Issue No - The King's School

EXCELSIOR PROGRAM
I hope all boys had a relaxing break and gained
much from new experiences during camp activities.
This term sees a natural focus on mid-year
assessments leading to the Semester 1 reports. Early
in these weeks boys should set goals that are:
Specific
Measureable
Realistic
A vital part of this process is an assessment of the
present position regarding the goals – knowing the
starting point is necessary in planning strategies for
improvement. This reflective process is vital for
students to make the most of their abilities and in
the Information Age it is increasingly important
that students are active in their learning process.
Please be in touch with me if there are specific
concerns as this important stage of the academic
calendar continues.
Philosophy
Year 10 philosophy continues this term and will
explore the Mind/Body problem through a study of
the Terminator films. Can an intelligent cyborg
really exist; or more importantly, is our own mind
separate from our body and brain As the
Headmaster recently reminded us, the ancient
Greeks had only the faculty of wonder. Hopefully
this tradition continues as this group explores timehonoured
problems of meaning and understanding.
A lecture day on 16 May at Ascham has been
offered to the philosophers. Places are limited and
the boys have criteria to address.
Academic Societies
The Mary Burns Society in Year 7 is one of the
School‘s many academic discussion groups. Interest
in Ethical Decision Making and Intelligent Design
was high last term and discussion was lively. There
is room for a couple of additional Year 7 boys and
interested students should contact Mr Green soon,
as the next meeting is 9 May 2011.
The New Rambler journal of opinion for Years 8
and 9 continues to take shape under the expert
direction of Editor-in-Chief Dr Bril. Keep an eye
out for this bumper edition later this term!
Competitions
Individual subject departments undertake various
academic competitions during the year. Excelsior
administers the UNSW Writing competition.
Students wishing to sit this competition should
contact me before 18 May 2011. There is no charge
for participation.
Nick Green
njg@kings.edu.au
Co-ordinator
CADET CORPS
Cadet Corps Training- Term Two
Following successful completion of Corps Camp at
the end of Term One, the Cadet Corps‘ focus is
now upon preparation for the Annual Ceremonial
and Passing Out Parade (Friday 24 June 2011).
Corps Ceremonial Training and Rehearsals will
take place at the following times:
Monday 23 May
3.30pm
Monday 30 May
2.30pm
Monday 6 June
2.30pm
Wednesday 15 June
2.30pm
Monday 20 June
1.30pm
Tuesday 21 June 1.30pm Dress Rehearsal
Thursday 23 June
5.30pm
Corps Regimental Dinner (Year 12 Only)
Friday 24 June
10.45am
Corps Annual Ceremonial and Passing Out Parade,
JS White Oval
It is my pleasure to announce that the Annual
Ceremonial and Passing Out Parade will be
reviewed by Major General Paul Brereton AM
RFD, Head of Cadet, Reserve and Employer
Support Division.
Whilst it is understood that occasionally
commitments will occur which will clash with these
rehearsals, every attempt should be made to avoid
this taking place. If this does occur, leave is to be
applied for in the usual manner. Repeated absences
from these rehearsals will mean that your son is not
fully prepared for the Ceremonial Parade and it is
also unfair on the boys and staff who put a
significant effort into preparing for this event.
It would also be appreciated that all parents were
mindful that the Cadet Corps will be marching from
the Rec Field to the White Oval from 2.30PM-
3.00PM and from 4.30PM to 5.00PM, passing
through the round-about near the Sports Centre. At
these times, if driving through the school, it would
be fastest (and safest) to avoid this area- perhaps
travelling by the road above the White Oval.
AS Mansfield
Major (AAC)
Commanding Officer, The King’s School Cadet
Corps
The King's Herald Page 14 Issue No. 5 – 6 May 2011