Discovery

Dear Parents/Guardians,

“Popcorn is prepared in the same pot, in the same heat, in the same oil, and yet, the kernels do not pop at the same time. Don’t compare your child to other children. Their turn to pop is coming.”

Unknown 

As we head towards the half way mark of Term 4, we begin to shift our focus to planning and organising for the 2020 school year.  Throughout the last couple of months, myself and the Senior Leadership Team have reviewed and sought feedback from staff, students and other Schools about our current 8 period / 5 day timetable.  The outcome of the review determined that the timetable would be more beneficial to both students and staff if it was changed to a 6 period timetable over a 10 day cycle in the Senior School with the same timetable repeated in Week A and B in the Junior School effectively maintaining the 5 day timetable for the Junior School (see below).

I have no doubt this change will bring about positive outcomes and allow students more quality time learning with their teachers.

Over the last two weeks we’ve spent time recruiting for vacant staff roles in 2020 and newly created positions in the Senior School.  Applications were of a very high standard which allowed an excellent field to choose from.  I’m pleased to announce the following appointments who will join the Casey Grammar community in 2020.

Peter Shepherd joins us as the Head of Student Wellbeing as Ms Dourios has accepted a Deputy Principal position within the Catholic School sector. Peter has spent the last 5 years at Brighton Grammar School and is currently the Deputy Head of Secondary School (Years 9/10). Peter also spent 3 years at Brighton Grammar as Director of Operations (Year 7-12).  Peter has implemented many pastoral care programs and is passionate about student wellbeing. Peter holds a Bachelor of Teaching and a Masters in Educational Leadership.

Craig Townsend joins us our Head of Teaching and Learning. Craig has spent the last 12 years at Peninsula Grammar School where he held various roles including, Director of Academic Peak Performance, Head of Senior School and most recently Deputy Head of Senior Years - Learning and Curriculum. Craig holds a Bachelor of Education and a Masters of Arts (History) and has taught VCE History for many years.

Gwendoline Hackel joins us as Acting Head of Booth House and Acting Head of French whilst Madam Morgan is on long service leave. Gwen is currently employed at Carey Grammar School where she teaches VCE and IB French. She has held various coordinator roles during her career and was a House of Head at St Catherine’s School. As well as teaching in Victorian schools, Gwen has taught in Tasmania and in the UK, and completed her studies, including her degree, in France.  Gwen is currently completing her Masters of Education in Leadership and Management at Melbourne University.

Shelley Pendlebury will join Casey Grammar as the Head of Mathematics. Shelley is a highly respected Mathematics teacher and joins us from Woodleigh School. Shelley currently teaches Units 1, 2, 3 and 4 in Maths Methods and is also able to teach Specialist Maths. I wish Mr Drinkwater all of the best as he embarks on a new journey.

Along with the new staff joining us, there have also been some internal appointments which are as follows:

Cathy Marchmont has accepted the role of VCE Coordinator (re-introduced to CGS in 2020). Cathy has been the acting Head of Teaching and Learning at CGS and will remain in her tenured position as Head of Humanities in 2020. Cathy is directly responsible for Geography and History.

Ryan Subban will continue in his role of Head of Commerce at CGS in 2020 and beyond and will continue to lead staff and curriculum in Legal Studies, Business Management, Accounting and Economics, including Australian Citizenship.

Tegan West will return from maternity leave and has been appointed as the Head of Daily Operations (Year 7 - 12) for 2020 and will continue to teach Humanities. This role manages the daily organisation of the Senior School and assists with the development of the timetable.

Fern Schreuder has been appointed Acting Head of Sport for 2020 whilst Emma Garby is on maternity leave. Fern has previously been School Sport Victoria (SSV) District and Division Coordinator.

Congratulations to the above mentioned new staff who I look forward to working with next year. Junior School appointments for 2020 will be announced in the next Discovery newsletter. For our departing staff members, I wish you all the very best in your new roles. 

2019 will be the last time we see our students in their burgundy blazers after a five year transition to the navy blazer.  The opening times for the Uniform Shop are noted later in this newsletter. 

Finally, a reminder that next Monday is a student free day and Tuesday is the Melbourne Cup public holiday.  Enjoy the extended break and for those headed away, safe travels. 

