Blue Mountains Grammar School Newsletter Vol 32, 9th November, 2018

FROM THE JOINT ACTING HEAD

What a week it’s been at our School! Throughout the week, in my visits to all the campuses, there

have been a delightful range of activities taking place! Many of these activities have been focused on

building skills and helping others.

Year 12 HSC examinations conclude

Firstly, our Year 12 students will complete their HSC examinations today, with a double-bunger –

Design and Technology in the morning and Drama in the afternoon. With the popularity of both

courses, almost half of our students have had to wait until the final day to finish!

We congratulate our Year 12 students for the way they have handled themselves during the past

four weeks. Students have had been in contact with their teachers, completing practice papers and

maintaining their focus throughout this time. It is always a strange feeling when you come to the end

of your schooling, particularly after exams – a sense of relief, but also of loss as you realise that this

place that has been such a significant part of your life, will no longer be. Many students also feel at a

loose end after such a long time focusing on their learning, to have all that spare time. Don’t worry;

they always quickly adjust!

State Champs - F1 in Schools Competition

The F1 in Schools STEM Challenge is one of the biggest international STEM (Science, Technology,

Engineering and Mathematics) student competitions.

Each year more than 17,000 schools, from 44 nations, take on the challenge of developing the

world’s fastest miniature F1 car. Here in Australia approximately 22,000 students are involved each

year. Just like a real Formula One team, groups of students have to follow a pathway of engineering

and manufacturing disciplines: design, analyse, test, make and race. They also have to be able to

present their design, engineering and manufacturing process, as well as design an effective

marketing strategy.

This year two Year 9 teams – Nebula and Thrust Vector - reached the State Finals, and both teams

did an outstanding job! After the first day, and a few difficulties on the racetrack, their heads were

down. However, both teams bounced back, and came into Day 2 firing!

At the end of the competition, Nebula (below left) won the Best Team Verbal Presentation and the

Innovation Award; Thrust Vector (below right) won the Best Engineering CAD, Best Team Portfolio and

were overall Championship winners!

This competition is an incredible opportunity for our students to develop a range of transferrable

skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, innovation, entrepreneurialism and communication.

These are the sorts of skills that are frequently identified as essential for thriving in the digital world.

Congratulations to both Teams, and their teacher, Mr. Michael Laws! Thrust Vector – next stop – the

Nationals!

Year 5/6 Musical – A Christmas Carol

On Wednesday our 5/6F Performing Arts class presented their final production for 2018, a

collaborative adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Each group was given a portion of

the book to adapt into performance, including dance and song. It was wonderful to see the students

retell the story, capturing both Dickens’ humour and his care for the poor of his times. It was funny,

engaging and a musical feast!

Preparatory School Popcorn Day

The final feast for this week was the Preparatory School’s Popcorn Day – an opportunity to raise

funds for the Preparatory School’s Compassion child. Students pre-ordered the popcorn (our thanks

to Mrs Klein for the donated machine). The enticing aroma filled the School and it was a wonderful,

healthy treat for our young students. Just quietly, I’ve heard that Miss Brace has some interesting

flavour experiments planned (Vegemite popcorn, anyone?!?).

Mrs Megan Hastie

Joint Acting Head

FROM THE ACTING CHAPLAIN

Loving Our Community

“And one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, ‘Teacher, which is the greatest

commandment in the Law?’ And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your

heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. The

second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’” - Matthew 22:35-39

So many of my decisions are based on what I want, what I think I need, and how I want my own day

to turn out. While this self-focused behaviour seems OK in theory, because of the need to survive

and the desire to thrive, I am always stunned by how naturally selfish I am when I take an honest

second to think about it. This is when Jesus’ response to the lawyer in Matthew becomes a daunting

challenge. How do we give our neighbours (the term is symbolic for everyone in our community and

beyond) the amount of love, respect, and attention that we give ourselves? This becomes even

harder when we are hurt, persecuted by, or are simply not fond of someone. I mean remembering

other people’s needs is difficult even when it comes to the people we love the most, right?

