Kostka Hall... newsletter

Transcription

1 X A V I E R C O L L E G E A JESUIT SCHOOL Kostka Hall... newsletter Phone: Fax: Number August 2010 FROM THE RECTOR In the first week of August, I travelled to Fukuoka in Japan to represent the College at a conference for Jesuit schools in the East Asia/Pacific. Rectors and Principals gathered from Jesuit schools in Australia, Indonesia, East Timor, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, the Philippines, Micronesia and Japan. It was an exciting time to meet new people and make connections between the different Jesuit schools within our region of East Asia and Pacific. Fr Mark Raper SJ, the President of the Jesuit Conference of East Asia/Pacific addressed us about the unique challenges and implications for the educational apostolate within our region following the most recent General Congregation of the Society of Jesus. A General Congregation often elects a new Superior General of the Jesuits, as happened in 2008; it also sets the direction and focus for works conducted by the Society of Jesus. Following the most recent General Congregation in 2008, there has been a greater emphasis on the Society of Jesus being one body working on one universal mission. There has also been a greater recognition of the need for right relationships: with God, with one another and with creation. Collaboration was also explored as being at the heart of each work conducted by the Society of Jesus and our schools within Australia demonstrate how effectively this can occur. There was also an acknowledgement of the increasing globalisation within our world and the challenge as to how we can embrace the good in this phenomenon and use it creatively. Within our region of East Asia/Pacific, there was a common commitment from all the delegations present to support in a variety of ways the new St Joseph s College in Dili, East Timor. We also had a number of conversations about how each of the schools can learn from one other and provide different forms of assistance as we all work together in the one mission of educating the boys and girls within our region. For example, a number of teachers from Canisius College, the Jesuit high school in Jakarta, Indonesia hope to visit the different Australian Jesuit schools next year to learn from our faith formation programmes. On the final day, we had the extraordinary privilege of visiting Nagasaki and celebrating Mass in the Church of the First Martyrs of Japan and standing on the hill where Paul Miki SJ and his 25 companions were crucified in 1597 for their faith in Jesus Christ. We then spent the afternoon at the Nagasaki Peace Park remembering the end of the Second World War with the dropping of the second atomic bomb by the Allies. It was a most sombre experience remembering the horrors of the Second World War, including the atrocities committed by the Japanese in Asia and the Pacific. May the world never face such a war again. Wishing you all every blessing COMING EVENTS Thursday August 19 Year 2 Overnight Stay commences Year 5 Puberty Clues Parent/Child Evening 7.30pm Friday August 20 Year 2 Overnight Stay concludes Official School Photos - Music, SRC (Semester 2) & Debating 9.00am pm Tuesday 24 August Mass Special Effort: 6 Arrupe Chapel Early Years Story Time Billilla 7:00pm 8:20am Wednesday 25 August Year 7 Billilla Program Billilla 8:45am Year 8-9 Subject Selection/Parent Information Evening Friday 27 August 3 Campus Jazz Night Great Hall Kew Tuesday 31 August Mass Special Effort: 6 Canisius Chapel 8:20am City Cite Parent Information Evening Library 7:30pm Wednesday 1 September Year 7 Billilla Program Billilla 8:45am Year 5 & 6 Semester 2 Sports Photos 9:00am - 12:00pm Thursday 2 September Fathers' Day Breakfast KHFA Manresa Hall 7:30am Year 7 & 8 Semester 2 Sports Photos 9:00am - 12:00pm Friday 3 September KH Piano Concert Chapel 3:30pm - 4:15pm Fr Thomas Renshaw SJ Rector tom.renshaw@xavier.vic.edu.au Xavier Web site: Jesuit Web site: kostka@xavier.vic.edu.au

