Global events over the past week have had an impact far and wide, and as we get ready to celebrate Harmony Day today, our thoughts go out to all of those touched by the tragedy that unfolded in New Zealand last week. I spoke to the Senior School boys this morning on this very subject and reiterated that our narrative needs to be one about acceptance, embracing differences and standing shoulder to shoulder with all people regardless of their ethnicity, religion or beliefs. I will deliver a similar message to our Prep School boys tomorrow morning.
Communication between the School and home is fundamental to forming a strong, open relationship and giving the boys every opportunity to succeed. I would like to confirm with all parents that your first point of contact in all instances regarding school matters should be your son’s tutor in the Senior School and classroom teacher in the Prep School. If the concern cannot be resolved, parents are able to then make an appointment with the teacher and the Head of the Senior or Prep School and perhaps the Principal. Soon we will be providing a link to the School’s revised enquiry/concerns/complaints process with a view to streamlining communication to ensure the best outcome for all those involved.
Congratulations to our Senior School swimmers who were magnificent last Thursday night, I was so impressed with the sportsmanship of the swimmers and the way the boys supporting the swim team behaved. Thank you to all of the staff involved – these events only run smoothly due to a lot of effort and planning and your presence on the night is appreciated by everyone.
We really are blessed to have such an engaged Parents’ Association. This group is open to all parents in the School and represents parents as well as supporting the School in many ways. If you are wondering who your year representative is, please visit this page for more information.
The Christ Church Grammar School Foundation receives the endowment fee when boys are enrolled at Christ Church and they prudently manage these investment funds to ensure the future financial security of the School. They also donate to the School in various ways. Recent examples of contributions from Foundation to the School include part funding of the new Prep School, the purchase, development and donating of St John’s Wood playing fields and the original purchase and recent additional acquisition of land holding at Kooringal to future proof our Outdoor Education Centre. Every year since 2001, the Foundation has made a gift to the School in the form of investment grade art. We know that art appreciation can begin at any age and by making the works visible it is hoped that we stimulate enquiry, creativity and discussion, and that boys learn to think and express ideas – ideas that do not require prior knowledge and where there are no wrong answers. This morning, the School is receiving a new piece of art courtesy of the Foundation. If you have ventured to the Sculptures by the Sea you may have seen the wonderful work of Korean artist Bongsoo Kim titled Thoughts of Pinocchio. This piece will sit proudly between the old and new Prep School and we hope it will continue to create a visually imaginative environment for all boys.
On Monday I met with families new to the School this year to hear how their journey has been to date. A question was raised regarding fee payment, please visit this page for information on invoicing dates and online payment. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Finance Department at ARFinance@ccgs.wa.edu.au.
This Friday is National Ride2School Day and this year our Student Environmental Committee are driving this initiative across the entire School. Parents are asked to help support these efforts by encouraging their son/s to ride to school and make it become more of a habit in the pursuit of developing independence, better health and academic outcomes. At Christ Church, we are always encouraging boys to ‘ride a little way’ and your support in this regard is greatly appreciated.
Quite often in our role as educators of adolescent boys we talk with parents who are facing the perennial challenges associated with raising boys. Perhaps their son is becoming more argumentative or moody (or barely speaking at all!). It is always important to remember that their son is not ‘turning bad’ but is going through a process of figuring out how to be a young man, a process that is full of struggles; a journey that can be turbulent but with a wonderful prize at the end. When building anything (including good men) it is always wise to read the instructions. I encourage parents to read the wise words of Steve Biddulph’s Raising Boys, Arne Rubenstein’s Making of Men and Michael Carr-Gregg’s Surviving Adolescence.
On a related note, next Wednesday 27 March we welcome the return of Dr Justin Coulson who will provide a community presentation to parents. Dr Coulson is an international speaker, author and expert psychologist, and will cover topics such as why teenagers act the way they do, how to get more out of them than a grunt or complaint, the stages of teen development that make all the difference and how to really understand your teen, and how to help your teen really understand you. The session is free to attend and commences at 7.30pm in the School Chapel – click here to register if interested.
Finally, a request to all parents please do not park in the bus bay on Queenslea Drive between 5.00pm and 6.00pm weeknights to collect your boys. This is when many buses return to the School from sport and for the safety of all boys the bus must be able to park in the bus bay with boys alighting directly on to the footpath. There is a considerable amount of available parking on campus at this time of the day, please make alternative arrangements for picking up your son.
Simon Angus
Deputy Principal
Head of Senior School
It was terrific to see so many of our families take part in the Year 6 Canberra information evening and sundowner. Teachers from Year 6 provided information about the upcoming Canberra trip and the focus on democracy and federation. Many thanks to the Parent’s Association for putting on a
well-supported event.
This week is Gifted Awareness Week and the Centre for Excellence has provided a range of activities and information for boys about the program. Families were invited to a picnic after school on Monday which included; giant chess, Jenga, rubix cubes and sphero’s – a lot of fun! Additionally, it was wonderful to hear from Senior School boys who accessed the Centre of Excellence, providing their own personal insights of the program.
Our final Year 5 class (5CF) completed their camp this week, rounding out the Year 5 camp experience. Well done to all the boys, teachers and the Kooringal staff for what has been a memorable experience.
Boys in Years 5 or 6 who may be interested in learning the flute, oboe, trumpet or trombone have an amazing opportunity to apply for music bursary. For further information about the offer please refer here.
This May, Christ Church Grammar School and St Hilda’s Anglican School for Girls will come together to host a cocktail event, Soiree on the bay. This is a great opportunity for parents from both communities to meet and network. Food, drinks and entertainment will be provided with ticket purchases and further information on the event can be found here.
Finally, a reminder that tomorrow is National Ride2School Day. I encourage as many of our boys to give it a go (remember to wear your helmets and keep safe).
