Vol. 48 Issue 18 10th December 2012

G u t t e r b a l l 2 0 1 2

FROM THE HEADMASTER

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Dear Parents/Carers,

Last Friday we farewelled our Year 10 class at an Assembly for the academic year. The ceremony included many presentations of achievement awards. The completion of Year 10 studies is a significant juncture in the lives of all students. For the more academic student, commitments need to be made towards systematic and consistent application to a new set of subjects which will ultimately determine the range of tertiary courses to which these young men will have access to post HSC. For the TAFE and the workforce bound, a less structured environment is about to present itself to these students. These students too will need to determine their goals more clearly so that they can strive for them and succeed without the external support that the school provides.

I am most impressed that the students of Marist College North Shore have the foresight and capacity to focus on their school work and be proud of the awards they receive. Sometimes in schools, teenagers place more emphasis on staying out of the spotlight and not being too different to their peers. But at Marist College North Shore I have not seen any sign of that attitude and students are prepared to work for excellence and the peer groups respect their efforts.

On Saturday we had a wonderful celebration of the launch of the new Province of Australia for the Marist Brothers. Many staff and students from Marist schools around Sydney attended. I thank staff and students who made up the numbers to make this occasion such a memorable one.

The volunteers’ lunch was very successful. More than 100 people attended and the food was very professional prepared by some of our Senior Hospitality class under the direction and guidance of Ms Rochelle Eggins. Congratulations and well done. The event as you know is to thank everyone who has helped the College in a voluntary capacity through the canteen, uniform shop, reading programme and the P&F activities.

Recently, I attended a Mass and Dinner at the Hermitage Centre, Mittagong, with the student leaders of the Marist Schools of NSW and ACT. At that function I received good feedback from the staff of other schools about the quality of our student leaders for 2013. The students were able to share ideas about different practices that the leadership groups use in each of the Marist Schools to promote interest and enthusiasm in school activities. The Marcus Woodfield video “The Heart of Marist” was shown to the group, after which many groups requested access to a copy they could show to their students groups.

As you can see from the front cover of this edition of High Notes, the students were very keenly involved in the games related to the House Cup competition. This competition has been running for two years now and serves to build house spirit.

Reports are being prepared for the various year levels and will be posted on 21st December if not collected at the Parent/Teacher meetings.

As previously flagged, this High Notes will be distributed online only from January 2013. It is important that families who have not already requested a subscription should do so as per the information shown below.

The P&F committee Annual Christmas drinks function two Friday’s ago was very successful with the attendance of more that 100 parents. Elizabeth Byrne and her team prepared lots of interesting nibbles which the group appreciated very much.

Important dates for the end of 2012 and the beginning of the 2013 school year are listed again later in this newsletter so it is important that you record these in a place where they remain handy for you.

I wish you all a very Happy and Holy Christmas. May you all have a good rest from the rush of work and school and return refreshed to give 2013 a good go.

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

Advent/Christmas Blessing

With the first week of Advent just beginning, I struck an accord with the message at Sunday Mass aboutthe significance of family. The message was that Advent is a time that reminds us of the importance and qualities of family. We should all learn through our primary family relationships the value of nurturing, love and care. From our primary family relationships we are called to then share these experiences,understandings and values with the communities that we live in. Jesus came into this world as anexample of these values and shared this message through words and actions.

Our Gospel values of love, hope, peace, truth, compassion and joy should be present in all families. It is hoped that through our theme of Encounter for 2012 that this has provided a sense of family spirit here at the College.Through the many activities and events throughout the year it is hoped that these family values havebeen fostered and felt by staff, students, parents and the wider community. It is an aim that those whocome in contact with the College leave with an understanding and appreciation for the richness of family spirit that is present at the College. It is hoped that in this season of advent that Marist families areunited and celebrate together the birth of Jesus Christ.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the Marist community for the 2012 year.I wish all families an enjoyable and spirit filled Christmas, a relaxing break and I look forward tocontinuing our journey in education in 2013.

May...the spirit of Christmas which is Peace...

the gladness of Christmas which is Hope...the adoration of Christmas which is Joy...

and the heart of Christmas which is Love...be yours now and tomorrow.

Mr David ForresterDeputy Headmaster

TEACHING & LEARNINGYear 10

Congratulations to all of Year 10 on finishing their junior schooling at the College. It was a fitting end for our students to be acknowledged at the Headmaster’s Assembly for their Academic Excellence and Commitment for the year.

For those of you returning to Marist, enjoy your upcoming break with family and friends and ensure that you return to school committed and focused as you embark on your senior schooling.

