From the Principal Anne Ross:

Education Week – 24 - 31 May

The Sydney Region Achievement Awards Presentation Ceremony for 2009 opened this year’s Education Week and it was a very uplifting occasion.  School representatives and family members heard citations that captured the amazing achievements and contributions of individual students, teachers, administration staff, parents, community members and schools.

In the 5 year history of these awards, this is the first time any student has been successful from GRC Penshurst Girls Campus and this year we actually had two of our Year 10 students receive these awards.

Kate H. received a highly Commended Award for Outstanding Student Achievement in Years 7 – 10. She has performed at an outstanding level of academic achievement, continually works very hard to achieve personal goals.  Kate is an exceptional sportswoman gaining recognition in many disciplines including cricket, netball and athletics.  She exemplifies the attributes of a fair, democratic leader with the utmost integrity as our Student Representative Council President. Kate was awarded the Hurstville City Council Young Citizenship Community Involvement Award as she has demonstrated the genuine care of others less fortunate. Kate is held in the highest respect by her peers, teachers and parents, past Penshurst girls and the wider community.

Stephanie R. received the overall Outstanding Achievement by an Aboriginal Student in Years 7 - 10. Stephanie has the rare honour of being the first Aboriginal Baton Twirler to represent both her people and her country at all levels of her chosen sport, including the national titles in Ireland.  Stephanie has always been a person who will lead if there is no leader, but would prefer that people walk beside her. This year Stephanie has taken on the honour to deliver ‘the Acknowledgement to Country’ at our school assemblies and adopted the role of mentor to younger Aboriginal girls in Years 7 and 8.  A student with humility and integrity, Stephanie is now shining amongst her peers adopting their total respect for who she is and what she has achieved.

We celebrated Back to School Day as part of Education Week and we welcomed a number of Penshurst Girls to our assembly and thanked them for their time in sharing their career journeys with students in Years 9 and 10.

Our visitors included:  Julia Boyle, music teacher and business manager; Wendy Buckly, travel agent; Robyn Caine, celebrant; Laura Carolan, theatre production; Kellie Donnelly, nurse; Paulette McFarland, foster child carer; Christie Rothwell, horse breeder and Science teacher; Elizabeth Stevens, business; Katherine Zeritis, artist.

Thanks go to Ms Burgmann and Mrs Bricknell for their work in organising this visit during Education Week and the achievements of students both past and present are acknowledged as well as the continuing professionalism of our teachers.

Student Recognition

Evangeline A. Year 7 was accepted to be part of the Sydney Region Band which includes a three day camp and performance at the Opera House.  This is a wonderful opportunity to represent the school.

Grace Y. Year 8 has been selected to participate at the Senior State Music Camp for saxophone alto which is an outstanding achievement.