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FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Welcome to the 2019 school year. I hope the summer holidays gave you time to rest and relax with family and loved ones. I was delighted to greet students as they returned to school on Thursday, 31 January as well as those arriving for the first time. I’m looking forward to experiencing the renewed enthusiasm and energy our students always bring when they return to school after their enjoyable summer break.

Please find below a list of staff in Leadership positions, and staff who are new to the school. I wish all staff, current and new, a terrific start to the 2019 school year.

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Principal: Mr Richard BairdDeputy Principal/Head of Senior School: Mrs Fiona WilliamsHead of Junior School: Mrs Melissa RobertonHead of Pastoral Care: Ms Mary DouriosActing Head of Teaching and Learning: Ms Cathy Marchmont-Barlow

HEADS OF LEARNING AREAS

Head of English: Mr Gary WillisHead of Mathematics: Mr Craig DrinkwaterHead of Science: Mr Daniel IsgroHead of Music: Mr Stuart CollidgeHead of Humanities: Ms Cathy Marchmont-BarlowHead of Commerce: Mr Ryan SubbanHead of VCD/ART: Mr Steve KearneyHead of Health and PE: Ms Angela O’DriscollHead of Sport: Ms Emma GarbyHead of Individual Differences: Mrs Shelley CorkellHead of Languages: Mrs Kate MorganHead of Drama: Ms Natalie Burns

I am delighted to inform the School Community that plans are well under way to begin work on the new Primary Centre and Administration building. This is a two-stage build which will commence during the Term 1 holidays. I’m hoping that the twelve classroom Primary Centre will open at the beginning of 2020 and the administration, staff facilities, meeting rooms and new medical centre which will connect the two buildings via an overpass, will open in 2021.

The new building will result in the loss of the small play area at the front of the school later this year. However, I’m pleased to advise that work has begun on the demolition and install for the two new play areas. Due to the reduction in play areas in Term 1, we will be installing additional sandpits, opening up the outdoor courts and purchasing more outdoor play equipment. We are also looking at putting up some additional basketball rings. It will be well worth the wait as our new state of the art play areas will provide a fantastic area for our students, and will be the pride of Casey.

Mr Richard BairdPrincipal

Prep to Year 12 Co-education3 New Holland Drive Cranbourne East Victoria 3977PO Box 302 Cranbourne Vic 3977Telephone: +61 5991 0800 Email: info@caseygrammar.vic.edu.auwww.caseygrammar.vic.edu.au Follow us on Facebook

Feb 11Senior School Commissioning Service

Feb 12Junior SchoolInformation Evening

Feb 13Senior School Swimming CarnivalKokoda 2020 Information Evening

Feb 15Year 3 - 6 Swimming Trials

Feb 19Parent TeacherInterviews

Feb 20Parent TeacherInterviews

HEADS OF HOUSE - JUNIOR SCHOOL

Head of Booth House Junior School: Mrs Leanne EvansHead of Leaver House Junior School: Mr Shane BellHead of Reid House Junior School: Miss Laura DascoliHead of Trist House Junior School: Miss Bridgette Reale

HEADS OF HOUSE - SENIOR SCHOOL

Head of Booth House Senior School: Mrs Kate MorganHead of Leaver House Senior School: Mr Gavin BrownHead of Reid House Senior School: Mr Anthony BrownHead of Trist House Senior School: Mr Aaron Bushell

OTHER SENIOR STAFF

School Chaplain: Mrs Monique Riviere-PendleHead of the Early Years: Mrs Charlotte BoumanHead of Junior School Curriculum: Mrs Sandra TorcasioCareers Counsellor/VET Coordinator: Ms Marita ElvishSchool Psychologist: Mr Alan Clarke

JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT

I would like to warmly welcome all our new and returning families to 2019 at Casey Grammar School. I trust everyone enjoyed a fabulous Christmas break and that your children were able to spend some time relaxing and rejuvenating to be ready for another successful year of schooling. Our students have settled in wonderfully well in all of our sixteen Junior School classrooms. I’d like to thank our dedicated teachers who spent so much time preparing and planning during their break, to ensure their students arrived to inspiring classrooms that will foster collaboration, creativity, curiosity and independ-ence.

