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CATHEDRAL COLLEGE WANGARATTA Fortnightly Newsletter
In this edition..... Heads of School Reports Scots Equestrian Competition NAIDOC Week Parents & Friends Report Remembrance Day
From the Principal MR NICK JONES There has certainly been a spring in the step of our school community over the past week as we continue to receive positive news across our region, our state and across the globe. From the outcome of the presidential election in the USA to the significant reduction in COVID-19 infections in Victoria and the great news regarding the possibility of a vaccine being made available over the coming months. We have also been enjoying some sensational spring weather across our region.
Cathedral College has enjoyed a great fortnight as school life slowly begins to return to some familiar patterns and routines. It has been great to see some of our co-curricular activities return including; the Year Nine Feathertop hike, sports days with Cobram Anglican Grammar School and the Equestrian competition at Scots College. While it is unfortunate that we still cannot welcome parents and friends onto the school campus, we are looking forward to further easing of restrictions which may allow us to invite small groups of parents onto the campus in the final weeks of the school year.
School Captains 2021 Following a thorough selection process, it gives me great pleasure to announce our two School Captains for 2021. A big congratulations to Tess Palubiski and Henry Stephens. I have great confidence in these two fine young people as they take on this important leadership role. Tess and Henry are intelligent, articulate and thoughtful young people who I am sure will lead our student cohort with distinction. I look forward to working closely with Tess and Henry throughout 2021. I would also like to thank our 2020 School Captains Lily Mullins and Kyran Hagens for their excellent leadership during a very difficult year. Kyran and Lily have maintained a strong connection with the student population during long periods of remote learning and they have been great role models for our younger students. I wish Kyran and Lily all the best for next year and beyond.
VCE Examinations Our Year Twelve students have begun their final examinations this week and we wish them the very best of luck for these important assessments. We are very proud of all of you and we are confident that you will give your very best at the conclusion of a very disruptive final year of school.
Planning for 2021 As the school executive continues to plan for 2021, we are very hopeful that we can return to a more conventional school year with all our co-curricular and community events and activities. I would like to remind all Cathedral College families of our commitment to support all students remaining at the College during this difficult time. If your financial circumstances have been affected by the pandemic and you are having trouble meeting your financial commitments, please contact Leanne Batten in our school office for a confidential conversation about how we can assist.
From the Head of Junior School MR GREG NEWBOLD
Staffing 2021 As we near the end of the school year, staffing arrangements for 2021 are beginning to take shape. We have two wonderful teachers leaving us at the end of this year, which require a replacement for each. Mrs Jen Waugh has accepted a position at Aspect School in Albury, which besides being closer to home, enables her the opportunity to work with and support children on the Autism Spectrum. Jen has made an immense contribution to our school over the past four years, working diligently with the students in her care, fostering in them a love of learning and a preparedness to persevere and apply best effort. She will be sadly missed by her colleagues, who cherish the friendship and professionalism she brings to each day. Miss Elizabeth Fuhrmeister from St. Mary’s, Seymour will be replacing Jen. Elizabeth has taught Year One/Two for the past few years, since completing her degree. She is excited to relocate up the highway and is looking forward to continuing her career with us. It is expected Elizabeth will be able to join us for a transition day before the end of the school year. Ms Louise Campbell will be relocating to the Geelong area next year, requiring us to currently advertise for a Learning Enhancement teacher to join our team. Lou has been an integral member of our staff, bringing immense knowledge, compassion and care to her job. When working with students, she has enthusiastically supported them to enhance their literacy skills and become even more independent and confident learners. Importantly, Lou has grown our capacity with learning support and implemented processes and procedures that will stand us in good stead for the future. It is with sadness that these two wonderful teachers depart Cathedral College, but we acknowledge that we are greater for having them been part of our school. In regard to 2021 homeroom teacher and student class allocations, once all staffing vacancies are filled, families will be notified. In other news, we conducted a successful Step-into-Prep program this week, with the young children attending one session in the week for an hour. The small groups proved a great success, as the teachers quickly developed positive relationships with the students. We met the families at the entrance gate and the boys and girls entered calmly and independently. The students are most accustomed to parents having to say goodbye at the front gate as this is the ‘new’ normal at Kindergartens and Day Care centres, as it is with us. One of the downsides to this entrance regime is we are unable to have parents and families attend the Year Five Graduation later this year. The students and staff etiquette dinner will continue, albeit outside (alfresco, you might say); however, the formal presentation of certificates ceremony, which parents normally attend, will need to be a virtual event unfortunately. Nonetheless, the rite of passage from Junior to Middle School will , in essence, is the main purpose of the event.
