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STELLA MARIS NEWSLETTER ISSUE 37 - 4 DECEMBER, 2015

52 Eurobin Avenue, Manly NSW 2095 Ph: 02 9977 5144 Fax: 9976 2753

www.stellamaris.nsw.edu.au administration@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au

F R O M T H E P R I N C I PA L

Dear Stella Community,

Reflecting on Curriculum @ Stella Maris College

Several articles this week have given me confidence in the work we are doing in teaching and learning. Geoff Masters, in an article in teachermagazine.com.au, reflected on the challenges we face in school education to identify and develop the attributes and skills needed by learners today. The OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) revealed there is a decline in the ability of Australian teenagers to apply concepts in real-world contexts. Secondly, Masters noted a continuing drop in the proportion of Year 12 students studying advanced courses such as mathematics and the sciences. When you consider these realities and recognise that the skillset students will need in the 21st world is one that values collaboration rather than isolated work, problem solving skills and creative learning rather than passive reproductive learning; understanding what we do with learning in schools is critical. Masters goes on to say that schools need to invest in developing teacher quality and making appropriate changes to pedagogy (how curriculum content is taught).

Masters suggests we set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as monitoring the literacy and numeracy levels through the PISA surveys and develop Australia-wide curriculum reform in response to this data. He proposes we encourage more seniors to choose STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects. Finally, he suggests our raising awareness of the general skills and attributes that employers value. Masters sees the priorities are to develop deep understandings, communication and problem solving skills, critical thinking and flexible learning.

Geoff Masters ‘A 21st Century Curriculum’ https://www.teachermagazine.com.au/geoff-masters/article/a-21st-century-curriculum?utm_source=Tuesday%20December%201&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Tuesday%20December%201

In his recent William Walker Oration at the 2015 ACEL Conference ‘Leadership in a Digital Age’, Michael Fullan said that leading learning in schools to bring about effective change is critical. Creating schools that have a culture where it is okay to try new things, where collaboration and shared practice as well as goal setting are the norm, is essential. For good learning in a digital environment we need to have a cycle of trying things, to have leaders that listen and ask questions, to speak about what is happening and plan for the future and develop people who want to take charge of their own learning.

These two articles confirm our plans for teaching and learning in 2106 at Stella Maris College. We hope to continue our relationship with our critical friend, David Roy from the University of Newcastle who is challenging the staff to think about what is the nature of learning in their classrooms through

classroom peer evaluation and next year through coding of assessments. We look to engage parents more formally with input on Information Evenings and invitations to attend events about their daughters learning as we had trialled this year. We look to encourage the girls to set clear goals for their learning that they will reflect and revise throughout the year. We are focused on providing a good educational outcome for all our Stella girls - preparing them for their future.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Taylah Stain on her selection into ARTEXPRESS.

Farewells and Sojourns

We have several staff leaving or on-leave: Mary Ryland is taking long

service leave for the start of 2016 but plans to retire during 2016.

Anne Coyte is taking long service leave for the start of 2016 but plans to retire during 2016.

Christine Jordi will finish with us after filling in in the Mathematics department from the start of Term 2. We thank her for her service to the College.

Colin Macallister will be on long service leave for the first half of 2016.

I would also like to acknowledge the work of Jeanette Ferguson who is stepping down from the Leadership Team, however, she will continue as Careers Coordinator at the school. I thank her for her contribution to Staff Services over many years.

End of Year

The school office officially closes on Friday 11 December and reopens on 11 January. I wish all who are part of the Stella community a happy and holy Christmas and a restful New Year.

Advent Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, who is, who was, and who is to come,

we pray for the virtue of hope, that amidst the trials and difficulties of this world,

we may keep our hearts fixed upon you, who reigns over the cosmos.

May your grace enliven us, strengthen us, and defend us, as we await your coming in glory.

