Edition Eleven | 20 AUGUST 2021
THE DRAGON
Know le d g
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FORTNIGHTLY NEWS AND EVENTS FOR ST GEORGE’S PARENTS
From the Principal Tina Campbell
It has been an absolute buzz of excitement at the school today with our annual August Open Day. We have opened our doors to so many new families and for the very first time our wonderful Year 11 students have directed the tours. It has been a delight overhearing the many stories of their experiences as St George’s students and the pride, passion, and love that they have for the school which has enthused their conversations with future families.
Students and staff continue to inspire me daily with their ‘can do’ attitude and their willingness to consistently go ‘above and beyond’.
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart” Helen Keller This was indeed the very essence at the heart of today with so many students and staff coming together to showcase and celebrate our uniquely special school. I would sincerely like to thank all staff – both academic and support staff – as well as the many students who attended today to make the day so successful, for me it was both impressive and inspiring.
We have seen this in our celebrations of Science Week which have just been sensational this week, led by Ms Charlotte Donovan as Head of Science and her team of passionate Science educators. In the announcement of one of our St George’s student’s, Katelyn Barr Year 10, artwork being selected as a finalist for the Lester Youth Prize, one of the most prestigious art awards which encourages the creative talents of young, aspiring, and emerging artists and with Mrs Carol Wohlnick just as pleased as punch when the news was announced. In Mrs Victoria Kelleher, as our Head of Curriculum,
The magic of St George’s that came so vividly to life today is something that I am lucky enough to experience every day here within the school. It is difficult to articulate exactly what it is when people ask me what excites me about leading St George’s, but it is something that is very easily felt, and I am indeed humbled to be able to lead this school into what are incredibly exciting times ahead. 1
St. George's Anglican Grammar School – THE DRAGON
Staff Updates Mrs Gaile Racey will be taking long service leave in Term 4, 2021. I am excited to let you know that Ms Taryn Sephton has been appointed to the Acting Head of Year 7 role for the term. Ms Sephton has already held pastoral leadership roles prior to coming to St George’s. She has previously been a Head of Year 7, a Head of Year 8 and a Head of House. She is also teaching within the Year 7 HASS and English teams and hence knows many of our current Year 7 students and their families well. I congratulate Ms Sephton on her appointment knowing that she will do a brilliant job. Ms Sephton will start working alongside Mrs Racey to ensure a smooth transition and handover for our Year 7 students and their families ahead of taking on this important leadership role for Term Four. having her thesis returned with simply outstanding comments and feedback from the markers which now means that she has been awarded her Doctorate after years of advanced study.
We wish Mrs Racey all the very best for her long service leave adventures.
I am indeed blessed to lead such an inspirational group of staff who seek daily to inspire and motivate the students in their care and just love what they do and do what they love - just as I do.
Mrs Aimee Thyer has started this week as our new Enrolments Registrar. Aimee comes to us with a wealth of administrative experience having worked for the last thirteen years as the Office Manager for a local hospitality firm.
Mrs Aimee Thyer
Tina Campbell
Invitation to Coffee Mornings with Tina
Friday 10 September 2021
Our administration team have been restructured a little and Mrs Nicola Russell will now work at the student services desk alongside Miss Emilie Emilien. Mrs Gamble will be full time at front reception. These changes will allow for greater consistency of care for both our students and all visitors to the school as well as utilising the skills of our current staff.
Bookings required. RSVP to events@stgeorges.wa.edu.au
Ms Tasha Brink
COFFEE MORNING A chance to share a coffee and catch up with the Principal and members of the School Executive Team. Level 4 Café 7.30am - 8.30am
Tasha Brink joins our English Department this semester and has been a ray of sunshine within the department. Her passion and enthusiasm for English and her determination to consistently make a positive difference in the lives of the students in her care is indeed inspirational.