The solution that works best for me is to remember and put into practice, the command to, “love the

Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind”. God changes our

hearts and attitudes in a real and visceral way when we give Him our full attention. Our lives are so

complicated and full of inevitable difficulties and hardships that it is often so hard to focus on

anything more than ourselves. But this command wasn’t just made up to get people to follow some

arbitrary rule and it is not a political manoeuvre to calm the historical masses. This command to love

God and the similar command to love all of those in our community (and beyond) is a profound life

changer – it rings true today more than ever. This command transcends buzzwords, motivational

literature and political trends. This command, when followed by me and you, may not immediately

change the world but it will certainly and benevolently alter our homes, neighbourhoods, schools,

and the community we live within.

Please join with me as I prayerfully make every effort to not only look to my own interests but also

tend to the interests of all of the people I encounter within our beautiful, diverse, and blessed

community.

L. Webb

FROM THE PARENTS’ & FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION

Diary Date:

All parents are warmly invited to our final General Meeting for the Year (Term 4) which will be held in

Coorah, Senior School, on Tuesday, 13th November, at 7:30pm.

Please mark in your calendars – we look forward to your company!

Duncan Barrell

Chair, Parents’ & Friends’ Association

dba23266@bigpond.net.au

CHRISTMAS PUDDING APPEAL

Christmas Pudding Appeal (Kara Charlton, Year 10)

The Massive Murray Paddle is a fundraising event run every year. Our group of BMGS paddlers this

year have chosen to paddle 404km for Junction 142 Katoomba. Junction 142 is an organisation

located in Katoomba that supports homeless people by providing them with food, shelter, clothing

and emergency aid.

Homelessness is a more predominant issue than many of us realise, with more than 100,000

people homeless across the country. You can help us to raise money to support those without a

home in our local community by buying a Christmas Pudding! Profits made

will go towards Junction 142, and make this Christmas for homeless people

of the Blue Mountains a little bit better.

To order your pudding download the order form on the School’s website.

There is a huge range of styles and flavours. All payments need to be made

with completed order forms by 12th November to the Business Office.

Mr. Andrew Beitsch

Joint Acting Head

FROM THE HEAD OF MUSIC

Blue Mountains ANZAC Memorial Hospital

Tien Attwater (Year 7), Oliver Drew (Year 7) and Oliver Freeman (Year 8) performed piano duets at

the annual Blue Mountains Hospital Fundraising Concert.

Sel Hardaker (Year 10) played violin with Orpheus Strings at their concert, held at Katoomba Public

School last Sunday.

Music Camp

Expressions of Interest slips for our 2019 Music Camp are now due. If you are keen to participate in

the BMGS Music Camp at Stanwell Tops in April 2019, please place your completed form in the

silver box outside the Music Office. Deposits are due by Monday, 12th November and are to be paid

through TryBooking.

Blue Mountains Youth Choir

Blue Mountains Youth Choir is presenting a workshop of French songs on Sunday, 18th November

from 1:30pm to 4:30pm at the Lawson Mechanics Institute. It is for children aged 8-16 years and

will cost $40. Register online at academysingers.com.au or phone 0409 602 016 by 11th November.

Soiree #3

The final Soiree for 2018 is on Tuesday, 13th November commencing at 7:00pm. Students intending

to perform need to add their name to the ‘sign-up’ list outside the Music Office

Diary Dates

Soiree #3: Tuesday 13 November

Presentation Evening: Wednesday 5 December

Music Camp: $100 deposit, due Monday, 12th November

D. Smith

FROM THE LEARNING SUPPORT DEPARTMENT

A reminder that I will be in the Library Resource Centre (LRC) on

Tuesday this term after school. This after school assistance is

for homework help, however can also include help in organising

a study plan or just general assistance in organising your

workload.

If you are interested in attending, it is a great idea to contact

me on email almichielsen@bmgs.nsw.edu.au so that I can

prepare best for the time spent together.

A. Michielsen

FROM THE HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT

Year 11 Overnight Geography Fieldtrip

On 31st October, eight Year 11

Geography students made the four

hour journey to Anna Bay, Port

Stephens, to learn about the

Stockton Sand Dunes as part of

their study of the HSC unit:

‘Ecosystems at Risk’.