Amen

Please see the following link for Christmas Mass times: https://www.dbb.org.au/parishes/dsp-default.cfm?loadref=582

Elizabeth Carnegie, Principal

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U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

2016 TERM DATES

TERM 1 Friday 29 Jan Term 1 Starts for Yr 7, 11 & 12 Monday 1 Feb Term 1 Starts for Yr 8, 9 & 10 Friday 8 Apr Term 1 Ends

TERM 2 Tuesday 26 Apr Term 2 Starts Friday 24 Jun Term 2 Ends

TERM 3 Tuesday 19 Jul Term 3 Starts Friday 23 Sep Term 3 Ends

TERM 4 Monday 10 Oct Term 4 Starts Thursday 1 Dec Term 4 Ends

HOLIDAY OPENING HOURS

The College will be closed for a function on 9 December 2015

The Main Office will be closed from: 3pm on 11 December 2015 - 9am on 11 January 2016

The Finance Office will be closed from: 3pm on 11 December 2015 - 9am on 18 January 2016

The Uniform Shop will be closed from: 4.30pm 4 December 2015 - 9am 18 January 2016

Please see our Calendar in our section of the newsletter.

PRESENTATION NIGHT

Monday 7 December 2015 7:30pm

C3 Church, 34 Wakehurst Parkway, Oxford Falls

Attendance is compulsory for all students.

Full school uniform must be worn. If it is cold, make sure you bring your jumper or blazer. No fancy hair accessories are permitted and no long socks.

All students are to arrive by 7.00pm to have their name marked by their PC Teacher, and are to be seated by 7.20pm, ready for proceedings to begin at 7.30pm.

All students are to sit in their PC Groups with their PC teachers.

All students are to remain silent during the evening, as this is simply a sign of good manners.

There is to be no verbal responses to items, only applause.

Students who are receiving an award will need to come onto the stage to receive this and remain on stage until all of your Year group has been called.

It is courteous to remain until the end of the evening, don't just take your daughter if she has received her award/prize or finished performing.

Please ensure that you have gone to the toilet before the proceedings.

No food is to be consumed.

Students involved in the rehearsal earlier in the day will leave on the buses on Monday morning and return in time for school buses in the afternoon. There is no shop onsite and all girls will need to bring their morning tea, lunch and ensure they have water with them.

7 Dec Presentation Night 7:30pm

2016

27 Jan Staff Day

28 Jan Staff Day Year 7 2016 Parent Information Evening 7.00-8.00pm

29 Jan Term 1 Starts for Years 7, 11 and 12

1 Feb Term 1 Starts for Years 8, 9 and 10

15 Feb Opening Mass 10.15am at St Mary’s Cathedral

25 Mar PUBLIC HOLIDAY Good Friday

28 Mar PUBLIC HOLIDAY Easter Monday

8 Apr Term 1 Ends

STUDENT TAX FILE NUMBER (TFN) INFO

The Australian Taxation Office, in partnership with Australia Post, has made it easier for individuals to apply for a TFN. Students can apply online and have their identity verified through an interview at a participating Australia Post office.

Information on applying online can be found at ato.gov.au by searching for 'QC27248'. For further information you can phone 1300 130 282 between 8am-5pm Monday to Friday.

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M I S S I O N

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C A R E E R S

Study in the USA Fair—10 Mar 5-7pm. Redlands School, Cremorne. A list of all participating universities and registration will be available Term 1, 2016. Over 20 universities expected. Contact ssalier@redlands.nsw.edu.au Macquarie University ATAR Information Events—17 Dec Online chat 9am-12pm and ATAR Information Evening 5-8pm. Atrium, CampusHub, Building C10A, Macquarie University. Answers on enrolment, alternative pathways, flexible study, applications and offers. http://www.mq.edu.au/about/events/view/atar-release-online-chat/ ANU Scholarships—Closes 6 Jan Equity Scholarships Love Undergraduate Scholarship Up to

$50,000 over five years. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds. http://www.anu.edu.au/students/scholarships-support

The Poppy Undergraduate Scholarship $5,000 a year for three years. Study Sociology, Economics, Commerce or Law. http://www.anu.edu.au/students/scholarships-support

