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Newsletter 16 2012 - 16 November

TEXTBOOK RETURN TIMES 2012

Year 10: Monday 19 November

Year 9: Tuesday 20 November

Year 8: Wednesday 21 November Thursday 22 November

Year 7: Thursday 22 November Friday 23 November

Further information will be in the daily bulletin as there will be specific times for classes to return the textbooks.

For student enquiries, please ring Student Office on 4226 3969. For student absences, ring 4253 5201 before 10am to leave a message.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY29 Nov Parent evening thank you social4 Dec Year 7 & 8 assembly 11.10am5 Dec Year 9 & 10 assembly 10.30am 6 Dec End of Year Mass 9.30am7 Dec All students finish11 Dec Parent/teacher interviews 9am-6pm

Dear parents,

Last Sunday we reflected on Remembrance Day when as a nation we remember those who have given their lives for our country in times of war. Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the armistice which ended the First World War. Each year Australians observe one minute silence at 11am on 11 November, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts. The death toll from the First World War was horrendous, with estimates of over 16 million deaths and 20 million wounded. World leaders promised that there would never again be a war of this magnitude, yet we faced another world war only 21 years later. It is believed that World War 2 resulted in the deaths of between 50 and 70 million people.

It seems remarkable that we would set aside a day that reminds us of so much suffering. Yet we have a duty to remember the bravery of those who fought for their countries and an obligation to reflect on the horror of war. As people of faith we are reminded that we are constantly called to love. Indeed, the parable of the Good Samaritan demonstrates in a very real way what it means to love. The beautiful words of Jesus tell us that love should be selfless, it should be full of compassion and, most importantly, it should be unconditional in its giving. This is true love and it is the love that ends wars and builds relationships. This is the love that God has for each one of us.

The college strategic plan, “St Mary’s 2020 - Enabling Higher Things” has guided much of the work that is taking place in the college across a range of areas. The plan focuses on the areas of our Good Samaritan heritage, providing high-quality teaching and learning, developing staff, engendering

respectful relationships, technology and providing an innovative learning environment. While work has started on each of the focus areas, our Board has spent a lot of time thinking about improving the learning environment for our girls. As a result, the college will embark on a major building project in 2013. We have submitted plans to Council for the building of a gymnasium, the addition of classrooms onto an existing wing and a major refurbishment of our hall. This is a very exciting project and one that will provide even better facilities for our girls into the future. I will keep you updated on the progress of our building program as it begins to gain momentum.

As you may be aware, the Commonwealth Government recently released a White Paper titled “Australia in the Asian Century”. This White Paper is a plan to build on our strengths and shape our future. It calls on all of us to play our part in becoming a more Asia-literate and Asia-capable nation. One of the key strategies outlined in the paper is the development of skills and education to enable us to build more effective links with Asia. The college will introduce Indonesian language classes in 2013 as part of our curriculum offerings and as a way of better preparing our girls for further engagement with our neighbours as we embrace the Asian Century. Mrs Jodi Harris has been studying and working hard to build support for the teaching of Indonesian at the college and I congratulate her on her work and enthusiasm in this area. Mrs Harris will commence teaching Indonesian in 2013 and we hope to build a strong Asian language and cultural program as part of our curriculum offerings.

I am delighted to inform you that Mrs Kerri Harrigan has been appointed as Director of Teaching and Learning and Mrs Terese Coleman has been appointed as the Coordinator of HSIE. Both leaders bring extensive experience across a wide range of areas. We had an excellent field of candidates for both positions and I congratulate both Kerri and Terese on their appointments.

The college community has experienced significant grief and loss over the past few months, with staff and students losing loved ones. We also have members of our community who have family who are very ill. I would ask that you keep all of our families who may be suffering in this way in your thoughts and prayers.

I would like to congratulate our Year 12 class of 2012 on successfully completing their HSC exams. The girls are looking slightly more relaxed as they begin to enjoy life post HSC. While they have an anxious wait for their results in late December, I wish them a relaxing break and hope that they can take some time to catch up on all of the activities and opportunities they chose to forego to study throughout the year.

I pray that you and your families have a peace filled and relaxing weekend as we approach a very busy time of year.

Yours sincerely, Frank Pitt, Principal

YR 12 DESIGNTECH NOMINATIONSCongratulations to three Year 12 Design and Technology students who received good news after their HSC exam. Their Major Design Projects have been nominated for possible inclusion in DesignTECH, the annual exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum of outstanding works from this subject.

