Friday 27 November, 2009
FROM THE HEADMASTER
I write this, the final e-Newsletter of the year, having just attended the Early Learning Centre Nativity Play Assembly. It was, as you would expect, a beautiful occasion, one in which the boys sang and danced like ‘cherubs’. Such events serve to remind all within school communities that which we should really value when we consider the quality of what is achieved. It’s just so terribly cute when they’re all so beautifully ‘unadolescent’!
Today our boys from Year 10 return from Venture. This signature component of our Outdoor Education Programme has again been wonderfully successful. I am sure that the experiences had will turn into legendary stories by the time Valedictory Dinner takes place in 2011.
Earlier this week we collected over 160 boxes of food donated by the Community of our Preparatory School as a part of their Christmas Appeal. Mrs Rita Willard, the Preparatory School’s ‘Angel in Waiting’, co-ordinated this remarkable contribution. Anglicare WA is the School’s key ongoing charity commitment. For many years we have supported this organisation in a whole range of ways. I know that there are many less fortunate in our wider community who will benefit from such generosity. Thank you to those families who contributed and to Rita for organising this appeal.
November is an interesting month in the cycle of schools. School Council both reflects on the year past and plans for the immediate and medium-term future. The School Council and Executive met recently for a day to review the current Strategic Plan and our progress to date using material from the Meelup Management Community Online Survey and other measures of School performance.
Such deliberations precede the budget meeting of Council, which was conducted earlier this month. The most important decision made each year is the setting of fees and I am very pleased to let the school community know that a fee increase of just 7% in 2010 has been decided by School Council.
The most significant impact on the entire school budget, as everyone is aware, is salaries and I am happy to report that our most important asset – that is our teaching staff – will receive a 7% increase in salaries next year. In addition, we have also been able to provide improved levels of support for staff and consequently the boys and families of the School.
Physically the budget will enable us to complete a number of ongoing renovation and modernisation projects that will mean that by the end of 2010 every classroom in the School will have been significantly improved.
As you are all aware, there is a dislocation between what may well appear to be the community’s normal CPI and the cost of providing education and it is this that is the tension that School Councils consider as they look to balance a budget each year. As you know, the particular way in which Independent Schools are funded places unique pressures on Christ Church when compared to other schools. We are currently in a quadrennium (2009 - 2012) of School funding provided by the Federal Government that is seeing a reduction for the School of some 11.4% of the Federal funding element of our annual income. This usually has a direct flow-on to the funding from State Government. This decreasing level of funding directly impacts on budget outcomes each year and therefore our fees.
The financial management of the School is directed by Mr John Price and his assistant, Mr Neil Grime, whose responsibilities include all issues associated with fees and their collection. They are available at any time to discuss any matters with all members of our community. One of the more interesting pieces of feedback that they often hear is how pleased parents are with our all-inclusive fee billing procedure. A school of our type that offers so much with no levies for individual programmes, that is outdoor education, is very unusual. Should you have any issues associated with fees now or in the future, please do not hesitate to be in touch with the Finance Office.
My final word is to thank you for your support of all that is Christ Church this year. It is well known that ‘it is the village that brings up the child’ and in this, the close relationship between the parent and wider community of Christ Church with us here in the School, is the key to our ongoing success.
Please have a very Merry Christmas.
Garth Wynne
HEADMASTER
IN THE NEWS
Visit the News page of the School website to catch up with these stories:
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The news stories are written by members of Christ Church’s Community Relations team.
Centenary 2010
2010 is our Centenary year. Don't forget we will kick off our celebrations with the Birthday Carnivale on Sunday 7 February. All families are invited to come along and help us celebrate. Click HERE to view the Centenary events schedule.
Centenary Wine Dozen 2009
To celebrate the School’s Centenary 100 mixed cases of wine from producers having an association with Christ Church have been released annually since 2001, one case for each year of the School’s existence. This year the feature producers are three new labels to the CCGS Centenary Dozen. For further information, please click HERE to download the brochure.
FROM THE HEAD OF THE LW PARRY PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Merry Christmas from our Early Learning Centre
This morning our Pre-Primary to Year 3 boys presented a nativity play in the Chapel. It was a beautiful start to the Christmas season and was performed through the story ‘Apple Sauce and the Christmas Miracle’. The boys sang like angels and spoke their parts brilliantly. Thank you to Miss Seaman and the ELC staff for their work in making this a play to remember.
Early Learning Centre Swimming Carnival
On Tuesday our ELC boys enjoyed perfect weather for their Swimming Carnival. A large number of Early Learning Centre parents watched the events while their boys had lots of fun and swam hard. There were certainly many smiles of pride on the day. Thanks to Mrs Clapé for her organisation of the Carnival.
