25 January 2019 Dear Parents/Guardians, Commencement Letter for 2019 Welcome to the 2019 school year! I hope that you had a Blessed Christmas and that the holiday period allowed you to spend quality time with your sons and loved ones. I am honoured to be leading this great College in 2019 and pledge to faithfully serve the Marcellin Community to ensure that the high standards you have come to expect, and that have been recognised in the broader community in this region of Sydney, are both maintained and strengthened into the future. This year marks 96 years of Catholic education at Marcellin College Randwick and I pray, in particular, that every boy will grasp the opportunities that lay ahead of him and he strives to achieve to his potential. The purpose in writing to you is to both update and inform you on a number of issues to ensure a smooth start to the year and allow us all to focus our energy on our core business: Faith Formation and Learning. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the contents of this letter which includes: 1. Meet and Greet Parent Gathering 2. Excellent 2018 HSC Results 3. Our Culture of Learning at Marcellin 4. High Expectations at Marcellin 5. Dedicated Student Services Office 6. Assessment Notification and Assessment Calendars 7. Learning Group Class Structures Years 7-10 8. Co-curricular Participation by Students 9. College Newsletter and Parent Communications 10. Attendance, Illness and Punctuality 11. Application for Leave 12. Leave for Students in Years 11 and 12 13. Five Period Day 14. Important and Compulsory Dates and Events for 2019 1. Meet and Greet Parent Gathering At the start of my tenure as Principal I look forward to getting to know as many of you as possible throughout the coming year. I would especially like to invite all parents/carers to our Meet and Greet gathering on Friday February 22. All parents/carers will receive an invitation, via email, in the coming week. I do hope to see you there; let s make it a great community night! 2. Excellent 2018 HSC Results I would like to congratulate the class of 2018. They worked exceptionally hard throughout their senior years and, with the guidance of their dedicated teachers, excelled. Some notable achievements include: 28/30 subjects were above stage average, that is 93.33 % of HSC subjects; 23/30 subjects achieved 5% or more above state average. (76.7% were over 5% above the state average); 96 Band 6s were achieved; 350 Band 5s were achieved; 446 total Band 6s and 5s;
58 students were named on the HSC Honour Roll (Distinguished Achievers), which includes students who achieved Band 6 in one or more subjects; Two students, Ryan Dharma and Rory Dolan, were named on the HSC All Rounders List for achieving Band 6 in all subjects. What was also very pleasing was the wonderful achievement of our students who completed their HSC but opted for a non ATAR pathway. Many of these students, through their diligence and dedication, have secured traineeships, apprenticeships and are combining further study with work. 3. Our Culture of Learning at Marcellin A key focus in 2019 will be strengthening the culture of learning in the College. If we want our boys to achieve outstanding academic results we need to place greater value and importance on learning whilst acknowledging and celebrating their achievements. Achieving to one s potential also requires becoming an Independent Learner - a learner that takes responsibility for their own learning and goes beyond set homework or assignments. It includes study, the completion of exam type questions and acting upon the feedback received from teachers. It is a commitment to learning each and every day. Some simple strategies that will assist our boys include: Setting goals and targets in each subject; Using the College Diary to write down and plan for homework and assignments; Developing a good understanding of the Assessment Program, schedule and Assessment Policy; Setting aside time each day to complete homework and assignment work; Reflecting and talking to your son about learning and how to improve results; Focusing on and preparing for assessment tasks, including exams; Encouraging your son to be competitive and collaborative, knowing what others are achieving and working in groups to push each other to do well; Encouraging the boys to read widely; Assisting your son to do his BEST work ALL the time; Enabling your son to enjoy the journey of learning! 4. High Expectations at Marcellin One of the key reasons for the academic success of our students at Marcellin is the high standards we expect and the high expectations we have of all students. Underpinning all of our expectations is Respect; Respect for our Faith, Respect for Others, Respect for Self, Respect for Learning and Respect for the College. Could I ask all parents to reacquaint themselves with all Expectations outlined in the College Diary and discuss these with your son. 5. Dedicated Student Services Office A new initiative of the College in 2019 is a Student Services reception area. The purpose of this area will be to accommodate the following needs: Attendance including early departure and late arrival; First Aid; Lost Property; Meeting point with staff as requested; Catering for other student needs / services as required. The front office reception area will continue to serve parents and visitors to the College. 6. Assessment Notification and Assessment Calendars Our Assessment program is made up of both informal and formal aspects of assessment. The informal aspects relate to class work, homework and class tests. These assessments involve teachers professional judgement about your son s level of achievement on these tasks. They are used in conjunction with the formal assessment program to determine your son s level of achievement each Semester. The formal program of assessments will be outlined in your son s Assessment Handbook (published on our website in Week 3 of Term 1 for Years 7-11). These assessments are used to determine our selective learning groups in Years 7-10, grading student achievement and calculating first
