2012 Term 1 No 3

TERM21NO
NO33
TERM
8 March
2012
29
April 2010
Leadership – Style vs Character (Values)
‘People with humility don’t think less of themselves, they just
think of themselves less.’
Ken Blanchard, perhaps best known as co-author of ‘The
One Minute Manager’ (1982) includes this statement in his
short text ‘The Heart of a Leader – Insights on the Art of
Influence’ (1999), words shared with Year 11 for the
opening of their three-day leadership development
programme. Also shared to set the focus for the day were
some of Robert Greenleaf’s ideas (from his 1970 essay
titled, ‘The Servant as Leader’) which underpin so much of
current writing about leadership and positive
psychology. Blanchard writes:
...Robert Greenleaf defines two kinds of leaders. Strong
natural leaders are those who try to take control, make
the decisions and give the orders in any situation in
which they find themselves. They have a need to be in
charge. Strong natural servants, on the other hand, will
assume leadership only if they see it as a way in which
they can serve. You would think that natural leaders
would use a directive, autocratic style while natural
servants would use a more supportive style. This
assumption falls short because it confuses style
with character. I want to be led by strong natural
servants because they are willing to use whatever
leadership style (directive, supportive or some
combination) which best serves the needs of those they
lead. Remember that the biblical image of servant
leadership is that of the shepherd...(and that) the flock is
not there for the sake of the shepherd, the shepherd is
there for the sake of the flock.’
Drawing on the plethora of writing about leadership, to
complement and underpin the practical exercises that are
core to Year 11’s programme, we hope to foster courage,
skill development and shared understanding of what it takes
to become an effective contributor to the senior leadership
team of the School, given every member of Year 12 (and
Year 6 at Gib Gate) is appointed to a formal leadership role
for their final year of high school and primary school at
Frensham and Gib Gate.
Doug Keeley (Storyteller and CEO of ‘The Mark of a Leader’)
describes the possibilities for leadership skill development
very simply and his words resonated with many
students. He writes:
Any one of us can lead... when I refer to leaders here it
refers to people who are prepared to take the initiative
and to be accountable for everything they do. People
who are prepared, in their own style, whatever that may
be, to set a standard for others to follow....Some have
the gift of the gab. Others lead quietly by
example. Some have bold visions of changing the
world. Others simply chip away doing their job the best
they can.
Finally, linked directly to student leadership within the
School setting we also considered the notion of what I call
‘followship.’ Lorraine Monro, in ‘Nothing’s Impossible’
(1997) writes: ‘To become an excellent leader, start as an
excellent follower,’ and the short clip of ‘Leadership
Lessons from Dancing Guy (Derek Sivers):
http://sivers.org/ff is a useful visual representation of this
idea.
Open Day - ‘Hosting of Parents’ - Appreciation
With special thanks to the students and staff involved in
hosting visitors for Frensham’s Open Day and to staff,
parents and members of all community groups of the
School who hosted Gib Gate and Frensham ‘parents of
new students’ for the Welcome Dinner, I note my
appreciation also to those who have sent notes of thanks
that I have been able to pass on to those involved. We
also received warm compliments to senior students and to
Mrs Symons on her representation of the School on behalf
of Gib Gate and Frensham riders at the Interschools
Equestrian event. We have an extremely committed team
of teachers, House staff and administrative support staff
whose efforts on weekends such as the one just passed
surpass all that can be expected... – and by their example
it is quite clear that rain, mud and power failure seemed to
add to the opportunities to model resilience and ‘goodwill...’!
Acknowledgement to:
 Recent Girdle recipients Ella Purvis (Tennis) and
Sophia Macken (Academic Excellence);
 The Frensham and Gib Gate Equestrian Team for all
effort and success at the Interschools event;
 Ms Susannah Blaxill for her Art workshop with Year 8
students;
 Aspiring 2012 Olympic diver Alex Croak (and dual
Olympian – Gymnastics and Diving) who, with just
one month till Olympic Trials, visited Frensham to
address Year 11 as part of their Leadership
Programme;
 All who contributed as hosts to our welcome to
visitors on Frensham’s Open Day. In addition to
those visiting the campus for the first time, we were
also very pleased to welcome all to the full weekend
programme, including the Dinner for parents of new
students, the Sunday Service and Concert which
featured Year 7, the 30 and 50 Year Reunions and
the Year 7/8 picnic;
 Hosts for the Welcome Dinner on Saturday night:
Members of the WWS Company, Board, Foundation
Board, Fellowship Committee, Gib Gate and

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Frensham Advisory Committees, FOGG and staff, for
their time and warm welcome as table hosts;
Gib Gate and Frensham swim teams, competing at
local carnivals;
All staff who have been leading or supporting
students within the Years 3-12 Outdoor Education
and Senior Studies / Senior Leadership Programmes
which were scheduled over the past two weeks.
Staffing Update:
I note with thanks and with our best wishes for her future
that Ms Judtih Radin completes her role at Gib Gate and
Frensham over the past 12 months and we also farewell
Ms Cynthia Martins who completes 12 months as a highly
committed member of the English Faculty, both colleagues
completing their work with us at the end of Term 2.
I am pleased to note that Ms Rebecca Dalliwall, B Arts in
Communication (Public Communications), Grade Dip Ed,
Secondary (English, Society and Culture) has been
appointed to the English Faculty and will commence in her
role on Monday 26 March, allowing time for a full handover
of her classes, prior to the start of Term 2.
The process of appointment of Gib Gate’s teacher of Visual
Arts, to complement Ms Lees work with Years K-2, will be
finalised prior to the end of this term.
With great sadness I also advise the recent death of our
much-loved colleague, Miss Leeanne Ramsay, after
prolonged illness. Leeanne was a central member of the
Company Office staff whose working life within Winifred
West Schools covered more than 32 years. Always
positive in her efforts to serve the needs of parents,
students and colleagues, Leeanne’s gentle nature, warm
sense of humour and keenness to contribute have been
sorely missed during her time of illness and our thoughts
are now with her family at this extremely difficult time.
Ahead - Important Community Dates:
Saturday 17 March & Sunday 18 March
Year 10 Parent Weekend
Year 10 Confirmation Service, St Stephen’s Church, Mittagong
Year 10 Service and Concert (all Years 7-12 to attend)
Saturday 24 March
- Gib Gate Summer Sport BBQ (from 11.30am)
Sunday 1 April
- New date for the Gib Gate Family Day at
Wamberoo (NB moved from 25 March)
Julie A Gillick
Head of Frensham
Head of Winifred West Schools
2
The Winifred West Schools Newsletter on the Website
M 19
F: 4.00-11.30pm Encore Concert, senior Music students
The fortnightly WWS Newsletter is located at:
http://www.frensham.nsw.edu.au/ch-wws-newsletter
and is published on that site and mailed on Wednesday.