They had the opportunity to

participate in a guided tour of the

incredible coastal dune ecosystem

where they learnt about natural

and human stresses to the

environment and how these are

managed by both the government

and the traditional owners of the

land (the Worimi people).

The students were also lucky

enough to have a go at Sand

Boarding, which was enjoyed by all (including me!) The company who operated the tour praised the

students on their engagement and eagerness to learn.

Given the length of the journey, we stayed overnight in local accommodation. We rose early in the

morning to take the Tomaree Head Summit Walk, which provided amazing views of the Port

Stephens coastline, before beginning the journey back to BMGS.

Our students are to be commended for their enthusiasm and outstanding behaviour during the field

trip. They all had a great time with the experience marking an extremely positive start to the Year 12

HSC Geography course.

L. Hall

FROM THE HEAD OF SPORT

Last weekend was the first of the games at Home for the new Touch Football competition. This is a

sport that I can see growing even bigger in future years, with all the teams being very competitive in

this competition. Our thanks to Mrs Leah Opie for the motivation she has brought to this sport and

the success of the teams so far.

Rugby 7s

On 24th November, BMGS will be hosting the annual Active Axons Rugby 7s tournament. On this

weekend we will have five of our Boys’ Basketball teams at home, so players are encouraged to stay

and watch some of the games.

The Canteen roster for that weekend will be linked to the Rugby 7s competition and we encourage

everyone to throw their support behind this great day.

Volunteers can follow the link below. This includes student volunteers for various positions as well:

https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?embed&eid=435086

Uniform

After last week’s item regarding incorrectly-sized uniforms, only one student returned to the Uniform

Shop for refitting. If you have an issue with your uniform, next Monday and Tuesday will be the last

days for refitting before we have these uniforms replaced. Please bring your uniform to the Uniform

Shop with you.

Bus Transport

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no pickup or drop off at Buttenshaw Park. This decision is for safety

reasons and all Springwood pick up/drop offs will be at Springwood Station.

Depending upon the number of teams travelling on the bus, the journeys will commence at either

Blackheath or BMGS. Please check the times carefully each week to confirm.

The allocated bus stops going east are Blackheath (TBA), BMGS, Lawson, Springwood Station and

Blaxland (just past McDonalds).

The allocated bus stops going west are Glenbrook (Tourist Information Centre), Blaxland (at the

overpass), Springwood Station, Lawson, BMGS and Blackheath (TBA).

M. Harris

Saturday Sports Fixtures 10th November - Round 3 Team Opponent Venue Time Court/Field Bus INFO

Cricket

1st XI Redfield Redfield 10:00am

BMGS 7:30am

Lawson 7:45am

Springwood Station 8:00pm

Blaxland 8:15am

15s Hazelbrook Top Reserve 8:00am Main N/A

Touch 1sts Redlands Mac Uni 8:00am 2 BMGS 6:00am

Lawson 6:15am

Springwood Station 6:30pm

Blaxland 6:45am

Bus return approx. 11:30am

Football Junior A Redlands Mac Uni 8:00am 1

Junior B Redlands Mac Uni 8:00am 3

Junior B Redlands Mac Uni 9:00am 3

Boys’ 1st V Oxley Oxley 9:00am 1 Blackheath 6:00am

BMGS 6:15am

Lawson 6:30am

Springwood Station 6:45pm

Blaxland 7:00am

Bus return approx. 3:30pm

Basketball U17 Oxley Oxley 11:15am 1

U15 Gold Oxley Oxley 10:15am 1

U14 Oxley Oxley 10:00am 2

U13 Gold Oxley Oxley 9:00am 2

U13 Blue Oxley Oxley 11:00am 2

U15 Blue Oakhill BI Oakhill 9:00am CSC2

BMGS 7:00am

Lawson 7:15am

Springwood Station 7:30am

Blaxland 7:45am

Girls’ 1st V St Spyridon Home 11:00am 1

N/A

Basketball Open C SACS Home 10:00am 1

Intermediate Redlands Home 9:00am 2

Junior A Redlands Home 9:00am 1

Junior B Oxley Home 10:00am 2

MATCH REPORTS – 3RD

NOVEMBER, 2018

Touch Football - Home game – Double Header : Kinross and SAS Junior A v Kinross Wolaroi and Scots All Saints College

