NEWSLETTER. Making News. MAD Day!

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1 NEWSLETTER I SSUE N O A UGUST 2016 Making News MAD Day! Our College MAD Day fundraising kicked off early in the year with the 'Valentine's Day Encore' Roses. After this great start, there followed a steady stream of student-run initiatives and teacher-supported activities: Milkshakes Mondays, Bake Sales, Penalty Shoot-Outs, Onesie Hugs and more. Our aim was in build the spirit of 'Making a Difference' in our Community and build momentum towards the MAD Day Walkathon Celebration. All of these efforts were to raise funds for the Presentation Sisters and the La Sallian Foundation. We want to help support the wonderful work they do for our local and the global community. During our leadership meetings throughout the year, a multitude of ideas were thrown around, discussed, debated and often promptly thrown out. However, despite the number of difficulties we faced and failures we experienced, we relished the occasional victory. This year saw the introduction of the 'House of the Week'. These weeks have played a major role in engaging the College Community in the lead-up to MAD Day. As fate would have it and in spite of our best efforts to build momentum, MAD Day (continued on page 4) 5-11 Caroline Street Dandenong 3175 T: (03) F: (03) E: stjohns@sjcdandenong.catholic.edu.au

2 From the Principal Dear St John s Regional College Community, World Youth Day World Youth Day (WYD) was recently held in Kraków Poland. This event provides a wonderful opportunity for youth and young adults from different parts of the world to build friendships through the common ground of humanity and faith in the Jesus Christ. St Bede s Mentone, held a local World Youth Day Event. A number of St John s students and staff together with over 50 young men and women participated. In a retreat style format, with facilitators and guest speakers these young people reflected on what it means to be a young believer in the contemporary world, and how each of us is called to be the face of mercy. This same spirit was echoed in the address given by Pope Francis on the evening of 30 July to a crowd numbering in the millions: We have come here from different parts of the world, from different continents, countries, languages, cultures and peoples. Some of us are sons and daughters of nations that may be at odds and engaged in various conflicts or even open war This is no time for denouncing anyone or fighting. We do not want to tear down. We have no desire to conquer hatred with more hatred, violence with more violence, terror with more terror. We are here today because the Lord has called us together. Our response to a world at war has a name: its name is fraternity, its name is brotherhood, its name is communion, its name is family. We celebrate the fact that coming from different cultures, we have come together to pray. Let our best word, our best argument, be our unity in prayer. The Feast of the Assumption Monday 15 August, was the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation. A whole College Mass was held and celebrated, by Fr Brian Gleeson from St Paul Apostle Parish Endeavour Hills. The College Community celebrated a beautiful and reverent liturgy. Prayer, story and song helped us to reflect on Mary, her strength and the role she played in God s plan for humanity. Our liturgical celebrations this year have highlighted student involvement including our wonderful Music Ministry team led by Mr Ray Ellwood with the assistance of former St John s students Maddison McNamara and Monica Nguyen. A big thank you to Mr John Rhynehart Director of Faith and Religious Education for his meticulous planning and preparation of our liturgy. MAD Day Following our College Eucharist on Monday we held our MAD Day walkathon. Under blue skies and sunshine, the College Community walked the course along the Dandenong Creek path. Students then returned to the College for music, food and celebration. 2

3 The fundraising efforts for MAD Day allows St John s to make contributions to both the Lasallian Foundation and to Wellsprings for Women Dandenong. The contributions made to the Lasallian foundation, go towards supporting a Catholic school in Pakistan which provides education for some of their poorest communities. Contributions made to Wellsprings for Women are put into an Art Therapy program for the women and families of Wellsprings. At this time, with fundraising dollars still to come in, we are close to our target of $20,000. Presentation Ball Sincere thanks is extended to our Parents and Friends Association for their incredible work organising and running the St John s Presentation Ball. Without the incredible work of Mrs Julia Taylor (PFA President), Mrs Magda Rampal, Mrs Susan Hannan and Mrs Vlasta Boscolo such an event would not take place. The 36 couples and their very proud families and friends enjoyed a wonderful evening on Friday 5 August. It is remarkable that in such a short time a number of complex dance routines can be learned and then executed to the delight of the crowd. This is in no small way due to the work of the Presentation Ball dance teachers Gayle Sharpe and Andrew Elliot. I know that there will be many students in Year 10 and even in Year 9 who look forward to their opportunity to participate in the Annual Presentation Ball. However, the Parents and Friends Association does need more members to assist in the work that they do for the College. Staff Wellbeing Day Friday 26 August is a Student Free Day at the College. All College staff will be participating in a Professional Learning day with a focus on Staff Wellbeing. Time to Shine Time to Shine held earlier this year at Melbourne s iconic Regent Theatre, will be shown on Channel 7Two (72) on Saturday 27 August at 9.30am. This event brought together singers, dancers and musicians from over 60 Catholic secondary schools, providing an opportunity for students to showcase their extraordinary talents in a two-hour theatrical extravaganza. St John s Regional College ex-student Michael Cormick star of stage and screen was a special guest performer. This event is well worth watching. Andrew Walsh, Principal 3

