De La Salle College
Newsprint Issue 10 – 13 September 2013
FROM THE PRINCIPAL Dear Families,
Let us all be thankful After the long winter we have just endured, it is delightful to welcome back the warmer, brighter days of spring. As Term 3 draws to a close, our boys in all year levels will be able to reflect on their progress during the past nine weeks and set their sights on an equally productive or even better Term 4. It is timely to reflect on, and never take for granted, the many strengths of our school, especially the people who give it its distinctive character – staff, parents and students. •
Our teachers are dedicated, generous, open to new educational initiatives and committed to their own professional development. They enjoy being with the boys, not only in the classroom but also in other aspects of their busy school lives during these critical developmental years with all their challenges, triumphs and disappointments. They are wonderful role models, too, for these young men in a world where constant good example is in short supply. Each boy is important and the staff regard it is a privilege to be part of his life and to watch him grow and develop his particular talents during the time he spends with us at De La Salle.
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We should also be thankful for the highly committed non-teaching staff who, in their areas of expertise, offer so much professional and collegial support to the administration and teaching staff in their daily endeavours and who are there to assist parents and students whenever the opportunity presents itself.
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We are grateful to you as parents for choosing De La Salle, specifically for the purpose of working with us in partnership in the increasingly important continuing process of instilling lifelong values in your son(s) and ensuring that all of his educational and developmental needs are met.
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And, of course, thank goodness for the boys whose energy, generosity and goodwill are always so evident inside and outside the classroom which makes De La Salle such a stimulating and enjoyable school in which to work.
A Timely Warning Last week, a De La Salle student was assaulted on a bus by two youths while returning home in the early evening after engaging in an after school activity. The attack to the student’s head was entirely unprovoked. The driver who became aware of the incident contacted the Transit Police. The matter is currently under investigation. Fortunately, the boy is recovering well. This unfortunate incident highlights the dangers that can confront students in uniform when travelling on public transport. Without alarming them, it is our responsibility at home and at school to warn them of potential dangers. Three messages we are reinforcing at school with our young men are: • • •
Where possible, always travel with another De La Salle student or student(s) from another school. If travelling in the early evening on a bus or tram, always sit or stand at the front near the driver. It is unwise for students to display mobile phones or other personal items openly when travelling on public transport.
I would ask you to reinforce this advice with your son.
He’s Learning to Live and Lead
Newsprint Issue No. 10 page 1
Understanding the Facts on Funding for Catholic Schools Understanding how Catholic Schools are funded by Federal and State Governments can be confusing for many parents. The following information supplied by the Catholic Education Office may help to clarify the issues. For over 180 years, Catholic schools have educated children in Australia. Today, Catholic schools enroll 735,000 students in 1,706 schools across Australia. It is important to understand the facts on funding for Catholic schools. One-in-five Australian students currently attend a Catholic school. Catholic schools have a strong social justice mission to form well-rounded individuals who make a positive contribution to their local communities. A strong Catholic education system contributes to a strong Australian community. All governments provide important funding for Catholic schools along with families who contribute to the costs of Catholic education through fees and fundraising. According to the Australian Government’s My School website, Catholic students receive, on average, 20 per cent less government funding than students in government schools. Even when parent fees are taken into consideration, Catholic schools nationally operate with an average of 10 per cent less recurrent funding that government schools. Even with fewer resources per student, the Australian Catholic school system is amongst the best in the world, compared to Shanghai, Finland and Singapore on international tests, for student performance across all socioeconomic backgrounds. Catholic schools save the taxpayer $2.2 billion each year which helps take the pressure off government schools.
