Thursday 2 November, 2016

Dear Parents and Friends of SGS, We are rapidly heading towards the end of the year which is incredible and exciting! Years 7 - 10 have been completing their exams this week while Primary are gearing up for Swim & Survive over the next fortnight. Learning continues right through to the end of the year, even when it is in different settings. Year 5 Drama night was fabulous on Wednesday. The students and staff had clearly worked hard to prepare performances of a high standard. The opportunity to be on stage was taken up with great enthusiasm and the talent was shared with the audience, who enjoyed the entertaining plays. Rev Nate and I had the pleasure of sharing in the GRIP Leadership Conference with a large group of Year 11 students during the week.

They all participated in the entertaining and thought-provoking sessions that will help them consider the way they will approach leadership in their final year. We see all senior students as role models and leaders for all students and this training is one way that we help the students engage in and prepare for the responsibility. The final HSC Examinations are on Friday and we have students who will sit these final exams. Many of the HSC cohort have already finished and are moving on to the next part of their life journey. We wish them all well! Paul Smart Principal

Primary News from Mr Feeney All K-6 students will commence their Swim and Survive Programme next Monday. We are very grateful for the support of a number of parents and senior students who are assisting with supervision of the groups and I do also want to sincerely thank the staff involved for their dedication and willingness to ensure this valuable activity is available. The focus is on safety around water, as well as developing water confidence and swimming skills. At the conclusion of the programme, each student will be assessed as either fulfilling the requirements for that particular level, or given a recommendation for further work on that level, to develop and strengthen their skills before moving on. The issue is not passing or failing but being competent and confident with the swimming and survival skills being learned. Thank you for your encouragement of the students on the home front, as they begin their involvement each day at the pool Each year, all students in our Year 5 and 6 classes, participate in the Newcastle Permanent Primary Mathematics Competition. For more than 35 years, Newcastle Permanent has proudly supported the Primary Schools’ Mathematics Competition, which is one of the longest running events of its type in Australia. The annual competition is designed to test young students’ mathematical and problem solving abilities and grows in popularity each year, with almost 20,000 Year Five and Six students from over 330 schools throughout the Hunter, Central Coast, New England, Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers regions participating in 2016. There were some very pleasing results this year with special congratulations to the following students: Merit Year 5: James Haydon Wicks, Emma Turner, Corey Brown, Bailey Park, Hamish White,

Alexis Walsh, Angus Davidson, Jack Riordan, Grace Saunders, Christian Sowter, Angus Stanford, Lilly Malone, Lachlan Miller, Braedon Hails, Grace Inder

Year 6: Bridget Burnett, Ryan Cook, Annabelle Baker, Olivia Ryan, Jasper Davies, Myles Hobden, Sam Murdoch, Emily Turner, Heidi Edlington, Charlotte Kelly, Nicholas Adkins, Ashton Da Cruz, Joseph Sedgwick, Harriette Firth, Lochlan McClean

Distinction Year 5: Kael Saw, Emme Mitchell, Daniel O’Regan, Imogen Magner Year 6: Zoe Gallagher, Prunella Hayes, Charlotte Chopin, Hamish Guiana, Samuel Barry,

Grace Pratley, Adam Chesworth, Liam Wilson High Distinction Year 6: Jack Faulkner Jack was presented with the Wollemi District Award for Year 6 at the NPPMC Awards Presentation, held at the Hunter Stadium on Wednesday. A reminder about the 2016 Primary Public Speaking Competition, which will be held during Term 4 and which will involve all students in Years 3-6. Topic selection should now be finalised. A copy of the Evaluation Criteria Sheet has been distributed to parents and students this week. I certainly wish all students well as they prepare and present their speeches. This week, I have written to parents of Year 5 students to explain the process of selecting Primary Leaders for 2017. I would ask Year 5 parents to ensure you have seen and read this letter and to take time to share with your children as we work through this process. It is important that students have a clear understanding of this situation and an appropriate expectation as they consider possible leadership opportunities to which they may aspire. Good Humour for the Week How do they serve smart hamburgers? On honour rolls! What do you call a vampire who likes to cook? Count Spatula! Congratulations to Angus Stanford (Year 5 Blue), Ruby Saw (Year 1 Gold), Ruby Hyland (Year 4 Blue), Kunwar Gaidhu (Year 3 Gold), Anna Peasley (Year 2 Blue), Macey Watson (Year 6 Blue) and Violet Dawson (Year 3 Blue), who are all celebrating birthdays this week. I do wish each of these students all the best as they enjoy this special day and share the time with their family and friends.

