Be with Me Today, Lord (Miriam s favourite prayer)

Transcription

1 FROM THE PRINCIPAL Dear Members of the Academy Community It has been a very difficult couple of weeks for me following the death of my much loved mother, Miriam Moloney. Mum was 93, a faith filled woman who embraced life, living it fully and well. The prayer in today s newsletter was one of my mother s favourite prayers and was prayed at her funeral on November 12 th and thus I share it with the Academy community. Could I ask for your prayers for my mother and our family at this time of loss and grief? I thank Mr Adrian Fuller, Deputy Principal, for so capably taking on the role of Acting Principal during my absence. One of the significant events of late was the Information Evening for Parents of our Year 7, 2014 students. From all accounts it was a wonderful evening and the enthusiasm and delight of parents was palpable. We look forward to getting to know our new parents and journeying with them and their daughters over the next six years. Many thanks to Ms Nada Jarni, Year 7 Coordinator, for her organization of the evening. We were very proud of our Year 7 students who hosted the evening and provided their perspective of life at the Academy. This evening was only one component of our very extensive transition process for our future Year 7 students and their families. These students have already visited the College to undertake some assessment and they will be returning for Orientation Day on December 10 th. For parents there are two further key events: Wednesday, January 29 th - Parent / Student gathering for the distribution of the Ultrabooks Wednesday, February 12 th - Year 7, 2014 Parent Information Evening This week s Visual Arts Exhibition was quite magnificent and a wonderful opportunity to showcase the artistic talents of our students across a number of mediums. I acknowledge and thank Mr Martin McInerney, Head of Visual Arts, and the Visual Arts staff for all their efforts. Drama Performance Dirty Laundry Congratulations to Ms O Boyle and her Year 10 drama students for the magnificent Drama performance which took place last night. The performance highlighted the current refugee situation and challenged us all. Next week, on Thursday November 21 st, the annual Performing Arts Concert takes place. This event is always an event not to be missed and I strongly encourage all to attend. Once again, an opportunity to view our vibrant learning community at work. I acknowledge the work of Ms Marsali Slocombe and the staff of the Performing Arts department. As we welcome new Year 7 students into the College we are also farewelling our Year 12 Students. At the Graduation Dinner on November 26 th we will formally farewell the Year 12 class and, in doing so, we will acknowledge their transition from students of the College to members of the College Alumnae Issue 17/ th November 2013 Be with Me Today, Lord (Miriam s favourite prayer) Every day I need you Lord, but this day especially. I need extra strength to face whatever is to be. This day more than any day I need to feel You near to fortify my courage and to overcome my fear. By myself I cannot meet the challenge of the hour There are times when human creatures need a higher power to help them bear what must be borne, and so, dear Lord I pray, hold on to my trembling hand and be with me today.

2 Families are also encouraged to come along to the Carols by Twilight Concert on December 2 nd. This Christmas Concert is a lovely occasion for families to gather together in the tranquil setting of the College courtyard and join in the singing of Christmas carols. Families are invited to bring a picnic tea and enjoy a couple of hours together. Thank you to the Parents Association for their support for this event. Important Information for Parents In 2014, teaching staff will continue to participate in an extended Professional Learning Program (see dates below). On these days, students will have a shortened 6 period timetable and will be dismissed from the College at 1.00pm. Staff will then be involved in the Professional Learning Program from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. The dates for the Professional Development Afternoons for 2013 are: Term 1 Wednesday, 19 th February Term 2 Thursday 1 st May Tuesday, 24 th June Term 3 Monday 25 th August Term 4 No professional Learning Afternoons This extended professional learning program was a new initiative for 2012 and one that has proven most beneficial for teaching staff. During this time teaching staff have worked collaboratively to improve the College s Teaching and Learning program and practices. We trust that parents will continue to support this initiative. Celebration of Excellence evening Please note the notice underneath which provides details of the Celebration of Excellence Evening. This is a new initiative at the Academy and we look forward to a wonderful evening acknowledging and celebrating student excellence. Every Blessing Sr Mary Moloney rsm Principal Celebration of Excellence Evening 7.00pm 7.30pm on Wednesday, 4 th December 2013 to be held at The Centre Ivanhoe This evening will a ticketed event. Bookings can be made via TryBooking from Monday 18 th November. Parents of students who have been nominated for an award will be contacted by letter in the week of 18 th November. DEPUTY PRINCIPAL Important Dates for Term 4 Friday, November 15 th Tuesday, November 19 th Thursday, November 21 st Friday, November 22 nd Monday, November 25 th Friday, November 29 th Year 11 Exams commence Year 9 & 10 Exams commence Performing Arts Concert College Hall Correction & Report Writing Day no classes Year 11 & 12 (2014) Orientation Programs commence Last day for Year 11 students (3.15pm finish)