Amy Hulme completed a project with a design brief creating “a jewellery collection that can be worn by people with sensitive skin that suits a variety of occasions and is an innovative design”.

Rachael Glossop designed a calming bedroom environment that positively affected moods. She created a beautiful artwork, scented candles and a scale model to show her ideas.

Siobhan Ryan developed an allergy-free cookbook for pre-school cooks and caterers, to make cooking meals for food allergic children easier. It was spill proof and contained information and recipes on each allergy.

Well done girls. Sonja O’Brien and Cheryl Robinson

MUSIC EVENTYear 8 students will enjoy African percussion and musical story-telling performed by Terango, a Senegalese musical group, in a 2pm concert on 26 November. Musica Viva describes Teranga frontman Pape Mbaye as a “Griot - a poet, musician, storyteller and praise singer renowned for quick wit and a sharp tongue”. The show involves the amazing rhythms and haunting melodies of the tama, djembe, doondoon and balafon. The concert should be memorable and will reflect important aspects of the Stage 4 curriculum. Stephen Goldrick

CONGRATULATIONSJasmine Broadbent and Carolyn Nguyen, both of our Year 10 Textiles Technology class, won prizes at the Wollongong City Council Youth Fashion Awards. Jasmine won the Design section and Carolyn came second. All entries were displayed in the Mall on Saturday 3 November and several other students modelled their garments in a fashion show. Congratulations to all students who entered. Sue Martin

Meg Cummins, Bronte Mandaric and Marissa Couldridge of Year 9 won the environmental prize at the University of Wollongong Regional Science Fair recently. Well done! Adrian Bell

AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICS COMPETTION RESULTSOn 2 August, 54 students participated in the Australian Mathematics Competition and were awarded certificates

Prudence Award: This has been awarded to the student who has the highest number of consecutive questions correct, starting from Question 1 (independent of which year in which the student is enrolled). We have one student from Year 8: Lauren Blasi.

Distinction Awards go to the following students in Year 7: Meg Kunkler, Eliza Williamson.

Credit Awards go to the following students. Year 7: Isabelle Dobbins, Perri Moustoukis, Simone Carmody, Cara Crinnion, Marita Fegan; Year 8: Lauren Blasi, Brooke Mourtos, Isabella Todd, Lauren Turton; Year 9: Cassandra Green, Serafina Crapis.

Congratulations to all entrants as it takes effort and time to participate. I encourage all students to participate next year on Thursday 1 August. Patricia O’Gorman

2013 CALENDARTERM 1Teaching staff return ...........Fri 25 JanuaryYears 7, 11 & 12 return ...Wed 30 JanuaryYears 8, 9 & 10 return ...... Thu 31 JanuaryEaster break college closed ...Thu 28 MarchStudents and staff return ..........Tue 2 April Last day Term 1 ....................... Fri 12 April

TERM 2Staff and students return .... Mon 29 AprilPublic holiday ....................... Mon 10 JuneLast day Term 2 ....................... Fri 21 June

TERM 3Staff and students return ...... Mon 15 JulyLast day Term 3 .............Fri 20 September

TERM 4Public holiday ................... Mon 7 OctoberStaff and students return ...Tue 8 OctoberLast day Term 4 ................ Fri 6 DecemberTeaching staff finish ..... Wed 11 December

AUSTRALIAN CURRICULUM 2014The Federal Government has mandated that all schools in Australia will introduce the Australian Curriculum in 2014. The college has recently received the NSW Board of Studies syllabuses in English, Maths, Science and History that give direction to how the Australian Curriculum will be taught. As well as issuing these syllabuses, the Board of Studies have issued an information sheet for parents to update you on the changes. This information sheet is attached to this edition of the Newsletter or can be found at http://syllabus.bos.nsw.edu.au/support-materials/parents-guide/.

