Vol. 48 Issue 17 26th November 2012

STUDENTS ON THE JOB

FROM THE HEADMASTER

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Dear Parents/Carers,

This is our second last of our High Notes for 2012. In this edition and the next, several important dates will be listed that parents need to take note of both for the end of the school year and for the beginning of 2013.

From 12.15pm on Thursday 13th December, there will be no normal classes for any year level. The Deputy Headmasters column contains details for each year level. From 13th December to the end of the teachers’ school year, staff will be engaged in Professional Development and planning for 2013.

Because of the popularity of Parent/Teacher interviews, we have extended access to these. Interview times will be available over three days from Wednesday 19th December to Friday 21st December. There will be access online shortly to allow the booking of short interviews with your son’s teachers. You will receive your login details in the post. These meetings will cater for as many requests for interviews as possible but typically families who sign up via the web-based booking system promptly are more likely to obtain suitable booking times than are those who leave it until too late.

While reports will be available for collection at the interviews, parents should not feel obligated to come if you believe everything is okay regarding your son’s education. The reports remaining at the completion of the interviews will be posted on the afternoon of Friday 21st December.

The Office will open for business on Monday 21st January and the Year 7 students come to school for their further orientation on Wednesday 30th January. All other year levels will begin on Thursday 31st January. Due to swimming pool booking constraints, our school Swimming Carnival is set for Friday 1st February.

While that first week is a very short one for the students, the activities that will take place will provide them with the opportunity to start work immediately. So all students should be at school on the correct dates to get the required information from teachers. Students who start later will find that they may miss some of the communication necessary for them to begin in an organised manner.

The P&F AGM took place last week and I thank those parents who were in attendance. Most positions have been filled as per the P&F column later in this document.

We still need someone to take over the organisation of the Second Hand Book sales that take place toward the end of each year. Lyn and Paul Radovan have been instrumental in making the Book Sale efficient, effective and providing a huge cost saving to parents

So if there is anyone out there who is prepared to be trained up for this, I would appreciate you putting your name forward. The Executive and Committee have been wonderful for 2012. It is also most pleasing to see a good turnover of personnel with the majority of the outgoing committee still there to support the new group.

You can see from the articles later in this High Notes that the variety of events that can engage your son here at Marist are immense. It is very satisfying to see students make a decision to get involved. This commitment helps teenagers believe that they can make a difference in the world and they take that attitude with them after they leave school. Please realise that these activities are only possible because of the generosity of the teachers who spend a good deal of their time making sure that these extra things are in place.

Thank you and God bless,

Br Peter CorrHeadmaster

School Fees

A reminder that all fees are now due to be paid, other than those who are on installment plans.

Mr Mark BrooksBusiness Manager

FROM THE DEPUTY HEADMASTER

Convert to Email

If you’d like to receive statements and receipts by email, please send a response to:accounts@maristns.catholic.edu.au

MCNS Accounts Department

Final Weeks

Below are the times, dates and events that are occurring in our final weeks for 2012. I would like to remind parents that all students are expected at school and school events up to and including the last day of school. There should be minimal exemptions as all of these dates have been in the college calendar and diary since the beginning of the year.

Year 10 and 11

Year 10 and 11 conclude normal classes in Week 8 on Friday 7th December. They will be dismissed at the end of the Headmaster’s assembly. Year 11 students have an English Oral task on Tuesday 4th December. On this day they come in only for their assigned time for the task. The last few weeks are a busy time for Year 11 students with a number of assessment tasks due.

The Champagnat Gold Event for Years 10 and 11 will take place on Thursday 6th December. Students will be bussed to and from the event at Balmoral Beach. All students should be in attendance and a note with specific details will be sent home closer to the event.

Years 7, 8 and 9

Year 7, 8 and 9 will conclude classes in Week 9 on Thursday 13th December at approximately 12:15pm. The Champagnat Gold Event for Years 7, 8 and 9 will take place on Wednesday 12th December.

Oral Reporting

Parents will have an opportunity to book appointments with their son’s teachers in the final week on Wednesday afternoon (19th December), Thursday morning (20th December) and Friday morning (21st December). Specific information will be sent home to parents in the coming weeks. Students should be in attendance with their parents.

