Firbank. Aspire. Achieve. - Firbank Grammar School

As we near the end of Term 1, the diverse opportunities for the students both inside and outside
of the classroom continue to offer challenge and enrichment.
Our rowers (Years 9 -12) have concluded a very successful season. They have been a credit to
themselves and their school. When they represent Firbank at the many regattas over the season,
particularly the Firbank Regatta on the long weekend, the girls are ambassadors for their school.
It is as important that they conduct themselves with respect and good sportsmanship, as it is
achieving success and winning medals. Last weekend was the Head of the Schoolgirls’ Regatta
on the Barwon River in Geelong. This is the largest regattas in the Southern Hemisphere. It was
wonderful to see the Firbank contingent in full force with a very large banner ‘Go Firbank Go’
stretched along the river bank. Congratulations to the Parent Committee, lead by the President,
Mr Roy Adair and all parents for their hard work and commitment in supporting the rowers. I
thank them all.
I congratulate the girls on their fine results.
Of the 19 Firbank crews competing, 14 crews qualified for A finals and 12 crews won medals.
Amelia Acheson rose to a new level to win the Year 10 single scull. The Year 10 1st crew of
Clare Cameron, Jaime Worboys, Lauren McElroy, Katie Grant and Charlotte Curwen produced
an outstanding performance in the final to win what is considered a blue ribbon event. In
addition, the Senior First crew of Amanda Bateman, Evelyn Turek, Kate Duggan, Emily Shaw
and Kimberley Petryshyn won the coveted Head of the Schoolgirls Senior Trophy in Quad Sculls
for Firbank Grammar. These achievements reflect 18 months of hard work and preparation
that culminated in outstanding rowing and our students representing Firbank in the best way
possible.
NEWSLETTER
From the Principal
22 March 2013
The results below represent the most successful Head of the Schoolgirls’ Regatta ever for
Firbank Grammar.
Senior
Senior 1st Crew: Gold
Senior 2nd Crew: Silver
Senior 3rd Crew: 3rd in Semi-Final
Intermediate (Year 10)
Inter 1st Crew: Gold
Inter 2nd Crew: Silver
Inter 3rd Crew: Bronze
Inter 4th Crew: Bronze
Intermediate Scullers
Amelia Acheson: Gold
Rhiannon Sandiford: Bronze
Alexa Harrington: Bronze
Charlotte Wilson: 2nd in B Final
Junior (Year 9)
Junior 1st Crew: Silver
Junior 2nd Crew: Silver
Junior 3rd Crew: 3rd in Semi-Final
Junior 4th Crew: 4th in A FInal
Junior 5th Crew: Bronze
Junior Scullers
Isabella Blanche: 4th in A Final
Samantha Waldron: 3rd in Semi-Final
Carla Ornsby: 4th in Semi-Final
Firbank.
Aspire.
Achieve.
Mr Alistair Isherwood, Director of Rowing and Ms Sophie Rigg, Rowing Co-Ordinator, have
guided and challenged the girls to become successful as individual rowers, but also brought
them to understand the importance of loyalty and commitment. I thank them and the team
of excellent coaches for all of their work. Next Monday, 25 March, the celebratory Rowing
Presentation Dinner will be held at the Brighton International to conclude the season.

From another part of the school:
Last Friday, Year 8 and Year 11 students went to the Melbourne Zoo with Lisa Roet, our artist in
residence, to observe and sketch the primates. The girls learnt how to draw animals in motion, a
very trick task! Lisa has a long relationship with the Melbourne Zoo, as primates have been the
focus of her work for the last 25 years. The girls were able to benefit from her knowledge and
experience of sketching these animals. They were fascinated to discover how similar humans
are to apes, Orang Utans share 97% of our DNA and chimpanzees,99%. Lisa has been a very
valuable addition to our faculty this term, engaging students from all year levels and helping to
develop our students’ awareness and empathy towards other species with who we share the
planet.
One of the Year 9 Skill Set electives extends students’ knowledge and experience by exposing
them to a large variety of contemporary art through visits to galleries and art spaces around
Melbourne. They have visited commercial galleries along Flinders Lane, Street art spaces,
Hosier Lane and ‘The Postcard Show’ at Linden Art gallery in St Kilda where over 1000 30 x
30cm mixed media works are currently on display. The next visit will be to the McCelland Gallery
in Langwarrin to see the contemporary sculpture prize.
