From the Principal

I would like to extend a warm welcome to you in the School’s 120th year and a special welcome to the new students and their families.  2012 is full of celebrations, promise and wonderful challenges.

During 2012, the School will celebrate its 120th Birthday.  A birthday party is scheduled for Friday 9 March, followed by Open Day on Saturday 10 March.  Other events include a Cocktail Party, Formal Dinner, Business Women Breakfasts and a Dinner Auction.  I am hoping all members of the School’s community will join in the celebratory events.

Following are the changes to staff. On behalf of our community, I welcome to the School:

• Mrs Carole Ward Head of Boarding
• Ms Kristen Montefiore Drama/English
• Ms Melissa Andrews Year 4
• Ms Tahlia Pentsa Year 1
• Ms Emma Ehrich Enrichment/English (part-time)
• Ms Elizabeth Shillito Social Science/Music
• Mrs Tamsyn Freeman Home Economics/Hospitality (part-time)
• Ms Emily Schmidt Early Education Centre
• Mr Mark Hill Geography
• Mr Steve Blair ICT Systems Administrator
• Mrs Amanda Thomson New Uniform Shop Assistant

Welcome back from leave Mrs Elaine Bergmann, Mrs Chris Gado, Mrs Gail Newman, Mrs Donna Pye, Ms Dale Spinks and Mr Gary Ward.

Staff changes during the holidays include Ms Justine Bomm who has been given twelve months leave to work for Independent Schools Queensland. I wished Ms Beatrice Dyer von Wagenhoff, Mr Lewis Turner and Ms Donna Wilson happiness and success in their future ventures after receiving their resignations.

Following are changes to staff positions:

• Ms Kym Coleman Head of Department - Technology and eLearning
• Mrs Liz Cordingley D’Castro eLearning Support teacher
• Mrs Lorna Liddell Assistant Head of Junior School - Students
• Mrs Deborah Baker Assistant Head of Junior School - Studies
• Mrs Maria Brownhall  Returning to full time
• Mrs Sanae Asada Returning to full time
• Mrs Robyn Goldman Acting Teacher-in-Charge - Enrichment
• Mrs Casey Lever Head of Department - Social Science
• Mrs Elaine Bergmann Acting HOD Science for Term 1 while Mrs Joan Riley is on leave
• Mrs Julie Younger and Mrs Heather Cowan  Job sharing this year
• Mrs Kate Nicholson Leave in Term 1, Part time in Terms 2 and 3, and full time in Term 4
• Mr Gary Ward Part time, Year 6

Congratulations to the 2011 Year 12 students for their academic achievements.  Some interesting statistics include:

• 98% received a first round offer for Tertiary study
• Almost 50% achieved OP 1 to 9
• 87% achieved OP 1 to 15.

The Grounds and Maintenance Team worked on a number of projects over the School vacation period.  Following is a list of some of the projects.

• Work has begun on remodelling a classroom and a storeroom to create a Teaching Observatory.  Staff will be able to use the Observatory to model and observe excellence in teaching as a means to remain up-to-date with, and further enhance their, professional teaching practice.
• Work has begun on establishing a Centre for Young Women's Health and Well-being.  The Dean of Students will have more to say about this exciting initiative soon.
• The Uniform Shop has been re-located to the Gatekeeper’s Cottage.
• The Dean of Students and the Career Counsellors offices have been relocated.
• The Early Education Centre has a new playground and a wall has been removed to create a more expansive learning environment.
• Some of the classrooms in M Block have been re-painted.
• The Staff Common Room has been re-painted.
• The shade structure at the Junior School round-about will be erected during the next fortnight.

