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Welcome from the Head of Gawura
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A very big welcome back to all our families to Term 4 this year. I trust you have all had a restful break and it’s only 5 more months til the football season commences again!
We wish our Year 3’s all the very best as they head off to Kirrikee this week, followed by our Year 5 students next week. Year 6 will be heading off to their Lake Macquarie Camp from Wednesday 6 November to Friday 8 November. These are all wonderful outdoor education experiences that are part of our annual camp programs.
Our Gawura On Country Tour to Awabakal and Worimi Nations will take place later this term for all of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from Year 5 to Year 12. We will be exploring the areas of Newcastle and Port Stephens, hearing from local Elders about local culture and traditions.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarship that our Gawura students receive also includes the technology fees that other students’ families across SACS, need to pay for. Although there is no cost for Gawura families to receive iPads for K-2 students and laptops for Year 3 to 6 students, any damage to these school technological devices will be charged to your account on top of the term tuition fee of $250. Our IT Department are very thorough in their records and keep a photo of any such damage. All students are responsible for their devices and keeping them in good working order. If this is an issue for any Gawura family, can I ask that you reach out to me please.
This is traditionally the shortest term of the year but it is one of the busiest as we are still doing academic learning amongst a myriad of other valuable activities and you will receive your child’s Semester 2 Report in early December.
May grace and peace be yours in abundance.
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Mr John Ralph
Head of Gawura
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Key dates
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Monday 14 October
Term 4 commences K-12
Thursday 17 - Friday 18 October
Year 3 Kirikee Camp
Friday 18 October, 2pm
Year 6 Music Concert
Monday 21 - Friday 25 October
Year 5 Kirikee Camp
Monday 21 October
Andrean of the Year competition entries close
Wednesday 23 October, 5.30pm
Gifted and Talented Schoalrship Information Evening
Tuesday 29 October, 4pm
Parent seminar: Understanding anxiety in children
Wednesday 30 October
K-2 Sydney Zoo Excursion Bungarribee
Thursday 31 October, 6pm
Friends of SACS and Gawura Thank You Evening
Friday 1 November
Stage 2 Music Concert
Monday 4 - Friday 8 November
Anglicare Clothing Drive (start cleaning out your closets)
Friday 15 November
Closing date for Community Yarn Art Installation squares
To view all upcoming events visit our Calendar of key dates
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Our students working to serve others
Congratulations to Edward Chiu (5H) and Zach Beck (5L) who ran an election day sausage sizzle and lemonade stand fundraiser on Saturday 14 September. The two of them were non-stop from 8am to 4pm. They might have even eaten a few sausages accross the busy day!
Impressively they raised $814.65 for Gawura.
Mrs Rhonda Robson
Deputy Head of School (Primary) / Head of Junior School
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2024 Public Speaking Competition
During Term 3, Junior School and Gawura students participated in the annual Public Speaking Competition. The aim of the Public Speaking Competition is to provide students with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to express themselves clearly, with confidence and power in a variety of speaking situations.
Congratulations to all students who prepared and presented speeches, with a particular congratulations to those who represented their grade in the Public Speaking Grand Finals. The calibre of speeches and range of topics this year was outstanding and made for some difficult decisions for our adjudicator.
Well done to the overall winners and runners up of the 2024 Public Speaking Competition:
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| Kindergarten |
Elise Dethridge |
Aliya Jingyan Liu |
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| Year 1 |
Valentino Folino-Gallo |
Hannah Yik |
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| Year 2 |
Billie Cooney |
Nathan Meng |
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| Year 3 |
Ethan Ratilal |
Mia Tan |
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| Year 4 |
Lauren Elias |
Harris Shi |
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| Year 5 |
Paddy Bloxsom |
Violet Pendlebury-Simmons |
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| Year 6 |
Genevieve Williams |
Esther Davis |
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Miss Alix Vanny
Year 1 Grade Leader and Classroom Teacher
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WriteOn competition
Congratulations to Year 4 student Gabriella Lam, who recently won a Gold Award in the New South Wales WriteOn competition!
Gabriella was one of 18 Gold Award winners out of 740 entries from 450 schools across the state. She was also invited to read her story at the prestigious awards ceremony as the selected representative of Stage 2. Gabriella’s story, Inspiration in a Teacup, was based on Australian impressionist, Arthur Streeton’s painting The Railway Station, Redfern (1893) (pictured).
You can read Gabriella's story below.
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Inspiration in a Teacup
As I stared out my studio's raindrop dotted paned window, I took in the wet view of the city street. I held my worn brush dipped in oil paint and stared out at the darkened, overclouded sky enveloping the city like a wet cloak. The canvas was blank and so was my mind. Usually, I had a mind buzzing with ideas, but the rain had washed away my inspiration. How could I be an artist without a creative thought; it puzzled and exhausted me.
