Volume 54 No. 11

Sydney Grammar School

Leave Policy

Dear Parents,

The Headmaster, Dr Malpass, has issued a revised Leave Policy for the School as a whole, which is available on the following link (click here). The purpose of the revised policy is to continue, clarify and strengthen our long-standing approach of limiting leave for boys to essential matters so as to promote the effective operation of classes and classroom teaching throughout the School.

This policy will take effect in each branch of the School from the date of this Newsletter and will apply in full to all applications not received by that date.

Please direct any questions by email to the undersigned at senior.housemaster@sydgram.nsw.edu.au (Forms II-VI) or vmc@sydgram.nsw.edu.au (Form I).
 
Mr TC Watkins and Mr RBC Hesketh


HSC 2019 English: Standard and Advanced

Although the School did not run an English Standard class for Form V in 2018, we are hoping to offer an English Standard class for HSC 2019 for boys currently in Form V who feel that they would benefit from the different requirements of this course, after their experiences in English Advanced this year.

In past years, ATAR outcomes have complicated this choice, but we have been told that the application of the common scale for English courses will be done in a more sophisticated way in HSC 2019 and that this consideration should no longer restrict the choice to take English Standard instead of English Advanced, where that is a more appropriate choice for an individual boy.

The English Department will be providing further advice to boys on this question in class and one-on-one. Boys should speak with Mr Rudge (EPR) if they have questions about this matter.

HSC Supervisors

The School needs supervisors for the 2018 HSC Examinations (18 October – 9 November). The NSW Education Standards Authority pays a rate of approximately $20 per hour for HSC examination supervisors. Parents who do not have a child or near relative at Grammar sitting for the HSC this year are invited to apply. Supervisors must have a current Working With Children Check (WWCC). Please contact Marina Brun on 9332 5853.

Dr AD Stevens


Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme

A reminder that all hike permission forms for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Adventurous Journeys (to be undertaken in the upcoming September/October school holidays) are due by Friday 31 August. Forms received after that date run the risk of not being processed in time and hence, the hike not being counted towards a boy’s award. All qualifying expeditions must be undertaken with direct supervision under the management of the Collaroy Centre*, Camp Somerset, The Outdoor Education Group, Southbound Adventures or NSW Sport and Recreation. Parents should book and pay for hikes directly with one of the providers listed above and then complete the SGS hike permission form and submit this to me by the due date.

*Please note: a briefing session is compulsory for anyone doing their first hike at Collaroy Centre, no matter which level. The next briefing session is Thursday 27 September (the first day of the school holidays).

Please refer to the School website under ‘Other Clubs and Activities’/Duke of Edinburgh for further information, or boys can come and see me in my office, opposite WM3. The hike permission form is also available on the School website (please download the current form).

Boys in Form VI are reminded that they need to complete all components BEFORE they finish school either by the end of this term or after their HSC Examinations, otherwise they cannot be signed off by Sydney Grammar School. I need to know which option boys are taking so any Form VI boys intending to complete their awards, should see me urgently if they have not already done so.

Ms RM Fin

 


AMEB Musicianship Exams, Form V Music Competition Finals Concert, Classical Guitar Concert, Term III Concert, Form VI Music Dinner, HSC Performance Recital and Music Association

Lesson Cancellations

Please note that the following policy applies regarding the cancellation of private instrumental lessons. A letter or email must be received by the Music Department no later than the end of week 5 of a term for the cancellation of instrumental lessons to be effective at the end of that same term. Therefore advice for discontinuing instrumental lessons at the end of Term III 2018 must be received by the Music Department no later than Friday 24 August 2018.

 

Click here for the full article

Fencing

Twelve Grammar boys competed in the Senior National School Championships on Saturday 28 July in Sydney. The boys competed in two weapon categories; foils and epee. Ryan Lum (IV), Fabian Heyde (IV) and Patrick Cahill (V) experienced the atmosphere of a National competition alongside our senior fencers.

In the individual foil competition there were close matches between Orson Cairns (VI) and Harry Thawley (VI) and the semi-final matchup between Yves Fontaine (VI) and Sean Morota-Chu (VI). After five hours of fencing, Yves Fontaine (SGS) competed against Robert Ciccarelli (Patrician Brothers’ College, Fairfield) for the title of National Foils Champion. Grammar came away with three medals; Yves and Sean received silver and bronze medals respectively and Jean Luc Barbara (VI) received a bronze medal in the epee competition.