The Board of Trustees approved the 2012 to 2015 Strategic Plan at its final meeting last year. Projects for the 2012 Operational Plan have been extracted from the Strategic Plan.  Some of the projects included in the 2012 Operational Plan are:

• Implementation of a 1 to 1 laptop program in Years 9 and 11.  This is an exciting and challenging project.  The Chair of the Steering Committee, Ms Coleman, the Dean of Studies, Mrs Bishop, IT Manager, Mr Brown and eLearning Support Teacher, Mrs Cordingley D’Castro will lead and manage a committee comprising Heads of Departments and Teachers-in-Charge in the implementation of the program over the next few years.  Students, parents and staff will be kept informed of progress.
• Ongoing implementation of personalised learning plans from Year 6 to 12.  Every student will have an all-round, personalised education plan, with an emphasis on academic achievement that is reviewed regularly.  The Dean of Students and Head of Junior School are managing this project.
• Ongoing implementation of Dimensions of Learning.  The Deputy Principal is overseeing this project.
• Alignment of the pastoral care curriculum and structures with the principles of Positive Psychology.  The Dean of Students and Middle and Senior School Coordinators are managing this project.
• Increase participation rates and improved performance in some sports.  The Head of Sport will manage this project.
• Introduction of a new Pocket system to recognise students’ achievements.
• 2012 is a Musical year and this year the musical is Thoroughly Modern Millie which will showcase our students’ wonderful artistic talents.
• Implementation of an online payment, ordering and information gathering system through the School’s website.   The Business Manager is managing this project.

Staff have been preparing for the students’ return and participating in professional development.  As I move from meeting to meeting, it is evident to me that staff are enthusiastic and committed to their students, their school and their professions. During 2011, I visited many classrooms to observe the girls and young boys learning and to enjoy the creative, professional skills of our teachers.  I am looking forward to visiting more classrooms this year. 

The School has many wonderful buildings and contributions to the Building Fund help the Board of Trustees ensure that the School can continue to provide first-class learning facilities for our students.  On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to sincerely thank the parents who made a contribution to the Building Fund this term.  Your donations are appreciated.  Parents and friends have an opportunity to donate to the Building Fund each term with donations being fully-tax deductible.

I met with the Head Girls, Laura Britton and Lara Turner, and Middle School Captains, Jessica Quinn and Anna Scolaro, late last year.  The girls spoke warmly and enthusiastically about their school and they were excited about the prospects for the year ahead.  I am looking forward to meeting with them again together with the Junior School Captains, Claire Careless and Phoebe McAuliffe, to discuss their plans for 2012.  I am confident that Laura, Lara, Jessica, Anna, Claire and Phoebe will lead the students with distinction this year.

IGGS and IJGS have excellent reputations for educational excellence. Our programs are designed for the all-round education of our students and we expect them, regardless of ability level, to strive to do their best in the classroom, to participate in the School’s extensive co-curricular program, to be of service to the community, and to be ambassadors for the School at events.  The expectations of Grammar girls and Junior Grammar girls and boys are high and the young women, girls and boys work hard to meet the expectations and often they surpass them.  They are the fabric of the pale blue and white and the strength of their character has resulted in many achievements and the establishment of a proud school history and valued traditions.

If you know parents who are searching for an excellent school for their children or who are currently contemplating enrolling their daughters or young sons into IGGS or IJGS, then I would encourage them to contact the Enrolments Registrar, Ms Claire Harrison, as soon as possible to begin the enrolment process.  Ms Harrison’s contact details are: 3454 4401 or c.harrison@iggs.qld.edu.au.

I am looking forward to serving the Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School including Ipswich Junior Grammar School community during 2012.

Dr Peter Britton
Principal & CEO

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Excursions, Events & Activities

General

• 3 February: Somerville House Invitational Swim Meet – Yrs 5-12
• 8 February: P&F meeting, 7.30pm Social Staff Room

Junior School

• 7 February: IJGS Meet the teacher Evening

Middle and Senior School

• 1 February: Year 8 testing
• 3-5 February: Boarders Camp
• 6 February: Senior Induction
• 8 February: QGSSSA Cricket v Somerville House (Home)
• 9 February: IGGS Interhouse Swimming Carnival, IGS Pool
• 10 February: Moreton Bay College and Brisbane State High School Invitational Swim Meet

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From the Deputy Principal

Welcome to all our families.  I hope you enjoy our new look 2012 Bulletin.

