Debating

from Blue and Gold 2003

Rest In Peace

The Library is strongly committed to the provision of good quality resources which allow both staff and students to ‘visit’ the Library without having to step inside the door! New additions to elibrary for 2003 include access to a variety of search engines including Google and AltaVista, as well as the Telstra White and Yellow Pages on-line. As we prepare for the Year 10s to be located at Kinnoull in 2004, the Libraries are continuing to build the number of quality resources in all curriculum areas to ensure that the information needs of all students are adequately met. New print resources purchased in 2003 were mainly for the collection at Kinnoull to ensure that this collection is relevant to the revised curriculums of Year 10, 11 and 12. Subject areas for particular focus included the French, Russian and Chinese revolutions, the Civil War, photography and classic fiction. The Audio-visual department has maintained a strong commitment to digital technology. Several new digital cameras, data projectors and DVD players have been purchased, and new televisions and DVD/VHS players are to be installed in the eight new classrooms at Kinnoull. Digital television is now available at the Tiverton campus, which will benefit students with hearing impairment. Two large screens have been purchased and will be installed in the gymnasium to allow screenings to a large audience. At the end of 2002, we temporarily farewelled Ms Kylie Busk (Teacher-Librarian) who left for overseas to pursue classroom teaching for a year. Thank you to Ms Yanoula Fouras for replacing her for 2003. Miss Pauline Mulholland (Audiovisual Technician) extended her leave to continue working with the boys at the De La Salle mission in Balgo Hills, WA. Thank you to Mr Matthew Skarajew for replacing her for 2003. Penny Shields (Library Assistant) left us in July to pursue her academic studies. We are pleased to welcome David Ferguson to replace her in the role.

Susan Jost College Librarian This year, we entered three teams in the Debater’s Association Competition. The participants from Years 9, 10 and 12 were all quite experienced and willing to take on the challenges from opposition such as Caulfield Grammar, Wesley, Kilvington and King David to name a few. The topics under review required careful consideration and challenged the boys to think about issues such as youth wages, schools drug testing their students, nuclear production, the ban on mining in Antarctica and parents choosing the gender of their children. Each of the three teams was competitive, winning their fair share of debates and being narrowly defeated on other occasions. It is wonderful to see our young men represent the school in this manner. All are articulate, creative in their approach and willing to try to outsmart and outwit the opposition with the most powerful of tools — the spoken word.

Mrs Christine Thompson

Back Row: Tim Evans, Justin Koob, Middle Row: Mark Bentley, Peter Nicholls, Andrew Donegan, Andrew Campbell, Front Row: Taylor Wright, Martin Ho, Mrs Christine Thompson, Dominic Stephens, Sam Tyrer

Our lives are very hectic these days. It is increasingly so for young people as well – juggling commitments and responsibilities. This is where retreats are invaluable. Leaving on Thursday morning and returning on Friday afternoon, they can be a small window of sanity amidst the hurly-burly of life. This is not to say that they are universally embraced! However, if we are to allow ourselves the opportunity to hear the ‘still small voice’ of God, then we need to listen. We can only listen if we stop doing and allow ourselves to be. The retreats occur in homeroom groupings for Year 11 and Year 12 students in Term 1. This year there were groups at camp sites at Merricks on the Mornington Peninsula, Lysterfield, Millgrove, Croydon, Gembrook and Yarra Junction. They are a time to relax, get to know others in a different setting and reflect on the spiritual aspects of life. A highlight for Year 12 students is reading the letter that a parent or other family member writes to them. Many of the young men find this a moving experience. A highlight for Year 11 students is the chance to get to know the other members of their homeroom and begin to bond as a group. Some student responses to the question of what they enjoyed about the retreat: ‘Being able to share my thoughts and feelings without being laughed at.’ ‘Having time alone to reflect on personal things.’ ‘I love the atmosphere of faith and friendship.’ ‘The retreat helped me to get the right perspective. I’m actually going to attempt goals I set for myself.’ ‘The chance to share some personal feelings and discover new things about myself. ‘Being able to bond with mates I never knew I had.’ ‘I learnt what I really believe and try to live by.’ There were also student responses that called for more time away. Combined with comments like the ones above, it seems as though the spiritual needs of the young men, which are there if unspoken, are being met.