Headmistress’s Report 2015

Contents1 An amazing year of celebration6 Christian purpose8 HSC results9 Band summaries 201410 NAPLAN12 Competition results14 Early Learning16 Transition16 Junior School20 Senior School26 Boarding28 AbbSchool30 Sport35 Environmental education36 Service-Learning37 Outdoor education38 Global experiences39 Grace Cossington Smith Gallery40 Clubs and activities

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Yvette Vignando [email protected]

PUBLICATIONS MANAGER Alex Norton [email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Deb Smith

Headmistress’s Report 2015 is a publication for the Abbotsleigh school community.

Published by the Abbotsleigh Development Office.

Copyright is retained by Abbotsleigh. This material must not be reproduced without consent.

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Headmistress’s Report 2015

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An amazing year of celebrationAbbotsleigh has educated young women for 130 years and we have enjoyed a year remembering those who have gone before and those here today keeping our current school vibrant and alive. We continue to press the boundaries of what is possible as we build women of character who are ready to embrace the wider community. Making connections with our world is an important aspect of our learning as we build meaningful relationships with other students, parents, Old Girls and local community members. To truly know ourselves we must grow in an understanding of others.

We began our year with the Commissioning of our new Chaplain, the Reverend Jenni Stoddart, who comes to us from the local St Swithun’s Church. Rev Stoddart is one of the few ordained females in the Diocese and is our first female Chaplain. After 130 years, there is much to celebrate in her appointment and we feel blessed to have such a wonderful role model for the girls.

On 22 April, Old Girls joined us to commemorate 50 years since the Chapel was opened. Miss Kath McCredie, Old Girl and past Headmistress, shared her experience of students contributing small amounts each week to the Chapel fund. In 1965, the Chapel with its high ceiling and symmetrical stately design was opened. The pipe organ, beautifully painted wall and stained glass windows were all later additions. Georgia Barker, an Old Girl and past Chapel Prefect, spoke of the memories and spiritual importance of this special place as we paused to thank God as a community.

Every true, momentous celebration at Abbotsleigh somehow involves music. On 23 April, the Tapestry of Sound concert was held at the Opera House for all students from Year 5 to Year 12 plus Year 4 Cantare singers. The audience was taken on an emotional journey as vibrant, energetic performances, complemented by reflective pieces, commemorated 130 years of Abbotsleigh’s history and the centenary of the Gallipoli landing. Two Old Girls joined the evening with Jenny Liu (2007) singing an opera piece from Carmen and Sophie Phillips (2014) returning to join the students in Skyfall. The celebration ended with Mambo, complete with streamers and balloons to mark the occasion.

On 20 July, Abbotsleigh’s actual birthday, the School’s new Sports Precinct opened. Included in this new facility are a synthetic playing field, the new Sports Hall, with its first-class basketball/netball/badminton courts, spectator seating, change rooms, first aid facilities and function room, dance studios, a strength and conditioning room, and underground parking for close to 200 cars.

This whole centre sits among the gum trees and blends in beautifully with the natural environment. The building has been ergonomically designed for natural light, natural air flow and water retention. Abbotsleigh not only has state-of-the-art sporting facilities, it has an aesthetically pleasing masterpiece to enjoy.

To celebrate this important milestone for Abbotsleigh, all students from Kindergarten to Year 12 joined together with Old Girls and VIPs for a ceremony and sports showcase inside the new hall, followed by a full school dance on the new sports field. All girls were then treated to a sausage sizzle lunch and active games. It was a joyful day that will be remembered for years.

The Prefect theme this year has been A Bigger Picture... and the Year 12 cohort has challenged the girls to look beyond themselves to see the issues of the world. As part of this, they have encouraged girls to support St Andrew’s School in Hyderabad, India, where education is being provided for the disadvantaged.

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Outstanding staff achievementsAbbotsleigh’s highly professional staff are continually updating their skills and many are engaged in formal postgraduate research and study. It is with pleasure that I share some of the recent accomplishments.

Julie Reynolds, the Deputy of Abbotsleigh, completed her PhD in the School of Education at the University of Wollongong in July this year with research entitled: Imagining and Shaping: Exploring Creativity in Leadership. She is now fondly addressed as Dr Julie Wilson Reynolds and will take on an additional brief in 2016 of promoting research across the School among students and staff.

Sally Ruston, Head of Junior School, received the prestigious PAI 2015 John Laing Award, which acknowledges principals who demonstrate outstanding leadership.

Kate Grzanka, who has been appointed the Deputy of the Junior School from 2016, completed her Master of Education from UNSW.

Melissa Kennedy completed a Master of Arts (Writing) from Swinburne University of Technology.

Malyn Mawby finished her Post-Graduate Certificate in Special Education from Macquarie University.

Darcy-Lee Tindale had her book launch in February for her middle school reader Thumb Pickles and Other Cautionary Preserves. She also was nominated for the second year in a row in the Ned Kelly Crime Writing Award for her story Roux’s Sister, and placed 2nd in the Stringybark Award for her story Shoo.

Viola Dominello won the John & Elizabeth Newham Pring Memorial Prize, awarded to the best watercolour by a female artist, for her work entitled On the River. This prize is related to the Wynne Prize and was on display at the Art Gallery of NSW.

Megan Townes received a Vocational Teaching Award from the Rotary Club of Wahroonga for her outstanding work in the area of ICT.

The Gladly Teach Awards were presented on International Teachers’ Day. This year the Junior School award went to Nicole Hunt for her passion in providing a rich learning environment where girls’ academic and pastoral needs are individualised and for her continued learning, personal development and for sharing her wisdom with fellow colleagues. The Senior School award was presented to Sheri Upasiri for her outstanding commitment to best practice in meeting the academic and pastoral needs of the students and promoting a collaborative environment for colleagues in project work. It is with joy we celebrate these two fine educators.

While many staff presented at conferences this year, Abbotsleigh organised several learning opportunities that reached into wider professional groups.

Art Symposium, May 2015The inaugural MASTERCLASS symposium was a one-day lecture-style conference open to all Visual Arts educators in NSW. Its aim was to investigate the delivery of the Visual Arts Stage 6 syllabus. Presenters explored student engagement as it relates to different forms of art making and the development of a body of work, with an emphasis on successful strategies. Areas addressed were digital media, painting, printmaking, sculpture, installation, new media and ceramics. More than 100 participants gained insights into real classroom experiences and the application of specific approaches to open-ended problem solving, with a view to enhancing student learning outcomes.

Early Learning Conference, June 2015Early Learning: The Wonder of Young Minds was a two-day conference for teachers of children in prior to school settings as well as the first years of school. Around 100 educators examined the infinite potential of children’s thinking and learning. Experts shared their research on best practice in areas such as technology, environmental education, the development of interdisciplinary projects, gross motor development, art, the transition to formal schooling and the communication of ideas through the ‘hundred languages’.

Teacher Librarians’ Conference, August 2015Abbotsleigh held its third Teacher Librarians’ Conference with a theme of Visible Libraries: an exploration of the relevance of a physical library in a digital age, and included speakers from Monash University Library, the State Library of NSW, the University of Technology Sydney Library, and school practitioners. Topics ranged from visual information to online curation and ways to improve digital literacy. More than 100 delegates from across Australia attended the conference, which included a panel discussion on the relevance of a physical library in a digital age, and sessions allowing delegates to explore new resources, teaching ideas and programs, and to see a 3D printer in action.

Staff movementsThis time of year is when we also acknowledge and farewell long serving staff who will be taking on new challenges outside the Abbotsleigh community. For those who will be enjoying retirement, we thank you for your service to Abbotsleigh and wish you well in your new lifestyle.

Stuart Coppin has been the Deputy of our Junior School since 2010. He is an outstanding educator with a high focus on the pastoral needs of each student. His knowledge of curriculum and his capacity to promote and support innovative teaching practices continually

encourages teachers to be reflective practitioners. Mr Coppin will be remembered for his empathy, good humour and sense of fun. We wish him well as he now embraces his role as Head of Junior School at Kambala.

Helen Watkins started at Abbotsleigh as the Head of Junior School Music in 2005. She strengthened our Music Department and expanded the instrumental program and breadth of ensemble groups. In 2011 she became the first Head of Environmental Education, in which role she has led the School on the

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journey of environmental sustainability. The Abbotsleigh Centre for Environmental Education (ACEE) integrates into the curriculum for both the Junior School and Senior School thanks to her innovative work. We wish her well in her retirement.

Robin Cameron has been the Head of Science in the Senior School since 2009. She is a passionate Chemistry teacher who has nurtured a very collegial department, which encourages our students in their keen interest in ‘everything science’. With grandparenting on the horizon, Robin will be moving into a teaching role at Roseville.

Irini Savvidis is a creative and passionate teacher of English who joined Abbotsleigh in 2010. Most recently she has led the Senior School as Creative Writing Coordinator. Her love of literature and ability to teach students to write has unlocked this area for many girls. She leaves us to become the Head of English at Meriden School.

Debbie Tarrant joined us in 2012 as a History teacher and in 2013 took up the role as Head of Christian Studies. We wish her well as she takes on a leadership role at William Clarke College as Enrichment Coordinator for Middle School.

We would like to acknowledge other teaching staff leaving us at the end of the year and thank them for their service: Bernadette Furlong Mathematics, Malyn Mawby TAS, Megan Townes Lead ICT Integrator, Kristie Randle Junior School, Lisette Carey Junior School, Melissa Kennedy English, Gillian Lynch Junior School.

During the year we also farewelled long serving-support staff who contributed greatly to Abbotsleigh. We warmly thank: Susanne Ingham Assistant Bursar, Naomi Manning ICT Integrator, Kristine Degenhardt Junior School Assistant, Sonia Kristy After School Care Program, Cheryl Cheetham Science Lab Assistant.

Special acknowledgementAfter many years as our Director of Music, Royna McNamara will be taking a new direction in 2016, working with our staff on creative and critical thinking as she embarks on further study. The reputation of Abbotsleigh’s music is strong thanks to her leadership of the department over the past 20 years. Thousands of students have enjoyed her passion and enthusiasm for music; both with their instruments and with their voices. We wish Royna well as she exchanges her conducting baton for an exploratory journey in meeting the needs of students in a creative way.

Governance The School is governed by a highly efficient Council that meets monthly, overseeing many sub-committees that meet regularly. Strategic planning for the School including financial decisions, building programs, risk management and policy formation are some of the critical activities of this highly experienced group. It has been a joy to work with such dedicated individuals who spend many hours in service to Abbotsleigh.

This year we have farewelled Elizabeth Robinson, a Synod Representative, who dedicated 12 years of service to the Abbotsleigh Council. Elizabeth contributed greatly to the Strategic Planning Review Committee. She was also the APA Council Representative for many years. We thank her for her commitment.

This year we also farewelled Dr John Scott, another one of our Synod appointments. A former Principal of St Luke’s Anglican School, John brought a wealth of experience to Council, was actively involved on the Strategic Planning Review Committee and was a helpful support to me as he understood the challenges of leading schools. We wish him well and thank him for his service.

We welcomed Jacqueline Cochrane to Council in September this year. She is an Old Girl of Abbotsleigh and currently works with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission as a Senior Lawyer.

School LeadershipThe Senior Leadership Team provides vision and serves in leading the School with individual portfolios in specific areas ensuring there is a range of quality programs, varied and extensive facilities, modern IT resources, community services for parents and Old Girls, rich cocurricular programs and dedicated and supported staff. I thank the leadership team members for their hard work and commitment.

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The Council of Abbotsleigh President

The Most Reverend Dr Glenn N Davies BSc MDiv(Hons 1) ThM(Hons 1) DipA PhD

Archbishop of Sydney

Metropolitan of New South Wales

Chairman

Reverend I A Millican BEcon BD(Hons) DipMin

Treasurer of the School Council

Mr P Fontanot BCompt(Hons) CA MAICD

Ms M Bisley BA LLB

Mrs M Brentnall BCom GAICD

Mr E Campbell BA LLB

Mrs J Cochrane BEc LLB(Hons)

Dr E Cope MB BS FRACGP FAICD

The Reverend B Heath BA BTh DipA MA(Theol)

Mrs S Hofman MEc ACA GAICD

Mr I Londish BA LLB(Hons) GIA Cert

Mr P Nicholson BSc BE(Hons) ME MIEAust

Mr D Pontin MEd BPE DipTeach

Ms M Vanzella BEc LLB(Hons) MBA MAICD

Prefects 2014-2015 Prefect Executive

Head Prefect Lucy Taylor

Head Boarder Prefect Lara Dillon

Vice Head Prefect Duties Clare Rogers

Vice Head Prefect Service Alice Johnson

Vice Head Prefect Houses Clare O’Rourke

Portfolios

Vice Head Boarder Prefect Jessica Sylvester Boarding Amelia Bryant, Phoebe Chadwick, Isabella Clift, Sophie Verheul

Chapel Lillian Buchholz

Debating and Public Speaking Georgia Chahoud

Drama Alexandra Moulis

Environmental Sustainability Charlotte O’Callaghan

Music Rose Forster

Sport Ella Goldsmith

Student Representative Council Ilasha Prabhu

Year Prefects

Junior School Sophie Abel, Olivia Armitage

Year 6/7 Krystal Au, Georgia Murray

Year 7/8 Courtney Booth, Isabella Patrick

Year 8/9 Meggan Kamsler, Caitlin O’Connell

Year 9/10 Emma Bell, Zoe Lysaght

Year 10/11 Isabella Baweja, Elizabeth Priest

Year 11/12 Madeline Lyons, Caroline Yu

Chisholm Annabel Burnett (C), Jacqueline Henderson, Jane Lorimer

Franklin Adelaide Anderson (C), Laura Field, Jacqueline Orme

Gilmore Rebecca Goddard (C), Amelia Hetherington, Tess Roden

Melba Laura Green (C), Annabelle Cavanagh, Isabelle Harris

Prichard Hannah Li (C), Sophie Mac Smith, Ella Wright

Richardson Olivia Hobill Cole (C), Anika Dhruv, Mia Modaro

Tennant Aimee Cant (C), Harriet Graham, Tileah McGrady

Wright Briony Wright (C), Sophie Russell, Sarah Svehla

House leadership

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Prefects 2015-2016Prefect Executive

