Last Thursday 9 August the JSGS held its annual Athletics carnival. It was a beautiful day and not only was the sun shining but our amazing Gawura students were shining as well. Mariah scooped the pool with five first place ribbons. Toni received three first placed ribbons and Jenarose one first place ribbon for their respective age groups. All of our students participated in many events and we look forward to the next round at regionals.
Our Year 5 students had an amazing time at the annual Canberra Camp where they visited iconic places such as the War Memorial, Questacon, Museum of Democracy and Parliament House. The Australian Institute of Sport also runs a fantastic interactive tour where the students took to cycling against the best in the world, running along a track and Toni showed her expertise in doing several chin ups.

Last Tuesday 7 August JSGS primary students also attended the annual Science Expo held at the Australian Museum in College St. You can see in the phots attached that our students had a wonderful time participating in the various experiments that were on display. Torey learnt all about how our vision is binocular but when one eye is not available we move to monocular vision and this impacted on our ability to land a ping pong ball into a paper cup.

Thank you to all the parents who have requested tickets to the JSGS Musical called Rats! Over 40 tickets have been allocated so far. The students are in full swing of rehearsals and look forward to the three performances on Friday at 12.30pm and 6.30pm and again on Saturday 25/8 at 12.30pm.

In other news I would like to advise you that we have secured the services of a very generous doctor in the city who is willing to see our Gawura students and their families free of charge (he will bulk bill through Medicare) if the need arises. Dr Shuo (Shore) Zhao is located at Level 1, 70 Pitt St, Sydney. You can book an appointment with him on any Wednesday and Friday morning between 8am – 12pm. The number of the practice is 02 9233 3399. We understand that many parents already have their own doctor that they use, possibly even through the Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) in Redfern but this is just another option for you to use if you choose to do so and one that is located in the city, near our school.

As usual our students are working very hard and producing some lovely work. The term seems to be flying by and we have many important events coming up so please see the 'Dates to Remember' section below including our inaugural Wiradjuri On Country Tour to Dubbo and Bathurst for our indigenous students in Year 5-12 coming up in September.

I wish you all a safe and pleasant fortnight ahead.

Mr John Ralph
Head of Gawura
 

Come along to the Junior School and Gawura School performance of Rats!

Based on The Pied Piper Of Hamelin by Robert Browning, Rats! retells the story with memorable music and lyrics. The rats who plague Hamelin are punks and the Pied Piper has the charisma of a rock star! The characters are charming, the dialog is witty and the 15 fun-filled songs will entertain the whole family.

Please note: this week an information note is being sent to all of the Junior School and Gawura School with information regarding Rats rehearsals, costuming and makeup. Please check your email and let your child’s class teacher know if you have not received it.

Thank you to our generous sponsors!

Thank you to our generous sponsors for supporting Rats the Musical - Willard Public Affairs Pty Ltd, Darling Street Anglican Church, Smart Wealth Advisors and the Baker Worthington Institute.

Ms Lyn Jarvis
Director of Community Engagement
ljarvis@sacs.nsw.edu.au

On Thursday 2 August, Kindergarten celebrated a milestone of 100 Days at school! We celebrated with a delicious cake, which Dr Collier kindly cut for us, some balloons and a very special crown that we got to wear all day. In the past 100 days Kindergarten have learnt to read, write, spell, count and think amongst many other things. We have learnt that school is an exciting place to be and the Class of 2030 are looking forward to another 100 days of school!

On Monday 6 August, all of Year 5 from St Andrew's Cathedral School gathered all together to go on a very exciting school excursion to Australia’s capital city, Canberra. We hopped on the bus and said a sad but exciting goodbye for two nights and three days to all of our families. When we arrived in Canberra we headed to The Australian War Memorial. During this experience, we had the opportunity to reflect on all the brave men and women that had fought for our country.

After a fabulous dinner we were off to the Australian Institute of Sport where some professional athletes gave us a tour. We had a lot of fun playing a whole lot of games even competing against our friends.

Other highlights included a windy boat cruise on the river, Questacon and of course both new and old houses of Parliament. We visited The House of Representatives and The Senate and learnt about voting and how a bill is passed.

All in all, it was a fantastic trip that we will all remember, especially the 67 packets of fries the teachers ordered for us on the way home.

- Kiera Munzone and Eva Paku (5B)

Congratulations to Bianca Zhu. Bianca attended the Singapore Western Music Championship last week and was awarded a silver prize in violin. Bianca achieved an excellent result, however, she also felt that her character strengths of being courageous and persistent were her biggest achievements. Fantastic work, Bianca.

Daniel Hu performed in the St George Eisteddfod during the holidays on piano. He achieved 3 Highly Commended certificates for all the entries he performed in. Well done, Daniel.

Eva Dewar achieved a fabulous result of honours in her recent Oboe examination. Oboe is one of the hardest instruments to master, so this is a very high accolade for her.

RATS! The Musical is coming together well. I apologise for the overload of information, but please support us – we are working with the whole of the Junior School and there is a lot of information going out.

