Archive for April, 2010
Posted April 30 2010Thought for the week
“Good thoughts are an impervious armour.” Mary Baker Eddy
On Wednesday this week I watched our Senior Athletics team compete in Division One of the EISM Sporting Association. I was so proud of the students. They ran their hearts out, giving their all. In terms of school size, we should be in the middle of Division Three and yet we came 5th out of 8 in Division One which places us 5th out of the 22 schools in the competition. Congratulations to everyone involved because they once again demonstrated our principle of having “No Limits”. Our determination to strive for excellence in all things and to know that in fact we are not limited, sets the basis for a life of opportunity, satisfaction and achievement.
Our ANZAC Service on Tuesday focussed on the sacrifices made by so many to create the peace that we all desire. We emphasised that to bring about peace we need to BE peace; we need to realise that peace is a present reality and that we need to embody it in our every thought and action. When we focus on what is wrong we inadvertently attract more of what is wrong into our lives; we give it the only reality it has. Every thought and every word will determine the life that we will attract around us. Mary Baker Eddy says “… keep your hearts and minds so filled with Truth and Love, that sin, disease and death cannot enter them. It is plain that nothing can be added to the mind already full.”
Our past students are putting on a production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Bollywood” this weekend. Tickets are available at the door of the PAC on Friday and Saturday nights at 7.30pm and on Sunday afternoon at 2.30pm. It is wonderful to see how active and talented our past students are. This is a great way for them to stay connected.
The new Aquatic Sports and Fitness Centre is progressing well and I must express my appreciation for your patience with the many disruptions in the main carpark which may have been caused by the loss of parking places or trucks entering and leaving. The holes for the pools have now been dug and the stone base installed. The boxing of the small pool has commenced and the first concrete pour should take place next week.
Thank you for your generous contributions to the project. Remember that all contributions are tax deductible and that we still need to raise many hundreds of thousands of dollars; although we do accept Roubles, Rand, Pounds and Shekels. If you are intending to contribute, please don’t put it off as we need all contributions, big and small.
Sholto Bowen
Principal
April 30 2010 | All and Principals Message | No Comments » | 
Posted April 30 2010Diary Dates:
- Junior School Mother’s Day Stall, Monday 5 May 2010 (Jnr School Science Room)
- HOSA Midsummer Nights Dream, interval suppers Friday 30 April, Saturday 1 May (both evenings) and Sunday 2 May (matinee).
- Bunnings Sausage Sizzle (Saturday 12 June, Nottinghill).
- Fete – Saturday 6 of November 2010.
HOSA Interval Suppers
Deb Davey would be delighted to hear from any parents able to help serve supper at the HOSA production of Midsummer Nights Dream. Even if you are there to watch the show, we’d love it if you were able to help just during interval time. Please contact debbiedavey67@gmail.com.
PTA Meeting
Thank you to all the class and fete reps that came to the Term 2 PTA meeting. We had a terrific discussion about delivering forms to parents and upcoming PTA fundraisers, including new ideas such as Parenting Evenings, Cooking classes, Golf days and Garden tours! The Committee is busy planning these events now but please keep those fabulous ideas coming.
Mother’s Day Stall
Wednesday, 5th May in the Junior Science Room. Assistant sales persons required from 9.00am to 1.00pm. One hour shifts or more available if required. One or two people are needed per shift. Pleasant working environment, with minimal pay! Please apply to Debbie Jones 98851048 or debbie.quilter@hotkey.net.au.
Fete Stalls
Please note that as Claire Keating from Yr 10 has kindly offered to run the Devonshire Teas stall, the stall has been swapped with Yr 9, who will now manage the 2nd hand books, toys and DVDs. The final list and the Fete reps are below. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered. Year 4 and Year 9 are the only years not yet represented for the Fete so if you’d like to help out, please contact Catherine Jenkins on catherine.jenkins@iinet.net.au.
1. Cakes – 3yo Pre-Prep, Ebonie Stewart, Sarah Haycox, Helen McCann
2. Plants – 4yo Pre-Prep, Laura Page-Impey
3. Ticket Booth/Drinks/Animals – Prep, Shani Finlayson
4. Second Hand Clothes – Year 1, Cassie Goldsmith
5. Kid’s Crafts – Year 2, Lia D’arcy
6. Lollies – Year 3, Eleanor Pletsias
7. Pantry and Community Produce –Year 4.
8. Strawberry Fare and Soft Serve Icecream – Year 5, Jan Growse
9. HT Gifts – Year 6 , Lorri-Anne Carroll
10. Silent Auction – Year 7, Edyta Rozycki
11. Hot Dogs/Chips and Nachos – Year 8, Linda Ren
12. Second Hand Books, Toys and DVDs – Year 9.
13. Devonshire Teas – Year 10, Claire Keating
14. Coffee -Year 11, Kamal Unvala
Fete Donations
To all those parents who have been sorting out clothes, books, DVDs, toys and trash and treasure items over the summer – you can now get those annoying boxes out of your house! Please drop off any donations in labelled boxes or bags (e.g. “Book stall”) to the new green sheds up near the railway line. If you pop them outside the 2nd door from the left, the maintenance team will store them safely for you.