T 20
GG: School Photographs
W 21
F: IGSSA Tildesley Tennis Shield
Th 22
F: IGSSA Tildesley Tennis Shield
F: 1.45-8.30pm Visiting Author Jaclyn Moriarty
F: 6.45-8.30pm Pen & Ink writing workshop with Jaclyn
Moriarty
F 23
GG: 9.30am Transition-Year 2 Grandparents’ Day
F: IGSSA Tildesley Tennis Shield
S 24
F: IGSSA Semi-Finals
F: Show Cattle Team at Camden Show
GG: 11.30am Summer Sport BBQ
S 25
F: Church Service
GG: Family Day, Womberoo, change of day. This event
has been moved to Sunday 1 April
Information Notices sent via Email

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Year 10 Parent Weekend Information
Influenza Immunisation Clinic
Senior Choir involvement at the Confirmation Service
Information Notices included with this Newsletter

Iris Country Fair – information bulletin
AHEAD:
Th 8
F: Outdoor Education and Senior Studies Seminars, Years
7-12
F: 9.00am-6.00pm Art Express & Design Tech Exhibition,
Year 12 VA & Design and Technology students
F: 4.00-10.30pm Meet the Music, Year 12 Music students
F9
GG: Gib Gate Cross-Country
F: IGSSA 87th Swimming Carnival
F: Fellowship Cocktail Party, Sydney
S 10
F: IGSSA Round 5
S: Sturt Short Courses
F: Show Cattle Team at Robertson Show
F: Boarding Activity: 1.00-4.00pm Robertson Show
S 11
Church Service
S: Sturt Short Courses
F: Boarding Activity: Harry Potter Exhibition, Powerhouse
Museum
Week 7
Week A
M 12
GG: 8.30am-3.30pm Fitzroy Falls excursion, Year 3
T 13
GG: 8.45am Early Stage 1, R-K Coffee Morning, Music
Centre
GG: 9.30am Kindergarten Reading Workshop
F: 6.45-8.00pm Mathematics Club
W 14
Th 15
GG: 5.50am-5.00pm NSW Art Gallery, Years 3-6
F: 7.30am-5.00pm Jamieson Programme, Auburn Mosque
and Great Synagogue visit, Year 9
F 16
F: 3.00pm Year 10 Confirmation rehearsal, St Stephen’s
Church, Mittagong
S 17
Year 10 Parent Weekend
F: IGSSA Round 6
F: 20 Year Reunion
F: 8.30am Year 10 Parent/Teacher Discussions
F: 2.30pm Year 10 Confirmation Service, St Stephen’s
Church, Mittagong
F: Show Cattle Team at Moss Vale Show
S 18
F: 10.00-1.30am School Service and Concert (all Years
7-12 to attend)
F: 20 Year Reunion
S: 1.00pm Sturt Advisory Committee Meeting
Week 8
Advisory Committees
2012 Frensham Advisory Committee Contacts
Mrs Georgy Alker
Mrs Clare Blackman (Chair)
Mr Mark Bowdern
Mrs Frances Conomos
Mr Ben Cruikshank
Mr Robert Dulhunty
Mrs Jo Hawker
Mrs Lisa McCrabb
Mrs Rosie Mitchell
Mrs Meredith Munro
Mrs Elizabeth Phillips (Sec)
Mrs Jane Woods
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
2012 Gib Gate Advisory Committee Contacts
Mr Ben Battcock
[email protected]
Mrs Christine Chambers (Sec) [email protected]
Mrs Shivawn Davis
[email protected]
Mr Stephen Grant
[email protected]
Ms Nyema Hermiston
[email protected]
Mrs Alison Lalak (Chair)
[email protected]
Mr Richard Lavender
[email protected]
Mrs Elizabeth Mackie
[email protected]
Mrs Lyndall McGrath
[email protected]
(Chair of FOGG)
Mrs Zoe Suttie
[email protected]
Week B
3
2012 TERM DATES ~ WEEKENDS
2012 Term Dates Gib Gate and Frensham
Term 1
Gib Gate: Tuesday 31 January-Wednesday 4 April
Frensham: Wednesday 1 February-Wednesday 4 April
Term 2
Gib Gate & Frensham: Tuesday 24 April-Thursday 21 June
NB: Frensham is working on ANZAC Day
Term 3
Gib Gate & Frensham: Tuesday 17 July-Thursday 20
September 3pm
Term 4
Gib Gate: Tuesday 9 October-Friday 7 December 3pm
Frensham: Tuesday 9 October-Sunday 9 December
2012 Frensham Parent Weekends Ahead
Year 10
Year 8
Year 12
Year 11
Year 9
Saturday 17-Sunday 18 March
Saturday 12-Sunday 13 May
Saturday 2-Sunday 3 June
WWS Birthday Friday 1 June
Saturday 4-Sunday 5 August
Saturday 4 August – Year 10 Goal Setting
(with parents)
Saturday 25-Sunday 26 August
Ranier Uniform Shop
Mondays: 8.00am-1.00pm
Thursdays: 12noon–5.00pm
Shop Manager Mrs Cherie Heard
To order goods, please call the Shop: (02) 4860 2136 [BH]
[email protected]
Friday 1 June 2012
Save the date
For information about Foundation, please contact Michele
Scamps on 4860 2000 or [email protected]
4
Before the wet weather conditions set in last week, Gib
Gate students in K-2 and Years 3 and 4 managed to
participate in some outdoor learning experiences. On
Tuesday 28 February, the K-2 Swimming Carnival provided
students with the opportunity to showcase skills acquired
during the Term 1 Swimming Development programme, in
front of an appreciative audience of parents and
grandparents. Supported by Year 6 students, K-2 enjoyed
the day and gained confidence in their abilities. Thank you
to FOGG (Families of Gib Gate) for providing an icy pole
treat for all at the end of the day.
On Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 February, as part of the
Years 3-6 Outdoor Education programme, Years 3 and
students participated in ‘Adventure Days’ with OEG staff.
Adventure Days provide the Stage 2 students with the
opportunity to be introduced to skills prior to the Stage 3
OEG Camp which takes place when they are in Years 5
and 6. The Year 3 Adventure Day focused on learning how
to abseil. The students also learnt navigation skills during
the bushwalking section of the day and discussed the
natural habitats of local fauna. Students in Year 4 had fine
weather for their Mountain Biking experience on
Wednesday, although prior wet weather had made for
muddy conditions which, of course, the students enjoyed.
OEG staff introduced Year 4 students to the skills of
Mountain Biking before taking them on an extended
mountain-bike ride. All enjoyed working together to
construct a communal shelter and students were excited to
cook and eat their own lunch. Included below are some
quotes from Year 4 that give an insight into this learning
experience.
Grace Lewis, Grace Mackenzie and India Grant Pirrie,Year
3 Outdoor Education Day
William Chambers – It was fun! I really liked building the
shelter using sticks. What was challenging? Bull ants and
having a stack on the mountain bike. I am really looking
forward to Camp next year and learning more about the
environment.
Oscar Little – It was excellent! I really enjoyed making
lunch and getting to eat it and getting really dirty when we
went mountain-bike riding.
D’Arcy Gotterson – The mountain biking was excellent! We
went through mud puddles and riding over rocks. Mountain
biking is the best!
Dominic O’Shannessy – It was great! We built a shelter
together and it was really good fun working with my friends.
James Wallace – It was the funniest day of this year so far!
I did things I’ve never done before: I made food in the bush,
I’d never been on such a long mountain bike ride before
and I’d never had to work out how to put a shelter up in the
bush before. It gives you a challenge because you think
you can’t do these things but you can.