4 MAD Day 2016 had to be cancelled last term due to bad weather. In hindsight, we might argue that this has perhaps been a blessing in disguise. It was wonderful to see the stars align for MAD day to be re-scheduled for Monday 15 August: The Feast of the Assumption of Mary. The symbolism of Mary's compassion beautifully complimented the meaning behind our celebration of Making a Difference Day. Our 8km walk was a small sacrifice to make and signified our solidarity with people who are affected by poverty all over the world. Many people of third world countries must walk for miles and miles to have access to basic living needs such as clean water. Our walk was a sign of the enormous strength of our College Community and how each and every one of us can contribute to improving the lives of many. We would like to express our overwhelming gratitude and thank you all for JOINING THE MADNESS! As of yesterday we stood at $19, We are so close to reaching and our target of $20,000 and with the upcoming House Weeks and further fundraising opportunities still to come, our goal is very achievable. We thank you all for making MAD Day mad! 4

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6 News Book Week 2016 Last week saw a huge four days in the Resource Centre to help celebrate Book Week. Our monster book sale was a raging success with over 80 bags of preloved library books going to new homes. Students were also given the opportunity to select new books for the library collection that they would like to read, and these were added to the collection. On Wednesday a group of 68 students and staff gathered in the library for our inaugural Literary Lunch. This was officially opened by the roughish and lovable entertainer and poet Brian Nankervis of Rock Wiz fame. Brian shared with us one of his favourite stories, which had quite a shock ending for all of us. He also recited some of his bizarre poetry which we all enjoyed immensely. Students then had the opportunity to discuss their books with him as he moved around the tables. Everyone enjoyed plenty of great food and camaraderie whilst discussing their favourite books with each other. A fabulous afternoon was had by all. A big thank you must go to all involved those who attended and those who provided our lunch. Thursday we had our Book Week Family Feud competition which was heaps of fun and the winners went away sporting a new novel each to read as did the winners of our Library Trivia Competition which was held on Friday. Thank you to all who took part in our Book Week activities. We hope you enjoyed yourselves. Lee Geraghty, Resource Centre Manager Congratulations Congratulations to Tamara Zupancic (LE5) who became a Gold Medallist in the Shukokai Karate Junior Division, Karate Nationals. Congratulations also goes to Abuk Kenyang (CO2) who recently represented Victoria as a member of the School Sport Victoria 15yrs and under Netball Team, in the National Netball Championships. 6

7 Commedia dell Arte In Week 4 of this Term, the Year 8 Italian classes had an incursion based on Commedia dell Arte. This means comedy art in improvised performances. We were very thankful to have Rosa from Make a Scene Theatre Company come to teach us about the Italian culture of Commedia dell Arte". Rosa brought in some unique looking masks and explained how some of them were made and how they were put on. She also asked us do some acting activities, which included how to do fake slaps in ways that some of the Italian characters would act. Throughout the incursion we were also introduced to some of the Italian characters and how act in certain situations. Some of them were called Lazzi (characters specializing in jokes and gags), Arlecchino, Pulcinella Colombina, Dottor Balanzone and Capitano. All the Year 8 Italian students had a great time and we thank Rosa for teaching us about the Italian culture of Commedia dell Arte. Michelle Nguyen,AQ8 Afternoon Tea/Study Club A new initiative has been introduced at the College this semester. The Resource Centre is open every day after school and students are welcome to attend to receive extra help for homework or study. Thanks to the generosity of two businesses, our students now have access to afternoon tea. Fresh fruit from Oakleigh Fresh and bakery products from Linden Place Hot bread have been donated every week for our hungry students. St John s College thank these two businesses for their support of our student s learning. All students are welcome and encouraged to attend the Resource Centre after school. It is open until 5pm Monday to Thursday and 4.15pm on a Friday. Please contact your child s subject teacher or coordinator if you want more information. Sonia McNally, Columba House Coordinator 7

