Issue 1 9 February 2018 Our Community is welcomed and we have a Salesian visitor. The Year 12 results are wonderful and new staff are commissioned. We begin again with fresh enthusiasm. I welcome you all to the excitement of being together and to the beginning of the 2018 academic year. We have now launched our educational challenge and for over 900 students there is a tremendous opportunity ahead. It begins again with all the expectation of hard work, joyous community and the importance of a partnership with our families. The year has an historic feel about it. This is the first year that our Year 7s are in the secondary campus and this is the first year that we will receive a cohort of Little Lions (or should I say a Pride of Lions ) into our Reception classes. This is significant and the general observation is that the Year 7s are excited, happy, transitioning well and that, according to the more retiring senior students, they are noisy in the playground. The Year 8s, so new to lockers and laptops, changing classrooms and multiple teachers for multiple learning disciplines, seem to be finding their way around. The Reception classes have started with a more tangible ease than previous years. There is something about the way that they have settled. The 2017 Little Lions transition program is being hailed as a great success. When the Receptions began this year there was a confidence and an ease about their attitude. They settled quickly into established routine. They were known by the teachers and the learning opportunities began sooner rather than later. Not that there wasn t some nerves and an excitement tinged with anxiety and that was just the parents the children seem to quickly understand that they were in an organised and caring community. This will be a great year for them. As a measure, the number of tissues needed to dry tears from eyes was less for the students and exactly the same for the parents. All is well. The great machine, called St Mark s education, groaned its way into action and now has a momentum. The students all over the College arrived with hope. I sensed their determination and the expectation they had on themselves to do their best. There is nothing more exciting than the freshness of uniforms, the tidiness of new haircuts, the shininess of shoes, the books covered and computers charged and ready. There is absolutely nothing better than the smiles of recognition and the joy of hello. All are ready. There is much anticipation about this year. We have a school community that cares and a College which demands excellence. We are a College where we will get caught up in effort and success. I welcome all students and families. I welcome them to the demands and achievements, challenges and grace filled moments of being here. We have begun again with the privilege of being a St Mark s community member. Year 12 Results The 2017 Year 12 results were outstanding. I extend congratulations to Eliza Watt as Dux of the College with an ATAR of 97.85. This puts Eliza in the top 2% of Australian students. She has made a remarkable achievement because of her hard work and dedication. The Proxime Accessit was Nicola Turci with an ATAR of 96.15. There were 5 students who scored in the 90s and 42 of our students received an A in at least one subject. That is a huge number of students and it says very clearly that our Year 12s are being challenged and are engaging in their learning.
New staff members, Micaela, Kali, Briony, Lisa, Todd, Kayla, Jo and Marc were blessed by the Bishop Student Information Packs Due for Return to School Friday 9 February Shrove Tuesday Tuesday 13 February Ash Wednesday Wednesday 14 February Sports Council Wednesday 14 February, 7.30pm Salesian House Parents Council Sunday 18 February, 7.30pm Board Meeting Tuesday 20 February, 7.30pm I congratulate the teachers and parents in the manner in which they set up the opportunity for our young people to succeed. This success is significant and it is formally recognised in a Dux Assembly where we get a chance to applaud Eliza, and hear from her, as well welcome back old scholar Tim Richens to speak about the importance of effort, achievement and the joy of a Year 12 experience. Perhaps my greatest joy, after I recognise that the Year 12 students of 2017 were a wonderful group of young people, is that so many of them were placed in their first preference for university. So many of them have set themselves goals and are pursuing them, even as families now prepare, with a bit of sadness, for the exodus to Adelaide to further engage in studies. So they now begin and I know that the College was in partnership with them and that for the third year in a row we achieved 100% SACE completion and this means that our graduates have a chance. Our Year 12 results are an opportunity for congratulations and celebration. A Visit from the Salesians To begin our time