TERM 3 NO 5
Wednesday 9 September 2015
Winifred West Schools Limited . ABN 14 000 025 0267
PO Box 34 Mittagong NSW 2575 . Phone: +61 2 4860 2000 . Fax: +61 2 4860 2020 . frensham@frensham.nsw.edu.au
2016 AIS Stem Grant - Computational Thinking and Physical Computing Project
Frensham has been awarded an AIS STEM grant for the second year in a row. The overall goal of the project for 2016 is, for
the first time, to formally introduce computational thinking (in the form of coding) and physical computing to Frensham.
Computational Thinking has been identified as a key enabling skill and some consider it to be the 4th Literacy that will define an
educated person in the 21st century. Thus, the introduction of Computational Thinking into the curriculum at Freshman has been
a focus for the last 18 months. This year, staff members have attended Physical Computing training workshops (run by Intel
Australia, MacICT and MadMaker), the school is running a pilot programme of the Madmaker challenge in Term 4 and currently
has six students (Years 9-11) participating in the NCSS Challenge to test online coding modules by Grok Learning.
The current F1 in Schools Technology Challenge STEM project at Frensham has been highly successful in increasing the
targeted cohort’s (Year 8) engagement and skill in STEM. In addition, there has been a strong uptake of these skills and
technologies by students in senior years, especially where their teachers have been involved in the STEM project. This is the
reason for the emphasis on staff professional development and the development of a teacher-learning-community, so that the
teacher will be confident to guide, facilitate and inspire students in this area.
The need to encourage students, especially girls, into STEM related subjects and careers is well publicised. Intel’s MakeHers
study showed that barriers to girls participation is often the result of lack of information, tools and mentorship. While the factors
that promote interest in STEM are open ended investigations, designing and making, inclusiveness, collaboration and multiple
pathways. The whole-cohort, project based, physical computing nature of the project (specially as a follow on from the
computational skills in the F1 project) has been designed with these factors in mind.
In addition, the choice of Physical Computing, rather than just coding, is so that the project will have more scope to be applied
(and thus skills retained) in the long term (by both staff and students) as the combination and of hardware and code design can
readily be applied to Science and Mathematics research projects (especially via the Arduino Esplora board) and to Music,
Visual Arts and Deign & Technology major works (especially the Intel Galileo board).
F1 Racing
Year 8 students will compete in their racing teams on
Monday 14 September to determine the fastest F1 team Car
and the team with the quickest reaction times.
The Top teams will move forward to the Regional Finals held
at Barker College in the first week of Term 4.
The students have designed and modified their F1 car using
the Autodesk Inventor program, tested the aerodynamical
qualities on Autodesk Flow and machined their cars using
the Denford CNC Router 2600 Pro.
Presentation at the competition level has been key with
students as they have developed skills in creating
engineering compliance drawings of their car, completing a
high render and an A2 poster of their design process for competition day. Students have also monitored the shape, weight
and finish of their cars making sure that they are compliant with the Rules and Regulations of the F1 In School Competition.
Gib Gate Code Camp
Gib Gate students enjoy working scientifically and mathematically and this week
Year 4 and Year 5 students have been able to combine their interests and
strengths in these areas with some computational thinking. Taking part in a weeklong Code Camp, the students are working with technical professionals to learn
how to write code and design their own game apps which they will then be able to
use on any of their personal mobile devices. This authentic learning experience
engages students in some challenging logical thinking, problem solving and
brainstorming in a creative environment that encourages collaboration and
divergent thinking. Computational Thinking, part of the ICT Curriculum and core to
the Robotics programme, is currently being reviewed to incorporate essential skills
such as coding so that students from K-6, learn how to programme independently.
Savannah Linde
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Students made the following comments:
Monique Andersson: ‘Code Camp is lots of fun because you learn to
make your own games. Code Camp is the best thing ever!’
Spencer Lewis: ‘Code Camp is a great. You can be creative and
although it is sometimes difficult, it is fun!’
Isabella Israel: ‘Awesome, awesome, awesome!’
Angus Mackie and Joe Quilty
Gib Gate Robocup
A large team of students participated in the Robocup competition held at the Australian National University, Canberra recently.
Arlo Berry and William Clark (Year 6) entered the Rescue Division. Dance Division entrants were: Abigail McLeod and Bridget
Schereck; Savannah Linde and Amelia O’Shanassy (Year 4); Sophie Goodisson (Year 2) and Archer Maitland (Year 3); Caitlin
Quinn (Year 6) and Kyle George (Year 3).
The competition was held over three days this year, commencing with an afternoon workshop on Thursday afternoon which the
students found informative and useful. Friday 21 August was an exciting day with a large number of schools entering the
competition including High Schools. The Gib Gate teams performed well, worked co-operatively and solved problems and, as
most were first time entries, they learnt a great deal from the experience. Mrs Berman worked with the team over two terms in
preparation and notes how well prepared the students were. Students were interviewed as part of the competition and
organisers were impressed with how well they could articulate the processes involved in making and programming their robots.
Above, Arlo Berry and William Clark.
Right, Amelia O’Shanassy and Savannah
Linde; Archer Maitland and Sophie
Goodisson
Acknowledgement to:
ƒ Paige Wilson (Year 10) representing Australia at the Commonwealth Youth Games, Samoa, for her Bronze medal
success in the High Jump Women’s final. (Gold and Silver medallists were representing England);
ƒ Chloe McCrabb (Year 10) who will compete in the NSW Combined Independent Schools in the Under 18 National Youth
Touch Championships in Queensland;
ƒ Frensham and Gib Gate Snowsports teams competing at the NSW Interschools Snowsports Championships. Particular
congratulations to the Gib Gate Bronze medal team in the primary girls section;
ƒ The Madrigals on their success in The Australian Choral Grand Prix – beautiful sound, clever choreography and stylistic
interpretation. (See full Adjudicator Simon Kenway's remarks in Music section.) ‘Frensham - I was mesmerised with their
Madrigals and their Perfect Day with their perfect harmony and their perfect intonation... so that was just sublime...
ƒ Years Pre K - 2 students for their excellence performances of The Little Red Hen;
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Elvira Berzins (Year 8) for her poem, The First Casualty, which received a commendation in the Dorothea Mackellar
Poetry Awards (please see page 13);
Frensham and Gib Gate students who competed in the 2015 ICAS Writing Competition, including High Distinction
award recipients: Lulu Duck, Lucy Pernice (Year 5); Imogen Senior (Year 8); Stella Wilde (Year 9); Annabel Munro,
Georgina Sutton (Year 10);
Year 9 students for their efforts in weed control in the Lower Holt as part of Environmental Studies in the Jamieson
Programme;
The Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) award recipients;
Hockey and Netball teams successful in the IGSSA Semi-Finals progressing to the finals this weekend;
Anna Horton (Year 11), Mia Withers (Year 11) and Serena Mackay (Year 12) for their success in the Junior Steer
Competition within the 2015 Show Cattle season.
Sample Boarding
This week (Thursday from 4.45pm till Friday 3.30pm), Frensham hosts the annual Sample Boarding Programme for Year 5
students who would be joining the School from 2017. We are pleased to note that 43 students have registered to join us from
far and wide, including many younger sisters of current students, boarders from more than 12 hours away and interested local
boarders.
This is an extremely important programme to help parents understand the goals of 21st Century Boarding which is about shared
responsibility for the development of character, values and aspiration. (Senior boarders say: ‘Boarding is a fantastic opportunity
to live and to go to school with your friends…!’).
We appreciate the support of all who assist us with the hosting of our sample boarders.
This week I have also met parents of future overseas boarders whose parents are living in Singapore. We have a growing Expat community who value boarding education in the Australian context.
Frensham Information Evening – 5.30pm-7.00pm Thursday 10 September
The Information Evening is run concurrently with Sample Boarding and Sample High School, and is held in Clubbe Hall.
Julie A Gillick
Head of Frensham
Head of Winifred West Schools
Fellowship News
A life time of friendship… Members from the class of 1949 gathered to celebrate the School’s birthday and a combined 1066
years of life. The group enjoyed lunch at the QVB in Sydney and plans are already in place for them to meet again next year.