3 Year 11 Reports distributed. Monday, December 2 nd Carols by Twilight Concert (7pm) Tuesday, December 3 rd College Eucharist for Years 7 to 10 Wednesday, December 4 th Last day of Year 7 to 10 classes (3.15pm finish). Year 7, 8, 9 & 10 Reports distributed. Celebration of Excellence Evening 7pm at Ivanhoe Thursday, December 5 th Year 7 to 10 Activities Day (1pm finish) Friday, December 13 th Teaching staff finish Thursday, December 19 th College office closes End of Year Examinations for Year 11 commence on Friday, November 15 th. All Year 11 examinations will be held in the Whyte Building, notices will be posted outside the Main Office and on the door to the examination rooms. Students are expected to wear full College Uniform, not PE Uniform, for all Year 11 examinations. End of Year Examinations for Years 9 & 10 commence on Tuesday, November 19 th. All examinations will be held in the Walsh and McKenna buildings, notices will be posted outside the Main Office and on the door to the examination rooms. Students are expected to wear full College Uniform, not PE Uniform, for all examinations. Resource Lists for 2014 Each student has received a copy of the 2014 Resource List through their Homeroom. When completed the Resource List must be returned to the Student Office or Landmark School Supplies Store, 94 McEwan Road Heidelberg West (ph: ) by Tuesday, December 10 th. Alternatively, parents may order their books online by logging into the Landmark website, via the Landmark icon, which will be placed on the Academy website later term. After December 10 th Resource Lists will need to be forwarded directly to Landmark School Supplies. The collection date for the Books will be Friday, January 17 th at the College. Bicycle Access to the College during the construction of the Science Building. As of Monday, 18 th November, students may use a dedicated gate for bicycle access to the College. The gate is located on Nicholson Street near the corner of Palmer Street. The gate will be unlocked from 8.15am to 8.40am each morning and from 3.15pm to 3.40pm each afternoon. Locker Keys change of time to request a spare key From Monday, November 18 th students will only be able to obtain a spare Locker Key from the Student Office between 8.15am and 9.00am each day. After 8.40am, students must first go to their Homeroom and be marked present on the Class Roll before going to the Student office. Spare keys are returned as normal. Student Free Day Friday, November 22 nd This is to remind parents that there will be no classes on Friday, November 22 nd as this is a Correction and Report Writing Day for staff, in preparation for the distribution of the Semester 2 Reports. Collection of Semester 2 Reports Your daughter s Semester 2 Report will be distributed on the last day of formal classes: Year 11 Friday, November 29 th ; Years 7, 8, 9 & 10 Wednesday, 4 th December. Commencement Dates for 2014 Students in Years 7 and 12 will commence on Friday, January 31 st at 8.35am and will conclude the day at 1.00pm whereas students in Years 8, 9, 10 & 11 will commence on Monday, February 3 rd at 8.35am and will be dismissed at 3.15pm. God Bless. Deputy Principal - 3 -