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Good communication between home and school is vital to ensuring the best possible educational outcomes for your children.  Please do not hesitate to contact the School if you have a query or a concern.  In the Middle and Senior School, your first port of call will generally be the Coordinators, Mrs Kathryn Randall (Middle School) and Mrs Anna Owen (Senior School). In the Junior School, Form teachers or Head of Junior School, Mrs Karen McArdle will be your first point of contact.  Email or phone are effective methods of contact.  You may also use the Student Handbook for daily communication and brief notes to teachers.

If your child is absent for any reason, please call the absentee line 3454 4415 before 9:00 am.  If you do not phone us, we will contact you via SMS.  Please remember that a note of explanation is also required on your child’s return to school.

E-Communication
Most of our communication with parents is electronic.  If you have not yet returned your updated parent contact details for 2012, please do so URGENTLY so that we can ensure that we have correct email addresses.

Parent Calendar
The Parent Calendar for 2012 has been distributed through Form Classes.  If you have not seen this yet, please ask your child – or check the bottom of their school bag!

Labelling your child’s property
All parents will have outlaid significant sums on new uniforms, books and stationery during the holidays.  Please ensure that you have also named all these items.  I am constantly astonished by the amount of unnamed lost property that we have.  If it has a name it can be returned and you can be saved the expense of replacement.

I am looking forward to working with you throughout the year.

Ms Rhonda Nolan
Deputy Principal

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Laptop Implementation

As advised by Mr Greg Ploetz, Chair of the Board of Trustees, in his December letter to parents, Ipswich Girls' Grammar School will be implementing the 1:1 laptop program during Semester 1.  Each Year 9 and Year 11 student will be issued with a laptop computer and, from 2013, all students from Years 9 to 12 will have their own personal laptop.  As well, investigations are underway regarding the feasibility of extending the use of a personal device to students from Year 5.

Technology is changing the face of education and the way teachers teach and students learn.  Classrooms at Ipswich Girls' Grammar School including Ipswich Junior Grammar school are dynamic environments that promote and develop the culture of learning and innovative practice.  Having personalised learning opportunities will further enhance your daughter’s educational growth.

Following extensive investigation and research by the Head of Technology and eLearning, Ms Kym Coleman and the IT Department Manager, Mr Shane Brown, and their teams, the device that has been selected is the Lenovo E320.  Unfortunately, the devices have not yet arrived in Australia from the manufacturer.  At Christmas, we were advised that there would be a further 2 month delay due to the devastating floods that occurred in Thailand in October last year.

We will continue to keep you informed.  A detailed information sheet will be sent to all Year 9 and 11 parents and there is a section on our website with FAQs (frequently asked questions) that will be regularly updated.

Mrs Kathy Bishop
Dean of Studies

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Debating

Welcome to 2012 and as usual the debating season is virtually starting straight away!  The Middle and Senior School of IGGS is involved in 2 debating competitions – Apex and QDU.

The first round of the Apex competition will be held on Monday 27 February at the campus of Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School and will have rounds for Year 8, Junior and Senior Teams.  The QDU competitions are within year levels and will begin on Wednesday 7 March.  Competitions are held at school campuses in the outer suburbs of Brisbane.

Our debating teams are being ably led by Captains Madeline Mills-Eddington and Mika Varitimos and the teams will be coached by some of our wonderful IGGS teachers.  We also have a new coordinator, Mrs Porter-Venz, who is being mentored by Mrs Cowan.

We are hoping to have our debating teams finalised by Wednesday 1 February, and urge any girls who are interested in representing their school in this dynamic competition to come to the meeting that will happen at lunch on Friday 27 January.  New girls and novices are more than welcome to join our Debating Dynamos in 2012.

