HT Highlights
Posted February 17 2012
February 17 2012 | All | No Comments » | 
From the Principal
Posted February 03 2012Thought for the week
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
Aesop
“By embodying Love in all we do, we will know no limits”
“Gloria in Excelsis Deo”
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Welcome back to the beginning of a grand new year. It is going to be spectacular!
It was wonderful to see so many people at our commencement assembly at which past school captain, David Weil, gave the address. Mr Weil referred to the selfless work of Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop and on how he showed the futility of holding a grudge against anyone no matter what they had done to him. Having been a prisoner of war and subject to many deprivations, he could certainly speak from experience. Mr Weil also referred to the work of the Rayner sisters who pioneered Children’s Theatre in Australia. He certainly gave us much to think about.
Congratulations to all the recipients of Academic Colours and also to those who have been inducted as leaders. I am sure our 2012 Year 12 class will lead the school with distinction, compassion and energy.
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During term one this year, Mr Dry is on Long Service Leave and Mr Noel Davies is the acting Vice Principal. I thank him for taking on this role.
Our focus in the school this year is going to simply be to “always be kind”. This simple adage will be the basis for our expectations, behaviour, attitudes and activities. While the words seem simple to say, actually carrying them out is not always quite so easy. As kindness is an attitude of love, this phrase fits with our spiritual basis in which we view Love (God) as the source of all good and as all-powerful. We are moving to having just two overarching rules at Huntingtower. Rule number one is to “always be kind” and rule number two is to always remember rule number one. As kindness includes concepts such as respect, consideration, thoughtfulness and caring, we will find that all our expectations can fall under this simple rule.
Huntingtower is now a Two Rule School!
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Many of you will have seen the school given a half page spread in the Age newspaper in December as we came in second in the State in our VCE results. I am so happy for every member of our graduating class that they have secured tertiary offers in the areas that interest them. These include medicine, engineering, science, nursing, teaching, flying, acting, media and law; to name a few. Three students won scholarships to Bond University.
Our dux student was Kieran House who achieved an ATAR of 99.9.
12.2% of students achieved ATAR scores over 99 and 100% achieved ATAR scores over 70.
We can be very proud of them and grateful to their teachers for providing them with the foundation from which to succeed.
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In term one this year we will be holding the official opening of our Aquatic Centre. We are still waiting for the government to give us the date and the name of the political figure who will conduct the ceremony. I will let you know the actual date and personage as soon as possible.
Have a wonderful, successful and blessed 2012.
Sholto Bowen
Principal
February 03 2012 | All and Principals Message | No Comments » |
The PTA Page
Posted February 03 2012A big welcome to all teachers, students and parents, looking forward to another successful year. Congratulations to all the 2011 VCE students, what a wonderful result.
Welcome Picnic
All new parents and existing parents are invited to the Welcome Picnic in the school quadrangle on Saturday 18 February at 5.00pm. It’s a fun afternoon and a great way to start the year. There will be a complimentary BBQ sausage sizzle. BYO Chairs, picnic rugs etc
Annual General Meeting 2012
The Annual General Meeting for the PTA will be held Tuesday 21 February at 7:30 pm in the PAC. The committee for 2012 will be elected at this meeting. Being a member of the committee is a rewarding and fun experience. We’d be delighted to have any interested parents or teachers attend.
Officeworks BBQ 27 & 28 January
A big thank you to Sonali Jayawickrama for organising the Officeworks BBQ over the weekend. Thank you to Edyta & Catherine, Paul & Imah. Tony, Jenny & David, Algi, Teruni, Caroline, Jillian & John, Phillip & Cathie for giving up their time to help run the stall.
February 03 2012 | All and PTA | No Comments » |
PTA Welcome Picnic
Posted February 03 2012
February 03 2012 | All and Events and PTA | No Comments » |
Music Notes
Posted February 03 2012HUNTINGTOWER ORCHESTRAL PROGRAM
Many students from Years Prep – 12 learn orchestral instruments and participate in various ensembles throughout the school.
Little Symphony Years Pre-Prep – 2
Junior Orchestra Years 3 – 6
Senior Orchestra Years 7 – 12
Middle School Orchestra Years 7 – 9
Concert Band Years 7 – 12
String Orchestra Senior, Middle, Junior Schools
Various year level Orchestras
Small Ensembles (Brass Ensemble, New Wind Ensemble, Stage Band, String Quartets etc.)
