Newsletter 12 2012 - 7 September
Dear parents, I hope that the beginning of Spring finds you well and enjoying the many blessings that this season brings. I was reminded of one of my favourite quotes last weekend as our family was celebrating Father’s Day. The quote comes from St John of the Cross who wrote that “In the evening of our lives, we will be judged by love alone.” While we can debate when the evening of our life occurs, the central truth of St John’s words remains unchanged. In our families, we will not be remembered for the lavish gifts that we provide or the inheritances we might leave. We will be remembered for the love and the compassion that we show to our families and to our neighbours. We all have a need to be loved yet there are many people who either feel unloved or who have no-one left to love them. The question for each of us is how do we want to be judged and will we measure up with regard to the love that we share? The college hosted a very successful Decades Reunion on Saturday 1 September, with almost 200 ex-students joining us for morning tea, a tour of the college and the opportunity to catch up with old friends. The ladies reminisced about St Mary’s as they knew it and they provided insights into school life and their experiences of the wonderful nuns and lay teachers who taught them. They also spoke of the fun they had as they shared the many joys and challenges that they experienced in an all-girls school in much different times. I thoroughly enjoyed the reunion as I listened to the stories and met the people who have been such a strong part of our history. I thank Marie Pulford, Margaret Hore and the many girls and staff members who assisted to make this decades reunion such a success.
The college student leaders for 2013 were announced at the college assembly last week and judging by the responses of the girls, our senior students and staff have made wise choices. We are blessed with excellent student leaders at the college and sadly, while we have increased the number of positions, we are unable to allocate an official position to all students who deserve portfolios. To the girls who were elected, my congratulations. I believe that you will do an outstanding job in leading the college in 2013. In particular I congratulate our College Captain in waiting, Lucy Packer. I wish her every success as she takes up her role at the commencement of Term 4.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 17 Sept Year 12 Academic Assembly 18 Sept Year 12 Grad Mass and lunch at The Lagoon 21 Sept Term 3 ends Year 12 Dinner Dance 8 Oct
Term 4 commences STUDENTS RETURN IN SUMMER UNIFORM
10 Oct
Year 7 2013 orientation day
For student enquiries and notifications, please ring Student Office on 4226 3969
Our new leaders have big shoes to fill as our 2012 leaders have been excellent in their roles and have led by example in working with the staff to support all aspects of college life. I am sure we will continue to enjoy excellent leadership from our student leaders in 2013. Our Year 12 students have a very busy few weeks ahead of them as they come to the end of their school careers at St Mary’s. The girls have the Year 12 assembly on Monday 17 September, the Graduation Mass and P&F luncheon on 18 September and the Dinner Dance on Friday 21 September. From there they move into a further period of intense study as they continue to prepare for the HSC. I ask that you keep these girls in your thoughts and prayers as they bring their school careers to a close and embark on the HSC journey. Finally I extend my thanks to the many Dads who turned up for our Father’s Day breakfast last Friday. It was delightful to observe the girls with their Dads and the Dads with their daughters. There was much love and a great deal of pride on display and I hope that all Dads enjoyed a wonderful day on Father’s Day. I hope you have a happy and peace-filled weekend. Yours sincerely, Frank Pitt - Principal
Love of God · Love of Learning · Hospitality · Stewardship · Peace
Middle School students enjoyed Literacy Week
DIOCESAN ATHLETICS CARNIVAL St Mary’s finished 2nd in the girls’ point score at the 2012 Diocesan Athletics Carnival held at Campbelltown on Friday 31 August. Several girls excelled to win their events and will represent our diocese at the NSW CCC Athletics carnival on 14 September. Congratulations to all our team members who attended the carnival - your effort and sportsmanship were commendable. Unfortunately we were missing a few competitors and this left us short in a few events. Thanks to the girls who stepped in to fill event spaces on the day. Special mention to our winning Senior 4x100m Relay team who broke the record in a time of 52.46s: Andrea Berrell, Lakeisha Graham-Jackson, Lucy Formosa and Cassie Grant. Fantastic achievement girls! Three girls were named age champions: Lucy Formosa in the 17+; Andrea Berrell in the 16 years and Alexandra Parker in the 13 years. Well done girls! Girls selected in the diocesan team are: Andrea Berrell 16 year 100, 200, 400; Lakeisha Graham-Jackson 16 year 100, 200, 400; Lucy Formosa 17+ 100, 200, 400; Hannah Preeo 13 year 1500m; Alex Parker 13 year High Jump and Long Jump; Levana Wayne-Boyle 13 year Shot; Isabel Parnell 14 year Javelin. Congratulations girls and good luck at the CCC carnival. Belinda Sparks
DECADES REUNION SATURDAY 1 SEPTEMBER SKIING
INTERACT PRESENTATION TO MANORI
During the July holidays Chelsea Morelli competed in several downhill skiing competitions. She was placed 7th in the NSW Interschools Alpine event and 5th in the Skier event while competing in a field of around 70 girls. Well done Chelsea. Belinda Sparks
Last week, the Interact Club presented a cheque for $1000 to our friend, Mrs Manori Indraratna. We have had a long association with Manori since the terrible Tsunami in the Indian Ocean on Boxing Day 2004.
