Star of Peace

This term has been jam packed with so many wonderful events and opportunities and I thank everyone here at the College for their hard work and commitment, and the many additional hours that our staff have contributed to ensure our students have the best possible experiences here at St Patrick’s Marist.

I congratulate staff and students on their work this term. There is a wonderful positive feeling throughout the school. I most enjoy talking with students about their learning and hearing them able to articulate not only what they are learning about, but why they are learning it!  We are currently adding a learning toolbox anchor chart in all of our learning spaces to assist students in developing skills to help them when they find themselves in the learning pit. We will publish this in our first newsletter in Term 2.

Staff at the College are constantly engaged in professional learning and many choose to do additional learning beyond the school day, including weekends and holidays. I thank them for their commitment in continuing to improve their practice and transform our learning. I would like to congratulate Emily Gray and Aimy Papoulias who recently completed a two year Leadership course for Middle Leaders.

Last week we had our first opportunity to walk through the new demountable classrooms that replicate the learning spaces in our new building.  Staff are very excited to have the opportunity to teach in learning spaces that support our learning framework and allow for much richer collaboration and opportunities for deeper learning. Our new building has gone to tender and Stage One will commence by the middle of Term 2.

In two weeks, we will mark the most significant time for us as Christians as we remember the events and circumstances of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection.  As we make our final preparations of prayer, fasting and alms giving we purposefully pause, taking time for deep reflection on our own lives and our response to Jesus’ sacrifice. Our long journey to the font will culminate in the three days that make up the Easter Triduum. These three days draw us into the mystery of our salvation. On Easter Sunday we celebrate with joy in what God has done for us in his Son Jesus Christ.

We have had some very sad news recently with the death of one of our parents Mr Barakat (Andrew - Year 8) and a much loved past member of our College Brother Silverius. We ask God to continue to wrap his loving arms around their families and friends during this very difficult time.

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord,

may perpetual light shine upon them and may they rest in peace.

Amen

As we come to the close of the term, I thank you for your ongoing partnership with the College.  We work each and every day to create a safe and welcoming environment. I remind you that our College diary has important policies and information as well as our website, including Complaints and Anti Bullying. We welcome your feedback and ideas at any time.

Wishing a very happy and holy Easter

Mrs A. Hay

Known by many names, Dick, Silvo, Coach, Dick Silverius, Richard died on Saturday morning, 30th March, 2019 at Longueville Hospital after a short illness and rapid deterioration. He died peacefully at the age of 93.

Richard was born at Loretto Private Hospital Griffith on 14 December 1925.  He was from a large family, with 10 children in all. Richard met the Brothers while a student at St Gregory’s College Campbelltown. He followed his brother to the Juniorate in 1940, just four months after the outbreak of World War 2. He received the habit on 2 July 1944 and was given the name Brother Silverius Nicholas. He took first vows in 1945 and two days later, at age 20, found himself teaching at Parramatta. From there he went on to teach at Maitland, Bondi Beach, Auburn, Daceyville, Randwick, Parramatta (again), Rosalie, Campbelltown and Dundas. He was a dedicated and skilled teacher, especially of Maths, and his students responded to his style and affable manner. He maintained contact with many of his ex-students over the years. Reluctantly, he retired from teaching at age 75.

He was a leader and a strong leader. He was renowned as a coach and mentor, and brought his Rugby League teams major successes, particularly at Campbelltown. He enjoyed sport, particularly football and athletics and had a significant capacity to guide and motivate, enthuse and befriend.

Richard never lost his rural roots. At heart, he was a simple country man. He loved visiting his family at Bathurst and working on the farm – and it was real, hard labour that he undertook. He loved the challenge that the land offered. Wherever he was he loved manual work; he cared for the ovals at Dundas and tended the grounds and gardens there and elsewhere. In fact, even after leaving Dundas, he continued to return to care for the roses until just a few years ago.  A photo of the rose garden he established, symbolising the many years that Marist has been at Dundas, is pictured on the front page of this newsletter.

