A pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to achievement of potential is one of St Hilda’s core values.  It would be simplistic to focus on our students’ outstanding achievements over the past few weeks and to conclude that we are achieving our potential.  In this edition of the Newsletter, the News of Students section documents spectacular student successes in  English, Science, Mathematics, Art and also in a variety of sporting fields.  St Hilda’s won the Eric Carlin Award for the best secondary school in the West Australian Newspaper’s Young Writers’ Competition and, in addition, our students won both the lower and upper secondary categories in the Tim Winton awards for young writers.  In Science, our students excelled in the Rio Tinto Big Science competition and in the International Competitions and Assessment for Schools (ICAS).  In Mathematics, 40 students participated in and achieved excellent results in the Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians.  Our Art featured at the St George’s Cathedral Art Awards and one of our students was the overall winner.   In sport, we have a new national representative and two State representatives.

While achieving potential may be gauged by external successes such as those outlined above, at an individual level we admire and respect those who strive and display determination to achieve their best, no matter what their personal challenges or goals.   We believe that all students should experience challenge through their school programs.  If this is not the case, the programs are likely to be too easy.   The adage, no friction, no traction applies to learning and personal growth. 

At this stage of the year, our Years 11 and 12 students are very focused on the pursuit knowledge and are committed to achieve their best over the next few months.  We wish them well in their endeavours and reassure them that the staff is here to support them in their learning.  The challenges for other groups are varied with Year 10s soon to undertake their Outdoor Education camp at Margaret River.

Opportunities to achieve one’s potential abound at St Hilda’s and we encourage all students to accept challenges, to connect with their passions and to realise their potential.

Dr Pam Garnett

It is always interesting to hear student views on religious subjects. I am constantly surprised by the depth of understanding of some of the more complex theological issues and I am given some good ideas which advance my own thinking.  This theological interaction is one of the many joys of teaching Religious and Philosophical Studies at
St Hilda’s.

It is said that sermons are among the least effective teaching methods; one of my ongoing projects is to make Chapel more focused on the senses, the arts and creativity than on mere words, which can only go so far in exploring the mysteries before us. Having realised while at school myself that talking to a group of people is not the same as teaching them, I was amazed this term when a class of Year 12s could remember collectively everything I had said in a Chapel sermon the day before.

I have recently attended the Australian Anglican Schools’ Network Conference. We regularly discussed the question What is an Anglican School? and regularly came to no absolute conclusions. 
My perspective is that despite our vast differences in school type, ethos, fee level and many others, we are all called to be authentically Anglican, although it is not always easy to see what that means. Many agree that it involves the enormous risk of being proud of our Anglican tradition of worship and seek to keep it alive despite the many challenges that face us, such as trying to be ‘relevant.’  It is much easier to plan services that entertain and give immediately satisfying experiences, and to pretend that the Christian gospel fits easily with our daily lives just as they are.  The ongoing challenge for the Church is always to strike a balance between speaking to our culture in its own language while proclaiming the gospel, which is like a foreign language to every culture. If we are not careful about this, we fall into the trap described by the great mission theologian, David Bosch: Listening to the Church, society hears only the sound of its own music. If we get to that stage, we might as well give up.

We have not given up, and are part of a living tradition, adapted sensitively to our own situation. This tradition may not always speak practical, comfortable or even sensible words, but it does point beyond our everyday situations towards a greater truth which is unaffected by the tides of life.

I am always happy to hear from parents with questions or enquiries regarding the religious life of the School or the Christian faith. Please contact me at any time through Reception or by email.

Father Toby - School Chaplain
9285 4100 toby.sherring@sthildas.wa.edu.au

IGSSA Athletics Carnival
The Interschool Athletics Carnival will be held at the new Western Australian Athletics Centre, off Stevenson Avenue, Floreat on Tuesday 15 September from 8.30am – 2.30pm.  Attendance is compulsory for Years 7 – 10.  Students in Years 11 and 12 are not expected to attend unless they are competitors.  Spectators are required to be in winter uniform. Blazers must be worn, and boaters or PE Caps will be required for sun protection.  Girls may also choose to bring an umbrella for further weather protection (sun or rain).  Girls are required to provide their own food and refreshments.

Please note: student drop-off and pick-up for the Carnival must be at Challenge Stadium only.  No access will be available to the Athletics Centre.  If you wish your daughter to use the bus transport provided to the Carnival, please complete the form linked to this Newsletter and return it to Student Services.

Parents who wish to attend the Carnival are most welcome.  Parking is available at Challenge Stadium only with access to the Athletics Centre via a marked pathway.  The parent spectator area is not seated – please bring a rug to sit on or a low chair if you prefer.  A kiosk will be available for parents use only on the day. An entry cost of $5 for adults and $3 for children includes a program.

