SPECTEMUR AGENDO
Let us be judged by our actions
A Newcastle Grammar School Publication
Autumn 2012, Vol 20, No. 1
Music at NGS
Newcastle Grammar School
CONTENTS
4
5
9
18
STUDENT LEADERS
TERM 4
STAFF NEWS
TERM 1
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Spectemur Agendo - Vol 20 No 1 Autumn 2012
FROM THE
HEADMASTER
MR ALAN G GREEN
During the January school holidays, our second group
of students visited Farkwa. Following their return, the
students and staff members spoke to both the School
assemblies as well as addressing the Board of the School.
Their passion for what we are achieving in Farkwa was
very evident in the way the students spoke about their
experience. I was amazed when the students declared
that giving of their time was one of the most rewarding
experiences they have had. All the work we are doing
in Farkwa is being done to make their community, and
particularly their school, sustainable for the years to come.
One of the greatest needs they have at the moment is to
improve their teacher accommodation so that they can
attract enough qualified teachers to the School. We
are presently planning our next round of fundraising to
complete our commitment to Farkwa Secondary School.
When we receive our next report from WorldVision, we
will commence our next round of planning.
2011
HSC RESULTS
Student achievement in external examinations and
competitions has seen the School gain an enviable
reputation for academic success having consistently
placed amongst the best performing schools in NSW.
The achievements in the School Certificate and Higher
School Certificate of 2011 proved to be no exception.
In the state-wide School Certificate examinations,
Newcastle Grammar School students achieved more than
three times the state average for the number of students
achieving results in the highest band (90% or more) for
English, Mathematics, Science and Geography, Civics
and Citizenship while 96% of NGS students achieved
a mark of 90 or more in Computer Skills. The results
in the School Certificate have long been regarded as
a strong indicator of success in the HSC and this trend
was reflected in the School’s 2011 HSC results. With
99 students achieving marks in the highest band of
performance (Band 6 - marks over 90), the School was
again recognised as one of the top performing Schools
in New South Wales having now placed in the top 100
schools consistently over the past decade.
195 Union Street, The Junction NSW 2291
Phone: (02) 49400 300 Fax: (02) 4962 1344
Email: [email protected]
www.wtjk.com.au
Term 4 last year saw the last of the NSW School Certificate
external tests and I am pleased to report that they were
the School’s best set of School Certificate results.
Following on from the School Certificate was our Higher
School Certificate results which
again produced an outstanding
set of all-round results in line
with previous years. The School,
once again, was placed in the
top 100 schools in NSW and was
placed 57th. Congratulations to
both Year 10 and Year 12 and to
all the staff for a wonderful set of
results. A full and detailed report
of both results is available from
the School.
Dux for 2011 Brianna Macks
Highlights of the 2011 HSC results include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Newcastle Grammar School ranked 57th in the
State.
38% of students received an ATAR over 90.
87% of students received an ATAR over 60.
Geography, Legal Studies, Modern History and Music
1 had more than five times the state average for the
number of students achieving results in the top band
of performance.
Four students nominated for Encore 2012 – the fifth
consecutive year NGS music students have been
nominated for Encore.
One Student’s HSC Body of Work has been selected
for inclusion in the 2012 ArtExpress Exhibitions.
An accelerated student was nominated in three
categories for Callback 2012.
Students were listed 99 times on the statewide
Merit List for achievement in the top band of HSC
courses.
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3
2012 STUDENT
LEADERS
2012 School Captains, Vice Captains, Senior
Prefects L to R - Lucy Clifton, William Ryan,
Katherine Barter, Thomas Walker, Olivia Barfield,
Patrick Ryan
2012 Hunter House Captains L to R - Mrs
M Thomas, Gautam Gandha, Rebekah
Stuart, Angus Brown, Rebecca Posel, Mrs
A Roberts
2012 VICE-CHANCELLOR’S
2012 Stewart
Council Leaders - L
to R - Isabella Tonks,
Harrison Thomas
2012 Macquarie House Captains - L to
R - Mrs S Wood, Lindsay McDonald, Eliza
McGowan, Xavier Logan, Naomi Weber,
Mr P Lumley
2012 Student Leadership Team School Captains - Katherine
Barter, Thomas Walker. Vice Captains - Olivia Barfield, Patrick Ryan.
Senior Prefects - Lucy Clifton, William Ryan. Prefects - , Imogen
Blackie, Sian Brown, Charlotte Chapman, Angela Collins, Nathan
Dawes, Georgia England, Angus Geraghty, Annabel Kirkby, Sophie
Le Bas, Matthew Martin, Nicholas Minch, Jake Parker, Monique Pont,
Alexander Stott, Sarah Topfer, Samantha Wardhaugh. Senior Cadet Benjamin Griffiths. Senior Musician - William Cesta, Xanthe Tusek.