This dedication and accompanying simplicity also characterised his faith and approach to religious life.  Never one to dwell on set-backs he faced each day with optimism and energy. Even an array of illnesses could not still him or deflate his spirits. Wherever he went, Richard was regarded as a local identity, a real character. He made great friends over the years and they loyally kept in contact with him. He gave much and will be sadly missed by his friends, family and communities in which he belonged. 

He can rightly echo St Paul to Timothy: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith”. Maybe in Dick’s case it would be more appropriate to say that bloodied and bruised, he played on to the match’s end, sealing the game with a last minute swift manoeuvre.

Brother Peter Carroll, FMS 

Michaela’s story

In the first reading we learn about the Israelites who kept the Passover during their journey into the desert and how the gift of manna from heaven protected them on their way.

The Gospel story of the forgiving father is perhaps one of the most familiar stories of the New Testament. It is the ultimate explanation of God's persistent love and compassion no matter the faults and failings of humanity. God's mercy is continuously available.

Something of the mercy of God, present in the manna that kept the Israelites alive on their journey, is echoed in the compelling story of The Purple House from the Western Desert area of Central Australia. The Purple House in Alice Springs provides dialysis and a sense of belonging and welcome for patients from remote areas. The Wellbeing Project at the Purple House helps patients remain connected to their country, family and culture as they undergo treatment. It is a place of compassion and acceptance for patients and families.

This project not only helps patients with their medical needs, it engages the expertise of patients, their families and communities in ‘sustainable social enterprises’. The Wellbeing Project makes and sells traditional bush balms and soaps. Revenue from the business funds activities for patients including a nutritional program using traditional ingredients. Patients, who are usually elders, train younger people in traditional medicines so that cultural knowledge and skills are kept alive and passed on to future generations.

Michaela is working as a trainee at The Purple House. She cares for the patients as they receive dialysis, and helps them to remain hopeful and connected to country during treatment. Patients in turn pass on traditional knowledge to Michaela who is eager to listen and learn.

This passing on of knowledge and the utilisation of family networks provides a space of cultural safety and Dadirri (listening, stillness) at the Purple House.

What kind of nation might we be if we accepted the gift of Dadirri (listening, stillness) as we encounter one another on the path to wellbeing for all Australians?

CHANGE OF DATE

Each year, teachers have a professional learning day which supports the various learning strategies the College is focused on. This year the Staff Professional Learning day will be on 26th August (Monday). This has changed from the previously advertised date of 22 July. Please amend your calendars accordingly. The 26th of August is a pupil free day.

INTERIM REPORTS

Interim Reports will be mailed home to students in Years 7 and 11 at the end of the term. The Progress Report provides an overview of your son/daughter’s application, effort and engagement with each of their subjects this term in their transition to secondary school and the preliminary courses. Please take time to discuss the results from these reports with your child and set Term 2 goals to continue to build on the success of Term 1 and/or identify areas for growth and change. The report will indicate if an interview is required and the student’s teacher or Pastoral Leader of Learning will arrange a meeting time.

YEAR 12 PARENT / TEACHER / STUDENT INTERVIEWS

A reminder that Year 12 Parent / Teacher Student interviews will be held on Tuesday, 9th April in the College Library from 4.00pm to 7.00pm. This provides a timely opportunity to meet your child’s HSC Teachers and seek feedback on their progress thus far. A letter with booking details for interviews has been sent out. It is an expectation that all Year 12 students and their parents/carers attend Parent Teacher interviews at this critical point of the HSC year.  Year 12 Reports will be distributed to students on Wednesday, 3rd April.   Please note that students are to attend Parent Teacher interviews in full College Summer uniform.

THE USE OF DEVICES

Technology is normative part of our contemporary world and at the College the use of technology is a tool to build the necessary skills of communication, collaboration and creativity. However, can I remind parents and caregivers that students are responsible for their device in and outside the classroom. Including the device in your home insurance is advisable to ensure that any accidental breakages are covered. Students are encouraged to place their device in their lockers during breaks and to have protective casing for their device. Below is a reminder of our ICT policy and student responsibilities.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF SCHOOL-BASED ICT

The purpose of ICT at CEDP schools is to: 

• enhance student learning opportunities
• promote student achievement
• support student – school communication

Some important ‘Dos’

Computers and other ICT tools help students learn. I should treat ICT and the College network as tools to be shared for the common good.