Speech Morning
Speech Morning is one of the most significant events of the Prep School calendar. It is a time when we come together to celebrate who we are and what we do. I look forward to seeing all of you at Speech Morning on Friday 4 December from 9.30am to 11.30am in the School Chapel. Parking will be available on the top oval and the Chapel doors will open at 9.10am.
Prizes and awards will be presented by Mr Garth Wynne. The staff and boys hope that you will join them for this event, which celebrates their achievements this year and celebrates our fantastic Year 6 and Year 7 cohort. The end of Speech Morning marks the end of the school year. Please remember, boys are to be collected from School at 11.45am at the latest.
Staffing
At the end of this year we bid farewell to a number of teaching staff. Mrs Nicole Malthus leaves us for the birth of her first child and we all wish her the best for life’s greatest adventure. Miss Megan Kennedy leaves us to return to Hale School, from where she was on leave. Mr Seggie also leaves us for Hale School after completing his schooling, final teaching prac and first year of teaching at Christ Church. Mr McKenzie leaves with our Year 7 boys to continue his studies. Mrs Nicky Iffla leaves us after a fantastic year in Year 1 with Mrs Caddy. Mrs Debbie Moran leaves us after completing the year in Pre-Primary. I would like to thank all these incredibly talented teachers for their work with our boys throughout the year.
As this is our last e-Newsletter for 2009, I will take this opportunity to thank boys and parents and staff for a wonderful year. I wish you all the best for a relaxing, fun-filled, and safe Christmas holiday.
Richard Wright
HEAD OF THE LW PARRY PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Opportunity to Purchase School Badges
Several boys have indicated they wish to purchase their school leadership badges so the following options are now available:
- Your son can return his badge to Mrs Willard by end of school on Friday 4 December. A badge return list is located on the Prep Reception desk for your son to cross off his name. Non returned badges will be charged to your school account after that date.
- Your son may purchase his badge. Please forward payment to Mrs Willard. Cost of badges:
- School Captain’s badge: $35
- House Captain and Vice Captain badges: $30 each
- Class Captain and Vice Captain badges: $25 each
- Chapel, Library, Art, Pre-Primary, Cultural Studies, Art and Sport Monitor badges: $10 each
Claremont Christmas Parade
Thank you to all the Prep School boys and parents who marched in last night’s Christmas parade in Claremont. It was lovely to see the boys supporting the community, and they were supported by many cheers from Christ Church old boys as they marched up Bay View Terrace. Some wonderful photos will be displayed on the website over the next few days.
iMove in 2010
iMove Physical Theatre Club will continue its many activities during 2010. If you have any enquiries, please email aperry@ccgs.wa.edu.au.
Angela Perry
CULTURAL STUDIES TEACHER
After School Care
Summer Holiday Club
Bookings are now open for Camp Australia’s Summer Holiday Club, which will be held at Swanbourne Primary School. Come with us to Jungle Gym where you can get lost in the giant ball pit and to the Cinemas to see the latest kid’s movie on the big screen. We also have great in-house days planned with SciTech’s Water Science Experiments, Cherie’s ‘Let’s Move’ Dance School, Andy’s Mini Golf and Full of Beanz fitness and craft activities. The operation days will be Friday 18 December – Wednesday 23 December and Monday 11 January – Friday 29 January. For bookings and further information, please visit www.campaustralia.com.au (please choose carefully as no refunds/transfers will be given upon cancellation).
Child Care Tax Rebate
Did you know that, regardless of your household income, every family is eligible for the Child Care Tax Rebate which reimburses you 50 per cent of OSHC fees costs. This makes Holidays Clubs $20 for home days and $25 for in-house/excursion days.
Enrolments
Please visit the OSHC room or phone 0402 273 526 if you have any queries about enrolling your child in After School Care. I look forward to seeing you at OSHC.
Leanne Uttley
CHRIST CHURCH CAMP AUSTRALIA CO-ORDINATOR
ENGLISH
Year 8 to 11 Students Textbook Return
The text books loaned to students through their English teachers are now due for return. Please ensure these books are given to the English Office by Wednesday 2 December. Text books returned after this date may be charged to your account.
SPORT
PSA Cricketers Go Pink for the McGrath Foundation, Saturday 28 November
All seven boys PSA schools will assemble at Hale School for a Twenty20 cricket tournament on Saturday 28 November, 8.30am – 6.30pm. The teams will play in a round robin:
- Round 1 is from 8.30am – 11.30am
- Round 2 is from 11.45am – 3.00pm
- Final round is 3.15pm – 6.30pm
Lunch will be served from 11.00pm – 12.00pm. Hale parents and friends will man the barbeques and there will be an open invitation to all players and guests to buy a hot dog and a pink slushy for $5. This will be part of the Coles Great Aussie Sausage Sizzle to raise money for the McGrath Foundation.