The players enjoy the excitement of performing together and they develop a high level of concentration, responsiveness and alertness which is then channelled into their academic performance. Every year many of Huntingtower’s top VCE students are also musicians and during the presentation of academic awards for any year level the orchestral chairs seem to be empty! There are many wonderful extra-curricular activities available including opportunities to attend State Music Camps and to participate in many fine youth orchestras when sufficient proficiency is attained. All students at Huntingtower who learn orchestral instruments can participate in an ensemble as soon as a small degree of proficiency is achieved. At some times some advanced piano students are involved in the percussion sections of the orchestras but unfortunately it is impossible to involve all piano students as only a small number of percussion players are needed.
If you do not play an instrument, now is the ideal time to start! Instruments are available to suit the needs of students throughout the school so please don’t hesitate to speak to Mrs Lynley Bramble (Director of Music) at school (Music Centre – Room MU8) or ring after hours (9803 7701) or email lbramble@huntingtower.vic.edu.au to discuss the availability or suitability of various instruments. An instrument tuition form is attached to this newsletter – this need only be filled out by students who wish to start an instrument.
Perhaps you may consider a jazzy double bass, a shiny trumpet or trombone, an oboe or bassoon, viola, violin or ‘cello – there are many possibilities so do come along and have a go!
SENIOR HOUSE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2012 – YEARS 7 – 12
This year our exciting House Music Festival will be held on four evenings.
- Monday 27 February – 6.30pm – Solo Concert. Orchestral Room
- Tuesday 28 February – 7.00pm – Solo Concert. Orchestral Room
- Thursday 1 March – 7.00pm – Solos and Instrumental Ensembles. Orchestral Room
- Wednesday 7 March – 7.30pm – House Orchestras, Choirs, Chamber Choirs and Light Entertainment. Besen Centre, Mt. Scopus College
- COMPULSORY attendance for all students in Years 7 – 12 on Wednesday 7 March
The House Orchestras and Choirs have begun rehearsing already. Enthusiastic support will be given to the House Music leaders who will work tirelessly over the next few weeks as they guide their Houses to the final wonderful performance.
HOUSE MUSIC CAPTAINS 2012
Bruce Alex Hill
Yoojung Hur
Yasmin Kokkalis
Mather Ben Armstrong
Sarah Camier
Max Crellin
Rayner Charles Liu
Vicki Tsanaktsidis
Colin Wu
Si Si Yu
Warrell Michelle Clarke
Jason D’Rozario
Luke Thiagarajah
Eloise Verbeek
Orchestra Captains 2012
Warren Huang
Iris Liang
Choir Captains 2012
Michelle Clarke
Jason D’Rozario
Alyssa Godino
Concert Band Captains 2012
Yoojung Hur
Charles Liu
HOUSE ORCHESTRAS (Years 7 – 12)
If you play an orchestral instrument (Years 7 to 12) you should have received a notice with information about the House Music Orchestra rehearsals. If you have not yet received a notice or your name is not on the House Orchestra lists please see Mrs Bramble (Music Centre Room MU8) as soon as possible as we really value every player’s participation and contribution even if you have only been playing for a short time.
Combined House Orchestra rehearsals have been held this week and from next week (Monday 6 February) the three House Orchestras rehearse separately each week in the Orchestral Room.
- Bruce Orchestra – every MONDAY 7.50am
- Mather Orchestra – every TUESDAY 7.50am
- Rayner Orchestra – every WEDNESDAY 7.50am
- Warrell Orchestra – every THURSDAY 7.50am
The four House Orchestras also alternate on Friday mornings.
A full rehearsal schedule should have been received by each player – if you do not have one please contact Mrs Bramble.
Please support your House Music Captains and come punctually to every rehearsal.
HOUSE ORCHESTRA PERCUSSION WORKSHOPS
Monday 6 February at 12.30pm in the Orchestral Room (Mather/Rayner)
Monday 20 February at 12.30pm in the Orchestral Room (Bruce/Warrell)
Every player music arrive promptly please and be ready to play at 12.30pm (bring your lunch).
HOUSE MUSIC SOLO AUDITIONS
Huntingtower is very fortunate to have many talented instrumental and vocal students who could all perform as soloists on the first two evenings of the House Music Festival. All these students (from Years 7 – 12) are now encouraged to prepare a work and then perform at the Solo Auditions to be held on:
- Tuesday 7 February 3.40pm – Years 7, 8, 9
- Thursday 9 February 3.40pm – Years 10, 11, 12
- Monday 20 February 3.40pm – Years 7-12
Students, if they wish, may perform on more than one instrument or on both instrument and voice. The adjudicator will choose soloists from each House for the Solo Concerts on Monday 27 February and Tuesday 28 February at 6.30pm or the Solo and Ensemble Concert on Thursday 1 March at 7pm.
