Art

Mary McKillop Learning Enhancement Centre

The focus of the Mary Mc Killop Learning Enhancement Centre or as it is colloquially known around De La Salle is the “MMEC” concentrates on: Integration and Special Needs Students The MMEC team members includes Integration aides: Mrs Karen Tillotson (Mrs T), Mrs Eve Mc Lellan, Mrs Mary Thomas (Scully) and Teachers: Mrs Jacinta Ryan, Mrs Maria Zanelli, Brother Gabriel O’Shea and Mrs Ruth Hunter. Each member endeavours to work with students, parents and College staff in looking after the individual education needs of this diverse range of students as well as developing and implementing programs that reflect these needs. Intrinsic to the work on the MMEC is the support of parents. Regular Program Support Meetings (PSG’s) with students, parents and College staff discuss academic programming and other on-going issues to ensure that College life is as fulfilling and supportive as possible. The MMEC programming includes Jacinta’s work in the Year 8 Literacy support group, individual and small group support for students who are identified as needing assistance in classrooms, study periods and before school. Maria, Ruth and Brother Gabriel work primarily in the Mathematics / Science areas with students from Year 7-12. Karen, Eve and Mary work with students who exhibit severe language, intellectual or emotional needs across all year levels including primary classes. They also liaise with staff and supports students who require individual and small group work. Thanks also goes to Shane Mc Intosh, Gerard Leonard, Clare Parks and Rob Toonen for their contribution across the year during their respective times whilst at De La Salle. The Mary Mc Killop Learning Enhancement Centre staff have attended Year 4 & 7 Entrance Tests mornings and spoken at Year level information nights, Year 7 school transition meetings, Catholic Education Office student support network meetings, Student Services Conference 2004 and various other professional development opportunities to further develop their skills and knowledge. An integral part of the work done through the Mary Mc Killop Learning Enhancement Centre is the belief that all students can be successful when outcomes set are based upon realistic and achievable goals. This certainly is inspired by our patron Mother Mary Mc Killop in her work for those who were less able to look after themselves. Thanks to the De La Salle College community , especially Headmaster, Brother Tim Peter, respective Campus Heads, Brother Adrian Watson and Mr Peter Riordan and all level coordinators for their support and encouragement throughout 2004. Finally, to Karen, Eve, Mary, Jacinta, Maria, Brother Gabriel and Ruth for their work ethic, professionalism and care for the students at De La Salle College. Mr Damon Jacobs Coordinator

Sport and Recreation

The Sport and Recreation program aims to provide students with the opportunity to gain basic training in a range of areas within the sport and recreation industry. Students receive three certificates, one in Fitness Instruction, one in Community Recreation and the other in Outdoor Recreation. The course is designed to develop a student’s ability to perform, under supervision, the basic skills in fitness training and outdoor and community recreation, and to apply fundamental knowledge. The Certificates are accredited within the National Curriculum Framework, Sport and Recreation Training Australia Limited. The VET course contributes a 1-4 study sequence towards the VCE Certificate. The course also provides an increment towards the ENTER (Equivalent National Tertiary Entrance Rank) VCE Sport and Recreation multiplies opportunities for students. The programs combine VCE studies and vocational education and training. Classroom learning is combined with structured hands-on training and practice in industry. On successful completion of the VCE Sport and Recreation program, students achieve: ❑ A full Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) ❑ A Sport and Recreation Certificate from Swinburne

Tafe (Australian Qualifications Framework) ❑ A report based on their structured work placements in the relevant industry. ❑ First Aid Certificate Level II

Mr Matt Breen

Geography

Geography focuses upon describing and explaining the distribution of phenomena over the earth’s surface, as well as developing an understanding of the need for careful management of our environment and resources. Geography is often portrayed as the hub at the centre of the academic wheel, with spokes or links radiating out to a range of other subjects, such as mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics and history, from which information and skills can be drawn. In VCE Geography, students study a wide range of topics including coastal landforms, Mr Doug Esler guides Senior Geographers at Cape Schanck the atmosphere and climate change, contrasts in living conditions, national parks, freshwater resources, earthquakes and global population movements. Fieldwork is a high priority in VCE Geography. In Units 1 and 2 students undertake two fieldtrips — one which investigates the coastline of Port Phillip Bay and the Mornington Peninsula, and one which studies living conditions in the suburb of Malvern. Earlier this year, Unit 4 geography students enjoyed a day at Cape Schanck completing an environmental survey from which they developed a management plan for the future use of the site. Current Year 12 geographer, Jozef Dickinson, says ‘Geography is not what you might think it is. It is not about capital cities, mountains and rivers. It is the study of global phenomena, resources and the way in which people and nature have impacts on such things.’ Andrej Vodstrcil adds ‘Geography encourages students to think ‘outside the square’…it is about planning for the future. It has taught us about the essential concept of our stewardship of the environment.’ Mr Doug Esler Geography

Year 7 Puppetry

The Year 7 Drama course focuses on the development of puppetry skills. After an initial period where students investigate puppetry in a range of different cultures (Japanese, European, Indian, Indonesian) and look at the ‘career’ of well-known puppets (anything from Punch to Mr Squiggle or Kermit the Frog) they move on to designing and making their own puppets. These particular puppets, ‘rag-rod puppets’, are a modern hybrid, originally designed by Deakin University Drama lecturer Simon Fisher. They are a cross between rod puppets and the ‘Bunraku’ puppets used in the traditional Japanese puppetry. The puppets are made from fabric which is torn and tied. It takes about a month of class time to complete the basic skeleton of the puppet. Each student then takes his completed skeleton home and, in his own way — using bits and pieces of fabric, wool, tape, paint, felt, sponge, cardboard, wire and any number of other scraps — turns it into a character. It is the job of the puppeteer to bring the puppet to life for the audience by giving it a voice, a personality and getting it to interact with other puppets. Mr Bryan Smith Drama

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