If you think any of these items may have a reasonable sales value, one option could be auctioning them on eBay on behalf of the school, with your permission of course! We haven’t tried this before but it may have potential. Please contact catherine.jenkins@iinet.net.au if you would like to pursue this option.
Class Representatives
Year 10 and Year 11 are the only years who don’t have class reps for this year so if you’d like to help out, please contact Catherine Jenkins on catherine.jenkins@iinet.net.au.
April 30 2010 | All and PTA | No Comments » |
Posted April 30 2010SOUTH EASTERN ARTS FESTIVAL
On Friday 16 April, 32 enthusiastic musicians departed to enjoy the experience of performing at the newly constituted South Eastern Arts Festival. Huntingtower musicians had previously performed annually at the Dandenong Eisteddfod since 1992 but in 2009 the wonderful team of volunteers who had run this huge, successful Festival for so many years felt that they could no longer continue to do so and the Dandenong Eisteddfod was closed. One of the committee members decided to take on the challenge of forming another large eisteddfod similar to Dandenong and thus the South Eastern Arts Festival was created.
We are extremely grateful to the new committee and team of volunteers who welcomed us so warmly and gave performance opportunities to so many groups from various schools. The dedication and concentration of every student was amazing – it was very enjoyable and heartening to hear so many fine performances from all the schools who attended.
Sincere gratitude is extended to Mrs Rachel Maguire and Mr Rob Kitchingman who gave up precious time to transport the students and to the family members who were able to come and cheer us on! Sincere thanks to all the students for their fine performances and wonderful presentation.
SOUTH EASTERN ARTS FESTIVAL RESULTS
Primary Small Instrumental Ensemble
1st Prize – Huntingtower Junior Quartet
2nd Prize – Huntingtower Junior Piano Trio
Secondary Small Instrumental Ensemble
1st Prize – Huntingtower VCE Piano Trio
2nd Prize – Huntingtower Boccherini Quintet
3rd Prize – Huntingtower String Ensemble
Open Small Instrumental Ensemble
1st Prize – Huntingtower Mendelssohn Quintet
Open Large Instrumental Ensemble
1st Prize – Huntingtower String Orchestra
Perpetual Trophy for the Most Outstanding Performance won by
Huntingtower Mendelssohn Quintet.
SOLO CONCERTS
At least one solo concert and sometimes two or more 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.
In the final week of Term 1 we enjoyed a marvellous concert by Years 5 and 6 musicians including two entertaining items played by the Year 5 and 6 Orchestra. The array of talent was amazing and we hope to have a similar concert later in the year. We are looking forward to concerts for our Junior pianists, a solo concert for Year 3 and 4 musicians and our very entertaining Little Choir and Little Symphony Concert (Years Prep, 1 and 2) so by the end of Term 2 almost all our Junior musicians will have performed for us.
Year 11 and 12 musicians will also perform this term and other Senior soloists will perform throughout Terms 3 and 4. The Year 10 Solo Concert was postponed and will be rescheduled for later in the term.
HUNTINGTOWER ORCHESTRAS/CONCERT BAND
All groups have now settled extremely well into the rehearsal schedule and are making wonderful progress. As the Senior rehearsal timetable is completely different in 2010 to fit in with the Senior School academic timetable it would be extremely helpful if parents could remind students of the rehearsal times. Your help is much appreciated.
Rehearsal Schedule
Mondays 7.45am String Orchestra
Tuesdays 7.45am String Orchestra
Wednesdays 7.50am Brass Ensemble
Wednesdays 8.25am Junior Orchestra
Thursdays 7.50am Concert Band
Fridays 7.50am Senior Orchestra
Fridays 12noon Middle School Orchestra
Other smaller ensembles will rehearse at various times and individual players will be notified.
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 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. Term 2 is a great time to start!
Unfortunately there are no saxophones or flutes left but you may like to try a shiny trumpet, French horn, trombone or double bass (these instruments would suit older students from Years 6 to 12).
