OCTOBER 2010
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 4
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE ONLINE WEEKLY GAZETTE CREATING AN INTERACTIVE COLLEGE COMMUNITY OF INFORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT
In this Issue Message from the Headmaster SEC News
SEPTA FAIR
From the Kindergarten
Occupational Health & Safety
From the Headmaster Sec Articles Sec News
Notices
Technology of the Week Personality of the Week
Visit from Prof R. England
IB Page Meeting Year 11 Gazette News Trivia
Code Breaker
Live-In Year 10 The Edwardian Gazette Competitions SEC Past & Present
Blast from the Past
Weekly Calendar
www.stedwards.edu.mt
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE Message from the Headmaster Dear Parents and Community Members
22 October 2010
On behalf of the College Community, I would like to congratulate Mr Chris Naudi and his team on the success of the Annual SEPTA fair. It was, indeed, a magnificent occasion in every respect. The hard work, coordination and organization were supported by a multitude of people who attended. I thank those parents, teachers, students, friends and community members for contributing to such a wonderful day. The spirit at St Edward’s College is alive and well!
Obviously, with this support, the total of funds raised will be very good. I look forward to advertising this in next week’s Gazette.
Best wishes Michael Chittenden Headmaster
Quote of the week ‘A wealthy individual is but a pauper, if he/she does not possess the love and respect of his family’ Maria Fenech
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE SEC News SEPTA FAIR
Bustling with fun activities‌..
Pony rides were a hit!
Pictures taken at the SEPTA Fair by Ms Maria Fenech
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE SEC News SEPTA FAIR
More stalls, more rides, etc
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE SEC News SEPTA FAIR
Mr Stilon, Mr & Mrs W Zahra Mr & Mrs G Sammut & their twins family
IB Students Mr & Mrs Cluett
HM & Parents
Mr & Mrs Grillo & Parent
Young Lady Guests
Happy smiles everywhere
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE SEC News SEPTA FAIR
SPORTS & OTHER ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE DAY
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE SEC News SEPTA FAIR
Food Glorious Food…….
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE SEC News SEPTA FAIR
Ms Paps & her lovely daughter Fay
Yr 11s
Mr Stilon & son Andrew, Johan Z
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE SEC News SEPTA FAIR Quality shopping stalls
IB Students enjoying the fair
Andrew P & Michael C on the PA System Sliding Castle ‌.
SEPTA FAIR Sunday 17 October Great Success Thank you all!!
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE SEC News From the Kindergarten Edward Bear This year the KG2 children are starting a new literacy initiative - Edward Bear. Edward Bear is a bear belonging to each class, with his own suitcase and diary. Every week, he will have a learning focus (such as tidying up) and the child who tries their hardest will take Edward home for the weekend. Each child will get a turn!
The children include Edward in their family activities and Mummy or Daddy writes the diary so that each child can tell the class what Edward Bear has done with the family. Whenever possible, photos of Edward during his weekend adventures are added to the diary. The aims of this new and exciting initiative are several; the main one is to increase the children’s understanding and interest in writing as a means of communication. Therefore, each week, the children will swap news about Edward and Bernie, as well as share what the children themselves have been doing at Kindergarten. This will also help the children and teachers in both countries to learn more about different cultures and traditions. I am sure the children and their families (as well as the teachers!) will have lots of fun with Edward Bear.
Julie Mangion Head of Kindergarten
WEDNESDAY 8 NOVEMBER Winter Uniform Changeover
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE Photos displayed show the Edward Bear of Ms Lycia’s class proudly showing off his diary, as well as a shot of the children holding him outside their classroom.
Edward The Bear
Both Junior Prize Day and Middle & Senior Prize Day Commence at 3.30pm
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE SEC News OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY – (1) In the Beginning
Occupational Health and Safety isn’t the brainchild of the European Union. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that, over 4000 years ago, Hammurabi, the first king of the Babylonian empire, in his famous “Code of Hammurabi” (probably the first set of laws in recorded history) decreed that any negligent overseer who caused one of his workers to lose an arm, would have his own amputated in retribution! A primitive piece of legislation, admittedly, but the first to actually consider the wellbeing of a lowly worker!
Ancient Greece’s Hippocrates wrote about the toxicity of lead while the Romans already knew about the benefits of donning dust masks made of animal skin way back in 200 AD.
Although in those days life was cheap and slavery a social norm, yet even then conscientious and intelligent individuals were already starting to create an awareness of health and safety at the workplace.
As part of our new Gazette, we will be introducing a new section on Occupational Health and Safety. These articles will be written by Mr Martin Bugeja, OHS Officer, Malta Air Traffic Services. I thank Mr Bugeja for his contribution. HM
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE From the Headmaster School Development Plan (SDP)– From the Headmaster In Gazettes 1 and 2, I stated that I would keep you updated on the progress made on this very important plan. Before doing this, I would like to remind you that the SDP has one major aim:
‘To improve standards in an environment where both teachers and students see themselves as learners’
Thus far, all sections of the College have met and have listed clearly defined objectives for the 2 year period with matching action plans. I have emphasized the importance of defining an objective and clearly articulating a plan to achieve this.