Christine Carmichael (Knight), Judy Tugwell
(Harbison), Di Harvey (Cullen), Judy Ferris
(McMaster), Cynthia Deane (Suttie), Jacky
Christian OAM (Helen Bertram), Sue Whisker
OAM (Alderson), Sally Grieve (Clark), Pam
Phillips (Abbott), Sue Devenish-Meares
(Hawkeswood), Liddy Barton (Chandler),
Miggy-Ann Caillard (Crawford), Betty
Borthwick (Macdonald).
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Frensham Advisory Committee 2015
Mrs Caroline Begg
Mrs Pip Crichton
Mrs Helen Gooden
Mrs Katrina Graves
Mr John Hayes
Mrs Sam Hickson (Sec)
Mr Gavin Martin
Mrs Judy Newton
Mr Sam Paradice
Mr John Penton (Chair)
Mrs Tina Scales
Mrs Melody Talbot
Gib Gate Advisory Committee 2015
r-cbegg@bigpond.net.au
pipcrichton@bigpond.com
jwhgooden@bigpond.com
graves@jkg.net.au
hayes.jt@bigpond.com
jshickson@bigpond.com
gavin.martin@ap.jll.com
judy.newton5@bigpond.com
sam.paradice@morgans.com.au
jbpenton@tpg.com.au
t.scales@bigpond.com
melody@talbotnet.com
Mrs Rachel Arnott (Chair)
Mrs Caroline Atra
Dr Guy Bashford
Mrs Holly de Manincor
Mr Gil Downes
Mr Stephen Grant
Mrs Sarah Lewis (Sec)
Mrs Corina Nesci
Mrs Helen Pernice
Mrs Zoe Suttie
Rkarnott1@gmail.com
caroline.atra@me.com
guy.bashford@
sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au
hollydemanincor@hotmail.com
gil.downes@neerim.net.au
munropark@me.com
sarahlew@me.com
corina.nesci@yahoo.com
dandhpernice@bigpond.com
zoesuttie@gmail.com
(Chair of FOGG)
TERM DATES 2015 ~ Gib Gate & Frensham
Term 3
Term 3 ends Thursday 17 September 3pm
Term 4
Gib Gate: Tuesday 6 October-Friday 4 December 3pm
Frensham: Boarders return on the evening of Monday 5
October for Tuesday 6 October-Sunday 6 December
12.30pm (departure is after the Carol Service)
TERM DATES 2016 - Gib Gate and Frensham
Term 1
Gib Gate & Frensham:
Friday 29 January – Thursday 7 April, 3.00pm departure
(Frensham New Student Induction Thursday 28 January
All boarders return evening of Thursday 28 January)
Easter:
Departure is from 3.00pm Wednesday 23 March
Classes recommence Tuesday 29 March
Term 3
Gib Gate & Frensham:
Tuesday 19 July-Thursday 22 September 3.00pm
(All Boarders return on the evening of Monday 18 July)
Frensham
(Year 12 Dinner with Parents and Staff is evening of
Thursday 22 September)
Term 4
Gib Gate: Monday 10 October-Friday 9 December 3.00pm
Frensham: Monday 10 October -Sunday 11 December
from 12noon (after 11am Carol Service)
(All Boarders return on the evening of Sunday 9 October)
Term 2
Gib Gate & Frensham:
Wednesday 27 April -Thursday 23 June, 3.00pm
(All Boarders return on the evening of Tuesday 26 April)
(Year 10 Work Experience ends Friday 24 June)
Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend: Monday 13 June;
Frensham departs 3.00pm Friday 10 June
2016 PARENT WEEKENDS – Confirmed dates for attendance of all students Years 7-12
REMINDER: all Years 7-12 attend all *Parent Weekend
Services
Term 1
Year 7
Year 10
Term 2
Year 8
Year 12
Term 3
Year 11 Saturday 6-Sunday 7 August
[Year 10 Saturday 6 August - Year 10 planning for Senior
Studies (with parents on Saturday)]
Year 9
Saturday 27-Sunday 28 August
Saturday 27 February-Sunday 28 February
Frensham Open Day ~ Saturday 27 February
Saturday 12-Sunday 13 March
Saturday 14-Sunday 15 May
Saturday 4-Sunday 5 June
WWS Birthday - Friday 3 June
Frensham’s 103rd Birthday - Sunday 5 June
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Ranier Uniform Shop
SUMMER UNIFORM
Please note that the last trading day for Term 3 is Thursday 17 September.
The Shop will be open on Tuesday 6 October - Hours: 12.00pm – 5.00pm
Regular trading days resume on Thursday 8 October 2015
******************
UNIFORMS FOR 2016
It is recommended that students starting in the new year come in early to discuss their uniforms. Fittings will take place in
September, October and November and all fittings are by appointment.
Please note: For those families who do not live locally, a uniform fitting appointment will be arranged by the Registrar for
Thursday 22 October, as part of the Overnight Orientation programme.
Shop Manager: Mrs Michelle Wynn ~ To order goods or make an appointment for a uniform fitting, please call the Shop:
(02) 4860 2136 [BH or leave a message and your call will be returned on the next trading day] or email: frensham@ranier.com.au
Shop Hours: Mondays and Thursdays: 12.00pm-5pm
Iris Touring
Sydney Food Trails
Cabramatta
7 October 2015
Chinatown
15 October 2015
Alexandria
7 November 2015
For full details and to book online, please visit: www.frensham.nsw.edu.au/iris-tour
Foundation Dinners
Foundation will be hosting two fundraising dinners in October:
Sydney
Wednesday 14 October 2015
Frensham, Mittagong
Saturday 17 October 2015
Please ring Michele Scamps if you would like to support one of the dinners.
For more information on WWS Foundation, please contact: Michele Scamps, +61 2 4860 2000 – foundation@wws.nsw.edu.au
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Please see the opening news for Ms Sally Robson’s full report
Curriculum Highlights 2015
ICAS Writing Results 2015
In 2015, 61 students participated in the Years 3-6 ICAS Writing Competition and were awarded two High Distinctions, seven
Distinctions, 17 Credits, eight Merits and 27 Participation certificates.
This year, students were required to write a book review (persuasive text) that could be published on a school website. They
could review any kind of book such as a picture book, a novel or a non-fiction (information) book. The book did not have to be
real. They were instructed to: tell the readers what type of book it is and who might enjoy it; briefly describe what the book is
about and their feelings about it; provide a recommendation about whether the book is worth reading, giving reasons for their
opinion.
All students will be presented with their Certificates of Participation at Performance Assembly this week on Friday 11
September.
Year 6: Distinction: Grace Lewis; Credit: Ainsley Everett, Jonathan Jansz, Harriet Mackie, Sophia Pernice; Merit: Jessica Grieg,
Isabelle Promnitz.
Year 5: High Distinction: Lulu Duck, Lucy Pernice; Distinction: Ankitha Avvari, Maya Basson, Mia Greig, Holly Horsfall; Credit:
Matilda Arnott, Georgia Day, Emma Hassett, Zoe Moutsopolous, Lily Veleba; Merit: Paris Ow-Yang, Matilda Walker.
Year 4: Distinction: Savannah Linde; Credit: Ava Berkelouw, Angus Mackie; Merit: Spencer Lewis.
Year 3: Distinction: Cate Horsfall; Credit: Cassia Berry, Luca de Manincor, Georgia Greig, Elizabeth Taylor, Lilly Treweeke,
Isabella Woods; Merit: Madison Brett, Kyle George, Amy Wimalaratne.
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director of Teaching and Learning, P-12 and Coordinator of Gifted and Talented Programmes
Enrichment/Activities
Musical Productions
Preschool, Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students presented The Little Red Hen with confidence and enthusiasm last week.
The dancing, singing, moving and acting were of a high calibre. Year 2 students acted superbly in their roles. Thank you to Mrs
Annabel Lomax for her support and the parents who helped class teachers with costumes and to the Gib Gate Orchestra for
supporting this performance.