 Arts Festival News
Results of the House Quiz Competition
Round 1
De Grey 15 defeated Blackwood 4
Fitzroy 8 defeated Gascoyne 7
Round 2
De Grey 14 defeated Fitzroy 8
Gascoyne 16 defeated Blackwood 8
Round 3
De Grey 7 defeated Gascoyne 2
Fitzroy 15 defeated Blackwood 8
Final
Fitzroy 16 defeated De Grey 13

Thank you to Mr Croft and Mrs Winnall for coordinating the Quiz once again this year.

Fundraising Relay
On Friday 11 September, St Hildas girls will be running a five-hour relay from 4-9 pm to raise much needed funds for the WA based charity, ICEA (Indigenous Communities Education Appeal). This charity provides educational support to schools in northern WA. In teams of five, the girls will tackle a continuous relay right through the evening. It will be a great night, with prizes which have been generously donated, live entertainment and fantastic food. We need everyone to be involved, so sponsor your daughters generously and come along and join in the fun at any time in the evening! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email Lara Clegg (lara.clegg@sthildas.wa.edu.au)

Art
Congratulations to Clare Longley, Gemma Morcombe, Stephanie Thorne, Amy Gardiner, Oumayama Awaida, Den Scheer, Zoe Timms, Conchita Blanco Oka, Danielle O’Sullivan and Yulia Ho whose artwork was selected for entry in the 2009 St George’s Cathedral Art Awards.

Special congratulations to Grace Lee-Tuck who was overall winner of the 2009
St George’s Cathedral Awards for her sculptural work entitled, Mind, Body, Soul!

English
Congratulations to our wonderful writers who have had incredible success. In the West Australian Young Writers’ Competition St Hilda’s won the top award, the Eric Carlin Prize, for the best secondary school, and Zoe Krisnadi (Year 11) won best writer of the year. In the Tim Winton Young Writers’ Competition, Rachel Hao won the best young writer award. See a full list of the winners in the English Department News.

Sport
Congratulations to Susanna Weedon (Year 11) who has been selected to represent Western Australia in the State Interschool Equestrian competition which will be held in Victoria.
Claudia Perry (Year 11) has been selected to represent Western Australia in the 2009 State Schools Diving Team competing from 12 to 18 September in Perth.
Chloe Hayes (Year 11) has been selected to represent Australia in Japan in September at the World Championships in Gymnastics.

The Year 12 students and their fathers had a delightful evening on Thursday 20 August at the annual Father/Daughter Dinner.  A lovely meal and some spirited dancing were the order of the night and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves immensely. A very big thank you to the mothers who helped set up and decorate the Dining Room so beautifully for this special occasion.  Thanks also to the Barbershop, Danielle O’Sullivan and Annabella La Pegna for entertaining us with their lovely singing.  Photos taken on the evening are available for viewing and downloading from Studywiz.

Mock exams will soon be here and girls are undertaking their final assessments for the classwork component of their courses.  The focus for the careers lessons has been information relating to applying to different universities and tertiary institutions.  The Director of TISC, Mr Steve Hoath, gave a presentation on what happens to students’ marks during the scaling and moderating processes and on how to apply to TISC online.  There is a video of his presentation available on Studywiz for girls who were absent.  I remind you that students who wish to attend university in WA must apply to TISC by Wednesday 30 September.  Any late applications will incur a $120 fee.

Examinations take place from Monday 5 to Friday 16 October.  The normal timetable will apply on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Week 2, Term 4 and Thursday is a special Leavers’ morning, with the girls finishing at lunchtime after House Farewell presentations.  The week finishes with our St Hilda’s Day service at St George’s Cathedral on Friday 23 October.  Attendance at school during the following week will be optional and the TEE starts on Monday 2 November.  Students will receive a booklet with comprehensive information about all school activities and requirements till the end of the year.  It is important that they read this document carefully to ensure that they are in the right place at the right time.  It will also be available to refer to on Studywiz.

Congratulations to our intrepid rowers for their fine season and good luck to the Year 12 athletes who will soon be competing in blue and gold for the last time.

I wish all students the best of luck for the mock exams and hope that they all enjoy the last weeks of school.

Jane Putigny - Head of Year 12

The Year 11 girls are now in the final weeks of a very productive term and it is pleasing to see them take on more responsibility as they move towards examinations and the commencement of their Year 12 courses in Term 4.  The Year 11 Tutors and I would like to commend the girls on their recent attendance and participation at Evensong on Tuesday 1 September.  Thank you very much to Father Toby and those parents who were able to attend the Service.