4 DIRECTOR OF FAITH AND MISSION Reflection Days Since the last newsletter our Year 7 homeroom groups have participated in their Reflection days. As part of preparing our Year 7 students for the fact that their homeroom members will change in 2014 we took two homeroom groups together for their reflection day. Year 7 Blue and Red spent the day together and Year 7 Green and Silver, the week before. They spent time reflecting on their thoughts, fears and excitement at the start of the year and discussed whether things had panned out as they had predicted. Following that they considered how things might be different in Year 8 and what they hope to achieve. A number of activities designed to provoke thought in team work and how we treat our peers were also part of the day. Each day concluded with a liturgy based on the theme of friendship and support of each other. Ms Glenister who teaches both Year 7 Blue and Red was busy taking photos of the day a couple of which are included below. Justice Evening with Kon Karapanagiotidis In July 2013, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference implored us to put the human dignity of asylum seekers ahead of the national interest. Pope Francis made the most symbolic journey to Lampedusa and deplored what he called the globalisation of indifference. Have we as a nation, as a community of faith, as a shared humanity, replaced Love of Neighbour with - fear of the other? Mr Kon Karapanagiotidis OAM, is the founder and CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. He will deliver the 2013 Rerum Novarum Oration, under the title 'Not in my Name', on Thursday 28 th November. The link below will take you to the time, place and RSVP details if you wish to attend. What is the Spirit of celebration at the Academy? On Tuesday following the funeral for Mrs Miriam Moloney our College Chaplain, Father Peter Varengo was commenting on the way the Academy celebrates Mass, assemblies and other gatherings. He has mentioned this to me before and he has clearly spent time pondering this. He refers often to the spirit, something special and is trying to pinpoint what it is that results in his enjoyment of our celebrations. Are you able to help? What would you identify as the spirit that makes our celebrations unique? Father Peter and I will continue our discussion and I invite you to do the same and one day let us know your answer! Typhoon Haiyan Aid Response Super Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest storms to ever make landfall, has caused widespread devastation in the Philippines and caused significant damage in Vietnam and China. Millions of people are now in need of emergency aid relief in the Philippines. Caritas Australia is responding to the disaster with our partners prioritising emergency shelter, water and sanitation, household relief items (blankets, kitchen items), potable water and toilets. Give generously to the Caritas Australia Typhoon Haiyan Appeal. Call the Melbourne Office (03) or , donate online at or send your donation to Cardinal Knox Centre, 383 Albert Street, East Melbourne 3002 or GPO Box 9830 in your Capital City Ms Karen Fogarty, Director of Faith and Mission