2012 Shortland House Captains - L to
R - Mr P Juchniewicz, Laurence Creevey,
Laura Flack, Benjamin Boyle, Rebecca
Boyle, Mrs J Saunders
2012 Tyrrell House Captains - L to R Ms C Mackay, Bemjamin Kemp, Laura
Watt, Julius Roberts, Ebony Appel, Mrs N
Robertson
SCHOOL TEACHER AWARD
The Vice-Chancellor’s School Teacher Award is an award
for secondary school teachers. This award recognises
the vital role the early years of education play in the
choices that students make about their future, including
the decision to come to university. Recipients of this
award were nominated by students in the final year
of their studies. The award is recognition of the value
that students and the university place on educational
experiences in secondary school.
Mr Mitchell Brain teaches Mathematics at Newcastle
Grammar School. He is a teacher who approaches his
subject with humour and creativity, Mr Brain goes to
great lengths to help every student and to prepare them
for life after school. He is caring and passionate about
teaching and never too busy to help the students in his
care. Students especially appreciate Mr Brain’s creative
approach to motivating them, which has seen him make
individualised trophies for each student to keep them on
track for their future careers. Mr Brain’s commitment
to education and to his students means that he is very
deserving of recognition.
4
L-R: Chancellor Professor Trevor Waring AM, Mr Mitchell
Brain, Vice-Chancellor Professor Caroline McMillen
Spectemur Agendo - Vol 20 No 1 Autumn 2012
TERM 4
YEAR 10 PROGRAMME
In the last two weeks of school, following the completion
of our School Certificate Examinations, the students of
Year 10 participated in a programme which included
personal development courses, community service and
team work activities that were enjoyed by the whole year
group.
The two weeks included many significant learning
experiences which contributed to our personal
development. This began with a two day First Aid Course
that was an incredibly informative experience that allowed
us to gain our First Aid Certificates. Later, we attended
the RYDA programme run by Rotary, that informs new
drivers about driving skills and risks and how to ensure
the safety of drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Some
of the information was a big shock to many of us, but it
was also an amazing learning experience at a time in our
lives where we sit behind the wheel for the first time.
Year 10 students also bought gifts for the ‘Giving Tree’,
a service the School has supported for many years to
provide Christmas presents for those in our community
that may not receive some. We also made backpacks
Macquarie
Shortland
of essential items for young people who are homeless or
disadvantaged. This was combined with an excellent talk
by the Youth Support Network, ‘Oasis’. These activities
were a highlight as it was great to give some of the things
we commonly take for granted to those in need.
Other guest speakers in the programme included the
brilliant Mark Dobson, a leading inspirational speaker who
has worked with many elite athletes, Melinda TankardReist, a well known social commentator on women’s
issues and Glen Gerryn who presented the boys with a
session called “Men of Honour”.
In addition to all of this, we also participated in a short
film competition which brought out the hidden directors
and actors in the year, while the House Mural Project was
an amazing team activity. These murals are currently
hanging in the Holland Building.
Year 10 would like to thank the teachers for putting
together such an incredible programme where we were
always learning and having fun as a year group. It was a
great two weeks to finish a great year.
Claudia Lloyd Hensley
Hunter
Tyrrell
Team Activity - House Mural Project
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TERM 4
NOGA DINNER
The NOGA reunion event was held early in September
2011 in the Holland Staff Common Room and welcomed
a number of students from the class of 2001 and the
current Year 12 students that were in Kindergarten in
2001. The highlight of the evening was the opening of
the time capsule they had sealed 10 years previously.
There were hoots of laughter and excitement to find
various photos, letter and artworks, however, the most
enjoyment was had watching the video they had made of
themselves all those years ago.
DOT DAY FAREWELL AFTER 38 YEARS
Miss Dorothy Ramplin, Foundation Head of Science and
“living treasure” of Newcastle Grammar School, will hang
up the lab coat after more than 38 years of teaching at
the School. ‘Little did I think when I first walked up the
driveway in 1973 that I would continue to be walking up
and down that same driveway 38 years later! When I
first started, the School was then known as the Church of
England Girls’ Grammar School and it was soon apparent
that this School provided teachers with an opportunity
to do what they wanted to do and that was “teach”. I
have always enjoyed my teaching and the satisfaction
that comes with being able to help students understand
and to learn’ Miss Ramplin said. When asked about
changes in Science and the School during her time,
Miss Ramplin commented on the welcome increase
in the choices made by girls to undertake Physics and
Chemistry, a trend influenced perhaps, by the increasing
use of technology and the higher profile which Science is
now seen to have in our lives.
6
A teacher who is much respected by the students and
staff, Miss Ramplin has maintained a firm, fair and
“no-nonsense” approach to classroom teaching. Her
pupils have never been in doubt about any breaches of
behaviour as they would be and still are, greeted by a
trademark, “challenging look” after which they know to
retreat, withdraw or explain! A great source of history
about our former students, Miss Ramplin regularly attends
the events sponsored by NOGA, and it is Miss Ramplin’s
welfare which is the subject of inquiry by former students
when they meet other
members of staff
outside the School.
