Newcastle Grammar School

2008 Media Releases

November 2009

Impressions 2009
Each year, Elective Visual Arts Students from Newcastle Grammar School display their artworks across a wide range of art forms including paintings, sculptures, print making and drawing.

The exhibition showcases the imagination, talent and skills the current Year 9, 10 and 11 Students possess and encapsulates the creativity of elective art Students during 2009.

Opening night for this year’s exhibition – Impressions 2009 - is on Friday, 6 November at 7.00pm in the Arts Space – Hill Campus, Newcastle Grammar School, Newcomen Street entrance.

The Exhibition is open this Saturday, 7 and Sunday, 8 November from 11.00am to 3.00pm.

October 2009

Local School Aerobics Team To Compete In World Competition
A dedicated team of aerobics enthusiasts from Newcastle Grammar School has qualified to compete at the FISAF World Aerobics and Fitness Championships to take place on the island of Martinique in the Caribbean this year.

Several teams from Newcastle Grammar School recently competed in the FISAF National Aerobics and Fitness Championships held in Melbourne. Their many hours of practice and commitment paid off, resulting in the teams bringing home one gold and two bronze medals.

The gold medal-winning Junior Step team is made up of six Year 9 and 10 students and they are looking forward to the upcoming challenge of performing on an international stage. They are the only School team competing at the World Championships and they also qualified to trial for the Australian Team in 2010.

September 2009

Newcastle Grammar School Celebrates Headmaster’s 20th Anniversary
October 2009 marks the 20th Anniversary of Mr Alan Green as Headmaster of Newcastle Grammar School. Mr Green and his wife Bronwyn moved with their young family from Orange to Newcastle and quickly became entrenched in the life of the School and the city. Over the past two decades, Mr Green, with the support of his wife and dedicated staff, has worked tirelessly to bring the school well into the 21st century.

The profile of the campus has changed enormously under Mr Green’s guidance, with several new buildings being erected to accommodate the growing student population and to cater for ever-changing educational needs. The School has flourished to become the leading independent School in the Hunter Region, with outstanding academic results and state of the art facilities.

Mr Green’s vision has also brought about Newcastle Grammar School’s Park Campus which is marking its tenth anniversary this year. This was the long-vacant site of the old TAFE which has now been transformed into a vibrant and valuable part of the Cooks Hill community, accommodating students from Preschool to Year 4.

Mr Green is involved in several educational, church and charitable committees and is dedicated to the education of the Hunter’s future adults. The School is planning to celebrate his anniversary with a lunch-time barbecue for all the students and a cake or two!

Newcastle Grammar School Spring Fair 2009
Newcastle Grammar School Park Campus is opening its doors to the public on Saturday, 26 September from 9.00am – 3.00pm for the annual Spring Fair.

There is something for everyone at this year’s Fair with a wide variety of rides and stalls to entice the whole family, including the ”must have” favourites of showground and pony rides, fairy floss, slushies, hotdogs, corn on the cob and show bags.

Additional attractions for the young (and young at heart) include hair colouring and tattoo stalls, bubble wands, balloons, lucky dips, lolly bags and other great activities.

Prizes on the hour, every hour. The community has come on board to support the Fair this year, with visitors having a record number of opportunities to win some fantastic prizes through the raffle, chocolate wheel and lucky gate prizes.

Stock up on a variety of art, craft, plants, educational and novelty giftware, enjoy a massage, a wine tasting or just savour a coffee at the Park Café while soaking up the atmosphere. The fair opens at 9.00am but if you are an enthusiastic bargain hunter – come early and browse the garage sale which starts at 6.30am.

Nexus 11 Annual Art Exhibition 2009
Raising funds for kids!

Nexus 11 is the annual art exhibition hosted by Newcastle Grammar School featuring many of Newcastle’s leading artists.

The Nexus exhibition raises funds for both the Nexus Paediatric and Adolescent mental health unit at the John Hunter Hospital, and the Newcastle Grammar School art department.