The Big Bad Wolf strikes again
Remembrance Day
Year Six student, Baxter Wadley, proudly adorning the medals of his Great-Great-Grandfather, Robert Holmes, awarded following WW1.
Photo Gallery
Scots Equestrian Competition
Congratulations to the students who competed in last weekends Scots Equestrian Competition. Janelle Lilley on Tapis Rouge, 1st A2 fastest cleared round and 2nd in the Super 2 Phase. Both in the Intermediate (Years Seven to Nine) category. Jessica Vincent on Fandango, 5th in the Mount and Rider and 7th in the dressage both in the Senior (Years Ten to Twelve) category. Anastasia Pakusch on Fairytale, 3rd in the Mount and Rider and 13th in the dressage both in the Intermediate (Years Seven to Nine) category. A fantastic result by all.
Photo Gallery
Outdoor Education Feathertop Hike My experience walking from Diamantina Hut to Federation Hut along the Razorback was far from perfect but still a great experience and full of fun. The start of the walk was where everyone realized what they were getting into, but after the first 2km the track evened out and we settled into a steady pace. When we finally got to camp and quickly set up, we went inside the hut where we got a cooking demo from Mr Hawkes that some people clearly didn't listen to as later that night there were various trangias being cremated and then in turn vigorously scrubbed. After dinner and the cleaning that followed, we spent our time talking and joking around, this was probably the best part of the camp with everyone getting to know each other. It was then time to go to bed with everything being peaceful until around 1:30am when we woke to the sound of light rain which progressively turned into pebble sized hail, and then the wind started to hit, it was light at first but built into tent bending winds of 100km per hour. This wind continued for the rest of the night which meant much of it was spent holding bending tents off our faces for risk of being squashed. Declan Llewellyn 9.D The hike was challenging. Walking up Feathertop was difficult, especially having to carry the pack with all the weight. The trail was thin, rocky, hilly and it seemed like we were setting a fast walking pace. Walking back down the mountain was extremely difficult! It puts pressure on your knees and legs and was really hard to stay upright. Cooking on the trangias was exciting because it meant we could eat some tasty food. Sleeping on the open ridgeline was eventful. Although there were strong winds and rain, I was one of the lucky ones and managed to sleep most of the night. Waking up in the morning was freezing but amazing to get out and see the snow everywhere. The camp was also great because we got to spend time with our friends and have fun together away from everything else that has made 2020 so eventful. Kate Rial 9.O
From the Head of Middle School MRS BRIGID PERKINS
Sense of normalcy returned It has definitely felt like a normal Cathedral week with extra-curricular activities re-joining our calendar and it has been wonderful to see so many Middle School students taking the opportunity to be involved in a range of activities. This week we saw Year Six, Year Seven and Year Eight students involving themselves in a sports day, competing against Cobram Anglican Grammar. Students were able to sign up to sports such as cricket, netball and soccer. Large numbers from each year level set off for a day of fun and fitness. The excitement was evident, and I think this was largely due to the fact that all of our students have missed out on their competitive sporting competitions throughout the year. Our staff were also very excited to offer our students this opportunity to represent the school. It also the time of year, where we look towards next year and consider who our Middle School leaders will be. Our current Year Sevens have been given the opportunity to consider whether they would like to apply to hold one of these important positions in 2021. Students have now submitted their application letters to their Heads of House and interviews are underway. All applicants will record a speech this year, which will be presented to their House next week. I was so pleased and proud to see so many students put their hand up to contribute to the development of our Middle School next year. Assessments in all subject areas have continued and it is important that students in all year levels, communicate effectively with their teachers, to allow themselves to perform to the best of their ability in these key assessments. Our staff are continually reminding our students of the key skills and knowledge that are required moving forward and what will be expected of them next year. This is important at all ages, as our Year Six cohort will be joined by approximately 50 new students to make up four Year Seven Homeroom groups, our current Year Seven cohort will become our Year Eight leaders in the Middle School and our current Year Eight will start their first year of Senior School. With only a few weeks left of the school year, it is hoped that all students finish the year well and continue to challenge themselves and apply what they have learnt over remote learning and in the classroom.