From the Chaplain

We traditionally understand ‘leadership’ to be about being the boss, where the leader is served by others. Year 11 are spending a day this week exploring what real leaders look like. Among the many attributes a good leader must have is the ability to influence others in a positive way, through genuine service to others. This is an especially relevant topic, not only for Year 11 as they consider their positions as leaders in our school next year, but for all who aspire to positions of leadership in our school. Jesus demonstrates this kind of leadership and acts as a model for us. I think specifically of the way in which Jesus washed His disciples’ feet.

Foot-washing in Jesus' time was an especially low task carried out by the servants only. The feet are the furthest part of us and are in touch with the dust of the earth. Foot-washing requires us to bend down to ground level. Jesus had to assume the posture of a servant. As the faithful servant of His Heavenly Father, Jesus became a trusty servant of His disciples. Jesus did this to help us understand what He was about to do by dying on the cross for us; His ultimate act of servant hood. Jesus elevated them in his eyes and showed them how God views leadership — back-bending, humble and humiliating service. Even the least of us are never too remote from His reach as He continues to wash and heal us. Jesus sends us into the world to lead by service. In response to God’s great service to us, we are called to go into the world to serve others.

In Prayer this week: Reflect on: John 13:1-17 Give thanks for: God’s goodness in sending us Jesus, the resurrection and the life, so we can have a way to be friends with God; Parents, teachers and supporters who truly care for us; Gods hand upon Year 12 as they sit HSC Exams Pray for: The O’Regan family; For the school building project; For families and students who are ill or struggling at the moment: Year 2 and Year 8 students; For your son or daughter’s teacher/s! (specific prayer requests can be sent to prayers@sgsnsw.edu.au to be prayed for by our weekly prayer group- not published in newsletter) Rev’d Nate natkinson@sgs.nsw.edu.au

Tales from The Yellow Cottage

Science is alive at The Yellow Cottage

For young learners, science is just an extension of their everyday world. We don’t have to teach young children how to wonder, discover and explore through play because they do it naturally. At The Yellow Cottage, we love to engage the children on a whole new level using creative, hands on methods that promote wonder and exploration. We believe that meaningful engagement in scientific inquiry in the early years cannot be underestimated. The use of hands-on learning activities allows the exploration of scientific knowledge and skills in a concrete way.

Equestrian News

Our Primary Equestrian Team had a wonderful day competing at the Belltrees Horse Sport day last Friday. Zara Nugent – 7 Years Age Champion Lilla Stanford – 8 Years Age Champion Olivia Thrift – 8 Years Reserve Champion Charlton Hall – 9 Years Age Champion Cooper Day – 9 Years Reserve Champion Peter MacCallum – 10 Years Reserve Champion Adelaide Cooper – 10 Years Reserve Champion Angus Stanford – 11 Years Reserve Champion Sophie Hawthorne – 11 Years Reserve Champion Prunella Hayes – 12 Years Age Champion Chester Hall – 12 Years Reserve Champion Grace Pratley – 12 Years Reserve Champion Tuesday Horse sports is continuing at White Park this term – everybody is most welcome to come along.

Anne Davies Equestrian Co-ordinator

Indian Exchange Students Report

For the last month we have been in India, attending Welham Girls School for exchange. When at school, we attended classes and excursions. We went to Rishikesh, which is the town where the Holy River runs through. We participated in a ceremony, in which the people sing a song praying to their God. We also visited Missouri which is in the foothills of the Himalayas, and Agra which is where the Taj Mahal is. We were very lucky to have a tour guide to show us around the Taj Mahal both inside and out. At the end of our trip, we also participated in the Schools Founders’ Day. This is similar to our Speech Day, only they also have Bollywood dancing. Initially we found the food was hard to get used to, as boarding school food is very different to food outside of school. From our experience in India and the exchange, we both strongly encourage everyone to have a go! It is definitely something that will change the way you view everything.

