Verigram
EDITION
28 JULY 2016
23
From the Leadership Team
Dear Parents, Students, Staff, Past
Students, Past Staff and Community,
In this special week when we celebrate
Catholic
Education
Week
in
our
school, our Habit of Spirit is ‘seeking
and appreciating beauty.’
Beauty, or
the Aesthetic, is highly valued in the
Dominican tradition and is named
among the Dominican values.
Signs
of the Times: A Dominican Education
Resource discusses how beauty can be
experienced and nurtured:
•
Viewing oneself as a work of God’s
art and hence developing a sense
of one’s own beauty and potential;
•
The
development
of
the
imagination and creativity within
each individual;
•
Standing in awe and appreciation of
the diverse beauty present in both
the natural and built environments;
•
Valuing and exploring creative and
artistic expression as an expression
of God’s being;
•
Creating,
and
appreciating symbols and other
human expressions of the sacred.
What makes you say or feel ‘WOW,
A newborn
baby? A wondrous sunrise? A skilled
sportswoman at work?
play?
is important for each of us to treasure
those moments and appreciate what
is beautiful in our daily lives.
In the
words of Ralph Waldo Emerson ‘though
we travel the world over to find the
beautiful, we must carry it with us or we
developing
now that is beautiful?’
universal — a thrilling sense of awe. It
A song or
Witnessing a generous act of
kindness? What triggers this response
is very different for each of us. It finds
its focus in nature’s beauty and in every
find it not.’
Beautiful this week can be summed up
in an email that I have read today about
the behaviour displayed by both teams
in the Interschool Open B Soccer match
between San Sisto and Mary MacKillop
Lauren Hawkins and Pip Schiavo
handed the Dominican 800 year Staff
to students on this assembly. We were
also fortunate to be able to present
certificates to the students. It was a
beautiful gesture and we felt welcomed
into the community.
We welcome Ms Suhara (Deputy
Principal), staff and students from Koka
High School. We hope that your time
with us is filled with new experiences,
Colleges. It was very heartwarming to
joy and laughter.
read email exchanges between the girls
God’s blessing for the week ahead,
and to appreciate the beauty in their
words and actions.
endeavor known to mankind. However,
It was also a great honour to be invited
the feeling it brings forth in each of us is
to the upper school assembly at St
Verigram I 1
Martin’s Primary School last Friday.
Mrs Shelley Hamilton
Principal
e [email protected]
Religious Life of the
College
Donations
A very big THANK YOU to all those
families who gave generously to our
emergency drive for tea, coffee, longlife
milk and pasta for local families who
are receiving support from Our Lady of
Graces St Vincent de Paul group. We
were able to hand over many baskets,
full of your donations.
Gratitude Wall
comments from students and staff. Each
As part of marking Catholic Education
Catholic Education for which the student
Week, Mrs Armitage has organised the
or staff member is grateful.
building of a Gratitude Wall, made up of
certainly makes worthwhile reading.
comment mentions something about
The wall
Ms Marlene Warnick,
Assistant Principal Religious Education
e [email protected]
Religious Education
News
As we celebrate 800 years of the Order
of Preachers, many Dominican schools
and those of us with a Dominican tradition
are sending cards of congratulations to
the Dominican sisters. Our Year 7 RE
classes have made the most beautiful
cards on our behalf to send to these
sisters. They have worked hard writing
letters, taking photos and being very
creative.
Many of these sisters were part of the
original San Sisto – whether as a teacher
or having lived on the original site. We
have much for which to be grateful to
these women and this is just a small
token of our College’s appreciation.
Buddhist Temple
Excursion
Our Year 12 students thoroughly enjoyed
their experience at Chung Tian Buddhist
Temple on Tuesday morning. The way in
which they engaged with the volunteers
at the temple was exemplary, showing a
genuine interest in interfaith dialogue and
Many thanks to Mrs Nightingale, Miss
relationships. The girls will now build on
Lang, Mrs Green and Mrs Madden and
these learnings in SOR and R&E classes
their classes for creating these cards on
and as they complete their next piece
our behalf.
of assessment.
Mrs Erica Qureshi,
Academic Leader: Religious Education
e [email protected]
2 I Verigram
Parenting Page
today
I CHOOSE
joy
Living Joyfully as a Parent
You may have heard your daughter talk
be brought to your knees with frustration
about Habits of Spirit. At San Sisto we
and worry.
teach our girls these, we show them
When we drop the mask of perfection,
what they mean … and they become
part of a common language. One of the
Habits of Spirit is ‘Living Joyfully.’ Our
it’s in those moments we find joy. ...in
our parenting and within ourselves.
