Ár Scéal
A PUBLICATION OF THE HOLY CROSS COLLEGE COMMUNITY
Volume 1 Issue 6 2015 ‘In Cruce Salus’ÁR SC ÉAL • V O L U M E 1 I S S U E 5 2 0 1 5
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Welcome
l (pronounced a é c S r Á f o n io edit 2013 by This is the sixth ual publication introduced in iann aylor. ar sh-cail), a b ipal Mr Adam T c n ri P e g lle o C ur the Holy Cross connect with o to e g lle o C e eans for th Ár Scéal is a m their families. d n a i n m lu a , ts current studen gation of the re g n o C h is Ir n in Brothers, a Cross College ly o The Patrician H d e d n u fo which Patrick, med Ár Scéal, a n Brothers of St n e e b s a h n licatio ue this 1890. This pub in Gaelic, to help us to contin ry’ nect to our rich n o c means ‘Our Sto to e u n ti n o e as we c Patrician them ge. s Patrician Herita feature article d n a s rt o p re rs news and general ts n ve e y it n Ár Scéal delive u m ss College Com eiving contributions from about Holy Cro rec re also open to a e W . s te a d p u our alumni. ng list in order ili a m r u o to e b ase e to subscri éal editions ple c S r Á If you would lik g in m o c p py of all u to receive a co ) 9808 1033. 2 (0 n o e g lle o contact the C
Contribute: Parents, Students and Alumni are invited to contribute to Ár Scéal by contacting the editor: belinda.jreige@syd.catholic.edu.au.
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Principal’s Message Dear Friends of Holy Cross At the commencement of Term 4 this year, we moved into the new $6 million Flexible Learning Precinct at the heart of our College. This state-ofthe-art facility is part new facility, part refurbishment. The Mr Adam Taylor precinct combines what was the existing Cardinal Gilroy Library, the Patrician Centenary Hall, the McCosker Wing, and the newly built Lovegrove Wing (replacing the demolished Lovegrove Building) to create an enormous multifunction learning space. At full capacity, the space can accommodate teaching and learning for 300 students at a time. The precinct is designed with a view to 21st century learning which encourages both teacher and student collaboration and project-based work that is intended to engage students in the kind of authentic learning that will make them good team players, good communicators, good collaborators, and good citizens for the future. The space of which I speak is seemingly unremarkable from the outside, but walking through the doors is an incredible ‘wow’ factor – I am confident that you would find it unlike any kind of learning space that you experienced in your own secondary schooling. I invite every member of the broader Holy Cross College community to take the time to have a look when the opportunity arises.
There will be several significant opportunities for visitors to the College to browse through the school in the coming months. 2016 marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of the College. Throughout this year we have been planning a range of events to mark this significant occasion. You can read more about this by clicking on the 125th Anniversary banner link on our College website, www.holycrosscollege.org. One of the first events will be the official opening of the new Flexible Learning Precinct on 17 March, St Patrick’s Day 2016. You are very welcome. If you wish to attend, please drop us a line and we will reserve a special place for you. In cruce salus
Mr Adam Taylor PRINCIPAL
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School Captain’s Message As Term 4 commences most of us are preparing for the end of a year’s journey, but for those of us starting Year 12, this term is the beginning of what will be a long and challenging year. For some of us it has been hard to fathom the fact that our HSC year has begun. We have spent the last five years listening to seniors talking about their struggles and triumphs with the HSC, and seeing it as something that was so far off in the distance. But now here we are, on the home stretch of what has been a 12 year journey. The HSC is not the be-all-and-endall and doesn’t define you or your future. Do what you can where you are with what you have, and never be satisfied. Always be striving for that extra mark, that extra band, that extra rank. As Michelangelo said “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” Being perfect is impossible, but according to Vince Lombardi “if we chase perfection we can catch excellence”. I urge everyone to chase perfection in all that you do. For all the boys in Years 7 to 10, the next few years will pass quicker than you expect and before you know it you will be sitting at the front of the assembly in white shirts ready to take on the world. I encourage every boy to get involved in the abundance of opportunities that are provided at this great College, as they will help you create a better bond with the boys around you and allow you to develop a sense of personal identity and accomplishment. This term also marks the beginning of the MCC Touch Football, Basketball and Cricket seasons. It is a true privilege for myself and the other boys in these teams to be able to wear the maroon and gold with pride every Thursday and stand shoulder to shoulder as we represent our College. As Patrician men it is our duty to always remember on the sporting field the importance of being humble in victory and gracious in defeat. I encourage
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every boy to show dedication and commitment to their teams and compete to the best of their ability to make their College proud. Our beautiful new Flexible Learning Precinct has now become fully operational. Although the name of the building has yet to be decided, the staff and students have begun using the facilities which provide them with comfortable, effective and innovative resources, creating a collaborative environment in which we can all work to the best of our ability. The open and independent learning structure enables students to take responsibility of their learning and brings Holy Cross to the forefront of cutting-edge teaching practices for the 21st Century student. This is an exciting time for the College and the students have enthusiastically taken on the challenge of enriching their education. With the support of the other Year 12 leaders, I look forward to leading each and every one of you over the coming year. Michael Galanos COLLEGE CAPTAIN
Assistant Principal’s Message FEAST OF THE HOLY CROSS Late last term we celebrated the Feast of the Holy Cross and it was a fabulous day. We celebrated Eucharist, enjoyed a shared lunch on the front lawns, participated in a Feast Fete, engaged in a staff v student touch football game and finished the day with an assembly run by Year 12 with a “footy show” theme. It truly was a great day and one that spoke volumes of the culture of this great College.