Mr David ForresterDeputy Headmaster

TEACHING & LEARNINGEnd of Year Schedule

Years 7 to 10 have just completed or are in the middle of their final Assessment Block for the year. It is really important for students to try and remain focused not just on their final assessment task for 2012 but on the work being covered in class right up until the end of the year. Most courses will not be completed until the very final week of school so important skills, knowledge and content are still being covered for that particular stage of the syllabus.

Each syllabi currently progresses through stages whereby previous skills and knowledge are built upon; it is very much a building block approach to education.The HSC Class of 2013 has already begun their final year of assessments with the tasks being completed this term forming the first part of their final year of internal assessment at the school. A reminder that students should really be trying to balance their lives between study, family and social time now in order to set up good habit for the oncoming year.

Study/Summer School Programmes

TSFX are offering summer school and head start lectures for both Year Eleven 2013 and Year Twelve 2013. I received very positive feedback about these programmes from some of our 2012 HSC students so I am happy to recommend them to parents and students.

The Year 11 programme begins on Monday 8th January and Year 12 begins on Tuesday 15th January 2013. Details about the specific lectures and workshops can be found on their website:www.tsfx.com.au

Miss Ann McGovernDirector of Teaching and Learning

Christmas Hamper Ideas

Non-perishable foods:Tinned Fruit, Creamed Corn, Baked Beans, Spaghetti, Salmon, Tuna, Peas or Carrots

Packet goods:Breakfast Cereals, Flour, Instant Noodles, Pasta, Spreads, Rice, Packet Sauces, Jellies

Toiletries:Soap, Deodorant, Toothbrushes, Shampoo, Conditioner, Shaving Cream, Moisturising Cream

Christmas Items:Pudding, Long-life Custard, Christmas Cake, Nuts, Canned Ham, Christmas Lollies

Other Items:Supermarket Voucher, Sweet/Savoury, Chocolates, Chips, Dips, Lollies

House Roster for Items for St Vincent de Paul

Week beginning 26th November:

Chanel House: Canned food itemsKelly House: Packed goods and drinks Salta House: Other items and Christmas goodsMoore House: Toiletry items

FAITH FORMATIONAdvent

The beginning of Advent is quickly approaching; Advent begins on Sunday 2nd December and ends on Monday 24th December. It is a special time in our Church calendar where we wait and prepare ourselves for the coming of the beautiful Christ child at Christmas, a time of spiritual reflection as well as cheer and anticipation.

The ultrasound picture caught my eye showing a beautiful baby developing in the womb just like any other child. However we all know that the birth of Christ at Christmas brings a very special child into our midst. We celebrate this special event using a special College Advent wreath. At this time of year it is easy for us to lose the run of ourselves in our approach to Christmas. We are constantly drawn to the secular rituals of the season; the gifts, the fun, the parties, decorating the houses etc. This is an important part of the Christmas Spirit but as Catholics it is important for us to focus on the real reason we celebrate this sacred time and prepare ourselves accordingly.

Many Christian families, during this period, find quiet moments lighting candles in an Advent wreath, and children use Advent calendars to count the days until Christmas. Over the weeks running up to the holidays there will be opportunities provided for staff and students to gather in prayer and reflection around our own College Advent Wreath.

This will be a beneficial time for each of us to focus ourselves spiritually and remember Jesus is the reason for the season! Currently the student body are working with Mr. Versteegh and Tutors on our annual Christmas Hamper Appeal for St Vincent de Paul.

So far we have had an overwhelming response to this appeal and I thank each family for their generosity at this time. There are still a few weeks to go so we encourage you to keep up the good work!

Each student is reminded to make food donations that will make up a Christmas hamper from their tutor group. We are also encouraged to buy gifts that could be given to families in need to make their Christmas a little more special.

This appeal has been happening at the school for many years and is a beautiful way for our students to continue to give back to the wider community at Christmas. Have a great end to the term and a joyous and peaceful Christmas.

Ms Marian McKinleyDirector of Faith Formation

FAITH FORMATIONMaking an Advent Wreath

So what is an Advent wreath and can I make my own? Advent wreaths originated in northern Europe, where in the deep of winter people lit candles on wheel-shaped bundles of evergreen. Both the evergreen and

the circular shape symbolized ongoing life.

The candlelight gave comfort at this darkest time of the year, as people looked forward to the longer days of Spring.Later, Eastern European Christians adopted this practice. By the sixteenth century, they were making Advent wreaths much as we know them today. An Advent wreath traditionally contains four candles - three purple and one rose.

