Vice Principal’s Message

Posted March 19 2010

In assembly this week I told a story of two ladies on a beach on Phillip Island. I was at Silverleaves with my family and we were having a game of beach cricket. It was a perfect day with the sunlight sparkling on the warm water and a gentle breeze providing some respite from the heat. The tide had gone out very far (as it does on the bay side) leaving a vast expanse of mudflats making for a perfect cricket pitch. The ball was bouncing true and we were running about the sand fielding, bowling and taking catches. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted two ladies had arrived on the beach and looked like they were preparing to make the long trek to the water for a swim. They were gathering rubber tubes to use as floating devices and chatting away about all sorts of things. Clearly they were good friends and enjoying the moment. I then noticed that one lady had removed her prosthetic legs and had begun to crawl to the water which was over 100 metres away. Then something remarkable happened. Her friend, instead of walking alongside her, got down onto her hands and knees and began to crawl with her friend. It was exhausting just watching them. Not only was it a hot day despite the breeze, the mud and sand was coarse and no doubt very painful to crawl on for that length of time. The process looked demanding and certainly was not very graceful. Yet in that forty minutes or so it took for the ladies to reach the water’s edge, grace was epitomised. Grace can be expressed in ‘patience, meekness, love and good deeds’ (M.B. Eddy). The picture of the two ladies slowly dragging themselves across the mudflats has stuck with me as it indicates strongly to me the role of grace in our lives. If each day, each one of us could express and expect a little more grace, our connections with others would be so much more meaningful.

As our children look to expand their friendship groups (especially in their teenage years), this is a good story to remind them of. They ought to consider who they value as friends. Ask your children, “Does this person like you for who you are, not for what you have? Does this person build you up? Does he encourage you to do your best? Does she support you when you stand up to peer pressure?” Relationships that are built on love and grace are substantial and meaningful.

I believe at Huntingtower, we do provide an environment where friendships based on sound values can be developed. On the whole, our students cooperate with one another in a warm and friendly manner which encourages each to give of their best. This week I have loved walking around the school talking to the Year 7 students about their art work and the artists who have inspired them, and to the Year 8’s who have brilliantly articulated their ideas for a greener planet though pavement art, research and presentations. On the ride to Southbank and throughout the challenging triathlon the Year 9’s displayed encouragement, persistence and team work- all values so central to our school. The EISM swim meet last week showed the power of these values as Huntingtower won the trophy again against schools at least three times our size. The Junior School athletics carnival was competitive and supportive with students excelling thanks to the encouragement provided by their peers. This week, the Huntingtower community combined to raise money for The Simunye Project and the Red Cross. Numerous students, teacher and parents collaborated to gather funds for those in need.

The willingness to be patient, kind, and loving and to be supportive of others has tremendous power. The desire to find those qualities in others has the potential to fill our lives with joy and meaning.

Thank you all for the support of the school and its values. We wish the Malaysian trip and The Simunye Project and safe and fulfilling time away and everyone a happy holiday.

March 19 2010 | All and Principals Message | No Comments » |

Music Notes

Posted March 19 2010

SENIOR HOUSE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2010
During Term 1 the school has resounded with harmony as many groups (small and large) of choristers and instrumentalists took up the challenge of preparing for the 2010 House Music Festival. Every student in Years 7 to 12 was involved in the House Choir and over half of the students in each House performed in the House Orchestra. The House Music Captains delved deeply into the resources of their House and produced magnificent results in all sections. The orchestras and choirs played and sang with excitement, enthusiasm and a great variety of tone colour and the Instrumental Ensembles, Chamber Choirs, Soloists and House pianists also performed with remarkable poise, brilliance and musicianship.

The Festival was held over three exciting nights, the first two evenings featuring talented soloists and instrumental ensembles. The third evening was held at the Besen Centre, Mt. Scopus College, and the Huntingtower community must be thanked for the wonderful support given to the choirs and orchestras as the vast auditorium was filled to capacity by an enthusiastic audience.