Head Prefect Sarah Kelland

Head Boarder Prefect Charlotte Stump

Vice Head Prefect Duties Hasara Herath Vice Head Prefect Service Alissa Antoon Vice Head Prefect Houses Victoria Booth

Portfolios Vice Head Boarder Prefect Katie Merriman

Boarding Phoebe Boydell, Elizabeth Corbett, Lillian Higgins, Vanessa Washaya

Chapel Alice Mann

Debating and Public Speaking Rebecca McKeague

Drama Tanna Nankivell

Environmental Sustainability Catriona Illingworth

Music Sophie Spencer

Sport Jessica Healy

Student Representative Council Sophie Berton Year Prefects

Junior School Sara Nicita, Helen Pretorius Year 6/7 Nanette Chan, Zoee Mylordis

Year 7/8 Clare Calo, Eliza Kennedy

Year 8/9 Nina Johnson, Yashika Upadhyaya

Year 9/10 Fiona Higgins, Rani West

Year 10/11 Annabel McDermott, Emma Robinson

Year 11/12 Sigrid Fraser, Laura Mazza

House leadership

Chisholm Emily Walsh (C), Rebecca Findlay, Sarah Healey

Franklin Molly Ley (C), Sophie Millican, Imogen Nicholls

Gilmore Marnie Clarkson (C), Jade Kelly, Anna Wilson

Melba Sarah Mackay (C), Jacqueline Connor, Isabella Hopkins

Prichard Annabel Rigby (C), Stephanie Kan, Starry Zhang

Richardson Josephine Pereira (C), Adrianna Au, Phoebe Evans

Tennant Matilda Flanery (C), Tayla Brass, Penelope King

Wright Sophie Harris (C), Georgia Matthews Hornery, Katja Petro

School Captain Madeleine McDonell

Vice School Captain Shaniece Antoon

Environment Captain Abby Kidston

Swimming Captain Jacinta Walsh

Crusader Leader Alyssa Tham-Pich

Music Captain Krisha Ghelani

Tennis Captain Sophie Conn

Gymnastics Captain Elizabeth Xerri

Skiing Captain Jemma Vizard

Cross Country Captain Charlotte Turner

Athletics Captain Monique Batten

Library Captains Sarah Lumbroso, Raphaela Rotolo-Ross

Junior School

Tempus Editor Vanessa Choi

Blaxland House Captains Emma Thornthwaite, Jemma Tran

Vice House Captains Alyssa Bateup, Megan Luu

Lawson House Captains Madelina Gordon, Charlotte Ryan

Vice House Captains Loren Gorman, Jessica Woodgate

Macquarie House Captains Phoebe Anderssen, Sian Holmes

Vice House Captains Hannah Cerezo, Bridgette Edmunds

Sturt House Captains Sarah Graham, Mia Navratil

Vice House Captains Olivia Bevilacqua, Isabel Gunning

Wentworth House Captains Bella Alvarez, Olivia Santow

Vice House Captains Georgia Elsley, Charlie Lamb

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We began our year with the commissioning of our new Chaplain, the Reverend Jenni Stoddart, is one of the few ordained females in the Diocese and is proving to be a wonderful role model for the girls. She has quickly immersed herself into the culture, leading Chapel, and teaching Christian Studies in an inclusive way. Rev Stoddart and her family live on the Senior School campus to allow pastoral interaction with the boarding community. Her arrival has been a blessing on the School.

The Chaplain’s role is to share Jesus’ blessing with students, family and staff in word, action and prayer. As a Christian school we see your daughter’s spiritual growth as part of her overall wellbeing.

Spiritual wellbeing involves being connected to a bigger framework that helps us makes sense of life. At Abbotsleigh, that framework is founded on the Christian faith; a faith that holds that at the centre of the universe is a God of love and justice who shows his compassion for each individual in Jesus.

This work occurs through the Christian values that run as a thread throughout our school life. This integrated approach can been seen in the reflections shared each assembly and Chapel, the teaching in the Christian Studies classes, the focus on Service-Learning and through the staff who seek each day to uphold these values and share them with the girls in their care.

Girls who are interested in learning more about the Christian faith can join one of our Crusader groups, which meet weekly. These cater for all students, from Kindergarten through to Year 12. This year, the Senior School Crusader group joined with Sydney Church of England Grammar School (Shore) for a weekend away, which fostered relationships and engaged the student leaders of both schools. Alongside the strong Christian Studies program these avenues foster the spiritual wellbeing of each student.

Christian purpose

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HSC resultsIt is with much pleasure that I congratulate our Year 12 2014 students and the staff who worked together to achieve wonderful success in the HSC. According to the Sydney Morning Herald ranking, Abbotsleigh placed tenth overall in the state and in 2014 was the top ranked independent school in NSW for the second year in succession.

Catriona McLennan achieved a remarkable 99.90 ATAR and came first in the state in French Extension, second in French Continuers and 20th in English Advanced. Her broad subject mix included Science, Mathematics and Studies of Religion. Soo-Min Shim was Dux of the School, achieved an ATAR of 99.90 and came second in the state in English Extension 1. Soo-Min lead the School as Vice Head Prefect – Houses. Adelaide Wallace obtained an ATAR of 99.90 and came eighth in the state in English Extension 1 and 14th in Business Studies. She was a Prefect for Years 7/8 and a Peer Support Leader. Georgia Smith obtained an ATAR of 99.75, coming 12th in the state in PDHPE and 13th in Business Studies. Georgia was the Sport Prefect for the School during 2013/2014.

Other notable results included: Olivia Urbaniak came third in Music Extension and fifth in Music 2; Lucy Booth came

third in German Continuers; Sophie Champion came third in Visual Arts; Rachel Russell third in Earth and Environmental Science; Kaitlyn Crowe sixth in Design and Technology; Veronica Sebesfi came sixth in English Extension 1; Sheina Low came 8th in Mathematics; Veronica Thomson came eighth in Senior Science; Penelope Farlow came 11th in Business Studies; Georgia Smith came 12th in PDHPE and 13th in Business Studies and Eleanor Clarkson came 17th in PDHPE.

Outstanding results by subject

■ 100% of Abbotsleigh candidature in top band: Music Extension, French Extension

■ 100% of Abbotsleigh candidature in top two bands: Design & Technology, Drama, English as a Second Language, English Extension 1, German Continuers, German Extension, Japanese Extension, Latin Continuers, Mathematics Extension 1, Music 2, Studies of Religion 2, Visual Arts

■ 90% or more of Abbotsleigh candidature in top two bands: English Advanced, Geography, History Extension, Mathematics Extension 2, Music 1

2014 student showcasesARTEXPRESS Selected: Stephanie Blair – Floating Worlds, Samantha Capel – Leaving a Print, Taniya Coldham – Sonder (n.), Harriet Murray – Ultimate Sanity, Olivia Urbaniak – RAPT

Nominated: Sophie Champion – To Salvage What Remains; Kiana Elliott – Bruised; Emily Gunning – Ice, Burnt, Blue; Nancy Ji – Granddaughter of Art History; Annabelle Sindel – White lies; Emma Weal – Silver linings

DesignTECH Nominated: Stephanie Darley, Elizabeth Duggan, Claudia Healy, Rebecca Le Quesne

Encore Nominated: Olivia Urbaniak, Emma Zhuang

OnSTAGE Nominated: Soo-Min Shim Selected for reserve list: Lucy Booth

Artwork: Stephanie Blair

Artwork: Nancy Ji

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Band E4 Band E3

Subject Number of students % Abb % NSW % Abb % NSW

English Extension 1 33 90.90 30.52 9.09 62.47

English Extension 2 9 11.11 23.17 77.77 54.27

Mathematics Extension 1 36 44.44 30.35 55.55 54.05

Mathematics Extension 2 20 30.00 31.46 60.00 54.93

History Extension 22 59.09 22.34 36.36 55.36

Music Extension 3 100.00 74.78 0.00 24.15

French Extension 2 100.00 39.50 0.00 55.50

German Extension 2 50.00 31.14 50.00 65.57

Japanese Extension 2 0.00 29.31 100.00 67.01

Band 6 Band 5 Band 4

Subject Number of students % Abb % NSW % Abb % NSW % Abb % NSW

Ancient History 33 42.42 8.66 33.33 24.12 18.18 28.43

Biology 39 46.15 5.75 30.76 22.48 23.07 33.50

Business Studies 65 43.07 8.84 33.84 28.11 23.07 30.13

Chemistry 37 45.94 11.67 34.13 34.42 13.51 29.31

Design & Technology 15 73.33 10.86 26.66 26.36 0.00 37.96

Drama 21 42.85 13.23 57.14 28.88 0.00 42.34

Earth & Environmental Science 11 45.45 6.22 36.36 33.57 18.18 32.84

Economics 21 38.09 10.88 38.09 33.65 23.80 28.18

English Advanced 129 49.61 14.67 44.96 44.63 5.42 32.24

English Standard 6 0.00 0.28 0.00 7.88 83.33 35.02

English as a Second Language 3 33.33 4.49 66.66 23.79 0.00 37.17

French Continuers 6 83.33 34.79 0.00 30.91 16.66 23.27

Geography 36 55.55 7.47 36.11 36.16 8.33 25.16

German Continuers 4 50.00 29.60 50.00 28.15 0.00 27.79

Japanese Continuers 7 0.00 17.12 71.42 40.80 14.28 20.64

Latin Continuers 1 0.00 43.47 100.00 31.05 0.00 18.01

Mathematics 60 58.33 21.71 26.66 32.03 11.66 27.70

Mathematics General 64 39.06 5.47 35.93 19.53 17.18 25.66

Modern History 52 38.46 8.65 48.07 33.63 9.61 32.43

Music 1 11 54.54 18.23 36.36 41.35 9.09 28.97

Music 2 6 83.33 33.98 16.66 53.33 0.00 11.89

PDHPE 34 47.05 8.42 29.41 22.07 14.70 32.50

Physics 20 20.00 8.54 30.00 22.55 35.00 35.21

Senior Science 12 50.00 7.65 33.33 28.80 16.66 32.27

Studies of Religion 1 12 41.66 12.05 33.33 36.67 25.00 27.21

Studies of Religion 2 4 50.00 8.24 50.00 35.94 0.00 29.72

Visual Arts 28 60.71 10.63 39.28 37.97 0.00 36.55

Band summaries 2014

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NAPLAN

SubjectLowerbands combined %

Band 4 (%) Band 5 (%) Band 6 (%)

Reading Abbotsleigh 6.9 4.2 12.5 76.4

State 29 21 19.5 30.5

AIS NSW 19.2 18.7 20.8 41.3

Writing Abbotsleigh 1.4 4.2 26.4 68.1

State 22.5 23 38.5 15.9

AIS NSW 13.3 19.6 42.6 24.5

Spelling Abbotsleigh 8.3 9.7 19.4 62.5

State 32 20.8 20.1 27.1

AIS NSW 21.7 20.9 22.8 34.6

Grammar and punctuation

Abbotsleigh 2.8 8.3 8.3 80.6

State 24 23.6 20.4 32.1

AIS NSW 14 19.6 22.2 44.1

Numeracy Abbotsleigh 8.3 8.3 19.4 63.9

State 38.1 23.8 19.3 18.8

AIS NSW 26.4 23.4 23.7 26.6


Band 6 (%) Band 7 (%) Band 8 (%)

Reading Abbotsleigh 4.1 7.1 24.5 64.3

State 40.3 21.8 20.5 17.5

Region/AIS NSW 30.8 22.8 24.4 25.5

Writing Abbotsleigh 1 27.6 41.8 29.6

State 47.1 31.5 15.2 6.2

Region/AIS NSW 34.5 35.6 20.4 9.5

Spelling Abbotsleigh 5.1 10.2 35.7 49

State 34.9 25.2 27 12.9

Region/AIS NSW 24.8 26.1 31.8 17.3


Abbotsleigh 1 8.2 11.2 79.6

State 33.9 39.8 20.6 18.1

Region/AIS NSW 25.7 21.4 25.8 27.1

Numeracy Abbotsleigh 3.1 11.3 20.6 64.9

State 43.6 25.6 16.6 14.1

Region/AIS NSW 30.7 27.8 21.7 19.8

Year 3

Year 5

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NAPLAN


Band 4 (%) Band 5 (%) Band 6 (%)Higher bands combined %

Reading Abbotsleigh 8 20 36.7 35.3 92

State 42.4 25.8 19.9 11.9 57.6

AIS NSW 26.8 28 26.5 18.8 73.2

Writing Abbotsleigh 21.7 30.9 32.2 15.1 78.3

State 59.2 21.9 14.4 4.5 40.8

AIS NSW 44.7 27.25 20.7 7.3 55.3

Spelling Abbotsleigh 9.2 14.5 45.4 30.9 90.8

State 33 27 28.3 11.6 67

AIS NSW 22.7 27.5 34.9 14.9 77.3


Abbotsleigh 6.6 18.4 21.7 53.3 93.4

State 43.1 22.6 18.4 15.9 56.9

AIS NSW 28.4 24.2 24.4 23 71.6

Numeracy Abbotsleigh 6.1 17.4 26.8 49.7 93.9

State 44.9 26.1 15.8 13.3 55.1

AIS NSW 28.5 29.5 22.8 19.2 71.9


Band 6 (%) Band 7 (%) Band 8 (%)Higher bands combined %

Reading Abbotsleigh 5.7 29.1 29.7 35.4 94.3

State 49.6 25.2 17 7.9 50.4

Region/AIS NSW 33.4 30 24.2 12.4 66.6

Writing Abbotsleigh 19.7 34.4 22.3 23.6 80.3

State 62.1 23.4 9 5.6 37.9

Region/AIS NSW 46.9 30.2 13.6 9.3 53.1

Spelling Abbotsleigh 6.3 35.8 28.3 29.6 93.7

State 41.3 31.1 18.7 9 58.7

Region/AIS NSW 30.3 34.6 23.7 11.4 69.7


Abbotsleigh 15.7 30.8 30.2 23.3 84.3

State 53.9 26.9 12.9 6.3 46.1

Region/AIS NSW 40.1 33.1 17.6 9.1 59.9

Numeracy Abbotsleigh 3.8 19 32.9 44.3 96.2

State 45.5 26 15.5 13.1 54.5

Region/AIS NSW 27.8 29.9 23.1 19.2 72.2

Year 7

Year 9

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Competition resultsInvestigating with Mathematics

■ Three Year 6 students were awarded a Certificate of Merit for their project entitled ‘What are the average dimensions of a tomb for ancient and modern rulers?’

