Friday 15 June 2012
One of the most important skills any individual can have is the capacity to deal with all the ‘ups and downs’ of life. Often this is described as ‘resilience’ – the capacity to deal with excitement and elation, disappointment and despair in a way that gives balanced perspective to these feelings. For the school, developing resilience underpins all that we do in our various programmes both in and out of the classroom.
Our character is often most obvious when we are winning and losing, no matter what the playing field. For the boys, the school experience is filled with the roller-coaster of emotions that is part of growing up. Last weekend some boys who may have received disappointing exam results in Year 11 and 12, may also have felt the elation of having a win on the football field. It is our responsibility, as a community, to support each other in developing the ‘emotional intelligence’ of our boys. In this, our Christ Church Pedagogy offers some guidance.
For the students we encourage:
- Don’t give up when you are disappointed with your achievements.
- Persevere, persist, seek help and change strategy to ensure future success.
- Pursue your personal best (don’t compare yourself to others).
Teachers are asked to teach strategies to help boys persevere, persist and solve problems.
Parents are recommended to:
- Model resilience in the face of disappointment.
- Frequently affirm their son’s efforts and achievements.
- Persevere when their son is experiencing challenges.
As always, should you have any concerns about any aspect of the School and would like to make contact with me, please do not hesitate to do so by email gwynne@ccgs.wa.edu.au or by telephoning my Executive Assistant, Wendy Macdougall, on 9442 1502.
Garth Wynne
Headmaster
I was really pleased to read the opinion piece in The West Australian on Tuesday by Dr Caroline Goossens, a leading child psychiatrist. Dr Goossens wrote about the importance of teaching self-regulation to our children and how in so many ways this affects their success in life. I highly recommend the piece to you, linked here.
Self-regulation is a skill we are working on closely with the boys as part of our PATHS programme. It involves the ability to monitor and modify big emotions, control impulses, tolerate frustrations and delay gratification. As Dr Goossen’s says ‘None of us are born with the capacity to regulate our emotional reactions. We rely on those caring for us to help soothe us by understanding and responding to our emotions and helping us settle them.’ I hope parents will also identify these themes from our parent forums in Term 1. Through our PATHS programme and common language, we are reinforcing and supporting your work as parents by explicitly teaching self-regulation to our boys. I also commend to you the presentation by Dr Stuart Shanker, the ‘State Thinker in Residence’ on the subject of self regulation, which you can access here.
On a concerning matter, last week one of our boys was struck by a car crossing Victoria Avenue – fortunately he is well and not seriously hurt. However, we have spoken to the boys in assembly about how to cross roads safely, and it is timely to remind you about the need to do so regularly at home.
Richard Wright
Head of LW Parry Preparatory School
Farewell Morning Tea
For Rita Willard - Friday 6 July
The Head of the LW Parry Preparatory School, Richard Wright, invites you to Rita's Farewell Morning Tea on Friday 6 July at approximately 9.30am until 10.30am (following Assembly) on Walter's Lawn. Parking will be available on the Prep Oval until 10.30am.
Mrs Willard made a significant contribution to the life of the School assisting three Heads of the Preparatory School, co-ordinating the successful Anglicare Christmas Hampers and always being there for boys, parents and staff alike.
If you wish to attend the morning tea, RSVP via www.trybooking.com/BLTU. For more information, contact Sandra Conway at sconway@ccgs.wa.edu.au or 9442 1666.
Year 1
Parents Coffee Morning
There will be a Year 1 parents coffee morning on Wednesday 20 June at Atomic in Claremont Quarter, after drop off.
There is no need to RSVP. Hope to see you there.
Year 2
Parents Coffee Morning
Year 2 parents are invited to a coffee morning on Tuesday 26 June straight after drop off at LoZucchero, 99a Waratah Av, Dalkeith.
Years 1 to 6
After School Co-curricular Activities
Co-curricular activities are available to your son(s) in Years 1 to 6. Below you will find a list of the various activities which still have room, each with a link to the online booking system:
• Lego and Box Construction – Years 1 to 3 – www.trybooking.com/BISU
• Dance – Years 3 to 6 – www.trybooking.com/BFAM
Please note:
• Each boy can participate in a maximum of two activities.