The Nexus Unit is an acute intensive care unit which has been operational for six and a half years. The unit cares for children with a vast range of issues, from behavioural problems associated with autism and Aspergers to eating disorders, mood disorders and more acute and immediate issues.

The Nexus Art exhibition has been a huge success over the past 10 years, this year being the 11th consecutive exhibit. The connectivity between the local art community and the school family has always been the primary aim of the Nexus Art Exhibition. Today, over 40 Newcastle professional artists display their work, making Nexus a credible and valuable exhibit.

Many different art forms will be exhibited including; painting, drawing, collage, photography, sculpture, printmaking, jewellery, ceramics and illustration.

The exhibition will open on Friday, 18 September at 7.00pm in the Holland Building at Newcastle Grammar School Hill Campus, entry via Newcomen Street.

Opening night is always a celebratory affair with fine wine, champagne and food supplied by James Estate Wines and Sprout Catering.

This fabulous event provides many art lovers the opportunity to meet many of the exhibiting artists.

Some of the artists exhibiting this year include:
Jane Parkes
Kerrie Coles
Brett Alexander
Julie Owers
Brian Cox
Margaret McBride
Barry Maitland
Nikki Marsh
Kate Hansen
Pauline Tickner
Rae Richards
Delilah Van Wyk
Varelle Hardy
Darrell Tickner
Angela Armstrong
Liz Cameron
Roger Smith

Artists participating are all professional, some working full time on their pieces, whilst others teach in institutions such as the Fine Arts department of the University of Newcastle, Fine Arts department of TAFE and in Newcastle schools. Most artists have exhibited works both nationally and internationally.

August 2009

Newcastle Grammar School Founders’ Day Celebrations
On Friday, 7 August, Newcastle Grammar School celebrated the 91st anniversary of the founding of Newcastle Church of England Girls’ Grammar School. The day commenced with the students, staff, parents and friends of the school joining together for a service in Christ Church Cathedral.

Following the service, a Grandparents day was held at Park Campus including the traditional lunch-time picnic and games afternoon. Senior students enjoyed participating in a music festival on Hill Campus.

At noon, the School’s cadets conducted a Passing Out Parade on the courts, where the Year 12 cadets marched out after six years’ service with the Unit. The reviewing officer for the parade was Lieutenant Colonel Laurie Kelly AM,RFD,ED (Retd) and he also presented awards to the Most Efficient Cadet in each year group.

The Founders’ Day dinner took place at Park Campus later that evening, and a variety of creative costumes were worn in keeping with the theme ‘Titanic’.

Newcastle Grammar School, established in 1859, is one of Newcastle's most historically significant schools. The School has links to the earliest days of Anglican education in the city, beginning in 1816 when convict Henry Wrensford taught thirty-eight children in a small room in Christ Church, on the site of today's Cathedral.

Newcastle Church of England Girls' Grammar School was officially opened on 22 July 1918 with an enrolment of fifty-six girls. In 1978, boys were once again enrolled at the School.

Today, Newcastle Grammar School is the leading independent School in the Hunter Valley Region, offering tuition to boys and girls from preschool through to Year 12.

July 2009

Newcastle Grammar School Athlete Places Eighth in World Youth Championships
Talented local athlete Liam Speers, a Year 12 Student at Newcastle Grammar School, has set a new personal best to place eighth in the final of the boys’ discus throw at the World Youth Championships in Bressanone, Italy on the 9 July 2009. He qualified for the final with a throw of 56.48m and then recorded two personal best distances on his second and fourth throws.

Liam opened with a 49.97m throw and then achieved his first personal best for the evening with a distance of 58.29m. He fouled his third throw and then recovered to record a second personal best of 58.53m, almost a full metre ahead of his furthest distance prior to the World Youth competition.