2 FROM THE PRINCIPAL Dear Parents and Guardians CIS Review Day Friday 13 August I am very pleased to report that the staff day last week was a huge success. All teaching staff, invited general staff, some Council members, parents and students gathered to review the current educational enterprise at Xavier. The focus of the review is continuous improvement. In term two next year, a team of international educational experts, members of the Victorian registration authority and members of the Jesuit Schools Commission will spend a week at Xavier appraising our educational offerings and performance. Parents, staff, students and school Council have already been surveyed to guarantee the review is as comprehensive as possible. Social Justice Week This week, across all Campuses, our focus is on understanding how the majority of the world s population lives. A number of activities are planned in the curriculum, assemblies, lunches and talks to emphasise how fortunate we are in our homes and school. My hope is that all our community reflect on the gifts they have been given so that they will turn their thoughts and actions into what they can do for others. Burke Hall Building Project Our builders assure us that the project is still on time and ready for completion in January My thanks to the many families who have already donated to the building and to the Burke Hall Mothers and Fathers Associations who organised a major fundraising dinner last weekend. The evening was a great success and my thanks to Maria Benedetti, Angela Marino and the wonderful organising committee for the superb night. Kostka Hall Musical Congratulations to Andrea McLennan as Director, and the staff and students from Kostka Hall and the Senior Campus for a wonderful production of High School Musical Jr. Blessings and peace for the coming week. Dr Chris Hayes Principal FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF KOSTKA HALL High School Musical Jnr This co-production with Sacre Coeur was definitely a memorable experience for everyone involved. Well done to all students on their persistence with scripts, attention to detail with cues and their rehearsals with music and stagecraft. The Eldon Hogan Performing Arts Centre is a wonderful venue for such productions. Thank you to Mrs McLaughlin and Mr Casey for their musical direction and Ms Morris for her assistance with the visual sets. A big thank you to Ms Roso for her help throughout the rehearsals and on the performance nights. In particular, thank you to Ms McLennan, Drama Queen extraordinaire who was responsible for so much of the production, from rehearsal schedules to choreography; she should be very proud of the end result. Open Morning Our Saturday Open Morning attracted a number of prospective families who were very complimentary of the surrounds and the atmosphere of the school. I wish to highlight the attitude and demeanor of our tour guides (Volunteer Year 6 boys) who were open, honest, polite and informative. Ignatian Units All staff who work at Xavier College are required to undertake one of a number of Ignatian Units offered each year. These vary in their presentation and topic. The units concluded this week and have been held at the Senior Campus and Kostka Hall. 2

3 FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF KOSTKA HALL Mothers Mass We recently celebrated our Mass for the Feast of the Assumption. The Mass was preceded with a gathering of parents; it was great to see so many families represented on the day. As I previously mentioned, the focus of the Mass was on Motherhood and the valued role that women have in the life of the Church, society and the students themselves. Thank you to Mr Peter Callinan, Mrs Anita Davine, Mr Kieran Casey and Mr Kerrin Hancock for their work in preparing our Mass. Victorian Interschool Snowsports The School SnowSports Development Foundation is an independent, non-profit, incorporated body, affiliated with Ski and Snowboard Australia to develop junior skiing and snowboarding and to ensure all school children have the opportunity to participate in snow sports. The School SnowSports Development Foundation are the event managers of the Subaru Victorian Interschools SnowSports Championships, the largest skiing/snowboarding event of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. Each year this event attracts over 6500 entries. The objectives of the School SnowSports Development Foundation are: To provide programs which enable Australian school students of all ages to access and experience snow sports in the spectacular alpine environment at either a recreational or competitive level. To provide for the development of junior skiers & snowboarders at all levels of ability. To increase the profile of snow sports within the school community. We have 76 students representing Xavier College at Mt Buller from August We wish them luck in their endeavours and look forward to hearing about their experiences when they return. Late arrival at school A reminder to Middle Years parents and students at Kostka that classes begin at 8.45 am each day. A number of students are arriving late and missing out on important matters that are raised during Homeroom Period. All students who arrive late are expected to report to the School Office to collect a Late Arrival slip. Students who travel by train must catch an earlier train if they are arriving late for school. Parking in the Maritima Car Park Parents and staff are reminded that there are certain sections of the car park, which are restricted to fifteen minute parking. These sections are in front of the Early Years Centre. The times for this restricted parking are between 8 and 9 in the morning and 3 and 4 in the afternoon. The Maritima car park drive through must be kept clear at all times. If parking is not available in the designated bays, parents are asked to park outside the school grounds. Greg Gaudie Callum Parker Acting Director Acting Deputy Director Xavier College Kostka Hall Sacrament of Confirmation ST. MARY S HAMPTON Sacrament of Confirmation preparation commences with the Commitment Masses on Saturday September pm Mass and Sunday September am & 10.00am Masses - Students with their families are asked to attend one of these weekend Masses to enrol for the Sacrament of Confirmation. For further information contact Sr. Michele or Carmel Stutterd