The end of term is timely for everyone, and especially for our Year 12 students who have so little time left prior to their final examinations. I hope they will use their holiday time wisely, with a judicious mixture of hard work, consolidating work that has been covered in all courses of study and beginning a planned revision program, along with some quality time spent with family and some sensible recreating with friends. Brendan Ellis Acting Principal
He’s Learning to Live and Lead
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CONGRATULATIONS Football Medallists De La Salle is very proud to recognise the achievements of the following footballers for winning the highest individual awards:Michael Griechen (Year 10V)was last week awarded the Best and Fairest Award for the Colts Division 3 football team by the Yarra Football League. He was also chosen in the Colts ‘Team of the Year’ by the Yarra Football League. Aaron Trusler (Year 8H) won the Under 14 - Division 1 Best and Fairest Award representing Ormond Junior Football Club. Jesse Toniolo (Year 10R) won the Under 16 – Division 1 Best and Fairest Award representing Murrumbeena Junior Football Club. Softball Benjamin Fierenzi (Year 7S) has been selected as a member of School Sport Victoria 12 years and under Softball Team. The Team will compete in the Schools Australia Championship in Sydney in early November. Life Saving Congratulations to Joshua Doolan (Year 11J) who was recently named “Intermediate Life Saver of the Year”. By patrolling in excess of 100 hours, Josh gained a Bronze L.S.V. Award of Excellence.
Left to Right: Luke Keneally (Head of Kinnoull Campus), Josh Doolan, Brendan Ellis (Acting Principal)
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MOBILE PHONE SAFETY Mobile phones (especially smart phones) have become an important part of daily communication for students, parents, family and friends. Mobile phones allow students to make calls, play games, send texts (SMS) and images (MMS) and access the internet and they can do this 24/7 if they wish. There is no doubt mobile phones are fun and useful but there are risks to consider: These include: Potentially high bills, scams, cyberbullying, sexting and access to inappropriate material. Tips for parents about your child’s mobile phone: 1. Try to keep up with technological innovation. (Ask your child to show you how their phone works) 2. Make sure your child fully understands all costs associated with mobile phone use 3. Advise your child not to lend their phone to friends 4. Ask your child not to respond if they receive anything inappropriate Tips for students about using mobiles: 1. Never post your number or other personal details on the internet 2. If you receive a text message from an unknown source do not reply 3. Don’t accept offers that seem too good to be true 4. Only send the kinds of messages and photos you would be happy to receive 5. Do not respond to inappropriate or bullying messages. Instead make a copy and report them. (Contact Cybersmart Online Help or Kids Helpline direct on 1800 551 800) De La Salle College promotes appropriate and responsible use of mobile phones. Under our policy we accept that for many reasons students may need to bring a mobile phone with them to school. However, students are not permitted to use mobile phones at school without permission from a staff member. We expect students to turn their phones off on arrival at school and secure them in their locker throughout the day. Students found to be using their phone at school may have it confiscated and returned to them at an appropriate time during the day. Tom Ryan, Deputy Principal – Pastoral Care and Organisation
UNIFORM REMINDERS – SUMMER UNIFORM The change over date for summer uniform is the start of Term 4 (7-10-13). Students are to continue to wear winter uniform until the end of this term. The College uniform represents our identity as a Catholic Secondary School. Students are expected to wear our uniform in its various forms with pride and according to our dress code. The public notice students from De La Salle every school day, so how students present themselves in terms of appearance and behaviour matters. Over the last couple of weeks staff from the College have been out and about at train stations and tram stops monitoring uniform and general behaviour both before and after school. A small number of boys have had to be reminded of our expectations in relation to these matters. Everyday the vast majority of boys do wear the uniform correctly and are fine ambassadors for the College. Tom Ryan, Deputy Principal – Pastoral Care and Organisation
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MEDIA AWARDS NIGHT
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AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS SERVICE The Blood Service's visit to De La Salle on 29 August was another successful day as we managed to collect 47 units of whole blood and had 53 volunteers pass through the unit on the day (6 of your volunteers were either ineligible or unsuccessful in donating). For this visit we had a target to collect 40+ units of blood, so your result was very pleasing and all your volunteers should be thanked and congratulated for their efforts. With every donation having the potential to save 3 lives, these 47 units donated have the potential to save up to 141 lives so on behalf of all potential recipients of this blood I say 'thank you'. Kindest Regards, Sarah Lacey Community Relations Australian Red Cross Blood Service.
DATES TO REMEMBER FOR YEAR 7, 2014 Friday 8 November 2013 - Year 7, 2014 Orientation Day - further details will be sent to all families closer to the date Thursday 14 November 2013 - Year 7, 2014 Information Evening - Tiverton Campus Gymnasium 7:30pm - All information relevant to your son's commencement at De La Salle in 2014 will be delivered at this session - Parents and students welcome to attend We also have the following College Tours scheduled for the remainder of the year: • Friday 22 October 2013 at 9:15am • Friday 22 November 2013 at 9:15am All tours run for approximately 90 minutes. Please reply by email or contact the College if you would like to book a place.