8 Career Pathways Have you ever thought about developing your own business idea? This week in Career Pathways we have an interesting focus on the area of Entrepreneurship, with a case study from a young man who has started up his own business. As well, in this edition there is more information on both the VTAC Application process and Open Days. There are also updates from Monash and Melbourne and La Trobe Universities. Reminders Inside Monash University Seminars Final seminars in the series: Science - August 24; Teaching - September 13; Details and bookings: Year 12 Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) applications are open; timely applications close 29 Sept (see Monash Art, Design and Architecture (MADA) Workshops - 26 & 27 Sept, MADA (Caulfield campus) for Year 11 & 12 s; Bookings: Remaining Open Day Dates Sun 14 Aug Australian Catholic University (Melbourne), La Trobe University (Bendigo); RMIT University; William Angliss Institute Sat 20 Aug Chisholm Dandenong Sun 21 Aug Box Hill (Lilydale campus); Deakin University (Waterfront & Waurn Ponds); University of Melbourne; Monash (Parkville) Sun 28 Aug ACU (Ballarat): Box Hill Institute (Box Hill); Deakin University (Burwood); Federation University; Victoria University (Footscray campus) Year 10 and 11 Students: Using VTAC s Course Search For students in Year 10 who will enter VCE next year and for Year 11 students considering subjects for 2017, go to and then find Explore Course Options under the heading Search for Courses. You will be able to enter an entire proposed VCE program and discover what tertiary courses are available to you (ie courses for which you have the prerequisite VCE subjects) or find out whether you need a particular VCE subject for a course you are considering. ALL YEAR 10 and 11 students are advised to use this EXCELLENT facility. New Selection Test into Teaching Courses The Commonwealth Government now requires all students undertaking Initial Teacher Education courses in Australia to pass a literacy and numeracy test in order to obtain their degree. These tests will ensure all new teachers have the literacy and numeracy skills required to meet the demands of teaching. Information and sample questions: Careers in Psychology Seminar Each year the Student Committee of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) runs a careers seminar for 8

9 aspiring psychologists. This is an opportunity for you to get your questions answered. When: pm, Wed 24 August; Where: Cathedral Hall, Australian Catholic University (ACU), 20 Brunswick St, Fitzroy. For more information and to register your attendance: ID= Year 12 VTAC News You are reminded that applications for courses for 2017 are now open on the VTAC website. You will need your VCAA student number to create an account, the first step in the application process. Timely applications close on 29 September (cost $32.00). Late applications cost $ Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) applications are also open and can be completed following a VTAC course application (close 4 October). Scholarship applications done through VTAC close on 14 October. You can change your VTAC course application as much as you wish at no extra charge. University of Melbourne News for Year 12 s How can I Access the University of Melbourne? Students from a rural or isolated area or who have a disadvantaged financial background could be eligible for a guaranteed place at Melbourne by applying through ACCESS MELBOURNE even if your ATAR is below the Clearly-in Rank. Eligibility checklist: student must have completed an Australian Year 12 (or IB) in 2016 student is eligible for consideration in one or both of the categories disadvantaged financial background and from a rural or isolated area the student satisfies the prerequisite subjects for their chosen course achieved an ATAR or notional ATAR of 78 or more for Design or Science, 80 or more for Arts, 88 or more for Commerce and 95 or more for Biomedicine. See: Do you have an Audition Coming Up? Monash University News The Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) and the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music (MCM) offer Audition Preparation Workshops that will break down the audition process and equip you with information needed to succeed. These are practical sessions designed to provide you with the techniques and confidence to present yourself in the best light. Workshops are one or two day intensives and registrations are now open. Available in: dance, jazz improvisation, music theatre and theatre. Go to: BOOK NOW What is Happening to the Bewick Campus of Monash? Monash has announced that it is closing its campus at Berwick. The good news is that it will taken over by Federation University (pending government approvals). Federation University is a combination of the former University of Ballarat and the former Gippsland campus of Monash University at Churchill. 9

