Volume 22 Issue 07: May From Principal Dr Watson

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1 Volume 22 Issue 07: May From Principal Dr Watson College Board AGM On Tuesday April 24, the College Board of Management s Annual General Meeting was held. The Board recognised and thanked all members for their contribution to the College during 2017 along with the Principal s Annual Report being presented. The Principal s Annual Report can be found on the College website. Mrs Connie Skinner was re-elected as Chair of the College Board and Mr Peter Collery was re-elected as Deputy Chair. Mrs Angela Drever was re-elected as the Parent Representative. I thank Connie, Peter and Angela for their willingness to continue in their respective leadership roles. A full listing of College Board Members is provided below: Fr Jude Pirotta, St James Parish Priest and President of Canonical Administrators Fr Vincent John, St Peter s Parish Priest and Canonical Administrator Fr Albert Yogarajah, St Andrew s Parish Priest and Canonical Administrator Dr Andrew Watson, Principal and Chief Executive Officer Mrs Connie Skinner, Chairperson and St Peter s Representative Mrs Geralyn McCarthy, St James Representative Mr Michael Lapina, Parent Representative Mrs Angela Drever, Parent Representative Mrs Antoinette Fava, Parent Representative Mrs Mary Udovicic, Staff Representative Mr Peter Collery, Honorary Financial Accountant Ms Sharon O Neil, Business Manager Ms Kerrie Deller, Board Secretary. Coming Week The coming week is indeed a very busy on the in the life of Thomas Carr College with many of our students and staff involved in the following events and activities. It is certainly evidence of a very vibrant learning community at work: Coming Events May 5: Moylough Day May 6: Good Samaritan Campus Mass 11.00am May 7: Malaya Borneo Veterans Remembrance Service 11.00am May 9: Magis Program 2019 Testing Day May 10: Western Region Sacred Music Concert (sold out ticketed event) May 11: Mother s Day Mass and Breakfast 8.00am May 11: House Cross Country Carnival May 15-16: NAPLAN May 16: College Tour 9.00am (by appointment only) May 17: Year 10 Careers Expo May 18: Thomas Carr Day Msy 21: ACS Chess Championship May 22: Year 11 Reflection Day May 23: College Musical: The Addams Family 7.00pm May 24: College Musical: The Addams Family 7.00pm May 25: ACS Athletics Carnival May 25: College Musical: The Addams Family 7.00pm June 4-8: Year 7/8 Exams June 4-14: year 10/11 Exams June 29: Senior School Assembly Period 1&2 June 29: Middle School Assembly Period 3&4 June 29: Pentecost Term Ends (students dismissed at 3.20pm) Sunday: Monday: Tuesday: Thursday: Friday: Good Samaritan Campus Mass and Open for Inspection at 11.00am Malaya and Borneo Veterans Service at the College Chapel at 11.00am Parents and Friends Meeting at 7.00pm Sacred Music Concert at 7.00pm Fr Moran Performing Arts Centre (sold out) Mothers Day Mass and Breakfast in the College Chapel at 8.00am House Cross Country Competition College Theme for 2018 Moved by the love of Christ Prayer Lord we lift our hearts to you. As the dawn breaks, may we carry the unity we share into every moment knowing that we are one with the risen Christ. Amen College Vision Thomas Carr College is a dynamic Catholic learning community, guided by the Gospel. Excellence and opportunities to develop are pursued. Through our hope and service to others we shine our light into the world.