■ Year 2 students were awarded 1st place in NSW for the Teddy Bear Hotel and Restaurant project.

■ Transition students were awarded 2nd place in NSW for the project entitled ‘It’s Fairy Size?’ Mathematical Inquiry in the Early Years Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiad (Years 5 and 6 and open to participants from Australia, New Zealand and Singapore)

■ Amber Young from Year 6 placed in the top 2%

■ 11 Abbotsleigh girls made the top 10%

■ 23 Abbotsleigh girls made the top 25%

EnglishShaneice Antoon (Year 6) won a bronze award in the Write On competition

JUNIOR SCHOOL

The International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS)

EnglishYears 3-6 participated

■ 8 high distinctions

■ 67 distinctions

■ 110 credits

Information TechnologiesYears 3, 5 and 6 participated


■ 44 distinctions

■ 70 credits

MathematicsYears 3-6 participated


■ 67 distinctions

■ 115 credits

■ 36 merits

ScienceYears 3-6 participated


■ 52 distinctions

■ 97 credits

SpellingYear 4 participated


■ 14 distinctions

■ 24 credits

WritingYear 3-6


■ 87 distinctions

■ 89 credits

Science awards

STANSWA – Models and Inventions AwardEmma Yap (Year 4) was a winner in the ‘Models and Inventions’ Primary category for Emma’s Wagon: a mobile phone app to coordinate school carpools

STANSWA AARNet Communication Awards (special award)Emma Yap (Year 4) won an AARNet Communications Award in the Years 3-6 category for Emma’s Wagon: a mobile phone app to coordinate school carpools

Technology awardsTech Girls are Superheroes Competition

Emma Yap (Year 4) won the NSW state prize for her app Emma’s Wagon: a mobile phone app to coordinate school carpools. Emma was the only primary school entrant in the country to be a national finalist at the awards

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Competition results

SENIOR SCHOOLThe International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS)

Mathematics

■ Congratulations to Erika Lo, who was awarded a medal for this competition which places her as one of the top Year 10 students in Australia

■ 25 high distinctions (the top 1% of participants)

■ 125 distinctions (the next 10%)

■ 160 credits

Australian Mathematics Competition

■ The Prudence Award for the most number of consecutive correct answers was awarded to Waiwai Yeap in Year 8.


■ 74 distinctions

■ 220 credits

CAT Computational and Algorithmic Thinking


■ 28 distinctions

Science

Big Science


■ 67 distinctions

■ 141 credits

ICAS Science


■ 72 distinctions

■ 167 credits

National Titration Competition

■ Two teams at nationals

■ One gold award

■ Four silver awards

Chemistry Quiz


■ 58 distinctions

■ 40 credits

Design and TechnologyWhitehouse Institute of Design

■ One Scholarship winner

■ Two students highly commended

■ NCSS Python Programming Challenge

■ Two perfect scores in Beginners’ stream (Jenna Chan, Vanessa Leung)

■ Two perfect scores in Intermediate stream (Jennifer King, Grace Liu)


■ 6 distinctions

■ 3 credits

HISEAustralian Geography Prize


■ 7 distinctions

LanguagesLanguage Perfect World Championships

(Years 7-12)

■ 2nd in Latin in Australia and 2nd in the world, Jacinta Lin

■ Five elite awards (top 0.2% of global competitors)

■ 12 gold awards (top 1% of global competitors)

Alliance Française Competition (Years 11 and 12)

■ 3rd placegetter in La Perouse competition (Isabelle Baweja

SAGSE Scholarship(Year 11, German)

■ Tanna Nankivell won a two month scholarship to live and study in Germany

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This year the ELC introduced a stand-alone position of Curriculum Leader whose role is to support the educators, encouraging them to further their own learning styles through a shared vision of inquiry-based learning. The children are thus provided with rich and meaningful learning experiences.

Professional development Professional development provides educators with ongoing learning essential for growth. The ELC was fortunate to receive a grant through the Long Day Care Professional Development Fund to provide the opportunity for educators to attend such courses and conferences this year. Some of the conferences attended covered topics such as: reconciliation; the provision of environments where children are empowered to take ‘risks’; and the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Educators from the ELC also presented at a conference in Perth.

At Abbotsleigh’s Early Learning conference in June, delegates participated in a wide range of workshops. One of these, presented by Abbotsleigh educators, investigated how educators could effectively integrate technology within the early years’ settings. This hands-on workshop explored the use of the iPad for animation and film-making experiences. The delegates also explored

art materials and a range of art techniques, led by the ELC’s Special Projects Team, in a manner that encouraged professional thought, focusing on the process of learning and individual inquiry rather than an end product.

Another Abbotsleigh workshop focused on an inquiry from inception to completion. Delegates were encouraged to examine how to build on children’s interests in order to extend the child’s understanding of their world. The final workshop presented by Abbotsleigh staff centred on how the ACEE is utilised by the four-year-olds and the differences found in learning, socialisation and development that takes place because of time spent outdoors. Children learn to explore, discover, negotiate, take risks, create meaning and solve problems – all the important foundations for developing literacy, numeracy and social skills.

STEAMA focus at the ELC this year was promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) in the program. Providing children with open ended materials facilitates choice and independence, which in turn stimulates imagination and creativity. In the 2–3 year-old

room, what began as an inquiry into shadows turned into discovering the basic principles of light through a variety of resources, such as light tables, projectors, torches, reflectors and the setting up of a dark space, using block out curtains. The Nursery children embraced science, becoming active participants in Science Week. This year the focus was Making Waves: the Science of Light. In the ELC, light in its various forms is often utilised as a provocation to stimulate wonder, curiosity, creativity and deep inquiry.

The children’s engagement with open ended materials revealed much about their emerging learning styles and dispositions, such as curiosity, enthusiasm, cooperation and persistence. It is vital to nurture a community of engaged learners rather than simply ticking

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developmental boxes and transmitting bodies of knowledge and skills. Learning is much richer and far more complex than this. John Dewey writes, ‘knowledge of methods alone is not sufficient: there must be desire, the will to employ them. This desire is an affair of personal disposition.’

Service-LearningELC and Transition children have enthusiastically participated in supporting those in need. The children have actively contributed to World Vision, the Red Cross Great Cake Bake and Jeans for Genes, as well as Operation Christmas Child. This year, after the earthquake in Nepal, the ELC reconnected with the Australian Himalayan Foundation who visited and spoke to the 3 to 4 year-old and 4 to 5 year-old children about Nepal. They took a photo of the banner of the friendship hands that hangs in the ELC dining room, a gift from the children of the Shree Sarswoti Primary School located in a small village in the Solu Khumbu region of Nepal. This banner has hung in the ELC since the Nepal Service Project of 2011. In reaching out to other children across the world, our children learnt something new and reflected on their own lives and culture.

Outdoor learningThe ELC recognises the importance of active engagement in the outdoor environment. An outdoor sink has been incorporated into this space to permit greater access to the creative arts and enable the Special Projects Team to work with small groups of children to invest in their expressive learning. The children are also encouraged to practise fundamental movement skills as well as the exploration of both sensory and creative activities. It is through this physical engagement that children often explore the greater environment of the Junior School. It was on one of these explorations that the children in the 3 to 4-year-old room noticed trees wrapped in woollen yarn. This sparked a project and linked the ELC with the girls in the Junior School, who are members of the Yarn Bombing Club. The girls visited and inspired the children to form their own group of creative knitters. Families were invited to join the children for morning tea while girls demonstrated their knitting skills. An underlying principle of the Early Years Learning Framework is that of belonging and we promote this close link to families, recognising they are a child’s first and most influential educators.

Environmental educationThis year has seen the Transition and 4 to 5 year-old children attending the ACEE fortnightly. The children already experience and play in the ELC garden but the ACEE provides opportunity for play without toys, instead using natural materials to create and engage. The regular visits to the ACEE sparked an interest in plants and, more specifically, food-producing plants. The Special Projects Team researched alongside the children to create a ‘bush tucker’ garden at the ELC where children learn about plants that were once indigenous to this land. By introducing the children to plants and gardening the educators foster a healthy respect for the environment, assisting children to truly connect with the earth.

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Transition

Curiosity, creativity, critical thinking and innovative thinking are what we strive to engender in our students. A STEAM approach is a most useful framework for developing empowered learners who readily engage with a curriculum that is holistic and that promotes an integration between the arts and sciences.

This multidisciplinary approach of integrating science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics, engages and inspires students, encourages curiosity and allows them to discover answers to their own questions. As educators and as parents we always hope that our students will experience the joy and wonder of learning. When Year 2 reflected on their award-winning Teddy Bear Hotel project they spoke enthusiastically of the excitement and pride they experienced throughout the endeavour. This level of engagement is echoed in the numerous investigations and design projects that have taken place this year.

Whether conducting investigations or designing a solution to a real world issue, our students are barely aware of the learning that is taking place. The ‘Mind your Brain’ workshops in Years 5 and 6 are a fine example of this. STEAM learning challenges intellectually, fosters problem-solving skills and encourages critical thinking. Our young investigators learn the value of seeing each failure as an opportunity to refine and improve. This persistent approach was evident throughout the testing stages of a solar-powered vehicle designed by our computer club members in their impressive entry into the ICT Young Explorers Competition.

Through STEAM investigations, our girls learn to collaborate with others who have diverse strengths and interests. These interpersonal skills are highly valued within and beyond the school years. STEAM education has the power to affect every one of us whether we are nurturing a future neurosurgeon, a budding inventor or a film producer. The ability to draw on each of the STEAM disciplines and combine them in innovative and flexible ways will equip our girls with the skills and aptitudes necessary to be leaders in a future that will undoubtedly be focused on technological innovation. They will have the edge necessary to flourish in STEAM-based career fields and can look forward with confidence.

Kindergarten STEAMS aheadA digital book, the design of a 3D key ring and much research into native Australian animals were part of a project that was embedded across all curriculum areas.

As part of HSIE, girls used books and internet searches in the library to gather information. In English, they reflected on fictional stories by Australian authors such as Mem Fox and Alison Lester. Inferences were made about these stories in written responses and thinking routines. A wealth of knowledge was gained about habitats, feeding and life cycles. Kindergarten then experimented with various instruments to recreate the sounds of animals in Music. ICT lessons involved students independently navigating the Paint and Adobe Illustrator programs to design their Australian animal.

The year has been an exciting one for the girls in Transition as we entered a phase of renewed growth and reinvigoration of programs.

The girls this year piloted a program entitled A Day Outside, which draws on research carried out by the Forest Schools in Scandinavia, Nature Kindergartens in the United Kingdom, Nature Schools in America and Green Schools in Indonesia. These studies show that young children with regular access to natural areas and extended periods of outside play have increased problem solving ability, improved fine and gross motor skills and increased confidence in all areas of formal schooling. As a result, girls in Transition have spent every second Tuesday at the Abbotsleigh Centre for Environmental Education with our Director of Environmental Education Helen Watkins. The nature playground offers lots of natural materials to construct and improve fine and gross motor skills, climbing logs to develop balance and agility and a dirt hill for imaginative games and experiments.

Using class sets of puddle suits to stay dry, the wet weather makes the ACEE days more fun. On inclement days the girls go to the Grace Cossington Smith Gallery, Old Gym and Archdale Library, which allows these youngest of girls to buddy with older counterparts.

This year also saw the Transition girls participate for the first time in the Infants Intensive Swimming Week during Term 4. The Junior School heated pool was the perfect venue for the girls to gain water confidence and aquatic skill with the help of Miss Scott, PDHPE staff and coaches from the Senior School Aquatic Centre.

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These designs were then printed by the School’s laser cutter and made into 3D key rings. Kindergarten were exposed to the printing process, which fostered an awareness of progressive technology. In Mathematics, data was collated about animals and represented in column and bar graphs.

Finally, the Abbotsleigh Kindergarten students worked in pairs, gathering their research to make a digital book. They used the Story Book application to insert pictures and information about their animals, recording their voices to share details about animals.