Courtney Brown & Tegan Ferries

Student Transport—Bus Pass Applications

Transport NSW is implementing a school portal which will allow the school to log on and endorse bus pass applications instead of having printed copies to sign and post to Transport for NSW. Transport for NSW believes that this will greatly reduce the turnaround time for people applying for bus passes and when they then receive them. Who needs to apply Those applying for a school travel pass for the first time Those enrolling in Kindergarten Those who require an additional pass as a result of a new shared parental responsibility situation (e.g. joint custody). If your home to school free travel period has expired All Year 2 and Year 6 students moving into Year 3 and Year 7 respectively in 2017 are encouraged to update their entitlement before 30th November otherwise they will need to apply as a new student in the beginning of next year. How to apply You will need an email address to complete the form. Step 1. Parents (or students aged 16 or over) first fill in the online application form. (https://ssts-apply.transport.nsw.gov.au/ApplySSTS/ApplySSTS.html) The application process may take several weeks. You will be informed of the outcome of your application by email. The previous (blue or green) paper application form is no longer used. However, you can use a new paper application for free travel if you don't have an email address or a computer, or your address isn't being recognised by our system. Please contact the School if you require one of these forms. Rural/regional students, please contact the operator(s) directly to find out when and where the student's pass(es) will be sent. If you have any questions about timetables or pick up points, please contact the operator. If you don't have ready access to the internet you can phone 131 500 for assistance with your application.

Operation Christmas Child Thank you to everyone who has taken a shoebox to fill for a needy child. It is almost collection time so could you please return your boxes no later than next Tuesday, 8 November. The Cross Trainers will be taking them over to St Luke’s for collection on Thursday 10 November. You can return them to Sandra in the primary office, or to Kindergarten Gold.

Noise Assessment Testing Advice at SGS

You are invited to

Families Together

this Sunday

6 November

11am at St Luke’s Church

A short child focused service, followed

by craft for children, real coffee for

adults and lunch together

Come and bring the family

RSVP for catering purposes by the day before

Jenny Sylvester – 0409 818977 or jennys12@tpg.com.au

Term 4 Christmas Kids’ Club and

Explorers

What is it? Kids’ club….4 afternoons of fun - games, craft, activities, food and finding out more about Jesus Explorers …For older children Exploring questions and what the Bible really says, activities, food and fun. Who’s it for? Kids’ club is for children in Years K – 3 Explorers is for children in Years 4 -6 When is it? 3. 30pm – 5pm on Monday, 7, 14, 21, 28 November Where is it? St Luke’s Hall, Scone. Kids’ Club and Explorers have afternoon tea together and share some activities but will be in separate groups both at St Luke’s Hall. Children from Scone Grammar School can be accompanied to the Hall. Please state arrangements clearly on the Registration Form. How do I join? Registration Forms are attached to the Flyer. Flyers are available at and should be returned to the Primary School office. There are limited places available. These are allocated in date order when completed forms are received. All children must be registered in advance by Thursday, 3 November. How do I find out more? Phone Jenny on 0409 81 8977

Community Notices & News

For Your Diary Week 4 (B) Thursday 3 November HSC Exams – Chemistry, Drama Years 7 – 10 Exams Friday 4 November HSC Exams – Design & Technology Special Literacy Programme for Schools Scone Literacy Weekend to 6 November Week 5 (A) Monday 7 November Swim & Survive to 22 November Tuesday 8 November Swim & Survive to 22 November Wednesday 9 November Schools’ Celebration Day, Cathedral, Newcastle Swim & Survive to 22 November Thursday 10 November Volunteers’ Thank You Function Choose Maths, Year 8 Swim & Survive to 22 November Friday 11 November Year 7 2017 Orientation Day Swim & Survive to 22 November Week 6 (B) Monday 14 November Swim & Survive to 22 November Tuesday 15 November Swim & Survive to 22 November Wednesday 16 November Year 8 Hunter Sports Gymnasium at Glendale Meet the Music (Music 2 students) Swim & Survive to 22 November Thursday 17 November Year 7 Hunter Sports’ Gymnasium at Glendale Swim & Survive to 22 November Friday 18 November Transition Day for new 2017 students – Years 1-6; Years 8-12 Swim & Survive to 22 November

Canteen Roster

Week 4 (B) Thursday 3 November Pip Bishop, Michelle Singleton Friday 4 November Karen Yelverton, Sally Devenish, Michelle Single-ton Week 5 (A) Monday 7 November Jenny Crackett, Tanya Dart Tuesday 8 November Jenny Crackett, Amelia Wilkinson Wednesday 9 November Jenny Crackett, Acey Firth Thursday 10 November Fiona Bailey, Trish O’Brien Friday 11 November Fiona Bailey, Emma Sharpe Week 6 (B) Monday 14 November Jenny Crackett, Danielle Townsend-Saw Tuesday 15 November Fiona Bailey, Linda MacCallum Wednesday 16 November Fiona Bailey, Amanda Paradice Thursday 17 November Jenny Crackett, Tania Dart Friday 18 November Jenny Crackett, Jane Watson, Georgie Ryan