2 From the Deputy Principal Ms McDonald The Beacon Award The Beacon Award recognises achievements of our students. Selected students will be presented with a certificate of commendation and their names published in each edition of The Beacon. A maximum of 5 students per level may be recognised each fortnight. The criteria is: Evidence of learning which is consistently exemplary or displays great improvement An action performed by a student(s) that supports the Catholic ethos of the school Evidence of behaviour which is consistently exemplary or displays great improvement Active and purposeful involvement in a College or community event Congratulations to the following students: Year 7 Marissa Lettieri, Cherie Strong, Tierra Chown, Anureet Chahal, Bailey Camille Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 Frances Musngi, Rhiana Gibson, Majuch Kooc, Georgia Sprattling Manav Patel, Charles Huynh, Roland Susi, Kynan Wiggins, Asfi Khan Selena Luu, Nicholas Marakovic, Calvin Opini, Kyle Patton, Catherine Rubite Madelyn Chapman, Jake Collier, Melissa Galea, Stephanie Roze Rahwa Berhane, Amanda Egan, Riley Haddad, Elizabeth Howell, Julie Lloyd Malay Borneo Remembrance Day A remembrance service will be held in the College Chapel on Monday May 7 for the Malaya Borneo Veterans Association. The College has been associated with the Malaya and Borneo Veterans for seventeen years. We look forward to celebrating with the College community and the Malaya Borneo Veterans. Thomas Carr Day We celebrate Thomas Carr Day in the month of May, which is a significant month in the life of our patron Archbishop Thomas Carr. This year the day falls on Frida May 18, which is the day before the date of his ordination as a Priest. The ordination of a Priest is always a very significant date in their life and as such, held great importance and significance for Archbishop Carr. Thomas Carr Day is not only a welcome relief from the classroom and a fun day for students, it also serves the purpose of allowing the school community to reflect upon the life of Thomas Carr and gain an understanding of why our College was named in his honour. Thomas Carr s life and legacy enables us to engage with a person who dedicated his life to his God and ensured that the Gospel values, as expressed by Christ, were evidenced in his leadership of the early Catholic Church of Melbourne. By increasing the emphasis on giving generously to those in need, we have an opportunity to truly engage with the values of Thomas Carr. The Thomas Carr Day Committee, in conjunction with the Catholic Identity Team, has established a list of charities, one per year level, who will be the beneficiaries of any monies raised. A list of Homeroom Stalls has been attached to this newsletter. The day will once again begin with Mass and will be followed by a carnival and our annual Thomas Carr s Got Talent quest. As this is a compulsory school day, any absence will require a medical certificate. Students who are late to school on this day may not be permitted to attend the festivities. Please ensure that your child(ren) arrive punctually as is expected on all days.

3 From the Business Manager Ms O Neill Social Media We have great things happening at our school on a daily basis and it is important for us to share these good stories with others. As a result, we are now ramping up the use of Facebook and Instagram where we will regularly post photos of the various activities that our students and staff are involved in. Parents are reminded that the College operates in accordance with its Privacy Policy. Any parent that is concerned about their son or daughter s photo being shared on social media should firstly familiarise themselves with the College Privacy Policy which is available on the College website: Follow us on Like us on Facebook Girls Winter Uniform Over the past few years, we have made a number of changes to our uniform in order to bring it in line with the new College crest. The final instalment of these changes is the girls winter skirt. Attached is a photo of the correct winter uniform for your perusal. Effective from Term , all Year 7 girls must be wearing the new winter skirt. Parents who have previously had a female student at the College will be unable to rely on using a second-hand winter skirt. Parents will also be unable to purchase winter skirts from the second-hand uniform shop. This change will not impact on existing students from years 8-12 in 2019, however should any student wish to purchase a new skirt they can do so. For any queries relating to the cost of the uniform, please call the Uniform Shop on From the Director of Catholic Identity Mrs Egan The Pentecost Term is filled with many important dates. The