Years 3 to Year 6 performers have commenced their dances, lines and songs for The Jungle which will be presented next term.
Year 6 students are excited about their lead roles and other classes are enjoying their character parts. The inclusive nature of
these authentic performance opportunities for students is purposeful in developing all students’ potential.
Tulip Time Performances
Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students and the lunchtime dance group will support this local event by performing their
musical songs and dances in Corbett Gardens on Tuesday 15 September at 2pm. Parents are welcome to attend in support.
Public Speaking Day
Gib Gate will host the Southern Schools Public Speaking Day on Tuesday 15 September. Students will compete in Stages
with a prepared speech and Stage 3 students are also required to present an impromptu speech. Gib Gate will be represented
by Cate Horsfall, Kate Nicholl, and Alexandra Inglis (Year 3), Joe Quilty (Year 4), Phoebe Wedderburn (Year 5) and Henry Rofe
(Year 6).
Term 4 Extra Curricular Activities
Term 4 extra-curricular enrolment forms are available on SchoolBox. Please note that some classes are filling fast.
Mrs Anne Graham, Gib Gate Coordinator (Administration)
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Sport
Skiing
Congratulations to the Gib Gate ski team who won the bronze medal for Primary Girls at the NSW Interschools Snowsports
championships held at Perisher. These students will now represent Gib Gate at the National Championships at Mount Buller
in Victoria this week.
Cross Country Classic and Relay events: Matilda Arnott, Olivia Vertzayias, Matilda Walker (Year 5) and Hannah Bendror and
Bridget Schereck (Year 4); Moguls and SkierCross: Sophia Pernice (Year 6), Lucy Pernice, Lily Veleba (Year 5) and Luca de
Manincor (Year 3); Cross Country Classic, Relay, Moguls and SkierCross: Jessica Savage (Year 4); Snowboard Cross,
Snowboard GS, Moguls and SkierCross: Ella Veleba (Year 4).
Athletics
The Gib Gate Athletics team competed outstandingly at the IPSHA (Independent Primary School Heads of Australia)
Athletics Carnival held at Homebush on 25 August. There were many top 10 finishes from our athletes at an event that
contains around 50 of the strongest Independent Schools in NSW and with over 100 competitors in each of the 100 metre and
200 metre events.
Congratulations to the following students who qualified for the Combined Independent Schools (CIS) Carnival being held this
week at Homebush:
Frankie Nesci (Year 6) 6th in the 11 Years Boys Shot Put; Luca de Manincor (Year 4) 6th in the 8 Years Girls 100 metre
Mr Michael Standen, Co-ordinator of PDHPE and Sport
Preschool (Pre-Kindergarten)
Whose nest is this? …….continued
The children’s interest in the bird’s nest that has been built in one of the trees in the Preschool playground has continued. In
group time, children were asked what items birds use to make their nests. Here are their ideas: sticks, hay, twigs, fur, leaves,
feathers and string. We are interested in finding out what type of bird has been making the nest in the tree. The children
brainstormed their ideas which included a Parrot, Magpie, Cockatoo, Seagull, Pigeon and Silver Eye bird. We are keeping a
careful lookout this week to see if we can determine
which bird species it is.
Preschool children have continued to enjoy creating
their own bird nests out of playdough and a wide
range of natural materials, including feathers and
twigs.
Amélie Newton-King: ‘I have a mummy bird and a
baby bird. There are lots of eggs.’
Aiden Woolley: ‘A bird nest needs twigs, feathers,
eggs and sticks. I put feathers in my nest so the bird
can rest on them because they are soft.’
Aiden Woolley and Amélie Newton-King
Ms Kelly Lees, Preschool Teacher
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FRIENDS OF STURT
Chris Topp (President), Penny Hoskins (Secretary), Ruth Wright (Roster Secretary), Denise Sumner
(Mail-out Coordinator), Joan Dinning, Bill Dinning, Anne Thomson, Alan Matthews, Julie Musgrave,
Michael Harris
Special Events
International Craft and Design Conference & Talks – National Gallery Victoria 17-18 September 2015
Sturt will have three members of staff attending this important conference on craft and design in Australia. Parallels –
Journeys into Contemporary Making is a rare opportunity to hear over 25 leading international and local makers, designers
and curators share their view on the changing worlds of craft and design. Looking both globally and locally, this two-day
conference provides a range of informative, inspirational, and provocative talks revealing the shifting priorities and emerging
opportunities for Australian craft and design.
Melbourne Timber and Working with Wood Show -11-13 September
Sturt will have its regular stand at the Melbourne Wood Show which will be held at Caulfield Racecourse.
Term Classes
It is time to book for Term 4 classes commencing 12 October. Sturt has weekly classes in ceramics, woodwork, tapestry and
jewellery/metalwork. Places in many of these classes are extremely popular so be sure to contact Sturt Shop soon to secure
your place.
Courses
Weaving project with Susan Walker - Saturday 26-Sunday 27 September
Complete a weaving project in one weekend such as a bag, scarf, belt, braid or trim, cushion or wall art. Plan a project with the
tutor’s help before the class and be ready to warp and weave on the first day. Think about exploring fancy yarns or exotic
threads or experimenting with colour and texture.
Sue Walker has had a life-long connection to the textile arts – knitting, crochet, sewing, machine embroidery, macramé, screenprinting, weaving – anything involving thread, yarn or fabric has not escaped her textile pursuits! She has taught in a variety of
educational contexts including school, TAFE, WEA and university. Currently she teaches English and Textiles & Design at high
school and runs an online business selling weaving and knitting supplies.
Cedar Boxes with Stuart Montague - Saturday 26-Sunday 27 September
Simplicity in design is often mistaken for having a simple idea or lack of ideas. Make a set of simple, Japanese-inspired boxes
in cedar made with simple lap joints. You will learn how to cut an accurate joint, rebate on the router for the base and lids, handplane and hand-sand, chisel work and mitre joints. While the first box is being glued together, you will make a mitred box with
dovetail keys with an option of a hinged or rebated lid. Students will go home with two beautiful boxes.
Summer School 2016 - 4-9 January
A list of Summer School courses is now available and includes 25 adult courses and five children’s courses. Sturt welcomes
many new tutors to the 2016 programme and an exciting array of new courses to inspire creativity, including Indigo Dyeing,
Pastels, Paper Sculpture, open work Basketry, Art Photography, Contemporary Furniture Making and Digital Crafting for Artists.
Sturt Gallery
Exchange - continues to 20 September
This exhibition celebrates 21 years of the Southern Highlands Printmakers and showcases the works of 26 artists working in a
diverse variety of printmaking techniques including screen print, etching, lino, digital media and monotype. With 70 works on
display, this exhibition provides a unique educational tool in viewing all these methods. Featured artists include Tony Ameneiro,
Robyn Kinsela, Peter Ward, Kathrin Orton, Liz Jeneid and many more. Accompanying the exhibition is a special catalogue
providing further details about the artists and the group.
At The End Of The Rainbow - 27 September – 15 November
‘At the End of the Rainbow’ is an exhibition of exciting new ceramics by Julie Shepherd exploring an evolution of colour and
lustre in exquisite fine porcelain. Inspired by Sturt Craft Centre’s Garden, these sculptural and functional ceramics with hidden
treasures celebrate the fragile beauty and resilience of nature.
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The exhibition will be opened at 11am on Sunday 27 September by special guest, Vicki Grima, Executive Officer, Australian
Ceramics Association and editor of the Journal of Australian Ceramics.
Artist in Residence
Sturt’s new professional resident is Edinburgh-based furniture designer/maker, Isabelle Moore. Her work focuses on seating
and textiles. Endlessly inspired by the incorporation of different techniques, Isabelle has explored the possibilities of ‘active
sitting’, ergonomics and minimal material to provide holistic and fun ways to interact with our built environment.