Austin Martin-Weber – Mountain biking was so muddy! I
was a bit nervous about lighting the methylated spirits in
the cooking trangie but then I learnt I could do it.
Alexander Uliana – Mountain-bike riding was a bit hard but
you never know when you might need these skills so do it
and give it a go.
Thomas Lalak, Year 3 at the OEG Adventure Day
Eliza Duck – It was fun but challenging, especially going up
the hill on the mountain bike and cutting myself on the knife
while cooking! What did I learn? Never hold a knife too
close to your fingers!
Angelica Bella – Mountain-bike riding was the best! It was
so muddy; we had to help each other and tell the person
riding behind you what was coming up and which way we
were turning, I learnt that it’s good to know your left from
your right!
Mimi Stewart – It was really good fun! I don’t get to do
mountain biking very much and it was great to get muddy. I
learnt that when you’re not pedalling it’s good to keep your
5
feet in the three or nine position - like the numbers on the
face of a clock.
including factual, poetic, narrative, visual and graphic
selections by leading Australian authors and illustrators.
Ms Sally Robson, Head of Gib Gate
Children from Kindergarten to Year 6 are also enjoying
reading a variety of books as part of the Premier’s Reading
Challenge 2012 which is facilitated by Mrs Marsh in the
Library. More information about this worthwhile reading
adventure can be found at:
https://products.schools.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html
What are students in Years 3 to 6 reading?
‘The more you read, the more things you will know. The
more you learn, the more places you’ll go.’
Dr Seuss
Gib Gate’s Literacy programme encompasses all the
elements of a balanced, contemporary approach to
learning to read, write, speak and listen and learning by
reading, writing, speaking and listening, using a range of
texts in a variety of formats daily.
One of the features of the School’s Reading Programme is
in the Literature Circles sessions where children join a
small group for a number of weeks, based on the book
they choose. These high quality, carefully selected
texts, by both Australian and overseas authors,
represent those that we, as educators, believe children
should not leave primary school without having
experienced. Similar to ‘Book Clubs’, children read an
agreed amount weekly and meet to share their personal
thoughts about the novel, discussing and debating themes
and issues with their peers. Class teachers move between
the reading groups guiding all aspects of their reading to
include fluency and comprehension.
In Year 3, children are enjoying selecting from a wide
range of novels that include Harry Potter and the
Philosopher’s Stone, Flat Stanley, A Series of Unfortunate
Events, The Samurai Kids, 89th Kitten and a variety of
Roald Dahl novels. Year 4 students are choosing from
Space Demons, Runestone, Hitler’s Daughter and Misery
Guts, and the Year 5 class from Once, Boy Overboard,
Born to Run and Because of Winn Dixie. Year 6 students
are enjoying the opportunity to be part of the Term 1 iPad
programme and are selecting from a range of
downloaded eBooks and hard-copy novels by English
author Michael Morpurgo, including the well-known title
War Horse recently released as a film.
Modelling reading aloud with fluency, intonation and
expression to the children within the reading session is an
important ‘event’ each day. Mrs Venish is reading a
selection of picture books to facilitate discussion about the
story and how it relates to us, Ms Horan is reading Tales of
a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume, Mr Hannah is
reading The Happiest Refugee by Anh Do and Mrs
Wheeler is reading Hoot by Carl Hiaasen.
So, when asked ‘What are you reading today?’ Gib Gate
students will always enjoy talking about their ‘latest
favourite’ which will be just one on the long list of those
they will experience by the end of their primary school
years.
Mrs Kate Chauncy
Director of Teaching and Learning P-12
Cricket
Ravi Wikramanayake (Year 5) and Dominic O’Shannessy
(Year 4) are wished success as they try out for the CIS
Boys Cricket Team in Sydney on Monday. Both boys have
had an outstanding season playing for Gib Gate in the
Highlands District Cricket competition.
Equestrian
Last week, five Gib Gate students took part the NSW
Interschools Equestrian Championships at Horsley Park in
Sydney. This is probably the largest interschools
equestrian competition in Australia, with hundreds of
horses and riders taking part in huge range of jumping and
dressage events. Despite wet weather conditions, the
event went ahead over four days.
Gib Gate Team members were: Amelia Douglass, Victoria
Hoy, Antoinette Inglis, Charlotte Lalak, Sasha Lavender.
Swimming
An enthusiastic team of Gib Gate swimmers travelled to
the Olympic Aquatic Centre at Homebush to compete in
the IPSHA Swimming Carnival. Amid outstanding
competition, the Gib Gate team performed creditably, with
most swimmers achieving personal best times.
Mr Michael Standen, Coordinator of PE and Sport
In addition all students in Years 3 to 6 enjoy structured
reading comprehension activities from the monthly editions
of School Magazine which feature a variety of text types,
6
Woodwork: tuning and sharpening your tools with Daryl
Ingate and Ceramics: creative wheel forming with Kwirak
Choung. Full details can be found on the Sturt website.
FRIENDS OF STURT
Ann Schavemaker (President), Joan Dinning (Secretary), Julie
Musgrave, Chris Topp, Denise Sumner, Robyn Golledge, Nadine
Harvey, Bill Dinning.
Special News
New work now on display in Sturt Café: A new display of
photographs by local photographer Terry Muller-Maher is
now on display in the Café. Terry’s work includes
photographs from the Musica series, as well as
photographs taken during travels in India.
Sturt Pottery restarts kiln-firing service: With the addition
of a new medium-size electric kiln, and work to be done to
the existing gas and electric kilns, Sturt is now in a position
to offer a kiln-firing service to the public. Prices start from
$25 with a choice of three electric kilns and two gas kilns
operational in the Pottery. Contact the Sturt Shop on 02
4860 2083 for details.
Do you have an exhibition idea? Sturt is currently
scheduling its exhibitions for 2013 and beyond and would
like to hear from people who have an interesting idea for
an exhibition project. Sturt Gallery showcases work by
Australian and international craft artists, as well as
supporting local cultural initiatives in the Southern
Highlands. Contact Mark Viner via email at
[email protected] to put forward an idea.
Sturt School for Wood - Enrolments are now open for oneyear Wood School in 2013. Sturt is inviting applications to
enrol in the Wood School’s one-year accredited finefurniture-making course for 2013. A full prospectus can be
found on the Sturt website, together with application and
enrolment procedures.
Three places remain for the second 10-week Wood Course
for 2012. The tutor, James Carr, is a graduate of the Sturt
Wood School and has since established his own business
in the local area specialising in commissions for a wide
range of clientele. James is a regular and highly popular
teacher at Sturt. This course begins on 23 April.
Term Classes - Enrolments are now being taken for term
classes. New teachers this year include Tracy Hopkirk
teaching Jewellery (Monday nights); Kwirak Choung,
Ceramics (Thursdays) and Phoebe Everill, Woodwork
(Monday nights). Daryl Ingate is also teaching a new
daytime Woodwork class on Tuesdays.
