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De La Salle College
Newsprint Issue 5 – 23 May 2014
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Members of the De La Salle Community, As we approach the mid-point of Term 2 and with Semester 1 examinations only a couple of weeks away, for most students, it is an important time to pause, reflect and plan. As young men of 2014, our students have a significant range of responsibilities and it is those who demonstrate the capacity to reflect, to exercise independence and organisation who will fare best. I would encourage all families to engage in at least some dialogue about a routine which supports commitments to school, study, family and social time, co-curricula obligations and part-time work where applicable. In relation to preparations for the upcoming exams and end of semester assessments, students must be working in a spirit of cooperation with their teachers. They should be asking many searching questions, establishing absolute clarity regarding what’s expected of them and how they may perform at their best. In asking teachers to provide advice and strategies around revision, study habits and exam technique, students will develop more confidence as the tasks approach. Last Friday 16 May was our Annual Founder’s Day and like a huge number of Lasallian institutions around the world, the College engaged in a day of celebrations. A staff breakfast was followed by a whole school Mass with Fr Michael Twigg, Principal of Mazenod College, to whom we are very grateful for joining us to celebrate our Eucharist. I must thank Mr Graeme Pender and the College Leaders for their organisation and participation in the Mass and in particular, Ms Cindy Frost and our outstanding student musicians who performed so beautifully throughout. Mrs Mary Finn and the Grade 6s produced some superb portraits of several significant figures in Lasallian history which were brought forward in the procession and displayed on the wall behind the altar during Mass. The students’ raffles for Mission Action Day were drawn after Mass with each student who raised $50 or more having tickets in the barrel. Luke Barron of Year 9 Benilde won the grand prize of a mountain bike with a range of other lucky students taking home iTunes vouchers or JB Hi-Fi vouchers, or assorted sporting items. Blessed with a beautiful day we then moved to Kinnoull for the various rides, events, competitions, music performances and food stalls. This section of the day was organised solely by Ms Olivia Wenczel and the College Leaders, who all did a tremendous job catering for the entertainment of 1200 people. As part of Founder’s Day the staff had the opportunity to reflect a little via focusing on St John Baptist de La Salle’s teachings in our normal prayers prior to meetings. A series of quotations from the Founder from 300 years ago provided advice, just as relevant today as it was then, and assisted us in making more overt certain characteristics of our College. The following extracts provide direction in modelling Lasallian values both for teachers and indeed the students themselves in the example we set for those in our community. “Example makes a much greater impression than words” “Preach by example, and practice before the eyes of the young what you wish them to accept.” “The young should be able to see in your wisdom how they should behave.” On Friday 10 May I had the pleasure of attending the 2014 College Musical, Footloose. This was an extraordinary success and all those involved at any level should be justifiably proud of their contribution. These musicals can only occur with the leadership, guidance and mentoring of many dedicated staff at De La Salle. While I must confess I have no background in performing or producing an event like this, I have had a lot to do with supporting and observing the whole process in my previous couple of schools and the impact it has on those involved. As such, I am very grateful for the willingness of no less than 12 of our staff to devote so much of their own time and effort in providing this tremendous opportunity for our students. In particular, Mr Andrew Murrell in coaching the vocalists and directing the actors, Ms Olivia Wenczel for the choreography and of course Ms Cindy Frost for her excellent tuition of the musicians. Ms Kerry Martin’s overall organisational skills as the producer were also critical in the show’s success.