SPECIAL DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
1. Junior and Senior Orchestral and Choral Concert
Thursday 17 June at 7.00pm in the Performing Arts Centre. All choirs, orchestras and Concert Band (involving students from Years 3 to 12) will perform so please keep the date free and enjoy a fantastic evening!
2. Waverley Eisteddfod Ensemble sections which usually involve every player from Years 3 to 12 on Saturday 14 August – please keep this date free also.
3. Huntingtower Camerata Gala Concert
Sunday 10 October at 2.30pm. There will be many more details to come but once again all players (Years Prep to 12) and choristers (Years 3 to 12) are involved in this very important event.
MUSIC DATES – TERM 2 2010
1. YEAR 11 and 12 SOLO CONCERT
Wednesday 12 May 7pm Orchestral Room
2. BOROONDARA EISTEDDFOD
Thursday 20 May
10am – Junior Small Ensemble Hawthorn Town Hall
1pm – Senior Small Ensemble
3. BOROONDARA EISTEDDFOD – Hawthorn Town Hall
Friday 21 May 7pm Murray Sharp Award
Wednesday 26 May 1pm Junior Large Ensemble
4. LITTLE SYMPHONY and LITTLE CHOIR CONCERT
Thursday 3 June 6pm PAC
5. JUNIOR PIANO CONCERT (Years Prep to 6)
Tuesday 8 June 6pm PAC
6. JUNIOR and SENIOR ORCHESTRAL and CHORAL CONCERT
Thursday 17 June 7pm PAC
7. YEAR 3 and 4 SOLO CONCERT
Tuesday 22 June 6pm Orchestral Room
8. MORDIALLOC EISTEDDFOD (Senior Choir)
Thursday 24 June
April 30 2010 | All and Music | No Comments » |
Posted April 30 2010Yes its time for another HOSA show directed By Lincoln Busby starring a cast of Huntingtower Past Students.
This time it’s Shakespeare Bollywood Style! A colour-drenched realm of midsummer magic where Indian gods and Jaipurian lovers collide, collude and sometimes fall in love.
It all starts with a boy. Tytania, Queen of the Fairies, is besotted with a young Indian Prince. With the help of mischievous Puck, King Oberon plans his humiliating revenge, conjuring up a web of enchantment. Meanwhile, a merry band of mortals, including four lovers and some rough and ready thespians, have wandered into the fairies realm. As the night plays out Oberon ends up catching more than he expects.
All this is interwoven with a bollywood dance in every scene.
Show dates:
Friday April 30, 7.30pm
Saturday May 1, 7.30pm
Sunday May 2, Matinee, 2.30pm
Price:
$20 Adults
$12 Child under 13
Cash, Cheque or Credit Card
April 30 2010 | All and Events | No Comments » |
Posted April 30 2010Last week, the Year 8 students began an Integrated Studies unit entitled ‘Schooling: Past, Present and Future’. The students have identified their favourite places in the school at present, and have developed proposals to improve these areas. Their next task will be to acquire an understanding of how Huntingtower has changed by interviewing people of various ages on their school experiences.
It is envisaged that between 2pm and 3pm on Friday 21 May the students will interview past students from a range of eras to obtain an overall picture of Huntingtower. If you feel you would be able to contribute your time to work with our students it would be much appreciated. You would not have to speak to the student body as a whole, but would be interviewed by a group of 2 or 3 students. Questions may cover the topics of: subjects, discipline, traditions, activities, favourite places and funny stories.
If you are interested in being a part of this activity, please email me on mlawson@huntingtower.vic.edu.au by Monday 10 May. If you are unable to attend but would still like to be involved, your memories in written form would be most appreciated.
We look forward to hearing from you.
April 30 2010 | All and Notices | No Comments » |
Posted April 30 2010
April 30 2010 | All and Events | No Comments » |
Posted April 30 2010Drink Bottles and Hydration
A new addition to the range of items available for students and parents are drink bottles with the Huntingtower Crest. It is important that students are well hydrated throughout the day and thus it is vital that all students bring a drink bottle to all sport sessions and PE lessons.
The drink bottles are available for purchase at the HT Shop, the HT Kitchen or from Ms Savage directly. The cost is $6.00.
Lost Property
An increasing amount of very good quality school clothing and miscellaneous items are being left around the school. Unfortunately, the majority of items bare no label for identity of ownership. Due to the mounting volumes we can only carry such items for a short period of time. To help reduce this problem, please would parents have students’ school clothing and relevant items clearly named. Unclaimed school clothing will be donated to the HT Shop for second-hand sales and unclaimed casual clothing to local charities.