The girls are actively involved in many school activities this term, particularly the election process for next year’s officials for whom voting will occur on Monday 7 September.  I congratulate the nominees on the impressive presentations made at the various House assemblies and wish them all the best with the election process. 

Congratulations to Chloe Hayes who has recently been named in the Australian National Gymnastics Squad.  We commend Chloe for being one of four gymnasts chosen to represent Australia in September at the World Championships in Japan.  This is a tremendous opportunity for her and we send her our very best wishes.  Congratulations also to Claudia Perry who has been selected in the WA Gymnastics Team and will compete in the Australian Championships in December in Canberra.  Claudia will represent WA in the Australian All Schools Diving Championships in Perth this month.  This is a fantastic achievement for Claudia and we wish her all the very best for these competitions.

The forms for Year 12 Leavers’ Jumpers which are worn in Terms 2 and 3 of 2010, have been distributed to the girls. Please return them to the St Hilda’s Shop by Friday 25 September.  All orders must be received by this date as there will not be additional jumpers for purchase. 
Thank you very much to those parents who promptly returned the form with payment.  Any girl who has not received a form can collect one from the Year 11 office.
 
This year the Interschool Athletics Carnival will be held at the new Western Australian Athletics Centre in Floreat on Tuesday 15 September.  Please note that students in Year 11 this year are not expected to attend unless they are competitors. 

Year 11 examinations commence in the October school holidays on Monday 5 October until Friday 16 October and exam timetables have been distributed to the girls.  Year 11 students are not expected to be back at school until Wednesday 21 October.  The girls should be starting to revise and prepare for these exams and they have been provided with blank exam study timetables to assist with the scheduling and organising of their study time.  I encourage the girls to use the Tutoring Centre and seek extra time with their subject teachers should they feel the need for assistance leading up to the exams.  I remind parents to be familiar with the School Assessment Policy as there are specific protocols which need to be followed if a girl misses an assessment or examination.

This is now a very important time for the girls to consolidate their academic studies and they will be asked shortly to complete the Subject Selection form for Year 12.   Some girls may need consultation and I encourage those who have questions concerning course selection for Year 12 to approach the School Counsellor, Mrs Helen Silver, in Student Services.  Students should also speak with their course teachers for guidance if required.
 
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding your daughter.  I wish the girls all the best for the remainder of this term.

It is wonderful to report that the Anglicare Blue and Red Free Dress Day on Friday 7 August (organised by Year 9 students to support the programmes of Daisy House and homeless youth) was a resounding success.  Our Year Representatives, Sarah Flores-Vargas and Dinithi Caldera presented a PowerPoint on the work of Daisy House to a whole-school assembly which was followed by a fundraising day, resulting in an amazing $1,344.60 being raised.  Year 9s excelled by making cakes and biscuits with a red and blue theme which were offered to staff and students at recess and lunch time for donations. Year 9s were very excited to find out that they had raised over $600 in cake sales alone during the day.

The true spirit of the week was also reflected in random acts of kindness where Year 9 students were encouraged to support others by offering to do jobs and tasks around the School.  I was most impressed with the genuine desire of girls to help others and I hope this positive spirit is sustained for the rest of the year. Jobs included unpacking new orders in Languages, cleaning surfing wet suits in Outdoor Education, cataloguing DVDs in English, cleaning up art rooms and organising costumes in Drama.

Our Year 9 Pastoral Care program this term has also reflected on what is meant by school spirit, and specifically focused on practical ways in which students demonstrate their role as St Hilda’s students.  Students have considered how they demonstrate their school spirit through taking part in and supporting a range of sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic activities. They also considered the ways that they embrace the spiritual and pastoral programmes that the School offers and how they show respect through responsible behaviour and by wearing their uniform with pride.

There have been many great examples of school spirit this term. The wonderful production of The Sound of Music showcased not only the talents of the performers but also the support of students who played their part to make the show such a success.  Many talented Year 9 students strutted the boards, played music or undertook important roles behind the scenes. Our talented dancers have also had a busy term, culminating in IGSSA Dance on Thursday 3 September.  We now look forward to the Year 9 Drama Showcase on Wednesday 23 September which will cap off a very busy and dramatic term. Our musicians have also been very busy this term with their work and talent showcased in Orchestra, Concert Band and Jazz Festivals this term.

The 3 Rs of Year 9 have been put to full use so far this term and our Year 9 rowers certainly needed to exercise resilience and responsibility due to the torrid conditions at the Head of the River at Champion Lakes.  Congratulations go to the Year 9A Eight who raced superbly to finish 2nd  in its event. Unfortunately the other Year 9 crews were unable to showcase their skills on the day as their races were cancelled.  Their obvious disappointment was tempered by hearty congratulations to mark an excellent season’s rowing by all Year 9 crews.

