It was fantastic to welcome our students back to School this term even though we are once again implementing COVID-19 safety routines. Term III is busy with many special events scheduled, not least that it is our Graduating Class’ final year of Senior School with all of the celebrations involved in this significant milestone.
Year 12 are all busily undertaking their HSC Trial Examinations until the end of Week 3. They have been dedicated and determined in their approach to this opportunity to test their study strategies and finalise their preparation for HSC examination in Term IV. Our Academic Mentoring Programme with Senior Students has ensured that each has clear insight into how they are tracking towards their goal ATAR and HSC result. This intentional and personalised input is highly valued by our students and they make the most of it.
In Week 1 I was privileged to be on the interview panel for our 2023 School Captain selection process. As I heard the applicants explain their views on leadership and the value of their School I was so encouraged by the calibre of young people who make up our School community. It is no surprise at all that TIGS students go out into the world and make an impact. For every available position, our class of 2023 students provide multiple quality candidates demonstrating self-awareness of their particular skills and interests as well as the determination to contribute to the community that has served them so well during their time at TIGS. I look forward to announcing the leadership team later in the term and to working with them in 2023.
Last weekend also saw the return of TIGS Snow Camp, another opportunity for like minded students and staff to enjoy a weekend camp improving their snow skills and having fun together. I attended this camp and thoroughly enjoyed the time away with 50 students and 5 staff. We were blessed with a superb blue sky day on Saturday but somewhat challenged on Sunday when the rain and wind set in.
Soggy, a trifle cold but undeterred we made the most of the time on the mountain and it would not be an understatement to say that most slept on the bus as we travelled home. I was delighted to receive many comments from camp leaders, our bus driver, ski instructors and the general public on the excellent way our students represented themselves and their School – well done! Most pleasing though was the way the Year 11 students on the trip naturally stepped into leadership and service for the younger and less experienced skiers, a spectacular demonstration of our culture in action.
In the Junior School our Year 6 students are working hard on The PYP Exhibition, this is the culminating demonstration of their learning through the Primary Years Progamme as IB learners and I encourage all members of our community to pop in and check out the learning that will be on display, it truly is a remarkable demonstration of agency, authenticity and action. Kindergarten celebrated 100 days at School last week dressing up in old fashioned costumes and having fun. The kindergarten teachers managed to age significantly in their 100 year old teacher costumes which was very funny for their students to see!
A reminder about personal presentation and uniforms. This term I have noted students mixing and matching sports jackets with the regular School uniform. This really detracts from the way our uniform and students present and is not permitted. If your child is cold, please layer additional skivvies etc. under the correct uniform and ensure that they leave your home looking fantastic. In the Senior School there is an additional need to ask students to either shave or remove earrings or additional jewellery. It is a huge distraction from positive interactions and our teaching focus to be put in this position with young adults multiple times per day and I seek the assistance of parents in correcting this behaviour.
I have instructed teachers to not give warnings or enter into negotiations regarding well established uniform expectations. This is a gross waste of learning and intentional time. Instead we will have to issue infringements – something we do not delight in doing! Parents can support by ensuring that your son or daughter is dressed appropriately as they leave home each morning and if this is not possible, by upholding the infringement (and detentions that will follow as they accumulate) as a matter for the students to serve and address their choice to not follow our reasonable uniform expectations. Your support is appreciated.
Shortly parents will receive a survey to explore how our parent association can best serve parents and the School, please keep an eye out for it in your inbox. I encourage you to take 5 minutes to complete the survey so we can hear from all members of our community.