In the spirit of this theme, Hale School’s Sports Pavilion will be swathed in a sea of pink fabric, flags, and balloons with afternoon tea at 3.00pm with pink cakes and endless tea and coffee. We invite all the PSA Schools’ cricket players and families to be part of this fundraising event and look forward to seeing you all at Hale. Wear something pink to show your support.
GYMNASIUM
Temporary Closure
Due to building refurbishment, the Gymnasium will be closed from 30 November. It will reopen on 11 January 2010, working a Monday, Wednesday, Friday rotation until Term 1 commences in February.
Rotation:
Monday 11 January, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Wednesday 13 January, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Friday 15 January, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Monday 18 January, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Wednesday 20 January, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Friday 22 January, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Monday 25 January, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Wednesday 27 January, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Friday 29 January, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
On Monday 1 February, it will reopen as per normal term hours (click HERE for further information). During Term 1, access to the weights room for old boys, parents and staff will be available from Monday to Thursday 5.30pm – 7.30pm.
MUSIC
Advent Carol Service Student Rehearsals, Next Week
Students in class music in Years 8 to 12 and all music bursary recipients are advised that next week's Advent Carol Service rehearsals will be held in the School Chapel at the following times:
- Monday, 6.00pm - 8.00pm
- Tuesday, 6.00pm – 8.00pm
- Wednesday, 7.00pm (for Service at 7.30pm)
ART
Opportunity to work with CCGS Commissioned Centenary Artist-in-Residence, Terms 1 and 2, 2010
An opportunity awaits for Year 13 gap students with advanced computer science skills, who also have an enthusiasm for art and, kinetic construction, or both, to work as an assistant with established local sculptor Geoffrey Drake-Brockman, our CCGS 2010 Centenary Artist in Residence. Geoffrey will shortly begin working on Headspace (which is the title of the Parents' Association Centenary sculpture), in in conjunction with staff and students, in the new Technology Art and Design Department. A small amount of remuneration may be possible. Interested graduates should contact Ms Yordanoff in the Senior School Art Department by phone (9442 1626) or email pyordanoff@ccgs.wa.edu.au.
CLC LIBRARY
Library Hours from 2 December to 1 February
From 2 December 2009 until 1 February 2010 the CLC Library will be open Monday to Friday, 8.00am - 4.00pm and closed on weekends. As the Library staff tend to take their annual leave during this period, please phone the CLC Reception on 9442 1555 to confirm that they are available.
Greg Lindorff
SENIOR TEACHER / LIBRARIAN
CENTRE FOR ETHICS
Advent Carol Service, Wednesday 2 December
Members of the community are invited to attend the annual Advent Carol Service on Wednesday 2 December, 7.30pm in the School Chapel. Bring a family member or friend, sing some carols and embrace the Christmas spirit. Donations will go to Anglicare.
Christ Church Nativity Play, Thursday 24 December
There are still a few places available for the annual Nativity Play which will be held on Christmas Eve, Thursday 24 December, 10.00am in the School Chapel. Rehearsals will be held on Wednesday 23 December, 4.00pm and Thursday 24 December, 8.00am. If your son or daughter would like to participate in this exciting event, please email Canon Sheehan at fsheehan@ccgs.wa.edu.au.
Term 1 Newsletter, 2010
Click HERE to download the Centre for Ethics Term 1 newsletter for 2010.
Confirmation Service, Sunday 14 March 2010
The Archbishop of Perth will be here for Confirmation on Sunday 14 March 2010. Confirmation is open to students in Years 8 to 12. Family members may also be confirmed at the service. For further information, please email Canon Sheehan at fsheehan@ccgs.wa.edu.au.
UNIFORM SHOP
Final Trading for 2009
The final trading day of the Uniform Shop will be Wednesday 2 December, 9.00am - 5.00pm. The Uniform Shop will be closed on 7-8 December (our apologies for the diary misprint) and will reopen in January 2010.
Term 1, 2010
All boys will require formal uniform during Term 1, 2010 for special occasions. Boys in Years 7 to 12 will need long trousers, a school belt and blazer house braid. The next blazer run will be on Friday 5 February. They can be dropped off at the Uniform Shop any time prior to February.
Please take advantage of the holidays to have blazers dry cleaned.
Chrissie Lidstone
UNIFORM SHOP
CANTEEN
Thank you and looking forward to Term 1, 2010
The Canteen staff would like to offer a sincere thanks to all the volunteers who have served in the Canteen this year. We are now looking forward to 2010 and have started populating the roster for Term 1 (click HERE to access the roster online, which will be updated on the website with volunteer names during the end of January 2010).
The Canteen requires volunteers every day of the school term. Why not come along with a friend and have some fun helping out? If you would like to support us, please send an email to cantvolunteers@ccgs.wa.edu.au.
Ann Carr
CANTEEN MANAGER
PARENTS' AUXILIARY
Would you like to be a Class Representative?