YEAR 12 STUDENT LEADERS 2016 On the final day of Term 3, the College inaugurated its student leaders for 2016. These positions followed a rigorous process of discernment with students and teachers consulted.
College Captain College Vice Captain Councillor for Mission and Service Coucillor for Patrician Culture Councillor for Year 10 Councillor for Year 9 Councillor for Year 8 Councillor for Year 7 Delany House Captain Dwyer House Captain Gallagher House Captain Hannigan House Captain Arts Councillor
Michael Galanos Daniel Meredith Hudson Shayishayi Christian Blasonato Bailey Gronau Massimo Chapman Peter Doualetas Lachlan Camroux Zachary Sheffield Rocco Di Monte Daniel McDermott Justin Frain Alexander Black
The College community wishes these leaders and all of our new Year 12, 2016 students all the best. Mr Mark Compton ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
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Ministry at Holy Cross Religious Education has changed dramatically over the past few decades with regards to content, delivery modes and purpose. Gone is the stereotypical image of a Brother, Nun or Priest lecturing from the front of a hall expecting a Catechism to be memorised and recited in a question and answer structure. In its place is an array of academic subjects which seek to foster both the development of knowledge and the next steps in every individual’s faith life. This balance has seen the development of a range of spiritual activities as well as formal assessments which allow students to demonstrate their learning. Unlike the classroom of old students, often have the capacity to choose how they might best demonstrate their learning. Some examples of these submissions include the creation of picture books for Year 1 students to interpret scripture, the writing and performance of musical items exploring social injustice and others take the opportunity to teach younger students for a 20 minute period about a topic from the junior curriculum. This capacity to explore the theoretical underpinnings of our faith in a mode of the students choice has seen a deepening of understanding far beyond that of the traditional classroom and examination hall. Coupled with the academic creativity comes an opportunity to explore faith and spirituality in practical ways such as Eucharist, Reconciliation, meditation, retreats and spirituality days. Just recently the class of 2016 spent a full day reflecting on where prayer fits in their lives and who Christ is to them. Such opportunities provide the time and space for young men to consider who they are and where they are going in the context of both manhood and their faith life.
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ad of the church, “ …just as Christ is the he the Saviour.” the body of which he is Ephesians 5: 23 A part of what makes Religious Education special at Holy Cross is the constant presence of the Patrician Brothers, who through their guidance and support bring a unique and loving flavour to our faith life. To be a Patrician Man means seeing the face of Christ in all: This is achieved in the creation of curriculum and faith life opportunities witnessed through the Patrician lense.. Mr David Matheson RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Herodotus Challenge 2015 On the 20th of July, Holy Cross College Ryde welcomed 111 Gifted and Talented students from eleven local primary schools.
The points-based winners of the day were Holy Spirit North Ryde, who worked together superbly throughout the workshops with broad smiles.
The day began with an interactive trivia competition, which was hard fought, causing outbreaks of furrowed brows, followed by “a-ha” moments and laughter.