Last Saturday the Junior As played two great games in the heat, despite more than half of the team

being very tired from their Year 9 camp. Kinross caught us off guard at first, scoring some early tries,

until we switched on and managed to make a comeback, working together in both attack and defence

to ensure some great tries were scored. We learnt the importance of facing forward when getting back

on side, as well as attacking and defending as one unit. Unfortunately, due to a controversial try by

Kinross right on the final whistle, the game resulted in a 5-5 draw. In our next game, against Scots All

Saints College, we were able to apply the set plays that we had practised in training and apply them to a

real game situation, including switches and scoops. However, due to some fast breaks by the opposition

wingers, we were down 6-3 at halftime. This did not bring us down at all; instead, it made us even more

determined to get back on the field and work twice as hard. Thanks to our quick touches in defence and

fast breaks and passing in attack, we didn’t concede any more tries for the remainder of the game, and

we scored a further three points, bringing the final score to another draw. Overall, it was a great day of

sport, each and every player put in 110% throughout both games, playing to the best of their abilities

and all contributing greatly to the score lines.

Rosie Sullivan, Year 9

Junior Bs v Kinross Wolaroi and Scots All Saints College

This weekend the Junior Bs had two amazing games, and we won both, 7-1 and 6-4. Most of our tries

were scored by Kat but Georgia, Neave, Ruby and Belle all scored their first tries of the season. We had

our mascots (Neave’s goats) cheering us on from the side line and it must have helped! In both games

we were strong in defence, allowing very few tries in, but all of the goals we scored were amazing. We

found the gaps in the opposition’s defence and took our chances. Each of us came close to scoring a

try, just getting ‘touched’ by the defence. We had so much fun and we all played really well. We are

undefeated and I can’t wait to see how long our streak goes on.

Amy Ling, Year 8

Senior Firsts v Kinross Wolaroi and Scots All Saints All Saints College

The Firsts played two challenging games on the weekend at Pitt Park. The first game was against

Kinross; a very skilled team. The girls worked really hard in defence, however, Kinross were too good,

scoring many tries due to overlaps down our wings. BMGS created space in attack and drove well up

and down the field, opening up many scoring opportunities and successfully scoring 3. In the end,

BMGS went down 3-6 to a talented and fit Kinross team. Our second game to SAS was a lot closer. The

improvement in attack was incredible. Kara and Annabelle ran many effective wraps and scoops,

putting three tries on the board. Unfortunately, SAS came back from a 3-3 draw position to win 4-3 in

the last 30 seconds of the game.

Throughout the day there were many glimpses of individual brilliance, including many runaway tries

from Hayli, Mia dodging the whole opposition to score and Annabelle H scooping straight through the

middle. We are improving each week and, most importantly, the girls love learning a new game!

Mrs L. Opie – MIC Touch Rugby

Girls’ Basketball

BMGS 1st V defeated Barker College, 44-11

This week we came up against Barker College’s 2nd V team. We definitely over-prepared with the

reputation of Barker College and their Basketball teams. However, the girls decided that they were

going to ‘bring it’ on the day. Everything went according to plan: we moved the ball well, we shot well

and we defended with great pressure. It has been a great start to the season and we hope we see more

results like these as the team continues to improve.

BMGS Intermediate defeated St. Spyridon, 22-3

The second game of the season brought the Intermediate girls up against St Sypridon. After an amazing

first game of the season the girls took the court confidently and ready to play. Up against a difficult zone

defence the girls struggled to make an impact on the score board early in the game however their

steadfast defence helped keep St Spyridon scoreless in the first half. This enabled the girls to use the

skills learnt in training to persist and take a solid lead over the opposition. Throughout the rest of the

game the Intermediate girls continued to adapt to the defence and increased their score with multiple

fast breaks, consolidating their second win of the season.

BMGS Junior A were defeated by Chevalier 38-8

This week the Junior As came up against a very tough opponent: Chevalier College. The girls gave it

their best effort. The first half was challenging, trying to work out not only our team but the other team

as well. The second half was much better, where the girls gave their best effort in following instructions

and giving things a go. We are hoping to carry that onto our next game.