Full details of all Sturt courses, exhibitions, residency programmes and events can be found on the website
www.sturt.nsw.edu.au or to make a booking or enrolment call Sturt Shop on +61 2 4860 2083 or email shop@sturt.nsw.edu.au
Mr Mark Viner, Head of Sturt
Deputy Head
With only one week of Term 3 remaining, the School is preparing for Term 4 - always an exciting Term. Girls look forward to the
end-of-year activities, the Major Production, warmer weather, more daylight and the satisfaction in completing another year.
The calendar for the first two weeks of Term 4 includes:
ƒ Year 12 HSC Examinations commence on Monday of Week 2
ƒ The continuation of the End-of-Year Production rehearsals
ƒ A Duke of Edinburgh Silver Expedition departing on the Sunday of the first weekend
ƒ AHIGS Festival of Speech at the end of Week 2 and the second weekend
We are also looking forward to the start of the IGSSA Touch Football competition, Waterpolo, Tennis Squads and Swimming
Training Sessions as well as preparation for Tennis and Softball in Term 1, 2016.
Students in Years 7 and 8 have satisfactorily completed four days of examinations and are now settling in to the remainder of
their academic programme for the year. While this was no doubt a challenging time for Year 7 especially, all went smoothly and
students handled the pressure well.
Students in Year 12 are completing their final two weeks of school and are preparing for the study vacation prior to their HSC
examinations which commence in the second week of Term 4. The School wishes them every success and compliments them
on the manner in which they have conducted themselves during the final term.
Mr Geoff Marsh, Deputy Head
Boarding News
The Boarders’ Friday nights have been both entertaining and instructive of late with the Etiquette Dinner and Disco in Week 7.
The focus on manners over the term, led by Year 12 has certainly resonated with many. Everyone is now familiar with the
phrase ‘It is good manners to be five minutes early’. At the end of Week 8, the Sleepover Slumber Party took everyone back to
their childhood and much fun was had with games such as musical chairs and the limbo dancing in the Dining Room after
dinner.
In preparation for their examination week, the Years 7 and 8 Boarders spent their quiet time studying in the Houses and were
supervised in classrooms over the last weekend in August. This focus was interspersed with afternoon exercise sessions in the
pool including a Saturday night swimming party.
On Sunday 31 August, the Year 9 Boarders enjoyed a ‘surprise outing’ to the Mittagong Ten Pin Bowling Alley. The activity was
enjoyed in good humour and tested their bowling skills. Last Sunday, a large group of excited juniors travelled to Liverpool to
spend the afternoon ice skating at the LCC Ice-skating Rink. It was a terrific outing, appreciated immensely by all who
participated.
Year 11 girls are now focused on their examinations and we wish them well for the final weeks of term.
Mme Deborah Panaretto, Director of Boarding
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Director of Teaching and Learning
Professional Learning Update Term 3, 2015
All teachers have continued their professional learning throughout Term 3 to develop and update their skills and knowledge in
response to the latest research and emerging knowledge about learning and teaching. Central to the professional learning
programme at Winifred West Schools is the opportunity for teachers to work in small groups, and with a partner and discuss, in
detail, student learning. Teachers at Frensham and Gib Gate engaged in their Teacher Learning Community (TLC)
collaborative group meetings on Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 August to examine the development of student thinking using
authentic work samples brought to the meeting by each teacher. Chairs of each group meeting use the LAST (Looking at
Student Thinking) meeting protocol designed by the Making Thinking Visible Project Team at Harvard Graduate School of
Education.
In addition, teachers have attended a number of professional workshops and conferences to work with colleagues from schools
across sectors and states and bring new ideas, research and knowledge back to share with colleagues at school.
On Monday 10 August, Mrs Marnie Rea attended the Spell-It Professional Learning Workshop at the MULTILIT Research
Unit, Macquarie University. The Spell-It programme is the most recent addition to the PreLit, MiniLit and MultiLit individualised
teaching programmes currently in use at Gib Gate from P-6.
Mrs LeeAnn Marsh attended the annual Teacher Librarian’s Conference 2015 on Thursday 13 August at Abbotsleigh entitled:
Visible Libraries, which featured keynote presentations by Kate Sweetapple and Zoe Sadokierski from the University of
Technology Sydney (UTS) on Visible libraries featuring design-led projects. Of special interest was the continuing discussion on
the question: What is the relevance of a physical library in a digital age?
Ms Kate Chauncy and Dr Tristan Burg travelled to The 5th Cultures of Thinking Conference at Bialik College, Melbourne, on
Sunday 16 and Monday 17 August. This biennial conference brings together schools and teachers implementing the Harvard
Graduate School of Education Project Zero research project across Australia. Keynote speakers included: David Perkins,
founding member and senior co-director of Project Zero and author of numerous books including ‘Future Wise: Educating Our
Children For A Changing World’; Ron Richhardt, senior research associate at Harvard Project Zero, fellow at the University of
Melbourne and author of ‘Creating Cultures of Thinking’ and Mark Church, research consultant to Project Zero, author of
‘Making Thinking Visible’ and current consultant working with WWS throughout 2015. A feature of the conference was the
opportunity for Ms Chauncy and Dr Burg to view the research in action in real classrooms by real teachers at Bialik College, an
independent, non-selective day school, working with Project Zero since 2005.
Last Thursday, Dr Burg and Miss Sophie Piper, teachers of the Year 8 STEM Pilot F1 in Schools Technology Challenge
travelled to St Gregory’s, Campbelltown to be part of a select judging panel for this year’s regional final. Miss Piper judged
presentations given by teams in the ‘Development Class’ and Dr Burg was one of two judges for the Posters of the ‘Cadet
Class’ competition and of the portfolios and team displays for the ‘Development Class’ competition. Important contacts were
made with competition sponsors, professionals and teachers running the competition in other schools which will add
significantly to the teaching and learning programme for Year 8 at Frensham.
Ms Sue Wymer, Head of Mathematics attended the AIS NSW Heads of Department Mathematics Education Conference
Day last Friday at Newington College. This conference aims to equip Heads of Departments and experienced classroom
teachers with ideas, strategies and activities for addressing teaching, learning and assessment. There were a variety of
speakers including researchers and classroom practitioners including Associate Professor Judy Anderson from the University of
Sydney, and Peter Osland, Inspector of Mathematics at BOSTES. Issues around mathematics curriculum, technology,
resources and pedagogy were explored and participants had the opportunity to share Stage 6 resources.
Ms Kate Chauncy, Director of Teaching and Learning, P-12 and Coordinator of Gifted and Talented Programmes
Director of Studies
Students in Year 11 have commenced Preliminary Course Examinations this week and which conclude next Tuesday. Those
students who have completed examinations by Monday 14 September will attend classes on Tuesday to commence obtaining
results from their teachers. The examination period provides an opportunity for students to assess their knowledge and
understanding of course outcomes and also to experience a formal examination structure.
A brief meeting was held with students last week to reinforce examination procedures and remind them of the rules regarding
illness and misadventure during this time. Where possible, students should make every effort to attend their examinations or
submit appropriate medical documentation. The external supervisors conducting Year 11 Preliminary Examinations are
experienced HSC personnel and will ensure students are familiar with all processes relating to senior examinations.
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Year 11 students will participate in a Year 11 into 12 day that includes study skills sessions delivered by Elevate Education and
leadership seminars. A separate programme will be available at the end of the week.
Years 7 and 8 examinations have now been completed and students will soon obtain their results from their teachers. It is
important that they use the feedback provided to enhance and reflect on future learning goals.
Ms Janene van Gogh, Director of Studies – in Residence
Careers News
On Monday 24 August, senior students welcomed guest speakers from the University of Melbourne and the University of
Sydney. John Paul Collins – Manager, Prospective Students, gave a presentation about courses and other information pertinent
to the University of Melbourne.
Former students, (L-R) Lauren Zawal and Molly Macqueen (2013) returned for an
after-dinner meeting with Year 12 to talk about their experiences at the University of
Sydney and living in a residential college.