The final item, the “Light Entertainment” was enjoyed immensely by all. Many students from all three Houses displayed their unique talent for dancing and sincere appreciation is given to the Light Entertainment Directors Simone Masci, Renee Maier and Renee Williams and all the participants.

Hearty congratulations to all students who participated in the House Music Festival and were able to produce performances of such a high standard. Special thanks must be given to our wonderful House Music Captains who undertook the enormous task of directing their respective Houses and did so with such commitment and electrifying success.

HOUSE MUSIC CAPTAINS 2010
Bruce Jacob Davey, Clare Higgins
Mather Beth Camier, Sid Vadasseri
Warrell Sally Fyfield, Sam Hillman, Elliot Kitchingman

The adjudicator Professor John Hopkins OBE spoke about the immense value and privilege of being involved in performing in such a Festival and he was extremely appreciative of all participants including parents and members of the audience and of the extremely high standard achieved by the students. He was very happy that the results were very close as all Houses deserved to be winners and the importance of the Festival is the participation, not the result! Nevertheless Professor Hopkins had to give an overall result and Warrell’s performances put them slightly ahead of Mather and Bruce. Congratulations and sincere appreciation to all involved.

INSTRUMENTAL AND THEORY LESSONS
Most lessons have commenced and great progress is being made! It will not be long before students who have just started an orchestral instrument will become part of one of the orchestras, Little Symphony or Concert Band. It is great fun and extremely rewarding so if you would like to learn an instrument and would like to look at and try some of the available instruments please contact Mrs Bramble (BH 9807 8888 AH 9803 7701 or email lbramble@huntingtower.vic.edu.au) It is not too late to try and all students from Years Prep to 12 are very welcome.

Unfortunately there are no saxophones or flutes left but you may like to try a shiny trumpet or oboe or bassoon (these instruments would suit olders students from Years 6 to 12).

If you have have already put in a Music Tuition form and have not had a lesson yet the lessons should start very soon. There has been a slight delay with the service and return of some instruments and some of the instrumental teachers have been touring overseas and interstate. There has also been a delay with clarinet and saxophone lessons but students waiting for these lessons will be contacted very soon. Sincere apologies for the delay.

Theory lessons at all AMEB levels are available on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after school so please speak to Mrs Bramble if you are interested.

SOLO CONCERTS
At least one solo concert and sometimes two are held for each year level throughout the year. There are also special concerts for players in Years Prep, 1 and 2. Short solo concerts are also held for players from any year level throughout the school. These are especially useful for students who are preparing for exams, eisteddfods or auditions and would like more opportunities to perform.

Our first solo concert was our wonderful House Music Festival Senior Solo Concert held 2 weeks ago where we heard 40 amazing performances from students in Years 7 to 12 followed by the House Music Solo and Ensemble Concert with another 21 amazing performances. The next solo concert is for Year 5 and 6 String Players (concerts for piano and wind players are later in the year) on Thursday 25 March at 6pm in the Orchestral Room.

Many more solo concerts will be held next term and during these coming holidays there will be opportunities for exam students to perform so please contact me (Lynley Bramble BH 9807 8888 AH 9803 7701 or email lbramble@huntingtower.vic.edu.au) if you would like to perform.

HUNTINGTOWER ORCHESTRAS/CONCERT BAND
From the first week of Term 1 the three House Orchestras and the Junior Orchestra have been rehearsing enthusiastically. The House Orchestras involved every instrumentalist in the Senior School (Years 7 to 12) and these performers will now play in the Senior Orchestra, Middle School Orchestra and/or the Concert Band (for every woodwind/brass player from Years 7 to 12.)

Senior Orchestra has rehearsals every Friday morning at 7.50am in the Orchestral Room. Please check the orchestral lists posted around the school. Full attendance is required please.

Concert Band will have rehearsals every Thursday morning at 7.50am in the Orchestral Room commencing on Thursday 18 March.

Middle School Orchestra has already started and will continue rehearsals at 12noon every Friday.

