From the Principal

I S S U E 8 4

Catholic College

Deo Duce - With God as Leader

coming events

2 Cross Road

Cronulla NSW 2230

De La Salle

Newsletter Term 1, Week 6 Friday 24 March Staff Development Day Monday 27 March to Friday 7 April Year 12 Half-yearly exams. Term 2 Students Return Wednesday 26 April

1 0 M A R C H 2 0 1 7

Reflection… Last Sunday we celebrated the first Sunday of Lent as we pre-pare for the death and resurrection of our saviour Jesus Christ. The readings of the day centred round sin. At my local parish, Archbishop Peter Loy Chong gave a homily on one of the greatest sins of society today, that of world pov-erty. He shared with the congregation an analogy that if the world could be represented by a village of one hundred people :

57 would be Asian

21 European

14 from the America’s

8 Africans

6 of these people would possess two thirds of the worlds wealth

80 would live in poverty

63 would be illiterate

50 would suffer from hunger and malnutrition

1 would be dying

1 would be being born

1 would own a computer and

1 would have a university degree (Source Global Village 12_1)

When we look at this analogy we are very fortunate to be living where we are and in the conditions we do. In this season, Lenten observances are prayer, fasting and almsgiving and an opportunity to reflect on the many blessing be-stowed on us. During Lent we are asked to make small sacrifices and hopefully donate the money saved to project compassion. It is an opportunity in a small way for us as a Catholic community to make a difference to those in need.

Lord God,

You came to give honour to the least, those forgotten, overlooked and misjudged.

You came to give first place to the last, those left behind, misunderstood and undervalued.

You came to give a warm welcome to the lost, those who are orphaned, abandoned and destitute.

Help us to be your ears to listen to their cries.

Help us to be your voice speaking out love and acceptance. Help us to be your feet walking beside those in need.

Help us to be your hands to clothe, feed and shelter them.

You came for the least, the lost and last of this world. Lord, hear our prayer.

Amen.

St John Baptist De La Salle...

Live Jesus in our Heart…

I S S U E 8 4

information ...

P A G E 2

Year 11 are to be commended on the manner in which they have settled into senior schooling. They are making a valuable contribution to the life of the College are many are actively involving themselves in co-curricula activities. Parents are encourage to contact the College if they have any concerns with their son’s/daughter’s education. Last Tuesday night the College held the Year 12 Parent Teacher Student interviews. I thank the many parents who took the time to attend with their son/daughter. It was a valuable night for teachers to feedback to parents the progress being made by their child; areas of further development; and strategies to assist with study. As the half yearly exams approach, it is a critical time for year 12 students to be focus and exercising good study habits.

Attendance Below I have included some statistics on attendance for Years 11 and 12.

While at first glance attendance in the nineties may seem satisfactory, the number of absences is of concern. Re-search shows there is a direct correlation between high attendance rates, performance and demonstrated learning growth in senior schooling. High performing schools have attendance rates at 98+%. If a student is genuinely sick, we do not expect them to attend school, but I ask for parents support in ensuring their son/daughters are here every other day. The College also requests holidays not be booked during school time. Craig Mooney Principal

From the Assistant Principal May I remind all students and parents that the College prides itself on providing a safe, friendly and inviting envi-ronment for students and staff to enjoy. To this end, we continue to ask for your support in encouraging your sons and daughters to follow our rules and policies around :

Wearing the uniform correctly while travelling to and from school as well as during the school day. This in-cludes tucking shirts in and wearing belts for the boys and correct length of skirt and white socks worn by the girls as well as all adhering to the correct footwear and appropriate jewellery (check school diary if un-sure).

Students are not allowed to be using their mobile phones during class (unless directed by staff for educa-tional purposes) or they will be given a detention and to encourage appropriate social behaviour we are ex-tending this to recess and lunch (except where necessary) but more especially not putting ear phones in or texting rather than speaking with their friends in the playground.

We are still very concerned about the volume of traffic with the large number of P Platers we now have trav-elling to and from school. Parking around the College is congested and care needs to be taken not to park incorrectly. A reminder that no-one is to park in Grosvenor Crescent due to the narrow thoroughfare. Please be aware that the Council parking police regularly frequent our College and surrounding schools and a num-ber of students and parents have been booked. Students need to be extremely careful particularly driving in

Yr 12 Term 4 2016 & Yr 12 Term 1 2017

Yr 11 Term 1 2017

Percentage of days in attendance:

94.6% 97.1%

Percentage of days absent: 5.4% 2.9%

Number of days absent: 608 days 375 days

information ...

I S S U E 8 4 P A G E 3

the afternoons with large numbers of students crossing roads and parents in the local area picking up Pri-mary school children nearby. Courtesy and driving well within the speed limit is a must. Please discuss with your son/daughter about having other young people in the car as this is often an added distraction and pres-sure to young, inexperienced drivers who are the one responsible if any mishap occurs.