BMGS Open C defeated Oakhill College, 23-12

The Open Cs started off the season strongly and demonstrated their drive and passion to do well. The

girls took the lead within the first few seconds of the game, making the opposition, Oakhill College, work

extra hard to defend our players. Both our attack and defence were solid, with some fantastic assists

and steals from all players. Every girl listened intently to my instructions and delivered their best on the

day, showing great potential for future games. I am extremely proud of the Open Cs and look forward to

seeing them perform and improve throughout the rest of the season.

BMGS Junior B were defeated by Chevalier College, 31- 28

The Junior Bs played a nail-bitting game against Chevalier, losing 28-31. Their spirit was high and their

encouragement was heard, which positively affected both their individual and team game. The girls'

improvement was phenomenal and their transformation from a timid and apprehensive team to one

that was fierce and determined was amazing to witness. I cannot wait to see what future games hold for

them.

C. Ingold, MIC Girls’ Basketball

Boys’ Basketball

BMGS U13 Blue were defeated by St Patrick’s College, 24-21

The boys had a great start to the competition with a game that could have gone either way. It was

basket for basket the whole game. The boys put in 100% effort but unfortunately fell just short. I’m

looking forward to seeing these boys improve their skills over the season and come away with some

wins.

BMGS U13 Gold were defeated by St Patrick’s College, 24-21

It was a thrilling second round for these little troopers. Although starting the match in the lead, the boys

soon learnt that it wasn’t going to be easy and ended up in an extra time titanic struggle. The boys were

pipped at the post but are excited for the weeks to come.

BMGS U14 were defeated by St Patrick’s College, 35-30

The U14s are slowly learning that it’s not going to be as easy as first hoped. After another defeat

against some stiff competition, the boys will return next week after camp with some new found energy

to inject into their games. The boys will look to approach their future games with a positive attitude, and

strive to develop their skills each week.

BMGS U15 Blue defeated St Paul’s Grammar School, 21-13

It was an exciting first game of the season when the BMGS U15 Blue boys came up against St. Paul’s

Grammar School. The BMGS Blues were awake and strong straight out of the gate as they secured a

lead early on. Our defence proved to be a force to be reckoned with as we gained a lead in baskets but

also held the fort when the opposition was in possession of the ball. All boys, including the newcomers,

played exceptionally well and exceeded even their own expectations. Special mention must be made of

Samuel Cooke who was a particularly high scorer and the Coach’s MVP of the match.

BMGS U15s Gold defeated St Patrick’s College, 29-18

The U15 boys played a challenging game in the heat against St Patrick’s. The boys did well to maintain

a lead for the duration of the game. The lead fluctuated as the game progressed, however, the boys did

what was needed to be done and finished the game with a 10-point lead. This team has the potential to

do great things over this season. We are excited to see what the rest of this season holds. This team will

continue to work hard and grow with every training session and game.

BMGS U17 were defeated by St Patrick’s College, 32-2

This was a tough match up against a tall and athletic St Patrick’s team. The boys came out strongly and

kept the opposition close throughout the first half. A first half injury hurt our team as we were down to 6

players in a hot and humid Auburn Basketball Stadium. Once again the group showed glimpses of what

they can achieve when they all work together, putting together short spurts of strong attacking play and

good team defence. We will continue to develop and build confidence as we head in to Round 3.

BMGS 1st V had a BYE

D. Rajasekar, MIC Boys’ Basketball

Cricket BMGS 1st XI defeated Central Coast Grammar

Last Saturday the 1st XI played at home against Central Coast Grammar School. Losing the toss, BMGS

were asked to bat first. We started off well steadily building towards a decent total. Jackson Prowse 72,

and Christian Wright 52, batted very well for a partnership of 110.