I take this opportunity to wish all the girls who are currently training hard in the Athletics Squad all the best as they prepare for the Interschool Athletics Carnival on Tuesday 15 September.

Tony Hughes - Head of Year 9

With all the activities the girls have completed this term I am sure they enjoyed the mid-term break and have now returned refreshed and looking forward to a productive rest of term.  The girls have now begun working on their final rotation of taster courses and I am sure they will continue to enjoy the wide variety of options available to them.

In the coming weeks the girls will be participating in Interhouse Basketball and the Interschool Athletics Carnival. I know that many of the girls have been training very hard and are looking forward to testing themselves against students from other schools.  Competitors really appreciate the support they are given by the spectators on the day.  Please ensure you that you read the information for the day in this Newsletter.

Many of the students are participating in the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child National Shoe Box collection. Students each send a shoe box overseas containing Christmas gifts for children who would otherwise be disadvantaged at this time. If your daughter is participating in this project can you please help to ensure that they follow the correct instructions and that the boxes are in by Monday 19 October.  If you are interested in assisting with the delivery of boxes please contact me at luke.bostelman@sthildas,wa,edu.au

The girls purchased a Study Wall Planner at the start of the year and I hope they have been valuable in helping them with their organisational skills.  For maximum benefit, the planners should be somewhere visible in the home / boarding house and I encourage you to discuss the contents with your daughters to help them navigate through their hectic school schedule. I value any feedback on the planners so please don’t hesitate to contact me by phone or email with your input.

I wish all the students and their families a happy remainder of the term and a well-earned break.

Luke Bostelman - Head of Year 8

Preparations for the Canberra/Sydney tour in Term 4 are well underway and relevant units of work have begun in Society and Environment and English.  For those girls who are not attending, an alternative program will be prepared.  Participating in the tour will assist the students to gain a better understanding of our history, culture, heritage and democracy.  The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit their National Capital.  To assist us in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government will be contributing funding under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate.  This contribution will be paid directly to the School upon completion of the excursion.

An information evening for parents will be held on Monday 19 October at 5.00pm in the Year 7 area.  At this meeting you will be given an information package and an itinerary so that you can follow our daily activities.
 
This term we are focussing on learning how to work cooperatively in a range of groups.  Working in a group can be enjoyable or frustrating, sometimes both.  Knowing how to work effectively in different groups is therefore an important interpersonal skill the students need to develop and continue developing throughout their lives.  For a working group to achieve the intended outcome, ground rules need to be set and the opinions of all group members respected.  Gaining an understanding of how individuals function when working in groups, learning to compromise and learning how to communicate better with each other will benefit the students in all aspects of their lives.

At the moment my office is full of shoe boxes that have been filled with love and items carefully chosen by each student.  These boxes will be sent to children in poverty and need.  Receiving a box will make a child feel that someone cared enough to send these gifts. I am very proud of the effort each student made to complete this community service project.

It is hard to believe the end of term 3 is fast approaching.  I would like to take this opportunity to wish all members of the Year 7 community, a safe and restful holiday.

Allison Stralow - Head of Year 7

Art
Visual Arts Tour 2010: NEW YORK – LONDON – PARIS – Information Evening 21 September 6pm
An information evening for this much anticipated tour will be held in the Art and Design Centre on Bay View Campus on Monday 21 September at 6.00pm.  Students who have submitted an Expression of Interest form together with their parents should attend.  Light refreshments will be served.

There are a few places left to fill, so we have pleasure in extending the tour to students who will be Year 10 Art and/or Photography students in 2010, Old Scholars or non-art students who are genuinely interested in the fields of art, design and photography. All are invited to attend the information evening.

For more information or to rsvp by 17 September for this event please contact Eliza Leano, Head of Visual Arts, eliza.leano@sthildas.wa.edu.au, ph 9285 4100.

Career Education
UWA Faculty if Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts
 Open Day - Wednesday 23 September 4-7pm
UWA – Clifton Street Nedlands (corner Stirling Highway)

Mathematics
The 2009 Mathematics Games Camp
St Hilda’s teams have participated in the MAWA Mathematics Games Camp for many years and again this year, our students took up calculators in defence of their school. 

Our team consisted of Year 10 students Nikki Horan, Danielle Cheng, Isabelle Wong, Rachel Hao and Lina Choi.  In a departure from tradition, this year the camp was held in picturesque Albany at Camp Quaranup rather than in the metro area.