Junior Orchestra involves every player from Years 3 to 6 and Little Symphony (Years Prep, 1 and 2) will commence in mid Term 2. All these instrumental ensembles (plus smaller groups such as string orchestras, brass ensembles, stage band and chamber group) are a great source of enjoyment, fun, social interaction between students of all ages and intellectual stimulation creating a sense of belonging and self worth.

It is not too late to join!! If you are interested in learning an instrument and would like to investigate the possibility please don’t hesitate to contact Lynley Bramble (BH 9807 8888 AH 9803 7701 or email lbramble@huntingtower.vic.edu.au) These coming holidays may be a great time to arrange to come and have a try out of some instruments – looking forward to seeing you!

ANNA GOLDSWORTHY LECTURE AND PERFORMANCE
Brilliant concert pianist, lecturer and author, Anna Goldsworthy will visit Huntingtower on Thursday March 25 at 3.45pm to talk about her wonderful book “Piano Lessons” and to give demonstrations on the piano relevant to both her book and also to the novel “Maestro” written by her father Peter Goldsworthy. “Maestro” is a current text on the VCE English syllabus and VCE English students will attend the lecture/performance but everyone in the Huntingtower community is extremely welcome to attend.

Students studying any musical instrument and parents also would find the performance entertaining and invaluable. It will be one hour in duration in the Performing Arts Centre and it is FREE.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY
A group of 26 musicians will perform at a very special Citizenship Ceremony on Thursday 18 March. It will be held in Robert Blackwood Hall and 504 peole will accept a new role of becoming an Australian citizen. It is a great privilege to be asked to perform at such an occasion and the musicians who represent students from Years Prep to 12 have worked extremely hard to present a great performance. Hearty congratulations and sincere thanks to you all.

MUSIC DATES – TERM 1 2010

1. YEARS 5 AND 6 SOLO CONCERT
Thursday 25 March 6pm Orchestral Room

MUSIC DATES – TERM 2 2010

1. BOROONDARA EISTEDDFOD
Wednesday 28 April
11am – Junior Chamber Ensemble Hawthorn Town Hall
6pm – Senior Chamber Ensemble

2. BOROONDARA EISTEDDFOD
Tuesday 11 May
10am – Junior Small Ensemble Hawthorn Town Hall
1pm – Senior Small Ensemble

3. YEAR 11 and 12 SOLO CONCERT
Wednesday 12 May 7pm Orchestral Room

4. BOROONDARA EISTEDDFOD – Hawthorn Town Hall
Friday 21 May 7pm Murray Sharp Award
Wednesday 26 May 1pm Senior Large Ensemble
Wednesday 26 May 6pm Junior Large Ensemble

5. LITTLE SYMPHONY and LITTLE CHOIR CONCERT
Thursday 3 June 6pm PAC

6. JUNIOR PIANO CONCERT (Years Prep to 6)
Tuesday 8 June 6pm PAC

7. JUNIOR and SENIOR ORCHESTRAL and CHORAL CONCERT
Thursday 17 June 7pm PAC

8. YEAR 3 and 4 SOLO CONCERT
Tuesday 22 June 6pm Orchestral Room

9. MORDIALLOC EISTEDDFOD (Senior Choir)
Thursday 24 June

March 19 2010 | All and Music | No Comments » |

The Dating Game

Posted March 19 2010

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PTA Page

Posted March 19 2010

Diary Dates:

Hot Cross Bun Fundraising Drive. Delivery Wed 24 March.
Easter Colouring Competition – March 2010 (Junior School).
Fete – Saturday 6 November 2010.

Hot Cross Buns
Thank you to all those who ordered Hot Cross Buns. The PTA were delighted with so many orders. Your buns may be collected from the PAC at pick-up on
Wed 24 March. All funds raised will go to the building of our aquatic centre.

Fete Reps and Class Reps
We still have the following vacancies for class and fete reps. If you find doing the role yourself a bit overwhelming, consider splitting the roles between small groups of interested parents. This approach has been extremely successful for other year levels. Please contact Catherine Jenkins at catherine.jenkins@iinet.net.au if you are interested.