Miss Ramplin was
farewelled on Dot
Day, Wednesday, 7
December 2011, with
a day of celebration
of all things dotty.
Spectemur Agendo - Vol 20 No 1 Autumn 2012
TERM 4
BRASS RAZOO LIVE AT LIZOTTES
Each year Brass RaZoo host a function to farewell the
current Year 12 students and also welcome the new.
Over the last three years we have played at Lizottes,
Newcastle, which is a fantastic art deco theatre with
an amazing atmosphere. This professional venue truly
enhances the band’s performance and encourages
inspiration.
We were also lucky to have Bamboozle, led by Mr
Isaacs, perform at the start of the night, providing a
fantastic opportunity for the younger students to feel the
excitement of a professional performance.
Year 12 students leaving the Band at the end of 2011
were: Ben Murray, Sarah Sykes, Ryan Tyler, Danika
Weiss, Imogen Doyle and Jonathon Waugh. Newcastle
Grammar School thanks them for all their time, effort and
help over the many years of playing with Brass RaZoo and
hopes that all the skills they have learnt provides them
with the confidence to pursue their musical aspirations
further.
New members for Brass RaZoo for 2012 are: Toby
Ferguson, Brittany Banks, Cameron Mee, Alena Harvey,
Damien Ryan, Nicholas Young, Sarah Brown and Chris
Matthews. Mr Young and myself are looking forward
to working with the new team to provide continued
excellence in entertainment.
Mr L Sherringham
YEAR 10 DINNER
After at the challenge and focus of the School Certificate,
the students of Year 10 were immensely relieved to have
the opportunity to ‘let their hair down’ and participate
in their Year 10 Dinner. Many took the opportunity to
have their photos taken at the Foreshore Sheds before
making their way to the Brennan Room at the University
of Newcastle. Here they were joined by their House
Patrons and Mr Jenkinson, Dr McEwan and Kaylene
from the School Canteen who were all impressed by their
high spirits and dress – stunning girls and dapper boys!
The students were equally impressed by their teachers’
dancing. Everyone chatted about the wonderful year
that was soon coming to a close and celebrated their
academic efforts with a night of friendship and fun. The
night was, undeniably, a success!
Malia Emberson-Lafoa’i
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TERM 4
YEAR 9 CAMP
With a week of solid rain prior to camp, memories of
2010, and our evacuation as the river flooded, were very
prominent in the minds of those preparing for the camp
of 2011.
We arrived to find that the river was too high for kayaking,
yet the sun was out. As a result, the weather was hot
and extremely sticky, and no groups were allowed on the
water which was very disappointing.
For the first time our advanced groups (Mr Smith’s, Mrs
Mackay’s, and Mr Blackwell’s) were expected to carry all
equipment to Crawley’s campsite, the highpoint (in terms
of altitude) of the camp. Previously, our equipment had
been transported for us and we carried day packs.
kayaking is the highlight for most students. However,
they remained positive and made the most of the
opportunities available to them.
In a first for this camp, Miss Parezanovic’s and Mr Carroll’s
group had a go at abseiling. This was a confronting, but,
memorable experience for many in this group.
Many thanks to staff involved - Mr Critchley, Mr Carroll,
Mr Blackwell, Miss Parezanovic, Mrs Mackay - and to
the students for their exemplary conduct, and for their
cheerful dispositions in trying conditions.
Mr D Smith
In the hot and humid conditions, which nobody was
acclimatised to due to the cool summer, the slog up to
Crawley’s was a real challenge. The students did not
complain though, and stuck at it, encouraging each
other all the way. This was a great credit to their mental
toughness and their ability to work together as a team.
Activities had to be improvised somewhat during the
week, due to the high water in the river, so some students
learned how to make fire, while others learned survival
skills, instead of kayaking. This was a shame, since
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Newcastle Grammar School
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p: (02) 4929 5811
w: ngs.nsw.edu.au
Spectemur Agendo - Vol 20 No 1 Autumn 2012
TERM 1
MIDDLE SCHOOL
SWIMMING
Tuesday, 7 February, saw
the Middle School students
don their swimmers and
House colours to compete
in their swimming carnival.
Despite blustery conditions
our students showed great
passion and enthusiasm by
demonstrating a high level
of participation. A number
of students competed in
every race, including preswim events, to boost points
for their House.
We are
incredibly lucky to have some
very gifted swimmers. They
showed such wonderful skill
and had all onlookers standing, clapping and chanting,
particularly in the relays. Students also demonstrated
great House spirit in the ‘best dressed fan’ competition,
with Tyrrell House claiming victory. All four Houses
showed wonderful sportsmanship in trying weather
conditions, and Hunter House’s efforts enabled them to
finish in first place. Well done Hunter House!
Mrs A Roberts
KINDERGARTEN
BEACH FUN DAY
On Tuesday, 6 March Kindergarten had a wonderful time
at the “Park Campus Beach”.
We were interested to find out that Mr Burnett is a lifesaver.