The students who have chosen to study Photography as their Skill Set visited Brighton Beach
for inspiration this week. There, they had the opportunity to explore the foreshore and take
photographs of the sea and the boats, learning the correct way to focus on a point of interest.
The weather enriched the experience, wind and grey waves providing a changing backdrop to
the white sails. During this unit, students have visited Photography Galleries and the Ian Potter
Gallery in the city where they have had opportunities to speak to gallery curators about the
exhibition spaces and the role of the photographer as a recorder or journalist.
Rowena Hannan is a well-known artist whose exhibitions have won acclaim. We are fortunate
to have Rowena on staff at Firbank as part of our brilliant Art Department and delighted to have
an example of her talent to enjoy every day in the garden of the Centenary Student Centre.
‘The Marble Game’ was a gift to the School from the Senior School Parents Association in
2009. Rowena’s current Exhibition of Ceramic Sculpture opened on 19 March at the Mezzanine
Gallery, Chapel Off Chapel at 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran. It will run until the 14 April and is
open 7 days a week from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. I commend her work to you.
Dr Anne Sarros

From the Head of Junior School, Brighton Campus
Last Wednesday we hosted our largest Grandparents and Special Friends Day ever. It is always
a pleasure to meet the wonderful people who form the support group for our girls. The girls
enjoyed showing their learning to their special friends and many comparisons between life and
learning then and now were shared. Thank you to the visitors who came from far and wide to
spend the morning with us. Before the long weekend, I chatted to a few students whose special
friends were travelling to Melbourne for the long weekend to be able to attend this special
morning. Thank you to our PATH group and to all parents who contributed to the outstanding
morning tea we were able to offer the visitors.
After offering the special friends an opportunity to see the girls in action, we had Student Led
Conferences the following week. This offers an opportunity for girls to walk parents through
their learning and show them what is being done in class this term. This half hour is a time for
parents to gain a clearer understanding of how and what the girls have been learning. Girls
have been briefed by the teachers and have rehearsed what they will be sharing and while the
teachers are not involved in the conferences, they are in the rooms to support any students who
may need assistance.
NEWSLETTER
Junior School
Brighton Campus
22 March 2013
Over the past few weeks, the Social Service Committee has coordinated a collection of girls
underwear to send to Kibera, Kenya. Martin, a student at Brighton Grammar School, with
two sisters at Firbank, is currently in Kenya with his father and is presenting the underwear
to the students. Firbank also contributed $1500 to Women for Women in Africa and this was
to purchase sanitary products for students in their schools. We thank Martin for taking and
presenting our items and look forward to hearing of his experiences when he presents at
Assembly on his return.
After many discussions and viewing many samples, I am happy to advise you of some changes
to our winter uniform.
Girls in Year 5 and 6 will now be able to purchase the new school shirt, a pinstriped, well-tailored
version of our previous cream shirt. The cream shirt can still be worn during a two year change
over to the new shirts. The girls in Senior School will also be offered the option of either shirt.
ELC tracksuits will now be navy blue. These tracksuits are to be worn as the winter uniform and
can be worn every day, regardless of whether the girls have PE or not. The tracksuit can be worn
with the new long sleeved, polo shirt with Firbank crest. The blue tracksuits are available at the
Uniform Shop, but girls who have a brown tracksuit are able to wear these over the next two
years as we phase in the new uniform. The blue tracksuit top will replace the woollen jumper as
a summer jumper for ELC. The green rugby shirt and pants are not to be worn in ELC and girls
will change to this tracksuit when they move to Prep.
We wear winter uniform in Term 2 and there is a two week change over period where girls
can wear either the full winter or full summer uniform. Please note that when girls wear their
tracksuits in Prep to Year 6, they are required to wear either their microfibre shorts or pants over
the bike shorts. I would also encourage parents to buy mainly white running shoes for the winter
uniform.
I look forward to seeing many parents at the Easter Service on Wednesday, 27 March at St
Andrews’ Church beginning @ 11:00am and wish everyone a Happy Easter and relaxing holiday.
Michelle Phillips
Firbank.
Aspire.
Achieve.

Term 1, Week 9
Monday, 25 March
NO Swimming Squad Training
8:00 – 8:45 Orchestra Rehearsal @ Music Room
11:00 String Quartet @ Music Room
1:00 3B/3W/4C/4M depart for St Andrew’s
1:30 – 3:30 St Andrew’s booked for Easter Service Rehearsal
Junior Choir (Years 3 & 4)
1:45 Jazz Combo Rehearsal in Music Room
Lunchtime Aerobics cancelled today.