We invite current families to come and be part of our new ‘Coffee Mornings’ initiative. These will take place twice a term on Level 4 from 7.30am – 8.30am and will provide a chance for parents, guardians, or cares to catch up casually with the Principal and her Executive Team over a cup of coffee. Please RSVP for the first one of these which will take place on Friday 10 September 2021. Term Four dates: Friday 28 October and Friday 12 November. RSVP details for these dates will be posted closer to the time. 2 St. George's Anglican Grammar School – THE DRAGON
Chaplain’s Corner
who have not seen their families for many months. We also prayed for families who are suffering financially due to the lack of tourism and visitors to Perth.
Our healing service for Covid
We gave thanks for the resources we share and our teachers who are ready to teach online if we need to go back into lockdown. We also acknowledged that our senior students have had a challenging learning experience in recent times, which has changed the way they have prepared for final exams and leaving. We prayed that our senior students would have a quiet and calm end to the school year, and that they would enjoy their final months at school. We prayed for our families who have suffered because of the Covid-19 virus, and the countries around the world that are experiencing worsening crises. We acknowledged that, as Christians, we have an impetus not just to pray, but also to act. When we wash our hands, wear masks, and get vaccinated (as we are able) we are taking care of each other and loving our neighbor in the best way possible.
On 9 August we exchanged our usual Prayer Praise and Proclamation Service in chapel for a Healing Service. Unlike the usual healing service, in which we pray over individuals, we instead prayed for the whole world, and for our community as we continue to grapple with the effects of Covid-19.
If you are one of those families that are mourning loved ones, missing family and friends or suffering financially, please know that the staff and students of St George’s are holding you in prayer. We are also doing everything we can to keep our students, staff, and families safe and healthy during this time.
We gave thanks for the safety we have experienced here in Western Australia, for our access to vaccines and our minimal lockdowns, but we also acknowledged the sadness of being separated from families and friends. We prayed for staff and students in the school
Chaplain Sarah
School Operations Susan Lazenby
Congratulations to the Science Department for their Science Week Expo and the creatively adorned Science area. So much work goes into the events and displays; a big thank you to Ms Charlotte Donovan, Head of Science, and the science teachers. The Languages Department will be hosting Book Week in Week 5 and we look forward to the activities the English teachers have planned. Who knows which favourite book or film characters will be visiting us on Friday! Our Open Day held on 20 August, was very well attended indeed. How proud we are of our Year 11 students who guided the visitors around the School. St George’s has been in the CBD since July 2015, and we are accustomed to the way we teach and learn in the city environment, sometimes forgetting how unique our School is. The Year 11 tour guides ably answered questions such as: where we play sport and do Physical Education, how we get to school, where we have Chapel, theatre productions, concerts and assemblies – and more! The many questions were a great reminder of just how much we do and how much of the city we use.
23-27 August 24 August
Book Week School Group Tour
25 August
Year 10 Science Excursion, UWA
27 August
Year 11 Physics Excursion, Gin Gin Observatory Year 12 Human Biology Excursion, Perth Zoo
30 August & 1-2 September
OLNA
2 September
YOHFest first heat
3 September
ASC Combined Schools Concert, Perth Concert Hall
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Pastoral Focus
• Always travel in company. • Be aware of your surroundings when travelling on public transport. • Report to the driver immediately if you are uncomfortable with any interactions or observe situations that make you feel uncomfortable. • Walk on the footpath on the right-hand side of the road so that they always face oncoming traffic. • Wherever possible, leave space between yourself and the roadway. • Stay in areas that are well lit. • Stay in view. Avoid going into areas hidden from view (such as parkland bush or behind shopping centres) and plan trips to avoid such locations. • Be alert. Earphones and headphones can reduce their awareness considerably. • If you carry a mobile telephone, ensure it is turned on and ready to dial an emergency number. • If a passing vehicle stops nearby, never get too close. • Do not hesitate to run from a situation in which you feel at risk. • Provide the same advice to younger siblings and watch out for them wherever possible. • Always report suspicious behaviour to parents, the School and the Police, noting number plates of cars/vehicles or clothing and distinguishing features of individuals.