As always, there has been much happening since our students returned from their holidays. 75 new Prep students have joined our CGS learning community and have begun their educational journey. Our Year 1 students have relocated into new classrooms as we await the demolition of our old classrooms in readiness for the commencement of our new Junior School building. Many students have watched on excitedly as our Year 3-6 playgrounds were demolished in preparation for a new state of the art playground. Our students have been wearing their new Sports tops proudly and I must say that they look terrific. Our Year 3-6 students attended our very first inaugural Junior School House Meetings and are eagerly awaiting our Year 3-6 House Welcome Afternoons.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, fun-filled year ahead that provides an abundance of learning opportunities for all 400 of our wonderful Junior School students.

Mrs Melissa RobertonHead of Junior School

REFLECTIONS FROM 5N

The students of 5N have made a fantastic start to the year! We had Mr Baird visit us on our first day! We have created some wonderful self-portraits and have enjoyed setting some class goals.

We are looking forward to our Year 5 camp in a few weeks.

‘I love this year so far because of our great classroom and awesome students’ – Anubhav Chopra‘I love this year so far because our teacher has great strategies for our learning’ – Andreea Ghita‘Our classroom is very inviting; I like how it is decorated’ – Ebony Dorning‘Our teacher makes us read, and I know that’s good for our future’ – Gurnoor Aulakh‘Our classroom is a very happy environment to work in’ – Isabel Tsiokas‘We have great students and a stunning teacher!’ – Ethan Mathew‘In Year 5, learning is so much fun!’ – Harry Williams‘I have enjoyed learning in 5N because I have a great teacher’ – Manasa Sagi

It was a privilege to attend our annual Commissioning Service yesterday where our 2019 Junior School leaders were commissioned. The students took their roles very seriously and represented themselves, their proud families and the school community with extinction. I have no doubt that they will lead our student population with integrity, respect and kindness. They will be ably assisted by our entire Year 6 cohort who were also commissioned to do their part to lead our school this year.

We are happy to welcome two new teachers to our Junior School this year. Mrs Driessen will teach one of our Prep classes and Mr Medlyn will teach a Year 2 class. We were sad to farewell Mrs Vandeloo at the conclusion of 2018 but are heartened to know that although she was sad to leave us at CGS, she is excited to now be teaching her very own class. I’d like to thank Mrs Vandeloo for over ten years of service to our school and wish her all the best for her future endeavours. Mrs Vandeloo’s Religion classes will now be taught by Mrs Grant in addition to her Year 3-4 French classes.

This term promises to be full of rich learning experiences for our students. We have two upcoming Camps, our Athletics Carnival, Prep Welcome BBQ, House Welcome Afternoons and the Year 6 Beach Program to name a few. To ensure you are updated with all the details of these and other events throughout 2019 and to meet your child’s teacher, we would like to invite you to our Junior School Information Evening on Tuesday, 12 February. Please note that this evening is strictly for adults only and we appreciate your support with this matter. (A letter with further details has been sent home with your child.)

Year P-6 parents are also invited to our upcoming Parent/Teacher Partnership interviews that will take place on 19 and 20 February. At CGS we believe that the education of a student is dependent on strong ties between the school and the student’s family.

As a result, these interviews will be an opportunity for parents to talk about their child to give their new teacher a real sense of their students. (Further details for booking appointments will be sent home next week.)

JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS

NEW LOOK DESIGN TECHNOLOGY BUILDING

During the School Holidays, the Design Technology Building was refurbished.

The original floors in the building have been replaced with stunning new vinyl. The walls have received a fresh new coat of paint including the introduction of feature colours to inspire our Visual Communication Design and Product Design students to create amazing new works whilst providing a productive environment for learning.

Students have appreciated the new modern look of the floor and have approached their work with enthusiasm and commitment!

Mr Stephen Kearney Head of Visual Arts

SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS

KOKODA 2020

After an extremely successful 2017 Kokoda Trek, Casey Grammar School is in the planning phase of providing this opportunity again in July 2020.

Trekking the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea is tough - there’s no question about it. However, undertaking this trek is an empowering and life-changing journey Casey Grammar is providing for our students. On this journey, students will learn, understand and appreciate Australia’s war history, honour the sacrifices made by our soldiers; as well as learning about teamwork and leadership. They gain an appreciation of a vastly different culture and make some fabulous new friends along the way!

We are offering this opportunity for a select number of students who are in Years 9 - 12 in 2020.