We live … and we have families …
students know that joy can make life
and life and families are messy. There
beautiful. It can heal wounds, inspire us
is no perfection. Parents should sit
and fill our souls. As parents, it is easy
back and examine what they do well in
sometimes to forget how to live joyfully.
their parenting — and choose to focus
As days rush by and we parent almost
on this. No one does it all well so give
on autopilot, our culture, our world and
yourself a tick where it’s due. Perhaps
our media can at times prevent us from
your kids have good manners (most
finding joy — both in our parenting and
within ourselves.
Finding joy in parenting is not about
becoming a perfect parent. There is no
such thing. That idea just leaves most
of us feeling disillusioned and tired,
tired, tired. This pressure on parents
to be ‘perfect’ results in many parents
wearing the ‘mask’ of parenthood (often
with a somewhat glazed ‘all is great, and
I am loving every minute’ expression).
Social media posts can also play a
part in parents feeling they just don’t
measure up or ‘enjoy’ parenthood like
others seem too. Some parents choose
to ‘mask’ by staying perpetually busy.
Do you resonate with the feeling of not
being able to handle one more thing?
The truth is it’s hard to breathe, and hard
to find joy, with a mask on. Perhaps it
is time to ditch the ‘perfect’ mask of
parenthood. I have five children, and I
am the first to say it’s a lot of hard work.
It’s a mixture of good intention, learning
from others, making mistakes, trial and
Joy Through Nature
•
•
•
•
Watch a sunset
Walk on the grass barefoot
Go to the beach
Put some fresh flowers in your
home
of the time) … tick … or perhaps your
Joy Through your Body
child shows kindness to others … tick,
•
A lingering hug
•
Hold hands with a person you love.
•
Nurture yourself with a body /spa
perhaps they try hard, perhaps you
have raised a pretty responsible young
person or perhaps you have chosen to
instil the love of adventure and travel in
treatment
your children or perhaps your kids are
Joy Through Your Home
good sleepers … whatever. Allow your
•
Clean sheets
•
A clean kitchen bench (even for 10
min)
•
Freshly folded washing
•
Sleep when you really need one
•
A cup of tea in a beautiful mug
strengths in parenting to bring you joy
and relax with the rest.
However, it’s also important to do more
of the things which bring you joy as
individuals (not just as Mums and Dads).
How do you do this when everything
around you seems less than joyful?
Joy Through Action
Author Helen Butler says it starts with
•
Donating unwanted items
choosing to focus on joy. This might
•
Decluttering a room at a time
•
A new recipe
seem overly simplified, especially if your
family is facing serious life challenges,
but research does suggest that when
Joy Through your heart
you choose to focus on joyful moments
•
Saying ‘I’m sorry.’
you will start to see a shift in your
•
A photo that takes you back to a
good memory
•
Looking in the mirror and saying
energy, and you will become gentler on
yourself. Sound appealing?
At the end of each day think about what
brought you joy and do THAT again
error and a touch of good luck. Some
tomorrow, and the next and the next.
days are golden and other days you can
Here are some ideas for finding joy from
Verigram I 3
Helen Butler to get you thinking:
‘You are enough.’
Mrs Megan Vardanega,
Student Wellbeing
e [email protected]
San Sisto Dance
On Friday 5 August San Sisto College
is holding our second college dance
for 2016. This dance is open to all
students currently in Years 7—12 and
boys from Years 7—12 from our invited
boys’ schools—St Laurence’s College,
Villanova College and Iona College.
The dance will be held at the Carindale
PCYC from 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm. The
theme for this dance is AUSSIE BBQ.
Please be reminded that parents must
come to the door of the PCYC at
10.00 pm to collect their daughters
from the dance. No student is permitted
to leave the dance without being
accompanied by an adult. Please
be punctual in the collection of your
daughter.
assistance in the form of parental
supervision during the event. There
is a range of jobs which require
parents helping. They include general
supervision, help in the canteen and
cloakroom etc. If you would like to
volunteer at the San Sisto College dance
and accumulate some hours towards
your P&F contribution, please email
Mrs Anna Doré (Assistant Principal) via
email [email protected] so
that a roster can be created.
Parents will be required from 6.45 pm
until approximately 10.15 pm and this
time will be acknowledged on your P&F
Service card. I urge you to consider
how you might support both the College
and the girls for this important event.