Year 7 students have already participated in their Reflection Day with the Youth Ministry Team of Melbourne (YMT). The YMT are fresh, young presenters with the training and skills to effectively engage all students. After more than 25 years of ministry, the YMT has great confidence in the potential of their Reflection Day experience to assist students to explore and reflect on issues important to them in a way that is unique to this context. Mother s Day Mass A Mass will be held in honour and celebration of all mothers. The Mass will be followed by breakfast. Mass begins at 8.00am in the College Chapel on Friday May 11. All are invited to attend. Please RSVP to abbey.harrington@thomascarr.vic.edu.au Thomas Carr Day Mass We commence our celebration of Thomas Carr Day on Friday May 18 with Mass celebrated by Fr Jude Pirotta. This is an opportunity to honour Archbishop Thomas Carr who is our Colleges namesake. It is a day full of celebration and is a reminder for all that we are inspired by the works of Archbishop Thomas Carr and strive to live in his example. Pentecost Liturgy As a College, we will celebrate in Homerooms the Pentecost Season on Monday May 21. We are reminded that Pentecost is the special feast - the birthday of the church - when we remember that this Spirit can not be held tight but must be given away to others who so need Christ in their lives. That is why the Church exists. Year 11 Reflection Day The Year 11 Reflection day is presented by the YMT. YMT will deal with issues around decision making and being true to self and faith. Year 11 Reflection Day also features

4 The Scott Darlow Show with indigenous artist Scott Darlow performing and speaking about his experience. Scott has been touring Australia and overseas for years as a speaker as well as a musician. He has built a reputation as someone who can connect with both, school age youth and corporate audiences alike, and communicate with them about his indigenous culture, Australian history, racial tolerance, harmony and important social matters. His key word "FLUTE" (Forgiveness, Love, Understanding, Tolerance and Empathy) has become so popular that schools and businesses have begun including it in their curriculums and charters. An update on the day will be shared in the next issue of The Beacon. Year of Youth Forum Catholic Education Melbourne, together with the Archdiocesan Office for Youth has invited students from Thomas Carr College to attend a School Forum being held at Mount St Joseph Girls College in Altona for the Year of Youth. The forum will feature Bishop Mark Edwards and international guest Steve Angrisano and will be an opportunity for students to discuss issues that are important to them, to raise questions and share their stories with Church leaders. Thomas Carr is sending 10 students in both Year 9 and 10 to represent the College. Community Mass During the Pentecost Term, the College will be hosting a Community Mass in the College Chapel at 9.00am on Thursday May 25 celebrated by Fr Jude Pirotta. All are welcome to attend. From the Head of Middle School Mr Wilkinson Pre ANZAC Day March On Sunday April 22 the Middle School Captains Roshal Gupta and Mia Bellet represented Thomas Carr College at the Werribee Pre ANZAC Day March. The March assembled at the Cultural Centre, on Watton St in Werribee and proceeded down Watton St to the Cenotaph on the corner of Watton St and Station St. On arrival at the Cenotaph, Roshal and Mia participated in a traditional ANZAC Day service and wreath laying ceremony, laying a wreath down on behalf of the College community in honour and remembrance of those who gave up their lives for our freedom. I thank Roshal and Mia for representing the College in the highest esteem at this special event and Mr Steven Rutledge for giving his time to accompany them. Shape your Destiny - Year 9 Guest Speaker On Thursday May 10, the Year 9 students will be involved in a presentation by Darren Perreira entitled Shape Your Destiny. The aim for the day will be to remove student confusion and uncertainty about their future by aligning their passions, talents and ideals to a pathway best suited to them, to create a year level of students who are motivated to perform well at school because they have connected to a compelling future, to set written and specific goals to give students focus and direction at school and beyond and to create a step-by-step plan of action, designed by the students, which will be the blueprint for their academic and career success. We look forward to Darren presenting to our students. Year 9 Country Experience The id9 curriculum aims to develop students who are independent, confident, and inquisitive about their world, work co-operatively, are