BDC
BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGE
FAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE
COFFS HARBOUR
Firm
Foundations
Bright
Futures
www.bdc.nsw.edu.au
Issue # 4
19 February | 2016
From The Principal
College News
I have written in recent weeks about the Association of Independent Schools NSW Embedding Excellence project we have joined.
Embedding Excellence is a school-wide project that will allow us to identify aspects of the school’s operation that we do well, and
that we must continue to refine and ‘embed’. It will also identify areas of our operation that need attention and resourcing so that
school-wide improvement can be had.
The Federal Government will insist on school improvement plans being in place from 2017, so we are pleased to begin this work
now.
Embedding Excellence will give clarity to our vision and values. Importantly, it will also identify strategic pillars upon which we can
focus our attention and resources as a school in the coming years. We want the best possible outcomes for our students. We also
want to ensure that BDC is a school that values and recognises its staff, promotes their professional growth, and is a school that
welcomes engagement with our parent community.
The first stage of the process is to engage our stakeholders – staff, students (from Year 5 – 12), and parents and carers. Staff were
given links to their survey this week.
We will e-mail a link to the parent survey on 22 February. It will close on 4 March. I encourage you to complete the survey and help
inform our strategic direction in the coming years.
Congratulations this week to:
• Year 5 boys Campbell Brear, Jesse Cameron, Sandon Carpenter, Nelson Sharp, Lachlan Sullivan,
Joshua Harrington, and Luke Taylor who became U10 Futsal champions at Bray St last week
Alan Ball
Principal
Chaplain’s Chat
view the current edition of the
North Coast Anglican Newspaper
For those who have not been raised in the tradition of the Christian church, the concept of
Lent can be quite foreign. And yet, we all have rhythms in our lives of times where we have
less and more. Luke’s Gospel tells us that Jesus spent forty days in the desert wilderness
before he began his life’s work and ministry. Inspired by this, the church has taken the forty
days before Easter as a time of preparation and contemplation, a time of living with less,
before the indulgent celebrations of Easter Sunday. Using colour to represent the different
festivals and times of the year, we are now in the purple weeks before Easter. Purple is a
royal colour, a colour for kings, and a colour when we remember Jesus as King. When we
reach Easter, we encounter white, the colour of pure celebration. In our Chapel services
we’ve been using this circle to tell time in the Church year, a calendar without words or
numbers but simply colour and symbol.
Lent is also a time for us to consider the ways we would like to change, to live better, to be better humans. The last few weeks we
have seen in the media people of faith standing up in protest against asylum seeker children being returned to live in detention
centres. Anglican leaders around Australia, amongst those from other denominations, have opened their churches as places of
sanctuary and safety. As Chaplain at Bishop Druitt College, I encourage students here to look for opportunities to advocate for
human rights across the globe and within our own country and community.
Rev Naomi Cooke
Chaplain
secondary school
from the head of secondary
We are now in Week 4 and I hope that students, staff and families have settled
into their routines and that everything is running smoothly. Our Year 7 students
have been away on camp since Tuesday and I have seen some of the photos on
the BDC facebook page. The students appear to be having an enjoyable time,
learning to work with each other and test their boundaries in a safe environment.
For some students this may have been their first experience away from home and
parents and they have managed their concerns and anxieties in positive ways that
will support them in life.
Our Year 7 students usually return from camp feeling they belong at the
secondary school, have made new friends and are ready to learn and continue
the challenge.
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BDC
BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGE
FAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE
COFFS HARBOUR
Firm
Foundations
Bright
Futures
www.bdc.nsw.edu.au
Issue # 4
19 February | 2016
College News
Beth Hilton will include a complete report in next week’s newsletter. Thank you to the staff who have been on camp with our
students.
Our Year 12 students will be starting to think about their first set of examinations. These ‘mid-year’ examinations are the mid-point
of their course and occur in Term 1 Week 8 and Week 9 and will give students feedback about their progress. It is also a chance
for students to reflect honestly about their work habits and effort levels. Prior to these examinations Year 12 students and parents
will receive an Interim Report that is an indication at this point in time, of student progress. There is also a Teacher-Student-Parent
Interview on Wednesday 9th March that is another opportunity for parents, students and teachers to discuss goals and strategies
to meet these.
Carmel Spry
Assistant Principal (Head of Secondary)
aboriginal and torres strait islander education
Giinagay! 2016 has started off at a cracking pace. There are some exciting developments
happening at BDC in regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education. Each
fortnight we will highlight some good-news stories happening around the school in
respect to Goori education.