together as a staff, we welcomed Fr Bernie Graham, the Deputy Provincial of the Salesian Order in Australia to our staff gathering. We had invited him to speak with us and to guide us in reflection. We wanted to refresh our understanding of our Salesian philosophy and to make connection with the sacredness of a vocation in education. We looked at the Salesian Charter which has been a document that has guided us for the last ten years. We wanted to reflect on how our College is a home that welcomes. We wanted to be sure that welcome is fundamental in our relationships. We wanted to see how our College is a part of a Church life that connects this community to sacredness. We discussed the traditions, beauty and sensitivity as well as faithful intuitions that we want to develop. We looked at the Charter and developed ideas so that we would always be a school that prepares for life. We want the finest young men and women to leave our school ready to take on the world. And finally we discussed the playground. We discussed safety, friendship, laughter and how this is such a joy filled place of community. It was a very important discussion. It filled our notebooks with ideas. It gave us a momentum to begin the year. I hope that our mums and dads are confident. It was a great discussion. We have some strategies. New Staff It has been wonderful to welcome new staff to the College. They come with idealism and a new set of eyes and enthusiasm. They join us and revitalize us with experiences and philosophies. We know that they become part of an outstanding faculty of educators. We welcome Todd Arbon, Kayla Hastings, Briony Forster, Marc Forster, our new Deputy Principal, and Kali Rodda. I feel very fortunate to have them with us. We also welcome back Tamara Wilson and Teresa Gadaleta from their maternity leave. The high skilled management of babies and a career begins for them and we are most fortunate to have back these gifted teachers. Benedict ex-patriots Toni Freer, Jack Jordan and Lyn Ellbourn have joined the Year 7s and 8s at Bosco and they seem to be surviving. Okay, there was a little glazing over with lockers and bell times and great hulking adolescence, and there is no 10 o clock fruit time at Bosco. However, they are all doing well. I acknowledge that the Bishop welcomed us all to the Cathedral with a beautiful Mass of Dedication to the Year. He cares very deeply about the College and the blessing of the new staff members was a wonderful Commissioning. Things have started well. Greg Hay, Principal
Around Religious the Education College From the APRIM Welcome to the 2018 year. It is wonderful to come together as a community again with some new and also many familiar faces. Boarding Begins Our Boarders arrived and unpacked for 2018 on Monday 29 January. The year began in prayer with a liturgy held for the Boarding Community and their families in the chapel. The prayers were for a successful community year and the installation of Patrick Connell as the Boarding school captain. Following this Opening Liturgy the families and boarders shared a Barbecue tea before the Boarders were left to settle in and begin the 2018 year. Themes for the Year We were privileged as a staff to have a visit from the Vice Provincial of the Australia-Pacific Salesian community Fr Bernie Graham. He shared with us his understanding and experiences of Vocation as we revisited the Salesian Charter. This charter sets out the Charism that is so much a part of our school and all Salesian communities. A home that welcomes, A parish that evangelises A school that prepares for life A playground where friends meet and enjoy themselves. At the end of our Staff Preparation Days we gathered to be commissioned along with our Parish Workers and those who work in the Diocesan office and Aged care. We committed ourselves once again to missionary service in the school community with a special welcome to those joining the College for the first time. Opening School Mass At the end of Week 1 the entire College gathered in the Good Samaritan Hall to celebrate the start of the school year and pray blessings on all that lies before us in 2018. Our students responded well to the formal ritual and celebration. Water was blessed to be used throughout the year. In fitting with the Feast Day, each class brought forward their candle to be blessed. I am thankful for our Parish Priest Fr Francis Montero for always making our school community a priority and bringing a joy and excitement to all of our faith celebrations for us. Lent will Begin Next week sees the beginning of Lent in the Church s Liturgical year. These 40 days preceding Easter are a time of fasting and preparation for the celebration of Jesus Death and Resurrection. The College will see and consume plenty of pancakes on Tuesday and then Ash Wednesday we will all commit ourselves to a time of reflection and