Parents are welcome to get involved as Class Representatives for their year groups. The roles are fun and easy when shared between a few parents in each year group. If you would like to be involved, please email parentsauxiliary@ccgs.wa.edu.au or contact your current Class Representative.
Centenary Birthday Carnivale – Help Needed
The School will be holding a Birthday Carnivale for current students and their family to celebrate the Centenary on Sunday 7 February 2010. We are looking for additional volunteers to help out for 30 minutes during the Carnivale and for setting up and packing up. If you are interested in being part of this exciting celebration, please email your name and contact details to Jenni Townsend at darrent@iinet.net.au.
Year 8 Family Picnic, Saturday 28 November
All Year 8 families are invited to a casual picnic/BBQ at Matilda Bay, Hackett Dr, Crawley on Saturday 28 November from 3.00pm. Please BYO food, drinks, chairs and picnic blankets. We are gathering on the right hand side of the tea rooms in or near the gazebo. For further information, please contact Karin by phone (0408 812 278) or email lomkom@bigpond.com.
Year 9 Parents' Social Evening, Tonight, Friday 27 November
A reminder that the Year 9 parent social evening will be held tonight, Friday 27 November, 7.00pm - 10.00pm at the Mt Claremont Pavilion, McClemans Rd, Mt Claremont. Finger food, tea and coffee will be served but attendees should BYO wine, beer and soft drinks. We look forward to seeing you there.
Year 11 Parents' "Underneath the Stars" End of Year Cocktail Party, Tonight, Friday 27 November
A reminder that the Year 11 parent cocktail party celebration will be held tonight, Friday 27 November, 6.30pm – 9.30pm, at Jamelia and David Wallace's home, 21A York Terrace, Mosman Park. Enjoy cocktails by Gian Paolo and his friends, followed by your own fine wines and food (please bring a plate and a bottle). Ladies may need to bring a pashmina or jacket.
PROPERTY AND WORKS
V Block/North West Corner Project
The North West Corner/ V block internal stairwell demolition/modification works will commence on Monday 30 November and the building will only be accessible via the two pool side south stairwell entrances. All entry to the Gymnasium via the main entrance doors and stairwell will not be permitted. This entrance will remain closed until the beginning of March. We apologise for any inconvenience.
PROPERTY AND WORKS DEPARTMENT
HEALTH CENTRE
Medic Alert Bracelet Found
A medic alert bracelet has been handed into the Health Centre. It was found near Sandover Dining Hall on Sunday 22 November. The number on the disc is "887381" and the person is allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. For further information, please phone 9442 1700.
COMMUNITY
UWA Vacation and After School Care
The University of Western Australia is now accepting enrolments for the December 2009 - January 2010 Vacation Care Holiday Programme and After School Care. It will be held at UWA OSHC (Outside School Hours Care), 18 Parkway, Nedlands. For further information, please contact UWA Vacation Care by phone (9389 1848 / 9389 9433 / 0412 237 742) or visit the website www.childcare.uwa.edu.au.
Jamie Venerys Tennis
Hot Shots Challenge, Saturday 12 December
The Hot Shots Challenge is a special tournament for tennis players aged 8 to 12 years. It will be held on Saturday 12 December and players will use the red, orange and green ball system. Entry forms and information are available on the website (see details below).
Christmas Holiday Clinics, December
Four clinics will be held in the Christmas holidays at the Mosman Park and Peppermint Grove Tennis Clubs for players aged 3 to 16 years. The dates are 14-18 December, 9.00am - 11.00am; 21-23 December, 9.00am - 11.00am and 4.00pm - 6.00pm; and 27-29 January, 9.00am - 11.00am. Visit the website www.tennisstaronline.com.au to enrol online. For further information, phone Jamie on 0417 933 398.
Tennis Approach Coaching with David Culley
Tennis Approach will be holding tennis clinics at the Cottesloe and Allen Park Tennis Clubs from 9.00am - 12 noon daily, during the school holidays. The clinics will be held on 7-11 December, 14-18 December, 21-24 December, 18-22 January and 25-29 January. For further information, please contact David Culley on 0403 051 122.
Adam Voges Cricket Camp, January 2010
With elite coaches and specialist coaching sessions, the Adam Voges Cricket Camp will offer an unforgettable experience for all participants. The camp will be held from 12 - 14 January 2010, at Christ Church Grammar School. Christ Church students receive a discount, plus a camp pack valued at over $100. Registrations are now open and places are limited. For further information, please click HERE to download the registration form, phone 0419 855 910, email info@specializedtraining.com.au or visit the website www.specializedtraining.com.au.
FOR DETAILS OF ALL SCHOOL EVENTS, VISIT THE SCHOOL DIARY
Have you changed your email address recently? Please call 9442 1555 or email info@ccgs.wa.edu.au to update your contact details today.