Short Courses - The first weekend of Short Courses for
2012 is scheduled for 10 and 11 March. Courses include
Special ‘Easy Start’ one-day introductory workshops on 22
and 23 March: Absolute beginners can experience
Ceramics, Woodwork, Jewellery or Textiles for the special
price of $58.
Winter School 2012 - The full programme for Winter School
2012 is now available on the website www.sturt.nsw.edu.au.
Courses include Book Binding, Botanical Art, Clay – kilns
and raku, 3D Felting, Fresco Painting, Wild Knitting,
Calligraphy, Painting Acrylics and much more.
Sturt Gallery - Meroogal Women’s Arts Prize 2011
This is a touring exhibition from the Historic Houses Trust,
open from 12 February to 25 March 2012. The Meroogal
Women’s Arts Prize for 2011 asked entrants to respond to
the theme “Made by Hand” through visual arts, crafts and
design. The resulting exhibition showcases winning,
commended and selected works from the 2011 competition.
A Common Thread – textiles by Kay Faulkner
This exhibition can be viewed from 1 April to 13 May.
Australian master weaver Kay Faulkner tackles history,
cultures and enduring patterns of life in a new solo show at
Sturt.
The exhibition will be opened on Sunday 1 April at 11am by
Glenys Mann, textile artist, curator and coordinator of Fibre
Arts Australia. This will be a free event with refreshments
served and everyone is welcome.
Events – Slidenight at Sturt
The next Slidenight at Sturt will be held on Thursday 3 May
5.30pm for a 6pm start and will include presentations by
two of Sturt’s new artists in residence for 2012. Kay
Faulkner is one of Australia’s most experienced
weavers. Kay completed her Master Weaver Certificate,
with distinction, at Ontario Handweavers and Spinners in
Canada. She has exhibited her work extensively in
Australia and overseas and is actively engaged in the
weaving sector as a writer, commentator, lecturer and
member of numerous professional associations. Tom
Mellor is an emerging ceramic artist with an interest in
woodwork and combining the two mediums. Last year
Tom was awarded a scholarship by the Tom Bass
Sculpture School. Tom completed his Bachelor of Arts at
the National Art School in 2000. Kay and Tom will talk
about their lives, work and inspiration for their art.
Slidenights include drinks, nibbles and good company. The
cost is $5 for Friends of Sturt and $10 for
guests. Slidenights are supported by Friends of Sturt and
all funds raised go to support the Sturt Artist in Residence
programme. For bookings call Sturt Gallery on 4860 2083
or email [email protected]
7
Friends of Sturt Gallery Excursion: The Friends of Sturt
have organised a trip to Sydney for Thursday 22 March.
The itinerary for the day will include visits to three galleries:
1. Object Gallery – Australia Centre for Craft and Design –
St Margaret’s Precinct, Bourke Street, Surry Hills. The
exhibition planned for March is “Storied in Form” – the
work of five designers.
2. Sabbia Gallery – 120 Glenmore Road, Paddington.
The March exhibition is “Tutti” glass by Ben Edols and
Kathy Elliott and is likely to be stunning.
3. Kerrie Lowe Gallery – this gallery specialises in
ceramics but also shows paintings/ prints and jewellery.
In addition to the gallery visits, lunch can be taken in the
Danks Street area where you can lunch at Sopra or one of
the many other cafés, shop at Fratelli Fresh or stroll
through the other galleries found in the area. The coach
will leave Sturt at 9am, returning at approximately 5.30pm.
The cost for the day trip is $25.00 for FOS members or $50
for non-members and bookings can be made through Sturt
Shop. We do hope you will be able to join us.
Full details of all Sturt courses, exhibitions, residency
programmes and events can be found on the website
www.sturt.nsw.edu.au or to make a booking or enrolment
call Sturt Shop on (02) 4860 2083 or email
[email protected]
student number which they keep across the next three
years of schooling.
The Record of School Achievement is provided by the
Board of Studies to eligible students to track progress from
Years 10 to 12. Students are required to study courses in
each year in Years 7-10 in English, Mathematics, Science,
Human Society and Its Environment, and Personal
Development, Health and Physical Education. At some
time during Years 7-10, students are also required to study
courses in Creative Arts, Technology and Applied Studies
and Languages. Courses in these Key Learning Areas are
studied by Frensham students in Years 7 and 8.
From 2012 there will be no external testing for Year 10 and
no award of the School Certificate. Students will continue
to be awarded a grade by the School for each of the
courses they have studied in Years 9 and 10. The grades
are based on a set of Course Performance Descriptors
developed by the Board of Studies. They indicate a
student's full range of achievements in each course,
providing a detailed report of the student's overall
performance. Grades are awarded from A-E. Further
information about Course Performance Descriptors is
available on the Board of Studies website at:
http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/schoolcertificate/sc_
cpd.html.
Mr Mark Viner, Head of Sturt
Please note that the Board of Studies website has not yet
been amended to remove reference to the School
Certificate but the information is correct with reference to
the awarding of grades.
Deputy Head
Following the Year 7 Weekend, Open Day, the Welcome
Dinner and Outdoor Education Week, the School has
begun preparations for the Year 10 Weekend scheduled
for 17 and 18 March. Other events of note scheduled to
occur in the next fortnight include:

IGSSA Swimming Carnival

The Cattle Show Team at the Moss Vale and
Robertson Shows

Year 10 Confirmation Service
Satisfactory completion of Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10),
followed by progression to Stage 6 (Years 11 and 12),
requires students to engage in all aspects of their
coursework to the best of their ability and to make a
serious attempt at all assessment tasks.
Over the next few weeks girls will be discussing their
extra-curricular involvement in their Form Groups. Year
Coordinators will be keen to ensure that the involvement
of each student is varied and at an appropriate level,
befitting the ethos of the School. If you are concerned
about the involvement of your daughter in the extracurricular life of the School, please do not hesitate to
contact your Year Coordinator or Form Tutor.
Recently, students in Year 10 were given an overview of
requirements for the new Record of School Achievement
(RoSA), with a calendar and summary of the various tasks
which will contribute to this. They are now formally entered
with the NSW Board of Studies and have been allocated a
Mr Geoff Marsh, Deputy Head / Director of Studies
Director of Boarding
The Open Day and Year 7 Parent Weekend was a
valuable opportunity to meet parents of new and existing
students and to share information to help support your
daughters, some of whom are boarding for the first time.
On Friday night, the girls were involved in a ‘Tip, Top, Tidy’
inspection of the Boarding Houses which caused a great deal
of excitement. The girls worked together as a community
preparing the Houses for visitors the following day.
Last weekend, girls shopped in preparation for this week’s
Camp and had a trip to the cinema on Sunday afternoon to
see ‘Hugo’. Girls also continued making craft items for the
Iris Country Fair. The School Service on Sunday morning,
prepared by Anne Moser, was on the theme of Happiness.
The following is an excerpt from a story read by Year 12
girls during the Service.
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‘There are some generous people who give only so that
people can see how much they are giving. They don’t want
to know anything about the people they are giving to. Other
generous people really try to help others, but only so that
they can feel better about themselves. But there are other
generous people: the best kind. To them it doesn’t matter
what the other kinds of generous people think of them. Nor
do they give in a showy way. Instead, they truly worry
about how best to improve the lives of those they are
helping. They give greatly of something much more
valuable than money. They give their time, their vision and
their lives. We still have time to change to this third, and
best, group!’
