Newsletter 2 2012 - 24 February
order to work on one’s inner beauty? It sounds a bit far-fetched does it not? And yet, fasting has been an integral part of most religious traditions for hundreds of years. It is certainly part of our Christian heritage.
Dear parents, The college community marked the commencement of the season of Lent with the distribution of ashes on Wednesday 22 February, the day commonly referred to as Ash Wednesday. As you are aware, in our tradition Lent is a time when we undertake some form of penance, we pray and we fast. Sr Clare Condon, the Congregational Leader of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, has written a beautiful reflection on fasting, titled “Lent and the Quest for Beauty”. I have taken excerpts from Clare’s reflection and I encourage you to read the article in its entirety in the Good Samaritan e publication The Good Oil at http://www.goodsams.org. au/good-oil/lent-and-the-quest-for-beauty/. “As children, my mother often told us it was wise to be wary of beauty that was only skin deep. Over the past number of weeks, especially following Christmas and New Year celebrations, our media has been full of ads for weight loss programmes and commentary about the increasing market for cosmetic surgery from both women and men. It would seem that such an emphasis operates on the belief of many that beauty is fundamentally only skin deep and needs to be achieved if one is to live a fulfilling life. Get our looks and our bodies right and all will be well! So does this have anything to say to us Christians (as we) commence the season of Lent? During Lent, the Church encourages us to fast. Fasting for any other purpose than to reduce one’s weight or to improve one’s health doesn’t seem to hold any sway or understanding in our world. Why fast in
Fasting is part of a wholesome attitude to life and inner growth. It is a discipline that is meant to lead to an inner beauty that of itself will shine forth in how we live our daily lives and interact with others. One can grow from a place of self-centredness to other-centredness. Fasting should never be glorified in its own right, but should only be part of an integrated life seeking inner wholeness and beauty.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 29 Feb2 Mar Year 12 retreat and Year 7 camp 7 Mar
Open day tours from 9am Information evening 7pm
11 Mar P&F Year 7 Welcome BBQ 4pm 13 Mar P&F meeting 7pm in PLC 15 Mar School Cert Awards assembly 12pm 21 Mar Café Mediterranée 7pm SGN For student enquiries and notifications, please ring Student Office on 4226 3959
On this day before Lent commences, my challenge is to find what I need to do over the next 40 days that will assist in my spiritual growth - to enhance my inner self and hopefully my inner beauty. What will you decide to do?” The college community will be offering various opportunities to students to make a difference during this Lenten season. Our student leaders have mapped out a Lenten program that focuses on prayer, reflection and almsgiving as a way of focusing our attention throughout this time. Parents can keep updated on these activities on our website and support Project Compassion by making a donation online. We are commencing a very busy time, with rehearsals for the school musical Godspell, our camp and retreat program and various celebrations that are part of life at the college during Term 1. I would ask that in the midst of the busyness that we spend some time in prayer and reflection, that we undertake some small penance or service for others and that we try to deny ourselves a little through following the Church’s precepts on fasting. In this way we bring meaning and life to this season.
Ash Wednesday liturgy
I wish you every blessing for the coming week. Frank Pitt - Principal
Dear parents, We are currently experiencing problems with faulty laptop bags. The college is in the process of sourcing stronger bags - we thank you for your patience with this problem.