socially aware and connected to others. The Good Samaritan Campus experience aims to provide all students with an exciting and challenging program in an environment that is safe, caring, structured and engaging. The emphasis throughout the three-week experience is on learning through doing. Activities and project work is based around the local Coragulac and Otway s environments of lake, coast and forest. Below is a reflection from three of our Year 9 students. On the Monday March 13, 9 Blue went to the Good Samaritan Campus (GSC) for our Country Experience camp. Over the course of our stay, we completed multiple activities related to our environment and sustainability. These activities included mountain bike riding, orienteering at Red Rock, nature walking through Mount Leura, canoeing and our two-day outdoor nature camp in tents. What we enjoyed most about

5 the experience, was spending quality bonding time with our fellow peers while forming and strengthening relationships amongst the group. The biggest challenge we faced was outdoor camping as it is something that we have never done before. We overcame this challenge by keeping a positive attitude and being open minded to the experience. This helped us to get rid of any negative thoughts we had previous to camping. One thing we learnt about ourselves was that if we keep an open-mind rather than conforming to pre-conceived ideas about anything in life, the outcome will be a positive one. Country Experience was exceptional and is a camp that the future Year 9 s should not miss out on. It is indispensable to their time in Year 9 and they will learn new things about themselves throughout their journey at GSC. Roshal Gupta, Jack Bonnett and Mathiang Maker. From the Head of Senior School Mrs Knurek ANZAC Day The ANZAC Day March and Service of Remembrance at the Shrine on Wednesday April 25 was attended by a number of our College Leaders who participated in the March as Flag Bearers for the Malaya and Borneo Veterans Assosciation and represented our College very well. I thank Mrs Jenni Rothery, Year 12 Coordinator and Sian Donazzon, Estelito Agatep, Nieve Walton, Ricky Xerri, Riley Haddad, Jarrod Cahoon, Grace Newland, Joshua Rubite and Rahwa Berhane for their willingness to represent the College at this event Examinations Exams are one part of student assessment and as such need to be treated seriously. It is important that proper revision and preparation is undertaken by all students. Students who fail three or more exams and/or a number of assessment tasks may be required to sit an Academic Panel. This may have serious consequences for future subject choices. If you have any queries about the exams, please do not hesitate to contact the Senior Director, Mr Cris Scarlata or the Senior School Head of Learning and Teaching, Ms Geraldine McIntyre. The importance of getting the balance right between work, study and leisure time activities is a vital ingredient in students achieving success. Year 11 Examinations and Unit 3 & 4 Classes During the Semester 1 Year 11 examination week, there will be no Unit 3 & 4 classes for Year 11 students. At the end of year, after Year 12 classes conclude, the Year 11 Unit 3 & 4 classes will continue until the commencement of the Semester 2 Year 10 & 11 examinations. Year 11 VCAL Students in Examination week. Please note that from Monday June 4 until Friday June 15, while Year 11 VCE students are undertaking their examinations, Year 11 VCAL students will not be required at the College on Monday June 4, Tuesday June 5, Friday June 8, Monday June 11 (Queen s Birthday Holiday) and Tuesday June 12. Friday June 15 is a student free day. VCAL students are expected to be at their TAFE and work placement on the Wednesday and Thursday of these weeks. As many of the VCAL students have been and will be involved in holiday blocks for their VET courses, this is an opportunity for VCAL students to catch up on any outstanding work requirements at home and to ensure they are meeting all requirements for their TAFE or VET course. Year 11 Scored VET Students A reminder to all Year 11 scored VET students that they are required to sit the GAT examination on Wednesday June 13. Full details will be given to the students closer to the event. The General Achievement Test (GAT): Wednesday June 13 The GAT is a three-hour general achievement test of general knowledge and skills in Written Communication, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Humanities, the Arts and Social Science. All students completing a Unit 3 and 4 Subject must complete the GAT. Year 12 and 11 students who are participating in the GAT will have the day of the GAT free of classes. Full details will be given to students shortly.