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With the exception of one adult pianist, all the music was performed by our De La boys with the support of several Sacre Coeur girls. If you were fortunate enough to attend one of the performances I’m sure you would have been greatly impressed by the talent of our young men and the huge commitment which went into the rehearsals for so many numbers. Well done to all concerned! The sheer enjoyment, confidence, camaraderie and memories the boys gained in the whole experience and the looks on their faces at the curtain call, makes all the months of sacrifice and rehearsal worth it. The chance to be creative and show our community the value of performing, and the benefits thereof, sets a great example to their peers as well. As an extension to this, a significant body of De La Salle musicians are rehearsing with other ACC schools for the ACCent on Music concert at the Arts Centre’s Hamer Hall in September. Held every two years, this is truly a great celebration of the power and potential of music in boys’ education and a terrific opportunity for our musicians to be involved in a significant event. More details will follow closer to the time, but it will certainly be worth attending. A healthy and vibrant Performing Arts culture is crucial in the wider life of a boys’ school and the work done in producing Footloose has gone a long way to promoting this tradition at De La. I encourage all students to take full advantage of the opportunities to be involved in the Performing Arts, and not just for the intrinsic benefits and enjoyment of music and drama. There is also a significant body of research demonstrating clear links between active participation in creative and performance subjects and academic success in the more traditional areas of maths, sciences, humanities and in particular, foreign languages. On Monday evening I was privileged to sit in on several of our VCE Music Performance students’ recital assessment pieces. Watching and listening as these very talented young vocalists, pianists and guitarists performed in front of two examiners and do so with such impressive calm and poise (on the outside at least), was a rare treat. As a teacher and indeed as Principal, it is great to sit back and just observe the camaraderie between the musicians as they support and encourage each other, assist in the technical set-up and applaud each others excellent performances. This was also evident at the various music performances in the Kinnoull amphitheatre on Founder’s Day where we were treated to a whole range of our young men just enjoying the opportunity to display their skills and creativity and revel in a chance to perform. We have also had a couple of additions to the De La Salle community of late. Ms Rishika Pace, Science Teacher and husband Gerard are the proud parents of a second beautiful son, Lennox Solomon; brother to Xavier. Mr Milhem Nassour from our ICT Department is also a proud new father. Milhem and Jocelyn are thrilled to have a beautiful new daughter, Valerie; a sister for Zac. On behalf of all in our De La family we offer our congratulations and wish both families all the best for this exciting new chapter in their lives. On a more sombre note we were saddened to hear of the sudden death of Mr Murray Wells, who has been a tremendous supporter of our Social Justice trips to Papua New Guinea. Mr Wells accompanied our staff and students in 2010, 2011 and 2013 – only missing 2012 due to his daughter’s wedding. Murray provided invaluable skills, advice, experience and support in the various building and renovation projects at Mainohana De La Salle Secondary School and Bomana De La Salle Secondary School, closer to Port Moresby. Murray was a great friend of Mr Tim Hogan who was accompanied to the funeral by the 15 De La Salle students who went to PNG last year. The College is very grateful for the contribution Murray made to our program over several years and our deepest sympathies go to his family and friends. He will certainly be missed on future trips. Finally, the 2014 Parent Network held a very successful Year 9 Social Evening last Saturday 17 May in the Peppercorn Cafe on Kinnoull campus. Thank you to all concerned in the organisation of this event and in particular to those who attended; in excess of fifty families which is a great result and a very enjoyable evening was had by all. The Parent Network continues to make a great contribution to developing links and friendships within our College community and the work of the volunteers is a tremendous asset. Best wishes to all in our De La Salle Community, Peter Houlihan Principal He’s Learning to Live and Lead
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REST IN PEACE Marguerite Bourke, grandmother of staff member Justin Bourke and sister to William Barrie Edwards (1948) and Michael (1965) Edwards, passed away earlier this year. We will of course keep Marguerite and their extended families in our thoughts and prayers.