Ms Sarah Turner
K-6 Leader of Learning Music

On Thursday 9 August we had our annual Junior School and Gawura Athletics Carnival at ES Marks Athletics field. It was a fantastic day for students to compete in a range of track and field events. It’s the last major carnival for the year and it was impressive to see the support the students had for each other, regardless of house. Congratulations to all students who competed and particularly those who earned ribbons. Athletes will be notified if they’ve made the ASISSA carnival in the coming weeks.

Junior School and Gawura have been competing in a local Rugby 7s competition on a weekly basis throughout Term 2 and 3. They have done an outstanding job representing the school, both on and off the field. They won the majority of their games each week and have developed into fine young rugby players. Congratulations too all of the Junior School and Gawura rugby players!

Mr Tony Dunseath
PDHPE Teacher

Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) 2018

Congratulations to the following students who have completed their challenge:

Lachlan Goddard, Whitney Leung, Thomas Trott, John Cameron-Murphy, Tennille Edbrooke, Christopher Macfarlane, James Yeung, Leon Hoerr, Nicholas Borland, William Wheeler, Ruby Burton, Chantilly Ho, Phillip Jorden, Juseong Nam and Rafael Henderson.

The PRC closes on 31 August. That is just a few weeks away. So if you intend to complete the challenge this year and be celebrated at the end of the year as an incredible reader then finish your reading and entering now!

Parent / Teacher Challenge 2018

Come on teachers and parents. Grab a book and read alongside your child/ren and complete the Parent / Teacher Challenge this year.

Congratulations to the following amazing reading role models:
Mrs Smallwood, Mrs Newling and Mrs Ford (1F)
Requirements for completion:

• Read any six titles (in any language)
• Email me spaul@sacs.nsw.edu.au the titles and I’ll add you to our wall of wonderful reading role models.

Book draw

Finished the PRC for 2018? Well don’t stop reading!
The Junior School and Gawura library have a new challenge for you. Pick up an entry form, read any ten books, complete the entry form and return it to Mrs Paul for your chance to win a book of your choice. There’s two draws this term and you can enter as many times as you’d like.

So, the more you read the more chances you have of winning!
What are you waiting for? The third draw will take place next week (week 4) so get your entries in today.

Gregg Dreise visited SACS

We had the incredibly talented author/illustrator/musician/teacher Gregg Dreise in to share his culture, love of storytelling and passion for teaching with all of the Junior School and Gawura.  Gregg is a descendant of the Kamilaroi tribe, from south-west Queensland and north-west New South Wales. He is currently a teacher in the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland and the author/illustrator of four books; Kookoo Kookaburra, Silly Birds, Mad Magpie and I open the door.  He had everyone engaged, active and spellbound for the whole hour he shared with each stage.  The school was left buzzing and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

I still have a couple of signed copies of Mad Magpie and Silly birds if you’d like a copy of your own to relive the magic. They are $25 each and can be purchased from the Junior School and Gawura library on level 7… first in will be those whose secure their copy.

Book Week is coming!

The theme this year is “Find your treasure” and we’re challenging you to look beyond the obvious and really consider why you’re dressing up as that character this year.  What makes them your treasure?  What character attributes and strengths do they possess that makes them so important to you?  Are they courageous, servant-hearted, knowledgeable, persistent, caring or maybe principled or balanced?

Remember your book for the parade (Friday 31/8) and get geared up for an incredibly talented author and illustrator duo coming during book week to present with each stage… more about them soon!

“Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” ― R.J. Palacio, Wonder

Ms Svetlana Paul
Junior School and Gawura Teacher Librarian

Congratulations to the Gawura students who were awarded Heart Mind Life Awards:

Kayliah Keegan - Mind Award
For being a wise, discerning and reflective student.

Toni King - Mind Award
For being a curious student and asking good questions.

Friday 7 September, 7.45am

Join Junior School and Gawura for the 2018 Spring Breakfast to celebrate the fathers and uncles in our students’ lives.

Bring along your best ‘dad-joke’ to compete in the ‘dad-joke’ competition.

Bookings close Friday 31 August - please email Mr John Ralph if you would like to attend.

This competition will recognise the top three entries from the Junior School for both writing and art, with the winners announced at the Evening of Celebration and Prize-giving in December.

Australian Bush Stories

Stories must be set in the Australian Bush. Student name and Year level clearly labelled.

Entries can be handwritten or typed and max word limits are as follows:

• Kindergarten – 100 words
• Year 1-2 – 200 words
• Year 3-4 – 400 words
• Year 5-6 – 1000 words

Please hand to or email: Junior School Reception jsreception@sacs.nsw.edu.au with the subject title 'Bush Story'.

Australian Bush Artwork

Entries must be A3 size, no more than 5mm thick, student name and Year level clearly marked.
Painting, textiles, drawing, printmaking, photography, graphic design, etc.

Artwork must be set in the Australian bush.