Purple dyes were once so rare and costly that they were associated with royalty; the Roman Catholic Church has long used this color around Christmas and Easter to honor Jesus. The three purple candles in the Advent wreath symbolize hope, peace, and love. These candles are lit on the first, second, and fourth Sundays of Advent.

The rose candle, which symbolizes joy, is usually lit on the third Sunday. Sometimes a fifth candle is placed inside the Advent wreath. This candle is lit on Christmas Day. It is white, the color associated with angels and the birth of Jesus.

Prayer for Advent

O God,as light comes from this candle,may the blessing of Jesus Christ come to us,warming our hearts andbrightening our way.May Christ our Saviour bring lifeinto the darkness of this world,and to us, as we wait for his coming.

Birthing God,tonight we waitwith breathless anticipationthe comingof the Christ child.Quiet our hearts and mindsthat we may receive youin holy hospitality.Amen.

Child of the Light, Beth A. Richardson

LITERACY SUPPORTThank You

Our last Literacy Program lesson for 2012 was held on Thursday 15th November. Once again we have had a successful year thanks to our team of dedicated tutors who willingly sacrificed their time each Thursday to support our students. All our tutors showed great dedication to improving our students’ literacy skills through their flexibility, understanding and patience.

We wish to thank all of our amazing parent and Parish volunteers:

Mrs Frances BoyleMs Margaret Bridges

Mr Jamie BrownMr Michael BurkeMrs Guilia CarsonMrs Marny Coyle

Mrs Lyn CarpenterMrs Frances de JongMrs Margaret DuffyMr Alan McDonnell

Mrs Louise McDonnellMr Michael MurphyMs Denise O’HaganMrs Betty Ohtaras

Mr Greg ScahillMrs Megan Sturrock

Mrs Clare Walsh

Ms Clare Brouggy & Mrs Dianne SandemanLearning Support Department

CAMP BLUEwww.campblue.com.au

We hold day camps for 5-16 year in the grounds of Monte Sant Angelo in North Sydney each school holidays. We provide your child a unique school holiday experience:- A diverse range of activities on offer to cater for each child’s different needs and interests - Parents and campers select the programs they would like to participate in throughout the week - Your child will participate in 5 activities every day- Each activity is taught by an experienced and qualified instructor and your child will come away with something to show for what they have learned that week

Call 9400 9413 or email info@campblue.com.au

TAS DEPARTMENTHSC Design and Technology

Congratulations to Daniel Flynn!

His HSC project has been shortlisted for inclusion in the exhibition of outstanding design and technology projects that is held annually. The exhibition called DesignTECH is held at the Powerhouse Museum and various locations throughout New South Wales.

It is a testament to the hard work diligence and design talent that he displayed during the project. His interest in his surf-lifesaving club provided the inspiration for his ideas and the final design for his new uniform.

We wish Daniel well during the selection process and hope to hear more good news in the New Year.

Mr Ralph ChandlerDesign and Technology Teacher

Espresso, Latté, Macchiato, or a Cappuccino?

Year 10 and 11 students attended a barista course on Saturday 27th October, gaining their accredited ‘Prepare and Serve Espresso’ Statement of Attainment Certificate. The optional excursion for the Year 11 Hospitality class was to facilitate the students in gaining their barista certificate, which will contribute to both their Hospitality Competency Statement, plus increase their employability.

The word got around and so did the interest in attending the barista course increased, resulting in a large number attending the Sydney Coffee School at Haymarket.

The boys learnt about the different varieties of coffee, how to correctly store and grind the coffee beans, how to make the different styles of coffee, plus they enjoyed a couple of hours learning and practicing their Coffee Art.

We have already been told that one of the students since attending the barista course has gained a casual job as a barista and no doubt there will be more to come. The secret we discovered to the perfect coffee and latté art is practice!

Ms Rochelle Eggins and Ms Sally KimHospitality Teachers

Cameron Elliot perfecting his pouring

Daniel Flynn’s design work

TAS DEPARTMENTSecond Round for Year 11 Hospitality Industry Workplacement

During Week 2, students from Year 11 Hospitality went out on their second and final week of Industry Work Placement. Once again, we were lucky to have some excellent offers of work placement venues: Quay Grand Suites, Doltone House, Vibe, Est. Restaurant, Sugaroom, North Ryde RSL, Flavours Event Catering and Aqua Dining.