3:30- 4:30 Aerobics Auditions (Year 4 and 5)
Tuesday, 26 March
8:00 – 8:45 Chess Club
Swimming Lesson #6
9:00-9:45 = 6K 9:45-10:30 = 6N 10:30-11:15 = 6C
11:15-12:00 = 3W 12:00-12:45 = 3B
3:30 – 4:30 Aerobics Auditions (Yr 6)
NO AFTER SCHOOL SPORT
7:00 – 8:00pm iPad Information Night for Year 5 and Year 6 Parents @
Centenary Student Lecture Theatre
Wednesday, 27 March
NO Fun & Fitness
State Swimming @ MSAC
11:00 Depart for St Andrew’s Church
11:30 – 12:30 P – 6 Easter Service @ St Andrew’s Church
1:00 Return from St Andrew’s
1:35 – 2:15 P - 2 Meeting @ Meeting Room (lunch provided)
Year 6 to eat lunch with Prep G & Prep L in Prep classrooms
1:45 Jazz Combo
5:00 Jazz Evening @ CCA
Thursday, 28 March
NO Swimming Squad Training
1:45-2:15 Aerobics
1:45 – 2:15 Play
3:30 Dismissal
3:30 – 4:30 NO After School Sport for Years 4 & 5
Friday, 29 March
EASTER HOLIDAY
Term 2 begins for Staff & Students on Monday, 15 April –Summer Uniform may be worn
for the first two weeks.
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Year 1
Year 1 has been busy categorising during Maths sessions. We began by categorising our
favourite soft animals. We discovered there is a variety of ways to categorise, such as, by
colour, brand and animal, the possibilities were endless. We organised the data into graphs to
work out which category had the most and which had the least. The following day we started
categorising ourselves by hair style. This was followed by making human graphs to represent
our findings. This became a regular morning routine finding out that some hair styles are more
regular than others. We carried our categorising into our language by sorting words into a
variety of similar piles. We took on a big project and categorised our reading books into different
groups making our book boxes more meaningful to all of us. You never know what we will
categorise next! Nicole Spence and Kathy Chapman

Year 1 + 2
To launch their new inquiry into the properties and potential
of light, sound and air, the Year 1 and 2 students enjoyed a
CSIRO-led incursion.
Nicole Spence, Kathy Chapman and Susan Jones
Aerobics
Sports Aerobics
The Sports Aerobics Program has been an exciting addition to the Physical Education program
in its second year at Turner House. It has been offered to all of Year 4, 5 and 6 students and
the response has been overwhelming. At least 70 girls have trained and learned choreography
throughout Term 1. I have been impressed with their dedication and commitment to practise
every Monday and Thursday during their lunchtime. I wish the girls well as they audition next
week for team selections in front of a panel of teachers. It will be a very difficult process to
choose due to the enthusiasm and commitment of so many girls. Team members must be able
to complete the routine to be selected to represent the school at competitions. I would like to
thank Gillian McIlroy, Ashlea Mills and Anna Pilcher for their support with the aerobics program
this term. Kim Mears
Physical Education
It has been a busy term for our swimmers and divers who have represented Firbank over the
past two weeks. We are looking forward to tonight’s Turner House v Sandy House swimming
carnival to celebrate a successful swimming season.
Armadale District Swimming Carnival
After the Armadale District Swimming Carnival was postponed earlier in the term due to lightning
and hail, we were blessed with hot and sunny weather for the rescheduled event on Thursday
7 March. 34 excited Turner House girls represented Firbank at GESAC and were competing
against strong swimmers from schools including St Catherine’s , Loreto, Sacre Coeur and
Lauriston. As always, the girls did us extremely proud and the team placed an amazing 2nd
behind St Catherine’s.
I would like to thank Brooke Clayton for accompanying the girls on the day and the parents who
came to support the girls. A big thank you also to Nick Findeisen, Jason Cooper and the Firbank
Aquastars staff for their commitment to our morning swimming squad training.
Beachside Division Swimming Carnival
8 Turner House girls returned to GESAC the following day to compete in the Beachside Division
Swimming Carnival. These girls competed against swimmers from more than 50 schools in
the bayside area. Although we did not have any swimmers qualify for the Regional Swimming
Carnival, the girls achieved outstanding results in their events.
