Friday 18 May 2012
Every five years the School Council and community review the strategic direction for the School. This process of consultation leads to a set of priorities and intents that guide us towards continual improvement. The Christ Church Strategic Plan for 2011 - 2015 can be found here. The five themes of this plan are:
• Motivating boys to achieve at their best.
• Enhancing our quality staff in pursuit of the School’s Mission.
• Guiding boys to the further development of an international perspective.
• Understanding, enabling and celebrating diversity in the Christ Church context.
• Planning for a secure, flexible financial future.
The School Council, Executive, staff and members of the wider community will be involved in different ways as we attend to this strategy. At this point, the most visible strategic initiative from this plan has been the establishment of the Christ Church Pedagogy, which has a clear focus on motivating boys and enhancing our quality staff.
Christ Church is an organisation that prides itself on continuous improvement set on the foundation of past success. I am absolutely confident that this strategic plan will help us continue to be at the forefront of boys’ education in a world context.
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
This week our boys in Years 3 and 5 undertook the annual NAPLAN assessments. Some parents have commented to me that their sons took the process in their stride, while noting that friends in other schools have been concerned by a ‘high stakes’ approach to the assessments. When I meet with new boys coming into the school and discuss the facets of school life the boys may or may not enjoy, I am commonly told ‘NAPLAN’ and it is often characterised like a subject such as Mathematics, Science or History – as if it is a regular part of the timetable and curriculum.
This is of great concern to me as here we are so busy teaching the academic programme, we do not have time to take time out of our timetable to ‘do NAPLAN’. The NAPLAN assessments are designed to test the student’s knowledge, skills and understanding in the assessed areas. If the class and school programme is appropriate, these areas will be taught and learned in the natural progress of the school years. The one area we do prepare our boys for is for unfamiliar tasks - such as writing a complete composition in 45 minutes.
When we finally (months later) receive the results of the NAPLAN tests, we include them in our suite of school assessments. We have other standardised testing tools, which are more useful and timely. My thanks to the boys and staff involved in the NAPLAN process this week. Next week we can return our full attention to our rich, engaging and stimulating programmes.
Richard Wright
Head of LW Parry Preparatory School
Book Fair and Morning Tea for Parents
Starting Week 5 - Monday 21 May
The Preparatory School Book Fair is fast approaching. It's in Week 5, starting Monday 21 May.
The Fair is held each year to spark the boys' interest in reading and to encourage them to read more. Books are sold at reduced prices and the commission is kept to support charity. This year it will once again go to the Angel Academy in Nepal which has been connected to the school through the Pilgrimage of Hope. Photos will be in the next newsletter.
Boys will view the books in Library lessons and receive a letter with a wish list to bring home to parents. Parents are then asked to decide which books to buy and return the order and payment to school.
A morning tea for parents will be held on Wednesday 23 May from 9.00 to 10.00am in the Prep Library. Parents may come and buy books at that time and enjoy a cuppa with other parents. Payment is by Eftpos or cash.
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 Prep School assisting three Heads of the Prep School, co-ordinating the successful Anglicare Christmas Hampers and always being there for boys and parents 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
Year 1 Mothers Lunch
Date: Thursday 24 May
Time: 12noon
Venue: Chez Pierre Restaurant, 131 Stirling Highway, Nedlands
Cost: Five course meal for $58.20 per person
RSVP: Follow this Trybooking link to RSVP www.trybooking.com/24855
Years 1 to 6
After School Co-curricular Activities – there's still time to book!
A reminder to parents that 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:
• Fitness for Kids – Years 1 to 3 – www.trybooking.com/BEZA
• 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 2
Year 2 Parents Get Together
An informal drinks night for all Year 2 parents will be held on Thursday 24 May from 7:30pm at Donald and Kym MacKenzie's house, 22 Caithness Road, Floreat. Please BYO drinks and a small plate of nibbles to share.
RSVP to any class representative by Thursday 17 May.
Year 5
Final Reminder - Year 5 Parents Wine and Cheese Night
Date: Friday 25 May
Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Venue: CCGS Old Boys Gallery
Cost : $30 per person
Come and meet with the wine makers from Deepwoods Estate and Edwards Wines in Margaret River. Hear about, and taste these quality Margaret River wines while enjoying the company of other Year 5 parents!
Enjoy some bubbles on arrival. Wine will be served throughout the evening. Beer, juice, soft drinks and water will be available for the non-wine drinkers. Cheese platters and some light finger food will be served.
To help with planning and catering, please book and pay as soon as you can through this Trybooking link www.trybooking.com/BKQJ.
If you are unable to use Trybooking, please contact your class representative.