This coming weekend, on Saturday afternoon, students will
support the Show Cattle Team at the Robertson Show.
Also planned is a trip to the Powerhouse Museum to see
the Harry Potter Exhibition, on Sunday afternoon after the
Church Service at St Stephen’s.
Travel arrangements for the end of term have now been
submitted to CountryLink and they will notify the School of
the bus/rail times and connections. We ask all to note the
magnitude of CountryLink’s task to provide this service and
hope there will be no amendments or cancellations.
Mrs Amanda Barrie, Director of Boarding
Director of Teaching and Learning
Pen & Inkers’ Visit to Tangara School
Last Thursday, Year 12 students Zoë Price, Ainsley Maurer,
Jarra Robinson and Lauren Sullivan travelled five minutes
‘down the road’ to Tangara School, as representatives of
Pen & Ink 2011, accompanied by Mrs Kate Chauncy.
The purpose of the visit was to spend some time with the
children in the learning environment at their school in order
to understand more fully some of the challenges faced by
disabled children in the local community. The girls also
wished to donate the monies raised from the 2011
publication to Tangara School to assist the teachers to
purchase additional resources for their classrooms.
Tangara School has four classes accommodating students
with moderate-to-severe intellectual disabilities. Students
range in age from 4 to 18 years with each class having one
Teacher and one School Learning Support Officer. The
students travel from a wide geographical area: from Picton in
the north, Wingello in the south and Robertson in the east.
Each of the Frensham girls joined in one classroom for a
30-minute session prior to the whole school Performance
Assembly at 2.30pm. At the Assembly, the girls were
invited to join in the fun of ‘Hat Day’ activities, including
leading the singing and dancing of the well-known hit song
‘YMCA’ by the Village People, after being suitably fitted out
with the appropriate headgear.
Zoë Price, Head of Pen & Ink 2011-2012, spoke on behalf
of the School and Pen & Ink members and thanked the
teachers and students for inviting them to attend. A cheque
for $500 was presented to Assistant Principal, Ms Sarah
Alexander.
On their return to Frensham at the end of the school day, it
was noted by the girls that the afternoon visit was ‘one of
the best things we have done’ and, considering Tangara’s
school motto is ‘Learning for Life’, felt that the teachers and
students at Tangara had shared many valuable learning
experiences with them that would long be remembered.
Mrs Kate Chauncy, Director of Teaching & Learning K-12
Coordinator of Gifted & Talented Programmes English and Drama
English - Year 12 students have completed their first
assessments in all courses. The overall quality and calibre
of the submissions highlight the focus of the seniors in their
learning and their understanding that preparation for the
HSC is an ongoing process. Their maturity is evident in
their reflection and implementation of feedback and their
growing resilience, which are vital skills beyond the school
years.
Year 11 students are working on their first assessment task
which is a Feature Article, where they explore the concept
of Journeys thorough the poetry of TS Eliot and Robert
Gray. In Years 7-10 the programmes are being
complemented by Wide Reading, with Year 10 embarking
on a Book Club approach. Each English class has several
groups reading the same text and they meet in class
fortnightly to debate character, key thematic concerns,
style and language. They are recording their discussions
with an online reading log.
Public Speaking - On Open Day, Public Speaking was led
by Lauren Sullivan, Zoë Price and Madeleine Bowdern.
There were participants across all year groups with Alice
Hood and Madeleine Bowdern delivering thoughtprovoking speeches about Choices. Georgina Quinn
entertained all with her poetry recitation about patronising
elderly relatives and, from Year 7, Annabella Lewis,
Elspeth Robertson, Annabel Munro, Sadie Archibald,
Jessica Brooks and Matilda Martin shared their Frensham
experiences with family and friends. Their confidence and
honest, intelligent reflections were enjoyed by all present.
Drama - Year 7 Drama entertained their audience with their
concert items on Sunday. Laughter abounded with their
satirical examination of a range of topics, from the
traditional fairy tale, Master Chef and advertising.
Ms Lee McGuinness, English & Drama Acting
Coordinator
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Latin
In the Latin ‘class’ on Open Day, a mixture of Years 9 and
10 girls, with relatives and visitors, played Latin Bingo. The
numbers were called in Latin (some being rather long such
as undequinquaginta — literally ‘one from fifty’ — 49);
however, English translations were provided and the
numbers on the cards were our numbers, not Roman
numerals. There was much excitement when someone
had a full house and was able to call habeo, and win a mini
Mars Bar. Participants were also able to see the many
English words which are derivatives of the Latin
numbers. Mr Mark Hawker deserves special mention as
he has been the most loyal participant, playing for the past
five or six years (or perhaps longer) and generously giving
any Mars Bars won to one of the girls.
Year 10 Geography students at Rose Valley, Gerringong
Ms Liz Stephenson, Senior Latin Teacher
Japanese
Recently arrived at Frensham is a new Japanese assistant
teacher, Kaori Tsuruda, a friend of Akino who has just left
Frensham. Kaori will be staying in McCarthy until the end
of Term 1.
Ms Stephanie French, Japanese Teacher
Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE)
On Tuesday 21 February, Year 12 Geography students
spent a valuable day in and around the Minnamurra River
estuary obtaining first-hand information regarding the
operation of an inter-tidal wetland. They were able to see
how mangroves cope with salt water, the processes by
which mangroves colonise a river estuary and the human
impacts on an inter-tidal wetland.
Year 10 History students were able to investigate primary
sources for their assessment task on the Vietnam War
during their visit to the Australian War Memorial on Monday
27 February. They gained valuable insights into the
conditions under which Australian troops fought during the
Vietnam War.
On the same day, Year 10 Geography students visited the
Rose Valley, Gerringong, area to undertake the fieldwork
component of their assessment task. They were able to
obtain primary-source information relating to introduced
species, erosion, land clearing and water quality.
Representatives of Conservation Volunteers Australia
talked to the students about the work their group has
coordinated in the area over the last 10 years and the
benefits this work has had for local farmers, as well as for
the natural environment.
Year 10 Elective History students have begun an
assessment task related to the topic, Hitler and the
Holocaust. Year 9 Elective History students are studying
the Spanish Inquisition and associated changes to the
Roman Catholic religion. Part of this has involved
comparison to current world events such as the civil unrest
in Syria.
Year 9 Australian Studies History students are working on
an assessment task related to World War 1, while Year 9
Geography students have commenced an assessment
task examining the physical characteristics of a selected
region in Australia and a natural hazard associated with
that region. The current flooding in eastern Australia is
particularly relevant to this section of the course.
Year 8 History students are completing a unit on the Aztec
civilisation and have been working on a source-based
assessment task. Year 8 Geography students are working
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on an assessment examining the role of Non-Government
Organisations in dealing with global inequalities.
School Farm. Ms Harris will be in contact with them to
develop a roster for second term.
Year 7 Geography students have been designing a
presentation on a selected World Heritage Site for their
assessment, while in class time they have been learning to
use latitude and longitude. This is an essential skill for
geographers and will be useful to students in many other
situations.