Year Nine Science Dr Woodburne and the Year Nine students have been learning about the different forms of heat and have created their own solar ovens. After creating their prototypes, they experimented by melting a chocolate in their ovens.
From the Head of Senior School MS LAUREN LEE Year Twelve Exams Tuesday, November 10 saw the Year Twelve students commence the end of year examination period, starting with VCE English. Exams will continue for the next two weeks, study well and good luck.
Exam study for Year Eleven students ...
From the Director of Studies MRS JULIE FINDLAY
The key ingredients to igniting a passion for learning. Whether you are a Prep starting school, a Year Seven transitioning back into school after remote learning or a Year Ten thinking about your senior years of schooling having some interest or even passion for learning is important. Recently Andrew Fuller, a well known clinical psychologist shared the following information as key ingredients for developing and reigniting a passion for learning. 1. Self-belief Everyone needs to feel that people believe in them. Parents and teachers play a vital role in helping students develop self -belief as in their interactions the student will gain a sense of whether their views and actions are valued. As teachers we aim to help students understand what they have achieved, but at the same time challenge them to make the next step in their learning. And trust that the student believes that the teacher will support them in that next step. This is a vital ingredient in our classroom practice this year, as many students feel unsure returning to the classroom. 2. Connections Having connections with staff, friends and family helps students feel they belong. They then feel safe and able to learn. Many students use social media to connect and this is helpful to help students feel connected especially in rural areas. It is also important to remember that face-to-face connections are still valuable. At CCW we hope students feel connected to peers and teachers in each subject, Homeroom and through House. It is important that we teach the social skills and strategies to connect and communicate as must as the content in order to help students feel connected. 3. Hope Students feel hope and ownership of their learning, if they are involved in discussions and the problem solving. In remote learning, many students have had to be resourceful, independent and think more creatively than if they were in the classroom. This is a great experience and one which we need to learn from, build upon and encourage in the future. Developing the skills to learn help us in life, in and out of school. 4. Action Moving and being active helps us learn. Sitting can cause the build-up of stress hormones and physical activity helps disperse these hormones. A balance of learning and playing helps students develop healthy life long habits, feel better about themselves and therefore will to learn.
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme this year is ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’. It is a reference to the hundreds of Nations and cultures who have sustainably cared for the land in order to provide a future for us all. Our school community encourages everyone to explore, learn about and appreciate the wealth and breadth of Indigenous Nations, languages and knowledge of our continent. Scott Darlow, a speaker that would normally come to school to talk, has created a clip for us to share with students are families. NAIDOC Week clip Well done to all students who entered the NAIDOC Week colouring in competition. Here is a sample of the wonderful art work.
