Firbank. Aspire. Achieve. - Firbank Grammar School

On Wednesday 5 June, Mrs Wendy Grant, Director of Curriculum and I attended the annualPremier’s VCW Awards presentation ceremony. This event is held at the Melbourne Conventionand Exhibition Centre to celebrate the highest academic achievements of students in Victorianschools. It is a significant honour to excel in the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and tobe recognised as a top performer in the state.This year, Stephanie Holden achieved a Premier’s Award for her excellent achievement in theVCE study, Equine Industry. We congratulate Stephanie!Firbank offers students like Stephanie support when they wish to study subjects for which theyhave a particular passion. We offer VET Hospitality at Firbank and assist students to study otherVET courses such as Fashion and workplace related courses such as Retail and Child Care.The VCE as a certificate has been found to have much currency for students wishing to studyin university overseas. The commitment and persistence required to complete the VCE areexcellent attributes to set the foundation for accomplishment in the future. The Premier, Dr DenisNapthine spoke warmly of the advantages of studying the VCE. He mentioned Princeton, Oxfordand Universities in Europe and Asia which welcome VCE graduates and noted that the VCE isnow being offered in China. Firbank has been investigating the possibility of being involved inthis program over the past 18 months and is hopeful of partnering with a school in China wherethe Firbank VCE will be taught. This is all part of Firbank’s open-minded embracing of Asia.As an Asian-literate school, we currently teach Chinese (Mandarin) and Japanese and haveprograms in Thailand and Laos. Our international students come from Hong Kong, China, Korea,Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia and Malaysia.NEWSLETTERFrom the Principal14 June 2013Our students are encouraged to be open to the directions that life can take. The Governor, TheHon. Alex Chernov AC QC reminded the award recipients that as they have received manyadvantages through their education, they have an obligation to give back. His view is that ingiving back, one’s own development is enhanced. Our students have learned this lesson inour community service programs. This learning was recognised by our School Captain, JuliaMulholland, when she said, ‘Although our purpose had been to give, I felt I gained so much.The Governor offered a recipe for a fulfilling life – have passion, work hard and contribute. And,he asserted that Education is the greatest gift!While we celebrate achievement and success, I also have to mention an aspect that has becomean issue for teachers. This is the increased number of requests for students to leave schoolbefore the official date of breaking up for the term holidays. The term dates for the coming yearare published for parents the year before. This is done to assist planning for family holidays. Yet– I have had so many requests from parents for girls to leave early. I ask that all parents abideby the dates published and do not request early leave. I have made it clear to those parents whotake their daughters out early that it is not up to the teachers to provide work or make allowancesif assessment tasks are missed. This will be the responsibility of the student.The term dates for 2014 and 2015 have been published on the School website. I urge parents tonote the term dates and to make plans for family holidays within these dates.Dr Anne SarrosFirbank.Aspire.Achieve.