They were well supported by Henry Horwood (25) and Tom Bloodsworth (21). At the end of our 50 overs

we had scored 226 runs. Against some good tight bowling, Central Coast Grammar struggled to score

runs, with Bloodsworth (1/8), Horwood (0/11), Colbourn (1/7), Wright (1/9), Browne (0/3), Lee (3/11),

Hillyard (0/7), Prowse (1/4) and Fendall (1/1) all bowling well, restricting Central Coast to be all out for

69. This week we travel to Redfield.

S. Collins, MIC Cricket

FROM THE PARENTS’ & FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION

Diary Date:

All parents are warmly invited to our final General Meeting for the Year (Term 4) which will be held in

Coorah, Senior School, next Tuesday, 13th November, at 7:30pm.

Duncan Barrell

Chair, Parents’ & Friends’ Association

dba23266@bigpond.net.au

FROM THE HEAD OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

Appreciative audiences were entertained this week with 5/6F’s rendition of A Christmas Carol. The

children did a wonderful job with this challenging play. Scenes from the story were interspersed with

ensembles performing familiar Christmas carols and the show finished up with an original rock piece

by a band of Year 6 boys. It was a great evening of entertainment and launched us all into the

Christmas season!

The weather could not have been better for last Friday’s Parents’ and Friends’ Fun Run. The warm

weather encouraged much frivolity in the form of drenchings (which included a good number of staff)

and the children had a lot of fun alternating between laps of the course and games and activities in

the centre of the oval. Thanks to the many parents who joined us for the day, and especially to Mrs

Bonnie Mamo for her organisation of the event.

Last Tuesday the Junior School hosted the NSW Junior Chess League Blue Mountains One-Day Chess

Tournament and we welcomed 20 teams from our local region to take part in the competition. For

many years, chess has been a strength of our school and this happy tradition continues. Our A team

were the champions on the day and our B team were Runners-Up, with our C team just a point and a

half behind in 5th place. Our A team will now go on to represent our region in the state finals at the

end of the month. Great work boys!

A Team

Zach Ivery

James Reynolds

Tom Archer

B Team

Raphael Hampartzoumian

Ryan Ivery

Kalan Cusick

C Team

Zach Filla

William Jones

Robert Griffiths

N. Cockington

Student Awards

This week at Assembly the following awards were presented:

Bronze – Taylor Bohm (3R) and Zariya Janine (3R)

Silver – Lorence Hampartzoumian (1/2K) and William Lowrie (1/2K)

Gold – Lorence Hampartzoumian (1/2K)

Headmaster’s Award – Zia Mamo (4G)

4G GOES BACK IN TIME!

On Tuesday 6th November, 4G walked up the hill to the School’s historic building, Coorah, where they

stepped back in time to 1918. The children were introduced to the School’s Archivist, Mrs Marlene

Plummer, who began teaching them about the history of our school. The children completed a

number of engaging activities, where they had to become detectives to uncover all the answers. The

children saw and learned for themselves about the rich history of the School, and how the School’s

Houses came about.

During this time, I transformed into a firm yet fair authoritarian teacher who insisted on straight lines

wherever we went, quiet voices from the children, good behaviour and good manners and I was a

teacher who gave constructive feedback when the children were struggling to write, using calligraphy

pens, which were dipped into inkpots.

The children, too, got into character and were an absolute delight all day. They did exactly as they

were asked, played so beautifully with one another, their manners were impeccable and they tried so

hard in all of the activities.

They had time to reflect at the end of the day on why it is important to know the history of a place.

They said they now have a greater appreciation of the School, and of the people who helped grow the

School into what it is today. The understand they are part of the Blue Mountains Grammar School

community and that all the people who belong to that community are there to help them and support

them in ways to ensure they are themselves at their best.

L. Gerrard

JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTS REPORT

Basketball – Round 3

5/6 Boys’ Gold played the Imperials - The Imperials won 48 to 16.

3/4 Mixed Red played the Misfits - BMGS Red won 15 to 8.

3/4 Mixed Gold played the Skittles - BMGS Gold won 50 to 6.

3/4 Mixed Blue played the Raptors - The Raptors won 50 to 34.

5/6 Girls’ Red had a Bye.

L. Gerrard

FROM THE HEAD OF THE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Six Ways to Help Your Child Develop Friendship Skills - (from the KidsMatter eNewsletter)

Relationship skills are one of the social and emotional learning skills that are important for children

to develop.