10 Federation University will offer 15 degree programs at Berwick in 2017 in the fields of business, education, nursing, IT and science. NOTE: Monash students enrolled at Berwick will continue to be taught by Monash staff and, subject to meeting the normal requirements, graduate with a Monash degree. Some Monash students may remain at Berwick in 2017, while others will transfer to Peninsula and Clayton campuses to complete their courses. Monash Guarantee New Category As mentioned previously, Monash University offers guaranteed places in certain circumstances relating to where your school is located and to your financial circumstances. You will now be eligible for a guaranteed place at Monash if: you live in a low socio-economic area or your school is a Monash under-represented school or you have experienced financial disadvantage or you are an Indigenous Australian. You can enter your address into the Monash online calculator to find out if you qualify. See: Monash Scholarships With Monash s scholarship programs, students can access a range of services and financial assistance. Merit scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and have both financial and academic benefits. There is no application requirement as it is granted on the ATAR achieved, however, students must have Monash listed as at least one VTAC preference to be considered. Equity scholarships are intended for those who identify as Indigenous Australian or Torres Strait Islander, or are currently experiencing financial hardships or disadvantage. Students must submit an application for equity scholarships through VTAC, along with necessary supporting documentation. Applications close on 14 October. See: For a comprehensive list and details: scholarships. Monash Pathways Pathway courses allow students who may not reach the required ATAR or meet prerequisites, to gain entry into Monash. The Diploma of Tertiary Studies (DoTS) and the Diploma of Higher Education (DoHE) are both equivalent to the first year of a university undergraduate degree and allow students to transition to the second year of their destination degree. Apply through VTAC. In addition, you must submit a Monash University Supplementary Information Form by 31 December. La Trobe University Hallmark Program Due to recent changes made to the hallmark program, individual hallmark courses will no longer be made available through the VTAC system. The hallmark program is now exclusive to students who receive the Vice Chancellor's Excellence Scholarship. 10

11 Students who have studied their first year at La Trobe who achieve at least a 75% Weighted Average Mark (WAM) also have the opportunity to apply for the hallmark program to commence in their second year of study. For more information see: Focus on Entrepreneurship Many young people start their own business. The following story focuses on a young person who started his own business in Melbourne. Meet Tim Bennett, co founder of Humble Body What education have you undertaken post school? I completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Entrepreneurship and Innovation) at Swinburne University. What inspired you to start a small business? A cocktail of passion, frustration and a burning desire to change some parts of the way the world works. In 2014, whilst I was working at Swinburne, I was living with an engineer (Matt Humble founder) and a fellow entrepreneurship student (Angus Humble founder). At the time we had two whiteboards in our back shed that were always covered in business concepts, brainstorms, and expanded ideas. The engineer had been studying the uses of Industrial Hemp fibres, seed and oil. For example, Industrial Hemp can be used for durable and comfortable clothes, strong paper, building materials, textiles and biofuel. As well, the seeds are a natural super food and contain more protein than almonds. When cold pressed, the oil from the seeds has AMAZING benefits for skin. The more we learnt about what this sustainable resource could do, the more we struggled to understand why hemp wasn t more commonly used, particularly at a time where the health of our environment is severely threatened. In this context it is important to know that Industrial Hemp is a brilliant sequester of CO2 and has the genetics and makeup that could potentially replace the carbon spewing petrochemical, paper mill, textile, clothing, and building material industries. Matt, Angus and I were passionate about creating a product that delivered real value to customers and helped educate and inform people about what Industrial Hemp can do. When we consider the natural benefits of Hemp seed oil (rich in EFA s Omega 3, 6, 9, comodogenic rating of zero, rich in antioxidants) it was the perfect choice to form the basis of our new business. We wanted to influence and change how the world used its resources, one satisfied person s skin at a time. Bruce Topham, Career Pathways Coordinator 11