So blow away the cobwebs! BEGIN PRACTISING!! And return the form below to your House Music Captain or Mrs Bramble immediately (available from the School Office)
HOUSE MUSIC SOLO AUDITIONS
To Lynley Bramble
Yes, I would like to audition
Name_____________________________
Instrument_________________________
2nd Instrument______________________
(if applicable)
HOUSE MUSIC ORCHESTRAS, CHOIRS AND LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
Wednesday 7 March 7.30pm
VENUE
The very exciting final evening of the House Music Festival on Wednesday 7 March at 7.30pm will be held at the BESEN CENTRE at Mt. Scopus College. This is a magnificent auditorium with excellent acoustics for the choirs and orchestras and a huge stage for Light Entertainment. It is also a very large hall so we do invite all parents, families, old students and friends to come and enjoy this spectacular event! There will be a comfortable seat for everyone and there is no charge. Junior School children will love the excitement of the evening and it will not be a long night. Every student in Years 7 to 12 will perform in his/her House Choir and over 60% of the students perform in the House Orchestras. It is a COMPULSORY event for all Senior students.
Please invite all your friends and notify any old students whom you may know of the venue. This would be much appreciated.
DRESS FOR THE HOUSE MUSIC FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES
NB. Please note carefully as you may need to purchase an item of clothing from the Huntingtower Uniform Shop before the evening.
Girls: Summer dress, white socks worn at the correct length, shiny black shoes, blazer, hair ribbons if relevant in the correct colour.
Boys: Long-sleeved blue shirt with sleeves rolled down and buttons done up!, school tie, long grey trousers, blazer, dark socks, shiny black shoes
INSTRUMENTAL AND THEORY LESSONS
Individual music lessons will generally commence next week and students should bring their instrument and music to school on the same day as last year unless they hear otherwise. Students who are commencing lessons in 2012 will be notified soon of arrangements. Most lessons will commence within the next two weeks but sometimes there is an unavoidable delay as instruments may still be being repaired or serviced.
Theory lessons at all AMEB levels will be available on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday after school so please speak to Mrs Bramble if you are interested. Theory lessons are held in small classes for a cost of $50 per term (approximately $5 per 1 hour lesson). The lessons have commenced already but students can join at any time during the year.
ARE YOU GETTING MARRIED, HAVING A 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY PARTY OR ORGANISING A BUSINESS DINNER?
Members of the Huntingtower String Orchestra would be very willing to provide a small (or large) ensemble to play beautiful music in a wide variety of styles at any occasion. They have a very comprehensive “gig”folder that includes many special requests. A small fee would be charged as fundraising for the Huntingtower Instrumental Account.
AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATION
On 26 January 2012 our loyal group of students who regularly perform in the Citizenship Ceremonies donned their school uniform (even though it was school holidays!) and met at The Alexander Theatre, Monash University to take a vital role in the very meaningful ceremony held on Australia Day. The organisers from the Monash Council, the Mayor, The Deputy Mayor (Huntingtower old student Jieh-Yung Lo) our local Federal MP, Anna Burke and other councillors were extremely grateful to our students for their special performance and very impressed by their dedication. Hearty congratulations and sincere thanks to the wonderful students and their wonderful parents who support them so enthusiastically. We all enjoyed a special Australia Day lunch afterwards (at McDonalds!!)
MUSIC DATES – TERM 1 2012
1. HOUSE MUSIC SOLO AUDITIONS (Years 7, 8 and 9)
Monday 6 February 3:45pm Orchestral Room
2. HOUSE MUSIC SOLO AUDITIONS (Years 7, 8, 9 and 11)
Tuesday 7 February 3:45pm Orchestral Room
3. HOUSE MUSIC SOLO AUDITIONS (Years 10 – 12)
Thursday 9 February 3:45pm Orchestral Room
4. HOUSE MUSIC SOLO AUDITIONS (Years 7 – 12)
Monday 20 February 3.45pm Orchestral Room
5. HOUSE MUSIC FESTIVAL – Solos
Monday 27 February 7pm Orchestral Room
6. HOUSE MUSIC FESTIVAL – Solos
Tuesday 28 February 7pm Orchestral Room
7. HOUSE MUSIC FESTIVAL – Solos/Ensembles
Thursday 1 March 7pm PAC
8. HOUSE MUSIC FESTIVAL – Orchestras/Choirs
Wednesday 7 March 7:30pm Besen Centre (Mt Scopus)
9. MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP EXAMS
Saturday 10 March Orchestral Room
10. CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY ENSEMBLE
Wednesday 14 March 6pm Monash Civic Centre
11. YEARS 5 AND 6 SOLO CONCERT
Thursday 15 March 6pm Orchestral Room
12. MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
WORKSHOP AND CONCERT
Wednesday 21 March 11am PAC
13. YEAR 10 SOLO CONCERT
Tuesday 27 March 7pm Orchestral Room
14. CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY ENSEMBLE
Wednesday 4 April 6pm Monash Civic Centre
15. CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY ENSEMBLE
Wednesday 11 April 6pm Monash Civic Centre
February 03 2012 | All and Music | No Comments » |
Sport Notices
Posted February 03 2012The 2012 sporting year has started in earnest with preparations for the Senior House Swimming Carnival having commenced. The Carnival is to be held at MSAC on Friday 24 February. For the next two Friday mornings, there will be additional early morning training sessions at 7.15am at HSAC. Students need to bring their breakfast and school uniform. These sessions are for competent swimmers, not beginners. The EISM team will be chosen from the results of the House Swimming Carnival. Training for team members after the Carnival is compulsory.