Year 1 – Fete Rep (2^nd Hand Clothes Stall)

Year 4 – Fete Rep (Pantry and Community Produce Stall)

Year 7 – Fete Rep (Silent Auction)

Year 8 – Fete Rep (Hot Dogs, Chips & Nachos Stall)

Year 9 – Class Rep and Fete Rep (Devonshire Teas)

Year 10 – Class Rep and Fete Rep (2^nd hand books, Toys and DVDs Stall)

Year 11 – Class Rep

Calling all Year 7 parents!
This is your chance to get involved with your child’s school in a friendship-building, unifying and useful way by being part of the team for this year’s Fete. Our class will be running the Silent Auction, and although sourcing the items for this stall is a whole-school endeavour, we need a leader to coordinate, and a group to assist with the finer details. Everyone’s help is appreciated, and you certainly don’t need to be a Huntingtower expert to be the right person for the job! Please contact Catherine Jenkins (catherine.jenkins@iinet.net.au) if you are available to help out.

March 19 2010 | All and PTA | No Comments » |

Principal’s Message

Posted March 04 2010

Thought for the week

“The definition of insanity according to Einstein is “keeping on doing the same thing and expecting a different result”

At the end of each day, write down at least 5 things that you are grateful for. Gratitude is one of the most powerful attitudes we can have to change our experience for the better. When we spend our time thinking of what we are grateful for, we begin to see the good that is really in our lives instead of focussing on the negative trivia that we can so easily become caught up in. Expressing gratitude for our home, family, car, job, country, bed, food etc., may sound flippant but if done regularly, preferably written down or said aloud, will change our outlook, our inlook and ultimately our lives.

Give it a try!

You will all have noticed the great progress with the building of the new Sport and Fitness Centre. It is intended that the roof will go on before the holidays so that the sand can be excavated while the students are away on holiday. This is certainly something to be grateful for. We are going to have a splendid new facility that will serve the entire community. I would like to thank all those who have already supported the project financially and would like to remind those who are still thinking about it that all contributions to the building fund are tax deductible. We still need to raise a considerable amount to cover the shortfall on the Federal Government grant. Close to $2 million will need to be raised. If you or your company are interested in contributing and would like to have your or your company’s name represented, please speak to Rob Kitchingman or to me. As has been done with the Hockey Astroturf, a list of contributors will be shown on a gratitude board outside or on the wall of the new building. All contributions, large or small will be gratefully accepted.

Our new PTA Committee was elected at the Annual General Meeting last week and it gives me pleasure to introduce the 2010 members to you. Brett Stringer (President), Catherine Jenkins ( Secretary), Bernadette Day & Dorothy Renai (Co-Treasurers), Phil Bradwell, Sharee Charrett, Debbie Davey, Debbie Jones, Kamal Unvala. We are very grateful to all the members of the committee and look forward to all the wonderful work they will do this year and in the years to come.

The PTA presented the school with a contribution of $34000 towards the new building and we are very grateful for their continual support and hard work.

The Senior School House Music Festival is underway and on Monday night we were treated to some solo instrumental performances of the highest calibre. Congratulations to all performers for their preparation and for the way in which they entertained us.

Thursday night will see the Grand Finale with all the large Choirs, House Orchestras and House Chamber Choirs. Congratulations to all the House Music Captains on their hard work and to the students for their positive contributions. I hope to see you all at the event.

You may have received a letter about interim reports this term. There may be some confusion. Due to the very short term, it has been decided that in Years 7 to 10, the interim report will be substituted with a Parent/Teacher interview. Students in the Junior School and those in Years 11 and 12 will still receive interim reports. This is related to the number of times a teacher sees your child in the 6 weeks leading up to the week in which they would be writing the report. We do not feel that they will have much validity. However, in the Junior School and with students in Years 11 and 12, teachers spend considerably more time each day with each student and consequently a valid interim comment can be prepared.