Hilton Hardman
Keeping ahead of the new trend: Vaping
Research shows that vaping is dangerous, highly addictive and harmful to a child’s health and brain development. The Facts: • • • •
Vaping is not harmless Vaping can increase your exposure to harmful chemicals. Vaping can lead to nicotine addiction. The long-term consequences of vaping are unknown.
Risks of nicotine
Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical. Youth are especially susceptible to its negative effects, as it can alter their brain development and can affect memory and concentration. It can also lead to addiction and physical dependence. Children and youth may become dependent on nicotine more rapidly than adults. Quitting vaping can be challenging once a teen has developed a nicotine addiction.
ST GEORGE’S SUPERSTARS
Parents are encouraged to start the conversation about Vaping with their children; a collective message is always stronger than a single message.
Mrs Victoria Kelleher
We will be introducing guest speakers as part of our PAWS program on Fridays to address this topic across selected years.
Congratulations to Mrs Kelleher on recently being awarded her Doctorate of Education (EdD).
Public transport
Her study examined the educational experiences of Afrikaans immigrant adolescents enrolled in WA secondary schools by asking the question ‘How do Afrikaans students perceive and experience an Australian culture of learning?’. The data generated three superordinate themes: peers with similar ethnic identities are significant others who can help a smooth transition for immigrant students to secondary school; new cultures of teaching and learning need to be learned by immigrant students in a new environment; and parents’ efforts to embed moral values and foster the importance of education motivates immigrant students.
A large number of students make use of public transport. It is an area we look to educate our Year 7s on each year by having a member of the WA Police discuss city safety/public transport and share tips with those students. During Week 3, many suggestions were shared with students across year groups regarding remaining safe while using public transport. Below are some of the key points we shared with our students, and we encourage parents to have a follow-up conversation with their children about these points: 4
St. George's Anglican Grammar School – THE DRAGON
Curriculum Update
• a Certificate II (or higher) VET qualification in combination with ATAR, General or Foundation courses.
Victoria Kelleher
Literacy and numeracy standard: Demonstration of the minimum standard of literacy and numeracy (Level 3 in all three components).
Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (OLNA) The OLNA is an online literacy and numeracy assessment. It is designed to enable students to successfully meet the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) requirement of demonstrating the minimum standard of literacy and numeracy.
OLNA Round Two 2021 Testing dates for the OLNA Round Two are: • Writing: Wednesday 30 August • Reading: Thursday 01 September • Numeracy: Friday 02 September
Prequalification
Students who have achieved Band 8 or higher in any of the three components of reading, writing and numeracy in their Year 9 NAPLAN are acknowledged as having demonstrated proficiency in using a range of Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) Level 3 skills in that component and will not be required to sit the corresponding OLNA test.
Students who are due to sit any one of these sessions have been notified as of Monday 16 August.
Year 11 2022 Counselling Sessions
WACE Requirement
Counselling sessions for our Year 11, 2022 students have now begun and are essential as part of the subject election process.
These are the minimum requirements for students to receive a Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) in 2021 and beyond.
As subject selections have now been provided, a timetable will be generated, and classes created based on your child’s choice. Subjects may not be offered if too few students select them when an alternative reserve subject is available. Should this occur, students are consulted for course re-selection.
Breadth and depth requirement: • Completion of a minimum of 20 units, which may include unit equivalents attained through VET and/or endorsed programs. • A minimum of ten Year 12 units, or the equivalent
During counselling sessions, Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking (ATAR) and Alternative Pathway Experiences (APEx) information is given, recommendations made relating to achievements so far, and future pathways are discussed. A review of subjects previously selected online will be made for edit or approval and a confirmation via SEQTA will be made available to parents/guardians/carers.
Achievement standard requirement: • Achievement of at least 14 C grades or higher in Year 11 and 12 units, including at least six C grades in Year 12 units. • Completion of: • at least four Year 12 ATAR courses or • at least five Year 12 General courses (or a combination of General and up to three Year 12 ATAR courses or equivalent or
Only students who have not met the pre-requisites for a subject or whose subject is not offered in Year 11, will receive counselling.