On Sunday 29 July, the First and Second teams were part of a round robin competition against Newington. On the day, Newington A proved to be a strong opponent but our First team defeated them, retaining the W.J.Ronald Trophy for the eighth year in a row. The medal tally from the National competitions included six bronze, one silver and four gold. This was a tremendous finale for the Form VI boys who have been fencing for the School since they were in Form II.

Rugby

The rugby club would like to thank and acknowledge the Women’s and Fathers’ Associations in their support of the ‘Buy a Bale’ drought relief fund on Saturday 4 August when Grammar played The Armidale School. Special mention goes to the after match speech of the TAS captain, who highlighted the struggles endured by the families of some of his teammates during the drought. The match also supported the Batyr ‘One Sock, One Goal’, aimed to ‘smash the stigma on the conversation of youth mental health’.

Winter Season

The winter season sports program concludes on Saturday 18 September with ‘Back to Weigall Day’ and the traditional final fixtures against Sydney Boys High School in football, rugby and volleyball. The Sports Department would like to thank both the Women’s and Fathers’ Associations for their support during home games in the winter sports season.

Cross Country

On Saturday 4 August, the GPS v CAS Cross Country Championship was held at the Sydney Boys High Invitational. Elliot Metcalf and Tom Davies represented the GPS. CAS won on a count back.

Sydney Grammar School is hosting the AAGPS Cross Country Championships on Saturday 18 August at Sydney Park. Parents, coaches and boys are invited to attend the end of season function to be held at Sydney Park at the completion of the Championships. I take this opportunity to thank senior coaches, Mr Keith Bateman and Mr David Winch, for their excellent work during the season.

Athletics and Summer Sports Season

The athletics season commences on Monday 20 August with all boys encouraged to participate and trial for the team that will represent the School at the AAGPS Championships on Saturday 22 September. Parents and boys are reminded that boys representing the School in athletics will not be disadvantaged for selection in First or Second summer sport teams.

Boys not involved in athletics will commence summer sports training on Monday 3 September. There are no Saturday fixtures for summer teams during the athletics season.

 

Term IV Fixtures

Fixtures are posted on the School website by 4.00pm Tuesday for games on Saturday. Draft fixtures are provided where possible but they are subject to change. Parents are reminded to check the School website as late as Friday afternoon for any last minute changes. Parents are encouraged to use the Sydney Grammar School App (click here)

 

Physiotherapy and First Aid

 A physiotherapist is retained by the School as a first aid attendant on Monday to Thursday afternoons (CS) and Saturdays during the summer sports season. On Saturdays, the physiotherapist travels with the First and Second basketball teams, with Grammar providing medical cover for other teams playing at College Street. After initial treatment, ongoing treatment can be negotiated with the physiotherapist. 

 

 

Parents and Friends of the Boat Club Association

Parents and Friends of the Boat Club Association Annual General Meeting and information evening for parents of boys interested in rowing, will be held on Tuesday 4 September at the SGS Boatshed from 7:00pm until 8:30pm.

 

 


2018 Exhibition of HSC Artworks

The Headmaster warmly invites you to attend the official opening of the 2018 Exhibition of HSC Artworks on

Friday 31 August
Drinks 5:45pm - 8:00pm
Level 6, Stanley St entrance
Limited parking will be available on the Middle Playground

Exhibition open for general admission Monday 3 - Thursday 6 September from 9am - 6pm.

 


The Blake Matthews Memorial Prize

The deadline for submissions is Friday 21 September. This writing competition is open to boys in Forms V and VI, and the writer of the winning entry will be awarded $200 for an essay, novella, short story, series of poems, short film, video or play. Please contact Dr Hughes for more information.
 
2018 Sydneian Writing Competition

Junior Division: Forms I – IV: prizes $100, $75, $50
Senior Division: Forms V – VI: prizes $100, $75, $50

The subject is open to individual choice, but entries should be suitable for publication in The Sydneian, i.e. not more than 1000 words. Please submit entries as Word attachments to jjh@sydgram.nsw.edu.au. The deadline for entries is Friday 21 September.
 
R.D. Fitzgerald Poetry Prize

The Fitzgerald Poetry Prize, named after R.D. Fitzgerald, an Old Sydneian and distinguished twentieth century Australian poet, was created to encourage boys to read and write more poetry.