The typically busy street was cleared because of the rain emerging from the sky. Many people walked the streets, unprotected from the downpour. A clever few had umbrellas, safe like a tortoise under its shell. The privileged rode in carriages, pulled along by horses who seemed unbothered by the rain. One brilliant, yellow carriage stood out against the dreary scene. I saw it rattle over the street and heard the horses' hooves heavy, rhythmic clapping on the sodden ground, and the cracking of the whips against their backs.
My mind and eyes continued to wander until they landed upon the smoke billowing from the funnel of the steam locomotive at the distant station. I looked in amazement at the metal carriages cleverly tied together, connecting people across the city and even further. I glanced back across my studio and saw the ship inside a bottle given to me by my wife. It reminded me of my journey to Sydney; the memories of the long and tiresome voyage still hung with me. Eventually, I decided to disrupt my wandering mind and make a cup of tea to help recover my focus. I opened the pantry that revealed my polished teapot and porcelain teacup. I boiled the water on the stove and watched the bubbles popping, telling me it was ready. I reached for the tea tin, placed the leaves, and boiled water into my cup. I inhaled the wonderful aroma of fresh hot tea, which filled me with a sense of
calmness.
With my teacup in hand, I sat back into the chair where I painted and searched again for inspiration. Clumsily, I knocked over my teacup and it spilled onto my canvas. The puddle of tea reminded me of the drenched landscape outside and an idea illuminated immediately. Hurriedly, I wiped off the tea and grabbed my oil paints and brush. I dabbed the canvas with my brush to capture the scene outside; the light and greys of the rainy day, the bricked buildings that contrasted the leafy native trees, people hurrying about their day, and wandering stray dogs who skipped along the puddled road. The lone man dressed in black with his heavy shadow reflected on the drenched ground fascinated me. I knew now that it was particularly important to capture this inclement view outside my window; a moment in time, perhaps even a moment in history.
by Gabriella Lam
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Prime Minister's Spelling Bee
Congratulations to Liam Burman, Henry Dethridge, Emma Dowsett, Lauren Elias, Elliot Fok, Winnie Hong, Tristan Lau, Claire Lou, Maximiliano Medina, Vivan Neelamraju, Kushi Nireshwalia, Emily Ratilal, Ethan Ratilal, Pella Robson, Koji Takamura, Genevieve Williams, Tom Xue and Vanessa Yang for their selection in the State and Territory Finals Competition Round of the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee.
This achievement placed the students in the top 200 of all entrants from the School Competition Round; a fantastic achievement. We are delighted to share that Vanessa Yang progressed to the National Finals Competition Round and achieved fourth place in Australia. Well done to these students!
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World Scholar's Cup Global Round
At the end of Term 3, Aidan He, Sam McConnell and Jamie Tan attended the World Scholar’s Cup Global Round in Auckland.
As a team, the students participated in a range of academic events, including the Team Debate, Scholar’s Challenge, Collaborative Writing and the Scholar’s Bowl.
The students thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of each event, as well as the opportunity to meet students from around the world. We are excited to share that the team were awarded first place in the Cria team category and fourth place in the Scholar’s Bowl event, whilst also qualifying for the Tournament of Champions at Yale University. Congratulations Aidan, Sam and Jamie on this wonderful achievement!
Mrs Rebecca Lord
Gifted and Talented Coordinator Junior School and Gawura
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AMEB exams
Congratulations to the following students who have recently completed AMEB exams:
Monty Muston – Grade 3 Piano Video Repertoire – Credit
Dashiell Collier – Preliminary Violin – High Distinction
James Yeung- Grade 5 Violin – Honours
George Brun – Grade 1 Trumpet - Honours
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Genevieve and Claire tour to Orange with Sydney Children’s Choir
Congratulations to Genevieve Williams and Claire Lou who recently toured to Orange with the Sydney Children’s Choir.
The choir performed primarily the opera created by their conductor Lachlan Massey, based on the poem ‘Mulga Bill’s Bicycle’ by Banjo Paterson. The opera was humorous with several amusing parts, relating to Mulga Bill acquiring and then trying to ride a bicycle in a small town.
In addition to singing in the choir, Genevieve also did a short solo as part of the opera.
They performed it at Orange Uniting Church in a program with young singers from Orange Regional Conservatorium.
The choir then traveled to the ‘Dish’ in Parkes and then to the town, performing the opera and some additional songs in Parkes Uniting Church for local families who filled the church.
Then there was a performance of the opera at Orange Public School and then did a workshop with local school children.
Congratulations on being part of this wonderful tour, and for all the preparation and effort that went into the performances.
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Reminder: Ensembles in K-6 commence in Week 2
Please note that all music ensembles commence in Week 2, so there are no rehearsals for cocurricular music groups in Week 1. Please also save the date for the evening of 22 November, where our ensembles will perform at the music and art showcase.