Senior relay team
Since then, staff, students and our Interact Club have supported the education of a young woman, Harshi, who was orphaned but showed promise academically. Harshi graduated in 2010 with a double degree and IT qualifications. Two weeks ago she secured a permanent job as a high school teacher. A wonderful achievement for someone who lost everything but who was given a chance by our college community and her family. We have continued to support Manori in Andrea Berrell other areas of need in Sri Lanka. The $1000 will go a very long way to helping very sick children and adults in a cancer hospital, a Buddhist monk who houses the poor parents of these children, and a boys’ orphanage. Manori gives us feedback on how every $1 is spent.
Chelsea Morelli
Manori made a heartfelt speech of thanks to all who generously gave their support. Thank you to our Interact Club students, Mrs Guillaume and Ms Riordan for helping to achieve such a wonderful goal. Liz Davis
The college congratulates its recently-elected 2013 Student Executive
Lucy Packer College Captain
Nicola Downing Liturgy Captain
Melissa Irvine Liturgy Captain
Gabrielle Bow Social Justice Captain
Shakira Cappetta Social Justice Captain
Tanita Gordon Stewardship Captain
Azkah Khan Stewardship Captain
Kate Marning SRC Captain
Kara Agostinho SRC Captain
Georgia Ohrdorf Sport Captain
Sophie McGovern Sport Captain
Paige Mandy Cultural Captain
Luce Formosa Carmel House Captain
Noni Martin Fatima House Captain
Lauren Farrugia Cultural Captain
Maddison Fisher Loreto House Captain Holly Heffernan Lourdes House Captain
FROM THE DEAN OF PASTORAL CARE
FATHER’S DAY BREAKFAST 31 AUGUST
Part of our recent professional development day was spent reflecting on pastoral care as well as focusing on some of the current pastoral concerns we have for our students.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MIDDLE SCHOOL? Last week was certainly a busy week in Year 7 and 8 Middle School! YEAR 7 LITERACY WEEK: Year 7 had an opportunity to take part in some wonderful Literacy Week activities. Students dressed up as book characters and took part in a costume parade. We had some very creative entries and many fabulous book prizes for the winners! Our librarian Mrs Baez showed the students the new range of fiction novels available and the students took part in a whole group spelling bee.
Staff discussed the pastoral care program which has been running within an extended tutor group time on a three-weekly basis this year. These sessions have given tutor groups time to develop the relationships within their groups. Feedback has shown these sessions to be very successful. Students and staff have enjoyed spending more time together in discussion and the sessions enabled opportunities for leadership by the older students.
MIDDLE SCHOOL’S GOT TALENT FUNDRAISER: Congratulations to Kiarna Rosandic from Year 7 who performed a wonderful dance routine to take out 1st prize in the Got Talent show. Congratulations also to Paige Colby (dance) and Ally Jurriaans (piano) for achieving 2nd place, and Alana Arif (martial arts) achieving 3rd place. I thank our wonderful judges Mr Goldrick, Miss Visaggio and Miss Hsu, as well as the Year 9 Middle School Leaders who were integral in organising this fundraiser for The Girl Effect.