The camp consists of two days of competition, pitting teams against each other in a series of mathematical games of strategy which require concentration and careful thought.  Students who attend are top mathematical achievers from their schools and the competition was, as always, fierce.  Activities in the evening encouraged the students to meet their peers from other schools.

The girls all reported that they had a wonderful time both mathematically and socially.  After a strenuous competition their final place was 8th in a field of 23 teams from 12 schools.

Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians
High Distinction
Katerina Chua and Katie Dyer
Distinction
Emily Leung, Theodosia Kurniawan, Sophie Meagher, Anasha Flintoff, Louisa Lee, Rebecca Edmands and April Ku
Credit
Stephanela Amidzic, Beatrice Ho, Amy Johnston, Su-Yin Lew, Gabriela Bekir-Fuente, Emily Wilson, Shilpa Sringar, Krista Blankenburgs, Emily Clifford, Alex Mehl, Ayeeha Thevar, Kashmirra Thevar, Emmelyn Wu, Gillian Farquhar, Thalia Robey, Nicole Newman, Isabella Hancock, Claire Taylor, Rachel Hao, Lily Xiao, Soraya Cranfield, Namratha Naido, Danielle Cheng, Gabrielle David, Amy Ford and Stephanie Thorne

Science
Congratulations to the following girls who participated in the Rio Tinto Big Science Competition:
High Distinction
Theadosia Kurniawan, Emily Leung, Angela Burvill, Katerina Chua, Isabelle Claxton, Kathleen Dyer and Louisa Lee
Distinction
Eloise Hamill, Su-Yin Lew, Emily Wilson, India Borshoff, Tiffany Brown, Isabel Copeman, Karen Zwingmann, Charlotte Campbell, Gillian Farquhar, Anne Feng, Anasha Flintoff, Emma Hunt,  Sophie Meagher, Nicole Newman, Rebecca Edmands, Nikki Horan, Sybilla Marshall, Caitlin Sweeting, Stephanie Thorne, Elizabeth Watts,

University of New South Wales International Competition and Assessment for Schools (ICAS) in Science:
High Distinction
Emily Leung, Su-Yin Lew, Katerina Chua, Isabelle Claxton and Kathleen Dyer
Distinction
Stephanela Amidzic, Gabriela Bekir-Fuente, Eloise Hamill, Beatrice Ho, Amy Johnston, Tithi Kulkarni, Theodosia Kurniawan, Angela Burvill, Isabelle Claxton, Chloe Wheatland, Emily Wilson, Lara Ashford, Krista Blakenburgs, Ariel Bombara, Tiffany Brown, Angela Burvill, Emily Clifford, Holly Gardiner, Holly Jian, Yoshi McGeary, Alexandra Mehl, Clare Moran, Anna Nikulinsky, Shilpa Sringar, Emma Storm, Tess Warren, Emmelyn Wu, Karen Zwingmann, Anne Feng, Emma Hunt, Louisa Lee, Emily Moran, Jessica Mullins, Thalia Robey, Gabrielle David, Astor Dobson, Nikki Horan, Tanya Kar, Sybilla Marshall, Sarah Sweeney, Caitlin Sweeting, Stephanie Thorne, Isabelle Wong and Emma Yeap

English
St Hilda’s has had great success this year in the West Australian Young Writer’s Competition and the Tim Winton Awards.  In the Young Writers, from a field of 3000 entries, Zoe Krisnadi (Year 11) was awarded 1st place in Years 11 and 12 Prose and was honoured as being named Young Writer of the Year. Many of our girls were awarded prizes, which resulted in the School winning the Eric Carlin Award for the best secondary school.

In the Tim Winton Competition, Rachel Hao (Year 10) won 1st place in the lower secondary division, and Zoe Krisnadi was awarded 1st place in the upper secondary division. Rachel was named the best young writer overall in a competition of more than 1500 entries.

Congratulations to all our brilliant young writers:
West Australian Young Writers’ Competition
Year 8
Isabelle Claxton – Poetry – 1st
Sophie Gattorna-Hargrave – Poetry - 4th
Holly Jian – Prose – 1st
Katerina Chua – Prose – 2nd
Georgina Sweeting – Prose – 4th

Year 10
Sophie Clapin – Poetry – 4th
Rachel Hao – Prose – 1st
Isabelle Wong – Prose – 3rd

Year 11
Zoe Krisnadi – Prose – 1st
Emily Archer – Prose – 4th

Year 12
Isadora Jarosek – Poetry – joint 4th
Lucienne Le Miere – Poetry – joint 4th

Finalists – Hannah Cameron (Poetry), Holly Jian (Prose), Karen Zwingmann (Prose) and Brittany Osborn (Prose).