Mrs Carrie Porter-Venz
Debating Coordinator

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Thoroughly Modern Millie

Set in 1920s New York, this year’s IGGS/IGS Musical Thoroughly Modern Millie, follows the story of Millie Dillmount who comes to New York to find herself a wealthy and handsome husband.  Moving into the Priscilla Hotel for Young Ladies, she soon meets Miss Dorothy and the two form a lasting friendship, each guiding the other on life, love, adventure and of the importance of ‘never judging a book by its cover’.  Accompanied by Jimmy Smith, a local New York lad, Millie must find a way to save Miss Dorothy and thwart the evil plans of hotel proprietress Mrs Meers.

Thoroughly Modern Millie will be presented on Thursday 10 May, Friday 11 May and Saturday 12 May at the IGGS School Assembly Hall.

Some Important Dates:

• Students who are new to IGGS in Years 7 – 12 are invited to audition for CHORUS roles for Thoroughly Modern Millie. These auditions will be held in the Drama Room on Monday 30 January at 12:35pm.  Further information and details can be obtained from the Performing Arts Staffroom.
• The first cast meeting for all involved in the Musical, including principal and chorus roles, dancers and musicians will be held on Wednesday 1 February from 3:15pm – 4:30pm in the Drama Room at IGGS.

All Thoroughly Modern Millie cast members are reminded to remain diligent in checking emails, morning notices, rehearsal schedules and Performing Arts noticeboards in relation to your commitments.

We are looking forward to a thoroughly modern and exciting musical journey.

Mrs Claire Ellacott and Miss Lucy Ferrara
Musical Coordinators

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P&F SHOP

The P&F Shop wishes to express heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers that generously donated their time working in the shop over the Christmas break. They were Penny, Myrelle, Heather, Jean, Maureen, Sally-Anne, Kim and Madonna.

The following students also came in and gave up their holiday time to help; they were Kelsey Adcock, Emma Hayes, Savinika Wijeyewickrema and Laura Britton.  We would also like to thank Sean and Stuart Adcock from IGS for stacking and moving all the text books in the shop.

These helpers washed, repaired and checked each page and cleaned off writing from nearly 2000 books. Their valuable time was very much appreciated.  Thank you.

P&F Shop Opening Hours
From Monday 30 January 2012, normal trading hours resume:

• Monday/Wednesday: 8:30am to 1:30pm
• Tuesday/Thursday: 10:30am to 3:30pm
• FRIDAY: CLOSED

The P&F Shop is located under the School’s Dining Room and stocks second hand uniforms, bags, hats etc and all textbooks for the Text Book Hire Scheme plus stationery requirements specified in the stationery lists as well as day-to-day necessities (pencils, pens, exercise books etc).

Payment
We accept EFTPOS, MasterCard and Visa Card.  Cheques should be made payable to IGGS P&F Association Inc.  Unfortunately, credit is not available.

Any queries please contact the P&F Shop on 3454 4432 direct or email p&fshop@iggs.qld.edu.au.

Mrs Madonna Adcock
P&F Shop Convenor

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Tuckshop Convenor of the Year

Just before our holiday break, Mrs Lorie Robinson, IGGS Catering Manager and resident dietician, won the prestigious ‘Convenor of the Year’ award, through the Queensland Association of School Tuckshops (QAST).

The award is judged by a panel of QAST representatives as well as a dietician from Queensland Health.

In order to be eligible to win the award, the School’s menu must be either four or five star (IGGS has a five star menu).

“I was really surprised to win the award, because I’ve never nominated for Convenor of the Year before. I feel we work as part of a team here and I feel honoured that our hard work is appreciated and recognised,” Mrs Robinson said.

The School congratulates Mrs Robinson and her team for their fantastic job running the school canteen, allowing the students and staff to purchase healthy and delicious food each day.

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From the Canteen

It barely feels like 5 minutes ago that I was wishing everyone a happy holiday and now here we are in a brand new year.  Welcome back to everyone: students, staff, and most importantly, our dedicated tuckshop helpers.  As you can see by our roster, we are urgently in need of some help in our award winning school canteen.

What’s involved in helping out you may ask?  We ask people to sign up for one day every four weeks.  The time is from 9:15am until around 1:00pm. The main duties involve making toasted sandwiches, serving morning tea and lunch, and helping to fill orders.  No money handling is required and we provide lunch and some good company.