FROM THE LIBRARY Congratulations to the 77 students who successfully completed the Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge 2013! A range of students from Years 4 to 9 took up the challenge, including 19 from Grade 4, 26 from Grade 5, 28 from Grade 6, 3 from Year 7 and a solitary Year 9. Three cheers to you all, and certificates will be forthcoming in Term 4 from the Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge organisers. Special thanks too, to the indefatigable Mrs Finn for her boundless support and encouragement of our Primary students.
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Newsprint Issue No. 10 page 6
VCE UNIT 3 & 4 TRIAL EXAM TIMETABLE Compulsory trial exams for Year 12 students will be held between Tuesday, 1 October through to Friday, 4 October in the College Gymnasium, Tiverton Campus. All students are expected to attend, be on time and in full school uniform. The trial exams are an important scheduled event in the school calendar. The exams will be under the supervision of two leading VCAA personnel who oversee the official VCAA exams at the end of the year. Normal VCAA exam rules apply. In particular, no mobile phones may be taken into the exam room (even if they are turned off). Students should also check whether dictionaries, types of calculators and other requisites may be used within the exam room with their subject teacher well before the end of this term. Please note the starting time of exams and make adjustments to travel arrangements to ensure students arrive at the Gymnasium on time. All examinations will be held in the Gymnasium Session
Tuesday 1 October
Wednesday 2 October
Chemistry 8.30am – 11.15am 1
English 8.30 – 11.45am
Accounting 8.30am – 10.45am Literature 8.30 – 10.45am
2
3
Sport & Recreation 12.30 – 2.15pm
Business Management 12.00 – 2.15pm
VCD 12.30 – 2.15pm
Clash 12.00 – 2.15pm
Further Maths 3.00 – 4.45pm
Maths Methods 3.00 – 5.15pm
Thursday 3 October
Physics 8.30 – 11.15am Economics 8.30 – 10.45am
Friday 4 October
Biology 8.30 – 11.15am Psychology 8.30 – 11.15am Physical Education 12.00 – 2.15pm
History 12.00 – 2.15pm
Legal Studies 12.00 – 2.15pm Studio Arts 12.00 – 1.45pm Specialist Maths 3.00 – 5.15pm
Politics 3.00 – 5.15pm
Media 3.00 – 5.15pm Information Technology 3.00 – 5.15pm
There will be exam clashes as follows: 2 students will have a clash – Studio Arts/Legal Studies (Legal must be taken at the Clash time) 6 students will have a clash – Biology/Psychology (Psychology must be taken at the Clash time) 1 student will have a clash – Information Technology/Specialist Maths (Information Technology must be taken at the Clash time) Music to be held during Term time by the Director of Music
Paul Maxted VCE Coordinator
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ARTS EXHIBITION On behalf of the Arts Staff and Students, Parents are invited to participate in Arts Week 2013
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WELLBEING NEWS The Black Dog Institute is a not-for-profit, educational, research, clinical and community-oriented facility offering specialist expertise in depression and bipolar disorder. The institute’s youth website, BITE BACK (www.biteback.org.au) is specifically designed for 12-18 year olds and aims to improve their wellbeing and mental fitness by sharing real life personal stories and providing interactive activities built upon mindfulness, gratitude and other positive psychology principles. This resource has been added to the list of resources that are able to be accessed via Moodle. Click on the “student wellbeing” link and scroll down to “assistance agencies” and then “websites”. Pascal Rohan Director of Student Wellbeing
PARENTS’ NETWORK Trivia Night A list of businesses, families and individuals who kindly donated items for the silent auction at our Trivia Night can be found on Pages 15 and 16. I would ask that you support any of the mentioned businesses if at all possible. Jan Juc Weekend This weekend was cancelled due to maintenance work being carried out at the Jan Juc property. This enjoyable weekend will be back on the calendar early next year. AGM Our AGM will be held on Monday, 21 October at 7.30pm in the Tiverton Campus Boardroom. We are always looking for general committee members. This entails a commitment of attending meetings once a month during the school calendar and contributing time to the preparation and running of the social/fundraising events as decided by the committee. This year we have a number of executive committee positions that are vacant, President, Vice President and Treasurer. If you feel you would like to nominate for any of these positions or require a detailed job description please contact me on 0408 947 886 or email me at vfairchild@iinet.net.au Virginia Fairchild President Parents’ Network
SUMMER BASKETBALL SEASON 2013 The Summer Season 2013/14 Registrations start on Friday, 11 October. Learn more about the club and keep up-todate with fixtures and results by visiting the DLS Basketball Club website. You can also find full details for registration and incentives for new players.