This year, BDC has contracted Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation, headed
up by Gumbaynggirr man Clark Webb, to deliver weekly Gumbaynggirr language lessons
to our Goori students, alternating weeks between primary and secondary. Both groups
have had their first lesson with Clark and Uncle Barry Hoskins with incredible success
already. This program is anticipated to build on the students’ cultural and community
connections, as well as their self-esteem and feeling of belonging at BDC, not to mention
the far-reaching benefits of learning multiple languages in terms of literacy skills and brain
development. In addition to delivering this expansive program to our Goori students,
Clark will also run one lesson a term for all interested students, of which there are many.
This will add to the culture of Reconciliation and inclusion at BDC and provide an inclusive
cultural activity for all students to enjoy and be part of.
In the primary school, we congratulate Meg Parker-Reynolds and Sara Crowe, both in
Year 6, who have inherited the important responsibility of Acknowledgement of Country at
Primary assemblies. In secondary, we would like to congratulate Serena Waters, Tahnee
Marr, Kalani Morris, DJ Hart, Jonah Bedford, Zac Hart, Jaydyn Hoskins and Stephen Craig
on their writing and delivery of Acknowledgments for the first four secondary assemblies
this year.
Stay tuned for more Goori education news in the weeks to come!
Ms Fiona Webb and Mr Louis Van Dartel
Secondary Learning Resource Centre
SECONDARY IMPORTANT DATES – TERM 1
Year 11 Parents Information Evening – Tuesday 1st March (5.30pm – 6.30pm)
Year 7 Parents Information Evening – Wednesday 2nd March (5.30pm – 6.30pm)
Year 7 Immunisations – Wednesday 9th March (9.00am – 12.30pm)
Stage 6 Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews – Wednesday 9th March (4.00pm – 8.00pm)
Year 12 Half Yearly Examinations – Monday 14th March to Thursday 24th March inclusive
Year 7 Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews – Wednesday 16th March (4.00pm – 8.00pm)
Year 10 Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews – Wednesday 23rd March (4.00pm – 8.00pm)
Easter Weekend – Friday 25th March to Monday 28th March inclusive.
Secondary Cross Country – Monday 4th April (during Sport)
SPONSORSHIP WANTED: BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGE’S NEW STUDENT MAGAZINE
Bishop Druitt College’s new student magazine is currently looking for local businesses that
would benefit from reaching a student demographic. Vision Magazine is focused around
showcasing the creative and literary talents of students - primarily in the areas of visual arts,
creative writing, and photography. Sponsorship includes an entire A4 advertisement, as
well as brand promotion within all of the magazine’s own promotional materials. This is an
exciting opportunity to promote both the creative talents of youth, while also reaching a highly
concentrated demographic of twelve to eighteen year olds.
Please contact Lewis Gentle at [email protected] for further enquiries.
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BDC
BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGE
FAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE
COFFS HARBOUR
Firm
Foundations
Bright
Futures
www.bdc.nsw.edu.au
Issue # 4
19 February | 2016
College News
VISUAL ARTS
Year 8 were given the task of appropriating an artwork and turning it into a title page for
their Visual Arts Diary. Appropriating in art is about taking a known work and changing
the meaning of it by ‘borrowing, recycling or copying elements or all of a work.’ Some
famous appropriations include the work of Andy Warhol or even The Mona Lisa (think
Homer Simpson as The Mona Lisa!). Wylie Harrison in Year 8 appropriated the work of
street artist Banksy and ‘The Thinker’ by Auguste Rodin. The results are fun and very
clever.
Rebecca Brown
Visual Arts Teacher
primary school
from the head of primary
Homework is one of the oldest and most controversial topics that parents and teachers have views about, and opinions haven’t
changed much over the years.
At BDC we recognise that students have very busy lives before and after school, but that parental expectations for regular homework
sessions are also important.
In the Junior School (K-2) we ask that students read for ten minutes every night (or morning). Of course some children love to sit with
their older siblings and “do” homework. Great modelling by the big kids, but only if it is seen as part of ‘play learning’. If your child
is so inclined, getting them to write a story, draw some pictures, can be a fun activity. They certainly don’t need those commercial
NAPLAN preparation books!
In the upper grades homework is often set as revision of class work. This is not a time to learn new concepts, that is the teacher’s
job to deliver. Naturally, parent interest will model enthusiasm in completing homework tasks. If your child continues to struggle with
set homework, please speak to the class teacher as we are here to help. Many teachers encourage extra curricular tasks which may
help with the running of the household, like setting the table for dinner. I know you would all encourage this sort of participation.
Our children work very hard at school, not only with the basics of English and Maths, but many are learning social skills, and this can
be very tiring, especially when after school activities continue to keep them busy. If you feel that homework is an added imposition
or there is too much set, please let the class teacher know.