To those students who are leaving us, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours and hope that you will always have a place in your heart for Marist College.

Students are able to access their Stage 5 results through Schools Online from Monday 10th December using their sydstu.catholic.edu.au email address to login. The Board of Studies will not be sending paper copies of these results out to schools this year.

As 2012 draws to an end, I would like to wish everyone in the Marist North Shore Community a safe, holy and Merry Christmas.

Miss Ann McGovernDirector of Teaching and Learning

Silent night, holy night!Shepherds quake at the

sightGlories stream from heaven

afarHeavenly hosts sing

Alleluia!Christ, the Saviour is bornChrist, the Saviour is born

SOLIDARITY

As always it has been a busy month in Solidarity. Along with the regular meetings and outreach programs, a number of Year 10 students attended the Archdiocesan Social Justice Day, in which the Social Justice statement “The Gift of Family in Difficult Times”, was discussed and analysed in great detail. We were also fortunate to hear from Bishop Christopher Saunders who is the Bishop of Broome and head of the Bishops’ Social Justice Committee. His keynote address focused on issues regarding the importance to make time for family and he also spoke about the pressures that families are facing in current society. I invite you to read Marcus Woodfield’s short reflection about the day.

———————————— Seven boys from Year 10 with Mr Versteegh, took an insightful trip to the Social Justice Day at Southern Cross Catholic Church, Burwood. The Catholic Church’s statement on Social Justice issues for 2012/13 was “The Gift of Family in Difficult Times”. Over the course of the day we learnt about a range of issues from different speakers, particularly from Bishop Christopher Saunders who spoke about the struggles he has seen when dealing with families and how the modern day and age has had a huge impact on how families interact.

Boys also learnt about how the work life balance can often have a negative impact on family life, whether it is the amount you earn per hour or how long the hours you work, these factors can all take time out that could be better spent with your family. We gained a value about how we as Christians can deal with this head on and how the younger generation can influence others to make a change. It was a day of reflection that made us think about how lucky some of us can be, and how unlucky others unfortunately are. Marcus Woodfield Year 10 Salta

During the holidays our students will continue our fortnightly night patrol program, our weekly visits to Mathew Talbot and will still run our monthly Cake and Coffee service in Surry Hills. While the formality of the meetings has come to an end, our boys continue to be outstanding role models and have embraced the concept of what Solidarity is all about, as Pope John Paul II wrote in the SollicitudoReiSocialis:

“Solidarity is an act of recognition of the inalienable dignity of the ‘other’ (be that ‘other’ a person, a group of people or a nation). It sees them “not just as some kind of instrument, with a work capacity and physical strength to be exploited at low cost and then discarded when no longer useful, but as our ‘neighbour’, a ‘helper’, to be made a sharer, on a par with ourselves, in the banquet of life to which all are equally invited by God.”

(SollicitudoReiSocialis) Thank you also to everyone who has supported our Christmas appeal for the St Vincent de Paul Society – your generosity is greatly appreciated. I was truly taken back by the kindness of the families in our Marist community, as each day there would be a number of new presents which families had left and to see the number of hampers each tutor group has put together has been truly amazing. We have a truly wonderful community here at Marist College North Shore which always stands in solidarity with our neighbours. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Solidarity boys for their commitment and enthusiastic participation this year. I would also like to thank the many staff members who have assisted with various activities, particularly Mr Tony McDonnell, Mr Russell Kam, Mr Michael Dela Cruz, Mr Tam Dang, Mr John Collins, Mrs Pam Lewis, Mrs Dianne Sandeman, Ms Paula Reinhold and Mrs Marian McKinley, who have provided endless hours of service and commitment to the program.

I am very proud to be associated with such a fine group. Hope you have a blessed, safe and happy Christmas and New Year, and as you enjoy the holiday season please remember the words of Mother Teresa:

“Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time,

and always start with the person nearest you”.

Mr Stephen VersteeghSolidarity Coordinator

MATHEMATICSThe Hugh Colburn Workshop

The Hugh Colburn Mathematics Problem Solving workshop was a success here at the school with eight students from Year 7 spending one lesson a week with Hugh Colburn himself, a CSIRO Mathematician, allowed students to engage in mathematical thinking and processes to answer many challenging questions.

It was such a success here at the school that the Catholic Education Office asked a few of the students involved to go to a Mathematics Project Showcase at the Southern Region Office in front of many Principals, Executives, Coordinators and Teachers.