Mr Richard Baird MBA, B.Ed, ASAM, MACE, MACEL

Principal 

A highlight for CGS recently was the Valedictory celebrations for our graduating class of 2019. It was a pleasure to attend the assembly and the dinner which were both opportunities to celebrate the educational journey of these students. As always, the presentation of certificates to our students who have spent their entire thirteen years of schooling at CGS brought a lump to my throat. These students enjoyed receiving their certificates from their Prep teachers from 13 years ago, Mrs Torcasio and Mrs Bouman. It only seems like yesterday that they were starting their journey in our Prep classrooms and I am so very proud of the young adults they have become today. Best of luck to all our Year 12 students in their exams and their future endeavours.

After farewelling our Year 12 students, this week we also welcomed our 2020 Prep students to our school for their second and final transition session. Both sessions have been extremely successful and a valuable exercise for both our new students and our staff. The activities that were set up for the children, both indoors and out, were a fabulous introduction to our Early Years program. We look forward to welcoming these students back as they commence their educational journey in 2020.

This past fortnight has involved many Sporting opportunities for our students. Firstly, our Year 3-5 Swimming program at Casey Race kicked off last week. This program will continue most Mondays this term and is a valuable part of our compulsory Physical Education curriculum. Six of our students participated in Regional Athletics at Casey Fields recently. Well done to each competitor on their sportsmanship and efforts. The standard at Regionals is extremely high and each of our students did us proud. Students in Years 5&6 were also involved in a Cricket Gala Day last week and then a Football Gala Day this week. All our teams competed well and had fun. Other schools mentioned the excellent behaviour of our girls in the Cricket team to Miss Nolan who was understandably proud. Well done to these students. Congratulations to our girls' A Cricket team who won their grand final. Our students in the boys' Football A team deserve special mention too. After winning seven matches in a row in the heat, they made it into the Grand Final where they were unfortunate to be beaten by the better team on the day. Despite the mixed results, Mr Batey and Mr Newham were very proud of our footballers. Finally every P-6 student participated in our Jump Rope For Heart Jump Off last week. While having fun and keeping fit, our students also donated money to the Heart Foundation, a very worthy cause. The money that is donated is put towards lifesaving research and health projects, ensuring Australians have the best cardiovascular health in the world. Thanks to all our teachers who have been involved in these worthwhile sporting opportunities and special thanks to Mr Batey for his thorough planning to ensure these events are possible.

Last week saw our Leaver House students host our Assembly. It was a pleasure to watch these proud Leaver students entertain us by showcasing many different heroes. We heard about Sir Donald Bradman, Olivia Newton-John, Michelle Payne, Steve Irwin, Dylan Alcott, Neale Daniher, Simpson and his Donkey and Reverend John Leaver. These heroes display the qualities and values of respect, integrity, compassion, inclusion and excellence that we as a school stand by. It was wonderful to learn more about Reverend Leaver, who Leaver House was named after and who was instrumental in beginning our wonderful school. It was an honour to have been married by him and have had my three children baptised by him in our Secret Chapel in our Library. Bravo to Mr Bell and his Leaver students!

Prep C’s assembly this week showcased learning in the Early Years. The students performed the play, “The Witch who Just Needs a Chum”. They chose their own characters, wrote the script and then worked collaboratively to develop the script further using rhyme. The creativity demonstrated by our students emphasised their personality traits, abilities and skills. Their slide show was an example of how children learn in many ways and through many different ‘hands on’ experiences. It is truly amazing how capable our Prep students are. What an outstanding performance, congratulations to Mrs Bouman and her talented students.

Finally,  I'd like to wish everyone a relaxing, enjoyable long weekend and I look forward to welcoming our students and their families back next Wednesday, ready and refreshed for our busy last weeks of Term 4.

Mrs Melissa Roberton

Head of Junior School

We have a Monday morning group who help maintain the veggie garden from 9:00am - 11:00am. If you can spare half an hour or more in this time slot and would like to help out, you are most welcome.

No gardening experience is required.

For those who don’t know, the garden is located at the rear of the School, between the Tennis Courts, the Senior Science Building and the New Maintenance Shed.