Portfolio Entry for UNSW Art & Design—Closing 11 Dec Students wishing to demonstrate their creative potential and boost their chances of entry may submit a Portfolio which should include a cover letter, two referees, and a selection of work consisting of 6 images; a URL; or a 500 word review. To submit, visit: http://portfolio.artdesign.unsw.edu.au/users/login UMAT 2016 Registrations Open Soon Registrations close 3 June 2016. UMAT test on 27 July 2016. For medicine, dentistry and health science degree programs. http://umat.acer.edu.au/. 3 day hands on forensic science workshop murder mystery http://sydney.edu.au/science/outreach/high-school/experience/index.shtml Western Sydney University Campus Experience 3 Dec: Bankstown 4pm 10 Dec: Parramatta 4pm 17 Dec: Penrith 4pm Meet a students and take a tour. http://logincms.uws.edu.au/future/future_students_home/events_at_uws/campus_experience Sydney TAFE New Bachelor of Property Valuation Study for a career as a valuer. http://sydneytafe.edu.au/newsevents/news/bachelor-property-valuation William Angliss Institute New Bachelor of Resort and Hotel Management Learn management business operations in the hotel environment. http://www.angliss.edu.au/news/17-hospitality/331-new-bachelor-of-resort-and-hotel-management-launched Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP) Information Evening—20 Jan 6pm. Lvl 5, 11 York St Sydney. VET, Bachelor, Honours, Graduate Diploma and Masters programs. RSVP at http://www.acap.edu.au/future-students/info-sessions/ or call 1800 061 199. National Institute of Education Simulated UMAT Day Workshop 14 Jan, 19 Mar, 28 May & 14 Jul:

UNSW Kensington campus 5 Mar & 12 Jul: Canberra Grammar

School Study and help over UMAT style questions. http://nie.edu.au/simulated-umat-day-workshop

Style Academy Modelling, Screen Acting, Photography, Make up Artistry Academy Based in Sydney CBD with over 18 years . Available Tuesday to Saturday. To book 9264 3344 or http://styleacademy.com.au Nature Care College Healthy Careers Day—16 Jan 46 Nicholson Street, St Leonards. info@naturecare.com.au or 02 8423 8333. http://www.naturecare.com.au/media-and-events/events/events/healthy-career-day-16-january%2C-2016/9 National Art School Summer School—11-15 Jan Forbes Street, Darlinghurst. Discount ends 7 December. Study with specialists in sculpture, ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking. shortcourses@nas.edu.au or 9339 8633. http://www.nas.edu.au/shortcourses/Summer-School WEP Australia A not-for-profit student exchange programs to over 25 countries around the world. 1300 884 733 or http://wep.org.au. Camp America Sydney Job Fair—10 Jan Rydges World Square hotel, 389 Pitt Street, Sydney. http://campamerica.com.au/job-fair/ Defence Careers Australia Information Sessions https://www.facebook.com/DefenceJobsAustralia/timeline Careers with Animals http://www.animal-job.co.uk/Careers-With-Animals.html Become an anaesthetist https://www.myhealthcareer.com.au/become-an-anaesthetist Become a Psychiatrist https://www.myhealthcareer.com.au/become-a-psychiatrist/ Sci School—10-24 Jan HSC success begins by preparing early. That's why we're hosting our HSC Summer Headstart Programs via online LiveStream to equip students to achieve their best possible Half Yearly exam marks, we have 5 single-day programs on offer—Mathematics (2U), Mathematics Ext. 1 (3U), Mathematics Ext. 2 (4U), Physics, and Chemistry. Early-bird discounts available until midnight 18 December, saving students 10%.

Jeanette Ferguson, Careers Advisor

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D U K E O F E D I N B U R G H

CAMBODIA TRIP

Twenty three students and four staff members left last Friday to travel to Cambodia, so far they have been to Siem Riep and Battambang.

'The school visit was amazing. It was astounding to see the impact and connection the students made at the school. Many of the Cambodian girls and Stella girls were in tears last night when we said goodbye after two days with them. Definitely a long term relationship between schools was established’ Linda Silburn.

Andrea Mezger, Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator

K N I T T I N G C LU B

Our squares have now been sewn together into beautiful blankets. The blankets will now be donated to ‘Wrapped with Love’ and distributed to those in need throughout Australia and overseas.

The girls involved in Knitting Club have been committed every Friday lunchtime for the past two terms. We are so proud of all the girls for what they have achieved.