MAD RAFFLE RESULTS On Friday 16 May the annual Mission Action Day Raffle was drawn at the conclusion of the Founders Day Mass. Each student received a raffle ticket or tickets based on the amount of money they raised (1 ticket for every $50 raised). Two prize pools were created; one for Tiverton students and one for Kinnoull students. Prize winners were: Tiverton Major Prize: Mountain Bike – Luke Barron – Year 9B Minor prizes: Sports Equipment (donated by the De La Salle Sports Department) Daniel Lahy – Year 4, Max Bruno – Year 7S, Jason Kim – Year 7R, Jarrod Lee – Year 8R, Ben Crowe – Year 9B, Anson Augustin – Year 9H Kinnoull Major Prize: $200 JB Hi Fi Voucher – Ayang Nyanjok – Year 10V Minor Prizes: ITunes vouchers Ryan Wilson – Year 12R, Jordan Stavrevski – Year 11J, Stephen Attard – Year 11F Once again, thank-you to all students for their contribution to the MAD fundraiser this year. A few students in each Year Level are still to return the money pledged. This is now well overdue and they are asked to finalise this immediately. A full report of the amount raised will appear in future Newsprint. Mission Action Day Student Thank-You Lunch On Friday 30 May the College will provide lunch to students who raised $80 or more this year for MAD. This is a small token of appreciation on behalf of the College and will involve about 500 students. Lunch will include a pie, soft drink and small chocolate bar and will be held at the Tiverton Campus gym. Tom Ryan Deputy Principal – Pastoral Care and Organisation
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REVIEW COMMITTEES This year as part of College Renewal and Strategic Planning, reviews will be conducted in a number of areas across the College. Recently parents were invited to nominate for the Uniform Review Committee and the Pastoral System Review Committee. The College received a number of expressions of interest from parents and wishes to thank all those who responded. Unfortunately it was not possible to include all applicants on these Committees. The composition of the Committees is as follows: Pastoral System Review Committee Members 2014 John McAlroy Georgina Dwyer Chris Church Michael Petrie Rob Bonnici Jane Dunstone Jacinta Mulholland Tracey Lankau Jack Fogarty 11H Callum Brace 11S Murray Enniss Tom Ryan
Chairperson Teaching Staff Representative Teaching Staff Representative Year Level Coordinator Representative Year Level Coordinator Representative Parent Representative Parent Representative Parent Representative Student Representative Student Representative Minute Secretary Ex Officio
Note: Dion Chris 11S (Student reserve) Uniform Review Committee Members 2014 Luke Kenealy Robyn Miller Kerry Martin Andrew Wozencroft Chris Martin Shane MacKintosh Anna Di Medio Megan Selkirk Pauline Enright Amon Luciano Murray 11D Matthew Mottola 11D Murray Enniss Tom Ryan
Chairperson College Registrar Teaching staff representative Teaching staff representative Year Level Coordinator representative Year Level Coordinator representative Parent representative Parent representative Parent representative Student representative Student representative Minute secretary Ex Officio
Note: Nicolas Joseph 11S (student reserve) Both Committees will be commencing their work shortly. The College community will be kept informed of their progress through future Newsprints. There will also be opportunities for input from parents in relation to uniform issues and pastoral care in Term 3. Tom Ryan Deputy Principal – Pastoral Care and Organisation
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SEMESTER 2 EXAMINATIONS As classes for Semester 1 come to a conclusion, attention is now drawn to preparation for the exam period, commencing on Monday 2 June. Arrangements for the Semester 1 Exams have been finalised and a letter explaining these arrangements will be emailed to parents today. In addition, a hardcopy to take home will be given to all students on Monday 26 May. Accompanying the letter is a timetable for each Year Level, as well as a list of Student Expectations for the exams. The email contains links to all timetables, published on the De La Salle website. Students and parents are encouraged to take careful note of all of the relevant information well in advance in order for study and revision to be as focused and productive as possible. At this time, the whole of the college community will no doubt come together to support our students in demonstrating what they have learnt over the first half of the 2014 academic year. Mark Gustincic Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning
FOUNDER’S DAY Thursday 15 May was our Founder St John Baptist de La Salle’s Feast Day. On the Friday, we prepared a path for God, so that he could enter our hearts (Med 2.1), through a whole College Mass, and remembered the life that St John Baptist de La Salle led and the providence of God that he was intrinsically guided by. At the conclusion, Grade 4 to Year 12 migrated to the Kinnoull campus for the annual Founder’s Day celebrations and festivities.