Lifesaver Burnett shared lots of important information
about beach safety and we all sat safely between the
big red and yellow flags. We even had our own beach
rescue with the rescue tube. Some of us also dressed up
as lifesavers and lifeguards.
We constructed our own 3D Magic Beach models with
real shells. Our models also had jellybaby swimmers
swimming between the flags, lifeguards on duty and
beach goers seeking shade under their umbrellas.
With our buckets and spades we flip-flopped in our
thongs to Pre-school where we had sand and water play.
Everyone enjoyed digging in the sandpit and searching
for marine animals in the icy blue water.
In the afternoon we dusted off our sandy feet, spread our
beach towels out in the Kindergarten rooms and tried to
find Nemo.
Mrs J Biddleston
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TERM 1
FARKWA TOUR
In January of this year, eight students, two teachers and
a representative from World Vision travelled to Tanzania
to visit the Farkwa Secondary School and wider Farkwa
community, which Newcastle Grammar has been
supporting through World Vision School to School project
for around five years now.
The aim of the trip was to visit and learn about the work
of World Vision throughout Tanzania, to see the results
of Newcastle Grammar School’s support of the Farkwa
Secondary School and the wider Farkwa community,
and further to strengthen and develop our school’s
relationship with our friends in Farkwa.
Over 10 days, our group travelled inland from the coastal
city of Dar Es Salaam to the area of Farkwa, located in
the central region of Tanzania, where we stayed amongst
the community for five days, before continuing north to
the cities of Arusha and Moshi to visit more World Vision
projects before returning home.
The five days spent in the Farkwa region were probably
the most rewarding for the majority of the group; being
able to live within the community and really get to know
the people of Farkwa was truly a once in a lifetime
opportunity; eye opening, challenging, and ultimately
rewarding.
One of the most special days, was the day we spent at
Farkwa Secondary School, the crux of the trip in many
ways. We participated in classes and had a go at teaching
a little about Australia. Once all the algebra was done, we
met and played with the students, participated in extracurricular activities such as grass cutting, and further had
the opportunity to view the hostels, water tanks and solar
panels which Newcastle Grammar School has directly
funded through our fundraising. It was truly rewarding to
finally see with our own eyes the results of our fundraising
efforts over the past few years and, more importantly, to
see that the benefits of our support and the work of World
Vision extend far beyond the here and now. We came
to realise that our small contributions have the power to
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10
benefit not just the 112 girls staying in the hostels now, but
year after year, generation after generation of students to
come, all receiving an education so vital in breaking the
cycle of poverty.
Throughout our time in Farkwa, we were overwhelmed
by the generosity, warmth, sense of community and
overwhelming pride of the people we met, and all of
us returned humbled and inspired by our experience.
Our group also came back with an invigorated drive to
continue our school’s commitment for the Farkwa project,
which can only be achieved with the support of you, the
Newcastle Grammar School community.
Due to the manner in which World Vision’s development
projects operate, five years from now World Vision
will conclude its work in the Farkwa region and move
elsewhere. After seeing the amazing things that have
been achieved in the past five years that Newcastle
Grammar School has been participating in the project,
the bigger question remains: what can we achieve in
the next five years? We challenge Newcastle Grammar
School to make it something remarkable.
The travelling party would like to take this opportunity
to thank World Vision and the whole of the Newcastle
Grammar School community for their support of our
visit to Tanzania. The trip wouldn’t have been possible
without them.
Julia Keyworth
Taxation & Superannuation
Services
www.hillierhewitt.com.au
Spectemur Agendo - Vol 20 No 1 Autumn 2012
TERM 1
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TERM 1
TYRRELL TERM
On Tuesday, 13 March, Stephanie and Claire from the
RSPCA Education Department came to speak to the
Year 7, Year 8 and Senior School. This presentation
was an excellent opportunity for our students to learn
more about the work of the RSPCA and how having a
little understanding of how the choices we make in the
supermarket can have a big impact on the treatment of
animals.
Thursday, 15 March, was the Tyrrell House Chapel with
the theme “All things bright and beautiful... the Lord God
made them all.” The Service and music was prepared and
lead by Tyrrell House students from both Senior School
and Middle School. During this service each mentor
group was asked to bring their box of donations of animal
food and/or animal accessories to be presented to the
RSPCA. The response to this call was outstanding. The
Dean, The Very Reverend James Rigney, spoke of the
need to be generous and thoughtful towards all God’s
creations, not least the animals.
To finish off the week, students and staff enjoyed an
afternoon on the Middle School courts for the ‘Animal
Fashion Parade’. Each mentor group from the Middle
School and Senior School were asked to dress up as
an animal of their choice. Mr Green, Ms Walker and
Mr McKensey were the judges for the afternoon and
were delighted at the effort and entertainment from
the students. Some memorable animals included: the
rainbow serpent, the blue caterpillar, the pink flamingos
and the blue-box jelly fish.
On Wednesday, 14 March, we celebrated Tyrrell House
Day with a cake stall at recess and a BBQ at lunch time.