From the Head of CampusLast week girls from Prep to Year 4 took part in our very first Maths Expo! There were many,many wonderful features of the morning and so much to enjoy about the girls’ learning. What Iparticularly liked was the excitement the Expo generated about Maths and how much fun Mathscan be. Prep girls designed storyboards explaining their understanding of the number 10. Therange of understanding and expressions was endless and visitors were treated to many ideasabout the number 10. Year 1 students were exploring time and how it is measured. Year 1S students made sundials using CDs, CD cases and matchsticks. The dials worked – whenthe sun finally came out - and the girls could explain their understanding well. When visitingthe Expo and chatting to one of the girls in 1S, I was taken through the process of making thesundial and how it worked. During the conversation, I was told that the sun doesn’t move butthe shadow does. I kept quiet and was waiting to chat further about this statement. Before theteacher in me could come out, I was presented with a diagram of the earth, sun and planets andit was explained to me that the sun might look like it’s moving, but the earth is actually turning.I was amazed that a child so young could explain this concept let alone relate it to how hersundial worked. This just goes to show why we cannot and do not separate the subjects out.Who thought a Maths Expo could give so much insight into a geographical understanding. TrueTransdisciplinary learning.Next I visited 1C who had busily made timers using rice and empty bottles. Year 2 studentswere exploring fractions and girls were showing visitors what equivalent fractions were bydemonstrating this using different sized pizza pieces.NEWSLETTERJunior SchoolBrighton Campus14 June 2013Year 3 students were also investigating fractions, but were taking their learning a step further. Iwas impressed with the application of the concepts learned and particularly enjoyed visiting onestudent who had used fractions and percentages to work out how much food dogs of differentsizes need. She had taken this a step further and used her formula to work out how much foodwild animals like elephants and lions would need. Another girl investigated how much water wasneeded to make jelly and how long it took to make jelly set. In Year 3 W, the girls had designedbooks to explain fractions to their buddies in ELC. One student put it to me like this: “By makinga book I had to understand fractions really well and when I have to explain it to my buddy, I haveto know much more than if I was learning it for myself.”Year 4 students set up an outstanding display in the library and demonstrated theirunderstanding of a mathematical concept of their choice. Girls investigated time, measurement,geometry and number.Thank you to all the teachers at these levels for their participation and enthusiasm in puttingtogether this great morning. Thank you to Mrs Kathy Chapman and Ms Lauren Mirabella whowere the driving force behind the expo and will continue to work with teachers to develop themathematical talent in the school.Since our last newsletter:House Aerobics was a resounding success with all girls participating fully in the competition.Girls loudly encouraged all the participants and the joyous screams could be heard back atTurner House. Well done to all girls who participated and to Ms Ashlea Mills for outstandingorganisation. Thanks to Mrs Kim Mears for assisting with the training of the Year 6 teams.To continue the House Spirit, the House Diving competition took place on Wednesday. Girlsdived beautifully and by having separate competitions for Years 3 and 4 and another for Years5 and 6, we were able to ensure girls enjoyed being spectators and supporters. Thanks toall parents and staff who assisted on the day and again, to Ms Ashlea Mills for her excellentorganisation.Firbank.Aspire.Achieve.Coming up:Year 4 Junior Strings Program students will be involved in a whole day workshop atSandringham House culminating in a large orchestra performance for parents.We have a group of Year 4 students training for the upcoming RoboGirls Cup. This competitioninvolves small groups of girls designing and building a robot that they program to dance to theirchosen song. They also design the costumes and backdrop. Our Year 4 girls will be competingagainst Year 6 students from all over Victoria.

Choirs are rehearsing for the upcoming Firbank Choral Concert which will end the term on agreat note.Our 9 aerobic teams will be performing for the first time at Regional finals. Girls are wellprepared and have new uniforms to show off. We had over 80 students try for the teams andto harness this enthusiasm held our first House Aerobic Carnival this month. It was a hugesuccess and girls enjoyed the experience.A reminder about the Parent/Teacher Interviews scheduled for Monday, 17 and Tuesday, 18June. Please use the Community Portal to make appointment times with your daughter’s classteacher.Building Update:The foundations of our new building were laid this week! We have unfortunately had to makesome changes to the Year 3 and Prep Classrooms to facilitate the building process but lookforward to seeing the new building grow and near completion soon.Staff and student movement:As we prepare to welcome a few new students into the school next term, it does sadden me tohave to farewell a few families leaving us at the end of this semester. We wish these families allthe best with their moves, and to our families who are moving back to a home country after theexpatriate experience of Melbourne, we wish you safe travels and a welcome home!We also wish Ms Sharron Bailey a restful break as she heads overseas to enjoy her welldeserved and hard earned long service leave. We look forward to Sharron returning in Term 4with many tales of her exciting travels.As this is the last full newsletter of the term before we head into the final week of the term, Iwould like to thank parents, staff and students for a fabulous and enriching term and wish youall well for the holiday break. To those travelling overseas, I wish you safe travels and a closefamily time. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Term 3.Michelle PhillipsTerm 2 Week 10Monday, 17 June7:00 NO Swimming Squad Training8:00 – 8:45 Orchestra Rehearsal @ Music Room9:00-10:00 Prep walk to Coles in Middle Brighton.11:00 String Quartet @ Music Room2:50-3:30 Year 3 + 4 Choir Rehearsal3:30- 4:30 Aerobics Training for all Teams3:45-8:00pm Prep-Year 6 Parent/Teacher InterviewsTuesday, 18 June8:00 – 8:45 Chess Club8:30-2:30 Combined Year 4 Beginner Strings and Brass Workshop@ Sandringham CampusTravelling by bus to and from Sandringham House.3:30 – 4:30 NO AFTER SCHOOL SPORT3:45-5:00 Year 6 Musical leads only rehearsal @ BGS3:45-6:00pm Prep-Yr 6 Parent/Teacher InterviewsWednesday, 19 June7:30 NO Fun & Fitness11:00 Year 5 excursion to State Library of Victoria return by 3:302:15-3:15 ‘Year 4 Day at the Museum’ in Classrooms – Visitors Welcome.Thursday, 20 June10:00-11:00 ELC Tooth Fairy Visit @ Music Room1:45 – 2:15 Aerobics Training for all teamsChoral Concert Rehearsals followed by BBQ and Workshop3:30 – 4:30 NO AFTER SCHOOL SPORT7:00 Choral Concert @ CCA