We are a very fun-loving working group and helping out in the canteen is an excellent way to be a part of the school community in a casual, yet helpful way.  Many of our helpers don’t think they do very much but we think it is wonderful when we have that extra pair (or two!) of helping hands as we are a very busy catering hub for the school.

So, if you think you would like to help out and even better yet, have a friend who would like to come along too, please contact me directly on 3454 4411 or by email l.robinson@iggs.qld.edu.au.  You can’t call too early as I am here from 6:00 am.  Or better still, just come on in on your way by the dining room and you can have the grand tour and meet us in person.

I am looking forward to a very prosperous and exciting year. And a full tuckshop roster!

Mrs Lorie Robinson
Catering Manager

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Junior School

I extend a very warm welcome to our returning families and to new families joining our school community.  I trust you all had a wonderful Christmas break and are relaxed, refreshed and ready for a busy school year.

The aim for the Junior School this year is continual improvement.  The Future of Schooling in Australia report (Council for the Australian Federation, 2007) identified three essential elements of an equitable education as high quality teaching, personalised learning and the development of school community partnerships. These will be our focus areas for improvement this year.

This article will address the initiatives developed to promote personalised learning. Over the course of the year, I will expand on each of the essential elements and share with you some of the exciting ways in which we propose to ensure continual improvement.

The report Personalising Education (OECD 2006) further clarifies personalised learning:

Personalised learning is not a return to child-centred theories; it is not about separating pupils to learn on their own, it is not the abandonment of a national curriculum, it is not a licence to let pupils coast at their own preferred pace of learning. The rationale for personalised learning is clear: it is to raise standards by focusing teaching and learning on the aptitudes and interests of pupils. Personalised learning is the way in which our best schools tailor education to ensure that every pupil achieves the highest standard possible (OECD 2006).

• Student Improvement Plans
  A new section in the Student Handbook has been created to address the specific learning needs of each student. The headings are English, Mathematics and Other.  The pages are located at the end of the section for each term.  Teachers will enter the next skill, behaviour or learning habit they would like students to work on, in order to improve. The entries will be dated on entry and when achieved. In the corresponding week in the handbook, examples or coaching tips of the required skill, behaviour or habit will be provided so that students and parents gain a clear understanding of the requirement. Parents are encouraged to look for these and to help their children practise the skill, behaviour or habit in order to make the best possible progress.  These examples will be printed on coloured paper for easy identification.

• Year 6 One -to- One Interviews
  Over the next few weeks, Year 6 students and their parents will be invited to a meeting with the Assistant Head of Junior School - Students, Mrs Liddell, to reflect on the progress they are making to attain an all-round education. A plan for improvement will be determined at this meeting for the student to implement with the support of their parents. Meetings to monitor progress will be conducted throughout the year.
• Tutor Program
  A tutor program will be trialled to support some students in their preparations for the NAPLAN tests. This program will be conducted after school by some of the teaching staff in the Junior School. The parent/s of students will be requested to attend sessions with the students so they can gain important knowledge, strategies and skills to better support their children’s learning programs at home. If the trial proves successful, the program will be extended to include students from other year levels. The program will be introduced in Term 1.

As you can see, we are planning to ensure we achieve success and better educational outcomes for our students. I look forward to hearing feedback from you on how you feel these initiatives are progressing.

Staffing
This year we welcome Mrs Tahlia Pentsa (Year 1), Mrs Melissa Andrews (Year 4) and Miss Emily Schmidt (EEC 4 year old class) as new staff to the Junior School. We also welcome Gary Ward on his return to the Junior School after a number of Years teaching Year 7.

This year, Mrs Baker takes on a new role of Assistant Head of Junior School - Studies in partnership with Mrs Lorna Liddell, Assistant Head of Junior School - Students.  Mrs Baker will be responsible for the curriculum, teaching and learning while Mrs Liddell will be responsible for the pastoral and academic care of students.