April 30 2010 | All and Uncategorized | No Comments » |
Posted April 16 2010Thought for the week
“Giving does not impoverish us in the service of our maker, neither does withholding enrich us.” Mary Baker Eddy
Welcome back to Term Two.
For the first four weeks of this term, the Head of Junior School, Miss Greiveson will be away on Long Service Leave. During this time Mrs Margaret Jones will be in charge in the Junior School. We wish Miss Greiveson a happy and restful period of leave.
During the past holiday it seemed that there was little rest for many members of the Huntingtower community. A group of students and teachers travelled to Malaysia for a memorable experience in the Jungles, villages and schools. Everyone experienced the Malay culture and practiced the language where possible. Grateful thanks to Mrs Lim and her team who accompanied the group and organised the trip.
Our Year 11 students and a few Year 12’s travelled to South Africa for another of the now famous “Simunye Project” activities. Once again the students, past students, parents and teachers who attended have made a real difference in the lives of so many needy people. The activities of this group go so far beyond “sending money or goods”; these young people have shown a genuine sense of love to those in need by actually going there, interacting with the children and adults and building lasting relationships. Some of the projects undertaken included building tables and chairs, erecting shade cloth, building a kitchen, running a holiday education program and cuddling orphans. Once again these young people have had a life changing experience by changing the lives of others. Grateful thanks go to Mr and Mrs Dry, who are the driving force behind this wonderful activity, to the other staff members who attended and to the numerous support people. To those who supported by generously contributing to the cause, we express grateful thanks.
During the holidays, a number of Duke of Edinburgh expeditions took place. Mr Brown and some very generous teachers have done much hiking and camping. The leadership that is developed through this activity provides our students with a foundation that will last throughout their lives.
We are very grateful to Mr Brown and the teachers who supported these expeditions.
The “MySchool” website and the NAPLAN testing seems to have been front page news for some time and I would like to assure our parents that our students will all take part in the NAPLAN testing program. I recommend that parents put the school average results into the right context. There is no way of knowing what the nature of each child in a school is and whether or not a school has added value to the children’s learning through a testing program like this. A better view for our parents is to look at your child’s results and see where we can assist in adding even more value. Students may be identified as needing extra support and we can then act to lift standards.
We are investigating starting a “language club” at Huntingtower. This would be open to parents, teachers and students from Year 9 upwards. It will involve an on-line language learning program and enables participants to learn any of 35 different languages including Chinese, Japanese and all the European languages. I would like to gauge if there is any interest from parents and so if you would be interested in being involved on one afternoon a week (or more) on a casual or ongoing basis, please let the office know and leave your contact details. As much of the work is unsupervised we must restrict the activity to students over 14 years of age. If you are considering a trip to China or any other part of the world, you may find this useful. There will initially be no charge for this and depending on interest levels we will keep any costs to an absolute minimum.
If you are interested please drop in to the office and let them know or you can email the office giving your email the title of “Language Club”.
Congratulations to all involved in the Senior School Athletics Carnival. It was a great day and I appreciated the amazing effort made by every student.
Sholto Bowen
Principal
April 16 2010 | All and Principals Message | No Comments » |
Posted April 16 2010Welcome to Term 2!
As we start the new term the PTA has been busily planning activities, helping fund raise and friend raise! There are always opportunities to help out, so if you can assist the PTA at any of our events, Catherine Jenkins would be very happy to hear from you at catherine.jenkins@iinet.net.au.
Diary Dates:
- Quarterly PTA meeting ALL WELCOME, Monday 19 April, 7.30pm in the Library
- Junior School Mother’s Day Stall, Monday 5 May 2010 (Jnr School Science Room)
- HOSA Midsummer Nights Dream, interval suppers Friday 30 April, Saturday 1 May (both evenings) and Sunday 2 May (matinee).
- Bunnings Sausage Sizzle (Saturday 12 June, Nottinghill).
- Fete – Saturday 6 November 2010.
Mother’s Day Stall
Wednesday 5 May in the Junior Science Room. Assistant sales persons required from 9.00am to 1.00pm. One hour shifts or more available if required. One or two people are needed per shift. Pleasant working environment, with minimal pay! Please apply to Debbie Jones 9885 1048 or debbie.quilter@hotkey.net.au.
HOSA Interval Suppers
Deb Davey would be delighted to hear from any parents able to help serve supper at the HOSA production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Even if you are there to watch the show, we’d love it if you were able to help just during interval time. Please contact debbiedavey67@gmail.com.