4 FROM THE DIRECTOR OF TEACHING TEACHING & L & LEARNING Subject Selection for Year 9 Elective Studies in 2011 Has your son yet shared with you his proposed subject selections? Have you looked over his shoulder as he has accessed the selection form online on his Xavier College login? If the answer to both questions is yes, then the process is proceeding as intended, if the answer is no, then I encourage you to instigate the action. Wise selection is made from a position of information and it does take time to read the course outlines and determine whether both the content of a course and its assessment requirements are suited to your son s areas of interest and learning style. Should your son have questions that you are unable to answer, the first piece of advice is to read the 2011 Year 9 Handbook on the Xavier College Portal and if you remain uncertain then your son should ask his homeroom teacher as all homeroom teachers have been briefed about the process. To access the 2011 Handbook, open the Xavier College Portal, go to curriculum, scroll down to Curriculum Documentation and open the Year 9 document. Year 9 subject selections close at 9.00am on Friday 27 August. Elizabeth Smith Director of Teaching & Learning FROM THE XAVIER SOCIAL JUSTICE NETWORK It is only three weeks before the Daring to be Different event for THE ASYLUM SEEKER CHALLENGE - to be held at Xavier College on Wednesday 8 September from 7:30pm in the Eldon Hogan Performing Arts Centre, with Moderator Judge Frances Hogan. Provision of refreshments before the event will be supplied by refugees from the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre. Background on some of the panelists on the night: Paris Aristotle, AM Director of the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture has held several positions on government advisory bodies in the refugee resettlement and human service fields over the past 20 years. David Manne Executive Director of Refugee & Immigration Legal Centre many of you would have heard David speak on various radio media. Dr Maryanne Loughry, RSM AM Associate Director of Jesuit Refugee Service - recently awarded an AM for her work with refugees. Zamera Shariffie Current university student from Afghanistan. Zamera arrived in Australia three years ago having spent most of her formative years in refugee camps in Pakistan. With tenacity and courage, she is willing to share her story of life what it was like for her mother and sisters living in such an indeterminate state while her father s whereabouts were unknown to them (he had fled for his life on a boat to Australia). Don t miss out book your places now on the Trybooking site only $15 adults, $10 students. Submit questions online. Encourage friends, colleagues and students to come and gain more of an understanding of the complex and difficult issues facing people seeking sanctuary in Australia. Explore with our speakers some of the prejudices, myths and barriers to the current policies. Reminder for your chance to win a degustation dinner for 10 at the exclusive Level 89 Eureka Towers, register your interest now with the ticket secretary at patriciabergin@bigpond.com. Less than 40 tickets left at $50 per ticket (only 100 tickets released)... so hurry for your chance of a most memorable night out with very special friends. This fabulous raffle will be drawn on the night. Hurry for seating and raffle tickets! With warm wishes, Mary Storey Xavier Social Justice Network Coordinator Mary.Storey@xavier.vic.edu.au Mb:

5 HEALTH CENTRE NEWS Asthma Key Facts and Statistics Over 2 million Australians have asthma 1 in 9 children have asthma 1 in 10 adults have asthma Asthma can occur at any age. The cause of asthma is unknown and there is no cure. Using a spacer with a puffer is 3 times more effective at delivering the medication to your lungs than using a puffer by itself 1 in 9 children with asthma live with a smoker. People with asthma should have a written asthma action plan but most still don t In primary school-aged children, asthma is more common among boys than among girls. After teenage years, more women have asthma than men Asthma is a common reason for hospital admissions in children under 12, with an increase in admissions occurring two weeks after schools return from holidays On average 8 Australians die from asthma each week. If you would like more information please call The Asthma Foundation of Victoria on or visit Minimising Exposure to Asthma Triggers Although we don't know what causes asthma, we do know that under certain circumstances the airways react and asthma symptoms develop. We refer to the stimuli that can lead to asthma as triggers.. Reducing your exposure to things that trigger your asthma is a large part of taking control of your asthma. Here are some asthma triggers you should be aware of: Changes to weather/air temperature: Temperature change - either hot to cold or cold to hot can be an asthma trigger. Typically, the drop in temperature at night can trigger asthma. If you're affected by cold air try to avoid breathing through your mouth and exercise indoors. Dust/Dust Mites: House dust mites are microscopic creatures that are too small to be seen, and small enough to be inhaled. Millions of mites can be found throughout the home, but they especially thrive in any warm, humid places, particularly beds, fabric-covered furniture, cushions and carpet, and children's soft toys. When it comes to dust mite control, remember this simple rule: if you cannot remove it, then encase it, wash it or wipe it. Pollens: Airborne pollens are a very common trigger for asthma symptoms. Many trees, grasses and weeds, have small, light, dry pollens that rely on the wind to disperse. Pollens can blow for many miles. You can monitor the daily pollen count from September to December on the Asthma Foundation of Victoria s website Gardens: Gardens can harbor many triggers that may cause trouble for hay fever and asthma. Things to be aware of in the garden that can cause trouble for allergies and asthma include: pollens, mould spores, animal dander, venom of sting insects, weather. The Low Allergen Garden brochure offers practical tips to avoid contact with common garden allergen and triggers. To obtain a copy of this brochure contact the Asthma Foundation of Victoria. If you would like more information please call The Asthma Foundation of Victoria on or visit ENHANCED XAVIER COMMUNITY PORTAL COMING SOON The College will be launching the enhanced Xavier Community Portal at the end of August. All the favourite features will be available as well as many new features such as a search function and the ability to subscribe to notifications for a particular area. Further details will be provided in the coming weeks. RACE DAY Tickets for the Kostka Hall Race Day will be available for collection from Monday 24 August am. Those who have not paid, please do so immediately. 5

6 NEWS FROM EARLY YEARS As an implementing International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme School, the Kostka Hall Campus of Xavier College belongs to and is an active member of the Victorian PYP Network. This Network was established in 2001 and its aim is to model and foster the ideals and philosophy of the IBO. It provides information, organises meetings and professional development opportunities, which promote and encourage professional learning and communication between IBO PYP schools. The Network has approximately 43 member schools (either interested, candidate or authorised IBO PYP schools) in Victoria. A recent initiative developed by the Network was an Open Schools fortnight (Monday 2 to Friday 13 August). PYP schools in Victoria were invited to open their doors to teachers from other PYP schools. The Early Years staff and students at Kostka Hall participated in this initiative, welcoming twenty three visitors from Plenty Valley Christian College, Brighton Primary School, Benton Junior College, Wesley College (St Kilda Road, Campus), Korowa Anglican Girls School, McKinnon Primary School, Firbank Grammar Junior School on Thursday 12 August. Visiting teachers had an opportunity to tour the school and speak to staff and students about our PYP journey. All Early Years staff had the opportunity to visit and view other PYP environments in action. Schools visited were: Mt View Primary School, St Leonard s College (Cornish Campus, Patterson Lakes) Brighton Primary School, Korowa Anglican Girls School, Wesley College, (Glen Waverley Campus), Lloyd Street Primary School, Mentone Girls Grammar. These visits have given our staff an opportunity to build relationships with other teachers and schools, gain new ideas and insights into a diverse range of schools. Staff have all reflected and shared on their experiences at recent staff meetings. Christine Gilliland - PYP Coordinator and Learning Enhancement Teacher PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AT KOSTKA HALL The Personal Development Programme at Kostka Hall seeks to work in partnership with parents to promote the knowledge, values, skills and attitudes necessary for forming and maintaining healthy relationships. The curriculum is built around key areas, which promote a Christian vision of life. It encourages growth towards wholeness in several dimensions: spiritual, social, physical, emotional, sexual, intellectual and moral. The Year Five Course focuses on: Self Identity and Relationships and Sexuality Education. The Year Six Course includes: Relationships and Drug and Safety Education. In Year Seven the students undertake The Journey Towards The Man I Wish To Become. The Journey Programme seeks to prepare the Year Seven boys for their journey into adolescence. It encourages a reflective study about the boy they are now and the young man they wish to become. The programme is based around three main questions Who Am I? Who Might I Be? Who Do I Want To Be? It is a twelve month experience, conducted once a week at the Billilla Annexe of the College and incorporates the topics of Self Identify and Relationships. The Year Eight Course focuses on the Sexual Self and Drug Education. In regards to the Drug Education unit, health professionals will present to the boys various workshops around the theme of Risky Business. Upcoming Year Five Personal Development Evening Parents and Sons Thursday 19 August pm at Kostka Hall During Term Two, the Year Six topic, Relationships, began with a Parent and Son Evening with workshops led by Year 12 Prefects. The Unit explores what bullying is as defined in the School Bullying and Harassment Policy, and focuses on making appropriate choices for dealing with conflict, the power of bystanders and the power of body language. Photos are of the Year Six students engaging in dialogue with their Year Twelve peers. Michael Jones - Personal Development Coordinator 6