• Please ensure you provide afternoon tea for your son(s).
• At the conclusion of the activity, the boys will be taken to the roundabout, ready to be picked up.
• Once you have registered online, further information will be forwarded by the teacher(s) of each activity.
• Most activities will take place directly after school and run for one hour.
• All activities are run by teachers here at the LW Parry Preparatory School.
• When an activity is full, the following message will be displayed: The event has no dates available for booking. Please contact the event organiser.
For further information please contact Sandra Conway at the Preparatory School reception on 9442 1666 or sconway@ccgs.wa.edu.au.
Year 6
Year 6LA Parents and Teacher Cocktail Get Together
Carol, Andrea and Sara will be hosting a Year 6LA parents and teacher cocktail and nibbles get together.
Date: Saturday 30 June
Time: 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Location: Pivnik/Ciccarelli home, 99 Webster Street, Nedlands
We are asking everyone who attends to bring a plate of finger food to share and the beverage of your choice. RSVP to Andrea at andreap1@optusnet.com.au no later than Tuesday 26 June.
International Children's Winter Games 2013 - Participants Welcome
Christ Church Grammar has been fortunate enough to receive one of four Australian invitations to the sixth International Children's Winter Games in Ufa, Russia next year. Students who turn 12 to 15 in 2013 are eligible to compete. The selected students will be representing Christ Church Grammar School as well as Australia. This is a truly unique opportunity for all who attend and one that will live in memories for a life time.
What are the games?
It is a unique participation event of winter sports that aims to enable, develop and advance the meeting, understanding and friendship of students from different countries around the World and promote the Olympic Ideal. The games are the only youth winter event of its type endorsed by the IOC.
Do I need to be an elite athlete to compete?
No…the games focus on competition through the spirit of participation, yes you need to be able to ski or snowboard but not at an elite level. Any student capable of intermediate runs is more than capable of competing.
The tour will involve a significant cultural experience for all who attend with a stop over and sight seeing tour in Moscow on route to the games and a training camp in Shiga Kogen, Japan to prepare the team for the competition phase.
If you are interested in finding out more about the games, for further information or to register your expression of interest, contact Mr Dave Anderson, Director of Kooringal, at danderson@ccgs.wa.edu.au or on 9538 1061 or 0427 102 082.
Dave Anderson
Director of Kooringal
Years 4 to 6
St George's College School Holiday Programmes
St George’s College, UWA will be running weekday school holiday programmes for Years 4 to 6 students from Monday 9 to Friday 20 July, daily from 7.45am until 5.00pm. The programmes include educational and recreational activities such as:
- Cooking
- Dancing
- Reading
- Painting
- Chemistry
- Magic
- First aid
- Music
- Treasure hunt
The cost per child is $95 per day or $450 for a full week programme. The charge covers breakfast, lunch and tea. The ratio of students to mentors will be about 5:1 with approximately 50 students expected to attend each day. Activities include investigations around St George’s historic buildings and gardens, etiquette, cooking, music, first aid, chemistry magic, and explanations about university life and customs. For further information, click here or to enrol, please contact the College on 9449 5555 or at admin@stgeorgescollege.com.au.
It has certainly been a stormy week, with many planned and routine activities having to be cancelled. This has highlighted the need for boys to have adequate rain jackets to cope with the winter weather and to use their lockers for books and bags. In recent weeks the School Marshal’s office has been overflowing with lost property, half of which is made up of unnamed belongings. My plea to families is to ensure that all items are clearly named so that owners can be found and items reclaimed or returned.
In the assembly yesterday we inducted our final School and House prefects and outlined to the boys the process of consideration in making these important appointments. Next Sunday week I will be outlining this process to parents at the Year 11 Sundowner. Some assembly reports presented by the boys highlighted the amazing opportunities that they have in so many areas of school life. The presentation about the recent Art Tour to London and New York will undoubtedly whet the appetite of all of our young artists. Similarly, the opportunity for our Rugby 1st XVII to play at NIB stadium under lights before the Western Force game will offer inspiration to our young sportsmen.