The form chosen for this year’s prize is the sonnet. Boys are invited to submit one or more sonnets on a subject of their own choosing. They should be submitted as Word attachments to jjh@sydgram.nsw.edu.au by Friday 21 September. The winning sonnet will be awarded a book prize at Speech Day.

Dr J Hughes


UAC Guide, ATARs and Adjustment Factors, Scholarships, Educational Access Schemes and University Open Days

UAC Guide to University Courses for 2019

Boys in Form VI should pick up their copy of the UAC Guide to University Courses for 2019 from Mr Whild in SB10. Applications for Semester 1 2019 are now open. The early bird closing date for university applications is Friday 28 September 2018. It is essential that boys and parents read the UAC Guide carefully and be aware of all the requirements for university applications.
 
ATARs and Adjustment Factors

The UAC advises that universities have a number of schemes that allow for adjustment factors that may mean applicants receive an offer to a course even though they have an ATAR below the published cut-off. Examples include pupils with a strong performance in HSC subjects and those who have applied for consideration through an EAS (Educational Access Scheme). If universities allocate an adjustment, it does not change a boy’s ATAR but rather it changes his selection ranking. Please refer to University websites for more information.
 
Scholarships

Application forms for University Scholarships are available online at:

University of Sydney

University of NSW (UNSW)

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

Macquarie University

Scholarship applications generally close at the end of September or the beginning of October 2018, so boys must act now. Once the application form is downloaded from the University website, a School Statement of Support may be required and this is obtained through your son’s Housemaster. Due to the holiday period from Wednesday 26 September, boys must act now on their Scholarship applications. If boys require a Statement of Support or Reference from their Housemaster, the request must be made to their Housemaster by 3pm on Tuesday 4 September. Information about Equity Scholarships, which assist students from low socio-economic backgrounds, is available from the UAC.
 
Educational Access Schemes

These schemes are for applicants to university who have experienced long-term (normally for at least six months) educational disadvantage. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that their educational performance during Form V and/or Form VI has been seriously affected by circumstances beyond their control. Information and the application forms are at www.uac.edu.au. The EAS application should be discussed with Mr Whild, Ms Sewell or Ms Lambert (the School's counsellors).
 
University Open Days

These days are an opportunity for boys and parents to meet faculty representatives and tour campuses. The first of the Open Days is at the University of Sydney (www.sydney.edu.au/openday) on Saturday 25 August and on the same date at UTS Broadway (www.uts.edu.au) and then UNSW (www.openday.unsw.edu.au) on Saturday 1 September.
 
Careers and courses information is available from Mr Whild in SB10. He can be contacted at pjw@sydgram.nsw.edu.au

Mr PJ Whild


National Science Week and Science Beyond the Curriculum

Nanopillars: The New Bacteria Busters

Science Beyond the Curriculum is pleased to host a presentation by Professors Elena Ivanova and Russel Crawford on this fascinating and cutting edge technology. The event is on Monday 20 August, 6-7pm in Big School.

 

Click here for the full article

SGSWA events

Form I Dinner

The Form I dinner was held on Saturday 28 July and was very well attended by parents and Form I Tutors. Thank you to the host for the evening, Master of the Lower School, Mr Rollo Hesketh, in welcoming the parents. Thank you also to the parent helpers, Jasjit Baveja, Kris Jones and the parent photographer for the evening, Andrew Vitalis. Leah De Silva and all the staff at Nick's Bar and Grill did a wonderful job on the evening! Finally, a huge thank you to Jenny Booth for organising the evening. To view photos, click here.

Buy a Bale - Drought Relief Fund

On Saturday 4 August, Grammar hosted The Armidale School at Weigall. To support our extended rural community, it was decided that all proceeds raised on the day would be donated to the 'Buy a Bale' initiative in support of our farmers. Thank you to all the parents who assisted with the Weigall Canteen and to all the boys and their families who donated baked goods, their time, made purchases or donated money.

The SGSWA donated all $2,597 takings from the day. We would like to extend a thank you to Mr Lachlan Fear for coordinating the day.

Further donations may be made here.