On Monday, all teachers will again meet to reflect on the progress of their objectives and refine them again if necessary. Eight further meetings are planned this year to determine progress made. I emphasize the need to have a SDP in action as opposed to one that ‘sits on the shelf gathering dust.’
When all sections/departments have refined their plans, I will publish them in the Gazette. This will give you the opportunity to both view the objectives and give the College some feedback.
I look forward to doing this in the near future.
Science & Technology Festival at University Visit to the Science & Technology Fair Yrs 7, 8, & 9 students Thursday 28 12:30 – 15:20
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE SEC Articles Supporting Your Child to Become More Independent
One of the most important keys to life is developing independence. Not surprisingly, our College has the full range of students from those who show a great deal of independence for their age to those who rely on others for every need.
Independence is developmental and must be taught. One does not just suddenly wake up and become independent. Given this, what are some of the actions that we, as adults, should take?
I have listed a few of my thoughts below:
Develop a set of routines that your child clearly understands. For example, in the mornings, s/he must do the following tasks unassisted: make bed, pack school bag etc. Also develop a set of consequences for failing to complete these tasks to your satisfaction. If you have to continually remind him/her of the task, then your system has failed.
Give only guidance for homework. Too often, teachers are marking parents’ homework. This is so detrimental to the learning process. If the child brings perfect homework to School, the teacher will think s/he has mastered the concepts. Of course, come examination time or independent work at School, the child does not achieve the same standard (the parent’s). In a nutshell, let the child make some mistakes. These will be picked up by the teachers.
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE
Employ fewer tutors. Students who have tutors sometimes tend NOT to listen in class as ‘they have a tutor to fix things.’ Rather than employ a tutor, the child should understand that s/she has a responsibility to learn in class. However, I do acknowledge that tutors are necessary in some circumstances.
If your child brings home a Green Note, sign it and return it. Inevitably, you will be told that it was not his fault. Trust me, if you side with him, you will be ‘bailing’ him out for the rest of his schooling. You may be interested to know that our best, independent learners are ones whose parents sign the form and say ‘get on with your life.’ We often call this ‘tough love.’
From a very young age, teach your child to dress himself and get himself ready for School.
Have your child contribute to the household chores: putting out the rubbish; doing the dishes; vacuuming and washing the car build both independence and a sense of achievement.
Above all, set routines, clear expectations and consequences. These are best done collaboratively. Turn them into a set of Agreements.
Please also remember that ‘Rome was not built in a day.’ Learning to be independent takes time and mistakes will be made. Rather than point out the mistakes, ask your child to articulate both the error and the expected behaviour.
I hope you find these useful. Of course, one must remember that all children are different and contexts vary.
HM
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE SEC News Notices St Edward's Uniform for Sale A boy from Year 3 has left for Canada and his grandmother phoned to say he has brand new summer and winter uniforms with shoes and all to sell. Please contact 21808665 Ms Tabone Head of Junior School
Advertising From next Issue No 5 we are introducing the possibility to advertise in ‘The Edwardian Gazette’ For more information, pricing, advertising areas, special packages, etc., kindly email me, Maria Fenech, on marketing@stedwards.edu.mt or call 79002202
Calendar 2010 //2011 Updated on 14 10 2010 Note minor changes to Christmas holidays-Lent midterm and times of Prize day Christmas Holiday Break Last Day of term is Wednesday 22 December 1:00pm Monday 10 January return to College Full Day - Kindergarten and Year 1 till 2.00pm Year 2 – Year 13 till 3.20pm Half Day - Students finish at 1.00pm REFER TO CALENDAR ON COLLEGE WEBSITE FOR FURTHER DETAILS
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE Technology of the Week Cinema-quality 3D experience
3-Dimensional TVs add new depth and dimension to create larger-than-life experiences. 3D Active Glasses sync up with the 3D TV to produce 3D images that virtually leap off the screen. Favourite shows can even be transformed to 3D in real time for the ultimate "reality" TV.
By Stefan D
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE Personality of the Week
Professor Richard England- IB Guest Speaker Professor Richard England, world-renowned architect and Old Edwardian kindly accepted an invitation to give a talk to our IB Sixth Form students about one of his life's passions - architecture.
Professor England's zest for the subject was clear as he took the Sixth Formers through different stages in his life. He spoke about his mentors and the major inspirations behind his fascinating creations ranging from his grand Valletta city gate project down to his "LOVE" sculpture in St Julian's Bay which, as he jocularly pointed out, is one of his most renowned and controversial pieces.
His talk dealt with the necessity of understanding the past and the need to respect the history of a project's surroundings. Professor England also stressed the importance of focusing on the 'empty' spaces surrounding buildings rather than simply concentrating on the building in isolation.
Personality of the Week
The Sixth Formers were impressed, not just by the awe-inspiring creations that the Professor displayed and discussed, but also by the humble, down to earth approach that was taken to deliver the talk; a talk which was interspersed with funny, and sometimes self-effacing, anecdotes.