7 TE HE ARLY FEAST YEARS OF NEWS ST.. IGNATIUSI On Friday 30 July the Xavier College community gathered together at St. Patrick s Cathedral to celebrate the Feast of St Ignatius. The Year 5 class took some time to reflect on this day and here are some reflections from the students: Max Farrell (5 Canisius) When we at St. Patrick s Cathedral, we were seated and the Arch Bishop of Melbourne was kind enough to come and celebrate Mass with us. Certain students were selected to participate in activities such as singing songs, reading prayers and bringing up the offertory procession. After Mass we bused back to Kostka Hall. Mr Jones made a presentation in the Chapel on St. Ignatius life. Harry Willems (5 Canisius) In the Cathedral we saw some wonderful structures and just looking around the church was amazing. We were celebrating St. Ignatius Day and we talked about his life, how he lived and so much more. Overall it was an awesome day and I learned a lot about what he did to help others. Campbell Timms (5 Canisius) I was very honored on this day because I was chosen to take up the bread and wine, in other words, the offertory procession. I had to give the bread and wine to the Archbishop myself. On this day I learnt a lot about St. Ignatius of Loyola. The Three Campus Mass was so interesting. When we got back to school from the wonderful Mass we had a quick break and then we went into the Chapel for a spectacular talk about St. Ignatius life with 32 slides presented by Mr Jones. NEWS FROM YEARS 7 AND 8 Term Three is progressing at a rapid rate. Our students in Years Seven and Eight are fully engaged in their tasks and it is pleasing to see how well organized and how thorough many of the students are in their endeavours. The Term has been a very busy one and already we have had a number of highlights. The Three Campus Mass was as memorable as it was impressive, it is never an easy task to gather the whole College in one place, but these days are certainly worth the effort and remind us of the rich tradition which is an integral part of Xavier College. The School Musical, High School Musical Jr was a resounding success and it was a privilege to see the boys from Years Seven & Eight display their talents on the stage at the EHPAC over three nights. I congratulate each and every participant and I would like to thanks Ms McLennan, Ms Roso, Mr. Casey and Mrs. McLaughlin on their diligent and thorough preparatory work in the lead-up to the performances. Our Year Eight students will have their subject selection day & evening on Wednesday 25 August at the Senior Campus and I encourage each & every student and parent to look carefully at the options available and to use the Xavier Portal to assist with this process. The Year Eights will also soon receive their first information session on City Cite, the city based programme to be held in Weeks 2 & 3 of Term Four. Year Seven have recently been on an excursion to Museum Victoria to view the Titanic exhibit. This was very enjoyable and most rewarding and it gave us some great insights into the use of primary and secondary sources of information as well as informing us in detail of the events surrounding the tragedy of R.M.S. Titanic. Night of the Notables fast approaches and I urge all Year Seven students to continue working on the task in an organized and methodical manner and to seek assistance or clarification on any topic if deemed necessary. As always, the Homework Club is available to assist any students each Monday afternoon from 3.30pm 5.00pm. Jerry Mulcahy Year 7 & 8 Coordinator Our First Communion On our First Communion we received a cross necklace and then we went to St. Finbar's Church in East Brighton. We saw our parents when we were walking up to the altar and sang a song called Come to My Table. After we talked and sang more songs and some people took up the gifts. After we received a candle and a certificate. We felt very happy after our Communion because we had received Jesus and it was the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. By Daniel Sutanto and Samuel Kunnel Year 4 Ricci 7