I hope this clarifies the matter rather than muddying the water even further.

Sholto Bowen
Principal

March 04 2010 | All and Principals Message | No Comments » |

PTA Page

Posted March 04 2010

Diary Dates:

Hot Cross Bun Fundraising Drive – Order forms by Monday 15 March. Delivery Wed 24 March.
Easter Colouring Competition – March 2010 (Junior School).
Fete – Saturday 6November 2010.

Hot Cross Buns

Yes, the ever-popular Hot Cross Bun drive is on again! Forms will be sent out in the next week, to be returned on Monday 15March. Orders can be picked up from the PAC at pick-up on Wed 24 March. All funds raised will go to the building of our aquatic centre.

Calling all Year 7 parents!

This is your chance to get involved with your child’s school in a friendship-building, unifying and useful way by being part of the team for this year’s Fete. Our class will be running the Silent Auction, and although sourcing the items for this stall is a whole-school endeavour, we need a leader to coordinate, and a group to assist with the finer details. Everyone’s help is appreciated, and you certainly don’t need to be a Huntingtower expert to be the right person for the job! Please contact Catherine Jenkins (catherine.jenkins@iinet.net.au) if you are available to help out.

AGM & new Committee

The Annual General Meeting for the PTA was on Monday the 22 February 2010 in the PAC. We were delighted with the turnout of both interested parents and teachers. Minutes will be distributed to all class and fete reps for your information.

Of particular interest, we would like to welcome our new Committee members for 2010, who bravely put their hands up to help the PTA this year. A big thank you to Sharee Charett, Kamal Unvala and Phillip Bradwell! Welcome aboard and we hope to have a fun year ahead. Existing members continuing on the Committee for this year include Brett Stringer (President), Debbie Jones, Deb Davey, Bernadette Day (co-Treasurer), Dorothy Renai (co-Treasurer) and Catherine Jenkins (Secretary).

In addition, the changes to the PTA Constitution were unanimously voted in by all present at the AGM.

Fete 2010 – Correction to Class Stalls

Second Hand Books, Media and Toys – (Yr 10).
Coffee (Yr 11 – Kamal Unvala)

Please be aware that Coffee should have been listed as a Yr11 stall and Second hand Books, Media and Toys for Yr 10. Catherine Jenkins would like to apologise for the confusion in the last Bulletin.

March 04 2010 | All and PTA | No Comments » |

Music Notes

Posted March 04 2010

SENIOR HOUSE MUSIC FESTIVAL
First evening
HOUSE MUSIC SENIOR SOLO CONCERT
This wonderful concert featured 40 magnificent performances from students from Years 7 to 12 with a large range of works performed on many different instruments and voice. It was a very exciting opportunity to hear some of the amazing array of talent within the Senior School.

The adjudicator, Mr Errol Fernando, spoke very eloquently about the value of encouragement apparent at Huntingtower beginning with the wonderful example of our Principal, Mr Bowen and moving throughout the school to the students who are so encouraging of each other. Mr Fernando praised not only the high standard of performance but also the high quality of commitment and presentation demonstrated by the students. Hearty congratulations to all involved!

Second evening
HOUSE MUSIC SOLO AND INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES CONCERT
This was another wonderful concert in which each House was represented by 6 soloists and an Instrumental Ensemble. The performers were all outstanding and every soloist had spent countless hours working to perfect his/her art. Likewise the members of the Instrumental Ensembles had worked individually and then as an ensemble to create a perfect union of voices and musical style.

The adjudicator, Professor John Hopkins OBE spoke about the wonderful standard of performance and the great importance of the future when the students will take their musical expertise into the wider community. Once again hearty congratulations to all involved for an amazing concert!

Third evening
HOUSE ORCHESTRAS, CHOIRS AND CHAMBER CHOIRS PLUS LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
By the time this Bulletin is posted this spectacular concert will be over so a full report will be given in the next Bulletin.