Global and local connectedness in Year 1In Term 2 with Belonging, the students read about the imaginative adventures of Flat Stanley. Just as he was made flat enough to be mailed to a friend in the post, Year 1 girls made their own Flat Stanley or Stella paper characters and posted them to overseas locations together with handwritten letters. The girls tracked their letters’ journeys with Google Earth on the Smartboard and used large classroom maps to display the locations reached. Many responses from distant recipients arrived via email with photo attachments. The girls also enjoyed the return of the paper characters, relating more readily to the physical journeys the character had made.

An excursion to Wahroonga village proved to be a particular highlight with Community Helpers. Many local businesses permitted the girls to visit their premises and conduct behind the scenes investigations to learn about our needs and wants and how people, goods and services in our local high street meet them. Maps of the area viewed on the Smartboard revealed how much Wahroonga has changed over the past 70 years. In Mathematics and ICT lessons, digital maps were explored. Girls discussed town planning factors and then designed and constructed their own imaginary communities, gaining a greater appreciation of the requirements necessary for a successful and productive community.

Applying mathematical inquiry in Year 2 Year 2 girls were immersed in projects involving investigation and exploration. Such undertakings allowed for a depth of inquiry and practical application within meaningful contexts.

One project had the girls design, build and run a hotel for teddy bears. This emerged following an exploration of wet and dry environments, where the girls had to consider ways to build a hotel without damaging the rainforest. While the 2O students investigated the produce in the kitchen garden for use in the restaurant, the 2G students researched and created designs for the hotel. When built, the 2G students checked people in and ran

the hotel, while 2O looked after visitors in the restaurant. The Teddy Bear Hotel raised $120 donated by its patrons for the Westmead Children’s Hospital. This investigation provided great mathematical scope as the girls designed tessellated tiles for the hotel swimming pool, determined area for carpet in the rooms and calculated volume when cooking muffins. The project won first prize in the MANSW state competition.

An inquiry into transport modes necessitated mathematical investigations into building paths, ramps and tunnels. Integration was naturally found in French lessons as girls collaborated in small groups to read information in French about students travelling to different destinations using various transport modes. They represented their findings with the aid of graphs, drawings and maps, and included vocabulary in the target language.

Building local partnerships in Year 3The School’s purpose emphasises engagement with the wider community. Each girl is empowered to be a courageous, constructive and compassionate world citizen, who embraces diversity and has a will to serve others. The Year 3 program models these global connections through Music, HSIE and Service-Learning.

Our HSIE program focused on raising students’ awareness of their world. Our study of National Parks and Indigenous Cultures encouraged the girls to seek out ways to preserve and maintain the natural environment, helping them to recognise ways in which we have a responsibility to the wider world. The 2015 Service-Learning program, together with our investigation Around Abbotsleigh highlighted ways in which the values and traditions of the School help us to be better community members.

Reflection of Community Day from students’ perspective‘On Community Day I learnt that I need to use my money wisely and I learnt that I can’t buy everything I see and that my parents can’t afford everything I ever wanted because they have to pay taxes and pay loans to the bank.’

‘I really loved the fact that I could have my own store and I could walk in the shoes of an adult. I also loved that I was able to earn money fairly easily and I could put money in, and take money out of the bank. I also liked feeling grown up when I was paying taxes. I really enjoyed seeing my customers walk away with smiles on their faces.’

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A highlight of Year 3 Music has always been the instrumental program, which includes a concert by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and culminates with an end of year Soirée at Abbotsleigh. This year, the students were invited to submit a composition for a trumpet fanfare to be played at a Symphony in Schools concert at the Sydney Opera House. The composition by Abbotsleigh students won and the girls were justly proud. This program further highlighted to the girls how their work at school connects and contributes to a wider world.

A game of life: financial literacy in action in Year 4What does it look like to work together and live within a community? Year 4 girls undertook an experiential challenge to gain an insight into the demands faced by the local council and, indeed, the average Australian, by turning the classroom into a cooperative community. Community Day was born.

Each member of the class stepped into the shoes of a community member, working to provide either goods or services that meet the needs and wants of the community. Technology was used to create advertisements; and visual literacy and communication skills were used to create an impact on their audience and help sell their products.

The girls soon discovered how important it is to have a practical understanding of mathematics in the real world. They needed to be wise businesswomen and careful consumers. The money that they designed and borrowed from the bank manager needed to be paid back – with interest. They also needed money to lease shopfronts and pay taxes. The importance of calculating change correctly was

paramount, as was saving as they needed to have enough money left over to enjoy the fruits of their hard work.

It was amazing to witness each student working together to build a positive and cooperative community. It was not an easy task but a motivating experience that stimulated real life problem-solving, real world mathematics and financial literacy in the context of the classroom. Watch out world! There will be many an Abbotsleigh girl taking the stage as successful entrepreneurs in the future.

Building inter-generational understanding in Year 5 For many years, the Adopted Grandparents project program has consisted of one nursing home visit per year. To deepen empathy and enhance understanding, we expanded this Service-Learning project to four visits (one visit per term) in 2015. This increase was welcomed by all involved. The program aims to benefit the students and residents of aged care facilities through planned, prepared and structured interactions. Students developed a greater awareness of the needs of aged people in our society, and the visits also improved the girls’ written and oral communication skills. We also saw the girls develop patience, persistence and empathy. Residents of the aged care facilities have benefited from the company, conversation, interest and interactions with the students.

This unique Service-Learning project continues to successfully address a multitude of cross-curriculum outcomes. While pre-visit activities are important for preparing students, so too, are post-visit reflections and students come to understand that Service-Learning addresses community need, takes many forms, is a collaborative

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process and requires commitment. The visits saw the students recite poetry, sing, play instruments, and perform short plays and dance items. Much to the enjoyment of our adopted grandparents, the 2015 program concluded with a joyous Christmas concert. The Year 5 students and staff would like to thank the support of our partnered aged care facilities for allowing us to visit throughout the year.

Creating 21st century learners in Year 6Technology has underpinned all subject areas in Year 6 as the girls embraced the 1:1 laptop program. Teachers and students utilised OneNote as a tool for sharing information in lessons and termly IT boot camps were introduced. This was a fun and engaging way of targeting and developing specific technology skills. One of the boot camp highlights was the creation of a game using the app, Sketch Nation. The Year 6 students used oral and written persuasive skills in a bid to convince the discerning Kindergarten and Year 1 audience that their game was the best.

The AbbKart Derby was reinvigorated, requiring students to redesign and modify billy carts using recyclable parts with the ultimate aim of making them go faster. Complementing this program, the girls sharpened their technology and coding skills using the software program Scratch to create a virtual billy cart track that replicated our own course on the Junior School Oval.

As part of the Abbotsleigh Reading Challenge, Year 6 students completed a Lit-Tech Challenge where they designed a book character in the app, Makers Empire. These characters became even more life-like with the help of the new 3D printer in the Junior School.

Overall, Year 6 girls thrived on the integration of technology into their core learning. The scope of technology excited the girls and the IT skills that have been embedded in teaching and learning programs place them in very good stead as 21st century learners.

Christian Studies In the Junior School, Infants students first engage with the text of the Bible through the highly illustrative Beginner’s Bible and other relevant visual resources in order to become familiar with key biblical themes and stories.

Year 3 students encounter the full text of the Bible by exploring the different parts of the ‘Bible Library’. Through games, quizzes and challenge activities, its students build skill and confidence in navigating the pages.

In addition to using the printed Bible, Year 6 students become familiar with using the online resource BibleGateway in order to speed their access to the text in numerous versions.

Year 3 students encounter the full text of the Bible by exploring the different parts of the ‘Bible Library’. Through games, quizzes and challenge activities, its students build skill and confidence in navigating the pages.

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2015 has been a wonderful year of celebration in Senior School. As we have enjoyed the festivities of our 130th birthday year it has reminded us of the significance of milestones in the learning journey of our Senior School girls. With the strategic focus of critical and creative thinking we have looked for ways to engage our girls in active learning experiences. The year began with many events to help our Year 7 students to settle well into Middle School. Learning how to integrate technology, develop study skills, promote wellbeing programs and enjoy peer support are just a few of the highlights. These activities culminated in our student-led House Choir Competition, which laid the foundations for our extraordinary Opera House concert. The girls displayed their creativity in both performance and conducting and the celebration of learning was a truly moving experience. Term 1 also saw our newly designed Challenge Week where Years 7–11 test resilience, creativity and positive teamwork across a wide range of experiences, including outdoor education, cross curricular learning and an exciting urban challenge.

The Prefect theme for 2015, A Bigger Picture, aptly describes the vision we have for our Senior School girls. In assemblies, Chapel and special events we encourage our girls to understand the complexities of the world and how they might contribute in ways that are generous and positive. Our Year 8 Summer Festival, our Year 10 ALE program and our Year 12 Service Project are three examples of the ways in which our girls work to promote service and community awareness. Getting to know the needs of St Andrew’s School in Hyderabad provided a purposeful focus and the very special Indian Bazaar, hosted by Year 12 and led by Alice Johnson our Service Prefect, was a colourful and successful fundraising event. We look forward to continuing to support global education for women.

The opening of our Sports Precinct was another very special moment to celebrate learning in physical education and also provided an opportunity to celebrate the commitment of so many remarkable women over 130 years. The facility brings us state-of-the-art resources that will allow our already talented sportswomen to excel. The sports showcase brought to life the energy, diversity and success of our strong sports program. In our assembly we heard from nine of our girls who represent a fourth or fifth-generation involvement in our community. Our Senior School girls understand the heritage they enjoy, appreciate the richness of our community and look forward to changing the world themselves in the future. 2015 has indeed been a year to celebrate all aspects of learning in Senior School.

Christian StudiesAs identified in the Strategic Plan, Towards 2020, Christian Studies plays a key role in achieving the School’s Christian purpose by promoting the value and relevance of the Christian Faith. To this end, students engage in an academically rigorous program, which utilises technology, drama, seminars, group work and reflection, to cater for a diverse range of learning styles and capabilities.

Students are challenged to consider a Christian worldview as they both search for answers to life’s big questions and seek to provide solutions to contemporary issues. In this way, students experience the dynamic nature of the Christian Faith. Each year, students in Year 8 organise a Summer Festival where they model the love of Christ in caring for the world’s poor. Christian Studies plays an integral role in empowering students to be ‘courageous, constructive and compassionate world citizens’ as outlined in the Strategic Plan. Through the World Religions program,

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students in Year 11 are given the opportunity to study the five major religions and to engage with a representative from each of these religions, through the guest speaker seminars.

The Christian Studies program seeks to honour the Bible as the inspired word of God and students are given extensive opportunities to read and understand the Bible as they explore its application throughout history and in the lives of Christians today. Tertiary study of Theology is open to Year 11 and 12 students through the Moore Theological College Correspondence Course.

DramaOur philosophy for teaching Drama at Abbotsleigh begins with the School’s statement: ‘Empowering young women’. In Drama we strive to achieve academic excellence through developing skills and experiences in collaborative group work, decision-making and team skills for performance in the classroom and on the stage. By recognising their strengths and using elements of drama to enhance confidence, belief, trust and commitment, girls build an open and positive attitude to every experience offered through Drama.

Our Theatresports programs also explore development of the dramatic arts. Students work creatively in specialised roles, and build skills in lighting and sound effects, advertising and poster designs and front-of-house responsibilities. This year more than 100 girls in Years 7–9 were involved in the competition and were helped by coaches and mentors selected from Year 10. The girls faced play-offs during lunchtimes and the event culminated in a wonderful Grand Final evening. Storytelling, team work and good fun were key features. Our girls continue to be empowered through Drama at Abbotsleigh.

EnglishCreative thinking is the highest order of thinking. Creative thinking, where a student must forge new, authentic connections between texts and then prove those connections, sits close to the heart of all five Year 12 HSC English Courses. Each Year 12 student must work individually and make authentic connections between texts they have been taught, and texts that they have not been taught, and then write an essay in which the connections are convincingly proved. This is what BOSTES requires in the Area of Study ─ Discovery, and it is creative thinking of the highest order.

Some of the most valuable lessons for the whole Year 12 cohort occur when all the classes test out these connections with each other. They form groups, not according to classing or differentiated needs, but according to the texts that they have chosen, that they have studied individually, with which they have struggled, searching for authentic connections between their own texts and those of their prescribed texts ─ Rosemary Dobson or Robert Gray. They spread out through the Common Room, aptly named, because for this exercise their needs are, indeed, common in the best of senses. They spill into the rooms throughout the Senior Studies Centre forming new groups, and wrestle together with McEwan’s Saturday, Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day, Mansfield’s The Garden Party… They sit in groups and converse. It is not a competition but a sharing of interest and intellect. It is not teacher-driven but comes from the students’ own creative processes, from the authentic connections they have discovered in their study.

It suggests that Abbotsleigh girls really are taught to think, both critically and creatively. An encouraging thought.

HistoryThe Abbotsleigh History Department’s philosophy of teaching can be captured in the phrase ‘love of learning’. From the beginning of their History studies in Year 7 until the rigorous HSC History courses in Year 12, students are encouraged to delight in the acquisition of new knowledge and understanding of the topics they encounter. This philosophy is extended into our assessment program, which is embedded into our teaching and learning strategies. It is for this reason that students complete a wide range of assessment types, engaging with content in a deep and meaningful, and often personal, way. The opportunity to select their own area of interest within a broad topic outline, research it and present the material creatively and thoughtfully is an important outcome. One example of this is the Year 9 Elective History Museum of Childhood, where students develop and research an aspect of childhood in History of their choosing. They maintain a blog throughout the process and record the development of their ideas. The task culminates in the construction of each student’s museum exhibit, which becomes part of a museum display. The exhibition showcases the students’ individual interests, their independent research, their creativity and problem-solving abilities and above all their ‘love of learning’ about the past.