For those students and their families who live in Dolans Bay, Lilli Pilli or Port Hacking area, The Trans Dev bus company would like to hear from you if you would like them to service a new route for De La Cronulla to these areas. The reference number is 279865. You can call them directly or contact by phone or email the school and we will pass it on.

Michelle Morrison Assistant Principal

From the RE Department Last Wednesday the school community gathered for an Ash Wednesday liturgy, led by Father Tom. I would like to thank Father Tom for his presence in the College and for his positive attitude as he made Lent relevant to our stu-dents and staff. College leaders and students in both Year 11 and 12 volunteered to participate in the liturgy and help distribute ashes. The liturgy also formalised our participation in the Caritas Project Compassion annual appeal. During Lent there will be a variety of fundrais-ing initiatives that support Caritas. Please encourage your sons and daughters to participate. As part of the Lenten experience, students will also participate in a Reconciliation Service at the end of the term. This has been an important oppor-tunity for our students to focus on their relationships with God and others. As part of the centenary of breaking ground for St Aloysius Primary School, the Cronulla Parish has a number of celebrations. Maree Cullen Religious Education Coordinator

I S S U E 8 4

information ...

P A G E 4

From the Touching Hearts Youth Ministry “Touching Hearts” Faith in Action Community Service Program The response to our new volunteer community service has been fantastic. I would like to thank the 50 or so stu-

dents from both Year 11 and Year 12 who have taken up this fantastic program. Already there has been a steady

stream of students filling in their logbooks and are well on their way to receive their Bronze award.

Caritas Just Leadership Day at MSJ Milperra

On the 24 February, 5 students travelled to Mount St Joseph’s

Milperra to be part of the Caritas Just Leadership Day. The stu-

dents were introduced to this year’s theme of “Love Your

Neighbour” and were given an introduction to the charity and

community development work that Caritas does. The students

heard from Semiti from Fiji and heard first-hand how their con-

tributions to Project Compassion help communities, families

and individuals like Semiti to feed, educate and to help empow-

er people like him. The students also had the opportunity to be

involved in simulation games that highlighted the inequity of the

world’s resources, and were able to produce a plan of action to

help raise money for Project Compassion in the school through-

out the season of Lent.

Thank you to those students who attend the Just Leadership

Day. I looking forward to working with all of you as part of the

school’s Social Justice Team.

Eleisha Kyprianou

Ruby Anthony

Jasmine Praseuthsouk

Angela Bouteris

Simona Stambolziovska

Luke Binyamin

Project Compassion Pancake Day

Last Tuesday saw our school begin our fundraising for Project Compassion by hosting Pancake Day. It was great

to see the response for our first whole school fundraising event for this year. Pancake Tuesday is an important tra-

dition in our Church as it provides the focus of the season of Lent where we are encouraged to give up things that

may challenge us and where we are called to action to help others.

Guest speaker Semiti from Fiji with our students.

information ...

I S S U E 8 4 P A G E 5

The day raised nearly $300. This money will help go towards initiatives such as buying art supplies for One Art

Healing workshops which supports First Australians address the trauma they received by being part of the Stolen

Generation.

Thank you to the 30 students who helped with the Pancake Day. This includes students who helped with the post-

ers, writing the vouchers, to setting up, cooking and serving the pancakes. Thank you also to those who donated

the toppings! A big shout out must go to Mrs Chidzey and Miss Gamsaragan who donated their time and cooking

skills that made the day work.

Rachel O’Connor Youth Minister Coordinator

From the Lasallian Youth Minister LYL Training Day

On the 20 February myself and 28 other year 11 students participated in the Youth Lasallian Leadership training day at Elouera Surf Life Sav-ing Club. On the day we learnt a lot about possessing and demonstrat-ing leadership skills as well as gaining more information as to what we can do to make a difference within our school and local community. On

the day we were fortunate enough to have three guest speakers come in to talk to us about the work they do for the community; some of which includes Care and Concern Dinners, organising and running excursions for those with disabilities and severe illnesses, and working with children and members of the parish. It was amazing to hear from people who have dedicated their lives to social justice, and it definitely had a big impact on all of us.

Despite the fact that not many of us had not been previously involved with so-cial justice initiatives, we all walked away feeling a sense of responsibility and determination to make a contribution. We would real-ly like to thank Holly and Mrs O’Connor for organising and running the training ini-tiatives, and for ensuring that we all had a great day.

Coady Gillis Lasallian Youth Leader

I S S U E 8 4

information ...

P A G E 6

Green Team

On Friday 17 February, a group of seven Lasallian Youth Leaders were involved in gardening at Mount St Vincent Village. Mount St Vincent Village provides affordable accommodation for single adults and couples who are on lim-ited income. The Lasallian Youth Leaders worked hard to plant trees and weed the gardens or the afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The community were very appreciative of the efforts of the volunteers to help make their garden look beautiful. Thank you to Mrs Morrison who assisted on the day.