If you think you or your child would relish this opportunity, please come along to the parent (and student) information night which will be held in the Lecture Theatre on Wednesday, 13 February 2019.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Mr Anthony Brown or Mr Aaron Bushell at the School.

SENIOR SCHOOL SPORT

The beginning of the school year is always an extremely busy time and this year is no exception. Please take note of the following Sporting Opportunities for Term 1.

Inter House Swimming CarnivalThe Inter-House Swimming Carnival provides an opportunity for students to represent their respective House groups in the area of Sport. Wednesday, 13 February - compulsory for all students. This will take place at the Noble Park Aquatic Centre.

SIS Weekly SportSIS Sport is a weekly sporting competition in which Casey Grammar has joined for 2019 and beyond. Students will have the opportunity to compete against other independent schools within the region. This competition takes place on Thursday and Friday afternoons.

Sports available to students this term:

Seniors (Thursday afternoons) - Girls Basketball, Boys Soccer Intermediates (Friday afternoons) - Girls Volleyball, Boys Indoor Cricket

Please ensure your child is in the correct PE/Sports uniform on the day of the activity.We encourage all students to participate in the many opportunities offered by Casey Grammar in the area of Sport this year. It is a great way to make new friends, improve your skills and self-esteem and to get the most of out of your time at school.

Parents, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries about Sport at Casey Grammar.

Mrs Emma Garby Head of Sport

2019 SENIOR SCHOOL PRODUCTION

This year the 2019 school production will be ‘Matilda’!

This will be the first time the show has been made available to schools for licencing, meaning Casey Grammar will be one of the first schools in Australia to stage the show!

This is an incredibly exciting opportunity that we encourage students to be a part of. The show is open to all students in Years 6-12 and auditions for lead roles will be held Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 February after school. If students wish to only be a part of the ensemble they are not required to audition.

An information meeting was held on Monday, 4 February to inform students of the dates, commitment and process for auditions; however, if there are any students that were unable to attend, we encourage them to see Miss Burns or Mr Peake for more information.

Miss Natalie BurnsHead of Drama

FROM THE CHAPLAIN

CHRISTMAS THANKS

I want to begin by acknowledging and thanking everyone involved in our Christmas appeals which were overwhelmingly supported.

The Chapel was filled with baskets and I delivered almost 40 to the Salvation Army from Junior School after school was finished.

Ms Nolan’s class managed an incredible eight baskets! These were all delivered to families doing it tough in our local area.

TO AFRICA & BACK

As some families may remember, Zuhal Masudy and Ellen Streat had the opportunity to travel to South Africa and Zimbabwe at the end of last year to see the work of World Vision. For them, it was an incredible opportunity and we thank Libania Henrique Montalvao from World Vision for her work in helping to organise this as well as Ms Angela O’Driscoll for her assistance in fundraising. We look forward to hearing their reflections at assembly in a few weeks, but here are some of their thoughts.

“Going to Africa is one of these experiences that has changed me and will forever remain with me. I can finally put personal experience to a worldwide problem, providing me a fierce motivation and a sincere desire to continue to help others.

Seeing the teachers in Africa, constantly giving their all to give that generation a chance to gain an education that others are so unfortunate not to have, warms my heart. The kids were so proud of everything about their schools, from their uniforms to using their newfound knowledge. I hope that they never lose that as it has changed my perspective of the world as I once knew it.”

Ellen, Year 10

I know now the endless struggles they bear,

The hardships they live with.

If I had not been here, it'd seem something like a myth.

Who would have known

Of the complex beauty the place consists of.

A place of joy, of grace

And people of determination, courage and ambition.

If I wasn't there

I couldn't see past their tough conditions.

Couldn't see through

To the people

That make it their mission

To bring forward the best they can

Of their people and their homes.

And they may look like they have little,

but I’ll always remember

Their hearts of only splendour.

Zuhal, Year 12

Although not everyone has the chance to travel to see this type of aid and development work, we pray that we might be open to gaining a deeper knowledge of the experiences of others.

God’s blessings to you all in the week ahead.

Mrs Monique Riviere-PendleSchool Chaplain

Welcome to the 2019 Academic Year! It’s been a pleasure over the last week to welcome students back and to return to the routine of school life – it certainly doesn’t take long..

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WELCOME TO OUR NEW STAFF

Mrs Fiona WilliamsDeputy Principal / Head of Senior School

I am so excited to have joined the Casey Grammar School community. I have been made to feel so welcome by everyone and I look forward to becoming part of the fabric of this great school.

