12062013 - Ipswich Grammar School

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From The Headmaster MUSIC ENSEMBLES EVENING ‘Whoever has skill in music is of good temperament and fitted for all things. We must teach music in schools’ - Martin Luther. men for a number of performances. The combined musical efforts of students from each of the Grammar Schools were also on display during the recent joint production of ‘The Russian Lieutenant’. phone. I am able to navigate from this document to Facebook and Twitter and other social media. We are so reliant on modern technology that it is hard to recall how we managed prior to its introduction. I certainly left last week’s Music Ensembles Evening (pictured above and on page 4) with ‘good temperament’. Our talented musicians treated us to performances in a variety of contexts. We were entertained by our Intermediate Concert Band, Grammar Schools’ String Orchestra, Junior Guitar Ensemble, Flute Choir, Stage Band, Senior Guitar Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, IGS Singers, Grammar Schools’ Senior Concert Band and solos by our Year 12 Music Extension students. Congratulations to our comperes and Music Co-Captains Benjamin Boehm and Daryan Butler and all performers and teachers. It is pleasing to witness the evolution of our program and the talent and commitment of our students. It was also pleasing to have musicians from Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School join our young HERITAGE ROUND Congratulations to all involved in the recent round of GPS football and tennis. The football fixture against BBC was designed to celebrate our 150th anniversary. A full report of games can be found on page 5, but I would especially like to acknowledge the untiring efforts of our Head of Football, Mr Mark Fancourt. In Term 1, our cricket match against BGS was a focus and we were thrilled to acknowledge BBC with this football fixture. Photos and other memorabilia will be on display in the Risson Centre as a permanent reminder of our celebrations. SOCIAL MEDIA RESPONSIBILITIES I am using my laptop as I prepare this brief introduction to ‘The Grammar Word. I could just have easily used my iPad or mobile I have heard Mr Snow mention several times at school assemblies that we all have responsibilities when using social media. He has mentioned the ‘assembly test’. If you would not be willing to announce your social media message at assembly then don’t post it! Inappropriate use of social media is not a GPS issue – it is a societal issue. Recent events have highlighted how the actions of a small minority of young people can reflect poorly on the reputation of many. I am very proud of the young Men of Grammar. Let’s ensure that we take our responsibilities seriously. Yours sincerely, Mr Robert Henderson Headmaster/CEO
Middle School LIFE SKILLS UPDATE Over the course of this year our Life Skills program has been operating where our men have one period a week to cover age-related topics. From reports by both teachers and students, the course is providing important life skill experiences and is preparing them to handle the challenges that lay ahead. Below is an example of the topics covered: • Year 7: A detailed study on mental health followed by primary health values (emotional, social and physical changes of adolescent boys). • Year 8: Transition to high school (assignment writing, time management, homework and preparation for exams). Our boys have also been studying the Real Man Project, covering topics such as cyber bullying, home duties such as sowing/ ironing/health and hygiene, food science and adolescent loss/grief. • Year 9: The Boys to Men Program (conflict avoidance, brain differences between boys and girls, risk taking and anger management to name a few). The Real Man Project (bullying and bullies, goal setting and resilience.) Parents are welcome to contact me for further clarification on any of the above Life Skills programs. INTERNATIONAL BOYS’ SCHOOLS COALITION (IBSC) I will have the pleasure of representing the school in the annual IBSC world conference in Richmond, Virginia, USA this coming June/July break. The Middle School will be on display, showcasing the school’s Life Skills program. The two main focus points will be the boy-friendly structure of the Middle School and the Boys to Men Program. This will be the third time the Middle school will be featured overseas. Best wishes, Mr John Chalvatzis Head of Middle School jchalvatzis@ipswichgrammar.com INTERSCHOOL READERS’ CUP – A PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE On 6 June, five Ipswich Grammar School boys (pictured above) came second in the annual Interschool Readers’ Cup for Year 8/9 in the Brisbane west region. As Patrick reliably informed Mr Cunningham: “This was an improvement of 10 places on last year!” IGS participants were Chris Fox, Alex Aurisch, Captain Patrick Denny, Brendan Richardson, and Year 10 team mentor Charlie Morton. Charlie’s positivity and enthusiasm was such a generous gift to our young men. Brayden Thorogood was also part of the team, but had to withdraw due to a clash with the IGS Ensembles Evening. Of the various schools represented, there were only six boys competing, including four from IGS. The allgirl team from Indooroopilly State School were the winners by a margin of four points, with our boys a convincing second by three points. Questions from all five books featured in each round. I still find it remarkable the boys did so well with ‘The Wizard of Earthsea’ by Ursula Le Guin. I challenge anyone to find a more turgid read! It was wonderful to watch the boys’ enthusiasm after they had won a couple of rounds. The tension grew over five rounds, as the boys began with a slow burn, but by the third round had moved into second place. Our boys, without a reserve, displayed excellent teamwork and enthusiasm, as well as true sportsmanship in leading congratulations for other teams after the event. Mr Cunningham interacts so positively with these boys who share his love of reading. The mutual admiration is visible and tangible as Mr Cunningham clearly engages at their level. Talking with other parents, we all continue to hear stories about the wonderful Mr Cunningham. I think the boys wanted to do well as much for him as they did for themselves. Nothing like a little bit of academic bling!
Page 1: The Grammar Word Headmaster’s Blo
Page 5 and 6: Sport & Activities FOOTBALL v NC Br
Page 7 and 8: Dear Parents, Ipswich Grammar Schoo
Page 10 and 11: IGS Tennis Dinner The IGS Tennis Su
Page 12 and 13: IPSWICH GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOOTBALL Dat
Page 14: Please return orders to the office

12062013 - Ipswich Grammar School

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