Hearty congratulations though to the House Music Captains, Light Entertainment Directors and to all the students for the amazing work which has been done in 4 short weeks – it has been an extremely exciting, enjoyable experience!

INSTRUMENTAL AND THEORY LESSONS

Most lessons have commenced and great progress is being made! It will not be long before students who have just started an orchestral instrument will become part of one of the orchestras, Little Symphony or Concert Band. It is great fun and extremely rewarding so if you would like to learn an instrument and would like to look at and try some of the available instruments please contact Mrs Bramble (BH 9807 8888 AH 9803 7701 or email lbramble@huntingtower.vic.edu.au) It is not too late to try and all students from Years Prep to 12 are very welcome.

Unfortunately there are no saxophones or flutes left but you may like to try a shiny trumpet or oboe or bassoon (these instruments would suit olders students from Years 6 to 12).

If you have have already put in a Music Tuition form and have not had a lesson yet the lessons should start very soon. There has been a slight delay with the service and return of some instruments and some of the instrumental teachers have been touring overseas and interstate. There has also been a delay with clarinet and saxophone lessons but students waiting for these lessons will be contacted very soon. Sincere apologies for the delay.

Theory lessons at all AMEB levels are available on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday after school so please speak to Mrs Bramble if you are interested.

SOLO CONCERTS
At least one solo concert and sometimes two are held for each year level throughout the year. There are also special concerts for players in Years Prep, 1 and 2. Short solo concerts are also held for players from any year level throughout the school. These are especially useful for students who are preparing for exams, eisteddfods or auditions and would like more opportunities to perform.

Our first solo concert was our wonderful House Music Festival Senior Solo Concert held 2 weeks ago where we heard 40 amazing performances from students in Years 7 to 12 followed by the House Music Solo and Ensemble Concert with another 21 amazing performances. The next solo concert is for Year 5 and 6 String Players (concerts for piano and wind players are later in the year) on Thursday 25 March at 6pm in the Orchestral Room.

Many more solo concerts will be held next term and during these coming holidays there will be opportunities for exam students to perform so please contact me (Lynley Bramble BH 9807 8888 AH 9803 7701 or email lbramble@huntingtower.vic.edu.au) if you would like to perform.

HUNTINGTOWER ORCHESTRAS/CONCERT BAND
From the first week of Term 1 the three House Orchestras and the Junior Orchestra have been rehearsing enthusiastically. The House Orchestras involved every instrumentalist in the Senior School (Years 7 to 12) and these performers will now play in the Senior Orchestra, Middle School Orchestra and/or the Concert Band (for every woodwind/brass player from Years 7 to 12.)

Senior Orchestra will have rehearsals every Friday morning at 7.50am in the Orchestral Room commencing on Friday 12 March. Please check the orchestral lists posted around the school. Full attendance is required please.

Concert Band will have rehearsals every Thursday morning at 7.50am in the Orchestral Room commencing on Thursday 18 March.

Middle School Orchestra has already started and will continue rehearsals at 12noon every Friday.

Junior Orchestra involves every player from Years 3 to 6 and Little Symphony (Years Prep, 1 and 2) will commence in mid Term 2. All these instrumental ensembles (plus smaller groups such as string orchestras, brass ensembles, stage band and chamber group) are a great source of enjoyment, fun, social interaction between students of all ages and intellectual stimulation creating a sense of belonging and self worth.

It is not too late to join!! If you are interested in learning an instrument and would like to investigate the possibility please don’t hesitate to contact Lynley Bramble (BH 9807 8888 AH 9803 7701 or email lbramble@huntingtower.vic.edu.au) These coming holidays may be a great time to arrange to come and have a try out of some instruments – looking forward to seeing you!

HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS..
To the quartet who performed recently at a dinner at the Windsor Hotel organised by past parents Tony and Jewel Gilham to whom we are very grateful. Our students were very well received and the enjoyed the opportunity to play in such regal surroundings, eat a delicious high tea and receive a large box of chocolates each!