The day had a “blue accessories theme” and on the day
students and staff were dressed in an array of imaginative
costumes.
12
Congratulations to the whole School for their fundraising
efforts. We are pleased to announce that an amount of
$1418.75 was raised and will be donated to the RSPCA.
Mrs N Robertson & Miss C Mackay
Spectemur Agendo - Vol 20 No 1 Autumn 2012
TERM 1
YEAR 12 CAMP ELIM
Wednesday, 15 February to Friday, 17 February, may not
ring any bells in your mind but I bet all of Year 12 would
remember those dates. If not, a quick refresher – the
words Camp Elim, Forster will evoke exciting memories
of extreme fun, connectedness and lots of laughs.
Our first night brought laughs when Dr Bernard Curran
captured everyone’s attention with his inspiring speech.
Above all, his message underpinned the journey of
everyone in the room; at some point in time we all have to
climb mountains (our nearest one being the HSC) but with
hard work and constant effort we can wipe sweat off our
brows and pat ourselves on the back while remembering
laughs, memories and good times along the way.
Next morning’s mini Olympics demanded teamwork and
connectedness for everyone to pull their teams to victory.
The significance of a team poignantly draws upon a
lesson pivotal for the upcoming journey to the HSC:
working together, everyone does better; when you’re
alone, it takes longer.
In down time, the thwack of the volleyball and eager
yells gave a good indication of the leading team. Others
chose to paddle canoes and one keen canoer enjoyed
the serene environment so much he almost paddled back
to Newcastle. Luckily we caught him before he missed
out on all the fun, returning in time for karaoke.
Karaoke night! We heard a variety of our favourite songs
but the best thing was not the budding pop stars but the
encouragement. High fives were awarded all around
and everyone joined in, shook hands, danced wildly and
encouraged the more timid members of the group to get
up and let loose with the team. We all fell into bed with
sweaty red but grinning faces, laughing at the different
memories from the night.
Too quickly we returned to
camp for an amazing last lunch
of chicken wraps that had us
all queuing for seconds before
marching onto the bus to head
home. The singing quieted and
most rested their eyes after an
intense, riveting retreat but some
brave chatterboxes managed to
talk for the whole bus trip home!
All in all, retreat was a stimulating and sensational
time which focused on the connectedness of our year
group which is pivotal in our final year. We learned the
importance of dedication and passion to survive not
only this year but also the rest of our lives. Our School
family is of upmost importance and it was easy to see
how our Year 12 cohort embraced each other with open
arms ready to support one another and succeed in our
tight-knit community. We are ready for all the challenges
thrown in our way! And the HSC... we’re coming to get
you.
A huge thank you to all the staff who accompanied Year
12 on our journey. Encore! Encore! I’m ready for another
retreat already.
Olivia Barfield
Year 12
Our last morning came too quickly as everyone awoke,
rounded up their mess and embarked on a dolphin cruise.
The playful animals encouraged our sentimental side as
they glided through the water with amazing speed and
agility.
‘we know’
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Cnr Kenrick & Union Streets, The Junction
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13
TERM 1
DR MICHAEL CARR-GREGG SEMINAR LEADERSHIP DAY
On Wednesday, 21 March, the School was host to one
of Australia’s highest profile psychologists and leading
speakers, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg where he presented a
series of information sessions for local students, parents
and teachers. The sessions, held at the Sandi Warren
Performance Centre, covered a range of topics from
‘Coping with the
HSC’ to the ‘Five
greatest challenges
for parents in 2012’
along with ‘Mental
health issues for
staff’. The event
formed part of the
ongoing parenting
series which has
seen the School
host
Michael
Grose and Susan
McLean.
YEAR 5 TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES
On Friday, 3 February 2012, Year 5 students participated
in a Team Building Activities afternoon, designed to
strengthen friendships and team-working skills. After a
barbeque lunch, students moved into their House groups
to participate in a straw building competition. Groups
were given 50 straws and several pieces of sticky tape,
and were asked to build either the tallest free standing
structure or a structure that had the widest unsupported
span. Students then participated in a number of physical
activities, such as team relay races and small group
games.
Special thanks go to Mrs Rowntree and Mrs Muddle for
their organisation and for assisting the Year 5 teachers
on the day.
Mr T Daly and Ms M Luxon
NEW FRIENDS
On Monday, 27 February, all Year 8 were given the
opportunity to participate in a Leadership Day with
Matthew Kershaw, an inspirational mentor to us all. He
shared many of his own personal experiences along with
many other inspiring stories about a variety of leaders
from all over the world like Skye Bortroli who was only 13
when she started her own anti whaling campaign.
He talked to us about grabbing opportunities, how to be a
good leader, standing up for what you believe in and that
being a leader is not just about wearing a badge.
We enjoyed activities such as Jenga and Jenga Chaos,
learning a dance to ‘When Loves Takes Over’, Grid, Pair
and Group Formations, Brain Teasing Quizzes, Brain
tester Games and Boys vs. Girls Strategy Games.