Chaplains' Chat Loving God bless this country, Australia, and all people who live here. As NAIDOC Week comes to a close, we ask you to bless all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We thank you for their ongoing and eternal influence upon this country, having been the Indigenous voice for many tens of thousands of years, and being an ongoing voice of know-how and innovation in agriculture, science, art, music, and in technical, ecological and medicinal fields. Help us to listen to, respect and appreciate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal people. Thank you for opportunities all around us to learn the ways of our nation’s first peoples, which are precious and important to all life in this Country. For those of us with colonial origins, forgive us for our ignorance. But however, much we know, or don’t know, about the Aboriginal world that intersects with ours, may we know your love and acceptance, just as our Aboriginal sisters and brothers know your love and acceptance. May we work for a shared future. This prayer we offer in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (Source; Uniting Church of Australia)
Remembrance Day November 11 Remembrance Day is a day that commemorates those soldiers who gave their lives fighting for Australia and New Zealand in World War One. It’s also a time that we also think of all in our Defence Forces, over the last 100 years who have fought for the freedom we have in Australia. The ideals of courage, endurance and mateship that is still relevant today In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe; To you, from failing hands, we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields. Lieutenant-Colonel John McRae (1915)
See here for the Cathedral College Remebrance Day Service
Wellbeing Navigating changes in adolescence Becoming autonomous and independent is a key stage of adolescent development. Young people often begin to challenge more of the decisions made by others, including parents and teachers and explore their own thoughts, beliefs and desires. Testing boundaries, taking risks and being impulsive can be part of a young person’s quest for new experiences. They learn to reflect on their mistakes and consider other options, and they become more aware of what or who influences their thinking. They also begin to work through more complex problems independently, and move from focusing inward on themselves to being more thoughtful and aware of others and their situations. Encouraging your young person to develop autonomy at a pace that everyone feels comfortable with can be a balancing act. The trick is to stay involved and show your interest without being intrusive. To read further click here: Raising Resilient Young People
Coming up to exam time it may be beneficial to check out the following article on the ReachOut website. 5 Ways parents can help teens manage exam results
Headspace Workshops Over the last three weeks, students and parents from Year Seven and beyond had access to workshops presented by Headspace, with the support of Homeroom Teachers and Wellbeing staff. As a reminder of the key messages and wellbeing supports available in our community, please see the attached letter provided by Headspace Education presenter Irene Foulis. For those parents that participated in the Headspace parent session, if you have any feedback on the session or suggestions for further needed sessions, please email our College Counsellor on jstamp@cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au. Headspace Workshop Information
Our wellbeing team
Ms June Stamp, College Counsellor, Rev David Jones, Senior School Chaplain, Mrs Cathy Carden, Junior School Chaplain
From the Library "Keeper of the Lost Cities" by Shannon Messenger Reviewed by Orlando Hunkin, Three Ovens Orlando has been reading the series "Keeper of the Lost Cities" by Shannon Messenger, which is new to our Library. He was the first person to borrow this book from our Library, and has written the following review. Keeper of the Lost Cities: This book is about a teenage girl who can read minds and keeps getting up to mischief by accident. Her name is Sophie and she finds out that she is a very special girl. I like this book because you never know what’s going to happen next. I also like how she gets into trouble by accident and just makes it out. It is perfect for fans of Harry Potter. Thanks for your review, Orlando. All books in this series are now available to borrow from the Library.
Final borrowing for 2020: Our Junior School students will finish borrowing books from the Library for this year at the end of November. This allows students time to return all Library books before the end of the year. Middle and Senior school students may borrow books for the holidays, but will need to return all those currently on loan beforehand. Many students still have books on loan from the Library since before our remote learning periods. Please have a look at home and check for any school Library books that you may have. Reminder notices and emails will be sent home next week.
Congratulations to teacher and author, Dr Margaret Hickey on having her latest novel, 'Rural Dreams', being named Number 8 in the 2020 Great Reads by Australian Women. Click here to read more. 'Rural Dreams' has even gone into it's second print run. A fantastic accomplishment!
Parents & Friends The recent Parents & Friends 2020 AGM welcomed the newly elected committee members: President - Jacquie Jose Vice-President - Louise Caramichael General Member - Sian Browne A big thank-you to the outgoing President, Jacquie Way, for your contribution to our school. The 2020 Parents & Friends commitee are looking forward to an amazing 2021 moving forward. As a way to meet CCW families you are welcome to join us for Coffee & Catch Up hosted by the CCW P&F. It is being held at the Batchelors Green playground on Tone Road with coffee and morning tea being provided. We are looking forward to meeting you all.