Flynn Tully, Christopher Magee & Dominic West present to the audience

Flynn Tully impressing the academics

Christopher Magee tackling the hard questions with the experts

The three students who attended were Flynn Tully (S6), Christopher Magee (M2) and Dominic West (K2.) They put on such a great performance in their analysis of the workshops, their experiences and the execution of their presentation that it was a big hit with the crowd.

Here is some of the feedback from the audience:

“They were the highlight of the presentations”

“I wish my girls could have that level of enthusiasm and confidence”

Congratulations to these boys at the presentation and the other five who participated in the workshops. The school’s future continues to look bright being blessed with young, enthusiastic and hard working minds like these.

Mr Tam DangMathematics Teacher

A candle is burning, a candle of Peace;

A candle to signal that conflict must cease.For Jesus is coming to show us the way;A message of Peace

humbly laid in the hay.

LEADERSHIP TEAM SCIENCEStudents Get Some Nuclear Exposure

On Monday 26th November, the HSC Chemistry class had the opportunity to hear from an expert in Nuclear Chemistry, Dr. Richard Fawdry. Dr Fawdry is employed by the CSIRO and specialises in nuclear medicine. He was previously responsible for the production and management of nuclear materials used in hospitals throughout New South Wales.

Students learnt about the use of Positron Emission Tomography, a method of using radioisotopes to determine the presence of disease in the human body, and how diagnosis and treatment measures take place to counter the effects of the disease. For example, Technetium-99m is used to locate brain tumours and damaged heart cells. The use of radioisotopes is a topic that is regularly examined in HSC Chemistry.

Overall the HSC Chemistry class gained a challenging yet immersive perspective towards better understanding the content of the course and what is involved in the practical applications of Chemistry, encouraging students to foresee a career path in Science.

Jion Rao and Sam LaineyHSC 2013 Chemistry Students

CAMP BLUEwww.campblue.com.au

We are day camps during school holidays for 5-16 year held 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

Marist Leaders gathered at The Hermitage

2013 Marist Young Leaders Gathering

The Marist Young Leaders Gathering held at The Hermitage in Mittagong was a fantastic opportunity for the House Captains and myself to learn skills that will enable us to lead with a greater example.

The retreat went for three days and involved eighteen Marist schools from around New South Wales and ACT. At first the sessions were challenging, as they required us to leave our comfort zone and socialise with people that we had just met. However the mysteries faded as we talked and entered in sessions with each other.

Over the three days we participated in multiple tasks through the theme of ‘Common Wealth’ where we explored what distinctive qualities that were common between Marist schools and encouraged us to lead as servant leaders. We were also inspired by the different approaches to leadership shown by the other Marist schools. A particular highlight was the response to our showing of “The Heart of Marist” video which was created by Year 10 student Marcus Woodfield. It made us feel proud that our MCNS spirit was acknowledged by many other schools.

Overall the retreat enabled the leaders to establish and refine skills that will help us lead in the coming year. My thanks goes to Mr Maoudis for accompanying us on the retreat.

Daniel BoyleCollege Captain

O star of wonder, star of light, Star with royal beauty bright,

Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.

CREATIVE ARTS

Music Tuition 2013

The Music Tuition Program is entering its twenty-second year in 2013 and we’re extending an invitation to your son to join or continue with the program.

Students who wish to continue Music Tuition from 2012 will need to re-enrol. Enrolment forms will be provided to each current student via their tutor group.

If your son expresses an interest in learning violin please fill in a Music Tuition form and write on the form your interest in that instrument. Please note that to gain the services of a violin tutor, we will need several students to make it viable.

New students to the Music Tuition Program will need to see Ms O’Brien to receive an enrolment form.If you have any questions please contact me at the College.

Ms Carolyn O’BrienHead of Creative Arts

Music Examinations

Congratulations to the Music students who recently completed their AMEB Performance Exams.

• Roupen Minassian - Grade 8 Piano Examination• Tarin Brennan - Contemporary Guitar Level One• Luke Stacey - Grade 3 Piano Examination• Jordan Veitch - Contemporary Guitar Level One• Thomas Colgan - Grade 5 Alto Saxophone• Callum Veitch - CPM Contemporary Guitar Level One• Andrew Cipriano - CPM Contemporary Guitar Level One• Liam Sandby - CPM Contemporary Guitar Level One• James Tai - AMEB Piano• Ben Sykes - Grade 3 Alto Saxophone Examination

Of special note, Ben achieved an outstanding A grade result for his Saxophone examination.

Mr Rodney HerbertMusic Teacher

P&F COMMITTEESecond Hand Book Sale

The P&F Book Sale was held last Saturday and it was our biggest and most successful sale to date, with more than 280 families taking the opportunity to purchase over 1,500 textbooks. We were very fortunate to have nearly 40 parents volunteer to ensure the success of the Book Sale, and our sincere thanks to everyone involved for all their hard work.