“I got two personal bests and eighth for my age in the world, so there’s no way I’m complaining – I’m ecstatic,” Speers said. “That’s what you get when you go into a competition like this, you don’t know what you’re going to throw and I threw well, so I’m really happy.”

Speers commented that he hoped to take home with him the lessons learned from his debut overseas performance. “I hope this is going to reflect on some of my other competitions now because sometimes I do struggle with a bit of pressure but I’m getting better and today proved it, it’s good”, he said.

June 2009

Local Aerobics Stars off to the Caribbean!
FISAF World Fitness Championships 2009 for Seniors and Juniors, and Cadet Cup are held this year 1 – 5 December 2009 in the beautiful sunny Island of the Martinique (France)

Aerobics Students and many hopeful Parents left Newcastle Grammar School for the NSW State Aerobics Championships in Sydney.

This year’s championship was held in The Hills Centre – Castle Hill.

The Aerobics Students were hopeful that the intense training sessions they had endured would achieve the rewards they sought. The competition was strong with thirteen aerobics teams competing for honours.

As a result of a very strong performance, the Newcastle Grammar Junior Step Team was announced as qualifying to compete in the World FISAF Aerobics and Fitness Championships. These championships will be held in The Caribbean later this year.

Wesley McGrath from the Junior School was the first to compete presenting an outstanding Solo Performance, gaining third place in the Male Mini Singles.

Wesley is a first year Aerobics Student and this was his first solo performance.

The Teams from the Junior School then competed in the primary fitness category and received the following placings.
The Red Devils - First Place
White All Stars - Third Place
Blue Diamonds - Fourth Place

An excellent result showing real potential from the Junior School in 2009. The precision and execution of their moves was very impressive.

The next category to compete were the Junior Step teams. The School had three teams compete with the following results being achieved.
Newcastle Grammar ‘ABBA’ First Place
NGS 2 Third Place
NGS 3 Fourth place

Our Cadet Fitness team was next to compete performing a well executed routine finishing in a commendable Second Place.

The final sections for the day were our Hip Hop Teams. This was a very successful section with NGS 1 gaining First Place and The Funksters gaining Third Place in the cadet section.

In the Junior section NGS Hustlers finished in Second Place with the NGS Freestylers in Third Place.

The Parents and Friends support in assistance with Costumes and grooming was most appreciated on the day.

Tobi Harris’s Choreography for Hip Hop was performed exceptionally well by all NGS competitors.

Sincere thanks to Stephanie Martin, Mrs Watt and Diane Harris for their efforts in bringing the teams to a winning performance and to the Aerobics Students for their strong performances on the day.

Newcastle Grammar School drama performance fosters community spirit!
Newcastle Grammar School has a strong link with the local performing arts community and this allows our Staff to encourage Students to use their creative imagination and talents on stage.

Every year the School’s Year 10 Students participate in producing a drama performance, and this year the Students are performing part of the pageant Noye’s Fludde (Noah’s Flood). This mediaeval Chester Miracle Play was performed ordinary people: local craftsmen and tradesmen of the town and their families, with choristers from the local church or cathedral for the children’s parts.

The production will embody the traditional elements of this pageant with some of a more contemporary nature. Students have been working on creating masks, puppets and costumes that encompass the many talents of the Students at the School. This year’s performance will also include the talents of Year 6 & 7 Students who will form an additional choral group.

This is an ongoing commitment for the Students, who have been enjoying the challenges and rewards that go with a production of this kind. The Year 10 Production consistently proves to be an exciting adventure for all Students involved, with many being left with memories that last a lifetime.

This year’s production is designed to embody and foster a sense of community spirit and inclusion in Newcastle Grammar School and the wider community and will include community singing.

Performances will be nightly in the Horbury Hunt Hall on the Hill Campus of Newcastle Grammar School between Thursday, 30 July and Saturday, 1 August and will commence at 7.00pm.