Friday, 21June8:00-8:45 TH Choir Rehearsal @ Music Room.2:45 – 3:15 AssemblyAround the SchoolPrepLast week, as part of our year long Unit of Inquiry ,‘Imagination inspires us to express ourselves creatively’,the Preps enjoyed a Chinese Dance incursion hosted bySindy Mu. We focussed on dance as one way that we canexpress ourselves creatively. Sindy demonstrated manydance and Kung Fu moves and the girls were very excitedwhen they were given the opportunity to try out thesemovements themselves. Sindy demonstrated how shecould use a Chinese fan to mimic actions like pouring a cupof tea and making a peacock’s tail. We also learnt abouttraditional Chinese culture and the girls were especially intrigued with Sindy’s explanation aboutthe hats that were once worn by the Chinese Emperors. Sindy shared with us how she usedher imagination to create her own props for dancing and the girls were very excited as this issomething they were all keen to try out themselves!Lauren Mirabella and Gillian McIlroyYear 1 and 2Years 1 & 2 are inquiring into, ‘Where we are in Place andTime’. Central Idea: We can best understand our livestoday by examining the lives of past generations. To helpkick start our inquiry, the students had the opportunity tolisten to five Year 1 mums who are Firbank alumni. Theyshared stories and memories from their time at Firbank.They brought in past uniforms, school bags and photos.To prepare the girls for the parent visit, Mrs Dresslertaught them creative questioning skills during their time inInformation Literacy. They used their skills to write someinteresting questions for the mothers who came to speak. Last week we all visited the BrightonHistorical Society. The students worked in three groups viewing historical buildings, such as theold Police Station, the Court House and the old Town Hall. They had a firsthand look at artefactsfrom the 1950s, as well as, a wide range of clothing. There were a variety of uniforms includinga Firbank uniform from the 1990s and Firbank school hats from the 1950s. Following thesessions the girls decided to use their letter writing skills to write thank you notes to the HistoricalSociety and the parent volunteers that came along with us. If you have any artefacts or specialstories you would like to share with the Year 1 and 2 girls we would be more than happy to hearfrom you.Nicole Spence, Kathy Chapman and Susan JonesYear 3On 27 May, Year 3 students from Turner House and Sandringham House went to Sovereign Hillin Ballarat. One of the things I learnt is how people in the 1880s didn’t have all of the things thatmake our lives easier today. I also learnt that people from all over the world came to Ballaratbecause of the Gold Rush. Learning about the schools was interesting because I never realisedhow strict the rules were. One of my highlights was going shopping and something that wasquite challenging was gold panning because finding the gold was really hard. I had lots of fun oncamp.By Lucy Taliadoros 3B

Maths ExpoLast Thursday Turner House was a buzz of excitement during the Maths Expo. Students fromYears Prep to 4 showcased some of the learning they have achieved throughout Term 2.Students were able to share their knowledge with students from other year levels and explain thejourney they had enjoyed as they explored measurement, fractions and the number 10. It wasgreat to have so many parents in attendance and visiting students from other year levels.Kathy Chapman and Lauren MiraballaZoe (left) in Year 3 shares her learning about fractions with Prep students Nikita and Martha.Georgia in Year 1 shares her knowledge of time with her mother.PHYSICAL EDUCATIONIt has been a busy few weeks for Sport at Firbank with our students participating in HouseAerobics and House Diving carnivals, as well as interschool Cross Country competitions.DISTRICT CROSS COUNTRY40 girls represented Firbank at the Armadale District Cross Country carnival under condition ofcold and heavy rain. 6 of those girls were placed in the top 10, with 4 girls progressing to theBeachside Division Cross Country.10 YEARS 2KM 11 YEARS 3KM 12 YEARS 3KM1st: Mimi Bartels 4th: Isabella Atkins 6th: Maddy Atkins4th: Isobelle Brosnahan 9th: Paige Bramley 9th: Claire Schafter-JacobySCHOOL PLACINGS1st: St Catherine’s2nd: Loreto3rd: Firbank Grammar SchoolDIVISION CROSS COUNTRYUnfortunately, due to injury and illness, Isobelle Brosnahan and Mimi Bartels were unable tocompete in the Beachside Division Cross Country. Isabella Atkins and Maddy Atkins both ranextremely well.11 YEARS 3KM 12 YEARS 3KM19th: Isabella Atkins9th: Maddy AtkinsCongratulations to Maddy Atkins (Year 6) and Mimi Bartels (Year 4) who will compete in theSouthern Metropolitan Regional Cross Country on Monday.HOUSE DIVINGOur Year 3- 6 students participated in the House Diving carnival on Wednesday. It was fantasticto see so many students involved in the carnival. The standard of diving was extremely high andI would like to thank our dive coaches, Phoebe and Theo who have worked with the girls duringour diving unit.Age ChampionsYear 6: Maddy Atkins (Brailsford)Year 5: Isobelle Brosnahan (Ryan)Year 4: Mimi Bartels (Ryan)Year 4 Division A Divers: Xanthe(3rd), Mimi (1st) and Emily (2nd)

