THE HEAD OF SCHOOL'S ANNUAL REPORT 2009 - St Hildas School

During 2009, students from Years 8 to 10 were provided with access to a number of
presentations designed to increase their engagement with the novels and plays they
study. In Term 1, all Year 8 students took part in a presentation by Brisbane author, Mr
Michael Gerard Bauer. Michael is an interesting speaker and the girls were delighted to
hear how he came to write his first novel, The Running Man. Michael’s novels are popular
with students in the Middle School and the girls responded positively to the presentation.
In Term 4, all Years 9 and 10 students watched a performance by the Shake and Stir
Theatre Company. Based on Romeo and Juliet, this was an enjoyable presentation of
scenes from the play which the girls study as part of the Year 10 English program.
All students in Years 7 to 10 participated in the University of New South Wales English
competition and some outstanding results were achieved. Eight students were awarded
High Distinction certificates, 38 Distinctions and 107 Credits. This competition gives all
students the opportunity to test their skills in areas such as comprehension, punctuation
and grammar and the girls are to be congratulated on their excellent results.
Year 12 English Extension students were involved in a series of successful workshops
presented by Dr Patrick West from Griffith University and Dr Tony Thwaites from the
University of Queensland on feminist theory and psychoanalytical theory. These workshops
are designed to extend the girls’ understanding of these challenging concepts.
Ms Christine Grehan
Head of Faculty
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Junior School
The contact time of the Early Childhood Physical Education program increased by one hour
per fortnight in 2009, enabling greater opportunities for the practice of gross motor skills.
By supporting physical development we continue to support the intellectual development
of the student. Participating in physical activities that exercise spatial awareness, visual
tracking and coordination assist the development of many academic skills such as
numeracy, reading and writing.
In the HPE program in the primary years, we continue to incorporate strong links with the sports
of the Andrews Cup, to help prepare the students for their competitive sport experiences, as well
as providing for skill and tactical development in a variety of physical activities.
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