Love of God · Love of Learning · Hospitality · Stewardship · Peace
Harvesting our vege garden
This week marks the beginning of Lent, a time of reflection and renewal for Christians. The St Mary’s community have been on a journey of reflecting on our common life together since the beginning of the year. In our opening assembly we considered how we can become better individuals and better community members. In our pastoral time we have worked on building better Tutor Groups and Houses. In our clubs and student leadership groups we have contemplated how we can strive harder to work for justice. In our Commencement Mass we have petitioned God to give us the wisdom and courage to become a better community. This Lent we will focus on how we can help create a better world by our support of Project Compassion. Students will have opportunities to contribute money to alleviate the suffering of the poor throughout the world in collections taken up each morning in Tutor Group. While we often think contributions are small and not very significant, we need to trust that every act of compassion makes a difference. Joanne Hack, Dean of Mission & Innovation CARITAS PROJECT COMPASSION LAUNCH Social justice is more than just giving money, for it is the simple acts of compassion that matter most. Rosie Gardiner, Grace Pifferi, Stephanie Rowles, Hanh Tran and Mrs Smith attended the Caritas Australia Diocese of Wollongong Project Compassion Launch at St Patrick’s College on 21 February. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the journey to Easter. It also marks the beginning of Project Compassion. Lent is a special time of preparation for the greatest celebration in the Church’s year, the day on which Jesus rose to a glorious new life. Project Compassion asks us the challenging question of how much we want peace in the world. If we do, then we must commit ourselves to working for justice for all. Together in our faith and good works, as they interlock into each other, we ask that you are able to reflect on what others are going through in their everyday lives. Your donation to Caritas Project Compassion makes a life-changing difference to marginalised communities around the world. Rosie Gardiner, Social Justice Captain
CAREERS CORNER
PARENTS’ HELP WANTED FOR UPCOMING PRODUCTION! Are you good at sewing and keen to help construct the costumes for our upcoming Godspell production? Are you in for an exciting time meeting other parents, teachers and students, and ready to be a part of this magnificent show? If so, please contact Mr Wouters at Peter. Wouters@stmarys.nsw.edu.au for more information! Many thanks in advance. Peter Wouters, Producer, Godspell 2012 ST VINCENT DE PAUL On behalf of the St Vincent De Paul committee, Kiara and I as your presidents would like to extend a warm thank you to the college community for your generous contributions to the Christmas hampers and wishing tree. Both received an overwhelming number of donations which were distributed to disadvantaged people in our local area. We also thank Ms Williams and Year 10 2011 for their combined efforts in raising an amazing $1800 which was passed onto the local SVDP group. Your generosity has made and will continue to make a difference to those less fortunate.
In speaking to some students following Discovery Day, students report that they have been able to secure their interest and focus on a particular course of study post school. Other students were able to decide that the course in which they were originally interested is not really what they want to pursue. Overall, Discovery Day was a fun day for students, particularly the lunchtime entertainment, so I hear. Thank you to all who were involved. Pauline Judd, Post School Advisor
This year we will have our meetings every Day 6 in E112 to discuss appeals and other exciting events. Please get involved in this club and have fun while helping others. Kiara Bahamondes-McKibbin & Shakira Cappetta COLLEGE iPAD TRIALS The local media has recently highlighted the educational opportunities provided by Smartphones and tablet technology. The college has been aware of these technological developments and has been planning since last year to undertake a trial of the use of iPads in the classroom in 2012. This trial will involve one Year 8 class. Each student in the trial class will be provided an iPad to be used specifically in her English, HSIE, Technology, Language and Music classes and the device will be taken home each day. The trial will be run in conjunction with a research project to evaluate the impact of this technology and will be conducted by a researcher from the University of Newcastle.
St Mary’s and St Pat’s students at the launch of Project Compassion
On 10 February, Year 12 participated in the University of Wollongong’s Discovery Day Program which aims to provide students with an opportunity to experience, for a day, life as a university student - for example, finding their way around the campus, reading timetables and attending lectures.
The trial will begin in Week 6 and will run till the end of Term 2. Parents of the students involved in the trial will be provided with further details in a letter distributed to their daughters in Week 4. I look forward to reporting to the community the findings of the trial in the second half of 2012. Joanne Hack, Dean of Mission & Innovation
Year 12 students at the University iSTAND NIGHTS For 14-18 year olds - music, talks, games, fun, food - ring 0433 636 359 or go to www. ymt.com.au. St Columbkille’s Parish Centre, 99 Princes Highway Corrimal - FRIDAY NIGHTS 7.30-9.30PM.