As we settle down for the final three weeks of term I encourage all families to stick to the routines that sustain us all in very busy times.
Roger Bayly
Deputy Headmaster
Head of Senior School
Years 7 to 9
International Children's Winter Games 2013 - Participants Welcome
Christ Church Grammar has been fortunate enough to receive one of four Australian invitations to the sixth International Children's Winter Games in Ufa, Russia next year. Students who turn 12 to 15 in 2013 are eligible to compete. The selected students will be representing Christ Church Grammar School as well as Australia. This is a truly unique opportunity for all who attend and one that will live in memories for a life time.
What are the games?
It is a unique participation event of winter sports that aims to enable, develop and advance the meeting, understanding and friendship of students from different countries around the World and promote the Olympic Ideal. The games are the only youth winter event of its type endorsed by the IOC.
Do I need to be an elite athlete to compete?
No…the games focus on competition through the spirit of participation, yes you need to be able to ski or snowboard but not at an elite level. Any student capable of intermediate runs is more than capable of competing.
The tour will involve a significant cultural experience for all who attend with a stop over and sight seeing tour in Moscow on route to the games and a training camp in Shiga Kogen, Japan to prepare the team for the competition phase.
If you are interested in finding out more about the games, for further information or to register your expression of interest, contact Mr Dave Anderson, Director of Kooringal, at danderson@ccgs.wa.edu.au or on 9538 1061 or 0427 102 082.
Dave Anderson
Director of Kooringal
Years 7 to 12
Semester 1 Reports
These reports are currently being compiled and, as with last year, will be posted out on a staggered basis.
Years 9 and 10 parents can expect their sons' reports in the latter part of Week 9 of this term.
Years 7 and 8 parents can expect their sons' reports in the latter part of Week 10.
Years 11 and 12 parents can expect their sons' reports in the latter part of Week 11.
Margaret Brophy
Director of Studies
Year 10
Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews
Year 10 Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews will be held on Monday 2 July from 3.45pm to 7.00pm. PTO bookings open today (Friday 15 June). To book, or for details on how to book, click here.
Year 10 Exchange Programmes
An exchange opportunity exists for a Year 10 student to go to Scotland in Term 3. Interested students should see Mr Neil Saggers, Director of Activities, on nsaggers@ccgs.wa.edu.au as soon as possible.
Host families – Beyond Queenslea Drive
Christ Church has a vibrant exchange programme with approximately 15 international schools. From time to time we look for a Christ Church family to host a young man from the UK, USA, NZ, South Africa, Canada or India. This would be for approximately five weeks during a school term. Please contact Mr Neil Saggers, Director of Activities, on nsaggers@ccgs.wa.edu.au if you think your family may be able to assist.
Years 10 to 12
Atarget July Revision Programme - 9 to 13 July
The Atarget July holiday programme will provide a comprehensive revision of the syllabus covered in Semester 1. WACE Revision, WACE Exam Preparation and Study Skills programmes offer 10 hours of tuition for each subject running from Monday 9 to Friday 13 July.
For more information and booking details call 9486 1377 or visit www.atarget.com.au.
China Service Trip Opportunities - July 2012
Only four boys from Years 10 to 12 have the fantastic opportunity to take part in a Community Awareness Project run by St Paul’s College in Hong Kong. This visit will include a preparation period in Hong Kong and five days working with disadvantaged and disabled children in the Qinghai Provence of China.
Below is a message from St Paul's College in Hong Kong:
We are busy preparing for this huge project. It is very encouraging to see that the overall responses are positive. About 500 local students, 25 overseas delegates, 30 St Paul's delegates and 200 officials will be involved in the Youth Service Learning Conference and the Guangxi Visit.
We also consider the conference and the project a wonderful chance for students to develop their leadership. There are over 15 subcommittees to help run the youth conference. They will take charge of the transportation, meal arrangements, youth service learning conference, the local service projects, the opening and closing ceremony etc.