May 2009

150 years of educating the youth of Newcastle and the Hunter!
From the Spirit: A History of Newcastle Grammar School
Anne Dunne, Troy Duncan, Rosemary Melville

Excerpt from INTRODUCTION
One of the longest established Schools in the region, Newcastle Grammar School is celebrating 150 years this year and to celebrate, will be launching a hard cover, glossy book on its history. Hunter History Consultants have been commissioned by the School for the project, which commenced in 2006 and covers the long and interesting history of the School.

The School has links to the earliest days of Anglican education in the city, beginning in 1816 when convict Henry Wrensford taught thirty eight children in a small room in Christ Church, on the site of today's Cathedral.

Newcastle Grammar School was originally established as a Grammar School in 1853 in the vestry of Christ Church Cathedral for the education of the sons of Newcastle's growing middle classes. As a Church of England School, it had an historical link to an earlier School that formerly occupied the same building, namely Newcastle's first School, the Christ Church School. In 1859 a new School house was erected for Newcastle Grammar School on land granted to the Anglicans opposite the Cathedral. Later known as Berkeley House this building served Newcastle Grammar School until 1900 when it was forced to close due to lack of enrolments. It would be almost another 80 years before boys returned to Berkeley House although a new Church Grammar School for boys, known as the Broughton School, was founded on the Newcastle Hill in 1926.

In 1918 the Church of England Grammar School for Girls (CEGGS) was opened with 10 boarders and 28 day pupils in the former Newcastle Grammar School house. With the objective to provide "the very best of intellectual, moral, and religious training", CEGGS operated for 58 years, its governance overseen by a School Council appointed by Synod. In reality though, responsibility for every aspect of its day to day existence was in the hands of a succession of formidable headmistresses who, assisted by dedicated staff and loyal support groups, succeeded in keeping the doors open despite inadequate funding and continuing challenges.

The transfer of administrative control to Pittwater House at the end of 1976 marked a new beginning in the history of the School. Charged with the task of re-establishing a viable economic footing, the new management implemented a number of changes including the revival of the name Newcastle Grammar School, and the return of secondary School aged boys to the campus. In 1976 the School had approximately 170 pupils and 15 staff.

By the beginning of 1992 when Pittwater relinquished control and management was transferred to an autonomous body known as Newcastle Grammar School Limited, enrolments had increased to 601 and the staff numbered 70. Although no longer a Diocesan School, Newcastle Grammar School maintains a close association with the Anglican Church and in particular Christ Church Cathedral.

Spanning two campuses, and with just over 800 students, Newcastle Grammar School confidently lays claim to the title of the region's leading independent, co-educational day School.

The most important investment for our future – your child’s education.
In an every changing world, there is only one constant – the importance of a quality education. Our age of economic unrest and rapid technological change demands that today’s youth must be better prepared than ever before.

Newcastle Grammar School continues to be the leading non-selective School in the Hunter Region and its no wonder enrolments continue to increase with the School’s Academic, Music, Visual Art and Sporting achievements exceeding all expectations in 2008.

Highlights include;
• In the 2008 HSC, Newcastle Grammar School ranked 38th in the State and the top non selective School in the Hunter Region.
• 44% of Students received a UAI of over 90 in the 2008 HSC.
• 92% of Students received a UAI of over 60 in the 2008 HSC.
• Top UAI of 99.50 was achieved by one of our Students in the 2008 HSC.
• 1 Student has been selected to perform at Encore 2009.
• 1 Student has had their artwork nominated for Art Express 2009.
• On the sporting field, 73 Students either won at State level or placed at National level.

The School also has a concentrated community focus with a three year World Vision School to School project nearing the end of completion. The goal was to raise $150,000.00 over three years to build three boarding houses for a School in the Farkwa community of Tanzania. This is not just a fundraising initiative, but an educational project encouraging our Students to be more globally minded and globally supportive. So far almost $115,000.00 has been raised.

On a local level, Newcastle Grammar School with assistance from the Australian Government’s Community Water Grants, has launched an environmental project set to save 2 500 000 litres of water per year.