Through friendships, children learn how to develop relationship skills by relating to others and

teaching each other how to be good friends. Learning positive friendship skills can help children

socially so they feel happier and more confident, thereby promoting mental health and wellbeing.

Most children want to have friends. Children who have friends are more likely to be self-confident

than those without friends and they perform better academically in school.

Take the role of a Coach!

Parents and Carers are children’s first and most important teachers when it comes to developing

positive friendship skills. Taking the role of a Coach can help your child learn the skills they need for

themselves. Coaching is critical for helping children use new skills in real-life situations. Coaching

involves prompting, reminding and encouraging (but not nagging!) children to use the skills they have

learned.

Here are six tips to help your child develop positive friendship skills:

1. Make time to play too

Parents and Carers can improve their children’s social skills by playing with them regularly. Letting

children choose and lead the play allows you to be playful with them and encourages them to

practice skills for cooperation and negotiation. Avoid criticising and make it fun!

2. Allow your child to try all sorts of different activities

Children who have a wide range of interests are more likely to have something in common with

others and so find it easier to make friends and get along.

3. Invite children for play dates

Having friends over to visit helps children to establish friendships and practise their social skills. It

also provides an opportunity for you to provide on-the-spot coaching for children as they develop

their friendship skills. Providing positive guidance and helping to structure activities (without taking

over!) can be very important when establishing new friendships.

4. Talk with children about what is happening for them with their friends

Find a relaxed time, like the drive home from school or after dinner, to talk about what is happening

in your children’s friendship group. By doing this, you let them know that you are interested in their

wellbeing, and this can also be an opportunity to share some of your experiences and to help them

solve any problems they might have.

5. Encourage positive, relevant strategies

Parents and Carers can talk about, and encourage, friendly and cooperative strategies that can help

their child to develop friendships. For example, encouraging children to negotiate or compromise

when trying to solve conflicts with peers is a strategy that is more positively received by their friends

than aggression or verbal threats.

6. Take a problem-solving approach

Parents and Carers don’t need to have the answers to all of their children’s problems. You can

support your children to think through a problem for themselves by talking with them and asking

some useful questions.

For further information http://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/sites/default/files/public/KMC2-201205-

02_friendships-resources.pdf

Year 4 Camp

Next week, we will be waving farewell to our Year 4 students as they head off to their annual camp at

Port Hacking. All permission notes should have now been returned to Preparatory School Reception.

Toys ‘n’ Tucker Appeal

Thank you to those families who have already contributed donations to our ‘Toys ‘n’ Tucker’ Appeal.

The last day for donations is Friday, 23rd November. Donations can be left in the collection point in

Preparatory School Reception.

Awards:

Kindergarten: Harry Parsons Dale

Stage 1: Maddison Moore, Mikhaela Sommerville

Stage 2: Chase Davidsen, Isabella Rossiter, Hester Kinnear, Isabel Dolbel

A. Brace

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – NOVEMBER 2018

Friday, 9th November – HSC Examinations conclude

Friday, 9th November – Junior School Ziele Pitt Christmas Fundraiser (Toys’n’Tucker)

Friday, 9th November – Remembrance Day School Service, Preparatory School

Friday, 9th November – HSC Art & Design Showcase Evening

Sunday, 11th November – Remembrance Day, Wentworth Falls Cenotaph

Monday, 12th November – Remembrance Day Junior and Senior Schools’ Service

Monday, 12th November to Friday, 16th November – Year 10 Work Experience Week

Tuesday, 13th November – HICES Mathematics Day, Senior School

Tuesday, 13th November – Junior School Year 4 The Gully Guided Tour

Tuesday, 13th November – Music Soiree No. 3

Tuesday, 13th November – Senior School 2019 Cultural Tour meeting

Tuesday, 13th November – Parents’ & Friends’ Term 4 General Meeting

Wednesday, 14th November to Friday, 16th November – Year 4 Camp, Port Hacking

Wednesday, 14th November to Friday 16th November – Year 7, 2019 Orientation Days

Thursday, 15th November – Year 7, 2019 Parents’ Information Evening

Friday, 16th November – Year 9 Wilderness Education, climbing excursion, Mt. Piddington