This week trials for the Senior School Summer Sports teams took place. The EISM weekly sport competition, for most teams, will begin after camp week. Parents are warmly welcomed to come and watch the teams participate in home games. To assist students to acquire the desired fitness and skills, teams will be training after school on Tuesdays until 5pm or at another time as determined by the team coach. These trainings are compulsory. Each student is expected to be committed to their team, to always do their best and to represent their school with pride. Students learn a lot of valuable life lessons through their sporting experiences
Students who are not in the School teams participate in a Skills and Fitness program. During this program, students undertake activities that promote well-being and further develop general skill acquisition. Parents and students are reminded that Sport is a part of the curriculum here at Huntingtower and thus is compulsory for all students.
I look forward to great progress for individual students and teams this year.
Jan Savage
February 03 2012 | All and Sport | No Comments » |
HT Swimming Club
Posted February 03 2012It has been a huge summer for the Huntingtower Swimming Club culminating in nine swimmers achieving state qualifying times and being eligible to compete in the Victorian Sprint Championships on 11/12 February at MSAC. Congratulations to Matthew Bradwell, Clare Carroll, Noah Deubel, Ben Gough, Sam Le Cerf, Jonathan Li, Denis Lynn, Jodie Lynn and Andrew Turton.
The lead up to this included a contingent of 20 Huntingtower representatives heading to Bendigo on 9 December to swim in the Bendigo Swimming Club Summer Carnival. After a great night out as a team a good night’s rest saw us all up early on Sunday morning to compete. PB’s were smashed by many, Clare Carroll took home a bronze medal and Jodie Lynn a silver. The U13 relay team of Cassie Bentley, Mia Dieckmann, Clare and Emma Carroll performed brilliantly.
Scott Crawley, Noah Deubel, Denis Lynn and Jodie Lynn all qualified for the Victorian State Age Championships held on the weekend of 18 December.
Matthew Bradwell, Clare Carroll, Noah Deubel, Sam Le Cerf, Jonathan Li and Denis Lynn achieved state qualifying times at the Metro East Annual Sprint Meet on 22 January with loads of our swimmers achieving personal bests on the day. Denis Lynn won silver in his 50m freestyle event, beating his PB and breaking the event record!
28 January saw Noah Deubel, Ben Gough, Andrew Turton and Jodie Lynn post state qualifying times at the North West Aquatic State and National Qualifying Meet.
This is a massive effort for a Club that was only incorporated in October and has nearly 60 members already.
Interested in joining in the fun and friendship of the Club. Email info@htswim.com or ‘like’ us on Facebook for more information.
Coming in February: www.htswim.com – where you can get all the news and photos of Club events.
February 03 2012 | All | No Comments » |
6 Week Challenge: HTs Greatest Athlete
Posted February 03 2012Challenge yourself and challenge your friends over six weeks of heart pumping, sweat dripping workouts as well as weekly sport challenges. Do you have what it takes to be HTs greatest athlete?! Open to all staff, parents and students (15 years +). Book your spot in the Summer 2012 – 6 Week Challenge!
Check out facebook.com/VICstudio or email trainer.vic@gmail.com
February 03 2012 | Advertisement and All | No Comments » |
Zumba Fitness Classes
Posted February 03 2012Come to South America! Surround yourself with the beautiful Latin rhythms sure to make you move! Be a part of such a positive and welcoming environment! And enhance your health and fitness while doing it! ZUMBA Fitness Classes Every Friday 6:30 – 8:00PM, here at Huntingtower (Senior School Gym) For more info please contact Jose – 0422712826.
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