VINNIES VAN
VEGGIES CELEBRATE NEW PARTNERSHIP
RECORD OF SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT
Late last year over 23 college staff were able to serve others by volunteering for the Vinnies Night Patrol Van. On Monday evening between 3.30pm and 9pm you may find us serving hot drinks and a sandwich from the van, just having a chat or simply passing some time together with people less fortunate than ourselves in the local area. It has been a very humbling yet rewarding experience which we hope to extend to senior students once they are trained. I thank the generous staff who continue to answer the call “what can I do?”. Norina Todhunter
The St Marys community garden is excited to announce a new partnership with St Vincent de Paul’s Soup Kitchen in Coniston. 8 February marked our first delivery of fresh veggies grown in the garden during the summer holidays. Tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, mint, rosemary, basil and chives were loaded up and shipped out direct to the kitchen for immediate consumption.
The NSW Minister for Education has announced legislation to create the Record of School Achievement (RoSA) for students who leave school before receiving their Higher School Certificate. The Board of Studies will continue to provide updates. Following is information on the RoSA taken from the Board of Studies site:
In 2012 students will again plant and maintain the community vegetable garden as part of their mission to assist members of our community in need. Our growing practices have improved steadily during the last three years, ensuring bountiful harvests. Students and staff are eager to learn new “tips and tricks” in the garden and greatly respect the views of all members of our community. If you would like to offer suggestions or motivation please email communitygarden @stmarys.nsw.edu.au. We look forward to hearing from you. Adam Everatt
Our staff assisting with the Vinnies Van P&F AGM
• The RoSA will provide grades for all completed courses from Year 10 through to the point a student leaves school. • The RoSA will use assessment by teachers as the basis for grades. • From next year, students will be offered optional, online literacy and numeracy tests. The Board of Studies will also pilot an optional, online tool for students to record extra-curricular achievements. • Students will be able to view and download a copy of their transcript of study at any time. It was wonderful recognising the achievements of the 2011 HSC cohort at the HSC Awards Assembly during the week. Congratulations to all award recipients - your achievements have provided inspiration to all members of the community. Gerry Sozio, Dean of Studies
The P&F AGM was held on Wednesday night. This was an opportunity thank our outgoing executive of Helen Bow, Kevin Grimmer, Maggie Henderson, Megan Waud and Catherine Sutton who did an outstanding job. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their hard work and service to the college community. We thank and congratulate the new team: President Megan Waud Vice President Pastoral Care Catherine Sutton Vice President P&F events Janelle Dennelly Treasurer Robert Anderson Secretary Maggie Henderson The first initiative of the new executive was to increase the number of P&F meetings. We have been working on four meetings a year and the new committee has increased the number of meetings to six per year. This will provide parents with increased opportunities to meet and discuss issues of importance for their daughter’s education. I believe this will be an excellent initiative for the college community. The next meeting of the P&F will be held on Tuesday 13 March in the PLC commencing at 7pm. COMMUNITY NOTICE Want to make a difference to those who are struggling? WorldChangers Market brings to one location beautifully crafted and ethically made products from countries around the world. The market will be held on Friday 30 March, from 5.30-9pm at Wollongong Church of Christ, 25 O’Briens Road, Figtree. You can purchase children’s toys, clothing and accessories, stationery products, homewares, jewellery and road-test Fair Trade products. For more info contact Anne Simpson on 4226 5022.
HSC 2011 All Round Achievers: Georgia Fisher, Ellen Marning (collected by Kate Marning) and Emily Ritchie
Harvesting our vege garden
FOR PARENTS Please don’t forget to advise the college if your daughter is unwell with a serious or contagious illness (eg whooping cough, flu, chicken pox, measles, shingles). From time to time we have students who are receiving medical treatment for serious illness and we need to care for these girls by isolating them from any student who is contagious.
Students enjoying Science
PARKING AROUND THE COLLEGE: A reminder to parents to be aware of parking restrictions in the vicinity. Wollongong Council have been made aware by neighbours that our parents are illegally parking - you are at risk of being fined at any time.
LEARNING AT ST MARY’S
PEACE EGGS Once again our Year 10 students are supporting their charity: Mater Dei School at Camden. Mater Dei educates and cares for babies, children and young adults with intellectual disability and provides support to their families. To raise funds for Mater Dei, we are selling the Mater Dei Peace Eggs. The Peace Egg for 2012 is once again supplied by Darrell Lea Chocolate Shops and is available as: The original Peace Egg (95g, 12cm tall) Milk chocolate
It is important for students to develop good study habits. I suggest some study tips that will assist your daughter with her learning. • Create a study space with adequate lighting and ventilation and away from potential interruptions. • Help your daughter to develop a study program which includes time to complete homework and assignments, review subjects and reflect on her learning. • Ensure your daughter also engages in regular exercise, gets plenty of sleep and rewards herself after studying. • It’s vital that your daughter drinks plenty of water and maintains a healthy diet.