From Administration Can parents please provide students with a signed note or a phone call to the school in regards to the changing of buses, including Town Buses. Also please be aware that some buses are at capacity and won't be able to be altered. If there are queries, please contact Peta Cooke, Bus Coordinator pcooke@cathedracollege.vic.edu.au
Interschool Sports with Cobram Anglican Grammar Wednesday and Thursday this week saw Years Five to Eight compete in sports against Cobram Anglican Grammar. There was Netball, Cricket and Soccer played with some Year Nine students coaching and umpiring on the day as well. A highlight of the Year Five & Six Netball was the amazing comeback in the second half of the nail biting grand final where they managed to force a draw, leading to overtime. A slick goal by the sharp shooter, Jorja Duffy, in the final seconds of overtime secured the victory for Cathedral. Well done to all who participated in their respective sports.
Careers MR ROD DUNBAR
Gap Year Positions
This year there seems to be many options for students looking to work locally for a year after their Year Twelve. Several local employers have been casting the net for young workers. These include positions with health care providers, legal firms, Merriwa industries, Cathedral College and The Chronicle, to name a few. Graduates are encouraged to keep checking their emails, as well as look at local job advertisements. The latter are collated at https://northeastjobs.com.au/
Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) School-based traineeships
NE Health Wangaratta are again offering local secondary students in Years Ten to Twelve during 2021 the opportunity to apply for school-based traineeship positions working one day per week. (Thursdays) (Please note Traineeships will proceed COVID 19 PERMITTING**) Students can apply to study: Certificate Three in Individual Support • Working at Illoura Aged Care . OR Certificate Three in Health Services Assistance Working in one of these areas at NHW: • Supply & Logistics • Administration • Lifestyle/Diversional Therapy (At Illoura Aged Care ) • Information Technology Interested students are encouraged to contact Mr. Dunbar for more information. Applications close on 16 November.
Centrelink Resource Kit
As our graduates are pondering their options for next year, just a reminder that MyGov have developed a kit of resources to help high school-leavers and their parents navigate the world of Youth Allowance and other Centrelink payments. School Leavers Resource Kit You can also find this referenced via our school careers website via CCW, Youth Allowance, Resources
Community Connect
Wangaratta Magpies Try out link City Colts Cricket Club will be running a Woolworths Blaster cricket program for season 2020/21. Junior Blasters is for those junior cricketers who are either just starting out or have done only a season or two. As a guide Junior Blasters is suited to Preps – Grade 2. It is a fun session where everyone learns the skills of cricket and plays plenty of games. Master Blasters is more game based and is for children who have played cricket for a couple of seasons but are not quite ready for underage junior competition. Both sessions are run on a Friday night from 5.30pm at the Bill O’Callaghan Oval (Barr Reserve) under the direction of a Level 1 accredited coach. First session will be on Friday 30th October. Register via Playcricket.com.au, enter Wangaratta as location and select City Colts as the centre, or for more information please contact: Ross Moore 0409 186 640 or rmmoore@esc.net.au
Dates/Events and Reminders Term 4 - Weeks Seven and Eight
Week beginning November 16 (Week One) Monday November 16 Year Eight Outdoor Education Rock Climbing Tuesday November 17 Wednesday November 18 Thursday November 19 Year Five Ovens Warby Walk Friday November 20 Year Eight Outdoor Education Rock Climbing Year Five Docker Warby Walk
Week beginning November 23 (Week Two) Monday November 23 Year Seven Outdoor Education Windsurfing & Warby Hike Tuesday November 24 Year Eleven Exams Commence Wednesday November 25 Thursday November 26 Friday November 27 Prep to Year Five Production at CCW
Uniform Shop Opening Hours - Term Four Due to current restrictions, the uniform shop is operating by appointment only. Please click on the link to make an appointment:
Uniform appointment link Monday 8.30am - 1.45pm* Wednesday 8.30am - 1.45pm Thursday 8.30am – 4.00pm* Friday 8.30am – 1.45pm New Students by appointment