Karin Lisle
Assistant Principal (Head of Primary)
writer of the week
My Mysterious Little Pet
One snowy bright morning in the tall mountains of Canada, a 10 year old boy named Liam and his family was skiing down a steep
mountain. Suddenly, Liam started tumbling roughly down the mountain. He hit something and fell down into a hole.
He was now in a large hole, the light was very dim and it was freezing in there. Luckily, he had his thick woolly jacket and blue and
black checked overalls on to keep him warm. The cave smelt of rotten fish and smoke.
Liam tried to scramble out of the hole he had fallen in, but it was no use. The white soft snow kept on pouring in which made the
room darker and darker. Liam was a smart boy so he knew that when snow melts it turns into water. So he grabbed a bunch of snow
and placed it in a hole. Liam went to explore his surroundings. Then he tripped over something. It was a bunch of ashes.
The ashes were very cold. In between the ashes there was a large blue, pink and green egg. It was hatching. One small blast of fire
lit up the room for a second and then the light went dim again. Then one more blast of fire came out of the egg. Suddenly out came
a dragon with tough leathery black skin.
Liam went to pick up the dragon but it stretched out his wings so he stepped away slowly. Then his foot stepped in something cold.
He jumped in fright and almost fell in the lake. He turned around and saw some fish. Liam picked up a bit of shrimp off the rocky
ground and held it in the water, quickly catching a fish with it. He then took it back to the dragon.
When Liam got there he held out the piece of fish for the dragon to eat. This time the dragon came close. He walked over and jumped
into Liam’s hands. Then it happened………
By Jonathon Summersell 4DI
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BDC
BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGE
College News
FAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE
COFFS HARBOUR
www.bdc.nsw.edu.au
Firm
Foundations
Bright
Futures
Issue # 4
19 February | 2016
4DI have had a wonderful start to the year. We are enjoying getting to know each other and learning together.
Our class ‘jigsaw artwork’ displays our connectedness in caring for one other and working as a team.
We are very happy to welcome our new student Indigo and also the return of Tom to BDC.
The class vegetable garden is also being enthusiastically rejuvenated after the holidays, ready for Autumn planting.
There are so many keen gardeners in our class, willing to get into the garden at any opportunity!
Musical Notes
MUSIC
• Instrumental tuition – Lessons have now commenced and we already starting to see and hear some wonderful musical progress.
We welcome all new students and encourage you to get involved in learning an instrument. Please see Mr Hodges in Music
office for more information.
• Ensembles – Do you currently learn an instrument? Would you like to play in one of our exciting ensembles with other likeminded musicians? We have many different ensembles available to musicians of all ages and experience. Please see Music
office for more information.
• Assemblies – A reminder that all instrumental music students are expected to participate in performance opportunities. Playing
at assembly is a perfect way to do this. Sign up sheets are posted in the Music foyer – please speak to your instrumental
teacher and sign up. This is a great way to get important performance experience.
Dale Condon
Head of Music K-12
sport & outdoor education
Swimming
For all Primary swimming results please check the college website via this link http://www.bdc.nsw.edu.au/sport or for Secondary
results please email [email protected] or [email protected]
NCIS Swimming
NCIS permission notes were due in today. If you have not let Mrs Hilton or Mr Kelleher know if your child is attending or not, can
you please do so as soon as possible by emailing [email protected] or [email protected]
Primary Swimming Carnival Results
Junior Girls
Champion – Tully Black
Runner-up – Madison Parkes
Junior Boys
Champion – Sylas Phillips
Runner-up – Ryan Hill-Smith
11 Year Girls Champion – Kaleah Doherty
Runner up – Keira Williams
11 Years Boys
Champion – Nick Alford
Runner-up – Marley Crook
Senior Girls
Champion – Millie Robinson Runner-up – Sophia Sampson
Senior Boys
Champion – Harry Ward
Runner-up – Isaiha Phillips
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BDC
BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGE
FAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE
COFFS HARBOUR
Firm
Foundations
Bright
Futures
www.bdc.nsw.edu.au
Issue # 4
19 February | 2016
Record Breakers
College News
Harry Ward – Senior Boys 50m Breaststroke 42.74
House Points
1st Sutherland
2nd O’Shane
3rd Cottee
4th Kngwarreye
5th Murray
6th Hollows
BasketbaLL
Basketball kicks off this Friday (High School) & Saturday (Primary). Whilst we already have over 100 basketball players nominated,
we are still in need of some more players in the following age divisions:
• Funball (Mixed)
• Year 3/4 Girls
• Year 7/8 Girls
• Year 9/10 Girls
Upcoming Events
Friday 19th Feb – CHBA Secondary competition commences
Saturday 20th Feb – CHBA Primary competition commences
Tuesday 1st March – NCIS Swimming Carnival at Lismore
Thursday 3rd March – Open Boys Football v TAS at Bishop Druitt
Wednesday 9th March – NCIS Football Gala Day at TAS, Armidale
Tuesday 15th March – Year 9/10 Indoor Cricket, Coffs Harbour
Wednesday 16th March – NSW Netball Schools Cup, Coffs Harbour
Tuesday 22nd March – Year 7/8 Indoor Cricket, Coffs Harbour
Wednesday 30th March – Coffs Coast Primary Rugby 7’s, Coffs Harbour
Monday 4th April – Secondary Cross Country, Bishop Druitt
Friday 8th - 10th April – National Primary Games, Armidale
Friday 8th - 10th April – TAS Rugby Carnival, Armidale
Beth Hilton
Sport Administrator and Outdoor Education Coordinator K-12
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BDC
BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGE
FAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE
COFFS HARBOUR
Firm
Foundations
Bright
Futures
www.bdc.nsw.edu.au
Issue # 4
19 February | 2016
college community
College News
important dates and events
22 Feb
1 March
1 March
2 March
9 March
Year 12 Hospitality Work Placements
NCIS Swimming Carnival
Year 11 Information Evening
Year 7 Information Evening
Stage 6 Parent-Teacher Interviews
More on the College Calendar
ALUMNI
David Lamb (SC 2004) ’Poly’ worked as a technician at the Royal Australian Navy based at Nowra. He is now married to a Japanese
girl, has a family of children and lives at Sensai near Tokyo, Japan, not far from Norihito Kawashima (HSC 2006).
Sophie McIntyre (HSC 2005) is to be married in Cornwall, England on 1st October 2016 to Mark England. They will live and work in
Sydney where Sophie is a team leader for a city branch BOQ call centre; Mark has a degree in Mathematics and has lived in Oz for
7 years.
Silas McIntyre (HSC 2008) has just finished an Industrial Design degree (at credit level) and developed an apparatus for science/
environmentalists to listen for noises (bats, bird calls etc). He is looking for work in the field that covers plastic injection moulding
and lives in Marrickville.
Tim Law (HSC 2011) has finished a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering with honours at Newcastle University.
Scott Rodham
Alumni Officer and Archivist
Parents And Friends
Parents
Join us for quick, informative and friendly Parents and Friends Association meetings. Don’t worry, you won’t be given a job - all
committee positions are already filled! Our focus is on building our school community and fundraising is only a small part of what
we do.
We meet on the third Monday of each month (varies between daytime and night-time) for a one-hour meeting with refreshments
and socialising after. Find out what is happening at your child’s school, as heads of primary, secondary and our principal Alan Ball,
report each month.
Can’t make meetings?
Contact us to join an email list of people we keep informed about P&F, or find us under “Our Community” on the school website for
links to information and our Facebook page.
Next Meeting:
6.30pm, Monday 22 February, in the Roger Oates Centre.
Contact Us
President: Claire Simmonds 0415 495 010 [email protected]
P&F email: [email protected]
travel concession Cards
2016 NSW School Pupil Identification Cards, allowing travel concessions, are available at the Front Office for students who have
reached 16 years of age and over attending a certified day school. These cards permit pupils/students to travel at the discounted
rate of fare on all CityRail trains, State Transit and privately operated buses and government ferries for journeys to and from sport,
evening, weekend and vacation travel. Concession cards will also be available for interstate rail journeys on Countrylink services as
indicated on the back of the card. Full fee-paying overseas students are not entitled for a concession card.
second hand uniform
As you may be aware the college has now handed the management of BDC second hand clothing over to the St John’s Anglican
Church Op Shop in McLean St, Coffs Harbour. The Op Shop is caling for more donations of second hand uniform. Any donations
can be dropped off to the college at either the Front Office or the Uniform Shop. The Op Shop coordinators then collect from the
college.
You will find staff and students from BDC staffing the Op Shop on Saturday mornings during term time.
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BDC
BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGE
College News
FAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE
COFFS HARBOUR
Firm
Foundations
Bright
Futures
www.bdc.nsw.edu.au
Issue # 4
19 February | 2016
5TH & 6TH MARCH 2016
1.5km swim, 40km cycle, 10km run : Sun 6th March
375m swim, 10km cycle, 2.5km run : Sun 6th March
various distances for ages 5 - 14 years : Sat 5th March
ENTER NOW!
villagesports.com.au
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