Special thanks to Ms Mezger, Mrs Hornas and Mrs Wharton who have shared their knitting skills and experience. Many thanks also to Mrs Kemp (a staff member’s mother) for sewing the blankets together.

Alison Hausmanns, Teacher of Religion

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L A N G UA G E S

LANGUAGES IDOL 2015

An afternoon of merriment, fun and laughter! This is a succinct description of Languages Idol 2015 hosted by the talented Lauren Ewins, whose spellbinding rendition of Andrea Bocelli’s Con Te Partiro` gave the girls goosebumps of excitement. Years 8 and 9 students danced to the tune of their language of choice.

Chinese students danced gracefully with umbrellas to Where is My Friend? They entertained the audience with a very famous Chinese pop song Little Apple.

French students entertained with their timeless renditions of old favourites Alouette and Frere Jacques. The girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves and got into the spirit of the afternoon entertaining the audience with upbeat performances of Je m’appelle Funny Bear, Parlez-vous Francais? and ABBA’s Waterloo (in French of course)!

It was with gusto and enthusiasm that the Italian students danced and sang Il Ballo del Qua Qua Qua (the Chicken Dance) and Pupo Gelato al Cioccolato.

Japanese students danced to a modern song Fortune Cookie in Love. With the energy of all teenagers they danced The Lazy Egg Dance and the Monster Dance.

You couldn’t wipe the smile off Spanish students’ faces as they danced the Macarena and Waka Waka, then completely changed the tempo to a more traditional and wonderful performance of Live My Life.

It was more than obvious that the girls thoroughly enjoyed all of the performances and left the theatre with the joy that true entertainment generates!

Teresa Milazzo, Teacher of Italian

P E R F O R M I N G A R T S

SOUTH COAST TOUR

On Tuesday 1 December our Concert Band and String Ensemble took part in a whirlwind tour of the South Coast. The morning started early with a long drive down to Stella Maris Primary School at Shell Harbour. The students played a beautiful set that mixed their repertoire with some Christmas carols. The primary kids really enjoyed themselves and sung along to a number of carols. After the show the students continued on to Jamberoo Action Park where they had a couple of hours to ‘control the action’. Thanks again for a wonderful year and we look forward having you as part of the Stella Maris musical community in 2016.

THEATRE SPORTS

Our Drama girls had an inspirational night attending Theatre Sports at the Enmore Theatre on Saturday Night. Thank you to our wonderful Drama staff - Geoff Cartwright, Mitchel Smith and Cara Brown.

Jessica Maker, Head of Performing Arts

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BBSSSA SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS

After being postponed several times, the BBSSSA Surfing Championships was finally held on Friday 27 November at Avoca Beach. The conditions were good and Stella dominated the competition, gaining top three places in every event. The standard of surfing was very high, with judges noting it was the highest level of surfing that has been seen in the junior event for many years. Well done to the Stella girls on their fantastic results:

Junior Surfing: 2nd Jasmine Riggs, 4th Bailee Radford, 7th Georgie Baldwin

Open Surfing: 1st Lois Morton-Chong

Open Mal: 1st Steph Carroll, 2nd Ella McIndoe

Open Body Board: 1st Skye Nankervis, 2nd Campbell Reimer, 3rd Sophie Wickham

BASKETBALL GRAND FINALS

Congratulations to our Year 7/8 basketball team who won the grand-final of the Year 9 Division of the Manly Warringah Basketball Competition this week. This is a great achievement as the girls were playing up in the older division. Well done girls!

Good luck to the year 10 team who are still to play their grand final.

Jenny Wickam, Sport Coordinator

S P O R T

V I S UA L A R T S

YEAR 9 PAINTING WORKSHOP

Last Wednesday the Year 9 Visual Arts 100 hours and 200 hours classes joined together for a painting workshop on the theme of Multicultural Portraiture run by Meredith Rasdall, who has been teaching art from her studio in Clareville for many years.