selfimprovement. Benedict Campus will have a Shrove Tuesday Liturgy at 9am in the Quadrangle to prepare the Ashes. On Ash Wednesday our Year 12 students will attend the 9:10am Cathedral Mass and bring back Ashes to distribute to the Bosco Community. Benedict Campus will celebrate an Ash Wednesday Mass at 10:30am in the Good Samaritan Hall. Family and friends are welcome to attend the celebration. Katie Pole, APRIM Adult Faith Last Monday two people met with me to discuss their Faith in the RCIA context. I think I learned as much as they did as RCIA (or adult faith) is based on discussing and listening. We discussed What is Faith, and Faith in Action, and Does having Faith mean we don t have questions or doubts according to the RCIA pamphlet. We are up to No 2 in a 16 week program, so if any others would like to join us, we meet at 7.00pm in the Chancery building (next building north of the Cathedral). It doesn t matter if you have missed a couple as we have the pamphlets to read up. It costs nothing; so just come if you wish. Next week we are discussing the Holy Trinity, the images of the Holy Trinity, and Praying to the Holy Trinity. Brother Patrick
From the Deputy Principal Xzavier, Della, Madeline and Parker during literacy group time Student Information Packs Due for Return to School Friday 9 February Shrove Tuesday Tuesday 13 February Ash Wednesday Wednesday 14 February 10.30am, Good Sam Hall Little Lions Commence for Mid-Year Enrolment Friday 16 February A very warm welcome to the 2018 school year! It was wonderful to hear the chatter and laughter of the students as they entered Benedict Campus last Tuesday. We have enjoyed a smooth transition and look forward to a most successful and rewarding year for all. I d especially like to thank the teaching staff for opening their classrooms and acknowledge the many parents and friends who took up the opportunity to pop in. There was a tremendous sense of community about the place. An extra special thank you to our hardworking and thoughtful P+F who organised a delightful welcome cuppa. I know many parents enjoyed having a meet and greet. A special welcome back to our staff, students and families who have returned and also a special welcome to the new (and not so new) faces. Mr Todd Arbon, Mrs Briony Forster, Mrs Kayla Hastings and Mrs Tamara Wilson have officially joined the Benedict Teaching Team and 49 Receptions have taken their first step of primary schooling. We also welcomed the following students and their families into our Year 1-6 community; Jack Cole, Shaylah Black, Neveah Hollitt-Lomman, Zane Roberts, Aiza Hashmi, Ava Cridland, Olivia Caputo, Xanthe and Angus Forster, Ryder Ireland and Daniel Leak. We really hope you all enjoy your time at Benedict! Next week sees the beginning of the Season of Lent with Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. Lent is forty days of preparation before the celebration of Easter. During this time we consider our thoughts and actions and if we need a change of heart. Traditionally, it is also a time of fasting or abstinence and almsgiving through Project Compassion. You are most welcome to join us for the Ash Wednesday Mass at 10.30am in the Good Samaritan Hall. Each Monday there after you are also welcome to join us for a Lenten Liturgy in the GSH at 9am. (Weeks 4, 5, 6 and 8, in Week 7 this will be on Tuesday due to the public holiday). Each Liturgy introduces one of the faces of Project Compassion. Also for your diaries Benedict Assemblies are held every Week 3, 6 and 9 on Wednesday at 11.20am in the Good Samaritan Hall each term. However, due to the busyness of Week 3 this term with Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, and with the Receptions currently having rest days on Wednesdays, the first Benedict Assembly has been moved to Week 4, Tuesday 20 February at 12.20pm. You are most welcome to join us. May I take this opportunity to thank you for entrusting your precious child/ren into our care and I assure you that we are fully committed to your children, their formal education and their wellbeing. Melissa Gadaleta, Deputy Principal, Benedict Campus Many parents attended the welcome coffee on the first day of school
Benedict Campus Welcome New Receptions! Vy and Eddie learning about the letter A Declan creating letters with playdough Making Jitter Juice in Reception Green to calm the first day nerves Xzavier enjoying the playground Amelia practicing her name Hugo on his first day