Year 8 Riding for the Disabled: This continues throughout
the term. The second group of girls has had the opportunity
to assist with a morning session at the local RDA Club, and
they reported that they enjoyed the experience.
Year 7 History students are studying a unit on Ancient
Greece, focusing especially on using sources and
developing skills in source analysis.
Mrs Jacqualine McCarroll, HSIE Coordinator
Mock Trial - On Friday, Frensham’s Mock Trial team
travelled to Chevalier College to contest the first round of
the state Mock Trial competition. Although the scores are
not recorded for this round, it was an opportunity for the
girls to see how a Mock Trial is conducted and the
requirements of courtroom etiquette.
Frensham was the Defence in a case of alleged theft of
100 blue ray disks. The team on this occasion comprised
Lauren Zawal as Court Officer, Hannah Buschman as the
defendant, Sophie Brosnan as second witness, solicitor
Bianca Tini Brunozzi and barristers Hannah Hall and
Rachel Jin.
Frensham successfully defended Hannah against the
allegations and won the case, with the Prosecution failing
to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant
had, in fact, taken the blue ray disks. To do this, the team
worked well and were ably assisted by their coach, Mr
Chris Jowett, who edited and made suggestions on their
submissions. The girls’ preparation was demonstrated by
the confident way in which they delivered their addresses
and the cooperation among team members. The girls were
judged on their ability to execute the material and to rebuff
Chevalier’s evidence by applying the precedents set down
for this case.
They are congratulated on their successful Trial.
Ms Judy Bradley, Mock Trial Coordinator
Jamieson Programme
‘Exposure to challenges, in a secure environment, can
awaken in young people a belief in themselves which will
stay with them throughout their lives…’
Year 7 Frensham Studies: Students are continuing to learn
about the history and philosophy of the School.
Year 8 Farm Management: This term students will have the
opportunity to be in involved in farm management which
includes assisting in the general management of the
Year 9 Jamieson Programme: Last week students handed
in their reflections on Dr Bokey’s talk on health and wellbeing; they have produced some thoughtful, mature
reflections on the issues raised by Dr Bokey. On the next
Jamieson Programme day, students will visit the Auburn
Gallipoli Mosque and the Jewish Museum. Last week, in
preparation for these visits, students researched aspects of
both religions and presented them to the whole group.
Year 10: Students have started their programme of study
on Financial Literacy. All girls have enrolled in the Stock
Market Game and monitoring the rise and fall of selected
stocks, as well as developing an understanding of
investment strategies. Mrs Webb has asked them to keep
an investment journal which they will analyse in class later
in the term.
Ms Sharyn Stafford, Jamieson Programme Coordinator
Mathematics
Students begin school with a natural interest in solving
puzzles and problems, and an enthusiasm for measuring
and counting. Over the next few years, many come to
believe that Mathematics consists of rules which are
difficult and that Mathematics means solving rote problems
which are not connected to their reality. It is important to
convey to students that Mathematics is a dynamic exercise
to which they can relate.
To help students develop a positive disposition to
Mathematics and to mathematical activity, Frensham
Mathematics teachers:
 Convey their own enthusiasm for and enjoyment of
Mathematics and solving mathematical problems.
 Model persistence, confidence, self-reliance, flexibility,
curiosity, inventiveness, and enthusiasm during
problem-solving, and encourage students to imitate
those traits.
 Structure their lessons so that students have fun doing
Mathematics; of course, this should not diminish the
message that learning Mathematics is often hard work
and is not always exciting.
 Make Mathematics meaningful through the use of
concrete models and discovery lessons.
 Demonstrate the usefulness of Mathematics in
everyday life and relate Mathematics frequently to
careers. This is extremely important in the middle years
and in high school, as students begin to make choices
about their future.
11
 Consider students’ interests when planning instruction,
field trips, guest speakers and videos.
 Help spark interest and communicate the ever-present
nature of Mathematics.
 Promote students’ intrinsic motivation to learn
Mathematics by stimulating their curiosity, and provide
students with choices and some control over the
learning environment.
 Recognise that some students will take more time than
others to develop their understanding of a specific
topic.
(Adapted from NJMCF— Standard 17— Keys to Success)
“You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can
teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the
learning process as long as he lives.” ~Clay P Bedford
Ms Sue Wymer, Mathematics Coordinator
Music
Open Day and the Year 7 Parent Weekend always provide
a wealth of performance opportunities for Frensham
musicians. The Concert Band, Jazz Band, Kennedy Strings,
Junior Choir, Senior Choir and Madrigals all performed at
Open Day, as well as many individuals who either
practised their instruments in the Music Centre as guests
walked by their open doors or entertained Café patrons
from the balcony of the Schavemaker Centre for Science &
Technology.
It is usual for the Senior Choir to perform the anthem on
Parent Weekends but, for the Year 7 Service, they were
joined by the Junior Choir as they sang Be Simple Little
Children by Bob Chilcott. It is a complex yet pleasing
anthem and the choirs performed with maturity and
musicality, accompanied by Ms Sabine Madden.
In the Year 7 Concert, the Junior Choir sang once again
with a lively version of This Little Light of Mine. The
Kennedy Strings performed Ennio Morricone’s famous
theme music from The Mission - “Gabriel’s Oboe” - with
Kate Lee the solo violinist. The final item in the concert
featured all of Year 7 as they performed a piece using
garbage bins, sticks, spoons and broomsticks. They
played with great discipline and the dramatic ending was a
great finale for the concert.
Mr Michael Spencer, Music Coordinator
Science
New discoveries are constantly being made about
ourselves, our world and the universe. These discoveries
lead to changes in the way we communicate, travel, treat
disease, feed ourselves and spend our leisure time. Many
of these advances are made by scientists as a result of
asking questions and searching for answers through
experimentation and research. The inclusion of
experiments and practical tasks makes Science a
stimulating subject and recently Frensham scientists have
been conducting many interesting experiments.
Students in Year 8 have been applying their experimental
skills and knowledge of elements, compounds and
mixtures to making cosmetics such as bath bombs and
face creams. Year 10 students have been exploring acids
and their reactions with bases, metals and carbonates.
The Year 11 Chemistry class has been learning how to
write chemical formulae and applying this knowledge to
experiments on decomposition reactions. The Year 11
Physics class has been carrying out a series of
investigations to measure the motion of objects. Using data
loggers, ticker times and stopwatches, the student
physicists measure the velocity and acceleration of a
variety of moving bodies; the evaluation of the data in
these exercises helps to reinforce the concept of
Newtonian motion. Year 11 Biology students have been
investigating the Surface Area/Volume ratio of cells using
agar blocks with phenolphthalein to observe rate of
diffusion. They have also been using light microscopes
and red onions to observe osmosis and movement across
cell membranes.
Year 12 Chemistry students have been using Le
Chatelier’s theory to explain why soft drink goes flat and
have proven it through experimentation. Year 12 Physics
students are learning about induction and have used the
concept to test a model of electromagnetic brakes. Year
12 Biology students have been investigating microorganisms in food and water samples collected around the
campus by growing colonies on agar plates. They have
then used sterile techniques to plate up commercial
colonies of bacteria and investigate the effects of six
different antibiotics on the bacterial growth, using an
antibiotic disc.