I have come to Casey Grammar from St Margaret’s School in Berwick where I was Head of the Senior Girls School and Deputy Principal. Before that, I spent ten years at Billanook College in Mooroolbark where I was a House Head. I was attracted to Casey Grammar because of its values of integrity, tolerance, respect and compassion, which strongly align with my own personal values. In the short time I have been at the school, I have witnessed how these values underpin every relationship and every interaction in the school. It is a beautiful environment in which to teach, learn and grow.

I live in Upper Beaconsfield with my husband Richard, my son Lachlan and my daughter Jessie. While we love living in the gorgeous bush setting of Upper Beaconsfield, we also enjoy getting away on the weekends to the beach at Inverloch. We love travelling and last year we were lucky enough to spend nine weeks exploring Europe.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading and have spent many happy years teaching VCE Literature and English at my previous schools. At Casey Grammar, I am enjoying my return to teaching VCE Legal Studies. I also love watching movies, going out for dinner with friends and family, walking my beautiful dogs and going to the gym.

Miss Carmen Jiaman LiSenior School Teacher

Please allow me to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the newly appointed Economics, Business Management and Geography teacher at Casey Grammar School. My name is Carmen Jiaman Li and my background is Chinese.

I graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor degree in Banking and Finance and later did my Masters degree in Secondary Teaching for Economics and EAL methods. Even before I joined this school, I was aware of the impact of the quality education that the school provides, on students who grow up to be responsible adults.

I will consistently help students meet their curriculum goals, and provide them with a wider view of perception of this world. I am interested in reading and dancing which I see as a window to balance work and life.

Apart from that, I look forward to meeting all of you individually and I hope to make this academic year, an educational as well as a fun-filled year for the students.

Miss Laura GuidaraSenior School Teacher

I am so thrilled to have made the move to Casey Grammar School after 20 years in the Government school system.

This opportunity has inspired me to make a positive contribution to the academic and personal journey of VCE! To support students to embrace the opportunities they have during this time is one of the greatest rewards of being a teacher.

I am very much a family person, and with an Italian background there is never a dull moment around the kitchen table; lots of good food, waving of hands, loving banter and most importantly laughter! To balance my work life, I always have my suitcase packed ready to discover new places around the world.

I have a weakness for fine paper and stationery, and I have a hidden hobby of all things arty.

Mrs Gina UpwardSenior School Teacher

After graduating as a teacher in Environmental Science, I went straight into industry working as an Analytical Chemist. While on maternity leave with my second son I took a job as Lab Tech at Presbyterian Ladies College where they eased me back into teaching with some Science classes.

Having a passion for Science and teaching led me to a couple of schools before I landed at Casey.

I’m currently studying for my Bachelor of Education in Mathematics. I have a love of all animals and for creepy crawlies. I often have pet scorpions, giant cockroaches and bird-eating spiders. I also have a dog, cats, chickens, budgie, and a snake.

I love singing; I’m a member of the CHIME choir and have toured the world and sung with some famous people (Andrea Bocelli, Tina Arena, Silvie Paladino, Marina Prior just to name drop a few). Last year we were invited to sing at Carnegie Hall in New York.

Mrs Sonia RossettoLearning Assistant

My name is Sonia Rossetto and I am excited to be a member of the Casey Grammar team.

I have been an Integration Aide for six years. It started with four years of volunteering in Pre-school, Primary school, VCAL and adult EAL classes. Seeing the difference in students and their families who received that extra help, made me change career paths and I haven’t looked back.

In my spare time, I love to read, go to the beach or for a bush walk with my beautiful family. If you see me when I'm out and about, be sure to say ‘hi'.

Mr Daniel IsgroHead of Science

Before becoming a Secondary trained School Teacher, I worked as an Agricultural Research Scientist with the Department of Agriculture.

I have many years teaching experience and have gained experience working at highly regarded private schools in NSW such as PLC Sydney and The Scots School Albury.

I have also worked as a Biology and Chemistry Foundation Studies educator at RMIT University in Victoria and taught in a Science Specialist School in England.

I am a member of the Australian Stud Sheep Breeders Association and my hobbies include listening to classical music, rowing and playing rugby.