From the Deputy Principal The year begins Welcome to the 2018 school year and a very warm welcome to all our new students and families who have joined the St Mark s Community. Student Information Packs Due for Return to School Friday 9 February Bosco Student Leaders Camp Sunday 11 and Monday 12 February Year 12 Parent Info Night Monday 12 February, 7.30pm at BGC Year 7 Camp Monday 12 - Wednesday 14 February Shrove Tuesday Tuesday 13 February Year 10 Parent Info Night Tuesday 13 February, 7.30pm at BGC Year 11 Parent Info Night Tuesday 13 February, 7.30pm at Bosco Centre Sports Council Wednesday 14 February, 7.30pm Year 8 Camp Wednesday 14 - Friday 16 February SH Parents Council Sunday 18 February, 7.30pm The beginning of the school year is a time of great anticipation and excitement. Year 8 students gathered last Tuesday, bubbling with nerves and enthusiasm, their first day of high school was finally here. We also had the pleasure of welcoming Year 7 students for the very first time to Bosco Campus as they too begin their high school journey. Year 12 students arrived with a different energy. There was a quiet confidence that filled the Bosco Centre. They were focused and ready for the academic challenge that lies ahead. A time of welcome... The introduction of Year 7 students to the Bosco Campus this year is a significant moment in the history of St Mark s College. While they started the week with nerves, they soon became absorbed into the Bosco community and finished their first week as confident high school students. Our new Year 8 students are also confident members of our community, quickly learning what it means to be a high school student and enjoying the wide variety of subjects available to them to broaden their knowledge and open their eyes to a world of opportunity. Both Year 7 and Year 8 students are busily preparing for their upcoming camps, which I am sure will be a time of excitement and friendship. I look forward to sharing this experience with our community in the next newsletter. New Boarders welcomed, a leader has emerged Our Boarders returned and new families were welcomed in a Beginning of the Year Liturgy last Monday evening. It was a beautiful celebration of families coming together as part of a special journey. We commissioned Patrick Connell as Salesian House Captain, a proud moment for Patrick and his family. He is kind, humble and compassionate and will make an outstanding leader for our boarding community. Following the Liturgy, we gathered for a BBQ dinner. It was the perfect opportunity for new families to make connections and share in the wisdom of those first night nerves. There was a great energy amongst the boarding students, they huddled together, swapping stories of holiday adventures. A lovely way to begin the school year. The excitement of student leadership On Monday we launched Student Leadership I ve enjoyed Bosco, I m really looking forward to going on Camp next week. Katie, Year 8, with Bree with our meet the Principal evening. Year 12 leaders and their parents gathered in celebration. It was an opportunity for us to affirm and congratulate them on their leadership position and to share our hopes for the journey ahead. Leaders sat down with key support staff who will nurture and guide them on their leadership journey. They talked about personal qualities and goals as well as what to expect as a senior leader in their final year. It was a wonderful evening for both families and the College with great pride amongst the group. Soon we will call for applications for House representatives. Interested students are asked to apply through their House Leader. Families gathered in partnership On Tuesday Year 8 and 9 families gathered for the first of our Parent Information Evenings. Year 7 families held their Parent Information evening on Wednesday. Led by our Pastoral Care Coordinators, Ms Toni Freer (Year7), Ms Jesslyn Byerlee (Year 8) and Mr Tom Gilligan (Year 9) the evenings were a formal opportunity for families to meet their child s support staff and key teachers. The coffee and informal chat upon conclusion of the formalities was a wonderful way for families to ask questions and get to know their child s teachers. The evenings were well-attended highlighting the deep commitment from families. We strongly believe that communication and a shared partnership are instrumental in ensuring a successful learning journey is experienced and I would like to take this opportunity to thank families for their attendance and commitment to their child s education. I hope that families left feeling informed and excited about the journey ahead. Marc Forster, Deputy Principal, Bosco Campus
Bosco Campus My first week was scary but fun at the same time. It s really different from Primary School but it s getting easier already. The lockers were tricky but I ve worked it out now. I love going to different classes and have enjoyed them. Paris, Year 7, with (L-R) Ella, Kayla and Jessica Bosco has been really fun and the days go by really quickly. Tech has been good and we are learning to shape wood. Connor, Year 7, with Antonio and Charlie I ve enjoyed the change of scenery and trying new subjects like Tech and Italian. Mabel, Year 8, with William I really enjoy Bosco. I have enjoyed changing lessons and moving to different classes. The canteen is good here! Thomas, Year 8, with Tyla and Isaiah I really like moving in between classes and having different teachers for different subjects. I ve liked English and all the different types of writing we have been doing, it s been fun. Cooper, Year 8, with (L-R) Kalan, Ryder and Deakin