The flyer for this event can be viewed by clicking here.
Single Mothers Morning Tea
Celia Lashlie to Speak to Single Mothers - Wednesday 23 May
Are you a mother who is the main carer of your son(s)? Is your partner frequently absent? Come and chat with Celia Lashlie, author of the bestselling book He’ll Be OK: Growing Gorgeous Boys into Good Men over morning tea about the issues of raising boys as a single mother. It will be held on Wednesday 23 May from 10.30am to 11.15am in Walters Residential House.
To assist with catering, please RSVP to Christy Dangerfield at cdangerfield@ccgs.wa.edu.au by Thursday 17 May.
This term we are delighted to welcome to our senior staff Neil Walker as our new Head of English. Mr Walker has great experience teaching English and Drama in England (for more background, please see his profile here) and has settled in very quickly to a busy term.
In the next week the Senior School takes on a different and somewhat quieter perspective. Year 11 and 12 boys begin their mid-year exams on Monday. The boys have been reminded they need to maintain their sporting commitments during this period, despite the fact that they are only required to attend school for their scheduled exams. Senior School staff members are available for assistance during this period and boys can use the library for study. On all occasions, including their scheduled exams, boys are expected to attend school in winter uniform and have been given clear guidelines on equipment permitted in exams. We wish the Year 11 and 12 boys every success during this exam period.
The issue of student safety was again highlighted this week by the parent of an MLC student who has indicated a persistent safety issue with our parents dropping off in driveways along Brae Road and who in reversing, cause dangers for pedestrians. Both MLC and Christ Church would prefer parents to use the slip road on Corry Lynn as a safer drop-off point.
Roger Bayly
Deputy Headmaster
Head of Senior School
Year 7
Curry Night for Parents - Saturday 26 May
Invitation to all Year 7 parents to come to a Curry Night on Saturday 26 May at the Baxter residence, 53 Loch Street, Claremont.
BYO drinks and food. Please RSVP to steve.baxter@westnet.com.au so we can be organised for the night.
Call to Arms - Assistance Required
Year 7 parent volunteers are sought to assist with the final set-up and service at the Year 8 Father/Son breakfast to be held in the School Refectory on Wednesday 6 June.
Assistance is required from 6.15am until 8.30am that morning. Your time will be greatly appreciated.
Please contact either Trish Hawkins on vnw4322@gmail.com or Sarah Baxter on info@sarahmay.com.au if you are able to help out on the morning.
Years 7 to 10
Street Art Wall Crawl - Sunday 20 May
All Years 7 to 10 Art students are welcome to participate in Street Art Wall Crawl - an event looking at street art in Northbridge.
Date: Sunday 20 May
Time: 2.00pm
Where: Art Gallery of Western Australia, Gallery Theatrette
Cost: $20.00 (student price)
Take an up-close look at the latest vibrant artworks in Northbridge and hear from the leading artists themselves about their techniques, tools and tales of the street with a fascinating lecture by the Butcher Shop's Aimee Johns.
Interested students can book a ticket on 9492 6750. For more information, click here.
Years 7 to 12
Change of Date for Ellingtons Jazz Night
Please be informed the Ellingtons Jazz Night has been postponed to Monday 3 September to enable more Year 12 students to be involved.
Opportunities to book will be available closer to the date.
Years 9 and 10
The Science Experience
Students interested in science and technology would love The Science Experience - a 2/3 day programme of science activities at one of WA's universities during January 2013. Details can be found on the Science noticeboard or by visiting www.scienceexperience.com.au.
Application forms and possible arrangements for sponsorship through a local Rotary group are available from Mr Masterton.
Year 8
Year 8 Father/Son Breakfast - Wednesday 6 June – Save the Date!
All Year 8 fathers (or other significant mentors) are warmly invited to attend the annual Father and Son Breakfast which will be held in the School Refectory from 7.00am until 8.15am on Wednesday 6 June.
One of Christ Church's most adventurous old boys, Matt Gabriele, who has conquered the great Mt Everest, will share with you the highs and lows of his greatest achievement to date!
An email will be sent to all Year 8 parents next week with the booking details – in the interim, please mark this event in your diaries.
Call to Arms - Assistance Required
On the afternoon of Tuesday 5 June from 3.15pm until 4.15pm, Year 8 parent volunteers are required to assist with the setting up for the Year 8 Father/Son Breakfast which is being held the following morning, Wednesday 6 June.
Would all interested parents please contact Karen Oakley on karenpoakley@hotmail.com as soon as possible. Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Year 10
Parent Information Evening on Subject Selection - Tuesday 5 June
There will be a Parent Information Evening at the School on Tuesday 5 June, which will inform parents about the process of subject selection for Year 11. Further details will be published in next week's e-newsletter.