It is hoped that through developing experimental skills and
enjoyment of Science at school, students will go on to
study a science-related course at university and maybe
one day make a discovery of importance to the world.
Important Science Dates – On 6 March 1475, Michelangelo
was born. While he is known for his works of art, he also
prepared extremely accurate anatomical drawings of the
human body and performed a number of dissections. On 6
March 1937, Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova was
born. She was the first woman to fly in space and one of
only four women to complete a space mission.
Mrs Alison Andrew, Science Coordinator
Sport
Wet Weather arrangements for Saturday Sport
Owing to the short season for all IGSSA sports, every
attempt is made to play the inter-school matches and
cancellations of Saturday Sport are rarely made before
12
Saturday morning, unless a venue notifies IGSSA that the
facilities will not be playable prior to this. Means of gaining
information concerning play:
IGSSA Website: http://igssa.ahigs.nsw.edu.au
SMS Weather Information: Using your mobile phone,
SMS your keyword to 19922767. Messages cost 55c per
message sent. Your keyword is the name of the sport and
the first initial of the venue; for example, playing Softball at
Frensham, TEXT 'softballf'. A return SMS will be sent to
your phone which gives you the status of your venue open or closed.
Equestrian News
From Thursday 2 March to Sunday 5 March a total of 32
horses, ridden by 20 students from Frensham and five
students from Gib Gate, under the leadership of Elizabeth
Hoy and Alice Scamps-Goodman from Year 12, entered
the NSW Interschools Equestrian Championships at the
International Equestrian Centre at Horsley Park.
While heavy rain continued both before and during the
competition, all events were held as planned, with only
minor changes made to the Eventing Course and some
venue changes.
Swimming
The Southern Highlands Twilight Carnival was held last
Monday evening and was a successful event for the
Frensham swimmers. In the overall point score, the
Frensham team finished second behind Chevalier
College. Two swimmers were awarded medals for being
Runners-up Age Champions: U/12 Molly-Rose Renowden
and U/15 Phoebe Crowe. Swimmers to gain first
place were Annabel Munro, Arabella McKenzie, Alice
Tanner, Sophie Montgomery, Annabel White, Chloe
Patterson and Junior and Intermediate Medley and 12/13
freestyle relay teams. The Frensham team comprised
Alexandra Alker, Jessica Alker, Airlie Blackman, Harriet
Cadell, Ruby Crane, Alexandra Crowe, Phoebe Crowe,
Annabelle Cruikshank, Claudia Cruikshank, Nicola Gorman,
Sabrina Graesser, Brooke Martin-Smith, Alicia McCarten,
Arabella McKenzie, Portia McKenzie, Sophie Montgomery,
Annabel Munro, Chloe Patterson, Molly-Rose Renowden,
Claudia Ross, Celia Stewart, Tara Stewart, Alice Tanner
and Annabel White. All girls are commended for their
efforts.
Acknowledgement is given to all team members who were
supportive of each other during the event and to parents
who gave so generously of their time in preparation for and
during the four days of the competition. The Team’s
results are still to be confirmed owing to amendments
to ‘placings’ advised since the weekend but we are
aware that the team placed either 1st or 2nd in the
Secondary Schools section – an outstanding
achievement...! (Final advice to follow)
Training has continued in preparation for the IGSSA
Carnival which will be held on Friday 9 March at the
Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.
Agriculture
Cattle Show Team
At the Nowra Show on Saturday 11 February, the team
comprised 13 students, with the following results:
Middleweight steers - 3rd "Gulliver", Fenella Milling;
Heavyweight steers - 3rd "Franky", Sophie Meredith;
Westons Steer Competition - 1st Sophie Meredith, 2nd
Fenella Milling, 3rd Annabel Locke, 4th Grace Ives, 5th
Caitlin Devereux, 7th Hannah Hall, 8th Tyler Smith-Mailler
and 10th Isabeau Gavel; Junior Paraders - 3rd Katherine
Reid; Intermediate Paraders - 2nd Isabeau Gavel; 3rd
Sophie Meredith, 4th Jessica Alker, 5th Fenella Milling, 6th
Grace Ives and 7th Annabel Locke.
Cross Country - Training will commence in Week 7 on
Wednesday and Friday mornings at 6.30am. All girls who
would like to be a part of the team must attend these
sessions for the remainder of the term. The IGSSA Cross
Country Carnival will be held on Friday May 11 at
Frensham.
Soccer and Basketball - Trials for Teams 1 and 2 for
Soccer and Basketball will begin in Week 7 on Tuesday
and Thursday mornings at 6.30am. All girls in Years 10-12
who would like to be considered for these teams must
attend these trials. If selected for Teams 1 or 2, they will
then continue training for the remainder of the term at
these times.
Mrs Jane Crellen, Coordinator of Sport
The Frensham Team comprised: Holly Arnott (10), Camilla
Arnott (9), Olivia Barton (7), Sophie Driver (10), Thea
Horsley (7), Annabelle Hoy (10), Elizabeth Hoy (12), Olivia
Inglis (8), Sophie Kooros (11), Isabella Lalak (9), Olivia
Lalak (8), Grace Lavender (9), Philippa Lawson (11), Lani
Maher (11), Francesca Osborne (8), Makayla O’Shanassy
(9), Madeleine Prell (9), Molly-Rose Renowden (7), Alice
Scamps-Goodman (12), Georgina Whatmore (11).
Mrs Trish Symons
Equestrian Team Manager, Interschools Competition
On Friday 17 February, 32 students competed at the
Kangaroo Valley Show. All competed in the Junior Beef
Judging Competition, where they had to judge Charolais
bulls, Angus heifers and Poll Hereford heifers, with the top
ten going through to the second (oral) round. In the Junior
age group the results were: 1st Ellie Ireson with 150 points
out of 150; 2nd Tyler Smith-Mailler; 3rd Annabel Milling.
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2012 Year of the Farmer
In the continuing series of stories from Frensham farming
families, Year 10 student Brooke Parr describes life with
her family: mother Junelle, father Rohan and older brother
Thomas.
Girls and cattle waiting between events at the Kangaroo
Valley Show
In the Intermediate age group, Annabel Locke, Emma
McCrabb, Fenella Milling and Paloma Gondar were
selected to go through to the second round and verbally
judge the bulls. Paloma is on exchange from Argentina
and lives on a beef-cattle property. She impressed (and
confused) the judges and audience by explaining her
choice of bulls in Spanish. Fenella Milling was placed 3rd
overall.
Other results include:
Westons steer competition - 1st Sophie Meredith, 2nd
Annabel Locke, 3rd Isabeau Gavel, 4th Grace Ives, 6th
Annabelle Cruikshank, 8th Jessica Alker and 10th Fenella
Milling. Lightweight steers - 2nd “Gulliver" led by Fenella
Milling and 5th “Felix" led by Clementine Retallack.
Heavyweight steers - 3rd "Reggie" led by Tyler SmithMailler, 4th "Charlie Brown" led by Annabel Locke and 5th
"Ferdy" led by Hannah Hall, Junior Paraders - 3rd Serena
Mackay, Intermediate Paraders - 1st Sophie Meredith and
5th Grace Ives.