Open Medley Relay team (Emma Dicker, Olivia Clark, Phoebe Landy, Jade Siang): 3rd
10 Years Freestyle Relay team (Amelia Jones, Claudia Cox, Tess McGrath, Lauren Kulesza):
2nd
12 Years 50m Breaststroke (Olivia Clark): 3rd
10 Years 50m Freestyle (Amelia Jones): 2nd
10 Years 50m Breaststroke (Amelia Jones): 2nd
10 Years Freestyle Relay team:
Lauren Kulesza, Claudia Cox, Tess
McGrath and Amelia Jones.
Armadale District Dive Carnival
On Tuesday 12 March, our divers competed in the Armadale District Dive Carnival at St
Catherine’s. The girls all dived extremely well and certainly proved how capable our Firbank
divers are.

Medley Relay team: Jade Siang,
Phoebe Landy, Emma Dicker and
Olivia Clark.
12 Years
Makenzi Blackman: 2nd
Maddy Atkins: 6th
Annabel Cox: 8th
Mia Tamplin: 14th
11 Years
Zoe Adam-Gedge: 2nd
Alexandra Lidstrom: 4th
Isabella Atkins: 7th
10 Years Division A
Isobelle Brosnahan: 1st
Mimi Bartels: 2nd
Claudia Cox: 4th
10 Years Division B
Annabelle Paynter: 1st
Congratulations to the following girls who have qualified to represent Firbank in the Beachside
Division Dive Carnival on Friday, 26 April: Makenzi Blackman, Zoe Adam-Gedge, Alexandra
Lidstrom, Isobelle Brosnahan, Mimi Bartels and Claudia Cox. Also, a big ‘thank you’ to the
parents who came to support the girls on the day. Ashlea Mills
MESSAGE FROM THE
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
AMNESTY ON MUSIC INSTRUMENTS!
If you are not continuing with music lessons in 2013 and have previously hired a music
instrument from the school, can you please ensure that you have returned this instrument.
Double check under the bed and in the cupboards at home … there could be one lurking
somewhere! If you do discover one that could have been hiding for some years, no reprimands
will be given if this instrument is returned prior to the end of the term! PLEASE CHECK!
JAZZ NIGHT
Wednesday 27 March
5.00 pm – 8.00 pm in the CCA (Senior Campus, Brighton)
The Music Department is launching another busy and musical year with the Jazz Night on
Wednesday, 27 March. Pack a picnic, gather family and friends, and come and join in the
toe-tapping fun to be had at this relaxed evening of entertainment. Many of Firbank’s music
ensembles from all three campuses will be performing, including Stage Band, Symphonic Winds,
Concert Band, Bel Canto, our string orchestras and combos from the junior schools. This is a
free event, so please come along and support our young musicians as they take to the stage for
the first time in 2013. Any queries, please contact the Music Office on 9591 5151.
Friends of Music Notice.
The Grand Piano has arrived!!
Thank you to everybody who has been involved in the fundraising to purchase our new Grand
Piano. While the need for a new instrument was recognised many years ago, this project was
‘officially’ started in July 2010 and through the generosity of Firbank Associations, students,
Alumni, teachers, parents and Friends of Music events and fundraising I can confirm that today
(8th March) the new Grand Piano will be found on the CCA Stage.
In your diaries, please pencil in 19 July 2013. We are hoping to showcase, through a variety of
acts, the reason we so needed a musical instrument of this calibre to enhance the abilities of our
wonderful children.
Once again, thank you for digging deep and helping us to realise our dream.
Entertainment Book
The 2014/2014 Entertainment Book will be launched on Tuesday, 9th April and available until
Tuesday 16th April. If you wish to purchase a book please see Carol or Liz at Reception.
PATH
Thank you to all families who helped make Grandparents and Special friends morning such a
success. The classroom visits were well attended much to the delight of all the girls and PATH
very much appreciates all the kind donations that made the morning tea such a lovely occasion.
Thank you to everyone who contributed and to all the mums who helped with the set up and
clean up on the day.