St Hilda’s also received the Eric Carlin Award for the Best Secondary School.

Tim Winton Young Writers’ Competition
At the Tim Winton Young Writers’ awards, Rachel Hao (Year 10) won 1st place in the lower secondary division of the competition with her short story The Piano Man and Zoe Krisnadi (Year 11) won 1st place in the upper secondary category for 226.

Rachel was named the best young writer overall in the competition, which included over 1500 entries!

Outdoor Education
Each year, the Quann family (an old scholar family) supports our Year 10 camp by allowing us to camp on their magnificent property, Karriview Lodge. So, if you are looking for a place to stay down south, Karriview Lodge has been designed for those who appreciate quality, privacy and efficient quiet service in the atmosphere of warm country hospitality.  It is set in 48 acres of natural bush, creeks and magnificent native Karri trees. For more information please see  www.karriview.com.au

Rogaining
On the weekend of 8 and 9 August, 20 St Hilda’s students travelled two hours north of Perth to compete in the Schools’ State Rogaining Championships.

Rogaining is the sport of long distance cross country navigation in which teams of two to five members visit as many checkpoints as possible in six, twelve or twenty-four hours.
This was the first year St Hilda’s had entered the event and the results and stories were fantastic. Teams from Year 7 through to Year 12 competed, with all of them achieving outstanding results.

The combined Years 11 and 12 team took out first place in the junior women’s division, as well as second place in the open schools’ competition. Well done to all the girls who competed and we look forward to welcoming new teams at the next event.

Music
Congratulations to
Tess Hosking (Year 7) on her outstanding Alto Saxophone instrumental report for Grade 1.
The Barbershop girls who sang so brilliantly for the wedding of former St Hilda’s  teacher, Helen Trend .
The Senior School Concert Band for the MERIT award in the WA Schools’ Concert Bands Festival
The Senior School Symphony Orchestra (combined with CCGS) for their MERIT award in the WA Schools’ Orchestra Festival
The 14 wonderful, talented soloists and 90 orchestral and jazz musicians, who performed in the Concerto Concert.  The soloists were: Hannah Somerville, Emma Yeap, Amy Ford, Renita Whittle, Sophie Clapin, Alix Manolas, Amy Manford, Sarah Cranfield, Ting-Ting Han, Rachel Granger, Charlotte Goodlet, Julia Watts, Bonny Rawson and Cindy Feng.

Lots of students enjoyed the recent music excursions to the WAYJO Schools’ Concert and also open rehearsal with Ben Lee and WASO.
 
Dates for your Diary

• Friday 11 September WASO Excursion (daytime) – open rehearsal
• Wednesday 16 September – An Evening of Song, featuring performances from our five choral groups in the Senior School.  School Hall 7pm.  The concert will end at approximately 8.30pm.

Physical Education
Head of the River 2009
The 2009 rowing season came to an end at the Head of the River Regatta which was held at Champion Lakes for the first time in what was a very challenging day for all. We experienced periods of glorious sunshine, interrupted regularly by rain and hail storms Unfortunately, a strong breeze meant that some races had to be cancelled for safety reasons.  It was fantastic to see the way that the rowers rallied together to help each other all day – the weather could not dampen their spirits. 

The Year 9 Eight raced superbly to finish 2nd in its event, rowing with technique befitting a much more experienced crew. Unfortunately we did not get to see the brilliance that would have bedazzled us from the other Year 9 crews who were ready to race. We look forward to seeing them return next year to complete their unfinished business.

Our year 10 girls overcame some setbacks in their 8 race (including warming up in a hail storm) but came out firing for their quad sculls races.  The Year 10A and B quad sculls were 3rd in their races and the Year 10C quad consisting of Anna Downie, Sophie Foster, Gabrielle David, Elizabeth Watts and coxed by Alexa Wesson was 1st in its race, which was beautifully rowed.

Our freshmen performed well in their quad races with the A, B and C quad sculls all coming 2nd in their races. Unfortunately their main race for the day, the freshmen eight, was cancelled. Although the girls were disappointed that they were unable to race the eight, they can be very proud of their efforts in the freshmen quads as the points they scored were the most of all schools for the freshmen division.

Our Second Eight’s race was only the fourth time the crew had  together. They performed admirably at the front of the pack for the first half of the race before being overtaken by other crews. A special mention must go to Hannah Smith and Emily Higham, who were recruited to the rowing program in the final weeks of the season when, due to injuries, it looked like we may not have been able to get a crew together.