The total project will be of 12 days duration and is run during the July school holidays, from 8 July until 19 July.
For more information, please view this letter (inclusive of a brief itinerary) or contact Drew McDonald on 9442 1637 or on dmcdonald@ccgs.wa.edu.au.
Year 11
Year 11 Sundowner
The Parents' Association Sundowner for Year 11 parents will be held in the Refectory on Sunday 24 June from 5.30 to 7.30pm.
The Deputy Headmaster, Mr Roger Bayly, will provide information on leadership opportunities and recognition awards coming up for your sons as they move towards their final year at the School.
Please mark the date in your diary.
Year 10 and 12
Curtin University Parent Information Evenings - 20 June and 4 July
These events are intended to provide parents with what they need to know about the TISC process and how university preferences work, admissions, scholarships, university support services and also provide opportunities to talk one-on-one with faculty representatives about specific courses, and with current students about their university experiences.
Year 10 Parent Information Evening
Date: Wednesday 20 June
Time: Expo and refreshments on arrival at 5.00pm. Formal presentations from 5.45pm to 7.00pm
Location: Curtin Bentley Campus
Year 12 Parent Information Evening
Date: Wednesday 4 July
Time: Expo and refreshments on arrival at 5.00pm. Formal presentations from 5.45pm to 7.00pm
Location: Curtin Bentley Campus
To find out more about these events and to register, please visit www.curtin.edu.au/parentseve or call on 9266 1000.
Years 11 and 12
Year 11 and 12 WACE Private Candidates
Any Year 11 or 12 student who has the intention of sitting a WACE exam at the end of the year as a Private Candidate needs to complete this form (6.6.1) for this purpose and return in to the Schools Curriculum and Standards Authority (formerly the Curriculum Council) with the required payment by Wednesday 4 July.
For more information, click here.
Year 12
Curtin University Conference - 25 June
On Monday 25 June, all students studying Year 12 English or English Literature will be attending a conference at Curtin University, along with students from a number of other schools.
The conference comprises a number of different lectures by Curtin University and invited lecturers, with a focus on examination techniques and discussions of different texts and text types. Teachers who have attended in the past have found it to be well organised and informative, and we are confident that it will be useful for our students. The School covers the cost of both attendance and transport. It is an expectation that all students will attend.
The day also gives students a taste of university life. Although they will attend lectures with their class teachers, they will not be supervised at lunchtime or as they move between lectures. We have emphasised to the boys that they need to behave in a mature and responsible way and make the most of the opportunity to glean new insights from the lectures.
Please note the following details:
• Buses depart from Queenslea Drive at 8.15am sharp. It is vital that boys are on the buses by that time. A roll will be taken by the class teacher as they arrive. Lectures begin at 9.15am.
• Buses will leave Curtin University at about 3.25pm. A roll will again be taken by the class teacher before departure. We expect to be back to Queenslea Drive by 4pm at the latest.
• Boys are not required to wear school uniform. They do, however, need to bring wet weather clothing if the forecast is for rain. Curtin is a large campus and they will be required to move around between lectures.
• Lunch can be purchased on the campus. There are several outlets and the campus is relatively quiet as university students are still on break. Students may of course bring a packed lunch with them if they prefer.
• Boys do need to bring a pen and paper for note-taking during the lectures.
The boys have been briefed on these details. We thank you for your assistance in helping to coordinate them for this day.
Neil Walker
Head of English
Year 12 Father and Son Breakfast - Tuesday 3 July – save the date
All Year 12 fathers (or other significant mentors) are warmly invited to attend the annual father and son breakfast which will be held at the University Club of Western Australia at UWA at 7.00am until 8.15am on Tuesday 3 July.
The guest speaker will be Reverend Canon Richard Pengelley, current Chaplain of St George’s College, Sub-Dean Community at UWA, dual Olympian and Assistant Professor School of Sports Science, Exercise and Health.