It was an extremely worthwhile experience because
we were able to discover fantastic unknown leadership
qualities in every one of us that we may not have realised
before.
Overall it was a day that encouraged us to reflect upon
our own abilities and actions and set personal challenges
to aspire to.
Olivia Dickinson
When we went to leadership day I really enjoyed
the activities they gave us such as the Jenga and the
squares game we played in HS2. Instead of putting
us in a room and drilling leadership into our minds they
used a fun approach to leadership and told us stories
that we listened to with full attention and that were very
funny. I liked the story about the women they met at the
airport that made different names for the days. I was
never bored at any time during the day and I was always
laughing and entertained as were my peers. The group
taught us skills in a fun and interactive way that I will use
to help people all throughout my life. I thought it was
going to be an uneventful, boring day but I really couldn’t
have been more wrong.
Jasper Bilous
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Phone - 4926 4488
Spectemur Agendo - Vol 20 No 1 Autumn 2012
TERM 1
ALTITUDE DAY
A select number of Year 6 potential leaders were pleased
to have the opportunity to come together along with about
180 other students from other HRIS schools, on Tuesday,
28 February, to participate in Altitude Day.
It is an opportunity for the HRIS schools to come together
and bring their Year 6 Leaders or potential leaders to a
day where the children are exposed to information about
what is leadership and what makes good leaders in our
society.
Altitude Days have a keen message and that is “How high
can your potential take you?” and that all children can be
leaders in a variety of different circumstances, given the
right opportunities. The day also seeks to give leadership
development opportunities to the many potential young
leaders within our schools who don’t necessarily
become the ‘badge wearers’. The day delivers powerful,
interactive leadership messages embodied by speakers
from our Ambassadors of Leadership programme. The
aim is to create inspirational leaders who will leave the
day looking to find out how high their potential can take
them, and empower them to make a difference in the
school and the community.
Some poems from students...
Red is for passion
Things that you love
All passions are different
Like the wings of a dove
Blue is for dreams
Dreams from your heart
Don’t stop dreaming
Or live in the dark
Yellow is to serve
Serve when in need
Serve from your heart
To do a good deed
Green is for growth
The growth of your heart
Don’t stop growing
As you’re only at the start
White’s for integrity
To be your own self
Do not change yourself
For somebody else
Lillian Bennett & Dominique Nash
A man named Matthew Kershaw from yLead came to
talk to Year 6 about how to be a good leader and how to
get what we want out of life.
Leave your mark on earth!
The colours of us include: Red (passion), Blue (Dreams),
Green (Growth), Orange (Serve) and White (Integrity).
In the seminar we learnt that being a leader doesn’t
mean being the biggest or the smartest; it just matters
that you aren’t afraid to stand out of the crowd, are strong
and good at teamwork, as well as being optimistic.
The games we played taught us about teamwork and
communication.
United, all of us can make a BIG difference in the world
and change situations in third world countries.
During the day I met lots of kids from other schools and
learnt that kids from different areas aren’t really that
different after all.
Everybody should help and be a leader every day.
Don’t put people down.
A person has very special qualities including passion,
integrity, dreams and growth.
Y-Lead is a very great company travelling throughout
Australia to do courses for students ranging from Year 6
to Year 12.
Charlotte Ainsworth
NOGA A WAY TO STAY CONNECTED
Are you a Newcastle Grammar School Alumni? Want to make contact with old Friends from School?
If the answer is yes - WE NEED YOU!
We are looking for expressions of interest to create a NOGA
committee to assist us. If you’re interested, please contact
Mr Fred Neal at the School on [email protected]
Newcastle Grammar School
p: (02) 4929 5811
w: ngs.nsw.edu.au
15
TERM 1
JAPAN TOUR LANGUAGE
The Japan Tour 2012 was a huge success. Fourteen
students and two teachers left on Easter Saturday and
returned 10 days later. We had a good nine hour flight and
our GET contact met us at the airport and drove us to the
Tokyo Central Youth Hostel. Unable to check in until the
afternoon, like all good tourists we went walking around
the local neighbourhood (which included a refueling stop
in Starbucks). We made our way through the chaos of
Tokyo station. Millions of people pass through it every
day and it is truly challenging. We had a four hour tour
of Tokyo and a look around Ginza shopping district before
going back to the hostel to collapse into bed.
Our second and third days in Tokyo were spent at Disney
Sea and Harajuku. Disney Sea is spectacular and
everyone had a good time. Harajuku is where Japanese
street fashion is in full swing. Many students bought great
souvenirs and some unique clothes. Some students also
went to Akihabara (also known as Electric Town). For
those who love all things electronic it’s worth a look. It is
busy and very loud, so a short visit is a good visit!
bath), as well as eating very traditional food. Breakfast
was a challenge for most - fresh fish, raw egg, pickles etc.
I was very pleased that everyone tried something new.