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We know that the study of the past will help students to better comprehend the issues of the present. We wish to challenge students to think through their attitudes based on a solid knowledge basis so that they become empathetic and critically thinking citizens with the ability to contest and question information. Following a video conference with a Holocaust survivor from the New York Holocaust Museum our Year 10 Elective History students wrote thank you notes to Steven Berger, who had told them of his experiences. In his email reply to their teacher he wrote, ‘Nothing is more rewarding for a pedagogue than to see students blossom into responsible intellectual human beings, able to serve the family, nation and whole of humanity as a result of what they have learnt.’ It is comments like this that remind us of why we teach History at Abbotsleigh.

Languages The Languages Department aims to create students who are interested in other cultures, respectful of their values and customs and compassionate world citizens. Girls challenge themselves daily as they strive to master the nuances of another language. Making mistakes and learning from them is part of each lesson and girls learn courage and resilience while having fun. Whether it is Chinese, French, German, Japanese or Latin, study of a foreign language strengthens knowledge of their first language and brain connections are developed. Graduates with second and third languages are viewed favourably in the job market and such graduates can take their place easily in an increasingly globalised society.

The annual Year 8 Languages Day encapsulates these ideals. Each language group had instruction from a community expert ─ a German Schuhplattler dancer, a Roman weapons expert, a Chinese Tai Chi master and a French Theatre group. Other activities were run by the class teachers, ranging from cooking, dragon boat building and racing, Roman pottery and German craft.

The highlight of the day was the Year 8 Film Festival in the afternoon, a totally inclusive and creative event. Girls had previously created two-minute films, having written the scripts in the foreign language, organised the costumes and the production. Irrespective of the language, students had the common theme of ‘the excuse’, with an ice-cream as the signature item. The results were highly entertaining. The girls enjoyed watching their peers’ films and had a valuable experience in terms of language learning while also enhancing their interpersonal skills of collaboration, cooperation and leadership.

MathematicsThe Mathematics Department at Abbotsleigh seeks to produce active, thinking citizens able to interpret the world mathematically and use mathematics to help form predictions and decisions about personal and financial priorities. Our involvement in competitions, challenges and problem-solving events is proof of this commitment.

We also recognise that mathematics education does not happen in isolation. It enables and enriches study and practice in many other disciplines. We work hard to educate our girls to critically examine substantial social and scientific issues. A visit from Dr Bob Jones, European Project Leader for CERN, and the STEM robotics challenges are two examples of these cross curricular perspectives.

We also want students to see that Mathematics has its own value and beauty. Students are given experiences in the classroom that show the elegance and power of mathematical thinking and opportunities to see that Mathematics can inform the real world. Our Years 7 and 9 students enjoyed meeting environmental designer Stephen Mushin during their lessons in the Grace Cossington Smith Gallery, which gave them pause to consider the significance of Mathematics in environmental design.

Finally we know that successful mathematics learning lays the foundations for study in many disciplines at tertiary level and in the applications of those disciplines. Mathematics and numeracy provide a way of interpreting everyday situations, and provide the basis for many informed decisions. Successful mathematics learning also provides a workforce that is appropriately educated to contribute productively to an ever-changing global economy, one that is highly competitive and that requires a substantial number of proficient workers able to learn, adapt, create, interpret and analyse mathematical information. We are proud to note that more than 90% of our girls study Mathematics in their Year 12 program with half of them studying Extension 1. We have also had the largest proportional cohort of girls studying Extension 2 Mathematics of all the independent girls schools in NSW. The value of mathematical thinking and success is well understood and demonstrated in our Senior School.

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Music ‘No right or wrong.’ To foster creativity students need to take risks, push boundaries and be willing to explore new ways of composing, performing and responding to music. To allow creativity to blossom in music classrooms we encourage students to lead activities in every facet of learning. Students lead group performances, students appraise their peers, students teach their peers and, of course, students are encouraged to contribute to classroom discussions knowing their responses will not be categorised as right or wrong as long as they can justify their choices. Girls have great freedom to compose and perform at their own level.

The most striking example of the ‘No right or wrong’ approach to learning was found in the student-led and inspired collaborative composition, Australian Tapestry, which was performed in the Opera House for the 130th birthday celebrations. This began as a creative lesson in a Year 10 Music classroom and grew organically as students experimented with improvised sounds, exploring new ways of using their voices and bodies to produce a narrative of sound. Students made the choices, students worked together and students led the final performance. To hear this composition come to fruition as a gentle wave of sound spread through the Opera House was truly mesmerising and very special indeed as the students took complete ownership of this performance.

PDHPEAn important part of PDHPE is the practical element of Physical Education. Abbotsleigh utilises a game-sense approach that is both exciting and innovative. Game-sense places the game at the core of the lesson and encourages students to develop skills in a realistic context. This enables them to become more tactically aware, make better decisions under pressure and have more fun. Questioning is central to stimulating dialogue, reflection and the conscious processing of ideas about playing the game. Within Year 7–10 PE lessons we apply this game-sense approach to a range of traditional sports, such as netball and basketball, male-oriented sports such as Australian rules football, and more obscure activities such as ultimate frisbee and tchoukball.

Australian rules football is an invasion game that effectively utilises the game-sense approach. The vast majority of students are usually unfamiliar with the particular skills and strategies of the game. However, within a four-lesson unit with a game-sense focus, many are able to demonstrate effective skills within a modified open game scenario. Additionally, they are able to engage cognitively with the game strategies and answer questions such as: How can you find space and communicate this to the ball carrier? What do you have to do to intercept? And, who should you pressure – and why?

This physical and mental engagement with sport has proved to be a positive focus for PDHPE students at Abbotsleigh.

ScienceThis year the Science Department enthusiastically embraced the current emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering the Arts and Mathematics), which has always been part of our philosophy of Science education. The focus was very much on providing a range of experiences and authentic learning with partners in the wider community.

Year 7 were treated to an informative lecture from Dr Bob Jones from CERN who explained the principles behind the search for the origin of the universe and tiny sub-atomic particles.

Some students in Years 7–10 were involved in robotics and had mentors from Science, Mathematics and IT departments plus a great commitment from Macquarie University students who have helped them build and program robots for competitions. They achieved amazing success in this program, both in the small robots for Years 7–8 students and the large robot for Years 9–10. These students have, in turn, begun mentoring the Junior School robotics students.

Our relationship with Macquarie University continued on our trip to Heron Island this year where PhD students freely gave their time and expertise to help our senior girls learn about the reef ecosystem with hands-on experiences that cannot be simulated in the laboratory.

The Garvan Institute has started a mentoring program with teachers in the department and is sharing its expertise in cutting-edge research in the field of genetics.

Abbotsleigh is once again host to the Nyholm Chemistry lecture series with a talk by Professor Michaela Simone about sugars and the effects of various drugs.

With visits to ANSTO, the Australian Museum and Botanic Gardens and local ecosystems, mine rehabilitation and waste management areas, Biology and EES students are able to link with local experts. These many and varied opportunities have promoted and enhanced our girls’ understanding of the significance and breadth of our exciting STEAM focus.

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Social SciencesIn 2015, one of the key teaching and learning goals of the department was themed Bringing the Outside into the Classroom. Greater emphasis on differentiated learning, guided inquiry, flipping the classroom, encouragement of creative and original research and presentation methods were some approaches incorporated.

Fieldwork was a key instrument in achieving our goal. In Year 11 the Business Studies interviewed a number of small businesses in Wahroonga. This gave the students a practical understanding of how theory can be applied in real life. In Year 10 Elective Geography, an understanding of spatial geography was studied when visiting and assessing zonation of Sydney as a world city.

Flexible work spaces for team teaching and experiential based learning opportunities also give students a more holistic approach to their everyday learning. In this context, care is taken to incorporate relevant and up-to-date case studies to stimulate discussion and debate. In Commerce, legal issues such as capital punishment, euthanasia or native title were examined in relation to changing morals, ethics and technology. In Geography, critical thinking, problem solving, the development of empathy and understanding of cultural differences were encouraged through the study of climate change right through to human geographical issues such as the refugee problems in Syria.

Ultimately, our goal is to connect the outside world with the classroom. We seek to build understanding at all levels and assist the girls to confidently and actively apply their own learning in class, in internal assessment and in external examinations. In the Social Sciences we aim to help the girls to ultimately leave the classroom and become confident contributors to a global future.

TASThe Design team aims to develop a continuum of thinking by employing strategies and a common design language across the stages to inform teaching and learning practice. Each subject in Technological and Applied Studies uses the design process to identify and solve problems through ideation, creation and evaluation. Design and Technology and Information and Software Technology elective subjects allow our girls to engineer personalised solutions through the application of mathematics, science and the arts. To assist with developing creative solutions to problems we work with three pillars of thinking:

■ Design thinking

■ Computational thinking

■ Entrepreneurial thinking Each pillar is used to develop deeper reasoning skills to problem solve and make informed judgments to develop innovative design solutions.

An exciting innovation this year was our Showcase of Design Thinking, Computational Thinking and Entrepreneurial Thinking inspired by the Vivid Festival. An excursion to explore the Sydney Vivid Festival’s extraordinary light installations inspired the students to investigate and photograph design solutions and use them to create our own design event. Year 9 students worked in teams to create videos of projections onto buildings, wearable technology using soft circuits to light up accessories and installation pieces for the outdoor spaces in the Senior School. Our event was launched with presentations from designers who exhibited at Vivid Sydney.

The project enabled the students to demonstrate Design Thinking by collaborating to imagine, create and evaluate. This structured and iterative process provided an authentic context for developing technical and project management skills using computational thinking. Entrepreneurial thinking was fostered through designing for a public audience. Students were encouraged to take risks in terms of pursuing their vision, and experimenting with a range of materials. The public audience enabled constructive feedback. It was an exciting example of design thinking in action at Abbotsleigh.

Visual ArtsVisual Arts offers enormous educational opportunities and the possibility of high levels of achievement for all students. Teaching methods, programs and assessment for continual learning ensure that students grow through the completion of activities that are creative, challenging and academically rigorous. Teaching staff are actively engaged within the art world; as practitioners, through initiating connections with other Visual Arts educators and active participation in professional development. This dynamic and current approach enables a clear focus on the development of art making skills through the development of Process Diaries and completion of resolved artworks in a range of media areas.

This year has seen a strengthening and refinement of more established areas such as painting and drawing as well as a continued development in the ever-changing digital area. Other equally important elements are the connections made between students’ art making and the theoretical frameworks. Using the Grace Cossington Smith Gallery as a venue to discuss and exhibit work enabled students to develop a visual literacy. Artworks by students and other artists were investigated as objects imbued with meaning, value and multiple interpretations within the real world. This balance between art studying and art making occurs as a continuum across Stages 4 through to 6 and enabled student to reflect on the ‘why’ as well as the ‘how’ of art making.

The sophistication and diversity of the HSC Body of Work Showcase and the inaugural Years 7–10 Exhibition, both in our Grace Cossington Smith Gallery, was testament to the high outcomes achieved with this intentional philosophical basis.

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This year has seen a strengthening and refinement of more established areas such as painting and drawing as well as a continued development in the ever-changing digital area. Other equally important elements are the connections made between students’ art making and the theoretical frameworks.

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2015 has been a happy and successful year in the Boarding School. Connectedness is very important in any residential community and the staff, boarding staff and student leaders work well together to ensure that Abbotsleigh boarding is the best it can be.

Boarding facilitates the ability to maximise students’ academic potential through evening tutoring, extra help from library staff, a scheduled and closely monitored homework time, and support and encouragement from house staff. Peer tutoring and collaborative learning are a feature of boarders’ academic routines and this improves confidence, camaraderie and, ultimately, success in the classroom.

Socially, it is the connections that students make as boarders that ensure a positive experience. Whether it is a relaxing breakfast barbecue on a Sunday morning or an outing or activity on campus, staff and the student leadership encourage connections among all the year groups. Service to others is also an important part of our boarding philosophy. Helping others either by fundraising or giving time is a great way for boarders to look outwardly and expand their understanding of others’ needs. Service to others within the Boarding School in the guise of ‘random acts of kindness’ or ‘paying it forward’ encourages empathy and understanding among the girls.

House Family Dinners are very special occasions for boarding staff, boarders and their families. The girls look forward to these nights with great anticipation. They are an opportunity to share an evening in a place they call ‘home’ with their families and to share Abbotsleigh with the people that matter most.

A special Wheeldon 12 House Family Dinner provided a fitting farewell to the 34 Year 12 boarders.

The highlight of the evening came when the students who started boarding in Year 7 2010, read letters they wrote to themselves six years ago. The girls had been waiting a long time for this, with the letters under lock and key with Mrs Heness-Pugh for years. To continue this tradition, all the boarders wrote letters to themselves again, and these will be opened at their 10-year reunion.

Outings provide a great opportunity for the boarders to engage in fun activities as a community. Term 1 outings focused on the city experience, such as going to The Rocks Markets, a visit to Manly by ferry and a walk across the Harbour Bridge. In Terms 2 to 4, boarders enjoyed ice skating, bowling, movies, laser tag, Trampoline Park, Putt Putt Golf, and the wonderful treats of seeing two musicals, Les Misérables in June and Matilda at the end of the year.

A highlight of our Yalari program for Indigenous scholars this year was the cultural workshop held in October. Renowned Aboriginal leader Leann Wilson led a day entitled Walking Together: Birds of Many Coloured Feathers in planned activities that enhanced the understanding of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal culture and challenged each girl to share in guided reflection and personal stories.