in course each year. It is vitally important that your son prepares well for these tasks, so that he is able to demonstrate his level of achievement. To assist students in doing this, all assessment notifications will in the Assessment Calendar on the College website. Our hope is that you will utilise this with your son to plan his time wisely. 7. Learning Group Class Structures - Years 7-10 The College has reviewed the current Class Structure model and process at Marcellin College and in light of the recent Sydney Catholic Schools Inquiry and Review has decided to make some changes. The process of class placements is managed by the Director of Learning and the Assistant Director of Learning. A range of stakeholders are involved in the process of student class placement including Key Learning Area Coordinators (KLA S), Year Coordinators (YC s), Newman Coordinator and Learning Support. All groupings are done in consultation with the Pastoral team as pastoral considerations may affect groupings. Marcellin College has made a commitment to mixed ability class groupings for 2019. The purpose of mixed groupings is for the students to develop holistically, ensuring opportunities for both intellectual and social interaction. Whether it be in the area of giftedness, special needs, literacy or numeracy, teachers at Marcellin College are committed to providing a rich, engaging and challenging learning environment that is personalised to meet the needs of the individual student. The class structures in each Year Group for 2019 were outlined in a separate letter included in the Year 7-10 Reports at the end of 2018 and which can be found here. 8. Co-Curricular Participation by Students Co-curricular activity is part of the overall program of the College and participation is a condition of enrolment. It is my expectation that all students participate in sport, culture, camps, excursions and retreats to the best of their ability. Attendance is compulsory at all scheduled events and I appreciate your support in maintaining a commitment to these programs. These events enhance the family spirit of the College and are an important feature of our school culture. 9. College Newsletter and Parent Communications As of 2019, parents will only receive communications from the College on a Wednesday afternoon. Unless it is an emergency or an unseen circumstance, no communications will be sent from the College at any other times. Newsletter: The Newsletter will be sent every second Wednesday of Term (in even weeks). Parent Communication: Each Wednesday, we will email our Parent Communication which will contain notes detailing events that will affect your sons. (e.g Excursion letters or other necessary correspondence). We hope this will streamline our communication process and avoid families being inundated with correspondence at any other time. 10. Attendance, Illness and Punctuality Students cannot excel at school if they are not here on a regular basis. Furthermore, we do the boys no favours allowing them to stay at home when they are not genuinely ill. Staying at home to complete assessment tasks is not an adequate excuse, as it places the boys at a distinct advantage and rewards poor planning and organisation. I ask for parent support in ensuring that your son is at school each day unless he is sick. Furthermore, every school day is important and, as such, students are expected to be at carnivals, reflection days and all compulsory events. There is no change to current practice if a student is sick. Parents are to call the Absentee Hotline 9398 8009 or email mcr-absences-lates@syd.catholic.edu.au before 8.30am to advise that your son will be absent. (Please do not call the main switch number). A written absence note must be provided to the Homeroom Teacher upon returning to school. Students who have a poor pattern of attendance may be required to provide Medical Certificates for each and every absence.
Punctuality is a most important trait for students to develop before they enter the workforce. Boys who are late for school three times in any one Semester, and who do not have a note with a legitimate reason, will be placed on detention on the third occasion. Please note that I reserve the right to vary these conditions for students who demonstrate a pattern of repeated lateness. 11. Application for Leave I must remind parents of the importance of school attendance and punctuality. There is a direct link between educational achievement and success with school attendance. Furthermore, students missing school miss out on very important educational opportunities. In the event that you MUST apply for leave you are asked to follow the following procedure: All leave applications must be submitted at least FOUR WEEKS PRIOR TO THE LEAVE. To apply for leave please complete the Application for Leave Form which is on the College website and return to the Student Services Officer. Any request for leave will be considered by the Principal or his delegate in accordance with the NSW Catholic Systemic Schools Guidelines. It is the student s responsibility to liaise with his Year Coordinator and teachers to ensure all assessments and exams are rescheduled and completed. Absence from school may jeopardise your son s ability to meet the requirements of courses and this may impact negatively on his academic performance. It is important to note that vacations or recreational leave taken outside normal College holidays will NOT be accepted as a valid reason for an absence or for the failure to hand in an assessment task. While leave may be approved during this time, it is expected that a student will receive a mark of zero for all tasks missed during this time unless an alternative arrangement has been approved. 12. Leave for Students in Years 11 and 12 Our experience is that, in almost every case, the academic progress and performance of Year 11 and 12 students who go on leave, was negatively affected. We cannot expect our students to achieve academically if they are not at school during such a crucial time. I ask families to use the generous school holidays to visit relatives or take holidays. I will not be approving leave for senior students as this adversely impacts on learning and affects their academic achievement. 13. Five Period Day In 2019 Marcellin College will be moving from a 6 period day to a 5 period day. The decision to make this structural change to the timetable has been well considered by a range of stakeholders across the College, including the College s Inquiry and Review panel in 2018. This will limit disruption and movement across the school day, as well as providing greater opportunities for deep learning, in line with the principles of boys education. The benefits of a 5 period day include: Reduction in movement between classes and around the school during the day; Less classes each day for both students and staff; A cleaner allocation of hours per course; Increased opportunity for depth in teaching and learning; Increased student engagement. Students are focused for two subjects in the morning, for two in the middle of the day before lunch and one after lunch; Only one lesson after lunch; Greater opportunities for practical subjects; The establishment of a period zero (before school) and period 6 (after school) for extension classes in the Senior School. Please take note of the following bell times as there are some minor changes including the end to lessons, which is now 3pm. While students will generally have the opportunity to leave the College at 3pm, the school day will officially end at 3:15. Students may be asked to stay until 3:15 when requested.
