.

Young instrumentalist festival 2024

The Metropolitan Orchestra is hosting the Young Instrumentalist Festival on Sunday 16 June.

Primary and secondary students of all standards playing Wind, Brass, Strings and Piano are invited to perform a short solo. Entries close on Friday 17 May.

Date for Your Diary 

Term 2

Elective Music Performances

Clipboard

All co-curricular music ensemble schedules are now available on Clipboard. If you haven’t set this up yet, please follow these instructions.

If you are having any issues with Clipboard set-up, please contact our Music Administration Assistant, Miss Alice Kotowicz.

Heidi Jones
Head of Music (Co-curricular)

Primary Music

Co-curricular Music Overview

There are a wealth of performance opportunities within the Co-curricular Music program this term.

Please read the term overview for each program.

• Band
• Choral 
• Strings

Musicale 2 

We are excited to announce that Musicale 2 will be taking place on Wednesday 5 June, with Katie Noonan as our guest artist. There will be many opportunities for our students to be involved and celebrate the musical talents of our community.

The Primary Ensembles that will be performing are Cantare, Stage 3 Choir (all students in Years 5 and 6).

Further details can be found in this note.

Term 2 Primary Piano Concert

Thursday 13 June at 3.30pm in the Great Hall.

All pianists are invited to perform a short, well-prepared solo. Pieces that exceed 4 minutes will be cut.

Please Click here to complete the form and note the closing date carefully as no late entries will be accepted.

Family and friends are most welcome to attend.

Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival

Several SCEGGS ensembles have been enrolled to perform in the Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival (ASBOF) this year. The Festival is a non-competitive event and rather than being ranked, all ensembles received a Gold, Silver or Bronze rating which reflects their level of achievement for the particular event level in which they have performed. All events are adjudicated by professional musicians and music educators. ASBOF is a wonderful opportunity for our SCEGGS ensembles to perform on stage, to hear ensembles from other schools and receive inspirational advice and performance tips from the adjudicators.

30 Years of SCEGGS – Hope Concert 2025

In 2025, SCEGGS will celebrate 130 years. The Music Department has the privilege of creating a concert to celebrate this milestone.

The concert will be held in the Sydney Town Hall on Monday 23 June 2025 and the theme for the concert is ‘Hope’. 

Hope involves optimistic thinking and focusing on good things to come. We will collect and commission works that reflect the theme of hope.

But we want you to be involved. We want to know what it is you – the students, staff, parents, and old girls of SCEGGS – are hoping for.

Some examples might include equality, reconciliation, better care of the environment, and peace. Your responses will be shared with composers, and commissioned works will be created that reflect the things that the SCEGGS community is hoping for. You have 140 characters to let us know what it is you are hoping for. Go!

100 Day Practice Challenge

String players are encouraged to take up the challenge to practice their instrument every day for 100 days starting this week. Mrs Sweeney has given out 100 Day Practice Challenge sheets in both primary and secondary string ensemble rehearsals. Girls are encouraged to play their instrument every day, even for just a few minutes. “Little and Often” is the best strategy to become proficient on a musical instrument. Short daily practice sessions are far more beneficial than longer practices on fewer days of the week. Please encourage your daughter to play her instrument every day at home, even on busy days. A few minutes is better than nothing!

Young Instrumentalist Festival 2024

The Metropolitan Orchestra is hosting the Young Instrumentalist Festival on Sunday 16 June.

Primary and secondary students of all standards playing Wind, Brass, Strings and Piano are invited to perform a short solo. Entries close on Friday 17 May.

Clipboard

All co-curricular music ensemble schedules are now available on Clipboard. If you haven’t set this up yet, please follow these instructions.

If you are having any issues with Clipboard set-up, please contact our Music Administration Assistant, Miss Alice Kotowicz.

Beyond the Green Gate

We are always happy to hear about ways our primary musicians are involved in music-making outside the school. Please send details to Heidi Jones.

Dates for your Diary

Term 2

Heidi Jones
Head of Music (Co-curricular)

Visual Arts

The Annual Woollahra Gallery Youth Photographic Awards and Short Film Prize 2024 is now open for entries!

All students at SCEGGS are encouraged to put forward work for this exhibition.

Please send work to Ms Jackson via email as we submit together as a school.

Student photographs can be processed and manipulated either in a dark room or digitally.

Entries can be in colour or black and white.

All photographs to be submitted in a digital format only.

Digital format photographs must be a minimum of 2mb or 300dpi. (The Art Department can help you with this if you need)

We encourage you to be as experimental and innovative as you like!

Key dates

Please visit the gallery webpage for all information and how to enter, or drop by the Staffroom.

Co-curricular Drawing

In Term 1 Ms Allum and Ms Gyton were asked during the Year 7 Parent Information Evening to assist in making a creative problem for an Art student to solve using the key values and attitudes taught in the SCEGGS Art classroom such as:

• Planning
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Initiative and persistence
• Confidence
• Ingenuity
• Imagination
• Innovation
• Creativity

The co-curricular drawing class have seized the opportunity to use their skills and imagination in this task.