$2.50 each
• Balance is important during this stage of your daughter’s life as it will help develop good life habits. The special gift box Peace Egg (65g)
• Embed variety into the study timetable - it’s important that there is flexibility. Your daughter may need your assistance in managing this flexiblity early on in the year, but with guidance she will develop skills to manage this herself.
Milk chocolate $5 each The unfoiled gift box Peace Egg (235g) Milk chocolate $10 each
If you wish to place an order please complete the order form your daughter will receive in Tutor Group and have her return it with payment to the Tutor Group box outside Student Office by Friday 9 March. Robyn Williams, Year10 Community Coordinator NEW CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SPORT WEBSITE
• Encourage your daughter to stay clear of disruptions during a set period of time. This could include using a mobile phone as well as internet social network sites. • Exams can be a nervous time for students. Followng a regular study routine will assist them to remain positive and confident in their preparation for and during exams. • It is important for students to provide feedback to teachers regarding their learning. This will assist them to reflect on their work when considering the questions: What did I understand? What did I find difficult? What am I going to do about it? Gerry Sozio, Dean of Studies
Students wishing to enter as individuals for various CCC Sports competitions can now go online. Parents can visit www. csss.nsw.edu.au to register and log in. This enables you to view information about sport pathways, check calendars and nominate for various sports, eg tennis, triathlon, netball, basketball, golf, hockey, softball, canoeing, rowing, waterpolo, diving, AFL, sailing and cricket. If you have difficulty accessing the site, go to the sports page at the Wollongong Catholic Education Office and follow the instructions from there. Belinda Sparks
Students participating in our Ash Wednesday liturgy
CAFÉ MEDITERRANÉE We warmly invite all parents to a soirée of music and entertainment, good coffee and wonderful performances being held in the SGN hall on Wednesday 21 March at 7pm. Come along, have a coffee and be entertained by our talented Language students who will perform in French and Italian for you. All welcome. Please RSVP names and numbers to Patricia.Turek@stmarys.nsw.edu.au by 14 March.
ACTIVITIES IN THE ENGLISH DEPT Fun activities happening in the English Department this term: students can be involved in debating, Wordsmiths and many writing and speaking competitions. Our House Debating day was very successful with many Year 8 and 9 students making up their own teams and completing three debates throughout the day. They had a lot of fun and earned points for their Houses. Congratulations to our winning Year 8 team: Emily King, Cynthia Tian, Clare Wilson and Molly Hutchinson, and our winning Year 9 team: Stefanie Mitrevski, Jasmine Maruff, Victoria Somerville and Vivienne Connor. All girls who participated won chocolates, ribbons, canteen and Cold Rock vouchers. Our overall winners won I-Tunes vouchers. Congratulations to our winning House, Carmel. Any student can join a debating team and begin training to be part of the CSDA debates. The coaches will send out notices in the Bulletin and run regular meetings. Wordsmiths is a club for students who love to read and write - they meet on Wednesdays and have lots of fun activities designed to improve literacy skills and foster a love of reading. Reminders are in the Bulletin and all new members are welcome. What Matters? is a writing competition open to all year levels and gives students a chance to say what matters to them in society. Entries close on Friday 4 May. Write4fun is also open to all years and students are invited to submit an original short story or poem: it closes on 30 March. Just Imagine is a creative writing competition where students write an imaginative response to a particular piece of artwork: it closes on 30 April. Details for all competitions are on the English noticeboard and available from all English teachers. Katrina Wall, English Coordinator
16 Harbour Street Wollongong - Locked Bag 42 Wollongong NSW 2500 Phone (02) 4228 6011 Fax (02) 4229 8555 www.stmarys.nsw.edu.au