When I use ICT I should:

• use the computer or mobile device for my learning
• keep my password safe
• study and research for information relevant to my subjects
• use the files, programs, internet or email shown by my teacher
• look after the technology and related area
• ask the teacher if I'm not sure how to use ICT
• tell the teacher if I learn something interesting
• ask for permission if I'm unsure about sharing information with people over the internet complete tasks and assignments set by my teacher
• use my College provided username, password and email account when accessing the network.

Respect others:

• share the computers and resources so everyone can learn
• write the author’s name when I use information and pictures from the internet
• treat others the way I'd like to be treated 

Keep safe online:

• keep my password safe and secret - even from friends
• tell the teacher if I see something that I think is naughty or makes me feel unsafe
• tell the teacher if I come across something inappropriate
• use the files, programs, internet or email as shown by my teacher
• ask the teacher for permission to use my own USBs or storage devices 

Mr Jason Scanlon

Assistant Principal - Innovation, Teaching and Learning

PAYMENTS TO THE OFFICE

Most of our excursions/incursions, Formation / Pastoral days and other celebrations, etc are included within the school fees. However, occasionally students/families may need to pay for optional activities; representative sports uniforms, bags / hats / ties, etc. If payment is required, the teacher who is organising the activity would advise the cost.  Cost of uniform items are available from the office.

Payment options include: credit card over the phone, card/eftpos at reception or cheque/cash in an envelope (with student’s name, homeroom, amount and what the payment is for on the front).  Please note that if you are paying cash, you need to put the correct money in envelope. We do not hold sufficient cash on the premises to be able to give change.

STUDENT CARE INSURANCE

We have recently received communication from CEDP (Catholic Education Office Diocese of Parramatta) about StudentCare Insurance. They advise the following:

"Student Personal Accident insurance is often referred to as StudentCare and is in place to assist parents/carers with the cost of accidents to students engaged in school activities which have been organised by the school.

It is very important to note that our insurer, Catholic Church Insurances (CCI), is not a private health insurance provider and is prohibited under section 126 of the Health Insurance Amendment Act 1983 to reimburse any expense or medical service for which a Medicare benefit is payable, including any out-of-pocket Medicare gap expenses. Therefore under this policy, claims must firstly be made by parents/carers on their private health fund (if applicable) and Medicare. The only items that can be claimed under this policy are those medical expenses that are not covered by Medicare. For example: dentist, chemist, chiropractor, podiatry, osteopath, physiotherapist and hospital accommodation. Limits apply and compensation decisions are a matter for assessment by the insurance company.

To make a claim, a claim form can be printed from https://ccinsurance.org.au/Client-Centre/Claims/Pages/Make-a-claim.aspx. St Patrick’s Marist College will need to endorse the claim form prior to it being submitted. You will need a Doctor or Dentist's Certificate and copies of accounts or invoices for any claimable expenses.

The StudentCare Accident Helpline can be contacted on 1300 138 498. More information about the StudentCare policy can be found on the CCI website: https://ccinsurance.org.au/Insurance/Pages/Student-care-information.aspx"

Ms V. Fraser

Business Manager

There are many personal items handed into the office that have been lost or misplaced by students.  The office is currently in possession of a camera, ear pods, watches, reading glasses and jewellery, some of which date back to last year.

Please check with the office if you feel you may have lost personal items while at school.

Also, there are many uniform items such as jumpers, sport jackets, hats and several items from the Year 7 camp including 1 sleeping bag that are in Lost Property.  Please collect from Lost Property.

Ms D. Jefferson

The Learning Enrichment Team, is committed to meeting the needs of all students within an inclusive framework. We work collaboratively with teaching staff across the school to assist them to meet the diverse learning needs of all students

The College follows the principles that students learn best when there is a belief that:

• All students can learn; and

• All teachers can meet the diverse learning needs of students, given the right assistance

• All within the school community (including parents/ caregivers  and significant others within the wider community) work together to ensure the learning of all students.