He’s Learning to Live and Lead
Newsprint Issue No. 10 page 9
DE LA VOLUNTEERS Can you help at the Year 12 breakfast? – Tuesday, 22 October. Here are the options! •
It looks like we will be starting the set up of tables at 7.30am in the morning. If by any chance you can help at that hour of the day we can put you to work. It will be a ‘fast and furious’ set up, to be ready to serve 200 cooked breakfasts by 9.00am.
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I have 9 people who have offered to help with the serving from about 8.30am to 10.00am. This is enough for this time slot. A number of those head off to the Final Assembly at 10.00am because they have a son in Year 12.
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So there are spaces in the time slot from 10.00am when the BIG WASH UP starts.
Ring me on 9508 2138 or email twoodman@delasalle.vic.edu.au Our De La volunteers have been there this term for:• • • • • •
Morning Teas after the Semester 1 Awards Assemblies Organising the Silent Auction for the Trivia Night Setting up & running the Trivia Night The role of Homeroom Representatives Opening of the De La Art Exhibition (next week) Art Exhibition Afternoon Tea (next week)
Thank you one and all.
Mothers of Former Students (MOFS) Dinner Aug 2013-Some De La Volunteers from the past. Trish Woodman Community Coordinator
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2013 VICTORIAN INTERSCHOOLS SKIING COMPETITION A late dump of snow and wild weather greeted the 17 students who represented De La Salle College at the Mt Buller Interschool Skiing Championships this year. As usual, the team stayed at the conveniently located Meki Lodge and due to the snow conditions we were able to ski in and out of the lodge each day. Students were entered into either the Alpine or Snowboard Giant Slalom events and the races were conducted on Little Buller Spur and Burnt Hut Spur. All students competed to the best of their ability and proved to be most reliable in getting around the mountain for their respective events and team meetings, despite the poor visibility at times.
Our Year 9 and 10 Division 2 Alpine team results were most pleasing this year. These teams finished 14th and 16th out of a total of 46 eligible teams due to their ability to have at least 3 out of 4 team members successfully complete both timed runs of the course. In this case, consistency and not overall speed, proved to be the determining factor on the day. Our ski team was complemented by lodge management on their positive behaviour at Meki Lodge and are most welcome to stay for the 2014 competition. The boys did a wonderful job of cooking for themselves and they also managed to keep the lodge clean and tidy. Staff assured the boys that these skills are easily transportable and can be used at home. Mr Tom Ryan attended the last 3 days of the competition and put on an excellent display of Telemark skiing. A big thank you goes to our 2 parent volunteer officials, Mr Grant Amon and Mr Robert Reeve who assisted with oncourse duties during the week. We look forward to putting another team together in 2014 to again represent De La Salle College at the Victorian Interschools. Ken Stokes Ski Team Coordinator
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Newsprint Issue No. 10 page 11
TERM 3 ACC SPORT The only ACC Hockey and Basketball matches remaining for the term are Year 7 and 8. All Hockey and Basketball Teams are playing in Minor Playoff Finals this Thursday, 12 September. Our Year 9B Basketball Team were narrowly defeated by 2 points by Whitefriars in the Grand Final last Tuesday. After trailing by 10 points early in the match, our boys recovered very well to claw their way back into the match and actually lead with 2 minutes remaining. Whitefriars were just a bit more composed down the stretch and clinched the premiership. Thank you to Jo Dickson for coaching and managing the Year 9 Basketball Teams throughout Term 3. Jo was fortunate and very grateful to gain assistance with coaching from 2 members of our Senior Basketball Team - Jerome Lugo and Ben Ayre. Our Senior ACC Term 3 Teams have just completed the most successful season in a long time for De La Salle College. The Senior Hockey Team were only narrowly defeated in the Semi Final match and this