5 DIRECTOR OF TEACHING AND LEARNING Year 9, 10 & 11 Examinations and Orientation. The Year 11 Examinations commence this Friday November 15 and the Year 9 & 10 examinations commence next week on Tuesday November 19. I wish all of our Year 9, 10 and 11 students the best of luck for their examinations. Following the examinations, there will be a program of orientation classes for the 2014 VCE students. These classes have two purposes. The first is to provide our current Year 10 and Year 11 students with important introductory information for their VCE studies. The second is to commence work on the VCE studies so that all our VCE classes can successfully meet the demands of their subject. These are important and compulsory classes for the girls. Mr Mark Hyland, Director of Teaching and Learning BUSINESS MANAGER Family Accounts A review of payments from parents has been undertaken and given that most payments are now made electronically or by credit card or cheque the College will no longer issue receipts as of November 14 th Receipts will be issued for all cash payments or on request. Lyn McGuinness. (Business Manager) MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT Melbourne University Endeavour Exhibits The following students from Years 10 and 11 thoroughly enjoyed the Engineering students who presented and explained their final year projects. Our students favourite exhibits included a project that looked at prolonging Bloodbank donated blood shelf life, a robot teddy that mimicked motion and racing car designs. The students are interested in mathematics and enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the fourth year students about all facets of engineering. The student who attended were: Niharika Gupta, Rackshini Somasundram, Divinya Vadivelu, Yolanne Carvalho, Saskia Keating, Abigail Nazareno, Briana Punaro, Tina Nguyen, Yuan Yuan Liu, Pia Quiricoi, Sofia D Souza and Khoa Bui The Australian Mathematics Competition results have recently arrived. The best performing students across the college were: High Distinction Khoa Bui (Yr 11) Distinction Kelly Long and Madeleine Mutter (Yr 7) Chelsea Nguyen (Yr 8) and Kemerly Haveaux (Yr 10) Credit Michelle Francis, Emmasyn Willie, Cecilia Tran, Yvonne Tran, Barbara Swiergon, Alyssa Ng, Erika Quinn, Sophie Ryan, Isabella Sgro (Yr 7), Charlotte Smith, Tracy Bui, Cherida Chan, Selina Chau, Stefeny Cheng, Sarah Cao, Jade Mattiuzzo, Kate Taylor, Olivia Do, Leyla Boztas, Angela D Souza, Camille Tran, Aisha Buckle (Yr 8), Phuong Quang, Yani Ly, Tess Devine-Hercus, Stefania Polizzi, Anna Vuong, Jenny Castro, Rizella Garcia, Georgina O Meara (Yr 9), Tamika Chikulin, Divinya Vadivelu, Yalanne Carvalho, Niharika Gupta, Evelyn Lewis, Rackshini Somasundaram, Ginny Vo (Yr 10), Betty La, Julia Nguyen, Gabrielle Cafra (Yr 10) and Sanja Vukoman (Yr 11) Congratulations to all the students who participated. Certificates will be distributed in classes shortly. Recent Mathematics Professional Development has resulted in a range of new tasks and activities being introduced. Year 7 teachers have been involved in a lesson study where all four teachers visit each other s lessons to observe student mathematical thinking and reasoning and activities to strengthen algebraic understanding and spatial awareness have also been developed. Mr Craig Tellefson, Head of Mathematics - 5 -

6 PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT SPORTS NEWS Schools Lacrosse Tournament The Academy entered the Victorian Schools Lacrosse Junior Championships for the first time two weeks ago. It was a brilliant sunny day and the competition an excellent introduction to the sport for the new players who joined our experienced team. Coached by senior students Emma Comeadow and Katarina Zmijarevic, the team were undefeated. Lacrosse is a new SCSA sport for 2014 which the school will participate in. The girls are photographed after their Grand Final win. Western Region Volleyball Championships The National Championships are looming and, in preparation, our senior team competed in the Western Region Volleyball Championships at the Maribyrnong Sports Academy two weekends ago. The girls faced strong competition from schools and clubs but emerged the winners on the day with a strong Grand Final performance. Congratulations and good luck for the Nationals

7 Sports Achievement In recognition of a student s contribution to the sporting life at the Academy, a formal acknowledgement and presentation has become an established tradition. In 2013, a Presentation Breakfast will be held where the students will be presented with a Sports Achievement Certificate. In addition, individual sporting awards for excellence in a variety of sports and Leadership Awards will be presented. The event will be hosted by the Student Sports Leaders and will be held in the College Hall from 7.45am 9.00am on Tuesday November 26. The Academy s most prestigious awards the outstanding Individual Achiever from each Year Level, Most Determined Athlete, the Pierre De Coubertin and John Landy Awards and the College Sportswoman of the Year will be announced at the Celebration of Excellence Evening at the Ivanhoe Centre on December 4. Ms Tyrell Harding, Director of Sport INFORMATION RESOURCE CENTRE The Planets Evelyn Lewis, Giannina Sacchetta, Annabelle Lim, Daniella Tawil, Daisy Caruana, Ambra Soci and Geena Reyes have been hard at work since the beginning of term completing the latest jigsaw in the MRC. It took them only 3 weeks to put the 1000 piece jigsaw together. Ms Heather McPhee, Head of McAuley Resource Centre WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM 2013 Many amazing comments have been returned by employers and visiting teachers and especially the students at the completion of this year s work experience week. The ongoing benefits to our students, while perhaps not apparent right now, will always have an impact on their lives. Some employers have offered assistance with vocational support and mentoring, whilst others have offered casual or part time work for our girls. Some students have learnt with complete certainty that the industry they experienced is definitely not where they wish to head; others have experienced absolute confirmation of their future career path. As always your support as parents and guardians is very much appreciated. It is wonderful to see past (primary) students of ours turn out to be mature and reliable people - 7 -