Seniors gained skills required for life after Abbotsleigh, with three Safer Driver courses offered over the year and a Bush Recruitment seminar where girls learnt about possible jillaroo gap year experiences.

Boarding

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The Abbotsleigh Boarder Council, comprising Boarding Prefects and Year 10 leaders, organised many activities to raise funds and increase awareness about global issues, such as the Nepal Earthquake appeal ($1,200) and our Boarder charity, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, for which they raised more than $3,000 this year. Boarders sold baked goods at sports days, held an Italian night and an Easter bonnet parade and organised a special Chapel Service to give thanks for what we have been given and what boarders have been able to give to others.

Boarders participate in Bible studies and small group meetings on campus and are encouraged to attend a local youth group in addition to Sunday night Chapel.

Sofi, our ninth Guide Dog puppy, has adapted easily to the boarding environment and is confident and very friendly. She loves nothing better than being at a boarder’s feet and no amount of noise will deter her from communal activity. These early signs of assurance and ease in crowds are excellent indicators of potential success for when she starts her official training as a Guide Dog at the age of 14 months. Boarders have enjoyed this service opportunity of caring for Sofi, which also turns out to be a wonderful cure for homesickness.

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AbbSchool is made up of two important areas within the Abbotsleigh community: extended tuition and the school holiday program. The purpose of AbbSchool is to encourage participation, fun and friendship through a range of exciting activities. Studies have shown that such involvement can promote a sense of engagement with school, which in turn has a positive influence on achievement, attendance and aspiration to higher levels of education. Extended tuition provides opportunities for leadership and personal growth and teaches the value of teamwork, competition and responsibility.

Through drama, dance and sporting activities girls can express themselves and excel. It was a busy and successful year for AbbSchool. Girls did well in several events and eistedfodds, with first, second and third placings to their credit.

AbbSchool staff are also to be congratulated, among them Leanne Speechley, who became only the 11th woman to obtain a Gold Coaching Licence; Brendon Rose, a member of the Sydney Cricket Ground team that was runner up in the Sydney Premier League Tennis Competition; and Darcy-Lee Tindale, who has been nominated for several writing awards.

DramaThree teams competed in the Impro Australia Schools Theatresports challenge: Year 7 Junior team, Year 9 Intermediate team and Year 12 Senior team. All teams reached the semi-finals. Year 7 are still competing and have an upcoming semi final.

In the Trinity Guildhall 2014 exam, two students achieved their ATCL diplomas and two students received 100% in their Acting in Pairs examination. Most of our girls received Distinctions, a wonderful result.

Year 9 and Year 10 girls competed in the Short and Sharp Theatre competition at Parramatta Riverside Theatre.

Our teachers also excelled. Darcy-Lee Tindale and Kay Bell featured in television commercials.

Darcy also had a play published in the School Magazine that came out in this month’s Orbit October issue. Year 3 girls were thrilled to know the playwright! Darcy’s middle school reader Thumb Pickles and Other Cautionary Preserves was launched

in February; one of her short stories was published in an anthology titled No Tea Tomorrow; she was thrilled to be nominated for the second year in a row in the Ned Kelly Crime Writing Award for her story Roux’s Sister; and to be placed second in the Stringybark Award for another story, Shoo.

DanceAmong some spectacular results:Company A won 1st place at The Hills Dance Spectacular eisteddfod; 1st place at the Ultimate Dance Challenge; and 3rd place at DanceSpec Competition.

Company B placed 2nd at DanceSpec Competition.

Crew placed 2nd at The Hills Dance Spectacular eisteddfod; and 3rd at the Ultimate Dance Challenge.

Junior Company A took 1st place at the Ultimate Dance Challenge.

Emily Cheung and Isabella Anderssen were the first students to complete the Australian Dance Institute (ADi) Dance Teaching & Management Cert IV qualification through AbbSchool.

Senior Company A and B performed at St Lucy’s St Dominic’s Day celebrations, a memorable and moving event for Abbotsleigh girls to participate in. Congratulations, also, to the volunteer dance assistants for participating in weekly ‘Dance Project’ classes at St Lucy’s.

Aquatic Centre2015 has been a very exciting year for the Aquatic Centre with the opening of the new Sports Precinct and carpark.

2015 result highlights include:1st place IGSSA Swimming - including 8 trophies and 7 records

5 Australian Age Championship Swimming Medals (4 Gold, 1 Bronze)

Selection on Australian Talent ID squad, NSW ETS squad and NSW State teams – Katie Strachan and Natasha Ramsden

Selection on NSW Development squad – Annabelle Druce and Rebecca St Vincent

Selection on NSW Junior Sharks Team – Georgia O’Connor and Annika Tonuri

(More swim and diving results on page 32-34)

Head Swim Coach Initiatives for 2015

Gold and Black competitive squad camp Noosa 2014 / 2015.

Camp Abbotsleigh for White squad and Junior Challenge squad restructured to include an overnight stay at the McCredie boarding house.

State qualifiers week In preparation for NSW State Championships, extra team building and educational activities such as a beach session, movie day, race planning, team breakfast and specific activation for warm ups introduced.

Australian Olympic team inspirational and educational talks from Lara Davenport (Swimming) and John Farrow (Skeleton – Winter Olympics).

Introduction of race biomechanical analysis at Age Nationals through JCPT personal training.

Qualifications and professional development Leanne Speechly – ASCTA Gold Licence. Only 36 swimming coaches on Australia have their Gold Licence; Leanne is the 11th female coach at this level.

Brandon Lawrence – ASCTA Silver Licence

Joanne Wheatley – undertaking Diploma of Business

TennisAbbTen hosted two more successful Tennis NSW MJDS tournaments and an additional two State series events in 2015 with approximately 25 Abbotsleigh girls participating in each event.

Our IGSSA 1st team made the semi-finals again in 2015 for the second year in a row.

Sharyn Stanich’s Tennis Australia Womens ranking peaked at 125 in March/April 2015.

Charlotte Littlejohn won the NSW Future Stars event, then competed in the Nationals. She lost in the last 4, an excellent result for Charlotte, Her ranking has risen to 312.

Tildesley Camp at the Australian Open was a huge success. This year’s Tildesley team were 100% committed and did Abbotsleigh proud, finishing 4th. Again, our Year 12s were outstanding leaders this year and are a credit to Abbotsleigh and their families.

AbbSchool

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Through drama, dance and sporting activities girls can express themselves and excel. It was a busy and successful year for AbbSchool. Girls did well in several events and eistedfodds, with first, second and third placings to their credit.

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The Junior School Sport program continues to increase every year and we have been pleased to see the depth of the girls’ ability in a wide range of sporting endeavours. Close to 50% of all girls in Years 3–6 participated in a Saturday sport in 2015. They enjoyed the large variety of sports on offer including basketball, cricket, soccer, modball, teeball, softball, netball, touch football, tennis, minkey and hockey. We enjoyed using the new Senior School sport facilities on Saturdays, with Abbotsleigh proudly hosting IPSHA netball in Term 3 and IPSHA basketball in Term 4. We look forward to expanding our hosting capacity again in 2016.

Our girls continue to strive for excellence and our Representative Sport program saw them performing at state level and/or national level in skiing, cross country, diving, swimming, athletics, soccer and cricket.

Within our PDHPE program girls have the opportunities to develop their fundamental movement skills and game understanding. Swimming was a high priority in 2015 with the Primary Swim Safety program in PDHPE lessons, the Kindergarten Intensive Swimming Program in Term 1 and the Infants Intensive Swimming Program in Term 4, which included Transition. The year culminated in the second annual Abbotsleigh Junior School Swimming Invitational in Term 4. Junior School representative honours:

AthleticsRepresented at IPSHABella Alvarez, Shaniece Antoon, Alyssa Bateup, Monique Batten, Hannah Cerezo, Angelina Cheung, Sophie Cheung, Phoebe Chung, Genevieve Cook, Amelia Fearnside, Georgia Fichardt, Jasmin Foster, Cameron Graham, Sabine Grubisa, Amelia Hansen, Sophia Horbach, Celine Hu, Anjali Lambotharan, Josephine Lennox, Baihe Lin, Emily Loughran-Fowlds, Chloe Maroon-Yacoub, Emily Roffe, Isabelle Teo, Victoria Teo, Jemma Tran, Charlotte Turner, Sarah Wang, Tiffany Wong, Caitlin Winslade, Taya YerburyRepresented at CISShaniece Antoon, Hannah Cerezo, Phoebe Chung, Genevieve Cook, Amelia Fearnside, Georgia Fichardt. Cameron Graham, Celine Hu, Victoria Teo, Jemma Tran, Caitlin WinsladeRepresented at PSSA Hannah Cerezo Amelia Fearnside, Georgia Fichardt, Jemma Tran, Emily Roffe

SSA

CricketCIS TeamMia Navratil (selected) and Jacinta Walsh

Cross CountryRepresented at IPSHA Phoebe Anderssen, Georgia Bicego, Anna Calthorpe, Hannah Cerezo, Angelina Cheung, Phoebe Chung, Xanthe Condoleon, Genevieve Cook, Georgia Fichardt, Claudia Freeman, Ashley Fung, Madelina Gordon, Cameron Graham, Sarah Graham, Isabel Gunning, Amelia Hansen, Sian Holmes, Julia Hooper-Mitchell, Sophia Horbach, Kayla Johnston, Nikita Kyrikos, Katya Lal, Tegan Lee, Josephine Lennox, Georgia McDonagh, Madeleine McDonell, Emily Nathan, Chloe Pearce, Gabriela Plunkett, Charlotte Pullen, Ruby Selikowitz,

Aerin Slater, Jemma Tran, Charlotte Turner, Veronica Wade, Jacinta Walsh, Sonia Walsh, Sarah Wang, Jessica Woodgate, Kiera Yerbury, Taya YerburyRepresented at CISHannah Cerezo, Sarah Graham, Isabel Gunning, Amelia Hansen, Sophia Horbach, Josephine Lennox, Charlotte Pullen, Jemma Tran, Veronica Wade, Kiera YerburyRepresented at PSSAHannah Cerezo

DivingRepresented at IPSHAAlice Candrick, Hannah Cerezo, Angelina Cheung, Xanthe Condoleon, Emma Fontanot, Jasmin Foster, Sarah Graham, Sophia Horbach, Nikita Kyrikos,Eloise Matthews Hornery, Jemma Vizard, Sonia Walsh, Meredith Wang, Jessica WoodgateRepresented at CIS Alice Candrick, Angelina Cheung, Jasmin Foster, Sophia HorbachRepresented at PSSAJasmin FosterEquestrianMolly Tillett

Gymnastics IPSHA

Artistic SquadMelanie Allsop, Holly Balfour Brown, Monique Batten, Ilaria Bicego, Xanthe Condoleon, Lia Connolly, Carysse Evans, Ashley Fung, Cameron Graham, Holly Klockmann, Eliza Laithwaite, Chloe McDonell, Georgia Moore, Chloe Pearce, Raphaela Rotolo-Ross, Sara Shah, Eleanor Smith, Sonia Walsh, Jessica Woodgate, Elizabeth Xerri

Rhythmic SquadStella Aung, Catherine Bai, Georgia Bicego, Lucy Breden, Angelina Cheung, Kristen Kam, Rachel Kam, Rachel Kim, Sophie Lim, Ananya Salhotra, Sarah Wang, Claire Williams, Corinne Zhou

HockeyIPSHA TeamMadeleine McDonell

NetballIPSHA TeamElizabeth Xerri

SKIRegionalsMelanie Allsop, Amanda Allsop, Rosie Caswell, Sophie Cheung, Georgia Elsley, Emma Fontanot, Isabel Gunning, Jessica Gunning, Lucinda Hutchison, Rachel Kim, Amelia Kirkby, Amelie Morgan, Ashley Potter, Zali Slunjski, Sophia Sugo, Jemma Vizard

StateSophie Cheung, Georgia Elsley, Emma Fontanot, Isabel Gunning, Rachel Kim, Ashley Potter, Sophia Sugo, Jemma Vizard.

NationalsGeorgia Elsley, Isabel Gunning, Ashley Potter, Jemma Vizard

SoccerRepresented CISAmelia Hansen

SwimmingRepresented at IPSHABella Alvarez, Amelia Fearnside, Georgia Fichardt, Ashley Fung, Cameron Graham, Amelia Hansen, Sophia Horbach, Nikita Kyrikos, Athena Lam, Alice Lee, Trinity Teh, Lily Thornthwaite, Jemma Tran, Veronica Wade, Jacinta Walsh, Meredith Wang, Kiera Yerbury, Taya Yerbury, Amber YoungRepresented at CISCameron Graham, Amelia Hansen, Sophia Horbach, Ashley Fung, Trinity Teh, Meredith WangRepresented at PSSA Cameron Graham, Amelia Hansen, Ashley Fung, Trinity Teh, Meredith Wang

Junior School sport

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We just can’t go past our new Sports Precinct as the major sporting highlight of 2015. With anticipation and excitement, our brand new synthetic field and Sports Hall were opened just in time for the football and basketball season in Term 2, and what a fitting welcome to the football season we had. With pouring rain on the first Saturday of term, it certainly reinforced the reason for choosing a synthetic surface – Abbotsleigh was the only field open in the IGSSA competition.

Away from the new facilities, our other major highlights were our swimmers gaining first place at the IGSSA carnival in Term 1,

along with several girls representing their country in the sports of athletics, badminton and gymnastics throughout the year. Our basketball firsts are also worthy of a mention in 2015; having spent several years out of the top division, they re-entered the top grade in 2014 and this year competed in the grand final against an incredibly tough Monte Sant’ Angelo opponent. Our hockey players also had a very successful season this year, with 10 out of 14 teams making the semi-finals.

