Friday 27 April 2012
I trust all families enjoyed what was an unusually long Easter break for the School. The combination of Easter and ANZAC Day enabled us to have almost a three-week holiday.
At our first Senior School assembly for the term, Father Peter Boyland (who has the unenviable task of replacing Canon Frank Sheehan during his long service leave this term) reminded us that the word 'holidays' derives from ‘holy days’ and that for Christians the most significant of these is Easter. At our first Preparatory School assembly for the term, Year 4 students were part of a moving tribute to members of our armed services reflecting the importance of ANZAC Day. As a school community it is important that we always remind ourselves of the significance of service and sacrifice.
As always, the last few weeks have been anything but slow for some members of our school community and indeed around the School environment. Groups of boys accompanied by remarkable staff have travelled to France for languages, to London and New York for art, to Bali for service and to Melbourne for sport. Stories of these adventures will no doubt grace the news section of our website in time. Around our Claremont campus we have had new flagpoles erected, changes to the Preparatory School playground and further finishing touches added to the S Block precinct redevelopment.
A special success that has already been highlighted is the School’s win in the West Australian SunSmart WA Schools Teams Racing Championships. Our sailors have certainly upheld our reputation as ‘Kings of the Water’.
As always, I wish everyone all the best for the term ahead. 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
It was wonderful to see the boys stream back into school yesterday to start the new term. The boys in Year 3 to 6 looked particularly resplendent in their formal uniform, this morning. Term 2 has many exciting events and many can be found in the your son’s diary or the School Calendar.
The first important event of Term 2 was held this morning when we marked ANZAC Day. My thanks to Jamie Fagan and the Year 4 boys involved for their work toward this morning’s service. This Sunday, the entire Year 6 cohort and 11 staff head off to Canberra for the tour of our nation’s capital. Brad Hilliard has again brought the tour to fruition, for which we acknowledge and thank him.
My thanks also to the parents who supported their boys at the Learning Journey experience on the last Wednesday of first term. This sends a clear message to your sons that their learning, effort and enthusiasm is important to mum and dad. This is consistent with the Christ Church Pedagogy that you would have received from the Headmaster recently. Among the parents ‘actions’ you may have noted that attending and involving yourself in the Learning Journey experience covers many suggested contributions.
Finally, congratulations to the House Captains and Vice-Captains announced and presented with their badges this morning.
| Dale | |
| Captain | Jonny Morris |
| Vice-Captain | Michael Harry |
| Giles | |
| Captain | Josh Chan |
| Vice-Captain | Toby Johnson |
| Stirling | |
| Captain | Morgan Pollard |
| Vice-Captain | Nicholas Moorman |
| Forrest | |
| Captain | Thomas McQuillan |
| Vice-Captain | Lawson Wooles |
| School Captain | Morgan Pollard |
Richard Wright
Head of LW Parry Preparatory School
Years 3 and 5
NAPLAN Testing - May 15, 16 and 17
The National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) will be running assessments on May 15, 16 and 17 during Term 2. Students will need to attend school as normal on these days and will spend some of their day in the testing instead of regular classes. Aside from the testing, they will be normal school days for boys including any co-curricular commitments.
The Naplan brochure is available in languages other than English here.
For more information, click here. The specific schedule at Christ Church will be issued closer to the date.
Years 4 to 6
Term 2 iMove Physical Theatre Club
The Term 2 season of workshops for boys in Years 4 to 6 will be ‘Drama for Dramatics’ presented by Ms Gabrielle Metcalf from the University of Notre Dame. This is an action packed series of improvised classes using role character improvisation.
Classes commence on Tuesday 1 May from 3.20pm to 4.30pm in the Senior School Drama Centre and run until Tuesday 5 June.
Any queries can be directed to Angela Perry at aperry@ccgs.wa.edu.au. Places limited.
Year 6
Year 6 Canberra Trip
The Year 6 Canberra Trip will be departing on Sunday 29 April. Please view copies of the first and final letters for the Canberra Trip below.
First letter - containing flight details and itinerary
Final letter - containing requirement list and summary of the information
To view a letter for years 6JL and 6JP, click here.
A warm welcome back to Term 2, hopefully everyone is well rested and refreshed for what will be another busy term. Yesterday at assembly I reminded boys of the need to show support for their fellow members of the Christ Church community, to be on the lookout for ways in which they can be helpful to others. Our approach to prevent and respond to bullying is focused on supporting and promoting positive relationships and this is an area where I believe all boys and families can play a part to ensure that we do create and maintain a friendly school environment.