WHAT WE DO:

• Collaborate with students, parents/ carers, teachers, teacher aides,  school counsellors, Leaders of Learning, Careers Advisor and the College Executive team.

• Ongoing monitoring, collaboration and pastoral support of students with diverse learning needs.

• in class support of students and teachers. Identify and review the implementation of effective support strategies and curriculum adjustments for students.

• Developing and overseeing personalised plans and their implementation

• Consultation around planning for subject selection, transition from school, as well as access to post school options.

• Educational assessments

• Identify disability provisions that may be available to individual students across their learning.

• Assist with formal applications for disability provisions for external assessments such as NAPLAN and the HSC

• Information in relation Life skills pattern of study, programming and resources.

• R3 (Reading program)

• Supporting the development of student and teacher resources

• Profiling  and supporting new enrolments to the college.

• Identify, plan and professional learning opportunities for staff.

Students, parents/ carers and teachers are always welcome to contact the LEC at any time, with any questions or concerns. You can contact us on 8841 7900 or via my email: cthomson7@parra.catholic.edu.au.

THE LEC TEAM

• Teacher Aides: Mrs Elaine Glading,  Mrs Nicole Jones and Allison Crase -Makarian (Part Time)

• Teachers: Mrs Karen Martin, Ms Chanel Basha (Part Time), Mrs Elena Chan (Part Time)

• Diversity Leader: Mrs Catherine Thomson  

• Assistant Principal - Innovation, Teaching & Learning:  Mr Jason Scanlon

We look forward to meeting you providing you with future updates and information!

Mrs Catherine Thomson

Leader of Learning - Diversity

Disability Provisions are practical supports designed to help students who couldn't otherwise make a fair attempt in their HSC examinations. The definition of a 'disability' includes: physical, intellectual, psychiatric, sensory, neurological, and learning disabilities, as well as physical disfigurement, and the presence in the body of disease-causing organisms. 

Disability provisions also apply to temporary and emergency-related disabilities such as where a student breaks their writing arm a week before an examination.

NESA requires all applications to be supported by appropriate documentation and the documents must be no older than Term 4 2018. 

The provisions are granted by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and are solely determined by how the student’s exam performance is affected. Provisions may include braille papers, large-print papers, use of a reader and/or writer, extra time or rest breaks. 

Students in Year 12 who will be sitting their HSC Examinations in 2019 and who wish to apply for disability provisions should see me in the Diversity/Learning Enrichment Centre (room C101) as soon as possible or parents can contact me on 8841 7956 or via email on cthomson7@parra.catholic.edu.au

Further information with regards to these provisions can be located at: http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/disability-provisions

Mrs Catherine Thomson

A reminder that the Year 12 Parent / Teacher / Student Interviews are occurring on Tuesday 9th of April from 4.00pm - 7.00pm.  It is a compulsory event and an opportunity for students and parents to engage with teachers about their final two terms of schooling.

Each student received a letter with a personalised code for use through the EDVAL website to create appointments.  Any student unable to attend requires a letter from home explaining their absence. It is advised parents and teacher still communicate through email or phone to discuss your student's progress. 

Pastoral Leader of Learning - Year 12

Recently Year 11 had the first of two workshops hosted by Lisa Maltman from The Sleep Connection. This program aims to improve student wellbeing by informing students of the importance of sleep. As part of the workshop students received a workbook and over the next 2 weeks they are to complete a diary where they log their sleeping habits. In their first pastoral care lesson after the holidays, Lisa will return and students will go through the results of their diary. Following, I have attached a parent letter that gives more information about the workshop.

Mr. D. Bonora

Year 11 Pastoral Leader of Learning

ATTENDANCE

On another note, it is preferred that any appointments that students need to attend, be organised outside of school hours. In order for students to engage in their learning, they need to be physically in their classes. Days off put them at a distinct disadvantage that is best to avoid if possible. 