In the final race, our First Eight consisting of Dora Huang, Phoebe Gorfin, Claire Purio, Chelsea Robinson, Eleanor Whitaker, Zydrune Stuogyte, Lillan Agerup , Shen Lyn Bolton and Zoe Krisnadi, burst out at the start and raced with excellent technique and spirit to finish as one of St Hilda’s fastest First Eights on record. It was great to see them lift as they rowed past the St Hilda’s supporters finishing 4th (only three seconds behind 2nd place). The First Eight’s race was won by MLC, and the overall regatta and season trophies went to Penrhos.

Thank you to all girls, staff, parents and well-wishers who braved the weather to come and support the rowers. Congratulations to all rowers for their commitment and dedication to rowing and for the tremendous team spirit they displayed. We look forward to seeing you all back again next season.

Year 8 Learn-to-Row Program
In Term 4, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Year 8 girls have the opportunity to learn how to row in single sculls. Any Year 8 girl is welcome to participate. The sessions take place on Monday afternoon, and Wednesday and Friday mornings, with the girls choosing a combination of these sessions. This is a great way to have fun out on the Canning River and try out a new skill in a non-competitive environment.  Sessions take place at the Western Australian Sculling Academy located at Canning Bridge, Mt Pleasant with Laurie Anderson and the fabulous St Hilda’s rowing coaches. Please see the notice boards in the PE Department to sign up and contact Clare Reeson if you have any queries.

Sports Dinner
The St Hilda’s Sports Dinner on October 21 will be held at the Chidley Campus Cortile. Applications for the 20s Club and State and National Representatives have closed. Invitations will be posted shortly. Please RSVP as soon as possible as seating is limited.

General Fitness
Looking for some options to get fit this summer?  The PE Department invites interested and motivated students to join us in Term 4 in the mornings for swimming and circuit training.  Grab your friends and take on the challenge. 

Circuit sessions will take place in the RGC every Friday (except Week 2) from 7.00 – 8.00am and will include circuit, weights, boxing, core stability work and many other styles.  It is free entry and a great way to improve your fitness.

Another way to improve your fitness is by attending swimming training. This is a great way to start your day in this warmer term. Term 4 training sessions take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.00-7.30am in the St Hilda’s fitness lane in Challenge Stadium’s outside 10-lane pool.  We have a coach specifically for this lane. The bus departs from Palmerston Street at 5.40am sharp and will return to school by approximately 8.00am.

Years 6 to 11 Term 4 Squad Swimming Training: After the fabulous success of our swim team at the IGSSA carnival earlier this year, the swimming team is back training in the pool in preparation for the 2010 Interhouse and Interschool Carnivals. Are you ready for the St Hilda’s Swimming Team Challenge?  In 2010 you could easily be a successful member of the St Hilda’s swimming team. There are just a few simple steps:

• regularly attend our school swimming trainings through Term 4, the holidays, Term 1 and swimming camp
• work well at training, ensuring that you listen to the expert advice from coaches
• attend the Term 1 swim meets to familiarise yourself with competitions
• Have a positive attitude, good team work and pride

The IGSSA Carnival is a team effort and we need at least 20 swimmers from each Year group to follow the simple steps above for an impressive overall school result. Please encourage and support each other to attend training. Term 4 training sessions take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.00-7.30am at Challenge Stadium. The bus departs from Palmerston Street at 5.40am sharp. 

There is also a fitness session at school on Friday from 7.00am until 8.00am in the Roger Goode to provide a land-based session for the girls. Schedules are now available from the Physical Education Department for Term 4 and holiday swimming training. 

Softball and Water Polo Term 4 Trial Dates
Sign-up sheets are now up in the PE Department for water polo and softball. Students must ensure they are available for both training and match days for the season before signing up.

Trial dates are held during Weeks 9 to 10 as follows:

Softball
Seniors (Years 10 and 11)    Monday 21 September - 3.45 – 5.15pm
                                                Tuesday 22 September - 3.45 – 5.15pm

Juniors (Years 8 and 9)        Wednesday 16 September  - 6.45 – 8.00am
                                                Friday 18 September  - 6.45 – 8.00am 
                                     
Year 7                                     Thursday 17 September  – 3.45 – 5.15pm
                                                Friday 18 September – 3.45 – 5.15pm

Water Polo
Seniors (Years 10 and 11)    Thursday 17 September  – 6.30 – 7.30am
                                                Friday 18 September – 6.30 – 7.30am

Juniors (Years 7, 8 and 9)    Monday 21 September – 6.30 – 7.30am
                                                Tuesday 22 September – 6.30 – 7.30am

A bus will depart from Palmerston St at 6.10am for all water polo trials. If you are unable to attend a trial due to music commitments you must see the teacher-in-charge prior to the trial date to discuss alternative arrangements. 