During the holidays all boys should have received their first term reports. On the whole these indicate that most boys have made a very positive start to the academic year, but in some cases, there is concern about effort in academic performance. It is important that boys use this report, and in consultation with classroom teachers, tutors and parents, to ensure issues are resolved promptly for better outcomes. For boys this should mean a review of their goals set at the beginning of the year, and for some boys this may mean the re-assessment and recommitment to their goals for the coming term. What is important is that boys take responsibility for their performance and constantly plan their time to ensure that they are organised and ready to meet the challenges that lie ahead.
This term we welcome our new Director of Kooringal, David Anderson, who will be co-ordinating a very exciting and challenging Outdoor Education programme. For the second time, all Year 8 boys will ‘voyage’ on STS Leeuwin in the coming five weeks. This adventure for our Year 8 boys is a unique opportunity to learn about the nature of a square rigged sailing boat and the challenges faced by seafarers from days gone by. This set of voyages will be based out of Monkey Mia in the Shark Bay area, which is a World Heritage listed environment. I am looking forward to the reports by the boys as they return from this experience, knowing that many parents and staff would love to be sharing in this experience too. Later in the term Year 9 boys will start their annual camping programme based out of Kooringal where they will be challenged by a 9 day programme of orienteering, walking, canoeing and in some cases the winter weather.
There is much to look forward to as the term unfolds for us all, so keep an eye on the website for reports and dates of other important events.
Roger Bayly
Deputy Headmaster
Head of Senior School
Year 7
Year 7 Parents Coffee Catch Up
Year 7 parents are invited to a coffee catch up on Friday 4 May at 9.30am at the Naked Fig, Swanbourne. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Years 7 and 9
NAPLAN Testing - May 15, 16 and 17
The National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) will be running assessments on May 15, 16 and 17 during Term 2. Students will need to attend school as normal on these days and will spend some of their day in the testing instead of regular classes. Aside from the testing, they will be normal school days for boys including any co-curricular commitments.
The Naplan brochure is available in languages other than English here.
For more information, click here. The specific schedule at Christ Church will be issued closer to the date.
Year 9
Parent Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are required in the setting up of the Year 10 Mother/Son Breakfast which is being held on Tuesday 15 May. We require 5 to 6 volunteers Monday afternoon to set up the venue from 3.15pm to 4.15pm.
We will also need 6 to 8 volunteers to assist at the breakfast with final set up and serving from 6.30 to 8.30am
If you are able to assist please contact Kylie Swallow via email steve_kylie@bigpond.com.
Years 8 and 9
Bookings for Years 8 and 9 Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews
The School is again using an internet-based system called Parent Teacher Online (PTO).
If the School has your email address you can obtain your username and password from the log-in screen of PTO (select Obtain PIN/Password from the log in screen). If we do not have your email address, you will receive a letter through the post with details of the online booking system.
Where there is a shared parenting arrangement in place, please note that teachers will have a full schedule of appointments and our strong preference is for you to accompany your co-parent to your son’s interviews.
You will be able to print your booking sheet off; it will provide details of the times and locations of your appointments.
Click here for more information about the booking system.
Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews dates:
Year 9 - Monday 7 May
Year 8 - Monday 14 May
Click here to access the booking system.
Year 10
Mother and Son Breakfast - Tuesday 15 May
Year 10 mothers are invited to attend the Year 10 Mother and Son Breakfast on Tuesday 15 May, held in the School Refectory, from 7.00am to 8.15am. The guest speaker for the event is Michelle Cowan, a local success story and most compelling speaker. An invitation will be sent via email next week with the booking details – so please mark this date in your diary now!
2012 Year 10 Social - Parent Volunteers Required
The Parents’ Auxiliary is calling for volunteer parents keen to assist in the organisation and running of the Year 10 social to be held in the school gymnasium on Friday 18 May from 7.30pm until 10.00pm.
This is a great opportunity not only to be involved in a significant event of your son’s school life but also to catch up with friends and make new acquaintances amongst the Year 10 parent group.
The specific tasks parents are responsible for include the following:
- setting up of decorations
- running a cloakroom
- food organisation, set-up and supply
- clean-up after the event
- the provision of some male ‘bouncer’ fathers for downstairs.