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
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
National Youth Science Forum
Applications are now being accepted for the National Youth Science Forum. This forum is a unique 12 day programme hosted at a variety of universities in Canberra and Perth during January 2013. The forum is designed for students to be able to test drive careers and find out about study options in the fields of science, engineering and technology. Details can be found on the Science noticeboard or by visiting www.nysf.edu.au.
Application forms and possible arrangements for sponsorship through a local Rotary group are available from Mr Masterton.
Year 11 Dance
Preparations are well underway for the upcoming Year 11 Dance on Saturday 19 May. Thanks to all the parents who have offered to help. Parents still wanting to help can come on Saturday 19 May at 12noon to the school gym and join the decorating team.
Year 11 Parent Drinks and Nibbles Night
All Year 11 parents are invited to a Drinks and Nibbles Night on Friday 25 May from 6.00pm to 8.30pm.
For more details and to RSVP please visit www.trybooking.com/24984.
We hope you can make it!
Year 11 Representative Team
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 11 and 12 Mid-year Examination Timetables
Year 11 and 12 mid-year examinations commence on Monday 21 May and conclude on Thursday 31 May.
To view the examination timetables, click on the year below.
*Year 11 German Orals have been moved to the afternoon of Wednesday 30 May.
**Year 12 French Exam has been moved to the morning of Thursday May 31.
Year 12
School Ball Photographs
Photographs taken at the Year 12 School Ball on Saturday 5 May are available for purchase from the photographer’s website. Please access Maverick Photography at www.maverickphoto.com.au. The login details are as follows:
ID: ccyr12
Password: ccgs5512
Single Mothers Morning Tea
Celia Lashlie to Speak to Single Mothers - Wednesday 23 May
Are you a mother who is the main carer of your son(s)? Is your partner frequently absent? Come and chat with Celia Lashlie, author of the bestselling book He’ll Be OK: Growing Gorgeous Boys into Good Men over morning tea about the issues of raising boys as a single mother. It will be held on Wednesday 23 May from 10.30am to 11.15am in Walters Residential House.
To assist with catering, please RSVP to Christy Dangerfield at cdangerfield@ccgs.wa.edu.au by Thursday 17 May.
Careers
Gap Year Opportunities Information Session - 29 May
Lattitude Global Volunteering will be holding an Information Session in Perth on Tuesday 29 May for interested students and parents to find out more about their volunteer programmes for 2013.
Lattitue staff will provide an overview of their international volunteering programme and returned volunteers and parents of returned volunteers will share their experiences and be available to answer questions.
Date: Tuesday 29 May
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: The Palms Community Centre, cnr Nicholson and Rokeby Rds, Subiaco
To register your interest to attend the Information Session, click here.
The University of Notre Dame Course Information Evenings - 29 May
The University of Notre Dame is holding a Course Information Evening on Tuesday 29 May. Courses expo starts at 5.30pm and at 6.00pm a presentation in Tannock Hall of Education, corner of Cliff and Croke Streets, Fremantle (follow the signs along Mouat Street). Parking available off Croke Street.
This evening is an ideal opportunity to speak with University staff and gather the most up-to-date information on courses, alternative pathways and admission into Notre Dame. For more information visit www.nd.edu.au or call 9433 0533.
Year 5s spruik ‘unuseless’ inventions
Award-winning author shares creative writing tools with boys
Guest speaker kicks goal with Year 10 mothers and sons
Elite athletes visit Prep School
Young boarders and day boys strengthen ties
La Ville-Lumière among highlights of French Tour
More News
Midnite Youth Theatre Company
Of Mice and Men - 21, 22 and 23 May
To buy tickets, click here. To view the poster in full, click here.
The Messenger - 24, 25 and 26 May
To buy tickets, click here. To view the poster in full, click here.
Parent Support
Expert information session for parents
Christ Church has engaged Dr Leonard Sax, a leading expert on the role that gender plays in child development, to speak to staff, students and parents on Thursday 24 May.
At 7.30pm in the Senior School Staffroom, Dr Sax will address the questions that parents of teens are asking today, regarding the impact of Facebook, video gaming and virtual worlds on children and strategies for parents.
Dr Sax is the founder of the Montgomery Centre in Canada for research in child and adolescent development. He currently works with schools offering insights into the differences between teaching girls and boys.
Canteen
Volunteer Roster
There are many days available this term for parents to volunteer in the canteen. 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.