was their only loss for the season. This meant that the Team finished in 3rd place behind St Bede's and the Premiers, St Bernard's. Well done to all the Year 11 and 12 boys who represented the College so proudly throughout the season and let's hope that the Year 11 boys can continue the momentum gained in Senior Hockey this year into 2014. Thank you to Ms Phibbs who coached and managed the Senior Hockey Squad superbly and their high finish was due in no small part to her enthusiasm, passion and expertise. The Senior Basketball A Team competed in the Grand Final last Wednesday versus Whitefriars. It was a very high standard match with both teams having opportunities to win the match. Unfortunately, Whitefriars just proved to be too good in the final 5 minutes to defeat us by 10 points. Our Team certainly proved to be worthy Grand Finalists and their effort and determination in the ultimate match and throughout the season was a credit to our school. The Senior B Basketball Team won the ACC Premiership last Wednesday defeating St Bernard's comfortably by 19 points. Despite losing one match for the season, our B Team proved very emphatically that they were the best team in the competition with an almost flawless team display in the Grand Final. Congratulations to the following members of the ACC Senior B Basketball Premiership Team: Dylan Cowan (Captain) - Scored 28 points in the Grand Final, Nathan Evans, Brody Ledder, Jack Hanley, Tom Fisher, Kruger Thomson, Michael Hoareau, Will Rennie, Brad Wildoer, Joel Stewart (missed Grand Final due to injury). My sincere thanks goes to Mr Larsen who was the "driving force" behind Senior Basketball all season and was great support for me in my role as Coach. There will be a number of Selection Trials for Term 4 ACC Sport (Cricket, Tennis and Volleyball) for Year 7 - 10 being held in the final 2 weeks of Term 4. Students are encouraged to check Daily Notices for Trial arrangements. Good luck to our 2013 ACC Cross Country Team at the ACC Carnival this Wednesday, 11 September at Bundoora Park. Having finished in 3rd place at the past four ACC Cross Country Championships behind St Bernard's and St Bede's, we are really hoping that we can break into the Top Two this year! ACC Sport (including Debating and Public Speaking) Photos are being taken this Friday, 13 September in the De La Dome at Tiverton from 9.00am – 1.30pm. Students required to appear in any sports photos are permitted to wear Sports Uniform to school on this day. Students required for Debating, Public Speaking or Chess photos need to wear full school uniform. Peter Harte Sports Coordinator He’s Learning to Live and Lead
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WHAT’S HAPPENING (some reminders)
SEPTEMBER Sunday, 15 September
Year 11 Volunteers Depart for PNG Work Adventure (until 27 September)
Monday, 16 September
ACC Music Workshop – Rock Band at Whitefriars Year 5 Camp commences (until 18 September)
Tuesday, 17 September
Official Opening of Arts Week – PAC, 7.30pm
Thursday, 19 September
VCE Media Awards Night, St. Miguel Theatre, 7.30pm
Friday, 20 September
Social Justice Mass, 11.00am - 12.30pm – THEN ALL CLASSES DISMISSED TERM 3 CONCLUDES
Friday, 27 September
Feast of St. Vincent de Paul
O CT O B E R Tuesday, 1 October
Year 12 Trial Exams commence (until 4 October)
Monday, 7 October
STAFF & STUDENTS RESUME CLASSES FOR TERM 4 All VET IMVC (External) Classes begin for Term 4 this week Performance and Language Oral Exams commence (until 3 November)
Tuesday, 8 October
Year 9/10 ACC Sport commences (Cricket, Tennis and Volleyball)
Wednesday, 9 October
Feast of Saint Martyrs of Turon
Thursday, 10 October
Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews for Whole School, 2.30pm – 8.00pm STUDENTS REQUIRED FOR PERIODS 1-4 THEN DISMISSED. Year 7/8 ACC Sport commences (Cricket, Tennis and Volleyball)
Friday, 11 October
Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews for Whole School, 8.30am – 4.00pm NO CLASSES ACC Junior Golf Tournament at Werribee Park Newsprint No. 11
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DONORS TO THE DE LA TRIVIA NIGHT, 2013
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DONORS TO THE DE LA TRIVIA NIGHT, 2013 (Cont’d)
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