Other News
Year 12 students should have their tertiary plans well underway with UAC on-time
applications closing on 30 September. This date also coincides with many other
applications, including Early Entry through the Schools Recommendation Scheme;
Educational Access Scheme and most scholarships. Applications for residential colleges
can be made at any time as interviews are conducted throughout the remainder of 2015
and into 2016. Students are aware they may change their course preferences without
cost up to and after offers are made by UAC. Some students will choose to make
changes once their ATAR is known. Changes for the Main Round Offers should be made
by 6 January 2016. Early Entry offers will be sent to students in early December. It is
mandatory that the EE course remains 1st preference (unless the student chooses not to
accept and makes other choices through UAC). Students are being supported with
advice on a regular basis.
Mrs Cherylynne Williams, Careers Adviser
English and Drama
Drama
Nothing like a (now fixed) leaky roof – A Tribute to Drama at Frensham
Last week, Year 12 were sitting on the stage in Clubbe Hall basking in the stage light, in preparation for the HSC Drama
performance, when we realised that this could be the last time we would be on this stage.
There is no greater joy than seeing a production spring to life after many hours of rehearsal, line learning, costume organisation
and a few technical difficulties to iron out. To tread the boards, knowing that the back stage crew has it all under control, is half
of the delight of performing. The other half is, of course, your audience, they are there through the highs and lows, their laughter
only leaves you wanting more. This feeling is one of a kind, the sheer exhilaration mixed with the terror of nerves.
This is why Clubbe Hall with its ‘dungeons, ghosts, secret doors and leaky roof’ is where we feel most comfortable and most
challenged. It is the place where we feel ‘the magic’. It enables us to transform into a cowboy, a Japanese citizen, a student
from Rydell High, a wicked witch or even a flower shop girl turned lady. It gives you the freedom to explore personality traits you
never knew you had.
Indeed, the privilege of performance knows no equal. There may be stumbling of lines, notes out of place, or a belated cue, but
from the opening of the curtain to the close, Frensham girls know that their audience is there in support. This is what makes
Drama at Frensham different. We keep marching on when things aren’t going our way and we celebrate when they do. When
sheets become courtiers’ capes and feathered gloves become a swan’s wings or having to improvise with buckets, towels and
umbrellas because the roof has finally given in to a relentless down pour.
So, drinking in the familiar feel of Clubbe Hall stage I could not help but remember vigorously bobbing around to final numbers,
feasting on biscuits and poppers in the Orchestra Room, receiving an enthusiastic thumbs-up from the other side of the stage,
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or dancing to the interlude music behind the curtain. All these memories would never have taken place without the Frensham
productions. Thank you to all the people who make the magic possible.
Grace Lavender, Year 12 Head of Drama
English
A lament so dreadful in its telling, created with such exquisitely timed syllabification and repetition. Amazing insight.
This is what the judges had to say about Elivra Berzin’s poem, The First Casualty, which received a Commended in the 2015
Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards. This annual poetry competition for school-aged children is a unique national project,
giving Australia’s youth a voice and an opportunity to strive for excellence in literature. The 2015 poetry competition received
10,000 submissions from 655 schools Australia-wide.
The First Casualty
The world became dimmer,
And Home was little more than a forgotten memory.
How many tears fell
Over that desolation, darkness and despair?
Amidst the howling,
Louder than the moans of the wretched,
Did metal and fire abound.
They were noble spirits with golden eyes
And harboured visions of starlight.
The bars of an eternal cage ensnared them
And their lives were thrown into the hands of others.
The soldiers ran forward and the sun was at their heels,
Never did Death clothe himself in such a beautiful form.
The truth of Mortality spread
Like a blanket of unaltered destruction,
And the men asked,
Who is the Enemy? Who is the Enemy?
Until it became little more than a meaningless mantra.
Yet they continued to walk the path of weary
fabrication,
For no road could support their grief.
Night emerged and covered the bodies,
Mere corpses to the end.
Their last words were not shouts of glory,
But the screams of children.
Death wore his mask of delight,
And tugged them further down,
The hide of a once majestic creature,
Shredded and torn.
A flurry of bullets.
Generals watched on,
Beckoning their statues,
Those helpless little tin soldiers,
To follow as the weapons that they were.
Just another soldier,
Just another soldier,
Chosen to be caught amidst the jagged curtain of time.
Let them fall, they’ll soon fly,
Watch them die,
Watch them die.
They saw their future collapse before them,
And the Generals watched on, tears flooding, eyes
downcast.
Let them fall, they’ll soon fly,
Watch them die,
Watch them die.
***
The results for the ICAS Writing competition were received this week and we celebrate that our results continue to improve in
this international competition. Congratulations to the following girls:
Year 7: Credit: Aarthi Avvari, Anika Berkelouw, Charlotte Brigstocke, Alexandra Cunningham, Eliza Duck, Caitlin Hargraves,
Sybella Harris, Mia Horsfall, Sophie Lyne, Gemma Macaulay-Black, Sarah Manwaring, Grace McKinley, Heidi Montgomery,
Christina Richardson, Annalena Turnbull; Merit: Rose Gamble, Charlotte Menzies, Lillie Morrison. Year 8: High Distinction:
Imogen Senior; Distinction: Elvira Berzins, Noni Brittain, Savanah Gillies, Alexandra Hill; Credit: Arabella Andreas, Mia
Coupland, Kate Crawford, Attica Darling, Adelaide Darvall, Isabella Gale, Lucy Hayes, Joanna Hicks, Gina McGinnis, Phoebe
O’Connell, Lucille Schmidt, India Shead; Merit: Isabella Allen, Adele Bouniol-Laffont, Georgina Ridge, Georgie Tooth. Year 9:
High Distinction: Stella Wilde; Distinction: Maya Cook, Phoebe Hill, Sophia Parker; Credit: Alice Battcock, Celia Battcock,
Andrea Conomos, Amelia Douglass, Georgia Gardner, Claudia Guilfoyle, Chloe Hickson, Nina Jephcott, Jessica Latimer,
Sasha Lavender, Emily Mackie, Molly Paradice, Tara Penton, Gabrielle Steiner, Sabrina Stephenson, Kiara Stone, Catherine
Talbot ; Merit: Lucy Brigstocke, Madeleine Penn, Eliza Treloar, Isabella Letherbarrow-Verran. Year 10: High Distinction:
Annabel Munro, Georgina Sutton; Distinction: Liana Berzins, Emily Cooke, Emily Ives, Natasha Long, Shelly Mitchell, Madison
Moore, Annabel Preston, Kate Swan; Credit: Sadie Archibald, Ellie Arnott, Olivia Barton, Sophie Booth, Lucinda Chambers,
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Susan Chen, Kate Coupland, Ruby Crane, Ellie Fox, Laura Gardner, Skyla Harris, Sarah Hassett, Elysia Horan, Madeleine
Johnston, Georgiana Kelleher, Annabella Lewis, Sophie MacDiarmid, Matilda Martin, Madeleine Massey, Chloe McCrabb,
Arabella McKenzie, Portia McKenzie, Penelope McKillop, Rosie O’Neil, Molly- Rose Renowden, Elspeth Robertson, Georgia
Saeck, Harriet Scales, Alice Sinden, Rόisίn Spencer, Annabel White; Merit: Olivia Hart, Arabella Jones, Isabella McLean, Nina
Whitfeld.
Ms Lee McGuinness, Head of English/Drama
French
Three girls taking French Extension this year – Bianca Campbell (Year 11 accelerant), Frederica Romijn and Clementine
Tregoning – travelled to Wollongong for their Extension Oral examination. The last weeks have been full of intellectual activity
as these students have addressed such questions as Nowadays, violence is the only means of self-expression or Tomorrow’s
world appears bleaker than yesterday’s – Discuss or again, Family ties are stronger than any other influence … and their
discussions are in fluent French!
They are given a choice from two questions and have seven minutes to prepare a range of ideas in note form; then they are
recorded making their speech of approximately three minutes’ duration. They are marked primarily on the logic and structure of
their argument and only secondarily on their fluency and accuracy. Hence, a non-native speaker will frequently excel over a
native French candidate because it is the high level of intelligence brought to the debate which counts.