What is so impressive about these drawings is that beyond their technical skill and meticulous or expressive execution, is the resourcefulness and confidence to transform a few lines on a blank field of paper into such evocative imagery that is so compelling for the viewer!

These students demonstrate that the act of making art develops so many essential skills, particularly problem solving and the ability to come up with ideas and develop them. These are not only valuable assets in the Art classroom but across all learning areas at school and especially sought after in the 21^st Century workplace.

Here is Ms Allum’s and Ms Gyton’s original work:

And here are student’s responses:

This week’s banner is Year 12 student Bianca Rozsa’s submission to the Woollahra Youth Photography Award from 2023 titled Cocooned.

Heidi Jackson
Head of Visual Arts

Debating

Well done to the following teams for winning their debates on Friday evening:

• Primary A ISDA
• Primary B ISDA
• Year 7 Eastside
• Year 8 ISDA
• Year 9 ISDA
•  Year 10 ISDA

That now concludes the rounds of the ISDA 2024 competition, and all teams should be commended on a fantastic season.

A huge congratulations to our five teams who have made it through to the finals rounds: Primary B, Primary A, Year 8, Year 9, and Year 10. A special well-done also goes to Year 8 for coming first in their bracket.

Commiserations to the three teams that missed out – they did so by the narrowest of margins, with all three coming 5^th in their group (with the top four teams progressing through).

The details of the ISDA Octo Final debates are:

Friday 11 May

Friday 17 May

Our final round of Eastside will be held on Friday – SCEGGS will be hosting Scots College.

The Archdale Debating Competition, run by IGSA, will begin on Tuesday afternoons and evenings in Week 4. In Archdale Years 7-9 debates conclude at 6.30pm, while Years 10-12 debates conclude at 7.30pm. We enter two teams in Years 7-9, so it is a fantastic opportunity to work with a smaller group. Please make sure that Imogen Harper and your coaches know if you would like to be a part of this competition.

Imogen Harper
Debating Coordinator

The SCEGGS P&F Association Years 11 & 12 Parent/Daughter Breakfast

Students in Years 11 and 12 and a parent/carer are warmly invited to attend the Parent/Daughter Breakfast:

We are thrilled to welcome back to SCEGGS Old Girl Milla MCPHEE (2007) as our guest speaker.

Recently returning to Australia after 10 years working in New York and the UK in the marketing and advertising industry, Milla is now the Chief Strategy Officer for The Monkeys (part of Accenture Song), one of Australia’s largest creative agencies.

Milla started her career as an academic in Behavioural Economics at The University of Sydney and then tried a short stint as a management consultant, before finding her true home in the creative industry. She spent five years as a brand and creative strategist at Droga5 Sydney, then in New York, working to earn Cannes Lions Indie Agency of the Year; Creativity Agency of the Year & Adweek Agency of the Decade. Milla then moved to London, heading up Strategy at adam&eveDDB, where she led her team to become the only strategy department to ever win the ‘Triple Crown of Effectiveness’ (APG, Effies & IPA Agencies of the Year), as well as Cannes Lions Global Agency of the Year and EU Agency of the Decade. After this, she did her time client side as Amazon’s Head of Brand & Creative Strategy, working on award-winning advertising for the global Alexa, Prime, Grocery and retail brands. 

In her current role, Milla leads brand, creative and advertising strategies for clients like Qantas, Telstra, NRMA, as well as government and non-profit brands. She’s also returned as a continuing academic at The University of Sydney Business School and is a regular panelist on ABC’s Gruen.  

To hear more about Milla’s career journey and her fascinating insights, join us on Friday 17 May!

School Photographs

School photographs are taken and managed by Advanced Life Photography. Photo Order Envelopes were distributed to students by their Form Teachers last week. The envelope will have instructions on how to order school photography packages via their website.

To order online, you will also need to enter the 9 digit SCEGGS Advanced order code, which can be found here.

Sibling Photographs

If you wish to purchase a photo of two or more siblings together, you must order online, and note that the order must be placed before 9.00am on Wednesday 5 June; sibling photographs will only be taken if an order has been placed more than 24 hours before Photograph Day.

Additional order conditions to note:

• Late fees – a late fee will be applied to each package purchased after photo day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately
• Package delivery – photographic packages will be returned to school for distribution approximately six weeks after photos are taken
• Previous Years’ photos – Past years’ photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available to order under the “previous years or group photo” tabs at your school’s advancedorder site when you click on the “Order School Photos Here” button above. You can also order past packages, portrait images and gifts from your child’s unique, individual and secure advancedyou image archive site using the unique 9 digit image code found on packages you have ordered in the past.

Please contact Advanced Life if you have any other questions.

Parents’ and Friends’ Association

Class Parent Events