Trivia Night

I would like to sincerely congratulate the PA (perfectly led by Karen Primmer and Jacqui Wong) for organizing such a wonderful Trivia Night last Saturday night. As I mentioned on the evening, it was incredible to see the amazing generosity of Avondale families, especially with the bidding on the children’s art works. The raising of close to $10,000 is a credit to everyone who attended the evening. A special thanks must go to the many parent volunteers for the countless hours spent behind the scenes working on the Trivia Night. The team of willing parent volunteers ensured a fun night had by all and the fundraisers success for the school.  It was tremendous to see the warm community spirit of parents and teachers and we look forward to many more events like this one for the future.

Teachers Day

I would like to acknowledge the tremendous work of the dedicated and hardworking teachers at Avondale Grammar School.  Last Tuesday was “Teacher’s Day” in Singapore and I think the article below (a favourite one of mine) is a relevant one that depicts the important role a teacher plays in the lives of young people. Let’s acknowledge the work of our teachers!

Teaching is Like Conducting An Orchestra

Recently while travelling, I was privileged to hear one of the few female conductors to lead a major orchestra. Seeing her conduct was almost as significant as hearing the extraordinary performance. She expressed every nuance of the music with her posture, the point of the baton, her outstretched arms, and the perfect synchronization of movement and music.

Teaching is like conducting an orchestra. Learning the score, rehearsing and appreciating talent can apply to our work as teachers, as well the work of a conductor. We must have the knowledge of the subject, as the conductor must have a knowledge of the music. We must know the learners like the conductor knows his musicians. We must have many “rehearsals” as we present many lessons on a topic. We must appreciate the talents of the individuals, but expect each to contribute to the overall music. Whether observing a gifted conductor or watching a knowledgeable teacher, I am struck by the complex tasks they must perform simultaneously. Staying true to the composer’s music is much like staying true to the author’s test. But every conductor will say there is room for interpretation. There must be difficult musical measures, like the difficult passages of a test.

Without musical skills, however, no amount of rehearsing will make a good performance.

A star pupil or two will enter our classrooms like the guest pianist playing Beethoven or the first violinist featured in the Chopin performance. Remember, however – the orchestra creates most of the music and each musician’s talent must harmonize for a successful performance. Great teachers accept their accolades when their students learn, but they also recognize that they must continue to be learners. The great ones seek others to observe, to help them hone their skills, and to stretch their interpretations of the great works.

The complimentary words the conductor heard after the orchestra’s performance were inspiring, brilliant, energetic and compelling, but the conductor always referred back to the talents of the musicians and the brilliance of the composers. While teachers may lack the spotlight of the conductor’s stage, without their work the music cannot be played.

School Swimming Carnival

It was tremendous to see the infectious spirit and atmosphere at Avondale’s swimming carnival last Thursday. In typically hot and humid conditions the children across the school were splendid in their races and competed with great enthusiasm and determination. Children swam in a variety of competitive and novelty events with participation on the day at a high level. All students received a certificate in competing on the day and ribbons for placings.

Congratulations to all countries on their fabulous spirit and in the way they conducted themselves in their teams.

A big congratulations to Ghana for being the eventual winning country. Well done as well to all students who developed the many creative chants and songs for their countries. I would like to wholeheartedly thank Mr Perkowsky for his work in organizing the carnival and to all the staff and parent volunteers for their tireless efforts and work in helping support the children in the pool. A big thanks must also go to Ms Theresa and Mr Ganesh for their many hours spent in also helping organize this special sporting event for the children.

Nut Free School

A number of parents have been asking about whether Avondale is a “NUT FREE” school. Please read below from our Parent Handbook given out to all families at the start of the year.

We encourage students to maintain a healthy diet. To this end, we do not allow students to sell lollies, chocolates or sweets of any description to raise money. Parents are encouraged not to send lollies, chips, chocolates and other treat type foods in their child’s lunchbox. Rather, healthy snacks like fruit should be encouraged. Avondale is also a “NUT FREE” school.

Upcoming Events

Thursday 10th September
Family Concert
14th – 18th September
Parent/Teacher Interviews
Monday 21st September
Hari Raya Public Holiday – no school for children on this date

Have a great weekend.

Martin Tait
Head of Avondale Grammar School