House Trophy1st: Brailsford2nd: Ryan3rd: Hartwell4th: StephensIsabella and Maddy with Miss Mills (at left) at the Beachside Division Cross Country.House AerobicsThe atmosphere in the Senior School gym for the House Aerobics competition was amazing.Our Year 4 to 6 students performed the routines which they had been working on during AfterSchool Sport. Congratulations to all of the students for their commitment to the program, whicheven saw Houses running extra practices as lunch times.1st: Hartwell2nd: Brailsford3rd: Stephens4th: RyanGood luck to Mrs Mears and our 9 Aerobics teams who will participate in their first competition,the Aerochallenge at Ivanhoe Grammar on Saturday.Ashlea MillsSport AerobicsThe Sports Aerobics Program has been extremely popular again this year. The program wasoffered to all Year 4, 5 and 6 students and the response was overwhelming. A total of 80girls trained throughout Term 1 in preparation for team selections. I was impressed with theirdedication and commitment to practise during their lunchtimes.After months of training, the girls auditioned and nine teams (a total of 40 girls) were selectedto represent Turner House. The teams have continued the rigorous training schedule and willnow compete in front of a panel of 10 judges at the Aerochallenge Competition on Saturday15th June. The feedback will enable the girls to adjust their routines in preparation for the StateChampionships next term.I would like to thank Ashlea Mills, Gillian McIlroy and Anna Pilcher for their ongoing support inhelping train the girls.I wish all the girls the very best at the competition!Kim MearsSchool CaptainsReportWe can’t believe it is almost the end of Semester 1.What an amazing semester it has been!There have been lots of exciting and fun things happening at Turner House so far this year, andhere is just a taste.Many new girls have started at Turner House and we welcome you all and hope that you areenjoying school life here at Firbank. We hope you have settled in well! If you ever see us in theplayground please come up and say ‘hi’ as we love having conversations with you and hearingabout how you have settled in. We also like to know all our peers at Turner House well.In Term 1 we enjoyed a fantastic Summer Picnic to welcome all families back to school,Grandparents and Special Friends Day, House Swimming, Ride2School Day, Year 5 camp andlots of excursions and visitors.In Term 2 we had a very successful Social Service Day with all girls participating, and the Year 3,4 and 6 girls went on camp. For some girls it was their first time and everyone had a great time!We also had Cross Country, House Aerobics, House Diving, Debating, Maths Expo for Preps toYear 4, ELC 3 and 4 spent a morning with the BGS boys, and next week is the Choral Concert.