6 While the GAT results do not automatically contribute towards the VCE, the results do play a very important part in the final assessment of the VCE as they are used to check that the Examinations, SACs and SATs have been accurately and fairly marked. Further, if a student is ill, has an accident or experiences severe personal hardship at the time of an Examination, a student may apply for a Derived Examination Score (DES). The GAT results contribute towards the calculation of the DES. The College strongly advises all students who are preparing to sit the GAT to access past papers, in particular the multiple choice questions to gain an understanding of the format and style of questions. All material related to the GAT, including past examination papers, can be obtained online using the following link: Appointments There are numbers of Senior School Students signing out for appointments on Wednesday afternoons. While the College is mindful of students not missing academic classes, it is also important that students maintain their commitment to the ACS Sporting Program or to the Year 11 Community Service Program. Participation in one of these activities is a compulsory part of the Year 11 program at Thomas Carr College and much work has been put into the preparation of both aspects of these activities. Absences from this will be regarded as truancy unless a medical certificate is provided. Parents are asked to please make appointments outside College hours. Year 12 Graduation Information Evening - Thursday August 16 There will be a compulsory meeting for all students graduating from Thomas Carr College in 2018 on Thursday August 16 from 6.30pm until 7.15pm. At least one parent/guardian will need to attend this night where we will outline our expectations of students over the final weeks of their secondary schooling at Thomas Carr College. This evening will also be combined with the VCE Unit 4 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences. This will provide an opportunity for parents and students to obtain feedback from their Unit 4 teachers. Appointment times will be available from 4.00pm until 6.00pm. WRICA Careers & Employment Expo The WRICA Careers Expo commenced in 1998 and was designed to highlight the wide range of career course and employment options available for both young people and the local community members of Wyndham and Hobsons Bay. The Expo caters to a diverse secondary student cohort from a range of Government and Independent Schools located in the Western Region of Melbourne. Over 3000 students from Years 10, 11 and 12 attend the two day event, which is also open to the general public and is promoted to local community groups. This year, all Year 10 students will attend the Expo on Thursday May 17 as part of their career planning and preparation for future pathways and work experience options. I thank the Careers Staff for their ongoing work with our Senior School students. From the Head of Learning and Teaching: Middle School Ms Sabo Student Data and Assessment NAPLAN 2018 NAPLAN, or the National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy, is a battery of tests administered annually to Australian students. NAPLAN tests are not tests that can be either passed or failed they are tests that provide a snapshot of your child s strengths and weaknesses in literacy and numeracy at a particular point in time. NAPLAN is an annual assessment for students in Years 7 and 9. NAPLAN is made up of tests in four areas: Reading Writing Language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) Numeracy The results of the tests provide information for students, parents and teachers about student achievement which can then be used to inform teaching and learning programs. It is expected that all students in Years 7 and 9 will participate in the 2018 NAPLAN.

7 It is important to remember students must have a functioning calculator for the numeracy aspect of the NAPLAN. If students do not have all required equipment on the days of the tests, immediate consequences will be issued. If students are absent for any of the tests, they will be required to sit this on Friday May 18, which is also Thomas Carr Day. The NAPLAN in 2018 will be conducted on the following days and times: Date Period/Time NAPLAN test Tue 15 May am Instructions am 1. Language Conventions 45 mins am Instructions am 2. Writing 40 mins Wed 16 May am Instructions am 3. Reading - 65 mins Thu 17 May am Instructions am 4. Numeracy - 60 mins Part A (calculator 50 mins); Part B (non-calc 10 mins) From the Careers Department Ms De Silva Year 9 Mock Interview Program 2018 The Year 9 Mock Interviews Program will be held during the week of Monday May 14 through to Thursday May 17 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm in the Bruce Runnalls Middle Years Centre. All Year 9 students are required to participate in a Mock Interview as part of the Personal Development subject and id9 curriculum. This interview will be assessed and will contribute to the overall score received for the subject this Semester. Each student will be scheduled a 15 minute Mock Interview with an external panel and followed up with interview feedback on his or her performance. A Mock Interview, also known as a practice interview, is a conversational exercise. It is a simulation of an actual job interview, which provides the opportunity for students to practice for an interview and receive feedback. The saying practice makes perfect applies to interviews, therefore familiarity with the process is crucial for success and a valuable skill to develop for the future. The Work Experience Program is a compulsory component of the Year 10 Curriculum. The program provides valuable opportunities for students to experience the world of work, gain inspiration and equip them for success by allowing them to explore future career options. The students are introduced to the Work Experience Program during the Pentecost Term in Year 9. Students are encouraged to commence conversations with parents/guardians about securing a Work Experience placement that is meaningful and relevant to their future career path. It is the student s responsibility to secure a placement; therefore, an opportunity for students to participate in a structured mock interview program arranged by the College Careers and Pathways Team is crucial to the success of securing a Work Experience placement and future employment opportunities. The interview panel members for the program are selected by the Careers and Pathways Team in compliance with Ministerial Order 870 Child Safe Standards. In the lead up to the exercise, students are supported with developing a resume, cover letters, information on job interviews, application process and searching for employment opportunities during the Personal Development classes. It is clearly communicated to students and parents/guardians that the success of the program relies on parent/guardian support and student participation.

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