Andrew Watt – Principal

Our last week of term was uncharacteristically but pleasantly busy, with parents visiting our campus to participate in a K-12 Music Competition Showcase and a Museum Day, and with multiple Pesach events. Our Year 11 history debating team travelled to Liverpool to compete in the grand finals of a prestigious competition, and work on our construction site is progressing nicely. We are all looking forward to a break and we hope to return rejuvenated and ready for the next steps in our learning journey.

Update on the Adler Building Redevelopment

The noise of jackhammers and other demolition equipment can be heard through the enclosure on occasions, as the work of installing services, demolishing the inside of the building, erecting scaffolds, and the removal of contaminated soil is completed. The work on landscaping has commenced, but progress has been impeded by the inclement weather. Each day of good weather is greeted with thankfulness, as our construction project gathers momentum! In addition to the work on the Adler Building, we are planning to commence the replacement of the cladding on the adjacent Innovation Building. By the end of the break, we hope to have new cladding on the eastern side of the building.

Our Showcase of Musical Talent

It was wonderful to join with the families of our student performers and composers, to enjoy the Finalist Concert of the 2022 K-12 Music Competition. With the announcement of the winners taking place at a later date, the focus was quite rightly on celebrating the talent of our musicians, from youngest to oldest. Our experienced and high-profile adjudicators provided excellent advice and encouragement for each of our performers. Erin McKellar is an award-winning vocalist, song writer and composer, and Jason Noble is one of Australia’s most versatile clarinettists. The performances ranged from piano, violin, guitar, trumpet, saxophone, concert xylophone, drums, garage band and of course, vocals, including rap. As the performances commenced with our Kindergarten to Year 2 students and finished with our most senior students, the progression in skill and musicianship was evident. The composition pieces across K-12 were also very impressive.

Many thanks to our committed Music Department, led by Diana Springford, and to Remington Owen, who organised the event.

The J.A. Thompson History Debating Competition

2022 marked the 46^th year that schools across Sydney have competed in the J.A. Thompson History Debating Competition. The competition provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in historical debate using topics directly linked to or inspired by the Stage 5 and 6 History syllabuses. This year, 40 teams participated in the competition. After defeating Kings School and SCEGGS Darlinghurst in their past two debates, our Year 11 team faced All Saints Catholic College, Liverpool in the grand finals. The topic was: That history is a set of lies agreed upon.

Whilst our team was narrowly defeated, we are very proud of their skills and their success. Mazal Tov to Jake Newfield, Daniel Solomon, Arielle Melamed and Maayan Granot

Year 1 Museum Day

It was wonderful to have parents join their children and enjoy an interactive and engaging ‘museum’ experience. With our Year 1 students on the entrance desk collecting the specially printed tickets and conducting ‘temperature checks’, our first encounter upon entry was with an antique orange press, providing us with a refreshing (albeit small!) juice drink. The array of activities and items were impressive, and it was clear that the engagement with the past was a special learning experience for all.

Thank you to the families who donated items for the day and to our Year 1 teachers, who organised this special event.

Happy Passover

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Pesach. This artwork was created by Lucia Meyer, Year 11, titled Linking past and present at the Seder table. I hope that in retelling the story of Exodus, you are also able to look to the future with positivity, good health and happiness.

Mazal Tovs

• Sierra Miller: Sierra finished 11th out of 39 swimmers in the 8 Years girls 50m freestyle at the NSWPSSA  Swimming Championships, representing CIS. It was her second fastest time in that event ever.
• Zac Urbach: Zac took part in the National Athletics Championships over this past week and achieved some amazing results. He placed 11th in Australia Men U18 100m Sprint and 6th in Australia Men U18 200m Sprint. He ran a personal best and was selected to run the first leg of the NSW relay team, with his team winning gold in the Men U18 4x100m Relay.  
• Noah Kessell: Noah was part of ASISSA Football Team that won CIS Championships.
• Talia Kleviansky: Talia was part of CDSSA Touch Football team that won AICES Championships
• 13 Years Girls Futsal Team: Qualifying for State Championships.
• 1sts Girls Basketball Team: Winning St Catherine’s Basketball Competition Grand Final

 Quote of the week

“Passover affirms the great truth that liberty is the inalienable right of every human being.” Morris Joseph

Have a relaxing break and I look forward to welcoming our students back to school on 27 April 2022.