3 large rainwater tanks (totaling 65 kL) have been installed on the School’s Park Campus site, strategically placed to capture and retain rainwater which will then be harvested and used to flush the School toilets. Pending the retention of water, this could also be used for irrigation of the grounds.

Newcastle Grammar School is holding an Open Day on Friday, 26 June from 9am to 11am. Giving Parents and Students a chance to view the exceptional facilities as well as chat to current Students and Staff and get a REAL understanding of what School life would be like at Newcastle Grammar School.

April 2009

Newcastle Grammar School Fundraising Dinner – expected to raise $10,000!
Newcastle Grammar School will be holding a fundraising dinner this Friday, 1st May 2009 to help cap off a 3 year commitment to the World Vision School to School programme – an ambitious project to raise $150,000 over three years to build 3 boarding houses for a School in the Farkwa Community of Tanzania.

The dinner will commence on the steps of Christ Church Cathedral at 6.30pm where guests will enjoy champagne and canapés whilst listening to Newcastle Grammar School Student musicians. The group will then move across to Horbury Hunt Hall on the site of the School, for a smorgasbord dinner, more entertainment and an auction. Dessert will then be served on the balcony of the School’s staff common room in the new Holland building.

Guests have the option of dressing up in African theme / colours and will include Assistant Bishop of Newcastle Peter Stewart and his wife, The Dean of Newcastle James Rigney and his wife, Headmaster Alan Green and his wife, Alan and Natalie Tonks, Harry and Catherine Raftos, Angela and Robert Scrymgour, and Nick and Phillipa Killin.

The dinner is expected to raise approximately $10,000.

Newcastle Grammar School has a strong orientation towards meeting the needs of others in the local and wider community. In addition, extensive and significant fundraising activities are conducted to support major local and worldwide charities.

March 2009

Newcastle Grammar School – saves our community water!
Newcastle Grammar School with assistance from the Australian Government’s Community Water Grants, has launched an environmental project at the School set to save 2 500 000 litres of water per year.

“We are proud to work together with the Australian Government to help improve water efficiency within our community” said Mr Alan Green, Headmaster of Newcastle Grammar School. “The Community Water Grants initiative encourages better water use and improvements in water quality through practical on-the-ground projects, such as reducing pollutants reaching our waterways, and in our case water recycling and efficiency initiatives.” said Mr Green.

Total cost of the project was $67 000 with $46 000 being received from Government grants and $21 000 being contributed directly by School, The University of Newcastle and volunteer professionals.

Dr Steven Lucas, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow School of Environmental & Life Sciences at The University of Newcastle said “The University of Newcastle will continue to monitor water use at the School using smartmeter technology. Eventually, the aim is for Students to run their own water savings programme to encourage awareness and improve education in the future”.

Community Water Grants is part of the $2 billion Australian Government Water Fund. Water savings, recycling and treatment projects that demonstrate community involvement and a clear public benefit are eligible for funding up to $50,000.

Local School raises almost $100,000 for World Vision School to School project in Farkwa, Tanzania!
In October 2007, Newcastle Grammar School committed to a World Vision School to School programme – an ambitious project to raise $150,000 over three years to build 3 boarding houses for a School in the Farkwa Community of Tanzania.

This programme allows our Students an opportunity for learning and cultural exchange as our School raises funds to assist a School in another country. The School to School Programme offers the chance for first hand learning and the potential for bringing new hope to children and young people growing up in a very different environment.

This is not just a fund raising initiative, but an educational project encouraging our Students to be more globally aware, globally minded and globally supportive.

The monies raised for the new facilities in Farkwa will help to:
• Increase the students’ level of education and performance by providing safe and comfortable accommodation.
• Boost the morale and motivation of the students by providing them with a secure home and study environment.
• Reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission.