Around the College Opening Mass The College community celebrates! A sea of students ready to celebrate the beginning of the school year Our Junior Primary students receive a Communion blessing Patrick and Mr Fay light the McNally candle Mrs Byerlee and her nephew Archie share a special moment Ms Gadaleta blesses the Benedict class candles
Around the College LAP Volunteers Needed- We welcome new and existing helpers! Would you like to be involved with the LAP Program at St Mark s -Benedict? Would you like to work one to one with a student to help make their school life more rewarding and positive? LAP stands for Learning Assistance Program and helps students to experience success with their learning, build self-esteem, self-confidence, social skills, solve challenges and many other skills. It involves working with a student on different tasks that their teacher suggests. If you are interested and would like more information about becoming a LAP volunteer please feel free to come in and discuss this with me or contact me at Benedict. Your help would be very much appreciated! A meeting will be held in Week 4 on Monday 19 February, 3.30pm in the LAP Room. All welcome! For more information, please contact Louise: P: 8633 8862 E: lrichards@smc.catholic.edu.au Louise Richards, LAP Coordinator Fun and fundraising in Term 1 The P+F had their first meeting of 2018 this week. It was an energetic meeting with planning for this years events. The P+F would like to announce the following initiatives for Term 1: Hello Coffee This event was held on the first day of school and it was wonderful to meet and enjoy a coffee. Another event will be held on the first day of Semester 2. Bosco Athletics Day Sausage Sizzle and Drinks Stall Friday 2 March at Benedict Oval Hot Cross Bun Fundraiser More details to come Benedict Movie Night Thursday 12 April from 6.30pm in GSH Daniel Lauder, P+F President The College is blessed with many volunteers, including in the LAP program! Online ordering for Bosco Canteen is now LIVE! Bosco students will now have the option to order their lunch online using the Flexi Schools website. (Orders will continue to be received at the Canteen during Recess.) Save the Date Benedict Movie Night Thursday 12 April Reminder: The P+F AGM will be held Monday 5 March 2018. Go to flexischools.com.au and click register! All welcome!
Community Notices Take up tennis and / or improve your current game Book coaching lessons with Tennis Australia qualified professional coach, Grant Hanlon. Hot Shots coaching for children 4-7 years. Junior development coaching for children 7 to 15 years. For information contact Grant: P: 0414 320 840 E: grant.hanlonpp@bigpond.com Attn: Town Bus Students! DECD School buses will not operate on Friday 23 February 2018. This is a Public Schools Closure Day. The Hanley and Port Broughton buses will run as normal. Learn a musical instrument Take up piano lessons and enjoy the many benefits music can bring to your life. Contact experienced Piano Teacher, Grant Hanlon. Also available. Music lessons for children aged 4 and 5 including singing, playing keyboard and creating music. For information contact Grant: P: 0414 320 840 E: grant.hanlonpp@bigpond.com Hip Hop Bounce, fresh dance that s all about fun! DANCE, CHEER, TUMBLE and SING, Hip Hop Bounce are now open for 2018 enrolments in our Port Pirie campus, as well as campuses in Jamestown, Clare and Whyalla. Come and share our passion for dance; make new friends and have fun whilst getting fit, boosting your confidence and learning great dance technique. All students are invited to perform at our annual end of year Spectacular at the Northern Festival Centre. Everyone is welcome to come and try, no experience necessary. Enrolments are now open for our exciting 2018 timetable... For information contact Natasha: P: 0416 239 676 E: natasha@hiphopbounce.com.au Piano Lessons Private, 30 minute lessons are available at the College with: Mrs Anne Hansen, Bachelor of Music For more information please contact Anne: P: 8636 2231 M: 0429 866 242 Anything Goes presented by the Southern Flinders Players 16 and 17 February at the Keith Michell Theatre Get your tickets today! P: 8633 8500 W: www.countryarts.org.au Would you like to host an international student? Inbound Student Dates for 2018 ITALIAN STUDENTS 8 Weeks: 14 July - 8 September 10 Weeks: 14 July - 22 September 12 Weeks: 14 July - 6 October 12 Weeks: 21 July - 13 October FRENCH STUDENTS 6 Weeks: 18 July - 26 August 8 Weeks: 4 July - 26 August 10 Weeks: 11 July - 15 September 12 Weeks: 21st July - 13 October SPANISH STUDENTS 10 Weeks: 21 July - 28 September For information contact Students of the World: P: (08) 8379 5726 or 0401 562 768 E: info@studentsoftheworld.com.au W: www.studentsoftheworld.com.au Port Football & Community Sporting Club Open daily from 9.00am