Shade at the Drop Off Area
Due to the recent wet weather, the installation of the shade structure has been delayed and this will need to be erected during school time.  While it is being erected, the drop off and pick up areas will be in the area directly opposite the designated area.  To ensure safety, the work men will help at the crossing at the top of the drive to help children safely across to the school side.  We ask for your patience while this is happening and to be extra vigilant of the children as they make their way to and from cars.

Upcoming Events

• Meet the Teacher Evening 7 February
• Leadership Assembly 13 February
• Yr 2-6 Interhouse Swimming Carnival 24 February

Mrs Karen McArdle
Head of Junior School

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Middle School

Happy New Year and a warm welcome is extended to the students and families of the Ipswich Girls’ Grammar Middle School for 2012.  A particular welcome to our Year 7 cohort and new students joining us in Years 8 and 9, many of whom I had the pleasure of meeting before school officially started for the year.  On Tuesday, 17 January, forty-six new students to the Middle School attended a special orientation morning or afternoon tea to help familiarise themselves with the busy life of their new school.  It was wonderful to meet the new girls and thankfully the heavy downpour of rain did not dampen our spirits.

We have a busy term planned across Middle School in 2012, and the ongoing success of the Middle School is due to the active partnerships between the parents, students and staff.  We look forward to fostering and continuing our tradition of strengthening this relationship during the year.  The Middle School staff are passionate about their year levels and teaching areas, and are genuine in their commitment to the well being and pastoral care of each girl.  Thank you to those parents of Year 7 and 8 students who attended the Parent Information Evening on the first day of school, and for their enthusiasm and support of the programs and learning opportunities we are presenting.

Year 7 and 8 will be heading off to camp early in the term and permission and information forms have already been distributed to students.  I look forward to getting to know and working closely with all families in the Middle School community over the coming term.

Mrs Kathryn Randall
Middle School Coordinator

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Senior School

Welcome to the families of the Ipswich Girls’ Grammar Senior School, in particular the Year 10 cohort and new students in Year 11.  The Ipswich Girls’ Grammar Senior School learning community, consisting of parents, students and staff, is committed to a rigorous instructional program in a safe and nurturing environment.  The curriculum and school environment challenge and support each student to strengthen core knowledge and higher level thinking, awaken curiosity and creativity, apply problem solving strategies, develop independence and communication skills, and become community minded, life-long learners.

The Senior School learning community will continue to implement best practices in education and integrate cutting edge technology to engage all students in 2012.  Each student, through to implementation of the School Curriculum Framework, Dimensions of Learning, is given the opportunity to become self aware individuals who are productive and responsible members of society and the global community, problem solvers, critical thinkers, and effective communicators.

Throughout 2012, I encourage you to maintain high levels of communication as your daughters move through this very challenging time in their lives. I look forward to working closely with the families of the Senior School, and hope that Orientation Day was an enjoyable and informative start to the year for our students.

Important Changes to Procedures in 2012
Your daughter will have received a Wall planner in her book pack this year.  The intention is for this planner to be used predominately at home by your daughter but will act as a useful tool for the whole family.  The planner should be displayed in a prominent place, and updated regularly.  The planner is generic, and will serve your daughter for her time at IGGS.

The Student Handbook has a new section at the end of each week requiring a parent signature.  Please view your daughter’s handbook weekly and sign and make any notes you wish to pass onto the Form Teacher in the handbook.  Occasionally staff will write short notes to parents, and the parent signature assures the school that you are receiving these messages.

The back section of the Handbook has had a page added that is titled Community Service Log.  This log is for student use and helps students to keep track of the number of times they attended Community Service events, the date and a brief description. The Service Log may support your daughter’s application for a Service Pocket at the end of the year.