Marcellin College 2019 Bell times Time Normal Day: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri Thursday 8:40 Bell move to Homeroom 8:40 Bell move to Homeroom 8:45 Homeroom 8:45 Homeroom 9:00 Period 1 9:00 Period 1 10:00 Period 2 9:50 Period 2 11:00 RECESS 10:40 RECESS 11:30 Period 3 11:10 Period 3 12:30 Period 4 12:00 LUNCH 1:30 LUNCH 12:30 Internal Sport 2:00 Period 5 2:30 Dismissal 3:00 End of lessons 3:15 End of day Extension courses and offline courses will be timetabled as either Period Zero (7:45-8:45) or Period 6. (3:00-4:00pm) Once again, I am excited and look forward to working closely with parents, students and staff throughout the year. I trust your son returns to school rested and excited for the opportunities that this new year brings. Please be assured of my full support of you and your son in ensuring he is provided with an excellent Catholic education at Marcellin College. Warm Regards, Mr Mark Woolford Principal
IMPORTANT AND COMPULSORY DATES AND EVENTS FOR 2019 TERM DATES 2019 Wednesday, 30 January: Thursday, 31 January: Friday, 12 April: Tuesday, 30 April: Friday, 5 July: Monday, 22 July: Friday, 27 September: Tuesday, 15 October: Friday, 13 December: Year 7 Orientation Day (9am - 1pm) Years 8-12 commence Term 1 ends. Classes cease at 3pm Term 2 classes commence Term 2 ends. (Parent Teacher / Student Interviews) Term 3 classes commence Term 3 ends. Classes cease at 3pm Term 4 classes commence Term 4 classes cease Staff Professional Learning - Pupil Free Days 2019 Friday 8 March Staff Development Day (Differentiation) Monday 29 April Staff Development Day (EALD) Friday 21 June Staff Spirituality Day Monday 14 October Staff Development Day (Literacy) Compulsory Events for Students College Swimming Carnival College Photograph Day College Opening Mass College Athletics Carnival Champagnat Day Mass and Celebrations Walkathon Advent Mass and Assembly Friday, 1 February Tuesday, 5 February Friday, 22 February (Marist Centre) Friday, 3 May Friday, 7 June Friday, 1 November Friday, 13 December Students in all Years are also expected to attend the relevant reflection days, retreat, camps or work experience for their Year. Year 7 and 11 Open Day Monday, 4 March (3-6pm) Year 12 Retreat Monday, 18 March - Friday, 22 March Year 7 Reflection Day Monday, 12 August Year 11 Seminar Week and Reflection Day Monday, 12 August - Friday, 16 August Year 10 Work Experience Monday, 12 August - Friday, 16 August Year 9 Camp Monday, 12 August - Friday, 16 August Year 8 Reflection Day Tuesday, 13 August Year 7 Camp Wednesday, 14 August - Friday, 16 August Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews Semester 1: Year 12 Parent Teacher Interviews Years 7-11 Parent Teacher Interviews Years 7-11 Parent Teacher Interviews Semester 2: Years 7-11 Parent Teacher Interviews Wednesday, 10 April (3.45-7pm) Wednesday, 3 July (11am - 8pm) Friday, 5 July (8.30am - 3.30pm) Monday, 16 December (12-6pm)