Parents will receive ongoing information on the implementation of the Australian Curriculum through the college newsletter and information evenings held in 2013. Joanne Hack, Assistant Principal

INTERACT CLUB VISIT ILLAWARRA SUNRISE ROTARY CLUBRecently three students from our Interact Club and two teachers attended a breakfast meeting of the Illawarra Sunrise Rotary Club. Sevgi Murphy (President), Lucy Packer (Vice President) and Bella Roberts presented a project they wanted to support and requested assistance from the Club. Sevgi spoke about the Kenyan Project which aims to raise funds for equipment for a new school. The girls were warmly received and the Rotary Club pledged their support to purchase cakes and help with a fundraising BBQ. Well done to Sevgi, Lucy and Bella for communicating clearly and successfully garnering support for this worthwhile project. Liz Davis and Kerrie Guillaume

Sunrise Rotary members with Mrs Guillaume, Bella Roberts, Sevgi Murphy,

Mrs Davis and Lucy Packer

UNIFORM REMINDERS: Parents and students are reminded that hats are a compulsory item for the summer uniform. The sports cap should always be worn to PDHPE lessons, sport on a Friday and outdoor excursions. At other times the college hat is to be worn when students are in sunny outdoor spaces. Parents are requested to support this expectation and ensure their daughters have both hats. In relation to jewellery, the college does permit some discreet items, as outlined in the Student Diary. It has been disappointing to see students wearing more than is permitted. Parents please note that any additional jewellery may be confiscated and kept by the Year Coordinator until the end of term. Emma Magill, Assistant Principal

iSTAND WEEKENDFor 14-18 year olds - 23-25 November: Wollongong Youth Mission Team is running a weekend at The Venue Conference Centre on the grounds of Holy Spirit College at Bellambi. A fantastic weekend of activities, games, drama and an awesome band. Cost is $95 per person which includes accommodation, food and activities. Email wollongong@ymt.com.au to receive a registration form, or ring Chris Brennan on 0433 636 359 for more details.

SURF’S UP FOR DISABLED SURFERS AT THIRROUL: Student volunteers are requested to help with the “Hands On Day” on Saturday 1 December at Thirroul Beach at 9am. The disabled participants, no matter how great the challenge, get the chance to enjoy what the rest of us take for granted - the beach and its waves. The surfing takes place in waist-depth water and only on broken waves, usually riding tandem with a helper on the back of the board. Wetsuits, rashvests and flotation devices are provided and any student volunteer will have a great (and enlightening) day. A large group of experienced helpers will give their help. Volunteers would be Year 10 and 11 students. For more information please contact secretary Ian Picton on 0421601222 or Jim Bradley on 0458759999 or check www.disabledsurfers.org.

TRY YEAR 7 FOR A DAYYear 5 girls from many schools around the Illawarra visited the college on 5 and 6 November. They had a taste of subjects such as Design & Technology, Cooking, Drama, HSIE, Languages, Science, Music and Robotics. Year 9 and Year 11 students were their hosts for the day and it certainly looked like they all had a great time.

We look forward to welcoming the Year 5s and their families back to our Open Day tours in March next year. Marie Pulford

LIONS YOUTH OF THE YEAR QUEST 2012Last week, four Year 11 girls competed at the club level of the Lions Youth of the Year Quest. Our school is sponsored by the Lioness Club of Wollongong Heights and our representatives were Lucy Packer, Shakira Cappetta, Gabrielle Bow and Azkah Khan.

The contestants had to answer questions in a 40 minute interview, respond to two impromptu questions and deliver a five-minute speech at the “speech evening”.

The students spoke very well. Gabrielle was declared the speech winner and Lucy was the overall winner. We congratulate both girls on their success and wish Lucy well for the regional competition (region) in March.

Thank you to Mr Pitt , Sr Rita and Mrs Mayhew, for attending the evening and Mrs Holt and Pulford for preparing the girls with their speeches. Liz Davis

YEAR 10 STEP-UP PROGRAM On 5 and 6 November Year 10 students participated in the “Step-Up” program.

The program has been developed by the college to prepare the girls for their senior studies in Years 11 and 12.

The girls attended four sessions each day which were a combination of physical activities, indoor and outdoor, and interactive classes.

The sessions were designed to be accessible for all academic levels.

The activities included body balance in the URAC complex, team building run by Optimum Experiences, CPR through Royal Lifesaving Australia, learning styles presented by Clair Torta and Kelly Maitland and self-awareness by Head Space and the Kulilla Centre.

The girls participated enthusiastically over the two days and enjoyed the freedom and facilities of the University of Wollongong.

We thank the University of Wollongong for allowing Year 10 to use its facilities for the two days. Lorraine Dwyer

YEAR 10 AT RYDAOn Wednesday 7 November in drizzling rain the girls travelled to Albion Park to participate in the Rotary Youth Driving Awareness (RYDA) program.