Students assisted with general kitchen duties, preparing food items and some service depending on the restaurant establishment. Marist College North Shore received a number of very pleasing reviews from the various head chefs regarding the students mannerisms, punctuality and eagerness to help and learn while on work placement.

The Head Chef from North Ryde RSL was once again very impressed with the students. He noted their work ethic and behaviour.

“I am happy to take students from Marist College North Shore any time, as you are clearly doing something right”.

Many of the students have spoken of their enjoyment during this second round of work placement. This is due to them knowing what to expect, having further developed their skills and confidence levels.

We congratulate the boys on a job well done!

Ms Rochelle EgginsHospitality Teacher

Yianni Saragas at Sugaroom, Pyrmont Lachlan Hardie at Quay Grand Suites, Sydney Harbour

Construction Work Placement

During Semester Two, Year 11 Construction students completed their final mandatory work placement for their course. The boys worked with various host employers across the wider Sydney area, gaining great insight into the Construction industry and developing their practical skills and knowledge.

The feedback received from our host employers was extremely positive and all students represented the College exceptionally. On behalf of our students and the College, I would like to formally thank all our host employers for the time and effort they put into our students in this valuable component of their course. Mr Sean DoweVET Construction Teacher

Jack Draper enjoying the view while on work placement

After School Drama Group 2013

Expressions of interest required

Next year, Marist College would like to host an after school drama group for students in Years 7 & 8. The group would be run on a Monday from 3.30pm - 4.30pm by an external provider for a fee.

The group can only go ahead if there is enough interest. Please contact Alicia Mitchell at alicia.mitchell@syd.catholic.edu.au if you are interested in joining the drama group next year.

Ms Alicia MitchellSchool Counsellor

LEADERSHIP TEAMNational Young Leaders Day

On Monday 19th November, the 2013 student leadership team attended the National Young Leader’s Day in the Sydney CBD. Along with over 2000 other students we were immersed with inspirational and change provoking presenters such as Ronni Kahn - founder of Oz Harvest, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki - renowned scientist & radio presenter and Taga Paa - youth worker & The Voice contestant.

These remarkable speakers reflected on their perspective on leadership and working to achieve the best we can not only within our school but in the world. By the end of the day the message was clear, leadership wasn’t about popularity, blue ties or badges but it was about helping anyone we can and finding something that we enjoy doing and using it to make a difference in the world.

Maxwell MaddenMoore Service and Mission Captain

P & F COMMITTEEP&F AGM

Thank you to everyone who attended the P&F AGM on Tuesday 13th November. It was great to review on the events of the year. Thanks to the outgoing committee who stepped down, and we are pleased to advise of the new committee for 2013:

President – Melanie LindquistVice President – Margaret Bridges

Secretary – Claire ManningTreasurer – Frank Catanzariti

Class Parent Co-ordinator – Annette BradfordSecond Hand Book Sales Co-ordinator

– position vacantGeneral Committee Members: Elizabeth Byrne, Richard Fitzgerald, Blas Lamberti, Leigh Stacey,

Frances Gaffney

The Christmas Drinks on Friday 23rd November was a great success. It was great to see everyone enjoy themselves, and the wonderful food created by Elizabeth Byrne. Sincere thanks to all our helpers who set up for the event. Your time is very much appreciated.

P&F Committee

Second Hand Text Book Sale Saturday 1 December 9am - 11am

in the La Valla Hall. On Friday 30th November the P&F will be accepting textbooks for sale from all Year groups in La Valla Hall from 8am to 2pm. Please ensure that the forms are filled in neatly and correctly and that you provide a stamped self addressed envelope. Books cannot be accepted for sale on Saturday morning. The Book Sale will take place on Saturday 1st December from 9 am to 11 am in La Valla Hall, and a mobile coffee van will be onsite for your convenience. Payment for books can only be made by cash or cheque (made payable to ‘MCNS P&F Association’). The complete list of textbooks which the P&F will accept for sale has now been distributed by email via the Class Parent network. If you did not receive it, and would like a copy, please contact the P&F at the email address below. If you have any queries regarding the Book Sale, or would like to volunteer to help on either Friday (30/11) or Saturday (1/12), please contact the P&F at maristbooksale@iprimus.com.au

SPORTMarist Mountainbikers

Eight Marist students recently competed in the 2012 All Schools Mountainbiking Championship, held at Yellomundee in the Blue Mountains. Students in attendance were Chris James, Ben Davy, Ashlie Russell, Hugo Douglas, Jake McSorley, Morgan Hanan, Alex Butler and Jayin Naran.