Parents wanted for the Weigall Canteen and BBQ on Back to Weigall Day

On Saturday 18 August, JDS, LAH, GDL Houses and some Form I Tutorials will be attending Weigall to watch our First and Second rugby and football teams play. It is the perfect opportunity to spend an hour in the warmth of the Canteen or on the BBQ, working with other Grammar parents. We would love your support. Please drop in and help out and/or bring along some baked goods to sell (you don't have to bring home-baked goods).

The SGSWA run the Canteen at Weigall. Please add your name to the volunteer rosters (click here)
 
Volunteers required for Open Day Thursday 23 August

We are looking for volunteers to help out with the Open Day on Thursday 23 August from 1.15pm to about 3pm. Tours are led by masters and boys, and volunteers will help to answer questions prospective parents may have about practical aspects or their own sons' experiences. Afternoon tea will be served after the tours. If you are able to help, please contact Jenny Booth at sgswa@sydgram.nsw.edu.au

Form VI Leavers’ Dinner – Thursday 20 September

Invitations will be sent out next week for the Form VI Leavers' Dinner which will be held on Thursday 20 September at Cyren Bar-Grill-Seafood, Darling Harbour.
 
Grammar Shop

The Grammar Shop is open
Monday 12pm - 2pm
Thursday 12pm - 5pm
Friday 12pm - 5pm
 
For the Grammar Shop price list and order form click here

For the Grammar Shop roster, please click here
 
Tuckshop

For the Tuckshop roster, please click here

Second-Hand Textbook Sale for Form VI - Friday 14 September

There will be a sale of second-hand Form VI books in the Uniform shop on Friday 14 September, before school from 7.30am and at recess. More details of the books available will be advertised closer to the time. If any Form VI boys or old boys have books that are not needed and are suitable for sale, they will be able to drop these off prior to the sale day.
 
Key Dates for Terms III and IV

Thursday 20 September - Form VI Leavers’ Dinner
Thursday 14 November - Pink, Passion & Purpose dinner
Wednesday 7 November - AGM
Friday 30 November - receiving second-hand books for Forms IV & VI, sale day for Form IV
Monday 3 December - receiving second-hand books
Tuesday 4 December - receiving second-hand books
Wednesday 5 December - Second-Hand Book Sale

Form III Mothers’ and Guardians’ lunch

Please join us for an informal lunch:
Date: Friday 24 August
Time: 12 noon
Place: Barbetta, 2 Elizabeth Street, Paddington (Please note change of venue)
Contacts: Maryann Apte maryannapte@bigpond.com or Liz O'Connell liz_oconnell@hotmail.com
No need to RSVP, just turn up.

Form I Mothers’ and Guardians’ Dinner (Please save the date)

Please join us for an informal dinner:
Date: Thursday 6 September
Time: 7pm
Place: To be confirmed
Contact: Fiona Papadatos on fionapapadatos@gmail.com (Please RSVP to Fiona)

SGSWA.COM.AU

All the above information, calendar, contacts, second-hand instruments for sale and event information are available on the SGSWA website www.sgswa.com.au
 
Ms S Soorian


Back to Weigall Day and next Committee Meeting

Weigall BBQs - Winter Season

The SGSFA donated all proceeds from the BBQ on Saturday 4 August to the Buy a Bale drought relief fund. We raised $3,176 which included generous donations from patrons on the day. Our BBQ on Saturday 11 August was also well supported and a big thank you to all the fathers who helped out.

Back to Weigall Day

Back to Weigall Day is the last BBQ of the season and coincides with games against Sydney Boys High School. This is the biggest BBQ of the season, and I would encourage fathers to sign up for a few hours during the day to support the boys and the Fathers’ Association.

Committee Meeting – Thursday 6 September

The next Committee meeting with be held on Thursday 6 September. All Association members are encouraged to attend the meetings of the Committee, held at 6.00pm on the first Thursday of the months that fall during the term. The meetings are held at School, in room SB8 (above Mr Hesketh’s office), are quite informal and are generally over within the hour. If you need further information, please contact the Secretary, Steve Luker, at sgsfa.secretary@gmail.com 
 
Contact with the Association

Please feel free to contact the Fathers' Association about any matters of interest to you. The Association is only too happy to help in any way it can. The most direct method of contact is via email sgsfa.president@gmail.com

Our New Website

We have launched our new website located at www.sgsfa.com.au which includes links to the BBQ roster, our newsletters and other information. We welcome your comments or suggestions.

Mr M Scotter