Mrs Kate Robertson
Head of Music (K-6)
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Tim Harris visit
On Thursday 19 September celebrated author Tim Harris held three author workshop sessions with our Kindergarten through to Year 6 students in the beautiful Chapter House.
Originally scheduled for Book Week this year, Tim unfortunately fell ill in the busiest time of the year for authors!
During each of the sessions Tim, previously a primary school teacher, wove stories of his inspiration through discussions about each of his book series – ‘Exploding Endings’, ‘Mr Bambuckles Remarkables’, ‘Toffle Towers’ and ‘Ratbags’ - to reveal to our students how stories can come from the simplest things in life, like coming across a YouTube video of the smartest mouse in the world using a stick to crack a mouse trap and then take the spoils without danger!
Our students were entranced by his stories and amused by his antics. Overall, the experience was a wonderful example of the power of stories.
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Mrs Rachael Cosentino
Library Coordinator (Junior School and Gawura)
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Student Community Service Team news
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Donate unused clothes to our clothing drive!
The Community Service Team are running an Anglicare Clothing Drive in Week 4 of Term 4!
Students and families of St Andrew’s Cathedral School are encouraged to donate used clothes in good condition to our Anglicare Clothing Drive. The clothing drive provides a great opportunity to clean out your closets and for every item you donate, you are helping a member of the community who is in need.
Across Sydney, many families are struggling to support themselves amidst the cost-of-living crisis. The sales of donated clothes helps to fund Anglicare’s vital community services which help those in need, such as free food pantries, youth support services and financial assistance. Your donations are essential in supporting these services.
The clothing drive will take place in Term 4, Week 4 (4-8 November) outside the foyer of St Andrew’s House from 7.45am-8.25am.
Hanna Jones, Andrea Trahana, Keet van de Zande
Our Clothing Drive banner was created by Pyari Qureshi
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Gymnastics success
In the final weekend of Term 3, Vanessa (6W), Vera (4L) and Kamilla (3D) competed in the 2024 National Club Gymnastics Carnival in the Gold Coast.
Vanessa (6W) achieved second place in Category 2 freehand and third place in Category 2 ball trio, winning a silver and bronze medal.
Vera (4L) and Kamilla (3D) came eighth in Australia in Category 1 Ball quad.
Congratulations to all three girls!
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Mr Oliver Denny
Head of Sport Junior School
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What's on: upcoming events and activities
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Entries close Monday 21 October!
The 2024 Andrean Awards: Andrean Writer, Artist, Composer and Designer of the Year competition
Light
Inspired by our school crest, Via Crucis, Via Lucis (“the way of the cross is the way of light”), this year's Andrean of the Year theme is Light. Find more information here.
Entries close Monday 21 October. Don't miss your opportunity to participate in an original art, literature and music competition!
Judging and prizes
Entries will be judged on creativity, skill, audience engagement and originality in exploring the theme. Entries must be created in 2024 and no group entries are permitted.
Junior Andrean Awards First prize $100, runners-up $20.
Apprentices receive certificates.
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Join us for the Gifted and Talented Information Evening
St Andrew’s Cathedral School offers extensive programmes for gifted learners from Kindergarten to Year 12. Hear from our panel of experts to discover what research shows is best practice for gifted learners and then join the Q and A to ask questions about our programme.
Please reserve your place at the Gifted and Talented Information Evening on 23 October below.
Wednesday 23 October, 6pm-7pm
Upper Chapter House
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Join us for this informative seminar
Anxiety affects as many as 1 in 5 children and can impact the way they see themselves and the world around them. But when anxiety is recognised and addressed, it can become very manageable.
We are pleased to announce that coming up this term we will be hosting a seminar for all Junior School and Gawura parents and carers by author, psychologist and speaker Collett Smart to address this important topic.
This seminar will:
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Unpack the obvious and not so obvious symptoms of anxiety in children.
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Explore what feeds anxiety.
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Provide practical ideas for how we might talk about and work through anxiety in healthy ways.
Tuesday 29 October, 4pm-5pm
Community Hub, Level 4 SAH
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Celebrating with colour and creativity
As part of our 140 Year Celebration next year, we invite all members of our School community – students, staff, parents, grandparents, Old Andreans – to participate in a special Community Yarn Art Installation. Help us wrap the pillar at the front of our School with vibrant yarn squares in our School colours of blue, white and gold. Whether you knit or crochet, we would love you to be part of this fabulous and fun collaborative artwork. We welcome all skill levels, and we encourage individual creativity. We are keen for everyone to get involved.
It needs to be acrylic yarn to survive outside, and each square should be 20cm x 20cm in size. Please hand in your squares before Friday 15 November. For information on needle sizes, yarn thickness, stitch numbers and how to join this exciting project, please visit the link below:
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