The College Leaders, Year 7 to 9 Class Captains (including Year 9 Vices) and Year 11 Business Management students were poised and ready for the influx of hungry bellies, thrill seekers and groupies. Patiently, they manned their stalls and events that they had prepared and organised weeks in advance after many a lunchtime or afterschool meeting. The sun was out and shining for us, the tunes were pumping from the DJ headquarters and the breeze carried that good old De La BBQ smell through the air, as the herds began to flow through the gates. Students could choose from a variety of stalls and events on offer to entertain themselves. We had student bands smashing out covers and originals non-stop in the Amphitheatre; there were also The Eliminator and Spin-Out rides. Golf, Football and Basketball challenges were a plenty, be they three on three games or closest to the target/pin. IT enthusiasts had the opportunity to try their hand at Counter Strike, the FIFA tournament and other games; whilst those who preferred something more traditional opted for a few rounds of Chess. Some were sucked in by ‘Minute to Win It’, but soon found out that the games were harder than they looked, and Four Square demonstrated its popularity amongst the students with 3 courts running full throughout the day. Face painting saw some young men
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don enough mustaches to start a Freddie Mercury tribute show, and Pong Me tested student accuracy. The De La Gift saw Rohan D'Souza – Year 12B win the event off a handicap of 3 metres; whilst the Kinnoull Raceway saw students navigate a remote control car around a set-track. The Year 7 Cakes and Slices stall hit the spot with many a sweet tooth, as did The Little Dutch Pancakes tent. The Four ‘n’ Twenty pie stall went down as easy as they would at a footy match and The Coffee Mob kept staff (and even some of the students) energised. The Year 9 BBQ was always going to be a winner and the many soft drink stalls and lolly stands were out of stock by the end of the day. The staff raffle was won by lucky Lucy Carne from the Kinnoull administration team.
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We would like to thank the following local stores and companies for contributing to the day and supporting the College: -
Crust Pizza, High Street Jeffery’s Books, Glenferrie Road Mind Games, Glenferrie Road Etto Food and Beverage Store, Glenferrie Road Georgio’s Resaurant, Glenferrie Road Schnitz, Glenferrie Road Little Dutch Pancakes The Coffee Mob Auscorp Entertainment
The College Leaders would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Year 7 to 9 Class Captains, Year 9 Vice Captains and Year 11 Business Management students who assisted with the organisation, set-up, and running of events and stalls on the day. Thanks also go to the parents who provided something delicious for the Year 7 Cakes and Slices stall, and students not in a leadership position who contributed to the day. Finally, all staff (teachers and administration) should be thanked for their efforts supervising, and/or being mentors to some of the groups allocated to organise specific events such as Cindy Frost with the bands and Peter Harte with the De La Gift. Founder’s Day 2015, we are coming! Olivia Wenczel College Leaders Coordinator
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MUSIC NOTES It’s difficult to know where to start when reflecting on the School Musical, Footloose. Do we focus on the cast who rehearsed tirelessly to learn the script, cues, dance moves or the crew who had the mammoth task of mastering the set piece and props? Do we focus on the orchestra who we spent almost as much time creating a ‘train’ sound as they did perfecting some of the other tunes? Do we focus on the staff in a range of capacities who often went above and beyond to make it happen? I guess in the end the camaraderie among staff and students alike is to be celebrated. What an extraordinary experience and congratulations to all involved.
Founder’s Day is a busy day in the Music Department. Over 50 musicians contributed to the Mass through playing music and another 8 bands performed during the celebrations at Kinnoull. A noted feature of Founder’s Day is always the Year 8 Rock Bands. These students work each week after school on Wednesday to shape their music, learn how to select repertoire, play together and eventually perform. It is a pleasure to watch those formerly in the Year 8 Rock Band program now in Year 11, still playing together and writing their own music. ACCent on Music rehearsals are going well. This combined ACC schools music concert is Wednesday 17 September at Hamer Hall. There will be another four rehearsals for those involved. The next rehearsal is Sunday 31 August at St Bernard’s College. Permission slips for term 3 rehearsals and ticket information to come soon. Cindy Frost Director of Music
VCAL STUDENT AWARD Senior VCAL student, Sam Deed, has been awarded the VCAL Student Award Prize by the Inner Eastern Local Learning Network (IELLEN) at their Annual Business, Education and Community Awards in St Kilda. Sam received the award for his achievements in the VCAL program and for being a positive role model for young people. In 2013, Sam volunteered for the College’s Papua New Guinea program and this year he will participate in the College’s Coolies trip to India. As well as his involvement in social justice initiatives, Sam works long hours as a basketball referee for the Hawthorn Basketball Association where he organises the referee rosters, helps train new referees and is an “A” Grade referee himself. As part of his VCAL program, Sam is studying Electrotechnology at Box Hill TAFE and works two days a week at Laser Electrical in Thomastown. The College congratulates Sam on his achievements and wishes him every success for the remainder of his senior VCAL year at the College and beyond. Kerry Martin VCAL Coordinator He’s Learning to Live and Lead
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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Year 7 Students attended the ‘Bully Proof’ Workshop on Wednesday 7 May. This session, run by ‘Values for Life’, focussed on ownership of bullying by the student body, particularly concentrating on the key influence of the bystander. The presenters gave evidence-based strategies on how to respond, be resilient, and actively seek support. Key concepts covered in the session were: • • • • •
What does bullying look like? (There is more to bullying than physical violence.) What is cyber bullying? How can you be cyber smart? Helping students understand why these things occur and where the problem truly lies. Empowering students to make a difference based on their values, not just emotions or peer influence. Giving basic strategies that can assist, particularly in cyber bullying and as a bystander.