Thank you

I would like to say a big thank you to our new year 11 LYLs for putting their hand up to make a difference in our Lasallian community. Further, thank you to the students who, despite not attending the training day, have since signed up to be a part of our LYL pro-gram.

Thank you also for the continued support of our year 12 LYLs who are still keen to put their hand up and get involved!

Holly Johnston Lasallian Youth Minister

From the Curriculum Coordinator May I take the opportunity to thank parents for your attendance at the Year 11 Information Night on Monday 20 February, and the Year 12 Student/Parent/Teacher interviews on Tuesday 7 March. YEAR 12 Year 12 Half Yearly Examinations commence in Week 9 on Monday 27 March and conclude on the last day of term 1 in Week 10 on Friday 7 April. In the lead up to the upcoming Half Yearly Examinations, students need to ensure that they are well aware of the rules governing examinations as outlined in the HSC 2017 Assessment Handbook. Each student was emailed a copy of this in term 4, 2016, and a full version can also be found on the college website. If a student is absent during the examination period, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to:

Phone the College on the day of the task on 8522 1500 and leave a message for the Curriculum Coordinator – Mr Tony Ginestra (this is essential).

In cases of illness, a medical certificate must be submitted with an Assessment Absence form on the day you return to school. These forms are available from the College website.

In cases of misadventure, appropriate documentation must be submitted with an Assessment Absence form on the day the student returns to school.

FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN A ZERO FOR THAT TASK.

information ...

I S S U E 8 4 P A G E 7

Students should already be revising work from Term 4, 2016 as well as consolidating their knowledge and under-standing of the topics currently being studied. Students should continue to adopt any strategies (for example, from the study skills day as well as advice from stu-dent/parent/teacher interviews) that they feel will assist them in preparation for their examinations. Term 2 begins on Wednesday 26 April. This first week of term is extremely important for Year 12 students as they will be provided with constructive feedback from their examinations as an essential part of their effective learning. This feedback helps students understand the course being studied and gives them clear guidance on how to im-prove their learning.

YEAR 11 Year 11 course and/or subject changes have now been finalised and all students should be well settled and aware of the expectations and requirements of each of their courses. It is the responsibility of each student who has changed courses and/or subjects to ensure that any classwork and homework missed is completed and that as-sessment tasks are also completed. Year 11 formal assessment tasks are well and truly under way. Students need to be aware of the rules and proce-dures governing Assessment, as outlined in the Preliminary 2017 Assessment Handbook. This handbook was emailed to all Year 11 students in recent weeks, which can also be found on the college website. Students were also emailed the assessment calendar and assessment schedules. These documents, together with the presenta-tion delivered on the Year 11 Information Night are also available on the college website. Any issues relating to Assessment Tasks need to be addressed with the class teacher and KLA Coordina-tor in the first instance. Good luck to Year 11 Business Services, Construction and Hospitality students who will undertake their first work placement in Week 9 and/or 10 from Monday 27 March to Friday 7 April. Work Placement is a compulsory compo-nent of all VET courses. Absence from work placement will require students to provide the college with documenta-tion to explain their absence. Alternative arrangements may be required to make up the hours lost due to absence. This may involve making up time in the school holidays. It is the responsibility of each student on work placement to ensure that any school work missed is completed. Tony Ginestra Curriculum Coordinator

From the Year 11 Coordinator Week 6… Well I am pleased to report that the Year 11 cohort seem to be settled and working on completing As-sessment Tasks as well as building their study skills. Senior Studies can be a challenge for many of our students but it is the time they put in now on organisation, planning ahead and looking after their wellbeing, which will help prepare them for the challenges they face in the future. There have been a number of activities and study sessions that students have completed as part of the Pastoral Program and now we are challenging students to establish processes that suit their individual learning needs. The pastoral session this week focused on student Wellbeing and some of the added pressures students face in relation to technology. We have asked students to discuss aspects of the day with their friends and families as tech-nology impacts so much on all of our lives. Mobile phone distraction is an increasing risk to pedestrian safety and one key area that we emphasised this week as we have had students placing themselves at risk while travelling to and from school. The Caritas Community Day is coming up in Week 7 and some of our gifted performers are busy preparing items for the Concert that will be held in the College hall on Wednesday 15 March. The theme song for the concert this year is ‘Sing’ by Pentatonix. We have linked this song with the Caritas Theme for 2017, which is ‘Love Your Neigh-bour’ and hope that Year 11 are inspired now to actively get involved in the life of the College. Danielle Fuller Acting Year 11 Coordinator

I S S U E 8 4

information ...