Centre for Ethics
Australian Red Cross: De-Clutter and Donate to Bindaring
The Bindaring unit of the Australian Red Cross will be holding their annual clothing sale at the Claremont Showgrounds on Saturday 19 May 2012. Help us to help vulnerable people within our community by clearing your wardrobe of pre-loved, unworn or unwanted items.
We are hoping that you may be able to help by donating men’s, women’s and children’s clothing. Shoes, handbags and other accessories are also much appreciated. All proceeds go to vital Red Cross community service programmes.
Please contact the Centre for Ethics on 9442 1705 for further information or deliver your donations directly to the Claremont Showgrounds from Thursday 10 May onwards. Enter through Gate 1 and go to the first building on your left, which is the Ellie Eaton Pavilion.
Single Mothers Morning Tea
Celia Lashlie to Speak to Single Mothers - Wednesday 23 May
Are you a mother who is the main carer of your son(s)? Is your partner frequently absent? Come and chat with Celia Lashlie, author of the bestselling book He’ll Be OK: Growing Gorgeous Boys into Good Men over morning tea about the issues of raising boys as a single mother. It will be held on Wednesday 23 May from 10.30am to 11.15am in Walters Residential House.
To assist with catering, please RSVP to Christy Dangerfield at cdangerfield@ccgs.wa.edu.au by Thursday 17 May.
Community
WANSLEA Family Service - Fostering Information Session - 16 June
Do you have room in your heart and home for a child in need?
If you would like to find out how you can make a difference for a night, a week, months or years, please come along to WANSLEA's information session on Saturday 16 June from 12.00pm to 2.00pm at 110 Scarborough Beach Road, Scarborough. Light refreshments provided.
To RSVP or for more information please call 9245 2441, email support@wanslea.asn.au or visit www.fosternow.com.au.
U3A Poetry Evening - 20 May
University of the Third Age presents an afternoon of the poetry you have always loved, in a room with a view. Poetry will be presented by the best in the business including Collin O'Brien, Joan Pope, Faith Clayton and many more.
Date: Sunday 20 May
Time: 2.00pm
Venue: Christ Church Grammar School Chapel
Cost: $5 for U3A members, $2 for students and $10 for others
This is an opportunity not to be missed. To view the flyer, click here.
Sleeping bags needed
We are raising awareness for homeless people living out on the streets in Perth. For our Year 6 Challenge at MLC we are collecting sleeping bags and donations for these disadvantaged people. We will give any donations to Homeless Connect Perth 2012, which is held every year for homeless citizens of Perth to get sufficient resources for them to use. Health checks are also available to them so they can have a better chance of surviving this cold winter.
We kindly ask if you could donate good quality sleeping bags to help these people, so please ask family and friends. Donations can be left with Mr Bacon in the Physics Department or at the Main School Office.
We appreciate your support for this worthy cause.
Amelia Morley and Naomi Brough 6H
MLC
Does your son want to play Hockey?
JTA Hockey Club in Mt Claremont is looking for Year 5 and 6 boys to play in their junior hockey team. We are a relaxed family friendly hockey club that encourages boys to develop their love for hockey and sport in a safe and supportive environment. All skill levels are welcome.
Although as a club we have existed for 30 years this is our first junior boys team and we welcome the development of young talent and kids to enjoy their playing career.
Training is Thursday afternoons at 4.00pm near the show grounds. Games are at 9.00am on Saturdays.
If your son wants to come down and have a go please email the Junior Co-ordinator, Mia Kriznic at jtapresident@gmail.com or on 0459 088 021.
Volunteers Needed for 2012 Chevron City to Surf for Activ
All Year 11 and 12 students are invited to volunteer at this year’s City to Surf which will be held on Sunday 26 August. It is a great opportunity to get out, get involved in the community and have fun by doing it together. Please see the Volunteer Registration form for more details.
Relationships Australia Seminars and Courses
Solo Dads -22, 29 May and 5 June (3 weeks)
Being a sole parent can be very challenging and today there are more Dads who find themselves by choice or otherwise as the primary carer or at least with substantial responsibility for the care of their children. For more information, click here.
Sexualisation of Girls in the Media – What Dads can do
A strong father-daughter relationship is crucial in helping girls develop a positive self-image and resisting inappropriate messages. The abundance of sexualised messages in the media and advertising can lead to poor body image, anxiety and depression in girls. For more information, click here.
Parent-Child Connection - 11, 18, 25 May and 2 July
Raising children should be one of life’s greatest experiences, but as any parent knows, it is not an easy task. People with children under ten are invited to this four-week course to learn new skills, feel better about their parenting and gain confidence. For more information, click here.
To enrol in any of the above seminars and courses, please ring 9489 6322.