Year 5, 6, 8 Graffiti Education Session was run on Monday 5 May. The Graffiti Education Awareness Program was developed by Warner Education in 2002. Strategically developed to deter youth from travelling down the graffiti path, the program challenges the thinking of children and adolescents during a time in their life when they are experimenting, forming attitudes and beliefs, and being influenced. Year 9 Students participated in a ‘Boys to Men’ session on Wednesday 21 May. This was facilitated by The Betterman Foundation. Throughout the 90-minute workshop, participants are presented with a real insight into some of the issues facing boys/men in Australia today. By working through discussion topics and activities that centre around the themes of "CHOICE," "RESPECT," and "MATESHIP," participants are actively involved in coming up with realistic strategies they can take away and use in their lives. Topics explored include: • Identity - what does it mean to "be a man?" • Man versus Media - looking at the toxic messages that media/advertising often give young people about men/women (including body image). • Risk Taking, Peer Pressure and Mateship. • Respect - of women, each other - and ourselves. • Mental Health First Aid - how to help a mate, ourselves; how to ask for help and where we can find it. 'Boys to Men' holds a mirror up to the issues facing boys/men, with the focus on how participants can learn to make positive choices when faced with some of these challenges. This presentation serves to offer as an introduction to new and healthy strategies for boys/men to counter negative and superficial ideas they are often exposed to about how they should be/act as young men. Participants learn to start challenging these toxic messages and create a healthier, happier model of the person they really want to be. Year 10 ‘Keys Please’ Road Safety Program was held on Thursday 1 May. For more information see below link: http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/SafetyAndRules/SaferDrivers/YoungAndNewDrivers/KeysPleaseInformation Session.htm
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Year 11 ‘Fit to Drive’ Road Safety Program was held on Thursday 8 May. For more information see http://www.f2d.com.au/ Year 12 Don Elgin, Former Paralympian turned Motivation Speaker, will address Year 12 on Thursday 29 May. He will speak on the issue of goal setting. For more information see http://donelgin.com.au/biography/ Kate McIlroy Personal Development Coordinator
COOLIES ARE SELLING ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS Looking for a special gift, or something just for you? Entertainment books are great value at $65 each. Buying through De La Salle Coolies Project contribute funds towards this annual social justice initiative. You can choose between your old favourite, the usual Entertainment Book with card & coupons, or the new smartphone digital membership. Entertainment™ Books are packed with hundreds of discounts and savings, many up to 50% off or 2-for-1 offers for the best restaurants, cafes, hotel accommodation, attractions and activities. Virtually all of the offers in the Entertainment Book are restriction-free and can be used whenever you like. The businesses do not pay to be included, they are selected based on awards, reviews and personal recommendations. The new Book is only $65, and you’ll receive $20,000 worth of valuable offers until 1 June 2015. So you can choose what you want to do and when you want to do it. How to Order: To order on-line and pay by credit card: https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/196p265 *Can collect the hardcopy book from Tiverton Office at De La Salle College **Digital membership – just follow the instructional email. For further information about Entertainment Books or De La Salle Coolies contact Larry Evans at levans@delasalle.vic.edu.au
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STUDENT WELLBEING The following two excerpts are offered by way of encouragement for parents to stand firmly in control (yes, not a bad word) and to act in the interest of their son’s wellbeing. Increasingly, developmental theorists and practitioners are calling for parents to be reminded that young people NEED boundaries against which to push in order to know limits and to feel that they are held safe. Boundaries are indeed indicators of care and love. Take a read of the following and see what you think. The first excerpt is also available at the ‘Student Wellbeing’ link on Moodle. Mean Parents Someday when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a parent, I will tell them, as my Mean Parents told me: We loved you enough to ask where you were going, with whom and what time you’d be home. We loved you enough to be silent and let you discover that your new best friend was a creep. We loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that should have taken 15 minutes. We loved you enough