An email will be sent to all Year 12 parents early next week with the TryBooking details – in the interim, please mark this event in your diaries.
Senior School Photographs
Available to Order
Senior School photographs taken throughout the year are available for purchase. The following group photographs can be purchased online:
- Summer 1st Sports Teams
- Basketball
- Cricket
- Tennis
- Vollyball
- Swimming Team
- Year 12
- Class of 2012
- Years 1 to 12 at Christ Church
- Pre-Primary to Year 12
Orders can be made at the Photo Hendriks website using the following link and password:
www.photohendriksgalleries.com
Click on the Christ Church logo
Enter password : esak54
Careers
University of Notre Dame Course Information Evening - 18 June
Find out how to apply to Notre Dame, what to put into your personal statement and what to expect in the interview.
Course and Admissions Information plus Expo:
Monday 18 June, 5.30pm start, presentation at 6.00pm
Tannock Hall of Education (ND4), cnr Cliff and Croke Streets, Fremantle
Admissions Information Evening plus Expo (Undergraduate, Tertiary Enabling Program and Foundation Year):
Date: Wednesday 5 September
Time: 5.30pm start, presentation at 6.00pm
For further information, call 9433 0533, email future@nd.edu.au or visit www.nd.edu.au.
UWA's 'A day in the life of a ...' Programme - 17, 18 and 19 July
During the July school holidays, UWA will offering Years 11 and 12 students the opportunity to find out what studies in a particular field would be like. The following opportunities are available:
A Day in the life of an Engineering Science Student – Tuesday 17 July, 9.00am to 4.00pm
A Day in the Life of a Chemistry Student – Wednesday 18 July, 8.45am to 4.00pm
A Day in the Life of a Business Student – Thursday 19 July, 9.00am to 4.00pm
Application for these events close on the 29 June. Application available from Ms Clarke or for further information contact:
Alison Chan, Prospective Students Adviser, UWA on 6488 1450.
University of Notre Dame – Early Offer Program 2012
The Notre Dame Early Offer Program acknowledges and rewards the achievements of outstanding Year 12 students by offering them a place before they sit their final TEE examinations. This offer is for students who have a predicted ATAR of 90 or above.
The Early Offers are made to the successful students in October. If a student accepts their Early Offer to the University of Notre Dame, it would in no way prohibit them from applying and being offered a place at another university.
For more information, view this brochure. Applications are available from Ms Clarke. Closing date is Friday 3 August.
Media Frenzy Programme
Murdoch University’s Media Frenzy is taking place in the July school holidays for those who may be interested in pursuing a career in the media industry.
For more information, view this flyer or visit www.murdoch.edu.au/Experience.
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) 2013 Trainee Programme
Applications for the 2013 PwC Trainee Programme are now open. The programme offers Year 12 students interested in studying accounting at university the opportunity to secure employment early with one of the world's largest professional services firms.
A Trainee Programme enables students to gain practical and commercial experience while completing a Commerce or Business degree majoring in accounting, all while being paid at the same time.
Closing date is Sunday 24 June. For further information, call Clare Wood on 9238 3022 or visit www.pwc.com.au/careers.
The National Year of Reading – game on!
Boys explore literacy through drama with Black Swan
Old boy premiership players inspire First XVIII to victory
Senior chess players win Four Schools while Prep boys have fun at IPSHA event
Psycho-physical training teaches boarders skills for life
Boys immerse themselves in London and New York’s art scenes
More News
Music
Scholars' Recital Night - Tuesday 19 June
Due to the severe weather warning for last Tuesday evening, the Scholars' Recital will now be held in the Collaborative Learning Centre (CLC) foyer on Tuesday 19 June at 7.00pm. The evening is a showcase of talent featuring solo items from each of our music scholarship students consisting of a pianist, violinist, cellist and guitarist. The performance will end at around 8.30pm followed by light refreshments.
All members of the Christ Church community are invited to come. Due to limited seating, please confirm attendance with the Music Department by emailing Karen Sim at ksim@ccgs.wa.edu.au.