Cheques have now been mailed to all families who participated in the sale, whose books were sold.

Unsold Year 12 textbooks have been retained and will be offered for sale, on behalf of their original owners, to the incoming Year 12 cohort in September next year.

All the other unsold books were donated to Bus of Books, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing young people in rural and disadvantaged communities within Australia with resources and programs to read and succeed.

Mrs Lyn Radovan2012 P & F Second Hand Book Sale Co-ordinator

Thank You

The P&F would like to sincerely thank everyone who helped at the various events throughout the year. Their success is only possible with the support of the Marist College North Shore parent community. We are sure 2013 will be equally exciting and challenging and we wish you and your families a safe and peaceful Christmas. The P&F email account is currently undergoing maintenance. Should you have any questions or feedback, please contact the P&F via the College email address: northshore@maristcollege.com The P&F Committee

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask You to stay

Close by me forever And love me I pray

Canteen11 Dec: Brenda Davy, Stephanie Lainey, Rachael Russell12 Dec: Ann Catanzariti, Margie Morgan, Katharine Watts13 Dec: Kathryn Broomhall, Julie Gaidzkar, Maureen McKee, Suzanne Devine, Stethea Grobler

Uniform12 Dec: Margaret Kamma, Colin Wilson

VOLUNTEER ROSTERS

LOOKING AHEAD12 Dec: Year 7 - 9 Champagnat Gold Uniform Shop Open13 Dec: Year 7 - 9 conclude for 201219-21 Dec: Parent/Teacher Interviews19 Dec: Uniform Shop closed - STOCKTAKE21 Dec: College closes for 201221 Jan: College Office opens for 201329 Jan: Uniform Shop open30 Jan: Year 7 Orientation Uniform Shop open31 Jan: All students return for 20131 Feb: College Swimming Carnival Chanel sandwich making Moore Solidarity - Coffee & Cake in Surry Hills6 Feb: Uniform Shop open Blazer Fitting - Late Enrolments (Yr 7 - 11)8 Feb: Allwell Testing - Late Enrolments (Yr 7 - 11) Year 7 Bible Blessing and Instructional Mass11-13 Feb: Year 7 Camp13 Feb: Ash Wednesday Uniform Shop open19 Feb: 2013 Commencement Mass20 Feb: Uniform Shop open Assembly - Welcome to Year 722 Feb: Year 7 Parents - Marist Education Induction P&F Welcome Drinks

UNIFORM SHOP

Position VacantAssistant to Canteen Manager

$22.86 per hour + 9% super. Initial 12 month appointment

3 days a week, 7.30am - 11.30am.

The role will require the successful applicant to assist the Canteen Manager in food preparation, stocking fridges, cleaning and any other duties required by the manager in related to the operation of the Canteen.Successful applicant must be available for additional days of work if required.

Commencement date: Tuesday 29th January 2013

Please send your application to the Business Manager at: mark.brooks@syd.catholic.edu.au

Applications close Tuesday 18th December, 4pm.Appointment subject to NSW & CEO Child Protection Screening.

MerryChristmas

and a Happy New Year to all!

Volunteers

Thank you to all the helpers on the roster for 2012. Please contact me if you are unable to continue.

I hope to have the 2013 roster completed before the end of term - as always extra volunteers are always needed. The roster works out that volunteers usually do two days in Terms 1 and 4, Terms 2 and 3 volunteers usually only do one day per term.

2013

Term 1 2013 begins on Tuesday 29th January for the Uniform Shop with the normal roster starting on Wednesday 30th January. The normal business hours will stand: 10.00am to 2.00pm.

I will need approximately six helpers on the Tuesday from 10am until 2pm. If you are available please email on june.mitchell@syd.catholic.edu.au or ring 9957 5000.

School Bags

During 2012, I have experienced a lot of trouble with the school back pack.The Carribee data pack which appears to be very popular was only meant for students carrying a laptop and bare essentials. It is not strong enough for the weight most students are trying to carry in it and therefore the zippers and handles are tearing thus voiding the warranty.

I will now be selling the Carribee 30 - whilst it is a similar size to the Data pack it is a stronger build.Note: There is still some stock of the Data Pack.Students should also be using their lockers and laptops more efficiently, which should lighten the load in their back pack.

I am looking forward to a happier year with school back packs. All uniform items are now in stock or will be for the beginning of the new school year.

Mrs June MitchellUniform Shop Manager