Mrs Anna Doré,
Assistant Principal Student Wellbeing
Part of ensuring the provision of a
wonderful dance for the girls is your
e [email protected]
30 — 31 July
Sports Aerobics FIASF National Competition
Sleeman Sport Complex, Chandler
2 Aug
College Assembly
9.00 am — 9.40 am
3 Aug
St Dominic’s Feast Day
5 Aug
Principal
Mrs Shelley Hamilton
e [email protected]
Deputy Principal
Mr Brad Barker
e [email protected]
Assistant Principal RE
Ms Marlene Warnick-Tomlinson
e [email protected]
Assistant Principal
Mrs Anna Doré
e [email protected]
Business Manager
Mrs Susan Boban
e [email protected]
SCHOOL COORDINATORS
Caleruega (Years 7 and 8)
Ms Lyne Tilt MacSporran
Upcoming Events
Term 3
San Sisto Directory
e [email protected]
12 Aug Year 10 English/Drama Incursion
13 Aug
Black & White Dinner Party
7.00 pm — 11.30 pm
Stamford Plaza
Ticket Sales Close 31 July
www.flexischools.com.au
Fanjeaux (Years 9 and 10)
Mrs Louisa Makepeace
e [email protected]
Bologna (Years 11 and 12)
Mrs Julianne O’Leary
e [email protected]
16 Aug College Assembly
Interschool Athletics Carnival
COLLEGE CONTACT INFORMATION
Dominican Family Day
San Sisto & St Martin’s Primary School
18 Aug Year 10 & 11 English/Drama Incursion
f 07 3843 1921
PCYC Dance Carindale
7.00 pm — 10.00 pm
23 Aug St Rose of Lima’s Feast Day
9 Aug
Year 8 into Year 9 Subject Selection Evening
7.00 pm — 8.30 pm
10 — 11 Aug
SET Plan Interviews
11 —14 Aug
QCMF (Music Program)
Villanova College
19 Aug Yr 11PE UQ Excursion
Cuppa Catch-up Yrs 9 & 10
3.15 pm — 4.15 pm
t 07 3900 9800
e [email protected]
www. sansisto.qld.edu.au
STUDENT ABSENCE LINE
t 3900 9888
29 Aug P&F Meeting
Administration Building
7.00 pm — 8.00 pm
ROSE RETAIL CENTRE
Wednesday
9.00 am — 2.00 pm
30 Aug College Assembly
Siena Centre
9.00 am — 9.45 am
Thursday
9.00 am — 2.00 pm
The Uniform Shop Hours:
or by appointment.
e [email protected]
4 I Verigram
Sport and Health
Indoor Cricket National
Championship
Trial registration sheets (sign ups) for the
Congratulations to Ella Winchester,
Siena Centre from Tuesday 26 July
Year
8,
for
representing
third trimester of Wednesday afternoon
CaSSSA sport will be available in the
to Monday 1 August. Trials will begin
the
on Thursday 4 August. Trials for the
Queensland Under 14 Indoor Cricket
individual teams will be advertised on
Team that participated in the National
Championship
in
Dubbo
over
the
honour
of
student notices and via student email.
On completion of the trials, teams and
school holidays.
Ella
was
given
the
training times will be listed on the Sports
Notice Board located in the Aquinas
vice-captain and assisted her team to
block.
Training will begin in week 7,
an overall position of fourth. Victoria
Junior National Diving Championships
won this age group, and the Queensland
with the first game commencing on
in Adelaide.
She competed in the
Wednesday 31 August. We are always
team came close to defeating them in
Junior B Division and received Silver
looking for assistance with coaching. If
one of the pool matches. Well done Ella
in the 1 metre, Bronze in the 3 metre
you are willing to help please contact
and her team.
and fourth in the Synchro event against
me via email.
San Sisto has participated in the
CaSSSA Indoor Cricket Competition for
the last three years. This competition
was able to provide a starting point for
Ella. Indoor Cricket has a sustainable
pathway for all females to participate
and
play
To
start
cricket
all
year
playing,
round.
head
to
www.playcricket.com.au
Junior National
Championships
Diving
Alysha Koloi recently competed in the
Working Bee
Thank you so very much to all
those wonderful people who spent
Saturday
morning
in
sevice
of
our college community.
This
wonderful
group
of
volunteers made a real difference
to the college facilities by planting,
pulling weeds, preparing morning tea,
cleaning, and so much more!
Verigram I 5
Junior Opens. Congratulations Alysha,
you continue to do amazing things in all
sports and competitions.
Trimester 3 Sports
Mr Ryan Gould,
Academic Leader Health and Sport
(Acting)
e [email protected]
Open B Soccer
I would like to congratulate the Open B
Soccer team coached by the incredibly
talented Mr Helsdon.