The time commitment on the evening of the social will only be 1.5 hours per parent and are flexible. The setting up of the gymnasium will take place on Friday afternoon for approximately 3 hours, however, any amount of time you can spare on the day will be appreciated.
The committee will be meeting shortly to commence planning and organisation.
Details about the meeting will be provided to interested parents by email early next week. Parents of Year 10 boarders are particularly encouraged to participate.
Please contact Janet at janet.barron@iinet.net.au as soon as possible.
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 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, if you think your family may be able to assist.
Years 10 to 12
Year 10 – 12 Anglicare Parenting Seminar
Anglicare will be conducting a parenting seminar for all Year 10, 11 and 12 parents on Wednesday 9 May 7.30pm to 9.30pm in the Senior Staffroom.
This workshop will cover information relevant to parents with a child in Years 10 to 12. The physiological and emotional transitions for this age group can be as intense for parents as it is for the adolescent. During the workshop participants will explore a range of issues including:
· 'when' and 'how' to negotiate with your teen
· managing emotions - theirs and yours
· maintaining firm boundaries and fair expectations
If you would like to attend this workshop please put your name down at the main school reception in person or by phone. Places are limited. Any queries can be emailed to Christy Dangerfield on cdangerfield@ccgs.wa.edu.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.
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 Dance - Parent Volunteers Required
The Year 11 Dance is being held in the school gymnasium on Saturday 19 May 2012. Assitance from parents for the dance is required in the following areas:
- Food (cooking and baking on day of dance)
- Decorating (from 12.00pm on the day of the dance - no experience required)
- Bouncers (preferably men)
- General help on the night (serving food/drinks or on the cloakroom)
- Clean up after the event (approximately 10.30pm to 11.30pm)
Please email lsbaker@iprimus.com.au if you're available. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Years 11 and 12
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 2012. 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.
Red Cross Blood Donations - Volunteers Required
The Red Cross Mobile Unit will be at the School on Monday 18 June for boys aged 16 years and over to donate blood. Volunteer parents are needed to co-ordinate the event and assist on the day. Please email Trish Hawkins at vnw4322@gmail.com if you can help. Details and permission slips will be emailed to parents early next term.
Year 12
Final Parents' Association Sundowner
All Year 12 Parents are warmly invited to their final Parents' Association Sundowner to be held in the Refectory on Wednesday 2 May from 7.00pm to 9.00pm. Come along and enjoy this social event while the Year 12 students are attending the Headmasters dinner from 6.00pm to 9.00pm on this same evening.
For more information or queries please contact Tracy White on roberttracy@aapt.net.au.
Year 12 School Ball - Saturday 5 May
To view a letter from the Headmaster regarding this significant school event, click here. Accompanying document from the Parents' Association, Alcohol and Your Son.
Careers
Medicine and Dentistry Information Evenings
An information evening for secondary students interested in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) will be held on Wednesday 9 May at 7.00pm in the Octagon Lecture Theatre, at UWA.
An information evening for secondary students interested in the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) will be held on Wednesday 16 May at 7.00pm in the Woolnough Lecture Theatre, Geography and Geology Building at UWA.
ISAT – International Student Admissions Test
International students who are considering study in Medicine, Dentistry and Physiotherapy in Australia may be required to sit the International Student Admissions Test (ISAT). Testing runs between 3 April and 26 October 2012. Students need to to check individual course information to confirm prerequisites and deadlines before registering for ISAT.
Register online – http://isat.acer.edu.au
Bond University Investing in your Future - Scholarship Information Seminar
Bond University's Senior Regional Manager, Matthew Stubbert and Assistant Regional Manager, Jennifer Graham would like to invite students from Christ Church Grammar School to attend the Bond UniversityInvesting in your Future - Scholarship Information Seminar.
This seminar is free of charge, and gives your year 12 students and their families the chance to learn more about:
Fast-tracking success at Bond
Bond University Scholarships
Fees and costs
Fee-help loan
Date: Monday May 7 2012
Time: 7.00pm – 8.30pm
Location: Medina Grand, 33 Mounts Bay Road, Perth
Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be served at this event.
Please download a flyer for the Perth Investing in your Future Seminar.
Registrations: online registration form.
Volunteer Program
International Student Volunteers is calling for globally minded students to apply for a unique volunteer experience. See the flyer for more information.