During the day they attended six sessions where they learnt about stopping distances at different speeds, their awareness of the safety of the vehicle in which they are travelling, tested their powers of observation, having a Plan B when going out, watched a video on the impact a fatal accident has on family and friends, and listened to the story of an accident survivor with a brain injury.

The girls especially enjoyed the opportunity to travel in a vehicle and experiencing just how long it takes to stop when travelling at different speeds. This is a very timely experience for the girls as many of them now have their “L”s. Lorraine Dwyer

Mr Pitt, Azkah Khan, Shakira Cappetta, Gabrielle Bow, Mrs Mayhew, Lucy Packer,

Mrs Davis and Sr Rita Fitt

16 Harbour Street Wollongong - Locked Bag 42 Wollongong NSW 2500Phone (02) 4228 6011 Fax (02) 4229 8555 www.stmarys.nsw.edu.au

SUMMER STUDY BLITZ 2013: ICS Learning Group will be running holiday workshops at The Illawarra Grammar School for students in Years 7-12, 14-17 JANUARY. Programs include junior and senior study skills, advanced reading skills and essay skills. For information and enrolments contact ICS on 9960 6231 or c.shadforth@skillscentre.com.au. Their website is www.skillscentre.com.au.

Liturgy Leader Rachel Gandy

Hospitality LeaderClare Wilson

Social Justice LeaderTasmin McFadden

Stewardship LeaderIsobel Hefferrnan

Sport LeaderTayla Jeffery

Cultural LeaderOlivia Pannell

Fatima House LeaderCynthia Tian

Lourdes House LeaderCaitlin Ladic

Loreto House LeaderTahlia Grant

Carmel House LeaderElla Molinia

Presenting our newly-elected Middle School student leaders

Year 7 Reflection Day: 8 November BUILDING BETTER GLOBAL COMMUNITIES – PASTORAL CARE UPDATEDuring this week’s pastoral care session the students have viewed an excerpt from a recent Four Corners Documentary: Growing Up Poor. The episode presented stories of young people growing up in Claymore, a housing area near Campbelltown. Claymore has a population of just over 3,000 with nearly 28% under the age of 10. The median weekly family income is $639, less than half the national median of $1481. Unemployment in Claymore is 32% compared to 5.2% nationally. Although not far away geographically, the experiences of the young people in Claymore in many ways are a world away from many of the students here at St Mary’s. The session also gave us an opportunity to reflect on the original work of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, offering help and support to the poor and destitute women of Sydney.

This confronting story challenged each of us to see the reality of what others face and importantly spurs us into action through the Christmas appeals currently running within the Tutor Groups. The pastoral care lesson and discussions considered not only the issues faced, but also drew our attention to the positive signs of hope seen through the gift and power of education, sense of self-worth in young people and the difference we can make. Students were asked to reflect on their experience of Christmas and how it may compare, and also reflect on the action they can take.

I encourage parents to discuss this pastoral care lesson with your daughters, consider the action that can be taken and the genuine response each of us can make through our Christmas appeals in an effort to help those less fortunate in our local community. Emma Magill

BUCKET DAY/REFLECTION DAYOn Thursday last week Year 7 participated in Bucket Day (Reflection Day). We learnt about St Mary’s and its history. We made a skit or poster about what children our age could expect from St Mary’s 18 years from now. We learnt about a program called Reach, which runs workshops all over Australia to support young people in the belief that they need to fulfil their potential and dare to dream. Some of us expressed our emotional side when we were given the chance to talk about challenges that we had to face in our lives.

Each of us was asked to bring a bucket and a gold coin donation. We walked to the harbour, collected a bucketful of water and took it back to the school and tipped it out where it would be recycled. This was to empathise with children in 3rd world countries who have to do this every day, and while we had to only walk down to the harbour, most have to walk 5 kilometres or more every morning before they go to school; the water that they carry provides them with drinking and washing water - unfortunately some of the water is contaminated with bacteria and makes them sick. We all then gathered in the hall at the end of the day to discuss the day. All in all we all had fun and this was just one of the memories we will keep with us forever of walking in others’ shoes. Kaliya Alldridge, Year 7

PARENTS, DON’T FORGET OUR “THANK YOU” SOCIAL ON THURSDAY 29 NOVEMBER AT 6PM (ENTRY VIA HECTOR STREET GATE)