We have had some amazing class assemblies and it has been fantastic seeing you allparticipate in all the great things going on at Turner House. Well done to you all and keep up thegreat work.We wish you and your families a very happy and safe holiday, and we both look forward toseeing you in Semester 2 for two more exciting and fun terms!Fun Fact: Firbank is 104 years old.Aisha Dalal and Annabel CoxSchool Captains 2013ArtJunior ArtPrep, Year 1 and Year 2 are all enjoying a threads and textiles focus in Art. We discuss usingneedles, the safety and care we need to show while sewing with them.A variety of stitches aredemonstrated and practised over several weeks.The Prep Students have been hand sewing using wool and hessian. Their work so far isamazing.Year 1 students are making ‘Hand Puppets’ using pre-cut felt puppets and embellishing themwith material scraps, sequins and beads that are being hand sewn onto their puppets.Year 2 are using tapestry hoops and calico to complete either an outline of their hand or their firstinitial using tapestry thread and fine needles.The girls have embraced the new skills they are learning and everyone is working with greatconcentration and enthusiasm! Emily Ramsden, Junior ArtPATHFather/Daughter DiscoPlease save the date: Friday, 30 August at 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.“Bop ‘Till You Drop with a Touch of Bling”.Monday, 29 July, 9:00am SMAAART Centre. Volunteers for disco decorating.Music SchoolCHORAL CONCERTThursday 20 June at 7.00 p.m.Patricia Turner Centre for Creative Arts, Senior School, BrightonOne of the major musical highlights of the year is our Choral Concert which promises, onceagain, to be an evening of beautiful voices soaring around the CCA. The concert will featurechoirs from both junior campuses, as well as those from the Senior School. We are very excitedto announce that this year we have a visiting choir from Ascham School in Sydney who will alsobe participating in the event. The girls from Ascham will arrive at Firbank in time to spend theafternoon in a workshop with our senior auditioned choirs (Bel Canto and Chamber Singers).They will perform by themselves at the concert and then combine with our choirs to showcasethe results of the workshop. This is a first for Firbank and we are very excited about the

opportunities this presents to our students.Tickets are $10.00 each for adults/students/seniors. Primary aged children are free. Tickets canbe obtained by completing the attached ticket fl yer and sending in to the Senior School MusicOffice, or direct from the Music Office.Please gather family and friends and come along for an evening of pure delight … this is oneshow that will not disappoint! And hurry … tickets to the Choral Concert are always in highdemand and the evening will sell out! Don’t be the one to miss out!Any queries, please call the Music Offi ce on 9591 5151.Firbank TennisHoliday ProgramThe tennis holiday program will be held at Firbank Brighton from Monday 1st July - Friday 5thJuly 2013. The program caters for players of all ages and all levels. We offer programs frombeginner workshops through to advanced tournament matchplay. Sessions are fl exible andenrolments are taken for half day, single day and full week bookings. Please see the link to theenrolment form for further details or contact Cheryl on 9596 5085.Cheryl HewittBefore and After School CareI would like to take this opportunity to inform all the families that holidays are approaching soonand OSHClub is running Camp Brighton Holiday Program in coming holidays. Please enroll andbook online on www.oshclub.com.au . Brochures are also available online. Book now so thatyou don’t miss out!If you have any questions related to the Firbank OSHClub program please feel free to call on0402 673 289.Puja Tuli, OSHClub Co-ordinatorHOLIDAY PROGRAMSWith over 3 weeks of school holidays coming up in June/July, why not consider one of the many opportunities we have for children topick up a new skill, develop new or fi rmer friendships or to simply enjoy some focussed time on something that interests them. Schoolholiday programs have the advantage of being a less stressful environment for learning and friendship development. So why notcontinue to build on your child’s learning in the holidays with one of these programs:Acting – (24-27 June and 1-4 July) Join Mustupha and the magic genie or the Grand Shuffl er and the other Jokers in four full days ofauditions, acting and performing with Acting Antics www.actingantics.comBasketball – (8-10 July) Dribble, break, shoot and learn all about basketball while you meet a star or two all at home in Brighton! www.australiansportscamps.com.auGaming – (9-12 July) Explore, create, gather, craft and combat in the imaginary Minecraft world www.bubbledome.co.nzComputing – (9-12 July) Learn basic programming, scripting and designing industry style games as you work towards developing yourown applicationsGifted – (26-27 June) G.A.T.E.Ways return to offer a wide range of workshops to extend and challenge your child. From problemsolving and astronomy to chemistry and design, the classes are sure to extend your children’s special abilities www.gateways.edu.au

Football – (8-10 July) Kick, mark and learn all about Aussie Rules, with state of the art feeback and analysis from professional coachesand enjoy meeting some star Aussie rule players! www.australiansportscamps.com.auSoccer – (1-3 July) Kick, trap, dribble, tackle and goalkeeping are all awaiting your child whether for half or full days www.footballstaracademy.com.auTennis – (24 June-16 July) Half day or full day programs indoor and outdoors will help you improve your tennis skills Mornings 0413585 311 Thompson Half and All Day Hewitts 9596 5085Camp Brighton – Not wanting to specialise? Then why not join a day of mixed fun including themes, art and craft, sports, swimming,computing and excursions with OSH Club. Separate programs for under and over 5 year olds. www.oshclub.com.auFor further information about these programs please see the websites referenced, or contact Sonia Wagner swagner@brightongrammar.vic.edu.au or www.share.vic.edu.au