On the PD day staff shared ideas about how pastoral care could continue to grow at the college. It was fantastic to see the tutor groups teachers speak with such passion, care and concern for their students. This week the Pastoral Team will develop these ideas as they meet to plan for 2013. As part of this process we will shortly be inviting parents to join focus groups. If you are interested please contact me via email emma.magill@stmarys.nsw.edu.au.
YEAR 8 SCIENCE ZOOTOPIA PROJECT STUDENT REVIEW: From Charlotte Simpson, Year 8. Seven weeks of hard work finally paid off, as Year 8 students presented their group task Zootopia. In week 3 of this term Year 8 visited Taronga Zoo and this project linked with the study of Ecology in Science. Students produced information boards and hand-made promotional products, with all proceeds going to Taronga Zoo charities. The displays looked amazing! Tracey Sullivan, Middle School Director
The second part of the professional development session drew attention to current pastoral concerns. These included challenges the girls face in relation to friendships, family, body image and selfesteem, anxiety, depression and self harm. Each of these was discussed, with particular attention on self-harming behaviour. The discussion followed stimulus from a recent 7.30 Report story which focused on this largely taboo subject, and some successful strategies taken by San Sisto College in Brisbane. It is important to recognise that self harm is a behaviour and not a mental illness. It often begins in teenage years and can be a way of communicating or coping with distress. Not all people who self harm are suicidal. Over time this behaviour can become compulsive and addictive and as a result young people can find it difficult to stop. If you are aware of a young person who is self harming, it is important to seek profession help and support. Should you have any questions about this behaviour or are worried about your daughter please contact a member of the Pastoral Team at the college. Other resources are available through www. reachout.com, www.youthbeyound blue. com, www.headspace.org.au. Emma Magill KIDZWISH MUSIC AND DANCE PROGRAM Shellharbour Branch KidzWish Music and Dance Program is an opportunity for sick, disabled and disadvantaged children to enjoy love and laughter that comes with music, instruments and dancing - to help improve health while helping children’s motor skills, communication and social interaction. Classes run every Wednesday 4.305.30pm during school terms at KidzWish Place, Shell Cove. To register your child or for more information, contact KidzWish on 1300 260 990.
UOW INFORMATION EVENING FOR YEAR 12 STUDENTS: Tuesday 11 September, 6.30-8.30pm at Uni Hall, University of Wollongong. Bookings can be made online www.uow.edu.au/future/events/ or by calling UniAdvice on 1300 367 869.
Students showing their Zootopia displays
NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY
STAFF LEAVE TERM 4
Hannah Preeo of Year 7 represented NSW All Schools at the National School Sport Cross Country event in Adelaide last week. Hannah worked her way through a tough field, with rain and heavy mud, to finish 17th in the 13 Year division. Congratulations Hannah on a very credible result. Her hard work in training has paid off.
We wish Mrs Katrina Wall a well-earned break during Term 4. Mrs Denise Templeman will be acting English Coordinator during this time. A MESSAGE FROM WOLLONGONG COUNCIL: Parking unsafely can put children’s lives at risk. Increased fines and loss of demerit points apply when certain offences are committed in an operating school zone.
NATIONAL SCHOOLS BASKETBALL Congratulations to Year 11 student Georgia Ohrdorf. Georgia was in the NSW All Schools Basketball team that finished 3rd at the National School Sport Basketball Championships in Dandenong last week.
Hannah: before and after the cross country run
SPORT SELECTIONS FOR TERM 4
EXCHANGE STUDENT TABEA NYDEGGER
Students in Years 7-10 will enrol in sports for Term 4 from Monday to Thursday 10-13 September. They will then need to return a sport permission note to their Tutor Group teacher by Friday 14 September. Enrolments will be via Moodle on the college website. Permission notes will be distributed in Tutor Groups, and a copy is also available on Moodle.