The day was a resounding success, largely due the dedication and efficiency of our illustrious support staff: Sharon Gollan, Renita Gibson, Cathie Dickinson and Jake Ward. The aforementioned workshop teachers did a sterling job and their sacrifices make their contributions all the more significant. Finally, I must make mention of the amazing Year 11 Peer Support Team with whom we are currently blessed. Alex Lara-Watson, Christian Blasonato, Daniel Meredith, Dom Perrone, Hudson Shayishayi, Lachie Camroux and Michael Galanos all made huge contributions. Their joyful willingness to get ‘stuck in’ spread like wildfire, breathing life into everything the students did throughout the day.
Following a swift break, students entered the first of four workshops ●● Engineering Challenge - Tower building with Mr Junge ●● Technology Challenge - Game programming with Mr Lum ●● Science Challenge - Liquid nitrogen lab experiments with Mr Ie ●● Physical Challenge - Balloon volleyball with Ms Belcastro These workshops were thoroughly enjoyed by all, including the primary teachers who were full of praise for our staff and peer support leaders. Following a sausage sizzle lunch, the students took to the “Collaborative Creation” workshop by rigorously writing, drawing and collaging upon small timber panels. Their brief was to speculate upon the possibilities of their future lives. As the countdown for the task drew closer, our Peer Support Leaders started to arrange the sequence, welcoming each addition with praise to the artists. The 42 panels finally united to form the symbol of infinity. Students, teachers and parents crowded around the stage to appreciate the beauty of the wonderfully complex, colourful and eclectic collaborative artwork.
Thanks again to all involved. Judging by the broad smiles our visitors left with, we can expect many more wanting to be part of what is being built here at the College. Bring on Herodotus 2016! Mr John Phillips GIFTED AND TALENTED FACILITATOR
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Flexible Learning Precinct The 21st Century architectural concept of our new multi faceted Flexible Learning Precinct (FLP) has cleverly integrated the Lovegrove, McCosker and Cardinal Gilroy Library buildings into flexible, open plan teaching/ learning spaces, designed to promote personalized research and innovative teaching strategies. The Lovegrove spaces will no longer encourage “teaching from the front”. Instead, students will be encouraged to “break out” into open areas where they can collaborate for group work and engage in problem solving assessment tasks, using whiteboard tables to promote inclusiveness. Retractable glass walls will permit fluidity of movement between these areas. There will no longer be a divide between Library and classroom spaces, as resources will be intermixed with
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study booths and lounges, and genre shelving will encourage browsability at point of need. A figure eight coliseum will house fiction selected to strengthen literacy, a media circle will enhance visual learning, and large, portable television screens will proliferate. Interaction between staff and students will be advanced by the presence of the Leader of Pedagogy, Year 12 Coordinator, Careers Advisor, Counsellor and Diverse Learning team on site, in addition to the IT and Library staff. The new Flexible Learning Precinct will be formally named and opened on 17 March, St Patrick’s Day 2016.
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TAS and Creative Arts Showcase
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Diverse Learning DIVERSE LEARNING CENTRE This year the Learning Support Centre was rebadged as the Diverse Learning Centre (DLC) to more accurately reflect its multifaceted role in supporting the boys at Holy Cross College. The inclusive scope of learning areas under its umbrella include a well-established and comprehensive support program for students with a wide spectrum of learning disabilities/difficulties ranging from a Mild Intellectual Disability and Mental Health issues to Autism; a focus on students who have English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D); joint leadership and participation in a school-wide literacy program; leadership of a Gifted and Talented Program and specific support of Indigenous students. In addition, a variety of programs are implemented to support all boys at the College and extend the College’s relationship with our feeder schools.
SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS Holy Cross College has a very well-established program to support these students along with the vitally important willingness and caring support of all staff. This program includes a number of key support areas including ongoing liaison with parents and teachers, Individual Adjustment Plans, Individual Transition Plans and in-class and withdrawal support by Learning Support Officers (LS0s). During in-class support, the LSO works collaboratively with the classroom teacher to support not only the students who receive funding but also other students who need assistance. For withdrawal support, the LSO works one-on-one with the students on adjusted classroom activities, so that he receives the time, simplified explanation and assistance to understand and learn the concepts and information being taught.
Differentiation is a key factor in meeting the needs of all students at the College and in particular those who struggle academically in the classroom, with assignments and during examination blocks.