The University of Melbourne – Visiting WA
Representatives from The University of Melbourne will be visiting Christ Church on Wednesday 9 May, 8:15am to 9.00am, in Q4 to talk to any interested students about courses the university offers and how to apply.
They will also be holding an Information Session on Thursday 10 May, 6.30pm to 8.00pm at the Duxton Hotel for parents and students. Please see the attached flyers for more information:
The University of Melbourne Visits CCGS
Meet Melbourne in Perth
Consultation Sessions for International Students
The Defence Force – Engineering Information Session
Defence Force Recruiting will be holding an Engineering information session and would like to invite your students and parents to attend. Details are as follows:
Date: Thursday 10 May 2012
Time: 6.30pm to 08.00pm
Venue: Defence Force Recruiting, Level 7, 66 St Georges Terrace, Perth
RSVP: Tuesday t May 2012 Anna Katselas akatselas@dfr.com.au
LEUT Stephen Miller, Specialist Recruiting Team will present you with the wide range of Engineering career paths available within ADF, The presentation will cover entry requirements, the benefits of an ADF Engineering career as well as provide you with the opportunity to chat one-on-one with our Defence personnel about what life is really like in the Navy, Army and Air Force.
Click here to view the flyer.
Year 10, 11 or 12 Rural Students interested in Medicine or Dentistry?
The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Science at UWA will be providing workshops for rural students interested in a career in Medicine or Dentistry. The workshops will cover all details and steps involved in the entry process of the Rural Pathway. The workshops will take place on Monday 1 May, 4:30 – 6:30 pm at the UWA Campus. Please see Jody Clarke (Career Counsellor) for a registration form or alternatively email: rural-metro-fmdhs@uwa.edu.au.
Lattitude Global Volunteering – Gap Year Programs
Applications are now open for 2013 placements with Lattitude Global volunteering. Lattitude is the original gap year organization, having supported thousands of young Australians on worthwhile and challenging placements for 40 years. This year Christ Church has two students involved in teaching placements in India and Vanuatu. See the website for more information: www.lattitude.org.au.
MedEntry UMAT Preparation
MedEntry offers two-day workshops to assist students in preparing for the UMAT. For more information, visit www.Medentry.edu.au.
UMAT Information Session - 2 May
A UMAT information session will be held on Wednesday 2 May at 7.00pm in the Social Sciences Lecture Theatre at UWA. This session will cover information about the test and what it entails as well as advice on how to register and prepare for the UMAT. For more information please click here.
Murdoch University Information Evenings - 23 May
There’s no better feeling than knowing you’ve done something great; especially if it involves getting clarity on your future. This year, we’re opening our doors for two big Open Nights on 28 March and 23 May from 6.00pm to 8.00pm. All of our courses will be on show, and our academic staff will be available to answer any queries you may have about how, what and why you should study at Murdoch. Also, on the first Monday of every month commencing on 2 April, our Student Centre will be open until 7.00pm. This means that you can come along on “Murdoch Mondays” and talk to a member of our recruitment team about courses, careers and studying at Murdoch.
Come along and experience Murdoch’s Open Night. Speak to academics, explore our facilities, take part in tours and have all your questions answered about studying at Murdoch. Refreshments provided at this free event.
Murdoch University Open Night
Dates: Wednesday 23 May
Time: 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Venue: Kim Beazley Lecture Theatre
Murdoch Mondays
Dates: First Monday of every month starting on 2 April
Time: 4.30pm to 7.30pm
Venue: The Student Centre
To view the flyer for more information, click here.
Christ Church clinches WA Schools Teams Racing Championships
Strong aquatics programme leads to water polo premiership
Christ Church still Head of the River
Christ Church pays tribute on Anzac Day
Senior School boys talk to NASA Chief
Pre-Primary boys visit WACA
Cadets honour 71st anniversary of Rats of Tobruk
Willy selected in first State Indigenous Athletics Team
Underbelly retelling breathes freshness into Shakespearean classic
More News
Postcards from tours during the April holidays
Postcard from the French Tour, Paris
We awoke to a fine French spring morning on our first full day in Paris. Once the metro had been navigated, we had our first opportunity to test the skills we had learnt in the classroom with the purchase of some crêpes... read more.