I received an
email today from Matthew Messer,
Head of Sport at Mary Mackillop
College. It read:
‘We the Open B Soccer team of Mary
MacKillop College would like to extend
our thanks to the Open B Soccer team
of San Sisto College for the outstanding
manner in which you approached the
game on Wednesday. The high level
of Sportsmanship and friendly attitude
displayed both on and off the field
created an enjoyable game to play.
We thank you for the respect you have
shown to all of our players in our games
this year. Thank you for a great game
and we wish you all the best for the
finals next week.’
Mr Messer went on to say:
CaSSSA Sport
‘This
message
from
our
students
Congratulations ladies on representing
speaks volumes of the young ladies
the College in such an amazing way.
from your college whom we see in
You are positive role models for us all.
friendly competition week in and week
You should be very proud of yourselves
out with San Sisto.
Our coach was
that less than a day after your game, the
also very impressed with the level of
Mary Mackillop team, Coach and Head
sporting spirit and respect that the girls
of Sport want to congratulate you on
displayed to each other both on and off
the way you conduct yourself as young
the field. We would like you to pass this
women.
message on to the players and coach
of this team.’
Wednesday 27 July 2016
6 I Verigram
San Sister News
We interview two former students.
passionate about social justice.
Madeleine Ray
What
has
been
your
proudest
achievement since leaving the College?
What year did you graduate?
I finished at San Sisto in 2007 and
My
went straight on to doing a Bachelor of
leaving the College is probably having
photography at Griffith.
completed two bachelors degrees and
What are your fondest memories of
an honours year. I’m now doing my
your time at San Sisto College?
Masters in Clinical Psychology at USQ
My fondest memories of school would
have to be the school plays and
musicals. I did three at San Sisto and
two at Iona (San Sisto girls were invited
to participate).
What did you like the most about
attending San Sisto College?
I think I really value all the opportunities
I got at school, school plays, opti-minds,
proudest
achievement
since
in Toowoomba.
and went ‘What’s the next logical step?’
Where has life taken you since leaving
This is why I’m still studying nine years
the College?
after finishing school. Apparently not
Other than study, I’ve had a few jobs in
learning to read until the age of 10 did
childcare, I’ve done a fair bit of work in
me some good.
student support service at uni, running
Do you have any tips or advice on being
mentoring programs and training and
successful?
up until a few months ago I was working
as a telephone counsellor at Quitline.
I think regardless of what you want
do a tax return in Maths, I loved that
Most of this, I’ve done while studying,
to do with your life it’s important to be
spending lunch time in the art room was
I’ve really only had about 18 months
passionate and important to work hard,
considered perfectly acceptable by my
total of not studying since I finnished at
but not too hard. Despite the fact that I
peers and I have very fond memories of
San Sisto (I’m a crazy person. Normal
have mountains of work on my plate I
people don’t spend their whole lives at
make sure I have time for my partner
Did you know what you wanted to be
university). Also I went to Japan early
and for hobbies like choir and roller
during College?
this year. 100% would recommend.
choir. I value that I got taught how to
modern history.
I don’t think I had a very good idea of
what I wanted when I finished school, I
think at the time I was very focused on
derby. My one piece of advice: Your
high school marks matter for a few
How did you get to where you are now
years but they are a very long way from
in your life/career?
being the sum of your existence. Learn
creative pursuits, but in the few years
In terms of how I got to where I am now,
something, but make sure you have fun
following school I realised I was quite
I picked one thing, got to the end of it
along the way.
Sister Jude, Foundation Principal (1961 - 1965)
‘The
Dominican
short-range
achievement,
are
to
plan
our
cultivate
Order
for
age-old
and
has
superficial
perfect
no
material
education
every
gift
their
turn,
happy
in
the
Christians
homes
who
of
the
may
in
future,
in
aims
professional or business life or as teachers in Religious
of
life, help others to know and love Christ.’ Sr M. St Jude
human nature, to produce sane, balanced, and
Verigram I 7
therefore
1963 San Sisto ‘School Report’
Sandra Colley
What year did you graduate?
I graduated from San Sisto College in
1973.
What are your fondest memories of
your time at San Sisto College?
Being given the opportunity to do what
I wanted to do e.g Student Council, and
Debating.
What did you like the most about
attending San Sisto College?
The community – the other girls. We
all knew each other, the nuns and
teachers.
It was a small, nurturing
Where has life taken you since leaving
the College?
Sisto College has been of value to you?