Mothers’ Day marks the biggest event on the PATH calendar and in preparation for our annual
Mothers’ Day Stall we are asking for volunteers to assist with the wrapping of gifts. If you are
able to help on Monday 22 April between 9am – 12pm in the SMAART Centre please contact us
at path@firbank.vic.edu.au. Further, if you or your business has anything that you would like to
contribute to our Mothers’ Day Lunch fundraising effort, please let us know at
path@firbank.vic.edu.au
PATH thanks all families for their support for our Term 1 events and wishes you all a relaxing
Easter Break. We are very much looking forward to an exciting and busy Term 2.
Sarah Cox and Rosie Gordon (PATH Co-Presidents)
OSHClub
Before and After School Care
Dear Parents
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to OSHClub program. At OSHClub we offer:
- Ballet class every Friday,
- Cooking activity once a week,
- Morning and afternoon tea along with indoor and outdoor play experiences.
This year we introduced after school care buddies for the children to develop positive
relationships with older student in the after school environment. The aim is for all the new
students to adjust to the environment of after school. All the students are responding well to the
buddy system!
In the coming holidays like always OSHClub will be running the Camp Brighton School Holiday
Program.
For all enrolments and bookings please visit our website www.oshclub.com.au
If you have any questions related to the program please feel free to call on 0402 673 289.
We look forward to making sure your child continues to have a great time at Firbank Grammar
Turner House OSHClub!
Puja Tuli, OSHClub Co-ordinator
Tennis
Tennis Coaching
Tennis Coaching for Term 2 will commence the week beginning 22nd April, the second week of
term. Please make a note in your diary.
The Hewitt Tennis Team

HOLIDAY PROGRAMS
There are many benefits for children attending holiday programs:
- social, as children navigate new groups, make new friends or enjoy time with old friends in new situations;
- cultural, where children are exposed to children from different backgrounds or activities from other cultures;
- physical, where children engage in activities that get them moving, whether swimming with OSH Club during the day long
program or learning a new sport like soccer, football or tennis;
- educational, from navigating and building a 3D world online to mastering a new sporting skills.
So to keep your children fully engaged these holidays, please consider one of the holiday programs in the attached flyer, or read on
below to learn more about some of our programs.
Tennis – half day program
You are never too old to pick up some new tennis skills. There is always something to improve in tennis! Half day morning programs
will operate these holidays 2-5 April. Please contact Stuart Thompson to enrol on 0413 585 311.
Basketball – training locally in Brighton!
Want to get the edge on your training? Australian Sports Camps are offering a two day super clinic on 4 and 5 April with former players
and high quality coaching panels from NBL teams supporting the coaching. Programs include video analysis with coaching software to
provide the best possible advice, written coaches reports offering specific feedback and not to mention, the opportunity to meet sporting
idols and make friends! For more information see the flyer attached or contact Australian Sports Camps on 1300 914 368 or www.
australiansportscamps.com.au to enrol. BGS and FGS families enjoy a 15% discount when enrolling in this program so please quote
the discount code brighton15a13 when enrolling.
Football – with a 15% discount for BGS and FGS families!
Australian Sports Camps are also offer a two day super footy clinic on 4 and 5 April with former players and high quality coaching
panels from AFL teams supporting the coaching. Contact Australian Sports Camps on 1300 914 368 or www.australiansportscamps.
com.au to enrol. BGS and FGS families enjoy a 15% discount when quoting the discount code brighton15a13.
Minecraft – beginners, intermediate and advanced with Bubble Dome!
Minecraft Inventions and Challenges is a popular course that allows students to learn problem solving and 3D modelling skills using
Minecraft and their engineering and architectural skills. This course runs for 3 days from 8-10 April.
Minecraft Tekkit is the extension course for students who have already conquered Minecraft and want to learn about fabricating
technology to automate and power their creations and where real world problems apply, such as choosing an appropriate energy
source. This course runs for 3 days from 2-4 April.
UItra MinecraftMods & Java is for older students to create mods using Java, allowing them to change game content: create functional
models, transportation systems and travel the World! This program runs from 2-5 April.
For further details or to enrol in any of these Minecraft courses, see www.bubbledome.com (the Australian site) or call 1800 11 55 62.
TERM PROGRAMS
Minecraft
Learn 3D modelling skills using minecraft with goals and challenges as you design, build and model inventions. Contact Bubble Dome
at www.bubbledome.co.nz to find out more about this new after school class run at Brighton Grammar School on Wednesdays 3.45-
5.15pm. Starts 17 April.
For any other queries or suggestions for holiday programs, please contact Sonia Wagner at swagner@brightongrammar.vic.edu.au