The students have been busy planting summer veggies including corn, sunflowers, beans, tomatoes, basil, pumpkin, squashes, watermelons, zucchinis and more. We also have 9 chooks and 2 quails. We have an orchard with 16 fruit trees. Many will produce fruit this summer. As well we have composting bays to show students how we can recycle. A hot house and green house help us to fast track the seedlings that we saved from seeds from the garden.

If this sounds like something that you would like to do please contact me in the Library for further details.

Mr Mal Dunkley

Junior School Teacher

Regional Athletics

Last Monday, six students participated in Regional Athletics at Casey Fields. Well done to Harrison Brewster, Tanisha Thoresson, Shae Culpin, Ruby Van Brakel, Stella Kinna Tillbrook and Shamita Ah-Tong Pereria on their excellent efforts at this very high-level event.

T20 Cricket

Last week, selected Years 5/6 students participated in Cricket Victoria’s Big Bash district day at Casey Fields. The weather was perfect, the music was playing and lots of fun was had. Well done to all four teams on their sportsmanship and participation, and to our Boys A team, who went down in the grand final. Congratulations to our Girls A team, who won the grand final, and will now participate in the Regional Event in the near future! Thank-you to Ms Nolan, Ms Frangalas and our Year 9 sport coaching students who attended and assisted with scoring, umpiring and coaching.

Jump Rope for Heart

Thank you to all students and families who participated in our Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser. We raised a total of $1,836 to go towards the Heart Foundation’s lifesaving work. Congratulations to Alma in Year 4 for being our highest fundraiser, collecting a total of $549! It was great to see so many teachers and students actively involved in our Jump Off day last Wednesday. Thank-you to all those classes who came out to show off their tricks and skills!

AFL Gala Day

This week several Year 5/6 students competed in the Melbourne Football Club's - AFL 9s GALA day at Casey Fields. It was a perfect sunny day, and both our boys and girls teams played exceptionally well. Special congratulations to our boys team who were runners up in the grand final. Thank you to Mr Newham and our Year 9 sport coaching students who attended to help out on the day.

Mr Jeff Batey

Junior School PE

Canteen

A reminder that the PAC canteen is open each Thursday morning before assembly to purchase refreshments.

Please note: Cash only.

Second Hand Book Stall

The PFC will be holding a second hand book stall in the late November.  Dates and details to follow.

Enrolment demands at Casey Grammar School are increasing with applications well in excess of places we can offer. 

We will be at capacity from Prep through to Year 8 in 2020, with limited opportunities in Years 9 – 12. 

Enrolments for Prep - 2020, Year 7 - 2020 and Year 7 - 2021 have been finalised, and we have significant waiting lists in place.  

The Prep – 2021 intake will commence in early 2020 with a Parent Information Evening held in February 2020, and we expect enrolment offers to go out in March 2020.

To avoid disappointment, please ensure you have submitted an Expression of Interest Form for all of your children, no matter how young there are.  The sibling enrolment policy can only operate if your children are registered.  Download a copy of the form from our website http://www.caseygrammar.vic.edu.au/docs/Expression%20of%20Interest%20Form.pdf.

Terms Notice

As we begin to confirm details for the 2020 school year, we would like to take this opportunity to remind you of Casey Grammar School’s Student Withdrawal Policy.

As per our terms and conditions, we require at least one term of notice if your child will not be attending CGS in 2020. 

Families who do not provide the required notice will be charged one term’s fees in lieu of the notice.  Please note that any notice of withdrawal received after Tuesday 8 October (the first day of Term 4) will incur this fee.

Please contact the Enrolments Officer, Mrs Kimberley Anderson on 03 5991 0800 or email enrolments@caseygrammar.vic.edu.au if you require further information.  

Last week’s Valedictory Assembly was a joyous occasion celebrated by the whole school. As we listened to the Class of 2019 reflect on their educational journey through Casey Grammar, it was clear to see that the school community have worked together to nurture and guide them into the impressive young men and women they have become. Seeing the CGS Prep Class of 2007 being acknowledged by their Prep teachers was an especially poignant moment. We were blessed with a beautiful day for everyone to form a guard of honour for the students to pass through on their way to their new life beyond school. In the evening the students, parents and teachers gathered to enjoy a celebratory dinner together. At both the Assembly and the Dinner, I was impressed by the students who spoke on behalf of the year level. They presented in a confident and articulate manner. The Class of 2019 remind us all of the value of the holistic education provided by Casey Grammar.  We wish them all the very best in their examinations.