So far………………the School has almost $100,000 through initiatives including; Farkwa Friday - Farkwa Friday commenced in October 2008, where all Students were given the option of purchasing a specially designed Tanzanian themed shirt – in which they could wear on Friday’s with their sports uniform. This was a huge hit with everyone (including Staff) and the initiative has continued into 2009.

Phones for Farkwa - This campaign has also been successful, with numerous old mobile phone handsets, batteries and accessories being collected for recycling. The proceeds of every handset we collect and have recycled will go towards the project.

Raffle Tickets - The Students have been working hard in selling raffle tickets at various events throughout the year.

Generous Donations – Students, Parents and Staff have also donated generously.

In an effort to illustrate what has been achieved so far, a DVD has been put together by some very hard working volunteers showcasing the small community of Farkwa, Tanzania and the boarding houses that have been built. A touching piece is also included of a Tanzanian Student expressing their thanks for the support of Newcastle Grammar School.

February 2009

Newcastle Grammar School raises funds for the VIC bushfire victims.
At 12:25pm TODAY, Newcastle Grammar School Students will be holding a fundraising BBQ in an effort to raise money for the VIC bushfire victims.

Students from both the Park and Hill Campus’ were keen to assist in the fundraising efforts and came up with the idea of the BBQ so the whole School can get together and reflect on the past few weeks events.

With sausages sandwiches selling for $2 and drinks $2, all monies raised will go directly to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal. The School is expected to raise over $2,000.00 with donations from Students and Staff also expected.

Local School exceeds all expectations!
Newcastle Grammar School continues to be the leading non-selective School in the Hunter Region and its no wonder enrolments continue to increase with the School’s Academic, Music, Visual Art and Sporting achievements exceeding all expectations in 2008.

Right now, Newcastle Grammar School is offering Academic, Music and Visual Arts Scholarships for Students entering Year 5 to 11 in 2010. Scholarships come in the form of a reduction in Tuition Fees. Applications close Wednesday 1st April 2009. For further information visit www.ngs.nsw.edu.au.

January 2009

Scholarship opportunities for Local Students!
Every year Newcastle Grammar School offers a number of Scholarships to promising Students for entry into the School in the following year. The majority of these Scholarships are for academic merit, but there are also some Scholarships available in the areas of Music and Visual Arts.

Scholarships take the form of remission of School fees, either in part or in whole, and are only available to Australian citizens and permanent residents of Australia.

Means Tested Scholarships are available after the applicant has been short listed on application.

Scholarship examinations, Music auditions and Music and Visual Arts interviews for 2010 entry will be held on Thursday, 9 April 2009. Applications close on Wednesday, 1 April 2009.

As the premier school in the region, Newcastle Grammar School prides itself on nurturing its students and harnessing their individuality. With a focus on academic, sport, music and the arts, the School’s educational programs and facilities are second to none.

Exceptional HSC Results for local School!
Newcastle Grammar School has had another bumper year of results in the 2008 Higher School Certificate (HSC).

With the School maintaining its record of being the leading non selective School outside of Sydney, the 76 Year 12 Students that sat this year’s HSC gained a total of 107 credits (calculated on the number of instances where a Student achieved a score of 90 or more in a subject).

These results ranked Newcastle Grammar School 38th in the State and the top non selective School in the Hunter Region as reported by The Daily Telegraph (18 December 2008).

44% of Students received a UAI of over 90 and 92% of Students received a UAI of over 60. The top UAI results achieved were Laura Lavis with a UAI of 99.50, Rowan Katekar with a UAI of 99.30 and Genevieve Ryan with a UAI of 98.80

To cap off a wonderful year of results, the School also had 1 Student selected to perform at ENCORE 2009 as well as 1 Student having their artwork nominated for ART EXPRESS 2009.

On the sporting field, 73 Students received Gold either won at State level or placed at National level.

The 2008 Higher School Certificate results continued the School’s fine academic tradition and when reviewing the School’s results over the last decade, places Newcastle Grammar School as the leading non-selective School outside of Sydney.