These girls are to be commended for their determination, resilience and positive attitude: they have all discovered that a task
which appeared insurmountable just months ago has proved, after all, to be feasible, albeit still very challenging. They have
practised diligently and deserve to do well.
Mesdames M Kidner and B Micklem, and Mademoiselle V Akins, Teachers of French
Latin
Year 12 students have now finished both their set texts, Aeneid Book 12 and Livy Book 5, and are revising them with the help of
Trial HSC Latin papers from other schools. Ms Stephenson has been organising this exchange of papers for many years and it
is beneficial for students. With approximately 30 Continuers papers and 20 Extension papers, students have the opportunity to
practise various types of answers, both long and short responses, as well as translating unseen passages under timed
conditions and are very familiar with the format of the paper.
Year 8 students have sat for their examination and are now continuing with their workbooks. For the final two weeks of term,
they will be beginning a civilisation project on the theme of Roman Legacy with a choice of options which will be presented early
in Term 4. Assessment for Years 9 and 10 are being held this week and they are revising the grammar to which they have
been introduced this term, by completing practice papers as well as using the Quizlet programme to consolidate their
knowledge of vocabulary. Year 11 students have been studying extracts from Aeneid Book 12 which covers the war in Latium
between the Trojans and the local Latins and in particular the death of Turnus at the hands of Aeneas. It has produced some
interesting discussions about the rights and wrongs of Aeneas’ actions. This will be the topic for their examination which they
will sit in Week 2 of the examination period.
The Latin Rooms are a hive of industry as preparation for these various assessments take place.
Ms Liz Stephenson, Senior Teacher in Latin
Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE)
Year 12 students of all HSIE subjects are revising subject material in preparation for the HSC examinations; of special benefit to
all students is the use of past papers and marking guidelines. Students are encouraged to examine how the style and structure
of examination questions relate to specific content in the syllabus.
Year 12 Economics students have undertaken an analysis of the federal government's current economic policy mix, with a view
to understanding the challenges the government faces in stimulating economic growth and job creation. The Year 11
Economics class recently completed its assessment task on monetary and fiscal policy and created a range of engaging
presentations, including a movie and group seminar. Recent volatility in financial markets and the concern over China's
economy continue to be of great interest in our lessons as well as class discussion.
Year 10 Geography students have commenced their investigation into one of the major links between Australia and the World
(International Aid, Migration, Defence or Trade). The assessment involves students’ examining the roles of governments, NGOs
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and individuals in their chosen area of study, as well as assessing the equity and social justice issues associated with
Australia’s actions in this area.
The Year 8 History class will begin its new topic: Shogun Japan, starting with a comparison between the feudal system of
medieval Europe, which they have just completed and that of Japan. This unit of work takes students up to the 1860s, before
moving on to Aboriginal Australia. Year 9 Geography students have finished their study of the Murray-Darling Basin and are
now commencing ‘Australian Communities’ exploring the reasons for the establishment of different populations. A part of this
study includes a visit to Cabramatta. In Year 10 History, students have begun a study of the Civil Rights Movement in the
United States of America, while completing background work on the American constitution.
By the end of term, Year 7 World Studies will complete their study of Ancient Egypt with an investigation into the building of the
pyramids and mummification rituals.
Ms Janene van Gogh, Head of HSIE
Mock Trial
On 7 September 2015, the Frensham Mock Trial team travelled to Wollongong to compete in the 2nd Elimination Round as the
Defense against Smith’s Hill High School. The team consisted of Sophie Hill as First Barrister, Molly Young as Second
Barrister, Lucinda Macken as Solicitor, Lucy Barrett as Court Officer, Madeline Conomos as the Defendant Alex Lacoste, and
Zali Steiner as Second Witness, Dr Max Zoophilia. Within the trial, the RSPCA was charging Ms Lacoste for animal cruelty
against her 36 sheep. The Prosecution was determined to have proven their case beyond a reasonable doubt. The trial was
extremely close with the final score being 228 to 229 with Frensham came a close second. Both teams were congratulated for
their tremendous effort by the Magistrate and as a Team we wish Smith Hill the best in the future.
On behalf of the Frensham 2015 Mock Trial Team, we would like to thank our coaching solicitor Mr Jowett and Ms Bradley for
giving up their time to help us over the duration of the competition. We thoroughly enjoyed every moment this competition
brought us.
Lucinda Macken
Jamieson Programme
The Jamieson Programme is built on the belief that …
‘The very experience of being confronted by physical, intellectual and emotional challenges in a stimulating environment is
inherently exciting and immensely rewarding.’
Chipo Riva, Kiara Stone, Sophie Alexander, Charlie Rogers and Lucy Brigstocke (Year 9) working to control weeds in
The Holt
In Week 7, Year 9 students worked with their teachers and Mr Geoff O’Connor from the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment
Management Authority in the Lower Holt as part of the Environmental Studies component of the Jamieson Programme. As part
of this activity, they removed invasive species such as English ivy and privet from areas near Holt Cottage and the Open Air
Theatre, as well as weeding around tube stock trees. In the evening, each group presented its ‘Outcome’ as part of the Group
Project component of the Global Perspectives course. This week, students will be finalising their ‘Global Perspectives’ Group
Research Project, which is due for completion next Tuesday. Global Perspectives teachers (Mrs Harris, Dr Burg, Ms Fowler and
Mr Nash) have been impressed with the improvement in research and presentation skills the students have demonstrated in
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this research project. Many groups are busily reflecting on the results and findings of their cross-cultural collaboration with
schools from Europe, Asia and North and South America. This cross-cultural collaboration is an essential component of the
assessment criteria for the ‘Global Perspectives’ Group Project.
The Cambridge Global Perspectives course aims “...to prepare school students for life, helping them develop informed curiosity
and a lasting passion for learning.
Mr Paul Nash, Jamieson Programme Coordinator
Mathematics
In July, Frensham participated in the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC). It has become the largest single event on
the Australian education calendar, allowing students to attempt the same tasks on the same day in over 40 countries around
the globe. This year, the AMC attracted more than 14 million entries.
Years 7-10 students are asked to solve 30 problems in 75 minutes; most questions are multiple choice and the questions are
organised so that the earliest problems are the easiest. All students should be able to attempt them. The problems become
progressively more difficult until the end, when they are challenging to most students. Students of all standards will make
progress and find a point of challenge.
Frensham entered two divisions: Junior (Years 7– 8) and Intermediate (Years 9–10). The AMC is a fun competition with many
of the problems set in situations familiar to students and showing the relevance of mathematics in their everyday lives. The
problems are also designed to stimulate discussion and can be used by teachers and students as springboards for
investigation.
The aims of the AMC are three-fold:
ƒ To highlight the importance of Mathematics as a curriculum subject
ƒ To give students an opportunity to discover talent in Mathematics
ƒ To provide resources for the classroom and general discussion.
All students receive a detailed report showing how they performed in each problem, with comparisons as to wider statistics.
They also receive a certificate or award commensurate with their performance. Certificates are often kept by students for their
folios. They are well understood by employers and so can be used as evidence of problem-solving ability.