Mr D. Berner

Pastoral Leader of Learning - Year 10

Kate Worsley

9 MacKillop

YEAR 9 POETRY INCURSION

Monday 1st April, 2019

Question: How did the English faculty manage to hold the attention of the WHOLE Year 9 cohort for 45 minutes?

Answer: Book ZOHAB ZEE KHAN for a School Visit!

Absolutely amazing! A ONE man show. The very talented Zohab Zee Khan not only entertained Year 9 with his fabulous repertoire of poetry, he shared his passionate self conscious awareness of social issues facing the world today.

Rap. Slam Poetry. Freestyle Improvisation.  Lessons in self-expression. A thought-provoking powerful performance first thing Monday morning was just what the students needed to energise the week ahead.  The students left revitalised and ready to create their own music with rhythmic words.

If Khan’s purpose is to inspire young Australians, he certainly did inspire Year 9 to channel their ideas about the changing world in the poetic form.

Thank you Ms Emily Gray for booking this wonderful Spoken Word Poet.

Ms S. Graham,

Acting Assistant Leader of Learning, English

Over the course of this term students from Years 7 to 10 entered the 6 Word Story competition for the hopes of winning tickets to the amazing Sydney Writer's Festival early next term. All of us in Year 11 English Extension were your judges and can I say that we had lots of fun reading over all of your stories. Some of them made us laugh, some made us think and others made us worry about our student cohort's morbid sense of humour.

We received over 60 entries, so for all of you who tried out, we’d like to congratulate you. A couple of things that made some stories stand out to us. Using short, truncated sentences was a common technique many writers used to make their compositions pop out just that little more.  Others used very open-ended and vague stories to let readers figure out the narrative for themselves. People who used unique and 'out-there' ideas were the ones that really stood out to us. We’re really still amazed by the level of creativity from our competitors.

In the end, 19 were chosen. Five runners received a lovely novel. Ten others received tickets to the Sydney's Writers Festival. Finally, a special judging panel made of Mr Murthi and Mr Contemplacion selected four outstanding stories who not only will receive a novel but also tickets to the festival. How good is that?

Runners up are:

• Ashlyn Gange: “Coming home brought back many memories.”
• Makayla Mathie: “Her lies covered up her reality.”
• Sara-Maree Wakim: “Sometimes you realise you’re just dreaming.”
• Alexandria Boumalhab: “She couldn’t do it, she jumped.”
• Isabelle Joseph: “I saw your life drift away.”

For our ticket winning winners:

• Oliver O'Neill: “As the winds blow, destruction returns.”
• Rachel Anderson: “Said swords wielded, ‘not again brother."
• Lauren Chu: “Unlike the rest, she sadistically smiled.”
• Gemma Smythe: “The demons came, the angels didn’t.”
• Amelia White: “There they stood. It was done.”
• Brianna Webster: “911. What’s your emergency? Never mind.”
• Alisa Dybal: “Dad? Mum's talking to herself again.”
• Bianca Garth: “The horse came back - riding alone.”
• Alisha Geraghty: “Memories are torture for the living.”
• Kate Zorbalas: “Towns on fire, all my fault.”

And finally the outstanding stories:

• Kathleen Hendricks: “Dreamed about tomorrow. Forgot about today.”
• Ciara Murphy: “Red carpet. Long dress. Uncoordinated feet.”
• Jerome Francis: “Gone. Back into his own mind.”
• Lily Dorranian: “She cried. He hit. He left.”

On behalf of the junior school, we would all like to thank Ms Duffy for her organisation and the time she’s given to helping to promote creativity in our school. We would also like to thank Ms Harris, Mr Murthi and Mr Contemplacion for also assisting with the judging of the entries. Once again, a big congratulation to our six-word story winners!

Joseph Arabit and Year 11 English Extension Students

What Matters?  is a competition for young thinkers and young writers to develop a perspective, a point of view, on where we're heading as a society. Inspired by Gough Whitlam's commitment to involving young people in the shaping of Australia's future, the competition is currently open to school students in Years 5 to 12 from NSW, VIC, WA, the ACT and Tasmania. Responding to the simple question 'what matters?', entrants are free to express their views on any matter they care about.