A Work Experience program for boys in Years 10-12 is a major part of our Transition Program and enables students to make informed choices about subject choices for the Senior Years and/or post school options. A Work and the Community subject option is organised and offered by the DLC to senior students who are part of our Transition program, and other senior students in the school who need this option to complete their Higher School Certificate. Work and the Community offers students the opportunity to complete work experience in a variety of work environments to assist them transition and make informed choices regarding their career path after school. In addition the boys complete lessons independently, covering topics such as looking for work, completing a resume, applying for jobs and information about rights and responsibilities in the workforce.
ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE OR DIALECT Holy Cross College has a substantial number of students identified as having a Language Background Other than English (LBOTE) and within this group many students who have English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D). In order to provide information to teachers about students who fit into the EAL/D category, a Phasing process is conducted whereby student samples of oral and written work are reviewed using specifically identified language characteristics to determine a student’s English language progress in terms of Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) which is needed to achieve academically at school. Currently all EAL/D students in Years 7-12 have been phased based on written and oral samples of their work and information concerning their English language development conveyed to teachers via the Student Profiles on the Holy Cross College Student Management System.
A Life Skills Program for some students who are working academically at Primary School level is provided by DLC staff. Assessment or Testing of students in the school is another key component of the support given by the DLC. Testing of all students to determine their current levels of ability is conducted for every Year 7 intake during Orientation Day generally held in November each year. ToM Team
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SCHOOL-WIDE LITERACY PROGRAM
HOMEWORK HELP
Developing and improving literacy is a responsibility taken seriously by all teachers at the College and is an integral part of all curriculum areas. Years 7 and 8 were given Pat-R Reading tests in April this year to provide teachers with current information as to which boys may need extra support in this area. Reading Groups in Years 7 & 8 have been organised for remediation twice a cycle to meet the needs of students who are struggling with reading.
This is organised in conjunction with Judith Rooney, Librarian at the College. This is offered twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays, to all students after school from 3.15-4.15, and during this time opportunities for independent and collaborative learning are provided along with assistance from two members of staff who have given up their time to help the boys.
GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAM DIFFERENTIATION Identification of students for any Gifted and Talented program is a key component and this is completed initially via the Year 7 Orientation Day testing. From this students who are assessed as having high ability are noted as such on the Student Profiles which provide information to staff about all students. Along with a number of Gifted and Talented activities from last year (to be replicated this year) such as Night of the Notables run by Robert Nehme and a Solar Car Sprint Challenge by Ben Lum, additional opportunities for 2015 included Tournament of the Minds facilitated by Charbel Doumit, a Science extension project organised by John Phillips and run by the DLC and a historical special project about Harry Ashburner, the first Holy Cross College student to go to Gallipoli, organised and run by Virginia Reeves, Paul Sands and Zachariah Duke who is Head of Archives at the College.
SPECIFIC SUPPORT OF INDIGENOUS STUDENTS The DLC provides in-class assistance and exam support to students of Indigenous background as needed. Personalised Learning Plans are in progress for these students and their performance at school is closely monitored. Continued liaison with Indigenous Advisors from the Catholic Education Office is maintained so the boys and their parents are informed and can participate in special programs, for example Goodjarga which is run by Catholic Schools Performing Arts (CaSPA). Goodjarga gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students opportunities to develop their knowledge and understanding of Culture through storytelling, drama, voice and music.