8 A joy to have your student work with us and we would be happy to have her as a team member when a position becomes available We have had quite a few students come and do work experience with us (automotive workshop) but your student has been the best so far particularly impressed with the ease with which they joined in conversation at such occasions as morning tea where the company conversation of people much older can be formidable. For people considering journalism a great gift.... a pleasure to work with and will do well in this (welfare) field or any field she chooses a very impressive young woman has a very positive attitude to work. She works quickly but thoroughly and responds very well to direction was a pleasure to have working with us My time at DDB advertising was a great experience as I was able to add input and assistance in various campaigns, such as the 'Rhonda and Ketut' series by AAMI. As I was one of the key target markets for some of the campaigns, I was able to apply my knowledge of pop culture and social media to help the agency develop a solution for a design brief. In doing this I gained both relationships and experience in an industry I one day hope to partake in. Asha Till Not only has it inspired me even more to reach my dreams and achieve my goals, but it has given me an opportunity to really think about the decisions that will affect my future. (Work Experience placement at Pascoe Vale Vet Hospital) Melinda Martinstyen During the Work Experience week I attended M & G Maiolo Automotive Workshop in Fitzroy. As soon as I walked in I felt welcomed by all of the staff and even the customers. The mechanics were very helpful and gave me great insight into the automotive industry as well as knowledge about basic car maintenance. They allowed me to change the oil/oil filters, tyres, break lights/headlights, air filters etc. This was easily one of the best experiences I have ever encountered as it has built up my knowledge about cars and their various mechanical features. Since then, the staff has invited me to go along any time to visit and they have also offered me part-time work during the school holidays. So, if anyone is interested in a career in the automotive/mechanical industry or just wants a taste, I highly recommend that you contact this workshop or keep it in mind for future reference. To sum up, this is definitely a career I would love to pursue in the future. Rosemaree Scarpino I was tremendously eager to finally get to have a taste of working life, and once the week was over, I can happily say that I did enjoy the experience... I spent the first three days at the Darebin City Council working within the Youth Music and Arts Department, where I assisted and experienced the role of being an event manager for music events. Because I am already a weekly volunteer at the council (in the group Darebin FReeZA WeGoreng Fried Music Productions), I got to experience more of the advanced roles within the department and it was such an eye opener for me; I found it takes energy multitasking, running around for people, using your creativity, a whole heap of initiative and positive vibes to keep you going Having two days left for the week, I was lucky enough to get a placement at the Northcote Pools, where I taught adorable little children how to swim, front desk, lifeguarding, working in the gym Aesha Abenir Catherine Nguyen at Ivanhoe Cakes - 8 -

9 WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM 2014 The year 9 students have received their information packs for work experience in Many have already responded to the challenge of searching for placements. Students have been urged to check industry application opening and closing dates and to act early in exploring options. Their discussions with parents/guardians, teachers and others will definitely benefit their ability to start unfolding the broad spectrum of possibilities. Students have been requested to visit the work experience coordinator by the end of this year even if they don t have any idea of where their interest area lies. With your support I m sure our young women will avail themselves of an excellent placement by their work experience week during September 15 th to 19 th Please contact me for further discussion of this program. Mrs Anne Marie Allan, Work Experience Coordinator - 9 -

10 Nativity Used with permission Fraynework Multimedia You are invited to our 10 th annual Carols by Twilight When: Monday 2 nd December 7:00pm to 8:30pm Where: BYO blanket and chair Cake and coffee stall Handmade gifts suitable for Christmas Barbequed food for sale Christmas raffle drawn on the night