My faith, and the chances and lessons
community
I was heavily involved in the St Vincent
that I had in public speaking. I have
Did you know what you wanted to be
de Paul Society for many years, which
learnt a lot from that and public speaking
was a direct result from the San Sisto
has carried me to many places both
Past Pupils, I am a mother and a
professionally and personally.
during College?
Yes, I wanted to be a nurse. It was
culture shock though to go from a
tiny school to an enormous hospital
complex, living with people who had
wife. I have travelled to USA, Britain
and Europe, and took the offertory
procession up to the Pope in early
If you were to give one bit of advice to
San Sisto students, what would it be?
My dearest friend is a girl
Always believe in yourself. Success
who was in the year above at San
comes from within. Do not judge
proudest
Sisto. I like reading and cooking and do
success by money, looks or what others
achievement since leaving the College?
wish that Domestic Science had been
have done.
different ideas and morals.
What
has
been
your
Becoming a mother and guiding my son
through his childhood.
January.
available in my San Sisto years.
Looking back, what experience at San
Enjoy life. It is not always easy, but it is
never boring.
First Pupils of
San Sisto College
Class of 1961
Sub-Junior (Year 9)
Back Row: Maureen Felton, Carmel
Michlewski, Geraldine Rice, Judith
Browne, Geraldine Dunne, Elizabeth
Muza
Front Row: Darrel Lintott, Ann Lester,
Lenneke Gordyn
8 I Verigram
In Our Words
Common Ground 2016
The much anticipated Common Ground
Dominican
Student
Conference
was
held over last Friday and the weekend at
Noosa North Shore, with Year 10 student,
Stefanie Hazelwood, and Year 11 students,
Barbra Toparis, Rebecca Chapman, Luisa
Randall, Elisha Hiscock, India Kalaitzides,
Isabel Lee and Georgia Shaw, all attending
to represent San Sisto.
It actually began for many on Thursday
night when students from St Dominic’s
Auckland landed in a very warm Brisbane
and stayed with several San Sisto students
overnight. Friday began bright and early,
with the New Zealand students embracing
their studies by spending some time in
different subject classrooms with their
host sisters before gathering with all other
schools for a shared morning tea. With
students from Santa Sabina College,
Sydney, Siena College, Melbourne, St
Dominic’s Priory, Cabra College and St
Mary’s, all from Adelaide, San Clemente,
Newcastle and ,of course, the San Sisto
representatives and student leadership
entertainment. We left San Sisto ready to
embark on our inspirational journey.
Arriving in not-so-sunny Noosa Heads,
the afternoon closed with an inspirational
accent, all students embarked on a journey
around our school grounds, appreciating
every aspect as well as being intrigued
by the many similarities the Dominican
schools share.
After celebrating the official opening of
the conference at a college assembly, and
all the revelations during the presentation.
With
San
Sisto
representatives
kick-starting the experience of the trendy
hair-nets worn when serving dinner,
everyone continued to meet each other
over dinner and dessert. Embracing all
the different schools attending, the night
consisted of all students representing their
schools in presenting videos and images
of their schools as well as the college
the
in many songs and somewhat of a dance
Zealanders described the weather as ‘their
home away from home’. With a change
of plans because of the unusual rainy,
Queensland weather, everyone made it
down to the beach to take in the scenic
views, with only the Kiwis going to test
the water, leaving everyone else shivering
on the beach. Back at the resort, the
kangaroos and nature were admired by
everyone, particularly the New Zealander.
For some, seeing kangaroos was a first.
there
appeared for breakfast, with the sun
making an appearance for the first time
over the weekend. From there, we closed
the conference with a shared liturgy before
we all departed for the airport, to drop
our international and inter-state friends
off. With this in mind, many thanks go
out to Ms Warnick-Tomlinson and Mrs
Qureshi for the impeccable organisation
of the weekend and to all teachers who
attended. The conference would not have
been the great success it was without the
enjoying a shared lunch with busking and
From
the coffee cart, I’m sure all visiting students
presentations from Sr. Sheila Flynn OP,
were left envying our outstanding lunchtime
Sr. Elizabeth Hellwig OP and Ms Marg
Verigram I 9
by
Come Sunday morning, many tired faces
present. This left everyone mind blown with
Waking up the next day, the New
tuckshop muffins and enjoying the Kiwi
followed
and stories of the land on which we were
other and comparing the similar colours,
sharing with our new friends our signature
Family,
party. An early night was a relief for many.
symbols.
After indulging ourselves as well as
Dominican
ever-enjoyable Mrs Hart, leading everyone
presentation about Indigenous spiritualties
team, all students enjoyed meeting each
signs and symbols of our uniforms.
O’Shea who spoke about the International
we
had
inspirational
involvement of these staff members.