Last week the students were very happy when Luke Holland (Year 12) decided to rehearse his VCE Music examination performance pieces for everyone at lunchtime. It was a wonderful way for Luke to have more experience before a live audience and the students loved his polished performance. What a great way to spend a lunchtime!

Congratulations to the students involved in the SIS Book-in-a-Day competition. Over three days, the students worked together to produce their book and we were thrilled when they received the prize for Best Character. Thank you to Mrs Mandy Horton who mentored and assisted the team. This is a wonderful activity which showcases the strengths of our students in the important skills of collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity.

This week we have been working with the Senior School students to help them develop a better understanding of safe and respectful use of electronic communications. Our students have grown up in a very connected environment and sometimes they forget that messages and images they transmit today will last forever in cyberspace. This week we have met with all students to discuss ways in which they can protect themselves when operating in the on-line environment. We encourage all parents to also take the time to talk their child/ren about the discussions we have had at school this week. Together we can continue to instill the values of respect and integrity in our young people both in the real and virtual worlds. 

Term 4 is a very busy term with lots of different activities being held. Below is an outline of some of these activities and dates for your diary.

Exams

Year 12 exams commenced on Wednesday 30 October and will conclude on Wednesday 20 November. It is important that everyone remains quiet when in or around the VCE Centre while examinations are being held.

Year 11 exams – Tuesday 12 to Tuesday 19 November in the Library

Year 10 exams - Thursday 14 to Tuesday 19 November in classrooms

Year 7-9 exams - Wednesday 20 to Friday 22 November in classrooms

Year 10 and 11 students are required at school during scheduled exams only. Students wishing to study for their exams over lunchtimes can go to GL 39 where the Library staff will offer supervision.

The Library is closed for Year 11 exams from Tuesday 12 to Tuesday 19 November.

Year 7-9 students will sit exams during class time. Normal timetabled classes will resume each day at the conclusion of the scheduled exam.

Other end of Year activities

Year 8 Open Water Safety Day Friday 15 November

Year 7 Open Water Safety Day Monday 18 November

Year 10 VCE preparation days Thursday 21 to Friday 22 November

Year 11 Leadership Orientation days Thursday 21 to Friday 22 November

Early Commencement program – all year levels Monday 25 November to Friday 6 December

Year 11 students (except for elected Student Leaders) finish school on Friday 6 December. Year 11 students are required to attend the final celebration and awards evening  on Tuesday 10 December at 7pm.

2020 Student Leaders Conference Monday 9 December to Tuesday 10 December

Year 7 to 10 faculty based activities Monday 9 to Wednesday 11 December

Year 7-11 - Thanksgiving and Presentation of Awards Celebration Evening 7pm Tuesday 10 December

Final assembly and Christmas Liturgy 2pm  Wednesday 11 December

A reminder that the Casey Grammar Awards Evening – a Celebration of 2019 - on Tuesday 10 December is a compulsory school event for all Senior School students. Each student will be allocated a seat for the evening. Parents will be invited to book their seats via TryBooking later in the term. Please mark this date in your diary. If there is a good reason why your child cannot attend, could you please notify me via email so your tickets can be redistributed. 

Mrs Fiona Williams

Deputy Principal / Head of Senior School

Five tips to increase your child’s interest in careers! 

A few lucky people know from an early age what they want to spend their life doing. The rest of us fit somewhere between having some idea and no idea at all. It is not unusual for young people to be unclear about the career pathway they want to pursue on completion of their Secondary School education. There is a wealth of information about possible choices, which can leave people feeling overwhelmed, unable to decide or perhaps even uninterested in the whole 'careers thing'.

To support your child and increase their interest in their careers, the myfuture website has identified a number of useful strategies. More specifically:

1. Be a positive influence

Talk about your career. Tell your child how you arrived where you are today. Perhaps as you talk you could draw your 'path' and highlight events and experiences that influenced how your goals were realised, or were not. The important messages here are your hopes and dreams, how you managed change, what external factors affected your decisions and how comfortable you felt at various stages, as well as how you feel now. Share any plans and goals you might have and how you see your future panning out.