Frensham went on to win the Herdsman Competition for
the best-presented team.
Old girls and former Co-Heads of the Cattle Show Team,
Tillia Withers and Georgina Milne, also competed on the
day and their assistance, instruction and support were
greatly appreciated by the team members. Grace
Ives, Sophie Meredith, Tillia Withers (OG) and Georgina
Milne (OG) were all selected to compete at the Sydney
Royal Show in the Paraders’ Competition.
Parents travelled from afar to support the Frensham team
at the Nowra and Kangaroo Valley Shows and their
attendance was much appreciated.
Ms Leonie Harris, Coordinator Cattle ShowTeam
The Parr Family of Hillston
We own three properties 32km east of Hillston. Coolabah,
our main farm, is about 2800ha, Weona is 1600ha and
Tara is 1400ha - altogether, about 5800ha. 1600ha of this
land is used for cropping wheat, barley, oats, canola and
field peas. The rest of our land is used for grazing 2,000
cross-bred ewes. We have started holistic grazing and will
eventually stop cropping and increase our sheep
production. We have bought some beef cattle to make the
most of the good pastures since the rain.
In 1926, my great grandfather Thomas Parr founded
Coolabah, producing sheep and cropping wheat. There is
an old gold mine on our property but it didn’t last very long.
Hillston is known for being where ‘the Lachlan meets the
outback’. The Lachlan River is the region’s main source of
irrigation and allows for large-scale production of cotton
and horticultural crops. Around Hillston, cherries, potatoes,
sheep/wool, beef cattle, almonds, cotton and olives/olive oil
are produced.
What I love most about living on a farm is the open space. It
inspires the imagination and isn’t clouded by cars and
towering skyscrapers. You can take some amazing photos
of the landscapes around home and there are plenty of
inspiring stories coming out of a life on the farm. Also, it is
wonderful having the freedom of being able to roam around
on your own land - you never get the feeling that you are
contained!
Visual Arts / Design & Technology
On Wednesday 22 February, all Year 8 students participated
in a Visual Arts incursion to the Upper and Lower Holt with
Mrs Spencer and Mr Alldis. Taking advantage of the
beautiful natural bushland which forms part of the Frensham
campus, students made a series of drawings, exploring
ways to depict receding space in a two-dimensional artwork
with quick, intuitive mark-making and organisation of tone.
14
Students were able to practise observational drawing skills
and techniques to render imprecise forms such as the
foliage of trees and expanses of meadow.
Later in the day students attended a demonstration and
workshop conducted by artist Ms Susannah Blaxill (mother
of Grace Jenkins (11) and Phoebe Jenkins (9).
Ms Blaxill discussed the importance of being free to make
marks in a drawing and not be restrained by a fear of
making mistakes. To emphasise this point, she talked
about using a pen instead of a pencil, so that all markmaking contributed to an image, eliminating the ability to
remove marks as is the case with a pencil. With a video
camera feeding directly into the Interactive Whiteboard,
students were able to watch her build up a succession of
loose marks to render tonally natural objects such as fruit
and seed-pods. Students also had the opportunity to ask
Ms Blaxill questions about her artmaking practice.
To conclude the day, all students moved back up to the
Visual Arts Studio where, under the guidance of Ms Blaxill,
they were able to apply the techniques they observed in
the Drama Studio to their own drawings of natural forms
collected from the bushland during the morning.
We thank Ms Blaxill for so generously offering her time to
share her insightful observations and unique skills.
Mr Phil Alldis
Coordinator of Visual Arts / Design & Technology
15
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Newsletter – Term 1, Week 6
This sheet is dedicated to all the news of the Fair and will be included with each newsletter.
The contact details for the Coordinators of each area can be found overleaf.
x Silent Auction & Raffle prizes needed - urgently
So far we have three prizes for the Raffle and need at least seven more things that are appropriate for a raffle.
Examples of Silent Auction prizes – holiday house accommodation, art, experiences (sky diving, ballooning, etc) fashion,
jewellery, cooking class, garden day, gourmet and dining packages…it really can be anything.
Please let Michele know if you have anything that you could donate - we need lots of things!
x Jobs vacant
Organisation for the Fair is well underway but we are still looking for Committee members to take charge of the following
Craft Stall
Raffle
areas:
If anyone would like more information about what is required to run any of these areas please contact Michele Scamps.
If you have anything suitable for any of these stalls please let the Coordinator know:
x Garden Stall
Coordinators: Jono Purvis & Jane Osborne
x Trash ‘n Treasure
Coordinator: Ros Buick
x Second hand books
Coordinator: Penny van Blommestein
x Vintage furniture & clothing
Coordinator: Susie Martin
nd
x 2 hand equestrian
Coordinator: Alison Lalak
x Cake Stall
Coordinator: Kirstie Whatmore
Kirstie is very interested to hear from anyone who would like to help her with making cakes, slices and biscuits.
x Produce
Coordinator: Helen Gooden
Thank you Helen Gooden for organising the Produce Stall – her contact details are now overleaf for anyone wishing to
support this stall. Produce can be fresh as well as processed such as eggs and fruit and vegetables.
x Fabric needed for Craft
All fabric and other haberdashery – no matter colour or weight – would be much appreciated for the Craft Stall. Please let
Michele know.
Michele Scamps
Iris Country Fair Coordinator
[email protected]
4860 2100
0414 26 00 55
Iris Country Fair Coordinators
4860 2100
[email protected]
0414 260 055
Fair Coordinator
Michele Scamps
Site Management
Mark Bowdern
0403 205 501
[email protected]
Entertainment
Foundation Office
4860 2100
[email protected]
Craft
TBA
Produce
Helen Gooden
0488 433 551
[email protected]
Catering
Melody Talbot
Rosie Mitchell
Jillie Arnott
Sarah Retallack
0431 908 654
0412 538 500
0428 321 638
0413 617 547
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Trash ‘nTreasure
Ros Buick
0418 282 308
[email protected]
Memorabilia
Fellowship/Jo Hawker
0408 843 356
[email protected]
Professional
Stallholders
Melissa Alison
Katrina Graves
0439 722 202
0419 288 879
[email protected]
[email protected]
Cake Stall
Kirstie Whatmore
0429 773 877
[email protected]
Raffle
TBA
2nd Hand books
Penny van Blommestein
0405 162 253
[email protected]
Vintage clothing & Susie Martin
furniture
Silent Auction
Foundation Office
0403 869 975
[email protected]
4860 2100
[email protected]
am & pm tea
Penny MacDiarmid
& Lisa Luff
0419 162 844
0429 833 832
[email protected]
[email protected]
Equestrian
Alison Lalak
0414 593 883
[email protected]
Camels, crocs &
creatures
Garden Stall
Foundation Office
4860 2100
[email protected]
Jono Purvis
Jane Osborne
0408 617 667
0417 011 455
[email protected]
[email protected]
Clean-up
Richard & Maureen
Bennetts
0427 068 433
[email protected]
Site Presentation
Rachel Arnott
Kaye Fuller
0428 785 511
0414 803 413
[email protected]
[email protected]
Parcel pick-up
Emma Knott
0413 753 562
[email protected]