12 Alumni News Congratulations Jayme Lee Congratulations to past student and 2013 College Captain, Jayme Lee Hanekom. Jayme Lee has been cast in the lead role of Celie in The Colour Purple, on at Chapel off Chapel in October. Jayme Lee won several College Talent Quests during her time at St John s she performed in the St John s musicals from Years 7 to 12, including High School Musical, Footloose, The Wiz, Grease and Godspell. She went on to study at the Victorian College of the Arts and Jason Coleman s Ministry of Dance. When she was in primary school she made her professional debut, performing in The Lion King as young Nala at the Regent Theatre alongside fellow St John s student Jordan Herbert. Earlier this year, Jayme Lee was a member of the ensemble in the Tony Award winning musical In the Heights at the National theatre. The Colour Purple, playing at Chapel off Chapel in October, marks Jayme Lee s first adult lead role on the professional stage. We are very proud of her and wish her well. College Tuition Fees for 2016 Notices College Fees and Re-enrolments For families who have students in Year 12 only, College tuition fees are to be finalised by 28 August 2016, unless other arrangements have previously been made with the College. Families who have elected to pay their College tuition fees quarterly, the next quarterly instalment occurs on 28 August. For any enquires regarding family accounts, please contact Suzanne Pocock on Re-enrolment Process The important process of re-enrolling and choosing subjects for next year has arrived. All students from Year 7 to 11 should have received their Re-enrolment Pack which was distributed early August. 12

13 If you have not received your pack, could you please go to Student Services / Reception when you next have time to do so. Every student wanting to continue their enrolment at St John s next year must complete this Reenrolment Process. It is important that parents and students share their input into this vital process. The Reenrolment Office will be open from Thursday 18 August to Friday 2 September. It is located this year in Columba Building, room CO5. Students and parents can access this area from 8am until 4pm each day. Students are reminded to pay their $250 Re-enrolment fee at the Accounts Office and then take their Reenrolment Pack and their Subject Selections to the Reenrolment Office for processing. The due date to have this process completed for each year level is as follows: Year 7 (going on to Year 8 in 2017) by Tuesday 23 August Year 8 (going on to Year 9 in 2017) by Wednesday 24 August Year 9 (going on to Year 10 in 2017) by Wednesday 24 August Year 10 (going on to Year 11 in 2017) by Tuesday 30 August Year 11 (going on to Year 12 in 2017) by Tuesday 23 August Final day for all Data Collection is Friday 2 September 2016 Please contact the staff in the Re-enrolment Office if you need any assistance with this process and they will be happy to assist you. Students and parents are encouraged to complete this process before the due date to avoid wait times. Notice of Departure Families with students not intending to return to St John s for the 2017 school year, must complete the Student Departure Form to ensure the term s notice requirement is fulfilled. The Departure Form is included in the Re-enrolment Pack for this purpose. The terms notice will be imposed on the next year s fee notice where this request is not advised. College Closure Families are asked to note the College will be closed Friday 26 August. College staff will be engaged in their annual Staff Professional Learning Wellbeing Day. Classes will resume Monday 29 August Mark Siwek, Business Manager Student Absences If your child is late or absent, please communicate this information to the College via: PHONE on or SMS or absence@sjcdandenong.catholic.edu.au 13

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16 Calendar August Friday 19 August Coolies Trivia Night Tuesday 23 August College Board of Management Meeting Friday 26 August Student Free Day Staff Wellbeing Day College Closed September Thursday 1 September College Board and Staff Dinner Sunday 4 September Father s Day Monday 5 - Friday 9 September Year 9 Immersion PreCAL Work Experience Monday 12 - Thursday 15 September Year 9 Immersion Tuesday 13 September PFA Meeting Wednesday 14 September Media Showcase Afternoon Thursday 15 September Year 7-11 P/S/T Interviews (3.30pm pm) Friday 16 September Term 3 Concludes Student Free Day Year 7-11 P/S/T Interviews (10am pm) Monday 19 - Friday 23 September College Administration Office Closed Monday 26 September Administration Office Open Monday 26 - Thursday 29 September Year 12 Trial Exams Friday 30 September Public Holiday October Monday 3 October Term 4 Commences Subscribe Subscribe to St John s Newsletter on our website: Go to the Newsletter section and subscribe to the mailing list. Previous issues of the Newsletter can also be 5-11 Caroline Street Dandenong 3175 T: (03) F: (03) E: stjohns@sjcdandenong.catholic.edu.au