to let you see anger, disappointment, and tears in our eyes. Children must learn that their parents aren’t perfect. We loved you enough to let you assume the responsibility for your actions even when the penalties were so harsh they almost broke our hearts. But most of all, we loved you enough to say ‘NO’ when we knew you would hate us for it. Those were the most difficult battles of all. We're glad we won them, because in the end, you won too. And someday when your children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates parents, you will tell them. Were your parents mean? I know mine were. We had the meanest parents in the whole world! While other kids ate lollies for breakfast, we had to have cereal and toast. When others had coke and chips for lunch, we had to eat sandwiches. And you can guess our parents made us a dinner that was different from what other kids had too. They insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You’d think we were prisoners! They had to know who our friends were and what we were doing with them. They insisted that if we said we we’d be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour – or less. They even had the nerve to break ‘child labour laws’ by making us work. We had to wash the dishes, make beds, learn to cook, do laundry, empty bins, and all sorts of cruel jobs. I think they would lay awake at night thinking of more things for us to do. They always insisted on telling us the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. By the time we were teenagers, they could read our minds and had eyes in the back of their heads. They wouldn’t let our friends just honk the horn when they drove up, they had to come up to the door so they could meet them. While everyone else could date when they were 12 or 13, we had to wait till we were 16. Because of our parents we missed out on lots of things other kids experienced. None of us have ever been caught shoplifting, vandalising others’ property, or arrested for any crime. It was all their fault. We have now all left home. We’re educated, honest adults. We are doing our very best to be Mean Parents – just like ours were. I think that’s what’s wrong with the world today; it just doesn’t have enough Mean Parents! Teen Drinking – Never Safe The current trend to introduce alcohol to teenagers before the legal drinking age of eighteen needs to be urgently reviewed in light of recent Australian research into adolescent drinking. A team from Melbourne’s Murdoch Childrens Research Institute tracked 1,520 young people’s drinking habits over a ten year period and found that there is no safe drinking level for teenagers. Adolescents under the age of eighteen who drink even small amounts of alcohol have a significantly higher risk of alcohol abuse when they move into early adulthood. In fact, low level drinkers resemble more closely high level drinkers than those who didn’t drink at all when it comes to alcohol-related problems.
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This research provides evidence for a move away from the harm-minimisation approach, where teenagers are taught to drink sensibly, and even for a rise in the minimum drinking age. The move toward zero alcohol for under 18’s has plenty of backing from health experts across the nation. There is no doubt teen drinking is linked to a variety of risk-taking behaviours - particularly sexual activity, violence and antisocial behaviours. The brain research conducted over the last ten years leaves little doubt that those who begin drinking under eighteen years of age are highly susceptible to developing dependency problems in their twenties. A type of hard-wiring of the connections on the brain occurs from the age of 13 through to 18, which means habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol are more likely to become ingrained at this stage than if they began in their twenties. The evidence suggests that we need to question the appropriateness of the harm-minimisation approach and consider the zero alcohol approach for young people. This will be challenging, to say the least, as the current trend of young people to ‘up-age’, is almost reaching epidemic levels. Twelve-year-olds now want to dress like 16 year olds and 16 year olds want to act like 21 year olds, with the same rights but few of the responsibilities of adults. Increasingly, drinking alcohol is seen by young people as an essential rite of passage that should be allowed at an earlier and earlier age. The pressure that young people now put on adults to allow them to drink under-age is enormous. Under-age drinking is now seen by many young people as normal and those parents who resist can be made to feel so out of sync that surely they must come from another planet. There is no doubt rolling back the drinking age or suggesting that young people delay drinking until they are eighteen will be met with enormous resistance from many young people. That is why introducing zero alcohol for under eighteens needs strong adult leadership involving schools, parents and community groups. The evidence seems abundantly clear that in the long term best interests of young people that zero alcohol for the under eighteen age group is the only option that right-minded people should take. Published by Michael Grose Presentations. Pascal Rohan Director of Student Wellbeing