Softball Coordinators: Seniors – Miss Jo Swain, Juniors – Mr Steve Petsos
Year 7 – Miss Sharon Williams

Water Polo Coordinator: Miss Gretchen Boughton

Training will commence on Wednesday 14 October Week 1 of Term 4 for those teams who train on this day.  Please refer to the training and match schedule for each of the sports for transport, training and match information.

Attendance at training and games
For students to be eligible for awards and considered for the Sports Dinner and 20s Club they must attend 80% of trainings and matches.  Students are responsible for informing the teacher-in-charge of the sport about their non-attendance at training and matches.  The same applies if they arrive late to training and miss roll call.
Away venue and student collection
If parents would like their daughters to leave from an ‘away’ game in Term 4, a note must be given to the relevant physical education staff member.  Students must be collected promptly at 5.15pm from the ‘away’ venue.  Please note in Term 4 some softball matches can play until 5.30pm.  If students are not collected on time they will be brought back to St Hilda’s.

We look forward to another great term of sport!

IGSSA Basketball
There only a few games remaining in the IGSSA basketball season and it is pleasing to see that all the St Hilda’s teams have been competitive in each division.  The Senior As are leading the way with a very successful season and the Junior D team has also been extremely competitive.

Congratulations to the following girls who are currently the highest point scorers in their year. In Year 7 Georgia Norgard is on 16 points, in Year 8 Mikayla Laidlaw and Anna Nikulinsky are tied on 28 points, in Year 9 Ketisha, Gill is on 32 points, in Year 10 Sarah Finlay-Jones is on 34 points, in Year 11 Georgia Hodsdon is on 26 points and our current overall leader is Marisa Fatouros in Year 12 on 54 points.

P & F Quiz Night
The P&F was very pleased with the support of our Quiz Night and, with a record attendance of 280 guests, the night was incredibly successful and enjoyable. $14 000 was raised which will go towards equipment for the new swimming pool on the Bay View Campus. Thank you sincerely to the organiser, Deborah Andrews, who, with Kiran Veerapathiran from the Development Office, ensured that this very entertaining evening ran with smooth precision. They were willingly supported by a team of helpers who assisted with everything including sourcing prizes, chopping crudités and setting and dismantling tables.

Thank you especially to the wonderful families and local suppliers who donated prizes for the auction and raffle. Your contribution made a significant difference to increasing our proceeds, which ultimately go into supporting our students.

Thank you to every parent who assisted us. We hope that all who attended enjoyed a good evening together.

Tony Connolly - P & F President

Friends of the Library (FOLASH)
FOLASH has organised to have a representative from Book Café in Swanbourne to speak to us about books available for sale in the coming Christmas season in the Gallery at St Hilda's on Wednesday 21st October from 9am to 11am or come after drop-off for coffee.

We cordially invite all interested members of the school community to join us for this event and for morning tea. You will have the opportunity to purchase or order books on the day at a 10% discount. Get in early for Christmas!
 
Please contact the library staff or Helen Carr on 94796345, or by email at stevencarr@optusnet.net.au

Leeuwin Scholarships
Woodside provides scholarships for Youth Explorer Voyages on the Leeuwin. Voyages are available in September and October and are open to students from age 15 up until the year they turn 25. For more information, please contact www.sailleeuwin.com  or phone 9430 4105.

The Catholic parish of St Thomas is creating a contact list of all Catholic secondary students and their families who live in the Claremont area to conduct a youth survey to establish and develop a sense of community. If you wish your child to be on this list and to participate in the survey please email claremont@perthcatholic.org.au and a survey form will be sent to you. If you have any questions about this matter please contact Gavan Forster Tel 92863572 or 0432525605.

Special Event
Fit Mind and Body will be held on Wednesday 16 September at Hadley Hall, Methodist Ladies' College from 6.30pm. Speakers specialise in eating and weight disorders, stress resilience and personal empowerment, and the benefits of exercise in disease and injury management.  Tickets can be purchased for $20 (adults) and $10 (students) at www.trybooking.com/BBR or call Greg Schicker on 9383 0261.

Nedlands Yacht Club Junior Sailing
Girls from age eight can participate in junior sailing. No experience necessary. Please contact: Nedlands Yacht Club - The Esplanade, Nedlands, Wendy – Ph 9386 5496      Mon, Wed, Friday 9.00am – 4.30pm   email:  info@nyc.org,au
Karen – Ph 9427 2766 (w), 9389 8675 (h) email:  gkbassett5@bigpond.com

Additional Documents
Year 7 - 12 Interhouse Athletics Carnival Permission Slip and Information (.pdf Document)