This year, 71 girls participated and the following results were achieved:
Year 7: Distinction: Bronte Garcia and Gemma Macaulay-Black; Credit: Alexandra Cunningham, Sophie Daly, Annabella
Damiani, Miriam Hopkins, Mia Horsfall, Daisy Latimer, Charlotte Menzies, Heidi Montgomery; Proficiency: Aarthi Avvari and
Cordelia Bell; Prudence Award: Gemma Macaulay-Black (most consecutive correct answers in the school). Year 8: Distinction:
Pippa Hanan and Imogen Senior; Credit: Noni Brittain, Kate Crawford, Tempe Cropper, Attica Darling, Joanna Hicks, Hayley
Hunter, Sophie Robertson, Jacqueline Wilkins, Augusta Wyrzykowski; Proficiency: Isabella Allen, Adele Bouniol-Laffont, Mia
Coupland, Annabelle Hickson, Alexandra Hill, Isabella Gale, Emily Gubbins, Georgina Ridge, Olivia Salkeld, India Shead. Year
9: Distinction: Nina Jephcott; Credit: Alice Battcock, Maya Cook, Jessica Latimer, Tara Penton, Gabrielle Steiner; Proficiency:
Celia Battcock, Isabella Camilleri, Ruby Cleary, Georgia Gardner, Grace Halliday, Sophia Parker. Year 10: Distinction: Liana
Berzins, Sophie Booth, Mia Withers; Credit: Olivia Barton, Lucinda Chambers, Emily Cooke, Sarah Hassett, Elysia Horan, Thea
Horsley, Georgiana Kelleher, Elspeth Robertson; Proficiency: Isabella Alderton, Susan Chen, Kate Coupland, Ellie Fox,
Natasha Long, Sophie MacDiarmid, Chloe McCrabb, Rosie O'Neil, Georgia Saeck, Harriet Scales, Georgina Sutton, Kate
Swan, Annabel White.
Congratulations to all girls who participated. Answers to the competition questions will be available from the Mathematics
staffroom.
‘Problems are nothing but wake-up calls for creativity’ Gerhard Gschwantner.
Ms Sue Wymer, Head of Mathematics
Music
The Madrigals’ involvement in the 2015 Sydney Eisteddfod climaxed last week with their performance at the Choral Grand
Prix, staged at the Sydney Town Hall. From the beginning, the girls felt it was going to be a special experience as they entered
the hall to the magnificent sounds of the organist warming up with Jerusalem.
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As in earlier stages where they won the Chamber Choir and Sacred Choral sections, the Madrigals sang the very evocative
Perfect Day with soloist Alexandra Roach, He Who Has Ears to Hear featuring soloist, Phoebe Latimer and finally Hamba Lulu,
a Zulu wedding song with djembe and shaker accompaniment. It was such a privilege to have the opportunity to perform once
more where every note and every musical nuance mattered. This is where the Madrigals can shine and where they can create
magic. And they did! The singers were well rehearsed; both musically and in terms of their movement and they earned for
themselves a very creditable 2nd place.
The adjudicators do not provide written feedback at finals such as this, but Ms Madden kindly recorded and transcribed the
adjudicator’s comments (Simon Kenway) as he awarded the prizes:
‘Frensham - I was mesmerised with their Madrigals and their Perfect Day with their perfect harmony and their
perfect intonation... so that was just sublime...and the subtleties in that work were beautiful. Their gospel
number - number 2...with their super-confident soloist (Phoebe Latimer) who was just extraordinary, and their
listening and accompanying of her was very, very, very capable. That was probably the strongest, most
songful and full of verve gospel number of the day. It was really...with their arms in the air at the end...that
was just....(clapping from the audience).. And then to finish with all of their rhythmic percussion at the end,
and just the wonderful Zulu wedding song and it was wonderful. It has been a privilege to judge this choir.
Congratulations."
The Junior Choir are to be congratulated too for their uplifting performance of I Say a Little Prayer for You after the Communion
Service last Friday. They were very ably accompanied by Bronte Garcia on drums, Caitlin Hargraves on bass, with Ms Wong
on piano and conducted by Ms Benson.
The Madrigals - 2015
Mr Michael Spencer, Head of Music
Science
Year 10 Science students have started the topic, ‘Evolution’ looking at the theory of evolution (ie that living organisms have
changed over time) and the possible mechanisms for this, including Lamarckism and Darwinism. They have followed Darwin’s
story from the voyage of the Beagle, including his trip to Australia, through to the publication of his book ‘On Origin of Species
by Natural Selection’. This has led to debate about the effects of this theory on society in the 1800s and today. This will then
lead to looking at the evidence that supports evolution such as homologous structures and biochemistry.
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As Jane Austen wrote in Pride and Prejudice, ‘What are men to rocks and mountains?’ The Earth’s surface is constantly
changing. While volcanoes and earthquakes can alter a landscape in a matter of days, most of the changes to the Earth’s
surface happen very slowly. Rocks on and below the surface of the Earth are constantly being changed by natural processes
like weathering and erosion, that act over millions of years.
Year 8 students are studying ‘The Earth’s Mine’, a topic that looks at the structure of the Earth including the lithosphere and
asthenosphere. They then look at the formation, use and economic importance of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic
rocks.
Year 11 girls have finished the Preliminary Course in Biology, Chemistry and Physics and after intensive revision are prepared
for their examinations in Weeks 9 and 10 next term.
Mrs Alison Andrew, Head of Science
Agriculture & Show Cattle Team
The Year 11 Agriculture class recently completed their Farm Case Study tour. This year, the class visited ‘Eromross’ in Temora,
the property of Frensham parents, Leanne and Bruce Thompson. The focus of the visit was to study crop production, in
particular wheat and canola. The students learnt how the
crops were established as well as the management of
these crops through to harvest. Technology in crop
production was also looked at, with the class
experiencing first hand GPS (Global Positioning System)
technology on some of the cropping machinery.
‘Merryvale’, the property of Frensham parents Catherine
and Ben Cruikshank, in Ganmain was also visited on the
tour. Here, the students learnt about sheep production
and pasture management; the visit also coincided with
shearing so the class worked in the shearing shed as
‘roustabouts’ for a few hours. Greg Condon of Grassroots
Ag offered an ‘in the field’ presentation on soils, crops
and pastures as well as sharing his experiences about a
career in Agronomy.
Year 11 Agriculture students in the canola at Ganmain
As part of the tour, students visited Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, to observe the Agriculture and Veterinary Science
facilities and sat in on a presentation about the courses available and careers in Agriculture. While in Wagga Wagga, the class
visited the Bomen saleyards to watch a cattle sale. The four day tour culminated in a visit to the Junee Liquorice Factory to
learn about the production of liquorice plants and manufacture, lots of sampling and a game of vertical liquorice bowling. I would
like to extend my appreciation and thanks to the Thompson and Cruikshank families for their generous hospitality over the four
days.
The Semester 2 Year 7 Technology class has begun studying plant production with the group planting a variety of vegetables in
the agriculture plot. Hopefully, the weather will warm up soon to boost production.
Year 9 Agriculture students have been collecting weeds and pasture plants and then pressing them for a plant collection
Assessment Task. They have also been learning how to assess the availability and suitability of the pastures on the school farm
to determine whether they suit the different classes of livestock in the paddocks.
The Year 10 Agriculture class has just completed pruning the orchard trees at the Ag Plot, to encourage fruit production over
summer. The class recently marked all of the lambs that have been born over the term. This week the students will be
transplanting the plant cuttings they took earlier in the term.
Recently, students from Year 11 and 12 Agriculture classes attended an online ‘Careers in Agriculture’ expo. The students
watched and interacted with presentations by a variety of agribusinesses such as agricultural company Hassad Australia and
agricultural consulting firm Holmes Sackett Pty Ltd. The group gained an insight into the many opportunities the agricultural
industry provides as well as the pathways to those careers.
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Show Cattle Team
The final results of the 2015 Show Cattle season have been presented. The Junior Steer Competition is a point score held at
all local Shows in the South Coast and Tablelands Group and Frensham attends five of these Shows. At each Show, students
enter the same steer and are judged on the quality of the steer, the Parader’s handling of the steer and the Parader’s
knowledge of the management of the steer and the beef industry. Frensham was very competitive at each Show and the final
results are as follows: 1st - Anna Horton (Year 11) and Ralph (Charolais), 2nd - Mia Withers (Year 11) and Juba (Angus) and 3rd Serena Mackay (Year 12) and Max (Poll Hereford).
The 2016 Show Cattle season begins next term and all steers have been selected and will arrive during the next vacation. The
steers have been provided by the following breeders: Mr William Day, Milong Angus Stud, Young; Mr Tim Reid, Melon Pastoral,
Roslyn; Mr Mark Goodfellow, Spring Creek Limousins, Kiama; Mr Warren Miller, Airlie Charolais Stud, Glenquarry; Mrs Susan
Elder, Durness Highland Stud, High Range and Mrs Carol Durkin, Canyonleigh. Training will begin on the first Tuesday of Term
4 for Seniors and the first Thursday of Term 4 for Juniors. Please remember to bring your boots back after the vacation.