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A selection only exhibition, approximately 50 works were chosen from a competitive field of around 160 art and design pieces. The works came from all education sectors and were created by students currently studying Year 11 and 12 Art and Design. There were a diverse range of media on display including: ceramics, textiles, furniture design, graphics, sculpture, painting, and photography. Ruby Eccleston, Year 12 submitted her work ‘2004’. A quadriptych drawing in graphite on paper, which captures four different expressions of her mother Kylie. The work relates to the unique relationship Ruby has with her Mum. It conveys, through the varied expressions, some of the trials and tribulations of inter-personal experienced whilst growing up. Heart-warming, yet also humorous, the work was completed as part of the Visual Art course for Ruby’s Unit 3 ATAR submission.
Around the School Chinese Cultural Experience Last Friday, students in Year 8, along with Year 9 students studying Mandarin, engaged in some traditional Chinese activities with four lovely staff members from the Confucius Institute – Judy, Molly, Kate and Rachel. In small groups, our students were taught about the history of calligraphy, along with how it is used in modern day China. They then spent some time learning how to write with the calligraphy brushes (máobǐ) on the special paper (xuǎnzhǐ), the characters for “ox” (牛, as it is the Year of the Ox) and “good fortune” (福). The students were also guided through some traditional Chinese Dance with the very talented Rachel. After learning some of the basics, they were treated to an amazing performance by Rachel, who also used fans in her routine. The key focus for both of these traditional activities is to be calm and quiet and to use them to relax.
Lizzy Copping, Year 11, submitted her artwork ‘Angst’ a portrait of her friend Amelie. This work was completed for Unit 1 as her final Semester One production piece. As Lizzie’s first painting, she should be very proud of her achievement and selection in this prestigious art exhibition. Carol Wohlnick
Awesome Athletes “Stronger, higher, faster and together”, that is the Olympic motto that carried into our 2021 Inter-House Athletics Carnival, which took place at UWA Sportspark on 5 August. After all the wet weather we were blessed with warm sunshine and a brilliant day to run, jump and throw. St George’s students excel at carnivals with their enthusiasm and willingness to actively participate in as many events as possible. Congratulations to Gandhi House who took out the overall House shield and to the outstanding individual athletic achievements of the following students:
Thank you to the Confucius Institute, the supervising teachers and to the students who participated enthusiastically and respectfully to learn about these ancient past-times. Danielle De Witt
META Art and Design Exhibition 2021 Tuesday, 3 August, saw the official opening of the Meta Art Exhibition at the Central Gallery, Aberdeen St, Perth. Two students from St George’s were selected to exhibit alongside other students from across the state.
U/13 Champion Boy
Cooper Grant
U/13 Runner-up Champion Boy
Adam Lazarevski
U/13 Champion Girl
Alyssa Peake
U/13 Runner-up Champion Girl
Anouk Potter
U/13 Sportsmanship Award
Harvey Miller
U/14 Champion Boy
Owen Lane
U/14 Runner-up Champion Boy
Jasper Bridgeman
U/14 Champion Girl
Emily Everett
U/14 Runner-up Champion Girl
Ava Watters
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U/14 Sportsmanship Award
Blake Pearce
U/15 Champion Boy
Harry Joyner
U/15 Runner-up Champion Boy
Nathan Mitchell
U/15 Champion Girl
Serena Lee
U/15 Runner-up Champion Girl
Holly Williams
U/15 Sportsmanship Award
Zara Brown
Open Champion Boy
Bernard Bolum
Open Runner-up Champion Boy
Benedict Bolum
Open Champion Girl
Alexandra Griffin
Open Runner-up Champion Girl
Bonnie Baugh
Open Sportsmanship Award
Ezra Littlejohn
1880 Points
1666 Points
St Georges Anglican Grammar School. Our students presented workshops on their research, and were actively involved in the other events, including a presentation on the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) and Nyoongar traditions by Nyoongar elder and food specialist Auntie Dale Tilbrook , a fish dissection demonstration by the Fisheries team at DPIRD (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development), a discussion of DPIRD’s new horizons in aquaculture science, and some kitchen science with a fish cooking demonstration and tasting presented by expert chef Adam from Madalena’s Wine & Seafood Bar in South Fremantle, supplied with fresh fish from Kailis’ Fishmarket Café. The students spent the day considering science and sustainability, fisheries management, aquaculture, human factors and future challenges such as climate change and habitat conservation. Their presentations were of the highest quality, and they proudly represented St George’s. We are looking forward to continuing this partnership in the coming years.