Canvas paintings usually begin with a white canvas, however for these portraits the canvas was primed with a black Gesso. To sketch the portraits. The girls used white chalk pastels, and then commenced painting. The style of painting required the students to apply the colours up to the edge of the chalk lines. When the works were finished and dried the chalk was wiped away which revealed the thin black lines. The effect was amazing. We were so impressed with the way the girls worked. They painted for five hours straight and had to be coerced outside for a lunch break. All of the students finished their paintings and we are again amazed at the talent and dedication of our visual arts students and the quality of their work.

Belinda Foss, Head of Visual Arts

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Thanks to our volunteers for another wonderful helpful year. Have a happy, safe and restful Christmas and see you in 2016.

PLEASE RING 0414 519 108 OR EMAIL ME TO LET ME KNOW IF YOU WILL BE COMING BACK IN 2016 SO I CAN PREPARE THE ROSTER DURING THE HOLIDAYS. I will then email it to you.

SAFETY NOTICE The Canteen only provides boiling water for noodles to girls with 70g Fantastic Noodles (available from Canteen) or Simplee (available from ALDI) as their containers are sturdier than others and can withstand boiling water.

HEALTHY OPTIONS CAMPAIGN Students receive My Student Account points for purchasing healthier foods, e.g. water, salad/multigrain/wholemeal rolls. Prizes are awarded at the end of the year to a girl in each year group (Year 12 prize is one formal ticket paid for) so consider what you’d like to order and get those points accumulating.

Information: 1300 369 783 Add Funds: 1300 884 668 Students are not to lend their card to others. Card owners

must be in attendance if students want to buy for others. Students should have only ONE card - no old cards. Replacement cards cost $5. Please check your daughter’s My Student Account to ensure

she has sufficient funds to purchase items.

PARKING Electronic number plate identification is now in force in our parking area - you could be booked, even if you move to another spot within the same zone after 2 hours. You can still park above the stairs at Queenscliff, in Kenneth Road or over the bridge on Pittwater Road, toward the Mall as this is Warringah Council area and therefore not restricted.

Bernie McGrath & Cheryl Young, Canteen Supervisors

C A N T E E N

U N I F O R M S H O P

OPEN (During School Terms): 8:00am-4:30pm Tue/Wed/Thu. PAY BY: Cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, EFTPOS, cheque (made out to ‘Stella Maris College’) and Student Card. CHECK THE COLLEGE WEBSITE FOR: *Uniform Regulations *Second Hand Uniform Policy *College Shoe Policy *Uniform & Stationery Price Lists

The Uniform Shop is now closed till Monday 18 January. During the holidays you can email

uniform_books@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au with any queries. This email will be checked periodically.

2016 STATIONERY Current Years 7-10 have been emailed their 2016 stationery requirements - all items can be purchased from the Uniform Shop including Art, Photography and D&T specific items.

STUDENT DIARY Next year students are to provide their own diary. Either Stella Maris generic for $10 (available January), paper diary or digital.

2016 BOOKLISTS Now available online www.campion.com.au, use code ZW5Z to access Stella lists. Orders to be made online by 4 December.

StellaBay is now operating (via Moodle). You can buy and sell books second hand. Please pay attention to the tables that list which books can be sold, as not all of them can.

UPDATED PRICE LIST Summer Dress $ 80.00 Jumper (wool) Size 8-14 / Size 16-20 $ 70.00 / $ 75.00 Jumper (cotton) $ 70.00 Socks $ 8.00

Gail Hickey & Maree Sewell, Uniform/Book Shop Supervisors 9976 1819 or uniform_books@stellamaris.nsw.edu.au

2016 OPENING

HOURS

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

18 JAN

9:00 – 2:00pm

19

9:00 – 2:00pm

20

9:00 – 2:00pm

21

9:00 – 2:00pm

22

9:00 – 2:00pm

23 Selling Day

9:00 – 2:00pm

25

9:00 – 2:00pm

26 CLOSED

Australia Day

27

10:00 – 2:00pm

28

9:00 – 2:00pm

29 Yr 7,11,12 return

8:00 – 4:30pm

30

1 FEB Yr 8,9,10 return 8:00 – 4:30pm

2 FEB

8:00 – 4:30pm

3 FEB

8:00 – 4:30pm

4 FEB

8:00 – 4:30pm

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* Only the students first name has been printed due to Privacy Permissions

C O M M U N I T Y