PROGRAMS TO CONNECT HOLY CROSS COLLEGE AND FEEDER SCHOOLS Along with other departments at the College, the DLC organises programs to connect the boys at the College with future students. These include: ●● Buddy Up ‘N Read with Villa Maria Primary School where a group of Year 10 students ‘buddy up’ with small groups of Year 2 students at Villa Maria and assist with reading a book or story, culminating at the end of the term in a group presentation to the rest of the Year 2 group. This was greatly enjoyed by both the big and little people and is planned to go ahead on an annual basis. ●● Woodwork with Year 5 & 6 students from Our Lady Queen of Peace Primary School. In Term 4 a group of Year 5 & 6 boys walk up from OLQP to Holy Cross and participate in woodwork classes, run by Dan Junge, Head of Technology and assisted by selected Year 10 boys. This was greatly enjoyed last year and is planned to run again this year. Virginia Reeves HEAD OF DIVERSE LEARNING
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Family School Partnership (FSP) The Family School Partnership (FSP), launched in 2015, is our Holy Cross way of reimagining P&F structures. We want to see parents not just involved on the sidelines of high school, but engaged in the learning of our sons! Our new partnership with the College through the FSP will enable this. One of our early tasks has been involvement in a research project to understand boys and their learning. The boys said they want their parents: ●● to be more involved at school in order to understand how boys learn, what they’re learning and how they can help at home ●● to have a ‘contemporary’ understanding of learning - not how parents remember it to be when they were at school ●● to engage in their learning – in ways that meet their learning style (not the parent’s style) ●● to encourage and motivate – not nag ●● to ask – not tell ●● to respect who they are and where they are at. In relation to the target setting process, one of the boys made this insightful observation: “The language has definitely changed in my house. It’s gone from, ‘Have you done your homework?’ to ‘Are you on track to achieving your target? What can we do to support you, to help you to achieve this target?’ The language has completely changed.” For 2016 & beyond, the Family School Partnership will aim to continue the conversations in each of the 5 key Communities of Interest, and how best capture the outcomes of the Parental Engagement Case Study for all families. We need your support to implement our planned action steps into practice. As parents, carers and families who are engaged by participating in the Holy Cross College community, we believe and support the quality education process for our sons. We are excited to be a part of this process as we want to support our sons’ learning. We want our sons to grow up well-rounded in a safe environment. We want our sons to believe in our Catholic Faith. We want our sons to go forth into the community and set themselves up as positive individuals, who make a difference, who rise to the challenges that may confront them. We all want this and we can help make it a reality.
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We would like to say thank you to all families for their ongoing support and volunteering efforts for these initiatives. Your time and effort is appreciated. Every time you participate in the College’s activities, you are adding to your son’s community experience and he is rewarded with 10 house points! Danielle Cronin & Josephine Smith CO-CHAIRS, HOLY CROSS COLLEGE FAMILY SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
To find out more, you can follow the conversation on:
Search: Holy Cross College Family School Partnership
Search: @FSPHCC Here you will find links to tools and resources, parenting links, home work help, news about education, articles on student learning and well-being and raising boys. The Family School Partnership can be contacted on the following email address: fsp@holycrosscollege.org
Gearing up for the 125th Anniversary! As the College community gears up to celebrate its 125-year anniversary in 2016, let’s look back at how the community celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 1991. There were many highlights and “firsts” throughout the College’s Centenary year, including: the first laptop computers were purchased; the College carpark was redeveloped; the Cressy Road perimeter fence was constructed; the College’s Under 13 Rugby League team were undefeated Premiers and State Finalists; the College’s golfers won back-to-back titles; a revised student management policy was implemented; the first litter management programme was launched; bicycle helmets became mandatory for students riding their bicycles to-and-from school; the first Occupational Health & Safety Committee was formed; the College’s creative arts students hosted a musical called ‘Dracula Spectacular’; two Holy Cross College old boys were elected to Hunters Hill Council as councillors; the first Catholic school teacher’s strike took place on 23 October; and an old boy achieved 99.85 in the 1991 Higher School Certificate! The College marked the unique occasion of its Centenary with a range of celebrations throughout 1991, including: a full school Mass for the Feast of St. Patrick (17 March);
a College Art/History Show (2-5 May); a pre-1965 Old Boys Reunion (3 May); a post-1965 Old Boys Reunion (4 May); a Maroon & Gold Centenary Ball (17 August); and a community Mass and Supper for the Feast of the Holy Cross (14 September). In preparing for the 1991 College Centenary, it was decided to place a double glazed memorial window in the foyer of the Br. Fintan O’Neill Building. The window was funded by private contributions and was designed by old boy and artist Ricardo Thompson. The window still hangs in the foyer today! The College’s Centenary was fittingly etched in glass – as it is in the memories of those who were part of the wider Holy Cross community until, during and after a very special year. What memories can you share as we prepare to celebrate our 125-year anniversary in 2016? Visit our website www.holycross125.org/ to contribute to our 125 story and to see what we have planned for 2016! In cruce salus Zachariah Duke HONORARY ARCHIVIST
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Snapshots from the Archives
Are you an Old Boy or do you know an Old Boy with news to share? If so, get in touch! Holy Cross College would love to hear from you. Wedding news, reunions, significant work placements, interesting success stories or other alumni updates are all welcome. Please email the College: info@holycrosscollege.org
Holy Cross College, Ryde 2
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517 Victoria Road, Ryde NSW 2112 Australia Telephone: (02) 9808 1033 • Fax: (02) 9809 7202 www.holycrosscollege.org