Our next stop was Hiroshima. We explored the Peace
Park and the Peace Museum. The impact of the Museum
was obvious as many students felt challenged by what they
saw. It was interesting to see the Japanese perspective
and to appreciate how Hiroshima has literally risen from
the ashes. Messages of peace can be found everywhere
and I feel this contributes to the very relaxed and calm
atmosphere of the city.
Our last three days were spent in Kyoto. It is such a pleasant
city and so easy to get around. We went to Kinkakuji (the
Golden Pavilion), Nijo Castle and the famous Kiyomizu
Temple. On the last Sunday we took a local train to Nara
(an ancient capital) where the highlight was feeding the
local deer. I think we were all butted and chased until we’d
handed out all the special biscuits we had bought to feed
them. At Nara’s Todaiji temple many students conquered
the ‘luck’ test of passing through the Buddha’s nostril. This
is a large wooden column with a small hole cut out at the
bottom. All students who attempted it made it… but a few
needed a helping hand to be pulled out the other side!
Our tour was truly fabulous. We got to see all facets of
Japanese daily life by staying in different places. The
weather was kind to us on most days, but the most
wonderful thing of all was to be there in cherry blossom
time. The trees blossom for a very short period of time,
usually a week at most. The Japanese revere cherry
blossoms and on many occasions we were told how lucky
we were to see it for ourselves.
Next we headed to Hakone which is a beautiful country
area about an hour from Tokyo by bullet train. On good
days you can see Mt Fuji and we did see it at the end of
our two days there. The hotel in Hakone was a ryokan
(traditional Japanese inn). Some students slept on futon,
and we made use of the private onsen (traditional hot
The students are now experts in currency conversion,
transport etiquette, catching bullet trains and coping with
crowds. I am so proud of their willingness to be part of
another culture. They are terrific ambassadors and I hope
this experience is something they will always remember.
Mrs A Roberts
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Spectemur Agendo - Vol 20 No 1 Autumn 2012
TERM 1
YEAR 7 CAMP
From 7 March to 9 March 2012, Year 7 had the most
fantastic camp experience ever. On the way to Shoal Bay
we went via the Shark and Ray Centre where some of us
faced our fears touching and feeding sharks and rays.
Once we finally arrived at Shoal Bay Holiday Park we
found out our room arrangements and received our keys.
Once we were given a bit of time to settle in we departed
on our bus to Moonshadow Cruises, where we saw a
pod of dolphins, including some calves, coming as close
as one metre away. Some of us had the opportunity to
get into the boom net and literally swim with them. That
ended our first day full of fun activities.
The next morning we
awoke bright and early
to find a lovely breakfast
provided for us by Shoal
Bay Holiday Park. After
breakfast we were straight
into our activities for
the day. Some groups
went tobogganing, rock
INDOOR
wall climbing and golfing
whilst others went four
wheel driving and sand
duning, but by the end of
the day everyone had a
go at everything and no
one could decide what
the best activity had been.
That night was the talent
show where we saw some
amazing acts that really
stunned and surprised us all. That then ended our last
night at Shoal Bay.
We awoke on Friday morning, packed our bags and set
off to Minmi for a morning of fun. We were heading for
Treetop Adventure Park. At Treetops we encountered
a series of flying foxes and many other challenging
obstacles. After hours of fun it was time to go home and
see all of our families and tell them about our wonderful
camp experience.
Gabby Angus and Eve Turner
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17
STAFF
MEET
NEWS
MRS ROZ CHAMBERLAIN
Mrs Roz Chamberlain is enjoying the transition from the Sydney rat race to the regional
community lifestyle of Newcastle. She joins the Newcastle Grammar School as Head of
Science and as a member of the elite SATU Squad. Prior to this she was Coordinator of
Student Programmes at Northholm Grammar School and has had a variety of teaching
positions in the Northern Territory. By her own admission, the surf, wineries and beautiful
countryside provided a huge incentive for her to pursue a career at Newcastle Grammar
School and she is looking forward to the challenges ahead.
Roz’s appointment to Newcastle marks the start of a new and exciting era for the
Chamberlain Family. Sinead is on a gap year travelling through Europe and then
working in an orphanage in India before starting a Bachelor of Arts at Sydney University.
Courtney is balancing her HSC year with her athletic aspirations and hopes to study with
the Defence Force in 2013. Roz’s husband, Bruce, is looking forward to a permanent
move to Newcastle next year which will mean Roz will spend less time on the F3.
MEET
MR DAVID FRAZER
Mr David Frazer joins Newcastle Grammar School in the accounting team having
recently returned from cycling the Himalaya. David, a Chartered Accountant, hailing
from the far north coast embraced the education industry in the Upper Hunter working
as business manager of Scone Grammar for three and a half years. This taught him
many things beyond debits and credits and created a desire to seek further exposure
within this not for profit industry working within different schooling environments.
Particular interests are incorporation of sustainable design in education, digital
education environments and achieving balance in Educational development. Known
to occasionally rogaine, mountain bike, kayak and trail run but always in balance with
the enjoyment of a decent read, live music, creative arts and definitely good coffee.