Mrs Leonie Harris, Coordinator Agriculture & Show Cattle Team
PDHPE
Year 10 Focus
Year 10 students will shortly complete a unit entitled ‘The Coach’, in theory and practical classes. In this unit students have
investigated and performed various roles involved in the organisation of a competitive sport and also completed a General
Principles Coaching Course, a nationally-recognised qualification. With many girls in Year 10 taking up the challenge of senior
coaching roles within the IGSSA Competition, this qualification will hopefully give them confidence to share their knowledge with
the younger members of the School.
Miss Erin Gray, Head of PDHPE
Sport
Wet Weather arrangements for Saturday Sport
Cancellations of Saturday Sport are rarely made before Saturday morning, unless a venue notifies IGSSA that the facilities will
not be playable prior to this.
Means of gaining information concerning play: IGSSA WEBSITE: http://ahigs.nsw.edu.au/IGSSA.aspx
For example: If checking re Hockey at Frensham, TEXT 'hockeyf' or Netball at Frensham, TEXT ‘netballf’
SMS Weather Information: Using your mobile phone, SMS your keyword to 1992 5465. Messages cost 55c per message sent.
Your keyword is the name of the sport and the first initial of the venue. A return SMS will be sent that gives you the status of
the venue - open or closed.
Hockey and Netball
Last weekend, Frensham was represented by eight Hockey teams and five Netball teams in the IGSSA semi-finals - an
excellent achievement. Congratulations to the following teams: Hockey: Team 3, Team 4, Team 5, Team 6, Junior B, Junior D,
Year 7 Purple and Year 7 Green; Netball: Team 1, Team 2, Team 3, Team 4 and Junior B.
All girls played with great sportsmanship and performed well in their games with the following teams progressing through to the
Finals which will be held in Sydney this weekend: Hockey: Team 5, Junior B, Junior D, Year 7 Purple and Year 7 Green.
Netball: Team 3. The times and venues of these matches will be published later this week. We wish these teams every success
in their forthcoming matches this weekend.
Touch
Earlier this year, Chloe McCrabb (Year 10) was selected for the NSW Combined Independent Schools Touch team. She will
be travelling to Caloundra at the end of this week to compete in the Under 18 National Youth Touch Championships at the
Sunshine Coast Stadium, Queensland. Teams from Australia-wide travel to compete in this event. Congratulations to Chloe for
being selected in this team and we wish her luck for the upcoming Championships.
Athletics
Over the last 12 months, Paige Wilson (Year 10) has been competing at a very high level in High Jump with outstanding results.
After her success in the National Championships in December, Paige was selected to represent Australia at the
Commonwealth Youth Games which are being held in Samoa from 5–12 September. Paige has been training hard throughout
the year and we wish her luck in Samoa.
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On Wednesday 16 September Frensham will have five girls representing IGSSA in the NSW Combined Independent Schools
Athletics Carnival to be held at Sydney Olympic Park: Lucinda Crichton (Year 12) 18 years Discus; Emily Fisher (Year 11) 17
years 800m and 17 years 1500m; Paige Wilson (Year 10) 16 years High Jump, 16 years Long Jump and 16 years 100m;
Andrea Conomos (Year 9) 14 years Discus and 14 years Shot Put; Christina Richardson (Year 7) 12 years High Jump
The girls have continued with their training since the IGSSA Athletics Carnival and we offer our best wishes in their respective
events.
Mrs Jane Crellen, Head of Sport
Snowsports
The Frensham Snowsports team had a very successful NSW Interschools Snowsports Championships last week at
Perisher. As a school, we placed 9th/21 schools in Skiing Champion and equal 12th/29 in Overall Champion School.
All girls skied and snowboarded very well, despite the challenges of the weather conditions and courses. The results are listed
below and those girls’ names marked with an asterisk are invited to compete at the Australian Interschools Snowsports
Championships in Mt Buller, Victoria, 9-13 September.
Division 1 - Years 11 and 12:
Moguls: 5th place – Georgina Quinn*(9th); Phoebe Crowe* (15th); Skiercross:
9th place - Tika Robinson, Phoebe Crowe, Georgina Quinn; Alpine: 7th place
- Tika Robinson* (11th), Mathilda Penton, Phoebe Crowe.
Division 2 - Years 9 and 10
Moguls: 9th place - Catherine Talbot, Madison Moore, Madeleine Johnston;
Snowboard: 8th place - Daisy Latimer, Jessica Latimer; Boarder Cross: 6th
place - Jessica Latimer*, Daisy Latimer*; Skiercross: 8th place - Rosie
O’Neil, Catherine Talbot, Amelia Douglass; Alpine: 8th place - 2B: Amelia
Douglass, Sasha Lavender, Madison Moore, Arabella Jones; 11th place 2A: Rosie O’Neil* (15th), Catherine Talbot, Tara Penton, Madeleine
Johnston.
Division 3 Skiercross Team: Daisy Latimer, Emily Gubbins and Dimity Crowe
NSW Division 1 Skiercross Team: Tika Robinson, Georgina Quinn and
Phoebe Crowe (above)
Alexandra Hill and Emily Gubbins (Year 8) competed in the Cross
Country event at the NSW Interschools Competition (left)
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Division 3 - Years 7 and 8
Moguls: 7th place - Emily Gubbins* (14th), Dimity Crowe, Daisy Latimer; Skiercross: 10th place: - Dimity Crowe, Daisy Latimer,
Emily Gubbins; Alpine: 11th place - Dimity Crowe, Daisy Latimer, Emily Gubbins, Charlotte Dulhunty; Cross Country: Division 3
Individual(s) - 8th place - Emily Gubbins*, 35th place - Alexandra Hill.
Individual Top 15 Results include: Georgina Quinn, Tika Robinson, Phoebe Crowe, Rosie O’Neil, Catherine Talbot and Emily
Gubbins.
Thank you once again to the team of parents, both on and off the snow, who always provide assistance and support where
necessary. The success of the team is always attributed to the exceptional enthusiasm and commitment by both students and
families.
Ms Joanne Allison, Snowsports Coordinator
Visual Arts/Design & Technology
This week, Year 11 students of Visual Arts and Design & Technology sit written examinations for the theoretical component of
each subject. In Stage 6, the theoretical weightings prescribed by BOSTES vary for each of the two subjects. Whilst the
practical and theoretical components of Visual Arts in Years 11 and 12 are weighted evenly at 50% each for the course, the
practical component in Design & Technology is weighted at 60%, meaning 40% of the course assessment is derived from
theoretical tasks. For the Preliminary Visual Arts course, the examination is weighted at 30%, whilst for Design & Technology,
the examination is weighted at 25% (in both subjects, there are other theoretical assessment tasks assessed during the
course). The length of the examination in each of these subjects is 1½ hours.
For Visual Arts, the structure of the Preliminary Examination is identical to both the Trial and HSC Examinations. The
examination comprises equally weighted sections: Section 1 features three questions which use source material such as
images of artworks and text extracts to assess students’ applied understanding of Practice, the Conceptual Framework and the
Frames; whilst in Section 2, students write a 45-minute response to a chosen question, drawing upon content studied during the
Preliminary Course. For students continuing with Visual Arts for the Higher School Certificate, the Preliminary Examination
offers them the chance to test how well they can adhere to recommended times for questions, and assess how suitable and
flexible their study of content was for generic essay questions.
The structure of the Preliminary Examination for Design & Technology is also identical to the Trial and HSC Examinations. The
paper comprises three sections: Section 1 features multiple-choice questions, Section 2 features short-answer questions and
Section 3 requires students to produce an extended response.
Faculty staff look forward to ascertaining how well students have synthesised and applied their knowledge and understanding of
the theoretical aspects of the two courses.
Mr Phil Alldis, Head of Visual Arts and Design
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