SENIOR SCHOOL SPORT RESULTSOverall results in major IGSSA carnivals and tournaments in 2015

IGSSA carnivals are contested by up to 27 schools

ABBOTSLEIGH TEAM SPORTS – Term 4 2014 to Term 3 2015

Sport 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

Athletics Pymble Ladies’ College Abbotsleigh Roseville College PLC Sydney Monte Sant’ Angelo

Cross Country Pymble Ladies’ College Abbotsleigh St Catherine’s Ravenswood Wenona

Diving Pymble Ladies’ College PLC Sydney Abbotsleigh MLC Ravenswood

Gymnastics Pymble Ladies’ College Ravenswood PLC Sydney & MLC (=3rd) Abbotsleigh

Swimming Abbotsleigh PLC Sydney Pymble Ladies’ College Ravenswood Kincoppal Rose Bay

Tildesley Tennis Meriden Queenwood Pymble Ladies’ College Abbotsleigh Kincoppal Rose Bay

Sport Number of teams Semi-finalists Grand finalists Premiers

Badminton 28 22 14 4 - Teams 1 (S1), 9, 13, 17 (J1),

Basketball 21 ** 10 5 – Teams 2, 5, 11, 13*, 21

Football 18 ** 8 3 – Teams 3, 4, 18

Hockey 14 10 6 3 – Teams 3, 9, 13

Netball 30 17 3 1 – Team 19

Softball 17 ** 6 2 – Teams 12, 13*

Tennis 34 ** 4 3 – Teams 12, 22, 30

Touch Football 28 ** 3 1 - Team 1 (S1)

Water Polo 6 ** 0 n/a

* Joint Premiers

** No semis (or playoffs) during Term 4

Senior School sport

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IGSSA

IGSSA championsFirst place getters at IGSSA carnivals

Athletics 12 yrs long jump Holly Nelson; 13 yrs 80m hurdles, 13 yrs 200m, 13 yrs 100m, junior point-score winner Mia Hemsworth; 15-16 yrs discus, 15-16 yrs shot put, shared inter point-score winner Kristina Moore; 16 yrs 100m, 16 yrs long jump, shared inter point-score winner Saffron Sylvester; 17 yrs 100m hurdles, 17 yrs 100m, 17 yrs long jump, senior point-score winner Sarah Healey; 18 yrs 200m Teaan Mocatta

Cross country13 years 3km Rosie Fordham, Pascale La Hei, Adelaide Sylvester 16 years 4km & 16 years team Annabel McDermott; 16 years team Emma Chan, Saffron Sylvester, 17 years 4km Ella Wright

Diving15-16 years platform and springboard Jocelyn Abbott

Gymnastics Level 8 rope Mary-Louise Fleischner; Level 8 ball and hoop Annelise Harper; Level 9 clubs, hoop and rope Charlotte Wong; Level 10 clubs Lauren Klemt

Swimming12 yrs 50m freestyle, 12 yrs 50m butterfly, all age 60x50m freestyle relay (R) Holly Nelson; 13 yrs 50m butterfly, jnr 4x50m medley relay (R) Rebecca St Vincent; 14 yrs 50m backstroke, jnr 4x50m medley relay (R), all age 6x50m freestyle relay Keely Allsop; 14 yrs 50m freestyle (R), jnr 100m freestyle, 14 yrs 50m butterfly, jnr 4x50m medley relay (R) Natasha Ramsden; jnr 4x50m medley relay (R) Winona Lu, Sophie de Salis (heat); 15 yrs 50m butterfly, inter 4x50m medley relay (R) Emily Ong; 15 yrs 50m breaststroke, inter 100m freestyle, inter 4x50m medley relay (R) Katie Strachan; 16 yrs 50m backstroke, inter 4x50m medley relay (R), all age 6x50m freestyle relay Annabelle Druce; inter 4x50m medley relay (R), all age 6x50m freestyle relay Amy Nelson, inter 4x50m medley relay Brianna Gleeson (heat), Jaimey Yeats (heat); 17 yrs 50m backstroke, all age 6x50m freestyle relay, Zoe Lysaght; 18 yrs 50m freestyle Clare O’Rourke; all age 6x50m freestyle relay, Georgia O’Connor, Morgan Graham (heat)

IGSSA representative team

Girls who were chosen to represent IGSSA and went on to compete at NSWCIS

AthleticsRosemary Andrew, Charlotte Banks, Anneliese Buddee, Marnie Clarkson, Lara Dillon, Giulia Duddy, Claire Eaton, Sarah Healey, Mia Hemsworth, Olivia Hogg, Julia Kelland, Sarah Kelland, Elizabeth Moshirian, Holly Nelson, Adelaide Sylvester, Saffron Sylvester, Skye Sylvester, Ella Turner

Basketball Open Alessandra Burke, Teaan Mocatta, Kristina Moore

CIS Champion Schools Cup Jazlyn Burke, Isabella Cowap, Lucy Lake, Sarah McDermott, Teaan Mocatta, Kristina Moore, Eliza O’Connell, Olivia Steer, Sophie Thorpe

Cross country Ottilie Allen, Annabelle Andrew, Emma Chan, Rosie Fordham, Emma Glendinning, Annelise Harper, Olivia Hogg, Pascale La Hei, Hannah Li, Sarah McDermott, Teaan Mocatta, Jessica Nagy, Amy Nelson, Holly Nelson, Caitlin O’Connell, Sarah Reece, Charlotte Stump, Adelaide Sylvester, Saffron Sylvester, Ella Wright

DivingJocelyn Abbott, Katharine Laithwaite, Lucy Lake, Sophia Nicita, Claire Watson

HockeyUnder 16 Alexandra Hofman

Open Harriet Graham, Georgia Henderson-Smith

Softball Tania Radovic

Swimming Keely Allsop, Sophie de Salis, Annabelle Druce, Zoe Lysaght, Amy Nelson, Holly Nelson, Georgia O’Connor, Emily Ong, Natasha Ramsden, Eleanor Short, Imogen Short, Rebecca St Vincent, Katie Strachan, Rani West, Jaimey YeatsTouch football

Under 16 Phoebe Loughhead, Grace McInerney, Amy Nelson, Adelaide Sylvester, Emily Tan

IGSSA outstanding achievementStudents selected for two IGSSA representative teams in 2015

Athletics and Cross CountryOlivia Hogg, Saffron Sylvester

Basketball and Cross CountryTeaan Mocatta

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NSWCIS

Ruth Hackney Memorial AwardsStudents selected for three IGSSA representative teams in 2015

Amy Nelson – cross country, swimming and touch football

Holly Nelson – athletics, cross country and swimming

Adelaide Sylvester – athletics, cross country and touch football

Year 12 girls who have been selected four times in an IGSSA representative team throughout their school years, with the final year being Year 12

Alessandra Burke Basketball (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)

Lara Dillon Athletics (2010, 2012, 2014, 2015)

Harriet Graham Hockey (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)

Lauren Klemt Gymnastics (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014*, 2015*)

Hannah Li Cross Country (2010, 2013, 2014, 2015)

Zoe Lysaght Swimming (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)

NSWCIS Champions First place getters at NSWCIS carnival

Athletics 14 years javelin Julia Kelland; 16 years triple jump Saffron Sylvester

Cross country 15 years team Annabelle Andrew, Sarah McDermott, Amy Nelson, Sarah Reece; 17 years Ella Wright

Diving 16 years springboard Jocelyn Abbott

Swimming 12 yrs 50m freestyle, 12 yrs 50m butterfly, 12 yrs 50m backstroke, 12 yrs 100m freestyle, 12 yrs 100m butterfly 12 yrs 200m IM, all age 6x50m freestyle relay, Female Swimmer of the Meet Holly Nelson; 13 yrs 100m freestyle, 13rs 100m butterfly, jnr 4x50m medley relay, jnr 4x50m freestyle relay, all age 6x50m freestyle relay Rebecca St Vincent; 14 yrs 50m backstroke, jnr 200m IM, jnr 4x50m medley relay, jnr 4x50m freestyle relay Keely Allsop; 14 yrs 100m breaststroke, 14 yrs 100m freestyle, jnr 4x50m medley relay, jnr 4x50m freestyle relay, all age 6x50m freestyle relay Natasha Ramsden; 12-14 yrs 200m breaststroke Sophie de Salis; jnr 4x50m medley relay, jnr 4x50m freestyle relay Emily Ong; 15 yrs 50m freestyle, 15 yrs 100m freestyle, all age 6x50m freestyle relay Katie Strachan; all age 6x50m freestyle relay Annabelle Druce, Zoe Lysaght

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NSWCIS

NSWCIS representative teamGirls who were chosen to represent CIS and went on to compete at NSW All Schools

AthleticsMerit Team

Charlotte Banks, Marnie Clarkson, Giulia Duddy, Sarah Healey, Mia Hemsworth, Julia Kelland, Sarah Kelland, Holly Nelson, Adelaide Sylvester, Saffron Sylvester

Cross countryRosie Fordham, Olivia Hogg, Pascale La Hei, Hannah Li, Holly Nelson, Caitlin O’Connell, Ella Wright

DivingJocelyn Abbott, Katharine Laithwaite, Claire Watson

SwimmingKeely Allsop, Sophie de Salis, Annabelle Druce, Zoe Lysaght, Amy Nelson, Holly Nelson, Emily Ong, Natasha Ramsden, Imogen Short, Rebecca St Vincent, Katie Strachan, Annika Tonuri, Jaimey Yeats

NSWCIS outstanding achievementStudents selected in two NSWCIS representative teams

Holly Nelson Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming

NSW All Schools championsFirst placegetters at NSW All Schools carnival

Athletics13 years 90m Hurdles Mia Hemsworth

Diving15-16 years Platform & 16 years Springboard Jocelyn Abbott

Swimming13 years 50m freestyle, 13 years 50m butterfly, jnr 4x50m freestyle relay, jnr 4x50m medley relay Rebecca St Vincent; 14 years 50m freestyle, 14 years 100m freestyle, 14 years 50m butterfly, jnr 4x50m freestyle relay, jnr 4x50m medley relay Natasha Ramsden; jnr 4x50m freestyle relay, jnr 4x50m medley relay Keely Allsop, Emily Ong; 15 years 50m freestyle, 15 years 50m breaststroke (R), 15 years 100m freestyle, 15 years 200m IM (R) Katie Strachan; 15 years 50m butterfly Jaimey Yeats

NSW All Schools representative teamGirls who were selected to represent NSW and went on to compete at SSA events

Athletics (December 2014)Marnie Clarkson, Mia Hemsworth, Annabel McDermott, Kristina Moore

SSA champions First placegetters at a School Sport Australia carnival

Athletics (December 2014)Kristina Moore U16 Discus Throw

Mia Hemsworth U14 80m Hurdles

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The Abbotsleigh Centre for Environmental Education (ACEE) has been developing in the past five years. It has matured with nine areas for student and staff engagement with nature.

A kitchen garden is run by the ACEE club, with produce contributing to meals eaten by the girls, or sold to the staff. The native bee hive is situated in this area.

Our forest of perennial fruit, nuts and herbs is looked after by ACEE club members. Youngberries from this area were made into 36 jars of jam this year.

The area Blue Gum Nature Area now has a little ‘wharf’ with two boats tied up, a collection of bamboo poles, a dirt heap and big logs etc for the ELC and Infants students to explore in their outdoor days. There is also a fully functioning wood-fired pizza oven built by the Senior Girls.

In the past three years our yards have been refurbished to provide a year round chicken coop and run a dedicated steer yard with appropriate waste management area and a storage shed for steers for the Agriculture Club.

The Entrance Garden with a fire circle, dry stone creek bed and native plants is used at least once a week during the cooler months by tutor groups and clubs. The small ‘Boarders Rock’ garden, with stone totem poles constructed of rocks from the boarders’ properties is an area that celebrates the boarders’ rural roots.

Our Wetlands area is still a work in progress but has a path and natural pond inhabited by dragonflies, frogs etc. It is the area of greatest biodiversity in the school grounds and is thus invaluable for biodiversity studies for both Junior School and Senior School students.

The Secret Garden is located near The Cottage and this is a quiet area for contemplation. The Cottage has an office and work room, which is equipped with a large TV screen with audio visual presentation capacity, microscopes and other equipment for exploration and learning.

The ACEE is embraced as an outdoor classroom and used by every subject across the Senior School, by tutor groups and by student groups. Junior School Year 3 HSIE units in T1 and 2 are held in the ACEE, along with Year 4 Convict Day, Kindergarten immersion afternoons, and various science activities over several year groups.

In 2015, the implementation of ‘outdoor’ days fortnightly for the Transition girls and children from the oldest ELC room have been a huge success with the students and associated staff. The Senior School students come at lunch to play with, then help the youngsters clean up and pack up, and have developed close relationships with them. Watching the bonds develop has delighted all staff involved. Year 9 has been involved in reading to the children in the library – an activity eagerly looked forward to by all. The Art Gallery has been visited on numerous occasions and the exhibitions have helped inspire subsequent art activities in both the ACEE and back at the ELC/Transition rooms.

Big gains in organisational sustainability continue to be made in areas such as minimising dining room rubbish, composting, more efficient lighting, use of environmentally friendly cleaning products, drastically cutting the amount of laminating, use of low VOC paint, encouraging students to use public transport, raising environmental awareness amongst students and staff and recycling school equipment.

Environmental education

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Service-LearningService-Learning has seen a greater focus on service to our natural environment in 2015. An emphasis on service towards people and communities remains but it was time to seek service opportunities that allowed students to understand our natural world and the impact humans have on the ecology, locally and globally.