To the current Years 8 and 9 students,
the next Common Ground conference will
be held in 2018 in Adelaide, and I would
recommend to everyone to go. It was a
truly eye-opening weekend, with so many
different aspects, that brought students and
teachers from around the Pacific together
in celebration of the 800 year Dominican
charism. With the theme of the conference
this year being Go Preach the Gospel, it is
only fitting to say that all attendees of the
conference preached our faith with pride.
Isabel Lee.
The Barber of Seville
On Saturday 23 July, a group of Italian
students from Years 12 to 9, along
with some senior music students,
were given the opportunity to go to
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
(QPAC) where we were lucky enough to
see ‘The Barber of Seville’, composed
by Gioachino Rossini. The Italian Opera
was celebrating its 200th anniversary
since the first performance. To quickly
explain
the
plot:
Dashing
Count
Almaviva has lost his heart to the sassy
Scodellaro, Year 10 Italian student
young maiden Rosina. But Rosina’s
‘It was a really good show. I actually
guardian is determined to marry her
learned some more words! It was also
himself until Figaro – king of charisma
a really fun learning experience. It was
and silken style – leads the charge to
fun to get out.’ – Renēe Lees, Year 10
unite the young lovers through a series
Italian student
of hilarious, ‘fool proof’ schemes. After
‘I thought it was different but in a good
throughout the play added charm to the
way! It was really nice to learn how
opera. Overall, it was definitely worth
different cultures can entertain us.’ –
seeing and gave us the opportunity to
had to say about it:
Zali Rogers, Year 11 Music student
see our first live opera! 11/10.’ – Jess
‘I thought it was really good, really
‘Attending The Barber of Seville was
colourful and really out there. I really
a new experience for us. The singing,
enjoyed
dancing and story were both amazing
2 hours and 45 minutes of beautiful
orchestral music and out of this world
singing … here is what some of the girls
the
character
of
Rosina.
Her voice was amazing.’ – Rosanna
Café Caterina
Catholic Education
Week/ Christmas in July
We can all be involved in helping out
this week and OPENING DOORS
to help others in our community. On
Friday, we are celebrating Christmas
in July at Cafe Caterina and so we
encourage you to come along and try
some Green and Red treats, sample
a turkey roast meal or snack on some
delicious Christmas Cake. Most of all
we ask you to donate a coin at the Cafe
to go to Sister Sheila’s work! Spare
a thought for those who go without
and help bring some relief to those
and
enjoyable
and
the
Smith and Emma Gordon, Year 12
Italian students
Sammie Berry,
Languages Representative - Italian
humour
struggling to make ends meet. Thank
•
Francesca Randall
you for your support.
•
Jose Taussant
Dominican Family
Day and Aussie BBQ
Celebration
Tuesday 2 August
On Friday 5 August, Cafe Caterina will
be cooking up some great Aussie BBQ
•
Fiona Austin
•
Carolyn Caffery
food for all to buy.
Thursday 4 August
Emma and Tom’s
•
Cheryl Gorman
100% Fruit Smoothies now available in
a variety of flavours for $3.50. Coming
soon — a new Thirst Quencher.
•
Karen Kranz
Friday 5 August
Roster: 1 — 5 August
Monday 1 August
•
Lisa Anthony
•
Liz Rowlands
Wednesday 3 August
•
Claire Christenson
•
Tom Munro
Mrs Margaret Kupper,
Café Caterina Convenor
10 I Verigram
Pokemon Go! What
a craze!
are up against. Ask your child to explain
what it’s all about. Figure out which
parts of the game are age-appropriate
Words Michael Grose
and which parts are going to present
Beats just about any fad I’ve seen
old enough to have their own phones
including yo yos, swap cards and the
original Pokemon Gameboy way back
in the old days – remember the 90s.
you with headaches. Once kids are
and transportation, they’re certainly
old enough to play the game without
help. Pokémon Go gives users plenty
While Pokemon Go is geared toward
of chances to spend real money, so
adults and teenagers it’s taken off
you probably will want to limit in-game
among primary aged children – even
purchases.
some pre school kids – as well. Both
genders are playing the game, but a
rough count among colleagues and
friends indicates that it’s boys more
than girls who are hooked on the game.
Lures, an aspect of the game, can
present tricky situations for parents.
A player can set out a lure to attract
pokémon, but because these lures can
be seen by any nearby player, you’re
crossing a street with a phone in their
pocket and only playing the game with
kids their own age.
If you join in the craze then be prepared
Pokemon Go has plenty of psychological
not sure who they are attracting. Revisit
hooks to make boys love it. The roam
those Stranger Danger lessons with
to drive your players around as many
your kids.