Other Fundraising Opportunities
Huntingtower School is in partnership with
Receive a 5% discount on all full priced items every time you shop in store, simply visit Rebel Sport Glen Waverley to receive your personal Member Value Program Card. Rebel Sport Glen Waverley is located in the Glen Shopping Centre
Also, the Airstream Café will donate 5% on every meal purchased to the Huntingtower PTA.
In addition, there are Ritchies cards available at HT Reception which provides donations direct to Huntingtower. Please feel free to pop in and pick one up.
April 16 2010 | All and PTA | No Comments » |
Posted April 16 2010SOLO CONCERTS
At least one solo concert and sometimes two or more 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.
In the final week of Term 1 we enjoyed a marvellous concert by Years 5 and 6 musicians including two entertaining items played by the Year 5 and 6 Orchestra. The array of talent was amazing and we hope to have a similar concert later in the year. We are looking forward to concerts for our Junior pianists, a solo concert for Year 3 and 4 musicians and our very entertaining Little Choir and Little Symphony Concert (Years Prep, 1 and 2) so by the end of Term 2 almost all our Junior musicians will have performed for us.
Year 11 and 12 musicians will also perform this term and other Senior soloists will perform throughout Terms 3 and 4.
The Year 10 Solo Concert (scheduled for next Thursday 22 April has been postponed.)
HUNTINGTOWER ORCHESTRAS/CONCERT BAND
All groups have now settled extremely well into the rehearsal schedule and are making wonderful progress. As the Senior rehearsal timetable is completely different in 2010 to fit in with the Senior School academic timetable it would be extremely helpful if parents could remind students of the rehearsal times. Your help is much appreciated.
Rehearsal Schedule
Mondays 7.45am String Orchestra
Tuesdays 7.45am String Orchestra
Wednesdays 7.50am Brass Ensemble
Wednesdays 8.25am Junior Orchestra
Thursdays 7.50am Concert Band
Fridays 7.50am Senior Orchestra
Fridays 12noon Middle School Orchestra
Other smaller ensembles will rehearse at various times and individual players will be notified.
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 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. Term 2 is a great time to start!
Unfortunately there are no saxophones or flutes left but you may like to try a shiny trumpet, French horn, trombone or double bass (these instruments would suit older students from Years 6 to 12).
If you 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 have now been contacted. 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.
CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY
It was an extremely exciting occasion on March 18 when 26 Huntingtower musicians (representing students from Years Prep to 12) performed to a large, enthusiastic audience at the Robert Blackwood Hall. 504 people accepted the role of becoming an Australian citizen and it was a great privilege to perform at such a special occasion. Hearty congratulations and sincere thanks to all.
SPECIAL DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
1. Junior and Senior Orchestral and Choral Concert
Thursday 17 June at 7.00pm in the Performing Arts Centre. All choirs, orchestras and Concert Band (involving students from Years 3 to 12) will perform so please keep the date free and enjoy a fantastic evening!
2. Waverley Eisteddfod Ensemble sections which usually involve every player from Years 3 to 12 on Saturday 14 August – please keep this date free also.
3. Huntingtower Camerata Gala Concert
Sunday 10 October at 2.30pm. There will be many more details to come but once again all players (Years Prep to 12) and choristers (Years 3 to 12) are involved in this very important event.
MUSIC DATES – TERM 2 2010
1. AMEB VIOLIN EXAMS
Sunday 25 April
9am-5pm
2. BOROONDARA EISTEDDFOD
Wednesday 28 April
6pm – Senior Chamber Ensemble Hawthorn Town Hall
3. YEAR 11 and 12 SOLO CONCERT
Wednesday 12 May 7pm Orchestral Room
4. BOROONDARA EISTEDDFOD
Thursday 20 May
10am – Junior Small Ensemble Hawthorn Town Hall
1pm – Senior Small Ensemble
5. BOROONDARA EISTEDDFOD – Hawthorn Town Hall
Friday 21 May 7pm Murray Sharp Award
Wednesday 26 May 1pm Junior Large Ensemble
6. LITTLE SYMPHONY and LITTLE CHOIR CONCERT
Thursday 3 June 6pm PAC
7. JUNIOR PIANO CONCERT (Years Prep to 6)
Tuesday 8 June 6pm PAC
8. JUNIOR and SENIOR ORCHESTRAL and CHORAL CONCERT
Thursday 17 June 7pm PAC
9. YEAR 3 and 4 SOLO CONCERT
Tuesday 22 June 6pm Orchestral Room
10. MORDIALLOC EISTEDDFOD (Senior Choir)
Thursday 24 June
April 16 2010 | All and Music | No Comments » |
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