Our students have responded with physical action on projects that are often portrayed as hopeless in the media. Such Service-Learning provides hands-on education and encompasses subjects such as Science and Geography. On Fraser Island, students cleaned a stretch of beach, collecting debris that had been washed ashore. The mound of debris showed clearly the volume and range of items polluting our environment. The girls then started separating the debris into more than 30 categories as part of an ongoing global survey. It was nice to have strangers shout from their 4WDs: ‘Thank you for the great work you are doing.’

Similar survey work was included as part of our visit to Lockhart State School on the Cape York Peninsula. Our girls’ visit to the

Grampians in Victoria had them conducting research that involved setting up video cameras to monitor the nocturnal activity of endangered local species.

During Anti-Poverty Week, our Junior School students discovered how something as simple as eating an egg each day can bring lasting change to young children living in northern Rwanda. Tash Green, from Anglican Aid, spoke about the impact the ‘Egg a Day’ program has for the children, as well as the employment opportunities it has created for families in this region. Prior to her visit, the Junior School students raised $660 for this project through a coin line in Chapel. For our students, this visit highlighted the differences between the opportunities they have here in Australia and the daily struggles that millions of children face in other countries. Through our annual Operation Christmas Child appeal, students to bring joy to a child they will never meet.

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Outdoor educationAbbotsleigh places high importance on the role that Outdoor Education plays in developing resilience, confidence and independence. Our programs maximise not only participation, but also ensure activities are grade appropriate and challenge the girls to push themselves beyond their comfort zone.

These activities begin in Junior School and are constantly evolving. Bicycle activities, for example, have been added into programs from Years 2 to 6. Over time, skill acquisition results in girls who are more confident and competent to take on longer rides over a variety of terrain. The introduction of scooters during Junior School break times has been beneficial to overall balance and building resilience, essential skills for bike riding.

The importance of STEAM subjects was also at the forefront of Junior School programming. The introduction this year of the Year 1 day camp to Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre was a collaboration between camp staff and Abbotsleigh specialist Environmental Education, Art, Science and PDHPE staff and resulted in a rich program of activities. The girls created ephemeral art using found objects; investigated ways to engineer sand to create a pathway for a tennis ball; enjoyed fishing and beach swimming.

Challenge Week For Years 7–11, our 2015 Challenge Week was an outstanding success. The Outdoor Education program saw Year 7 enjoy a week in the Southern Highlands, Year 8 camped in the Berowra Valley National Park and Year 9 exploring the beauty of the Morton National Park. All the camps allowed the girls to take well considered risks, be physically active and work in teams to solve problems in beautiful surroundings. Many of the girls learnt new skills and created new friendships along the way. Whether they were hiking, mountain-bike riding, abseiling or canoeing, the activities were great opportunities for teamwork and leadership.

Year 10 girls experienced a mix of theoretical and experiential learning opportunities that took their studies out of the classroom. Year 10 began the week considering their career paths with Morrisby Testing and Elevate Interview Skills training. The second part of the week was devoted to a cross-curricular adventure in Canberra. Using the riches of the War Memorial, Parliament House, The National Gallery and a theatre experience, girls investigated an area of interest

Experiential learning is a significant part of our curriculum at Abbotsleigh and our Challenge Week for 2015 brought this to life in diverse and exciting ways.

and put together a research presentation. They shared this material together at the end of the week and were able to demonstrate their understanding of the BOSTES All My Own Work program.

Year 11 completed a new program called The Urban Challenge. This two-day adventure across the city saw students solving riddles, completing challenges and engaging in a range of exciting urban-flavoured activities along the way, such as: Urban dance battle, bowling tournament, stretch and relaxation at Bondi Icebergs and dinner in Chinatown with accommodation in youth hostels. Girls were responsible for their own programming, transport and budgets and their creativity and problem-solving skills were put to very good use. On return to school, they participated in a creative writing workshop. As a mandatory part of HSC English, this workshop allowed them to give free rein to their imaginative writing. Another day was spent with a RYDA safe driving course. The week concluded with a day to cheer on Abbotsleigh at the IGSSA swimming and diving competition at Homebush.

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Global experiencesOur school continues to provide opportunities for the girls to experience other cultures. This happens through our exchange programs as well as overseas trips, but is also part of the school culture from the early years.

Junior School

The service project this year was to support St Andrew’s School in Hyderabad. Because of the lack resources and access to technology for this Indian school our Kindergarten girls embarked on a project to create learning resources for their peers in Hyderabad. They researched Australian animals and then designed and made an ‘animal’ gift. The students also made digital book, recording their voices to share details about animals. This wonderfully interactive resource was then shipped to St Andrew’s for their Indian girls to learn about Australian animals.

Year 1 students particularly enjoyed making connections to their families overseas and their many cultural ties. Elsewhere in Junior School, these global connections are made through Music, HSIE and Service-Learning.

Senior School

Students from Years 9 and 10 travelled to Germany in April, visiting Munich, Berlin and Dresden. This was followed by a week with host families in Bavaria, attending school and immersing themselves in daily life and the German language. In September, French students travelled to New Caledonia for a week. Every morning they attended French lessons at a language school,

then participated in cultural activities. A most important component was homestay and every girl stayed with a French-speaking family, practising her conversational skills and learning about the culture of this French-speaking neighbour of Australia.

As part of our focus on STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) this year, 32 Middle School students have been given the opportunity to travel to NASA as part of the HASSE Junior Space School Program.

Our global focus often takes us to foreign areas in our Service-Learning work. In September, 17 girls experienced a 15-day journey in Cambodia. From the sights and smells of Phnom Penh, the sombreness of the ‘killing fields’, to the exhaustion and sense of achievement of the Community Engagement Project phase at Tonle Bati school, the challenges of the Trek phase in the Virachey National Park area, to the final days of rest and relaxation around the temples of Angkor at Siem Reap this was an unforgettable journey.

As part of the project to support St Andrew’s School in Hyderabad, awareness was raised about the value of education in disadvantaged areas in India. Students raised funds with a variety of activities. This December a group of senior girls will travel to India to work with the St Andrew’s students and then travel to Jaipur to have our first visit to Noor Modi School, who would like to be a sister school. The students will also enjoy cultural activities in both Jaipur and Delhi before heading back for Christmas.

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Grace Cossington Smith GalleryThe Grace Cossington Smith Gallery held a full and lively year of events with a strong exhibition program. The gallery has provided a resource for teachers and students through experiential activities related to exhibitions. These activities, and the exposure to contemporary ideas through exhibiting artists, empower our girls to develop skills in critical and creative thinking. The gallery has steadily increased visitation with the school and the public and is pleased to have effective relationships with Old Girls and parents. Also developed are workshop programs, making great use of the wonderful facilities available in Vindin.

Exhibitions and HighlightsProcess and Practice (January/February 2015): Selected works by artists from the Macquarie University art collection

Now If What Then (March/April): Environmental designer Stephen Mushin’s performance works focusing on the interaction between technologies and the natural world. Stephen was visiting artist at the school for 14 days. Science, Maths, English, TAS and Junior School students benefited from his scientific thinking, use of statistics and inventive storytelling to imagine and design solutions.

Within and Beyond (April/May): Painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, video and photography from 29 local artists.

Constructed World (May/July): Works by Sydney photographers Anne Ferran, Anne Zahalka, Cherine Fahd, Julie Rrap and Robyn Stacey.

Interconnections (July/August): In celebration of Abbotsleigh’s 130th birthday, the original focus of the exhibition was the loan of works from the Mary Turner collection in Orange Regional Gallery and that, in turn, led to the exploration of Abbotsleigh’s artistic connections.

Abbotsleigh Art Month (August/September): The annual Year 12 showcase of artworks, plus selected works from Kindergarten to Year 10.

Scanlines (September/October): A group exhibition surveying new media art in Australia since the 1980s.

Grace Cossington Smith Art Award (November/December): Australian artists were invited to submit two dimensional works using the theme Making Connections.

Community Support: The gallery is a not for profit service to the School and the community and is fortunate to have received support throughout the year including a grant to curate an exhibition in April 2016 about Creativity in Wartime and a grant to host workshops for teachers with the Scanlines exhibition. Gifts and support have also been received from Fuji Xerox; Justin Callanan and Robert Russell, directors of Piermarque gallery; Judith King; Sarah Gregory via a gift from the estate of Mollie Douglas; the Grace Cossington Smith estate from the Merriman family; the Nancy Goldfinch estate; the Abbotsleigh Old Girls’ Union and the Abbotsleigh Parents’ Association.

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Clubs and activitiesAbbotsleigh’s strong tradition of extensive student involvement in clubs and activities has continued in 2015. In addition to the richness they bring to a student’s school experience, they provide valuable opportunities to give service to others, foster friendships, work collaboratively and develop leadership skills.

It is heart-warming to see our girls continuing to engage with empathy, compassion and a will to serve others. The Interact Club organised a very successful bra drive for ‘Uplift’ to support women in Pacific and SE Asian countries. They have also continued their support of Studio Artes, a creative arts centre for people with disabilities, and the Starlight Room at Sydney Children’s Hospital.

The Oaktree Club has raised awareness of poverty-related issues while the World Vision Club has galvanised the support of students and families to raise more than $10,000 during the 40 Hour Famine to help alleviate the effects of extreme poverty. Meanwhile the Amnesty Club has advocated passionately for those facing human rights

abuses and the Fairtrade Club has continued to promote fair returns for producers in the developing world.

A new initiative in 2015 has been a Friday morning hot chocolate stall with the funds being used to purchase goats, chickens and clean water for impoverished communities.

The Zonta Z Club supported the Love 146 movement that aims to stop child trafficking and exploitation, as well as the One Girl project that provides women and girls in African countries with an education as a first step towards change and leadership within their communities.

The ACEE, Chess, Photography and Agriculture Clubs provide a plethora of opportunities to develop interests and skills, whilst the Tempus TV and Weaver Clubs serve our school community in significant ways.

In addition to clubs led by students, cocurricular activities also abound at Abbotsleigh. The CRU voluntary Christian group has continued to be well attended; another highly successful combined Abbotsleigh-Shore CRU weekend away was held in June.

Debating and Public Speaking are as strong as ever with four senior students being selected in the Archdale representative team, reflecting the strength of Abbotsleigh’s debating. The Coona Equestrian Expo in Term 2 was a highlight for our riders with many ribbons being won.

The SRC, Service and Environment Councils meet fortnightly and provide large numbers of girls with service and leadership opportunities. The Duke of Edinburgh program, MUNA, Abbreviate short film festival, da Vinci Decathlon and the Senior College Breakfast Club are further examples of some of the many rich activities embraced by our students in 2015.

Community Abbotsleigh’s community extends past the School’s gates to our families, Old Girls, generous supporters, sister and exchange schools, partner organisations, the Abbotsleigh Foundation, and to our neighbours and businesses in the local area.

The Abbotsleigh Boarder Parents’ Association, Abbotsleigh Parents’ Association and Abbotsleigh Old Girls’ Union are respected and valued voices in the School and provide suggestions, advice, connections, community events and generous support for Abbotsleigh’s future.

This year, boarder parents gathered at the annual Boarder Roundup and at informal events in Moree, Yass and Spring Ridge as well as at House dinners. The ABPA also worked with the School to meet the particular needs of boarder families and students, ranging from suggestions to improve mobile coverage in the boarding houses to compiling useful lists of service providers in the local community.

Cinema Under the Stars in April was an Abbotsleigh Parents’ Association event and, thanks to the assistance and attendance of many parents, was a lovely evening of fun, conversation and friendship reflecting the warmth of our parent community. The APA supported two parent seminars in 2015: Andrew Fuller, who presented on emotionally intelligent families in March, and John Joseph, who presented on parenting with the brain in mind in August. The APA also hosted a fabulous social dinner dance at Pymble Golf Club in September.

Our AOGU held two business networking events this year to inspire and connect generations of Old Girls. Our multiple reunions and social occasions for alumni are very special to the School, celebrating the value of friendships, history and an Abbotsleigh education. This year’s annual Old Girl mother

daughter dinner was a great success and featured alumna and staff member Kate Howitt (Griffith, 1996) as guest speaker.

In 2015 the ABPA’s Daisy Club made a significant contribution to the Cora Jane Anderson Bursary, to enable support for boarder families who are in temporary financial need. We were also most appreciative of the AOGU providing a significant gift to support the development of the wonderful new Sports Hall. The APA generously provided perpetual endowment for a Speech Day prize and made a substantial gift to the Abbotsleigh Foundation to support the development of facilities on the Senior and Junior School campuses.

We give thanks and recognition to the many parents and alumni who support the work of the Abbotsleigh Foundation through gifts, volunteering time and serving on the Board and committees. Philanthropy that provides diversity in the School via scholarships and enables development of outstanding facilities for generations of girls is part of the culture of generosity in our school community. In 2015 the Abbotsleigh Foundation provided funds to the School for a variety of programs including scholarships, building development and academic prizes. Now in its fourth year, the Foundation’s Sports Lunch raised a record amount and those funds will be invested in the Sports Precinct.

With a 130 year history of valuing connection, we are indeed fortunate to have so many warm and generous relationships supporting the excellent education available to girls at our school.

Junior School & Early Learning Centre 22 Woonona Avenue Wahroonga NSW 2076 Telephone 02 9473 7700

Senior School 1666 Pacific Highway (Cnr Ada Avenue) Wahroonga NSW 2076 Telephone 02 9473 7777

www.abbotsleigh.nsw.edu.au

CRICOS Provider Code 02270F

Headmistress’s Report 2015 - Abbotsleigh

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Transcript of Headmistress’s Report 2015 - Abbotsleigh