We’d like to introduce our new exchange student, Tabea Nydegger, who arrived in July from Switzerland and is sponsored by Illawarra Sunrise Rotary Club. Tabea is in Year 11 and will be with us for 12 months. She will live with four different host families and is looking forward to getting to know many people and experience as much of Australian life and culture as possible. We welcome Tabea and hope that she will enjoy her stay. Liz Davis
New sports available for Term 4 include Water Polo and Aqua Fitness at the Uni, as well as Aquarobics at Beaton Park Leisure Centre. Girls selecting Water Polo or Surfing at North Wollongong beach must be strong swimmers. Please discuss the sport selections with your daughter to assist her in making a suitable enrolment. Belinda Sparks, Sports Coordinator
COURSE EVENINGS AT TAFE ILLAWARRA Year 10: Wednesday 12 September 6-8pm, Block A.2.09, Wollongong Campus Years 11 and12: Wednesday 19 September 6-8pm, Block A.2.09, Wollongong Campus TAFE will give each person a brief career assessment designed to identify suitable courses. TAFE will also provide information and answer questions about their courses. It is suggested that each student brings a parent or other adult.
To book or make enquiries please phone 42290535.
• The minimum fine for double parking is $258 and the loss of 2 demerit points. • The minimum penalty for making an illegal U-turn is a $258 fine and the loss of 3 demerit points. • The minimum penalty for parking on a footpath or across a driveway is $143 and the loss of 2 demerit points.
BUS ZONE
• The minimum fine for parking in a bus zone is $258 and the loss of 2 demerit points. CELEBRATING 60 YEARS: 1952 TO 2012 Keiraville Community Preschool is celebration 60 years. Memory sharing: Recording the memories of our preschool community members.Please email or send in memories and include the dates that you were associated with the preschool - office@kcps.org.au. Engraved pavers: Have your name as a permanent part of Keiraville Community Preschool for as little as $30.
LEARNING LABS AT UOW Wollongong University thanked the college for supporting their gifted and talented program - Learning Labs - which was held in July. To join the program students had to provide information that indicated they can work at a Year 11 or 12 level in their area of interest. This could be a teacher recommendation, academic scholarship, placement in a self-contained class or a score within the top band of Naplan. Fifteen students were able to attend and we hope to see more attending in the future. Mary Boyle, Diverse Learning Needs Coordinator
• A minimum penalty of a $344 fine and the loss of 2 demerit points applies for stopping or parking a vehicle on or near a pedestrian crossing, a children’s crossing or any marked foot crossing.
Tabea (centre) with Noni Martin and Lucy Nuttall CHILD PROTECTION SUNDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2012 Working together to protect children and young people in our Church and society
60th Birthday picnic: Saturday 20 October - 11am3pm, BYO food, free tea and coffee, 2pm official ceremony. iSTAND WEEKEND FOR 14-18 YEAR OLDS FRIDAY 5-SUNDAY 7 OCTOBER The Wollongong Youth Mission Teams is running an iSTAND weekend at Cataract Scout Park - a great weekend filled with fantastic activities like archery, challenge valley, bonfires and campfires with marshmallow roasting, and to top it off, an awesome band! Cost is $98 per person and this includes, accommodation, food and activities. Email wollongong@ymt.com.au to receive a rego form or text or ring Chris Brennan on 0433 636 359 for more details.
WOULD YOU LIKE $500 TO SPEND ON EDUCATION COSTS? You may be eligible to receive $500 to spend on costs such as computers, subject costs, tutors, uniforms and sport. Do you or your partner have: a Health Care Card or Pension Card? Some income from work (includes part time, casual, seasonal and cash)? Contact Lindi Jamieson-Brown, your local Saver Plus Coordinator on 1300 610 355 or email Lindi. Jamieson-Brown@thesmithfamily.com.au.
15 Harbour Street Wollongong - Locked Bag 42 Wollongong NSW 2500 Phone (02) 4228 6011 Fax (02) 4229 8555 www.stmarys.nsw.edu.au