Over the next term, English students will have the opportunity to share their ideas about what matters to them. Each newsletter will feature a collection of student responses. This week, we hear from students in 8EN1/2 about what matters to them.  

Light Painting Incursion

The light painting incursion was really interesting and fun especially with your friends. At the beginning of the night Peter Solness, a talented photographer, came in and displayed a little presentation of his best works. Within the presentation he revealed how to create your own light paintings, inspiring us with his own tricks and ideas. He provided us students with cool props like flowers, plants, light sabres, coloured torches, glowing string and flashing lights to create our own photographs. We then went onto the field and Peter demonstrated how to create light orbs and tunnels which was really cool and impressive. Later we were able to produce our own. It was a lot of fun to run around with the colourful hula hoops and light sabres trying to capture the perfect shot.

Overall, the night was a lot of fun, we really enjoyed ourselves and appreciated Peter Solness for inspiring us. We are excited for next time!

SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK

A Great Trip

Year 8 Geography went to Sydney Olympic Park as part of our 'Water in the World' topic to learn about its unique water management systems. We looked at the Brick Pit and the storm water filtration system that makes this water better for the environment. We learnt how man-made water features, like the fountains near ANZ Stadium, can quicken the filtration process of water. It was a great learning experience for all the students as well as a fun time, especially when we saw turtles at the Brick Pit.

Madeleine Reicher

The excursion to Sydney Olympic Park was great. We got to learn about how water was able to be reused in public areas and how it was collected. We were able to do some activities and learned information about the water usages, land’s history, the flora and fauna, and the history of the land. My favourite part of the trip was when we were walking around a structure called the Brick Pit Ring Walk over water (it was really high). This was where we learnt how small frogs inhabited that area, and there was some historical information on the walls that talked about special events. Overall the trip was great, the history and how the water was reusable was interesting.

Adrian Pangan

On Tuesday 2nd April, we went to Sydney Olympic Park. We learnt about the history of land and all about water and what they are used for. Then, we stop for a rest because of the sprinkling rain and we learnt about the spiders. Even though it was sprinkling, we still continued to walk to our rest zone. In the rest zone, there were frog ponds to look at and playgrounds. Then, we went to a high bridge where we learnt about the different species of frogs such as the Green and Golden Bell Frog, which are endangered. The final thing we learnt is about the water reservoir and how we can use it in other ways but not drinking it. In my opinion, this excursion was an exciting and fun trip.

Vanessa Chin

Our trip to Sydney Olympic Park was not only fun but also an interesting lesson in environmental sustainability. We were able to experience hands-on tasks out in the field which included testing the water quality.  This included measuring the PH levels in the water, the water movement and the water temperature. Claire, our guide for the day, explained lots of interesting facts to us. One of these was learning about the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog that are carefully monitored by Sydney Olympic Park to avoid extinction.  These frogs were discovered in the historic Brick Pit during the construction for the 2000 Olympic Games. This historical Brick Pit used to be where they would use clay and sandstone to form bricks and building materials for building homes in the 1900’s. We all walked away with a lot more knowledge and understanding than when we arrived.  We all enjoyed our day, regardless of the rain.

Olivia Podmore

On the excursion I learnt a lot. It was quite fun and I got to see a fascinating frog in the brick pit.  I learnt a lot of things about the water cycle and how water is used in Sydney Olympic Park. Overall it was a fun experience.

Jason Zhang

On Tuesday the 2nd of April, myself and my peers took part in a geography excursion for the topic we are currently studying “Water in the World”.  We visited Sydney Olympic Park where were learnt about the different water cycles and how Sydney Olympic Park is water efficient.  We took part in activities such as testing pond water for its pH levels, salinity levels, temperature and the turbidity of the water. We also visited places such as The Brick Pit and WRAMS. Overall the geography excursion was interesting, educational and fun.

Ciara Murphy