8 Y EAR EAR 7 & 8 SPORTS PORT - CROSS COUNTRY FINALS The 2010 APS Year 7 & 8 Cross Country Finals were held on Wednesday August 4 at the Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens. The track is a 3.839km distance that has the time to beat of seconds, held by Craig Mottram. 10 boys in Year 7 & 8 Burke Hall / Kostka Hall represented Xavier College. From Kostka Hall the boys were: Deng Tebir 4 th Overall seconds Alex Horgan 20 th Overall seconds Stefan Zinni 27th Overall Hamish Cullity 29 th Overall Patrick Burt 48 th Overall 65 Competitors Year 7 Nick Pirrie John Bird Sam Murphy 13 th Overall seconds 62 nd Overall 69 th Overall 81 Competitors This was a fantastic display from the Kostka Hall boys with everyone finishing and representing the school with the true Xavier spirit. David Lanigan Sports Coordinator Year 7 & 8 THE ASYLUM SEEKER CHALLENGE WEDNESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER - PANELLISTS INCLUDE: Paris Aristotle AM Director of the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture Dr Maryanne Loughry RSM AM Associate Director of Jesuit Refugee Service David Manne Executive Director of Refugee & Immigration Legal Centre Zamera Shariffie Acting President of The Association of Hazaras - Where: Eldon Hogan Performing Arts Centre Xavier College, Barkers Road, Kew Time: 7:30pm 9:00pm Cost: Adults: $15.00 / Students: $10.00 Online Bookings only 8

9 Xavier College Basketball Presentation Awards Night 2010 Senior, Burke Hall and Kostka Hall Campuses The Xavier College Basketball Parents Support Group have the pleasure in inviting all Senior, Burke Hall and Kostka Hall Campus players and their families to the first Annual Presentation Night. All players will be individually recognised for their contribution to basketball at Xavier. Basketball excellence will be celebrated with the awards for each team of MVP, Runner-Up MVP and Coach s Award being announced has seen the largest number of teams (130 players) ever representing Xavier College in basketball. Come and mark the achievements of 2010 and hear about the opportunities being taken to strengthen basketball even more in 2011 and beyond. When: Thursday 2 September, 2010 Where: Eldon Hogan Hall Senior School Campus Time: 6:30 pm for drinks and nibbles; 7:00 pm presentation start Tickets: $6 per person + booking fee (go to the trybooking website: (The price of the ticket includes coffee, tea and soft drinks) We are asking each family to bring a plate of nibbles. If you are a basketball player don t miss out on a terrific night. For further information contact: All players are to be in full school uniform. Damian Cotchett on Peter Izydorczyk on or Richard Wright on Xavier College Rugby Presentation Night Friday 3 September 2010 at 6.30pm The Xavier Rugby Presentation Night will be held in the Great Hall at the Senior Campus on Friday 3 September at 6.30pm. The guest speaker will be Mr Ben Darwin - ex Wallabies and currently one of the coaches for the Melbourne Rebels. The cost of the function of $45 per head will include a three course sit-down carvery dinner. Drinks will be at bar prices. Flyers have been forwarded to all players and bookings may be made through Trybooking.com. 9

10 STOP PRESS! The Xaverian Kitchen Cookbook will be launched across the three Xavier Campuses in October by renowned chefs. Dates to be announced Check the Xavier College website for further details or contact The Development Office on Bookings to attend launches will be via when dates are confirmed. 10