Mrs Anna Owen
Senior School Coordinator

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Sport – Junior School

Dates to Remember

• 3 February Somerville House Invitational Swim Meet
• 9 February Grasshopper Soccer (open to students from Pre-Prep to Yr 7)
• 17 February Ipswich District Swimming Carnival (IGS Pool)
• 24 February Interhouse Swim Carnival (Yr 2-6)
• 25 February MBS Invitational Swim Meet
• 29 February Regional Swim Trials
• 8 March  Andrew’s Cup Touch Football and Tennis Competition
• 9 March  Winter Fixtures Start – Yr 5, 6 and 7
• 15 March Andrew’s Cup Swimming – Chandler Pool

Welcome to 2012 Physical Education and Sport at Ipswich Junior Grammar School.

In Physical Education lessons, we will start the year with students in Prep and Year One participating in a Fundamental Motor Skills program and students in Years 2-6 taking part in swimming.  For Physical Education lessons, students are required to bring their PE uniform, sports hat, sports socks and sneakers.  For Swimming lessons, students will need school togs, school sun-shirt, towel, swimming cap and goggles (if required).

If students are going to miss lessons through illness or absence please advise the PE teacher through a letter in the student diary.  If your son or daughter has an ongoing medical condition, please advise their teacher and send them a copy of asthma management plans etc.  All students who suffer from Asthma are encouraged to bring their asthma puffers with them to class.  Parents of Year One students are encouraged to assist your children to learn to dress themselves quickly and efficiently.  Please work with them to practice shoe lace tying as well.  It is vital that all pieces of uniform for students in every grade are marked with student’s name.

This year IJGS has been invited to take part in the Andrew’s Cup Sporting Competition.  This prestigious sporting competition commenced in the 1940’s and includes Clayfield College, Somerville House, St Hilda’s, St Margaret’s, St Aidan’s, Moreton Bay College, Glennie School and Toowoomba Preparatory School.  We will participate in the sports of Touch Football, Tennis, Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics and Netball.  Trials will be held throughout the year to select teams and students are encouraged to listen on assembly and read the Bulletin for more information as it becomes available.

IJGS also offers a number of after-school activities at different times throughout the year.  These include: Active Bodies Gym Club, Grasshopper Soccer Clinics, AFL Auskick and Junior Swim Squad.  The School also has a Jump Rope for Heart Demonstration Team, the Ipswich Invigorators and students in Years 3-7 are invited each year to audition for a place in the team.

Students in Years 5, 6 and 7 will participate in Friday afternoon sport throughout the year.  Trials for the Winter Fixture sports of Netball, Soccer, Hockey and Tennis will commence in February with fixtures beginning in March.  More information on this will come in later bulletins.

Districts trials are held throughout the year for selection in Ipswich District Teams.  These sports include Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics and a wide variety of team sports.  Students who nominate for these trials should be quite experienced in the sport as competition for places is quite tight.  Information sheets are available prior to each trial.

Students interested in taking part in the Andrew’s Cup Swimming Competition are encouraged to attend training sessions as outlined below.  This training program will commence in the first week of term through till the 14 March.

• Andrew’s Cup Blue Squad – Students aged 10, 11 & 12 years
• Andrew’s Cup White Squad – Students aged 8 & 9 years
• *All students must be able to competently swim 25m Freestyle to attend coaching sessions.

Ms Dale Spinks
Head of Primary PE and Sport

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Sport – Secondary School

Welcome back to both returning and new families at Ipswich Girls’ Grammar.  After 6 months leave, I am looking forward to another successful year of sport here at IGGS.

The first interhouse sporting event for the year will be the Interhouse Swimming Carnival.  This will be held at the IGS pool on 9 February, and will be a full school day event.  This is an exciting and fun-filled day which provides opportunities for the serious swimmer in championship events, and a chance for all students to do their best to score some points for their house.
As it is also a fun day, students are encouraged to dress in house colours and cheer loudly and enthusiastically for their house.  Parents are also invited to attend this carnival.  There is shade to sit in, but a hat and sunscreen will also be needed.

Autumn Fixtures
The first round of matches will be held 9 March.  This is a home game against St Hildas.  Trials for Basketball, Football and Touch Football will be called in the next 2 weeks.