1813 Points
At lunchtime on Thursday, we were all entertained by the enigmatic Mr Hatton, who whipped up some Liquid Nitrogen Icecream for the students to try. Brave students also tasted crickets, mealworms and some special treats highlighting the opportunities to explore alternative sources of protein. I think they were surprised to discover it didn’t taste that bad! We have a strong 2021 ACC Athletics team who have been training every Wednesday in preparation for the 2021 ACC G-Division Athletics Carnival which is taking place at the State Athletics Track on Monday 6 September. Good luck to all competitors.
Students and staff are encouraged to enter the Science Week Photo Competition. Send in your best fruit and vegetable photo to Mrs McCann, who will print and display them. The ‘People’s Choice’ will be awarded to the photo with the most votes. Entries close Friday, 27 August and voting closes early Week 6.
National Science Week
Open Day on Friday will see our Science labs turned into a working Forensics lab and crime scene, as we immerse some intrepid Year 8s and 9s into the multidisciplinary world of forensics science. I hope they manage to hone their skills so they can solve the ‘Mystery of St George’s!
National Science Week has arrived! This year we are celebrating ‘’Food: Different by Design’ and the students and teachers have been delighted with the farm that was built overnight in the basement. Inspiration was taken from International Year of Fruits and Vegetables, and our students have enjoyed the crops of carrots, corn and tomatoes and have sat under the branches of an apple tree, all while keeping an eye on the guardian scarecrow!
Next week, the love of Science continues, with Murdoch University conducting the ‘Scintillating Science Quiz’ with our Year 9s, a group of Year 10s will attend the annual Science Café event at UWA and our Year 12 Human Biology students will visit Perth Zoo to conduct their studies of Primates and hominin evolution. A massive thank you goes out to the tireless Science Department, who are always invested in exciting and engaging our students in the wonderful world of Science.
Each day this week we have been immersed ourselves in Science and, as always, encouraged every member of the school community to #findyourscience. On Tuesday, the Year 9 Nobel Pathway students were involved in the ‘Fish: Futures’ National Science Week event held at the WA Maritime Museum. This is a new collaboration between the WA Museum, the Department of Fisheries, John Curtin College of the Arts and 7 St. George's Anglican Grammar School – THE DRAGON
Musical Notes Due to COVID-19 lockdown happening during the last week of Term Two, the Battle of the Bands concert was postponed and is being planned to happen later this term.
Muso Profile Patrick Cooke
The ASC Combined Schools Concert members have been practising tirelessly over the past few weeks for their performance next month and are looking forward to joining with the other ASC Schools in rehearsals from next week. Last Wednesday Kate van Olden and Marcus Fairhall, along with students and staff from St Mark’s Anglican Community School, Peter Moyes Anglican Community School, and Swan Valley Community School travelled to Georgiana Malloy Anglican School in Busselton for a song-writing workshop with the ASC Electronic Ensemble. Having the group spread over such a wide geographic location has been a challenge for song writing, and it was great to actually get together in person.
Instrument Electric Guitar and Electric Bass
What first got you interested in Music? My parents got me into it when I was younger due to the fact that they are big music fans.
What’s the best thing about Music at St George’s? The large number of other people who play instruments and the community of the Music Department.
Why should other people do music? Gets your brain working better!
What’s your advice for anyone learning Music?
Start slowly, don’t default to comfortability when learning techniques.
What’s coming up in Music • 23 August - 3 September – ASC Combined Schools Concert Rehearsals (please refer to rehearsal schedule) • 3 September – ASC Combined Schools Concert, Perth Concert Hall Jemima Beal, Music Captain
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