Postcard from Pilgrimage of Hope Bali
The last few days at Panti Asuhan Orphanage have been the beginning of a truly wonderful experience. The pilgrims have cleaned, gardened, painted and more, but most importantly, they have played and played hard... read more.
Postcard from the London-New York Art Tour
Every day has been jam-packed from the moment we arrived in London. The streets provided us with contemporary art that captured colour and commentary, and we were treated to the work of Banksy, Shepard Fairey and even a few Aussie graffiti pieces… one of which the boys created on a wall in the heart of Brick Lane... read more.
To read the postcards in full, click here.
Old boy in the News
Matilda the Musical, with music and lyrics by old boy comedian Tim Minchin, dominated the British theatre's Olivier Awards announced recently. The musical, based on Roald Dahl's tale of an extraordinary little girl from an ordinary family, won seven prizes - more awards than any show in the Olivier's 36-year history. Its trophies included best new musical, best actor in a musical, best actress in a musical, best director, best set design, best sound design and best theatre choreographer. Matilda has become a big hit for the Royal Shakespeare Company, which has transferred it to the West End and plans to open it in New York early next year.
Congratulations Tim.
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.
Recommended Resource for Parents
Talk Soon. Talk Often. A guide for parents talking to their kids about sex
Where do babies come from? ….Why do I look different from my brother? ….Why do I feel this way? ….How do I know if I am ready for sex? ….Why shouldn’t I post my photo online?
As a parent you will answer thousands of questions but the ones about sexuality and relationships are often the most challenging to answer. Some parents can be so worried about giving an absolutely perfect answer that they end up saying nothing at all.
You and your family are the most important source of sexuality and relationship information for your children. More than anyone else, you will lay the foundations for well adjusted, confident and healthy children who go on to experience positive relationships.
So what is the best way to handle these very important questions? It’s simple - talking a little and often makes a positive difference to your child’s sexual health.
In response to advice that parents needed support in their role as the primary sex educators of their children, WA Health has developed Talk Soon Talk Often - a guide for parents talking to their kids about sex.
This free resource has been developed to help parents initiate regular and relaxed conversations with their children about sexuality and relationships.
Talk Soon Talk Often. A guide for parents talking to their kids about sex (PDF 2.25MB)
For more information, visit www.public.health.wa.gov.au.
Friends of Music
Hamper Items Needed
CCGS Friends of Music are asking for hamper items to be donated for a fundraising raffle to be held on the night of the CCGS/St Hildas’ Concert (Friday 4 May). Donations can be left with Karen Sim in the Music Department Office.
Community
Annual Little Feet Walk
Bring your family, children, friends and dogs to the annual Little Feet Walk hosted by Australian Doctors for Africa on Sunday 6 May beginning at 9.00am start (registration from 8.30am) at Swanbourne Beach (Naked Fig Café).
Three walks to choose from:
- 4km Short Family walk
- 8 km Competitive walk
- 16km Extreme/ride
Money raised goes directly to support projects in Africa, visit www.ausdocafrica.org.
Donations and memberships to ADFA, 20 Colin St, West Perth 6005 or phone Christine 9321 5480 or email adfa@iinet.net.au.
View the flyer here.
ECOCEAN’s Gala Fundraiser - Oceans Alive 2012
The focus of the event will be Australia's Threatened Sharks.
Date: Wednesday 9 May 2012
Time: 6.30pm to 9.30pm
Venue: Frasers Restaurant, Kings Park
Dress: Smart casual
Tickets: $100 each includes entry, entertainment, canapés and drinks.
Purchase tickets securely online at www.trybooking.com/23217.
For more information, please contact Brad Norman, ECOCEAN Inc. at brad@whaleshark.org.
Home Visitor - Volunteer Opportunity: Shenton Park
Future Living Trust Mission is to provide the means for families of people with an intellectual disability to plan for the time when the family can no longer provide for their needs, and to assist in carrying out those plans.
The Future Living Trust is currently seeking a mature, friendly and reliable volunteer to visit an active 64 year old gentleman who has a mild intellectual disability. Visits are on a bi-monthly basis at his home in Shenton Park to check on his general well being as part of our Personal Support Service (PSS). No experience is required, full training and support is provided with $20 paid towards travel expenses for each visit.
For more information, please contact Erica Salih at Future Living Trust on 9387 0575, email info@futureliving.org.au or visit www.futureliving.org.au.