Pokemon stops are in interesting places
and search nature of the game appeals
to the hunter-gatherer that exists in
most boys. There are plenty of things
to collect which appeals to a boy’s
fundamental need to put order and
control in his world.
And the competitive element embedded
in the game makes it almost irresistible
to many boys who love nothing better
than to better someone else.
Second,
you
need
to
meld
your
existing family technology rules with
the expectations and opportunities that
Pokemon Go presents. These include
how much time children are allowed
to spend on technology; consider
what activities Pokemon Go takes kids
away from (including homework); and
be aware that’s is not healthy for your
How can we approach
this craze?
Many parents have asked me how they
should approach the Pokemon Go
craze, particularly when their children
are besotted by it.
Start by accepting that Pokemon Go,
like all fads, has captured your child’s
interest. It’s hard to fight against or even
stop your child from being involved in
games that ‘everyone is playing’.
child to be hooked on one activity at the
expense of everything else.
such as parks, historical markers and
other gathering spots. Different places
have different Pokemon things to
collect…..yes, it can get complicated,
which is the intrinsic value of the craze.
So my advice for parents is to approach
Pokemon Go positively and intelligently.
Discover about it as much as your time,
your current circumstances and your
kids, will allow. Join them if possible.
Remember, it’s a lot of fun; it does get
Keep your Pokemon Go
player safe
kids exercising more than their thumbs
Pokemon Go gets kids outside roaming
in to the game. On the other hand,
and exploring their neighbourhoods,
ensure that kids keep a balance in their
which, on the surface, is a good thing.
activities so that a fun craze doesn’t
However as one mum told me, her
become an absolute, all or nothing
son’s Pokemon Go experience was
leading him to a local quarry, which
had some obvious risks attached. So
and there are some great learnings
(maths, nature and even history) built
obsession, which can so easily happen
with boys.
For the entire article, visit http://www.
parenting
if your kids are old enough to wander
requirements. First, find out all you can
unsupervised, some quick reminders
parentingideas.com.au/Blog/July-2016/
about the game so you know what you
of safety rules may be in order, such as
Has-your-child-gone-Pokemon-wild-
That
leads
to
Verigram I 11
two
Headlice
junk mail folder also. The due date for term
refunded to the school fees account
fee payment is 18 August 2016. If paying
(cheque refund is only available if the
Please check your daughter’s hair for
by regular payment authority (Direct
annual school fee is paid in advance).
headlice.
Debit or Credit Card) please ensure the
In the past week, we have had a couple of
payment amount is sufficient to finalise
cases of lice reported to the College. It is
the balance by 30 November, 2016.
really important that any case be quickly
Payment arrangements outside of these
identified and treated diligently.
dates require the approval of the college
should be returned to the Finance Office
by 4 December 2016.
Sue Humphrey,
Finance Secretary
Business Manager. Thank you to those
What to look for:
• Small light or dark brown insects Completed and signed 2016 Record Cards
without wings.
families who have payment arrangements
in place for 2016 school fees.
• Tiny white eggs (nits) on the hair If you did not receive your statement
shafts.
please email [email protected].
• An intense itching on the head and edu.au and include your daughter’s name
neck.
and year level to request a replacement
Ms Lyne Tilt MacSporran,
Caleruega Coordinator
e [email protected]
Term 3 School Fees
statement.
2016 P&F Service Record
Card
The 2016 P&F Service Record Card
e [email protected]
Road Safety
A reminder to all parents that caution is
required when driving near the College
during school hours.
School opening and closing hours are
busy times for pedestrian and vehicular
traffic outside the college.
Always take extra care in the 40km/h
school zone.
Statements of Fees and Levies were
should be handed into the Finance Office
Slow down near the college crossing.
issued by email last Thursday (21 July
upon completion of the 15 voluntary hours
Park safely even if it means walking further
2016). If the Statement was not received
of service in the current school year.
to the school gate. Observe all parking
to your ‘Inbox’ please check the spam/
The annual $200 P&F Levy will then be
signs.
Habits of Mind and Spirit
Ask your daughters how they have used these habits during the week.
Habits of Mind
Habits of Spirit
Thinking about thinking.
Seeking and appreciating beauty.
12 I Verigram
Leadership
Absenteeism
Students’
•
attendance
is compulsory.
at
school
It is important to
remember that Every Day Counts.