CareMonkey FAQ s Is the CareMonkey system secure? The CareMonkey system uses sophisticated security measures to keep data safe. Detailed information about security for the system is available on the CareMonkey website here: https://www.caremonkey.com/site/ security. Here are the highlights: The system is used by over 400 schools and a number of prestigious sporting bodies e.g. AFL and NRL You control what information is available and can update the information and/or remove access at any time The details will never be made available to any other party without your permission. Your details will never be used, sold or rented to another organisation for any purpose The data is stored in encrypted (scrambled) format at a highly secure location (hosted by Amazon Web Services) in Sydney All data stored for Australian profiles will NEVER be stored outside of Australia There is a full audit trail associated with all system access Unusual behaviour (e.g. if you sign in from a device other than the one which you used to create your account) will trigger automatic email alerts to you/the account holder Who can see my child s information when I share this with the school? The school administrators and teachers on excursions and camps may have access to your child s care profile. All access requires usernames and passwords and all data is encrypted in the database. The College will understand the information provided by you is private and sensitive; staff have the same high level of confidentiality with this information as per paper based records. Who else can see my child s information? Only groups or people you specifically give access to can view the information about your child. Do you keep track of who is looking at the profiles? Yes, the CareMonkey system audits all users of the system at the school. It automatically tracks every occasion that a care profile is viewed, and by whom and when. What happens when my child leaves the school? When your child leaves the school the profile will be archived and not available on school/teacher mobile devices anymore. Further, any new changes you make to the profile will not be shared with the school. This does not delete the care profile from your account. You still control the care profile and can continue to use it and share it with other trusted individuals or groups. You can also manually delete access to the school yourself after your child has left the school. How often do I need to update the information? Once you ve completed the care profile for your child it is easy to keep it up to date. You will only need to update data when things change. For example, a new emergency contact, updated mobile phone number, a new medical condition, an updated asthma plan and so on. A school may ask you to log in from time to time (e.g. once per term) to confirm that details are still up to date. Can I use this for other family members? Yes, once you have entered details for your child you can optionally create care profiles for other family members. You can share these care profiles with people you trust, such as family, friends, babysitters and sports coaches. Can I share this information with anyone else? Yes, once you have completed the care profile for your child it can be shared with other trusted individuals or groups. If another group (such as a sporting club) uses CareMonkey, you can share the same profile with that group. My child s sport club is using CareMonkey. Do I need to enter the details twice? No. The care profile you have created for your child can be shared multiple times. This means you only need to create and manage ONE care profile and all schools, clubs and individuals you share it with have access to the same details. When you make an update, all carers who can access the data have the latest information. What happens when there is no Internet access? The CareMonkey system allows the school to print a paper report for each profile. There is also a downloadable app for CareMonkey on iphone, ipad, Android phones and Android tablets. These mobile versions store a secure encrypted copy of the care profiles on the device. This means the information can be accessed by teachers on an excursion or camp even without internet access. As a further security feature, this offline data is automatically purged after 14 days. How much does it cost? CareMonkey is free for all parents. Parents can also download the free app for CareMonkey for iphone, ipad, Android phones and Android tablets. These mobile version store a secure encrypted copy of the care profiles on the device. This means the information can be accessed by you even without internet access.