Please submit Year K-6 entries to Junior School Reception

Competition details and prizes

Winning entries will be judged on creativity, skill, engagement of the audience and originality in exploring the theme. Entries must be composed this year and no group entries are permitted. Plagiarism will result in disqualification.

1st Round:

Junior School and Gawura entries are judged by Mrs Robson (Stories) and Mrs Edwards (Artworks). Finalists will receive certificates.

2nd Round:

The finalists will be judged by Dr Collier

Junior Andrean Writer and Artist of the Year

• Junior Andrean Writer of the Year
  $120 voucher – Announced at Evening of Celebration and Prize-giving.

• Junior Andrean Artist of the Year
  $120 voucher – Announced at Evening of Celebration and Prize-giving.

Who will be your inspiration?

May Gibbs, Normal Lindsay, Banjo Patterson, Henry Lawson, Sally Morgan, Albert Namatjira, Mem Fox, Ken Done, Tom Roberts, Sidney Nolan, Fred McCubbin, Grace Cossington-Smith.

Parents of gifted children and any other SACS community members who are interested in the education of Gifted and Talented students are invited to a movie event and panel discussion on teaching the twice exceptional.

Hosted by the Gifted Families Support Group and St Andrew's Cathedral School, the movie follows the teachers of Bridges Academy in Los Angeles as they develop innovative strategies to engage and educate the unique minds of highly gifted and talented students with learning differences or disabilities.

Our own Director of Specialised Learning, Penni Maher, will feature on the panel discussion.

Event details:
When: Wednesday 29 August, 6.30-8.45pm
Where: St Andrew's Cathedral School

Winter uniform requirements for Term 2 and Term 3

St Andrew’s Cathedral School is one of the most visible schools in NSW with students moving between buildings throughout the day, seniors visiting the Town Hall Arcade during lunch and over a thousand of our students catching public transport all over Sydney and beyond as they travel to and from school. Parents send their children to St Andrew’s because of its high standards in academic, pastoral care, co-curricular and Christian education. In turn, St Andrew’s has high expectations of students. Literature also shows that good uniform standards lead to reduced discipline problems, an increased sense of belonging and higher academic engagement and standards. It also shows pride in the school.

Winter uniform is to be worn from the beginning of Term 2, students have been reminded of our uniform standards.

Below is an outline of the topics that have been discussed:

• Hair – to be neat and tidy. Hair cuts must be conventional and unlikely to cause comment. No shaved sections, no facial hair. Girls’ hair to be completely tied back; boys’ hair to be cut above the collar and eyebrows.
• Shirts & Ties –shirts must be tucked in, top buttons done up and boys’ ties worn correctly at the neck. Shirt sleeves not to be rolled up.
• Blazers – to be worn to and from School and between buildings. (If it is very hot, I will communicate to students a variation to this rule on the day)
• Jewellery – no rings, bracelets, necklaces. Only one pair of earrings for girls - small sleepers or simple studs only. No other piercings allowed. No earrings for boys.
• Makeup – no makeup or nail polish allowed.
• Sport Uniform – students to wear SACS tracksuit/sports uniform to and from venues.
• Shoes – black leather traditional school shoes. No casual style allowed. Please see student diary for allowable styles.
• Socks – Boys must wear grey or black socks. Girls must wear white plain socks that sit above the ankle. Socklets are not allowed.
• Skirts – skirt hems should be at the knee. Skirts must not be rolled.

Please be aware that these expectations and standards remain applicable to the very last day of the school year. For those who have winter uniform requirements, please contact Mr Ralph or the Uniform Store, on 9286 9547 for a fitting time.

• Please label all new (and old) items of uniform.
• The Uniform store normal Hours of Operation are:
• Monday – Wednesday – Thursday  |  8am to 3.30pm

Wiradjuri Language Nest – Gawura and SACS parent workshop

The parent Wiradjuri workshop has started for 2018. This is an amazing opportunity to support and contribute to the revival of Indigenous languages. I am delighted to say that the program is absolutely free. The weekly workshop is on Tuesday afternoons, 3.15pm-4.15pm and is open to all Gawura/SACS parents and family members.

Please contact Mr Ralph on 0411 040 193 if you are interested in joining the group.

Uniform Store

For those who still have 2018 uniform requirements please contact the Uniform Store, on 92869547 for a fitting time. Remember that students in Kindergarten to Year 6 wear the same uniform so please label all items of uniform.

Mobile phone use

Older students, who travel to and from school on public transport and have a mobile phone, need to ensure that they are switched off during the school day and kept in school bags or handed to your child’s/children’s teacher each morning.

Health Centre

Please send in a note detailing any daily medication needs. Daily medication is to be dispensed by the School Nurse at the Sick Bay. Any medication to be dispensed by the School Nurse must be given to the nurse in its original box (containing the prescription label and your child’s name).

Absences

If your child/children are absent from school, I ask that you text or call Neal on 0439 653 334 or the Reception on 9286 9500 before 9am to notify us. The school requires a note from a parent or guardian explaining any absence from school.