SPECTEMUR AGENDO
AWARDEES
These awards are given each year at Speech Day and the recipients are being recognised
for exemplary service to our School. Our School motto is “let us be judged by our actions”.
MR
LEIGH CARROLL
Mr Carroll was appointed to the staff
of Newcastle Grammar School at the
beginning of 1991. He has served
the School in the role of co-ordinator
of PDH&PE and Sportsmaster. Mr
Carroll has overseen the integration
of
the
current
co-curricular
programme with respect to sport. In
1991, there was no regular weekly
sporting competition at the School.
His service to the School, Hunter
Region AICES and CIS has been exemplary.
18
MR
ROB BARTER
Mr Barter was appointed to the staff
of the School in 1992 as the founding
co-ordinator of Technology and
Applied Studies. He has overseen
the introduction of Hospitality,
Computing
and
Design
and
Technology. He was also appointed
OC of the School’s Cadet Unit, that
being the SATU, and served as the
OC up until the beginning of this
year. His service in implementing
the new faculty and widening the offering of the SATU
makes him a worthy recipient of the Spectemur Agendo
award.
Spectemur Agendo - Vol 20 No 1 Autumn 2012
STAFF
NEWS
25 YEARS OF SERVICE
Helen Tabart - Park Campus Teacher
20 YEARS OF SERVICE
Rob Barter - Head of TAS Department
Hugh McKensey - Board
15 YEARS OF SERVICE
10 YEARS OF SERVICE
Marie-Paule Capodicasa - Park Campus French
Teacher
Vicki Dart - Middle School Teacher
Kay Lane - Park Campus Music Teacher
Paul Lumley - Middle School House Patron
Elizabeth Semetka - Park Campus Pre-School
Ian McMurtrie - Middle School Teacher
Andrew Carr - PDHPE Department
MEET
MS NICOLA JUDD
Ms Nicola Judd has joined us in
Reception in the afternoons while
Clare Fogo is on maternity leave.
Nicola has previously worked for an
international transcription company
where she was involved in recruitment
and training as well as the proofing
and editing of transcripts. She looks
forward to continuing this side of
her role with the school newsletter. Nicola is happy to
be working in a school environment having completed
three years of a Bachelor of Special Education, and her
husband, Bryan, is also a teacher. Together, they have
two small children, Benjamin (4) and Alexander (18 mths)
who keep them very busy in their ‘spare’ time. Nicola
looks forward to meeting you all so when you’re passing
through reception, please pop in and introduce yourself.
MEET
MRS DENISE MITCHELL
Mrs Denise Mitchell joins us as the
new Science Lab Assistant. She
began her career in the 1980s as a
School Dental Therapist with Area
Health Services. She furthered her
studies by gaining a Bachelor of
Applied Science at Sydney Uni in
2004 and was contemplating a career
change when the family relocated to
Newcastle due to her husband’s work commitments.
She enrolled in the Lab Skills course at TAFE, originally
intending to work in pathology, however, became friendly
with some School Lab assistants who inspired her to
change direction. She gained experience by working
as a casual relief employee for a year before joining the
Newcastle Grammar School. She resides near Newcastle
with her husband Ross and two sons, Thomas and Eric.
In their spare time, she and Ross are kept busy restoring
their period home (converted to a boarding house in the
60s). They also enjoy researching local history and are
members of the Newcastle Family History Society.
MEET
MRS DANIELLE BATES
Mrs Danielle Bates joins us as
Secretary at our Park Campus.
Danielle has worked in the finance
industry for most of her career and is
enjoying the challenge that each day
brings at Park Campus. Danielle loves
the children’s innocent expressions
and their unique sayings. ‘If only I had
a recorder’.
Danielle is married with three children, Martin, Lorelei
and Harrison so weekends are kept busy with the family
member’s respective activities. Danielle volunteers at
Ronald McDonald House and really enjoys spending
time with family and friends, holidaying at Rainbow Bay
and cooking when the end result comes together!
Danielle is pleased to be part of the School Community
and is appreciative of the support she has received from
the ‘Newcastle Grammar School Family’.
MEET
MRS AMBER EVERINGHAM
Mrs Amber Everingham has been
working at Newcastle Grammar
School since mid 2011 as the
Kitchen Assistant in the TAS Faculty
assisting in Hospitality and Food
Technology subjects, as well as
Canteen Assistant. Before starting at
Newcastle Grammar School, Amber
was a cook for a Childcare Centre and
also worked with the children. Amber has a Certificate III
in Childcare and has just recently upgraded her cook’s
qualification.
Amber enjoys working with food and coming up with new
ideas to cook with her family; two gorgeous daughters,
Abbey-Rose, who has just turned 10 and Annaliese, who
is 7, with husband Matthew. Amber enjoys spending
her time with the family by going on holidays, fishing,
dancing, water skiing and most of all watching her cousin
play football for the Rabbitohs.
19
Newcastle Grammar School
p: (02) 4929 5811
w: ngs.nsw.edu.au