06 Oct 2015
60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee
This term we celebrated our school's opening in 1955. Our school began as the Penshurst Secondary Home Science School in 1955, after earlier beginnings as the Hurstville School of Household Arts (as part of Hurstville Primary School) and the Hurstville Central Domestic Science School. Our wonderful school for girls was purpose built to serve its school community, with some students travelling from as far as Bundeena in the National Park to access a quality education. Our school has changed over the years, responding to the needs of the community it serves. The opportunity to celebrate its beginnings has meant that this term has been busy, exciting and entertaining.
On Friday September 4 our school began the party with a student celebration day. Students and staff dressed up in 1950s costume and the day began with an assembly, fashion parade and cake cutting ceremony. The day then proceeded through a series of round robin activities that celebrated the history and culture of our school. Students were taught 1950s dance at the front of the school, 1950s tabloid sports activities in the rear playgrounds, they enjoyed trivia and birthday cake in the Hall, and Year 10 were treated to 1950s hair and makeup demonstrations from the students and staff from Gymea TAFE. The film Grease was screened in the Performance Space, with Mrs Zeritis in charge of the popcorn machine. The day was a fantastic celebration of the spirit and culture of our school. All students were given a memento booklet to record their memories of the day. Our students made lasting memories of their school on this day, memories that I'm sure they will be reliving when the school celebrates its 75th Anniversary in 15 years' time.
Speaking of reliving memories of school days past, the school also organised an Open Day for ex-students. This day was held on Friday September 11 and was attended by well over 200 ex-students and staff. A High Tea was held in the Hall, as well as a fashion parade of past uniforms. Mrs Chochula's elective History class set up an interview booth and invited past students to share their oral histories of our school. These stories were filmed and will become part of our school archives. Guests were then taken on a structured tour of the school, including The School Museum Flat, and were given a surprise English lesson by Mr Morgan. As our guests left they were treated to a sausage sizzle and refreshments from our ‘Lemonade Stand'.
A formal dinner was also held on Saturday September 12 at Revesby Workers Club to cap off weeks of celebrations. This was also attended by well over 200 ex-students and staff. Guests were also entertained by ex-student and opera singer Ms Deborah Cheetham AO, who gave a stirring rendition of our school song. The GRC Stage Band also entertained the guests on the evening. Our school is lucky enough to have an active alumni group in the Penshurst Girls Union. The President of the Union, Mrs Elaine Bricknell, was ably assisted by ex-students Mrs Helen Phillips and Mrs Paulette McFarland in ensuring the dinner went off without a hitch. These ladies also worked tirelessly to ensure The School Museum Flat was in tip top shape for all our visitors on Open Day. I thank them personally for all that they do in support of our school. I also extend thanks to the current President of our P&C, Ms Helen James, who attended the dinner and assisted with taking photographs.
These events could not have occurred without the hard work and dedication of school staff. The entire school got into the spirit of each event and went that extra mile to ensure our students, and ex-students, had the best experience of their school in its' 60th Anniversary year.
SASS Recognition Week
This term we also recognised SASS Recognition Week. This is an opportunity for the entire school community to acknowledge the important work that our School Administrative and Support Staff undertake. The theme for this week was ‘Our Jobs, Your Children, Their Future'. Our office staff and our general assistants work very hard and during this week the school Executive hosted a morning tea to thank them for all that they do. These are the staff that answer the phone, organise excursion payments, set up science experiments, get everything ready for Food Technology lessons, photocopy lesson materials, keep our website up to date, get the newsletter out, print assembly programs, meet deadlines, administer First Aid, and this is just to name some of the things they do. Whilst we are always appreciative of the hard work they do, it was nice to simply take the time to officially thank them for the work they do in supporting students, supporting families, and supporting the teaching staff.
Julie Bishop visit
On Monday August 24 the school hosted a visit by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Julie Bishop MP. The Honourable David Coleman, Federal Member for Banks also attended. During the visit Mrs Bishop engaged in a student forum. The theme of the forum was ‘Inspiring Young Women to Achieve, and to Believe'. Mrs Bishop engaged in an open dialogue with our students, giving them the opportunity to ask questions and engage in thoughtful discussion: about leadership, about her career, her education and her journey all the way to the United Nations. Female student leaders from Penshurst Primary School, GRC Peakhurst Campus and GRC Oatley Senior Campus also joined us for what was an informative and engaging event. The girls were very proactive in their asking of questions, and they are to be commended for their intelligent and probing questioning. Of course, since that day Mrs Bishop has since become the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, again reinforcing that the experiences our students receive here at GRC Penshurst Girls Campus are significant as well as memorable.
High Achievers Morning Teas and NAPLAN results
It was a pleasure to host High Achievers Morning Teas for all year groups at the beginning of the term. Approximately 30 students from each year group, and their families, were invited to celebrate their daughter's achievement after the Half Yearly reporting period and it was wonderful to see so many extended family members attend also. After reading all the Half Yearly reports I was heartened to find so many of our students working as hard as they can to achieve their personal best. This was supported by the excellent NAPLAN results we received this term for Years 7 and 9. All parents should have received their daughter's NAPLAN results in the mail. If they have gone astray, please contact the Front Office to receive a copy. Similarly, if you have difficulty reading or understanding the results, please contact Ms McGarrity, who is the Deputy Principal in charge of Years 7 and 9, for assistance.
Multicultural Day Assembly
On Monday August 31 we held our Multicultural Day assembly. Special thanks must go to Ms Fox for organising a truly spectacular event. It is inspiring to see so many young women displaying the confidence to share their cultural heritage through dance and song. The fact that we were at the time hosting Japanese exchange students, and students visiting from China, makes the event even more relevant and global. The Aboriginal Dance Troupe from Matraville Sports High School joined us and their performance was moving and very professional. Once again, the assembly was followed by the famous Penshurst Girls multicultural food stalls. This year, a record 42 stalls were offering food from around the world, and raising money for charity. Thank you to all the parents who, I know, worked just as hard to help their daughters prepare their dishes.
Farewell Mrs Harris
Mrs Margaret Harris has been our Office Manager for 13 years and in that time supported the school in the smooth day to day running of the school, as well as looked after school finances, site management and First Aid. Mrs Harris was dedicated to our school and will be fondly remembered. At Mrs Harris' farewell she spoke of her overriding philosophy that every lady in the office treat each student like they were her own daughter. Mrs Harris certainly did that and I know she will be missed not just by staff, but by the students and families she has supported over the years. Mrs Harris leaves us to take up a well-deserved promotion working at the Department of Education's Arncliffe Office and we wish her well.
The school is currently introducing the Skoolbag app to improve communication between school and home. This app will be available for IOS and Android devices. The app is available now but not populated. It will go live in Week 1 of next term. Information will be sent home at this time with instructions about how to get the app on your devices. This app, as well as being a one stop shop for newsletters, calender events and important notices, also has the facility for parents to complete electronic school documentation.
I wish everyone a restful and enjoyable school break and look forward to welcoming you back in Term 4.
Ms Noeline Ross
Principal