Sports Coordinators
The Term 1 Sports Coordinators for 2012 are:

• Badminton Mrs Lorraine Lauf
• Basketball Mr Justin Bryan
• Cricket Mrs Leah Liddell
• Cross Country Ms Nicole Sacre
• Football Mr Stewart Drinkeld
• Rhythmic Sportive Gymnastics Mrs Chris Gado
• Swimming Mrs Donna Pye
• Touch Football Mrs Sally Summerville

Mrs Chris Gado
Head of Secondary Sport

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Cricket

Pad up! The 2012 Cricket season has already begun. Preliminary training started in Term 4 last year and our first training session for the new year was held on the first day of school. Matches start on Wednesday 8 February (week 3) with a home game against Somerville House. Please remember to bring a plate of something healthy for afternoon tea to share with our guests.

We congratulate Renee Rathbone and Rebecca Raine who were selected in the Met West Cricket Team in Term 4 2011. Well done, girls.

Anyone interested in trying cricket is encouraged to come along to training on Monday afternoons.  Check roll notices for details or speak to our Captains, Danica Parkes and Laura Doyle, or to me.

Let’s make this another great summer of Cricket at IGGS!

Mrs Leah Liddell
Cricket Coordinator

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Swimming

Welcome to the new school year and another swimming season.  Congratulations to the 2012 Swimming Captains Dionne Buckley and Emily Wilson.  The swim team is looking forward to your leadership and enthusiasm.

It is now time for the swimmers to start preparing for the QGSSSA Swimming Carnival on Wednesday 7 March 2012.

Training has commenced at the school pool with the Head Coach Peter Carswell and will continue through Term 1. Girls have been selected into a training squad, this being either Blue or White.

They will need to check the swimming noticeboard in the gymnasium to find out which squad they have been allocated to.  All new swimmers can train with either squad until further notice.

Training times are as follows:

All swimmers must attend a compulsory full team training session every week in preparation for the QGSSSA carnival.  This session is a requirement for a School Pocket and selection in the team.  Further details of this session will be finalised in the coming week and all swimmers will be notified of both day and time.

The following time trial carnivals have been organised and it is anticipated that all swimmers will participate in these events.  Attendance at four of the warm up meets and the QGSSSA Carnival is a requirement for a School Pocket.  Buses are provided to and from each carnival and swimmers are required to sign the bus list on the swimming noticeboard in the gym by Wednesday 3pm each week if they are attending.

Girls wishing to compete in Regional and State Swimming Carnivals will be required in 2012 to attend a District trial.  This event will be held on 16 February 2012.  Further information regarding District, Regional and State Swimming Carnivals will be published in the morning notices and Bulletin in the upcoming weeks.

Details of the swimming season will be fully outlined in a separate information booklet available from the Health and Physical Education Department.

I am looking forward to an enjoyable and successful swimming season this year at IGGS!

Mrs Donna Pye
Swimming Coordinator

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Badminton

Congratulations to Heather Nicole and Michelle Lauf, the Badminton Captains for 2012.

Training begins on Friday 3 February at 3:10 pm in the gym.  Experienced and new players in Years 8 to 12 are welcome. If required, racquets are available.

Mrs Lorraine Lauf
Badminton Coordinator

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Touch Football

After a successful year in 2011, we are about to commence trials for Years 8 – 12 girls interested in competing in the QGSSSA Touch Football competition.  Girls will be advised shortly via daily notices as to when and where trials will occur.  The Touch Football notice board in the gymnasium will also provide these dates.

The games are played on Friday afternoons after school with the first game to be played on 9 March.  At this stage, I still require further assistance with coaching of several teams.  If you are interested, please contact me on 3454 4447 or via email ssummerville@iggs.qld.edu.au.

QGSSSA Touch Football 2012
IGGS Coaches Wanted

• Several teams (Years 8 -12) requiring coaches
• Term 1 and 2, 2012
• Paid positions

Please contact Mrs Sally Summerville:
3454 4437 or email ssummerville@iggs.qld.edu.au

Mrs Sally Summerville
Touch Football Coordinator

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