P A G E 8

From the Year 12 Coordinator On the 15 February, all 22 College Leaders assembled at Burraneer Mercy Centre for the afternoon and worked with the Year 10 Leaders from OLMC and DLS Caringbah. Our College Captains, Ryan Power and Olivia Brown started the day by explaining the process of how they developed the College theme for 2017. Students were then broken into smaller groups to work on their own themes. Our Leaders worked with these groups and helped them share ideas to the whole group. Thank you to all our Leaders for your assistance on this day. On Wednesday the 8 March, a group called Batyr were addressed by the Year 12 cohort during the Pastoral Lesson. The theme of the address is called “Dealing with Stress” and I think this is great timing as we are only a few weeks from the Half-Yearly Exams. They will be given a range of strategies to cope with the added stresses of exams and so I invite you all to have an open discussion at home with your children to see what hints they may have picked up. And finally, it was great to see many of you at the recent Parent/Teacher evening. If you do have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to call me. Mr Peter Geaney Year 12 Coordinator

All-Schools Teams Triathlon On Thursday 23 February, the College was repre-sented in the NSW All-Schools Teams Triathlon event at the International Regatta Centre at Penrith. Members of the team were all from year 11:

Chris Soravia (swim leg)

Henry Cunningham (bike leg)

Christopher Davidson (run leg) All three boys were very competitive in extremely hot conditions and were able to achieve 7th place overall and third in NSWCCC. Congratulations to the boys on an excellent result! Greg Breen English Teacher

From Food Technology Year 12 Food Technology enhanced their classroom learning with an authentic experience at Brasserie Bread on Tuesday the 14 February 2017. The students gained valuable insight for the unit they are currently studying, Food Manufacture. They were hands on in creating a bread plait and then used an authentic sourdough as the base for individual scrolls, which they were then able to take home. After a tour of the bakery facilities students were able to ask questions of the bakers to assist in completing their assessment task, including production methods, raw materials and HACCP specifications. Mrs Chidzey Food Technology Teacher

information ...

I S S U E 8 4 P A G E 9

From Careers A belated welcome to our new Yr.11 student just to let you know that the Careers Room is located in the Library. There are two Noticeboards, and racks with a variety of both updated ‘news’ relating to Study/Career pathways, as well as various hardcopy Course Guides etc., for you to browse whilst in the Library. (Whilst these items stay in the Library - if you ask, I may have spares or be able to photocopy specific pieces of information for you.) Students needing to obtain a Tax File Number - TFN - should go to the website ato.gov.au for instructions (these are no longer done through schools). Upcoming Events include: 21/3: UNSW Science & Engineering Information Evening (Yr11&12), designed to give students an insight into the Degrees on offer - go to www.unsw.to/scieng2017 or call 9385-7788 for more info. March - AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming & Water Safety, are conducting courses for those wishing to gain credentials to teach. Various venues & dates. Go to nsw.@austswim.com.au for more info. 11-15/4: Cochlea Autumn School of Engineering will be conducted by Engineers Australia & is aimed to give students a better understanding of what Engineering is, with seminars, visits, tours etc. Cost is$270. A popular event. To register go to www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sydney or see Ms. Brown in Library. St Patrick’s Inst. of Education plan to have an APRIL Intake for some of their full-time Business &/or Business Administration Diploma courses. With no ATAR required. Partnerships with ACU, UND & UNE mean theses diploma courses offer Possible alter-nate entry & pathway to University as well as a career path. For more info., go to www.spie.edu.au 5/3 : HSC in the Holidays - Macquarie University, and 12/3: HSC in the Holidays - UTS These offer subject specific seminars, Cost $20/session. For more info. & to register, go to www.hscintheholidays.com.au or call 1300677336. UOW - will run, 2 info sessions, in the Shire (Tradies Gymea) for local students; 2/5 for Yr.10 - ‘Subject Selection’ evening, and 8/5 for Yrs.10, 11 & 12 ‘Information Evening’ - both great Opportunities to gather information & ask questions, go to www.uow.edu.au/future/events for more. Yr.12 students are reminded to watch out for the ‘Tertiary Information Day’ excursion which will run in April, not long after the school holidays. This is an annual ‘market’ event at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre enabling students interested in - or even just considering, future study at University to gather information on Courses, Schol-arships, Double Degrees, Bonus Points, Early Entry, International Exchange, etc., etc. With many of the major Uni-versities & some other educational institutions in attendance, it is a valuable opportunity to research & compare, just ‘what is on offer where’. Researching all the options, before it’s time to apply, makes a lot of sense - it’s never too early - start now! The better your research, the better choices you are likely to make. There are lots of exciting possible Study &/or Career pathways out there for all of you, take a look. Knowing what it is you are aiming for after your HSC - makes the effort required to get your best HSC - make sense. I am available to discuss any of the above with individual students, see me in the Library to arrange a suitable time. Cheryl Brown Careers Advisor