Canteen
Volunteers Required
Volunteers are required on many available days for the rest of the term. To view the available dates, click here.
If you would like to volunteer, please email your available dates to Ann Carr at canteen@ccgs.wa.edu.au. You will receive a response within 48 hours.
Uniform Shop
Volunteers Required for Stocktake
The Uniform Shop requires assistance with pre-counting stock in preparation for Stocktake on Thursday 28 June. We need volunteers for the rest of May and throughout June to help us complete this task. Parents can volunteer on any day the Uniform Shop is open for as little or as long as you choose. The Uniform Shop opening hours are as follows:
Monday - 7.45am to 5.00pm
Tuesday - Closed
Wednesday - 12.45pm to 5.00pm
Thursday - 2.30pm to 5.00pm
Friday - 7.45am to 11.30am
We also need volunteers to help us with Stocktake on Thursday 28 June at 9.00am.
If you can lend some time, please contact the Uniform Shop at uniformshopvolunteers@ccgs.wa.edu.au or call Diana on 0417 130 681.
Anglican Messenger
Anglican Messenger - June 2012
To view the June edition of the Anglican Messenger, click here.
Community
Subiaco AFC Car Wash - 16 June
The Under 15s Subiaco AFC boys team will be holding a car wash to raise funds for the team's trip to Sweden and Denmark in the upcoming school holidays. They will be participating in the Gothia Cup - the largest youth soccer competition in the world.
Come down and have your car washed and support the boys fundraising efforts for their trip.
For more information, click here.
Parent Evening - Fed Up Roadshow – 19 June
Ever wondered if someone in your family reacts to particular foods or food additives? Whether behaviours or physical symptoms may be related to diet? Sue Dengate, well-known author of the Fed Up series about reducing food chemicals for calm, happy families, will be speaking in Perth as part of her Australian tour. Attendees will get a science-based understanding of the effects of food and additives on their children’s health, behaviour and learning, and a free magnifying cardwith numbers and names of additives to avoid.
Date: Tuesday 19 June
Time: 7.00pm to 9.00pm
Location: Hadley Hall, Methodist Ladies College, 356 Stirling Highway, Claremont
Cost: $15 per ticket - available through www.events-made-easy.com/fedup2012
For further information, visit www.fedup.com.au.
Parent Evening - The Power of Outdoor Play - 20 June
Why free-play will make your child happier and smarter!
The WA Primary Prinicipal's Association invites parents, educators and community members to register for this outstanding event presented by Griffin Longley.
Date: Wednesday 20 June
Time: 7.30pm
Location: Grand Ballroom 2, Burswood Entertainment Complex, Great Eastern Highway, Burswood
Cost: $18 per ticket - all proceeds go to the Smart Future Foundation
To view the flyer, click here. For more information or to register, click here.
Pro Football Training - July Holiday Clinics
Pro Football Training are delighted to offer Christ Church students the opportunity to train and improve their soccer skills during the July holidays.
Mark Lee, Pro Football Training Director and Christ Church 1st Team Coach, comments:
"Soccer at Christ Church continues to grow each year and with the success of the 1st Team boys winning the PSA in 2011, I am very excited about the future of the sport at the School. I would highly recommend players of all ages and abilities to attend our Pro Football Training clinics to improve on all aspects of their game in a fun, exciting and engaging environment"
For more information on the clinic and to register, click here.
School Holiday Football Clinic
The Australian Institute of Football is holding a two day football clinic at Christ Church. For more information, view this flyer.
Bubble Dome July School Holiday Courses - Book Now!
For students aged 6 to 18 years.
Learn the latest in 3D animation and games design on a Bubble Dome school holiday workshop these holidays. There will be other exciting courses such as ultra animation & games design, claymation, science and more.
For more information, visit www.bubbledome.com or email info@bubbledome.com.
Depression and Cyber Bullying/Cybersafety Seminars - 10 August and 7 September
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg has scheduled two important and informative seminars.
Depression: Insights and Strategies to Support your Students
For complete information, click here.
Cyber Bullying Cybersafety
For complete information, click here.