The College wishes to thank Professor England for his time and for his kind donation of his various publications which will undoubtedly enrich the College library.
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE IB Page
Prof R England lecturing IB Students
Stage Set ‘I Pescatrici”
Mr M Chittenden, HM, & Prof R England
Professor Richard England visits College
www.richardengland.com
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE Meeting Year 11 Parents of Current Year 11 Students Meeting for Year 11 students and their parents Thursday 28 October at 6.30pm In the Hall
This meeting is of utmost important as it relates to the SEC Applications for May/June 2011 Examination Session. I look forward to seeing you at this important meeting. Best regards Michael Chittenden Headmaster
Please refer to the College regulations regarding the use of Face book. These can be found on the front page of the College website. Parents should supervise their children’s use of online social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and hi5 etc.
HM
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE Gazette News Dear Parents, OEs, Students and Community Members
The Edwardian Gazette Issue No 4 is out; I hope you enjoy it as much as the other three Issues. I am very happy with the response and have managed to reply to all the mail I have received. The feedback on all our initiatives is great. Please keep sending me your comments and ideas as they are much appreciated. I am particularly proud of all the contributions I am getting from the teachers and students at College. To mention a few: Mr L Magrin, Ms C Ellis, Mr G Sammut, Ms C Farrugia, Mr P Ferrante, Mr S Bruno, Ms D Degiorgio, Ms J Mangion and many others. I would particularly like to thank Mr A Sultana who is incessantly helping me and everyone else around the College. Once again, thanks to all.
In this issue, as promised, there are the details of all the Art, Poetry and Essay Competitions. I hope that most of you will participate and enjoy while learn through this experience.
Next Issue of the Gazette will hold various articles including: a section dedicated to the ladies: ‘Women of SEC’; winner/s of the 1st Crossword Puzzle, published in Issue 1; and the launch of ‘SEC Photo Club’, among other items.
Maria Fenech Marketing Executive
The puzzles are open to all students, staff and members of the College Please print and solve puzzle. Send to College together with your details or else scan the completed puzzle and email M L Fenech Marketing Executive St Edward’s College Cottonera marketing@stedwards.edu.mt
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE Trivia
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Code Breaker A crossword without clue‌ Clueless??!! Work your way into resolving this puzzle by deciphering the code. Each number represents a letter of the alphabet. Good Luck
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE Live-In for Yr 10 Students The Live-In Experience has become an Edwardian Tradition and we are pleased to inform you that the programme for Yr 10 students has been planned. This is a unique opportunity for our students to experience a dynamic event, enabling them to embrace their interpersonal skills.
During the day there will be normal lessons till 3:20 pm. There will be appropriate time allocated for homework and studying followed by a special timetable which is based on a number of socializing and leadership skills activities including:
Sports
Games
Cooking
Drama
Bon- Fires
Discussions
Date: Wednesday 27 October to Friday 29 October after School (3:30pm)
Mr Gregory Sammut Head of Extra-Curricular Activities Head of CAS
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE COMPETITIONS ART Theme:
MALTA
Categories:
Senior School – Middle School – Junior School
Medium:
Acrylic - full colour painting on A4, A3 or A2 canvas
Price:
€1
POETRY Theme:
MALTA
Categories:
Senior School – Middle School – Junior School
Medium:
1 or 2 - A4 Printed Paper
Price:
€1
ESSAY Theme:
MALTA
Categories:
Senior School – Middle School – Junior School
Medium:
1,000 – 500 – 200 words respectively to each section
Price:
€1
Prizes and Winners Several Prizes to be won! The competition will be starting from next week; applications will be available in the next Issue and will run till the end of the scholastic year. The winners will be announced when School starts again in January. All the winners’ competition entries will be published in the Gazette.
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE SEC Past & Present
Blast from the Past
Pictures courtesy of the College Archives
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE Blast from the Past
Staff of 1929…
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE Blast from the Past
Original 1st Edition of the Edwardian Gazette
THE EDWARDIAN GAZETTE WEEKLY CALENDAR
This Week at St Edward’s College
Monday 25 October
9.30
U/16 (Yr 11 & Yr 10 ) students Football Tournament at St Aloysius College
15.40 – 18:00
Staff Meeting
Tuberculin Test for Yr 8 & Yr 9 students Tuesday 26 October
Wednesday 27 October
9.40
Mass for Yr 9 students in the Chapel
9.45
Yr 4 students outing to Birgu shelters
11.00
SMT
12.30 – 15.20
Yr 7, 8, & 9 students visit to the Science & Technology Festival at University.
Mass for Junior School students in the Chapel Thursday 28 October
Friday 29 October
6:30
Thursday 28 October 6.30pm Year 11 & Parents' Evening in the Hall
T.B. Vaccination for Yr 8 & Yr 9 students
Saturday 23 October
Sunday 24 October
Calendar Information Please follow this link for the Advent & Lent Calendar The latest version of the Calendar is on the website. Please do not refer to the College Student diary as it contains errors.