WHAT’S HAPPENING (some reminders) M AY Saturday, 24 May
Mary Help of Christians
Tuesday, 27 May
Semester 1 Drama Night – PAC, 7.30pm
Thursday, 29 May
Ascension of the Lord
JUNE Monday, 2 June
Mid-Year Examination Period commences (until 12 June) Parents’ Network Meeting – Boardroom, 7.30pm
Wednesday, 4 June
PACTS Workshop for Year 9 Parents – Kinnoull Library, 7.00pm – 8.30pm
Sunday, 8 June
Pentecost Sunday
Monday, 9 June
Queen’s Birthday – Public Holiday
Tuesday, 10 June
Year 10 ACC Sport Finals
Wednesday, 11 June
VCE GAT Exam – Gymnasium PACTS Workshop for Year 9 Parents – Kinnoull Library, 7.00pm – 8.30pm
Friday, 13 June
CORRECTION DAY – NO STUDENTS Newsprint No. 6 emailed to families.
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CENTENARY OF WAR PROJECT This year marks the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, also known as the Great War, the war to end all wars. As we all know the world faced an even deadlier conflict 20 years later, both of these conflicts having a profound effect on Australia and the world. For many of us our families chose to call Australia home after these conflicts and the modern day Multicultural Australia was forged. To commemorate these conflicts we are asking members of the De La Salle community to contribute a photo of a family member/s to be displayed to tell the story of 20th century conflict from the point of view of current families at De La Salle. Photos from the period of WWI, WWII, Korea or Vietnam are all welcome, including photos of those not necessarily directly involved in conflict such as women on the home front. We are asking families to contribute a reproduction of the original photo as although we will take care to return all items we obviously don’t want to risk originals being damaged or lost. Most photo processing shops can now reproduce old photos quite cheaply and any sizes are acceptable with a 5x8 being an ideal size for display. We are also asking families to provide some brief information about the photo, including, but not limited to: •
Who is in the photo?
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Where was the photo taken?
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When and where they were born and year they died?
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Country they served and role in the forces if applicable?
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Where they fought?
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Date they immigrated to Australia if applicable.
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Number of children, job after the war and any other interesting facts you wish to share.
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Most important the family name of the current students/staff at De La Salle.
Information you provide will form part of the display so please don’t include information that you don’t wish to share with others. Families can submit more than one photo, however, depending on the response we may not be able to display them all. It is hoped the display will be ready to be viewed at the school in August to coincide with the outbreak of WWI and we plan to have an open evening to launch the exhibit. I ask that photos with accompanying information are handed to the main office of either campus and directed to myself at Tiverton or Georgina Dwyer at Kinnoull. I think this will be a great learning opportunity for the students at De La Salle and a great way for us all to share our stories and remember those who suffered to protect our freedoms. If you have any questions in regard to this please contact me at the College. Andy Wozencroft History Teacher
He’s Learning to Live and Lead
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PARENT NETWORK The Parent Network has had a busy May. Mother's Day Breakfast On Friday 2 May, over 350 mothers and sons gathered to fill the School Gymnasium to celebrate and acknowledge all our De La Salle Mums with a special Mother's Day Breakfast. By all accounts it was an overwhelming success! It was fantastic to see so many boys attend to pay tribute to their own mum. There is no doubt that all the mums who attended appreciated their son/s being alongside them at the breakfast. Those who attended were greeted to the wonderful sound of a flute ensemble - led by Music Secretary, Kelly Williams, with students Raphael Canty (Year 11F), Justin Lack (Year 11V) and Dong Ye (Year 7V). Principal, Peter Houlihan as MC for the breakfast, and School Leaders - Luke Brownhill and James Benton - were a feature and added a special touch to the celebration. Luke Brownhill opened the breakfast with a prayer and said Grace before everyone sat to enjoy the buffet breakfast. James Benton paid tribute to his mum, Jackie and had the whole room stirring as he described all the 'tough love' displays (encouraging him to do his own laundry, make his own lunch for school ....), to prepare him to be an independent and resourceful young man. James also shared a video clip that had quite a few mums shedding a tear as it highlighted how mums are there to support, encourage and celebrate their children through the lows and the highs. Well done to the School Leaders who did a tremendous job. In addition, Peter Houlihan shared a wonderful story about his hard working-mum while growing up in rural Victoria on a dairy farm. Another highlight of the breakfast was the presentation from guest speaker Diane Jickell from the McGrath Foundation. The McGrath Foundation plays an important role in the placement of Breast Care Nurses and we are very pleased to announce that $633.85 was collected. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and supported the breakfast. A dedicated Committee including Marg O'Dwyer, Lora Domine, Julie Car and Abbigail Greer, aimed to make the breakfast a special occasion for all our De La Salle Mums and their sons. Special thanks to a number of dads and mums who gave up their time to help finalise setting up and attending to the mums during the breakfast: Rob Pettit, Michael Groves, Michael Urban, John Kingsley, Paul O'Dwyer, Simon Regan, Robert Power, Jim Callaghan, Cate Robertson, Liz Scott, Helen Groves, Enza Farfalla, Michelle Barron and Louisa Salmon. Thank you for all your wonderful help! Special mention must go to our Principal, Peter Houlihan, who instigated and promoted the breakfast; and to his staff: Michael Bohan and his team for transporting and setting up furniture for the breakfast; Trish Woodman and the Tiverton Office Staff for their assistance in helping to coordinate communications for the event. The Mother's Day Breakfast on 2 May 2014 was the very first of its kind to be held at the College and we look forward to gathering again next year to celebrate our De La Salle Mums!
He’s Learning to Live and Lead
Newsprint Issue No. 4 page 14
Year 9 Parent Social Evening On Saturday 17 May, the Peppercorn Cafe at Kinnoull Campus was transformed into a candle lit soiree for Year 9 parents. Attended by 50 Year 9 parents and the ever so popular Chris Martin, Year 9 Coordinator - it was a very successful evening. Whilst everyone enjoyed a drink and feasted on the exquisite food brought along by the parents, the cafe was buzzing as everyone mingled to meet and catch up with people from their son's homeroom and across the Year Level. The Year 9 Homeroom Parent Representatives wish to thank Chris Martin and the Year 9 parents who attended, and we look forwarded to meeting again at other Year Level functions. Upcoming Events • The next Parent Network Meeting will be held on 2 June at 7.30pm in the Boardroom. • Don’t forget about the De La Salle Major Fundraiser to be held on Saturday 16 August 2014. • There will be a special Father’s Day Breakfast scheduled for Wednesday 27 August. On behalf of the Parent Network Cate Robertson & Louisa Salmon
ACC TRAINING SCHEDULE At the moment, our Term 2 ACC Football and Soccer Team Training Schedule is as follows: Football First XVIII Football
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Monday after school at Waverley Park
Year 10 Football
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Monday lunchtime at Kinnoull
Year 9 Football
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Monday before school at Malvern Oval or in the Gym
Year 8 Football
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Monday before school at Kinnoull
Year 7 Football
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Monday after school at DW Lucas Oval
Soccer Senior Soccer
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Tuesday after school on Kinnoull Astroturf
Year 10 Soccer
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Monday before school on Kinnoull Astroturf
Year 9 Soccer
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Thursday before school on Kinnoull Astroturf
Year 8 Soccer
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Wednesday lunchtime in the Gym
Year 7 Soccer
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Wednesday lunchtime on Kinnoull Astroturf
Before school training sessions usually begin at 7.30am and concludes at 8.30am. After school training sessions usually begin at 3.45pm (at De La Salle) or 4.00pm (off site). They conclude at approximately 4.45pm.
He’s Learning to Live and Lead
Newsprint Issue No. 4 page 15
He’s Learning to Live and Lead
Newsprint Issue No. 4 page 16
He’s Learning to Live and Lead
Newsprint Issue No. 4 page 17