2. Encourage your child to talk to other adults about their careers

Hearing about careers from young as well as mature adults will build a positive sense of self in relation to your child's place in society at different life stages. Perhaps they could talk to their grandparents, aunts, uncles, their friends' parents or other family, friends or people they know.

I would also encourage you/your child to explore the occupation profiles on the myfuture website, which have accompanying videos that provide insights into the occupations and their education and training requirements. You/your child may also be interested in exploring the myfuture Case studies.

3. Talk about the people you know or those you meet in your day-to-day activities

Ask questions like, 'Do you think Sally likes being a nurse?' or 'Do you think the dentist is good at her job?' This will lead to discussions about the benefits or otherwise of doing certain jobs, as well as more general questions about why people work.

4. Encourage your child to participate in activities at school or in the community

Your child could help at a sports club, join their school fete committee or get involved in the school production. They could even do 'special' jobs around the house such as painting or serious spring-cleaning. Such activities count as work and develop work skills, which are invaluable to learn and practice. It demonstrates to your child that work can be routine, fun and dull on occasions, preparing them for thinking about and making career decisions.

5. If your child is ready, encourage them to seek a part-time job

Help them to write their resume (template available from the Head of Careers and Student Pathways), be there when they deliver resumes in person and support your child if they do not get the job.

When they do, there are forms to fill out, tax file numbers to obtain, bank accounts to set up and superannuation choices to make. Knowing how to do these things is invaluable and can change a person's view of themselves. Once at work there will be highs and lows, perhaps shift work, conflict, and customer issues to deal with. Again, these experiences can and do influence career decisions.

For job-seeking assistance (preparation of job applications and interview practice), please encourage your child to visit the Careers Office at CGS for guidance.

Source: myfuture website: https://myfuture.edu.au/footer/assist-others/assist-your-child

Ms Sarah Blythman

Head of Careers & Student Pathways

Graduations as a Rite of Passage.

Last week we said farewell to the Year 12 Class of 2019. The ceremony and celebration marks a moment of transition, a laying down of one aspect of life and stepping into a new role, expanding their identity and engaging in the world from a different perspective. In tribal traditions from which the term Rite of Passage was named, such transitions formed the bond between generations within the community. As a young adolescent entered into adulthood (or Warrior/ Weaver), then the parents were initiated into a transition as the relationship between them and their child changed. No longer was their role to ‘parent’ their child, but to guide in ways to support the community in their new roles.

Going through a healthy and supported rite of passage has proven to enhance the development of the participant in more than just academic ways. Ceremony and symbolism help to create a greater sense of belonging and affirmation, a bond between peers who have journeyed with them, and a deeper concern and understanding for the wellbeing of the whole community.

The challenge or initiation within any transition helps the participant to seek strength and support from those around them, to overcome the challenge. Traditionally, the initiation has never been to enhance the status of the one, but to empower the one to enhance the community as a whole. In scripture, we learn about the how each person has been given gifts and talents to benefit the needs of others, and when we all work within our own gifting, then together humanity works in harmony as it is intended and we gain a sense of shared humanity.

As we embed ourselves into Term Four, let’s be aware of the transitions that are coming up for your children, our students. While they may seem small to us as adults, these transitions play an enormous part in the social and emotional development of children and adolescents. Seek ways to affirm and support your children as they embark on these challenges, and celebrate the wins with significant people in their lives. It will strengthen resilience and connectedness as they continue to grow.

May you have a safe and restoring Cup Weekend.

Mr Stuart McKenzie

School Chaplain

The use of social media to sell/buy goods is becoming increasingly popular with the whole community, especially young people.   Recently, a number of robberies have been committed during this type of transaction.   If you are planning on using sites such as Marketplace or Gumtree etc, please follow some simple safety precautions:

·         Consider the time and location.   Agree to meet in a public place, where there is likely CCTV coverage, and at a time when there are other people around

·         Take someone with you.   For young people, take a parent/guardian or adult friend/sibling

·         When buying, be wary of items that seem very cheap.   If it seems too good to be true, it probably is

·         If you become a victim, notify police immediately

From Wednesday 6 November until the end of term the following uniform shop hours apply:

Monday and Wednesday            3.00pm - 5.30pm

Thursday                                        8.00am - 10.30am