Miss Hannah RussellSenior School Teacher

I come from working in Health Promotion and Policy with the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Outside of school I spend my time at the farm herding with my dog (sometimes even ‘borrowing’ other dogs to train), or playing netball.

I love the outdoors and love nothing better than brunch at cafes and finding an all-day hike to do with my dog and fiancé on long weekends.

Mr Gavin BrownHead of Leaver House

Melbourne born and raised, I’ve spent the last two years in Canberra teaching at Canberra Grammar School and am excited to return home to Melbourne and begin at Casey Grammar School. Teaching PE outside in Canberra winter when the temperature is below zero is not something I will miss!

I previously I taught PE and Outdoor Education at St Bede’s College in Mentone. I have always enjoyed working pastorally with students and celebrating their wins while assisting them when times are tough.

Before and after work you’ll find me either swimming, biking or running. I have been competing in long course triathlon and endurance events for about seven years, but mostly train hard so I can eat more food! I am getting married at the end of this year after getting engaged late in 2018.

I’m looking forward to working with all the staff and students in Leaver and CGS in 2019.

Miss Amy FrangalasAFL Traineee

I’m Amy Frangalas, the new AFL Trainee for 2019. I graduated from St Francis Xavier College last year and wanted to jump straight into working before going to University. Even though I will only be here at Casey Grammar for one year, I’m sure the year will be full of fun memories, meeting new people and gaining exciting new experiences.

Outside of work, I play basketball for Dandenong and coach an under 12s team with my sister. I think having the opportunity to work at this school will allow me to develop new skills that would assist my coaching methods, as well as gain an insight into how the other staff members create their own style of teaching.

I’m excited at what this year has in store, and ready to take on new adventure with the CGS community.

Mrs Emily DriessenTeaching Staff

I am Emily Driessen and I just got married in January this year! I have been a teacher for seven years and recently joined Casey Grammar School in the Prep team.

I love running and playing all kinds of sport. To relax I enjoy walking my two dogs at the beach and going away on camping trips. If you see me around feel free to come and say ‘hi’!

Mrs Rachael WoolcockLearning Assistant

My name is Rachael and I am employed as a Learning Assistant in Prep and Year 1.

I have been a parent as Casey Grammar School since 2013 with my son graduating Year 12 in 2018 and my daughter currently enrolled as a Year 10 student.

After completing my Certificate 3 in Education Support and the required placement houses here at CGS last year, I am very excited to be employed as a Learning Assistant here and look forward to a fabulous year.

Mr Tim MedlynJunior School Teacher

I grew up on a farm in central Victoria. After University I travelled overseas and lived in London. On my return to Australia, I worked at St. Leonard’s College in Brighton for thirteen years and then moved to Brighton Grammar for the past 15 years. I’m very excited to have the opportunity to be now working at Casey Grammar.

I have just begun renovations on my home and really enjoy working on it. I’m a motorbike enthusiast and also love getting away to go camping when time permits. I’m planning on spending some time in India during the midyear term break.

The students and staff at Casey Grammar have been very welcoming and I look forward to the years ahead.

Mr Stuart CollidgeHead of Music

My name is Stuart Collidge and I am the new Head Of Music at Casey Grammar School. When I started High School, a passionate Music Teacher showed me how to play the trombone and thus began my love affair with music.

Since then I’ve performed music all around the country with many different bands and on many different instruments. I’ve been teaching music to young people for nearly 20 years now, 12 years of that in the School classroom; most enjoy sharing the spark of joy that music-making gives.

I even still get to perform in the Melbourne music scene, which is something that I both greatly enjoy and I think makes for a current and relevant Teacher. The move to teaching at Casey Grammar is one that I’ve enjoyed so far and I’m looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that it brings.

PFC SECOND HAND UNIFORM SALE

The PFC welcomes donations of current, second hand Casey Grammar School uniforms for the Second Hand Uniform Sale.

Donations can be dropped to Kim and Nicole at the Kiosk in the PAC on Thursday mornings between 8.00am and 9.00am.

Details of the Second Hand Uniform Sale are as follows:

When: Monday, 25 March 2019

Where:PAC Foyer

Time:8:15am - 9:30am and 2:30pm - 4:00pm.

Please note: The PFC will only be accepting donated uniforms and will not be taking uniforms that parents would like sold on their behalf. Any person who wishes to sell their own items can organise it through their own Sustainable School account.

Click here for information about creating a Sustainable School account.