Around 200 students competed overall, from schools all around NSW. Although it was the first time for many of the boys, the teams put in an outstanding effort and achieved creditable rankings despite frequent damage to both skin and bikes as Ashlie Russell can attest to!

Mr Peter BennettMountainbiking Team Manager

THE YEAR THAT WAS...

THE YEAR THAT WAS...

Canteen27 Nov: Martina Anderson, Lara Avanus, Sandra Fitzgerald, Kirsty Hudson, Aleen Keosseian28 Nov: Melinda Flynn, Amanda Gallen, Annie Lucas, Meg Neuhaus, Sarah Panozzo, Ruth Scholes29 Nov: Rosina Aloe, Catherine Dovgan, Irene Agathokleous30 Nov: Julie Bourgeat, Mary-Ann Jackson, Jane O’Shea, Mary-Anne Webster3 Dec: Linda Fung, Denise McCarthy, Liz McGuire, Izabel Silva-Lindsey, Melissa Papikian4 Dec: Fiona Bush, Jacqueline Moran, Colin Wilson5 Dec: Sam Adderton, Marlana Collins, Kathy Gavranic, Lyn Radovan, Erika Keri6 Dec: Rosemary Burgess, Johanna Huskins, Chrissy Leahy, Jenny Winter7 Dec: Anne Christiansen, Karen Ferguson, Suzanne Fraser, Sandra Garratt, Karen Mitchell, Peta Turner10 Dec: Maria de Caires, Jo Nicholls, Takayo Thomson, Kerrie Van Loon, Kirsty Lusty

Uniform28 Nov: Anne Haron, Margaret Weller, Kerrie Van Rhoon5 Dec: Narelle James, Karen Whitehead, Mandy Arnold

VOLUNTEER ROSTERSLOOKING AHEAD26 Nov: Year 7 & 8 Assessment Week begins28 Nov: Uniform Shop Open1 Dec: Second Hand Book Sale, 9am - 11am5 Dec: Uniform Shop Open6 Dec: Year 10 and 11 Champagnet Gold Volunteers Thankyou Lunch & Liturgy7 Dec: Year 10 and 11 conclude for 201212 Dec: Year 7 - 9 Champagnet Gold Uniform Shop Open13 Dec: Year 7 - 9 conclude for 201219-21 Dec: Parent/Teacher Interviews21 Dec: College closes for 201221 Jan: College Office opens for 201330 Jan: Year 7 Orientation31 Jan: All students return for 2013

HOLIDAY STUDY SKILLS COURSES AT CHATSWOOD HIGH SCHOOL CENTENNIAL AVE,

CHATSWOOD

Study Skills Courses will run in the January HolidaysThe course for YEARS 10, 11 & 12 will be held on22 & 23 January, 2013 (Tuesday & Wednesday), 9am – 1pm, both days. The Course for YEARS 7, 8 & 9 will be held on 24 & 25 January, 2013 Thursday & Friday), 9am – 1pm , both daysEach course comes with the Skills Booklet andRelevant Handouts. Content aims to help students to be organised, motivated and to manage their time and subject skills effectively.For a course outline, enrolment and enquires contact:Mrs Ann Cook, author and course convenor onPhone/Fax 98182575 or visit website www.studiesforfuturechoice.com for enrolment

UNIFORM SHOPThank you

Thank you to the volunteers who gave their time on Saturday to assist with the 2013 Year 7 student fitting day. Although we only a had a small group of volunteers, we still managed to get through what is an incredibly busy day.

A special thank you to Br. Peter who spent the whole day filling orders once the boys had been fitted.

Out of stock items will be replenished by Wednesday 28th November.

Year 11 Blazer deposits are now overdue. Please pay by Friday 30th November or your order will be forfeited.

Mrs June MitchellUniform Shop

IT SUPPORTLap top Repair

If any student requires their lap top to be fixed before the end of the year, it must be lodged with IT support before the following dates:

Years 10 & 11 - Wednesday 5th December

Year 7, 8 & 9 - Tuesday 11th December

Any repairs which fall under the non-warranty category and if the family has insurance should be in for repair no later than Tuesday 27th November as these can take up to 4 weeks to repair. This applies to all students.

Mr Luke BrancaIT Administrator

Remember....The next edition of High Notes will be the last available in paper. Be sure to sign up for your online subscription!See page 2 for more details.