•
consider the following:
•
A medical or dental appointment
In the senior years, poor attendance
(Wherever
possible,
has
an
infectious
The child has an injury preventing
The child is going on a family
holiday that cannot be arranged
the
attainment
of
a
of school hours.)
direct link between attendance and
If your daughter is absent a call to
absentee line on the day of absence.
child
affect
Queensland Certificate of Education
(QCE). Research shows there is a
house
The
may
appointments should be made out
the school should be made to the
movement around the school
•
experience learning difficulties later on.
The child is too sick to leave the
disease like measles, chicken pox
•
the junior years of schooling they often
preventing the child’s attendance
hours
daughter home from school, please
•
When students miss the basic skills in
genuine and acceptable reason
could not be made out of school
When deciding whether to keep your
A child should be at school unless:
The Principal is provided with any
The absentee phone number is 3900
9888. If this is not done, a note must be
supplied to explain the days missed on
her return to school. If your daughter
has
seen
a
medical
practitioner
a certificate will help explain the
absence.
during school holidays. This must
You should also contact the school in
be arranged with the Principal in
advance if you know your child will be
advance
away.
achievement. Poor attendance also
makes it difficult for students to form
positive friendships with their peers.
If you are experiencing difficulties with
attendance please make contact with
your daughter’s homeroom teacher or
School Coordinator.
Mrs Anna Doré,
Assistant Principal Student Wellbeing
e [email protected]
World Youth Day
Last Friday, three of our San Sisters
– Anna Capitelli, Luz Chinchilla and
Sara Moreno Navarra – and staff
member Vincenzo Ferraioli, set out
with many other pilgrims from the
Brisbane Archdiocese to be a part of
the celebrations for World Youth Day in
Krakow, Poland.
World Youth Day (WYD) is a Catholic
event for youth founded by St John
of the Church.
Paul II in 1984, and has since spanned
‘World Youth Day has been one of
generations of pilgrims across the
God’s great gifts to us. It’s really stirred
nations. It is held every few years. The
Gospel energy in young people, who
main goal of WYD is to let youth know
are the Church not just of the future
about the message of Jesus Christ,
but the Church of now, called not just
in the context of a joyful meeting of
to follow but to lead.’ Archbishop Mark
the Pope, young people and leaders
Coleridge.
Verigram I 13
We wish our pilgrims all the best as
they take up the challenge to ‘not just
follow but to lead.’ May their journey be
safe and their experiences life changing
ones. We look forward to hearing their
story when they return.
Mrs Jodi-May Hart,
Co-curricular Music Program
Coordinator and Wellbeing Officer
Orientation Evening
Music Notes
San Sisto College recently held its first
important resources available that will
Orientation Evening, for students that will
be critical to their daughters’ personal
begin their journey with us in 2017.
and academic success in the coming
The event was filled with information,
introductions, and lots of advice to help
parents.
The orientation evening is the main
event in a process of Orientation for
incoming
Year
followed
Day.’
7
students,
up
Both
and
with
events
have
is
years
•
students
•
•
Inform students and parents about
various
aspects
of
College
life
ranging from the spiritual foundations
been
of our Dominican Catholic community
designed to help students and their families
and college expectations through to
familiarise themselves with the routines
extra-curricular
and expectations of secondary schooling,
College.
Acquaint students with the history and
traditions of San Sisto College
‘Buddy
and the particulars of attending San Sisto
Provide the opportunity to meet senior
opportunities
and
support processes available
•
To pre-empt issues that can arise
and hinder transition into secondary
Together these orientation processes are
designed to:
schooling
•
Afford parents and students the op-
•
Familiarise students with the College
portunity to address any concerns
•
Help
and prepare for successful transition
students
navigate
the
campus and identify the many staff and
resources available
•
•
for their daughters
•
Empower students and families —
Present tips and key information
resilience building (by: meeting key
that will make students’ first days at
people; making friends; getting to
college, and their transition to San
know environment, facilities and ex-
Sisto, go smoothly
pectations; establishing positive com-
Introduce students and parents to the
munication).
Support
San
Sisto
College’s
fundraising efforts with the new
2016
|
2017
Entertainment™
Memberships. Hurry! stocks are limited.
There is still time to get involved —
Thank you for supporting San Sisto
College. We are happy to announce
that so far, we have raised almost $479
towards our School — this would not be
possible without the support of people
such as yourself.
features
Verigram I 14
purchase
the
NEW
Entertainment™
2016
Book
or
|
2017
Digital
Membership for your smartphone which
$20,000
worth
Mr Kupper, the Guitar teacher at San
Sisto College, is currently looking to
expand his student base by taking on
more guitar students for Terms 3 & 4.
Mr Kupper teaches all levels of students
from those who are just beginning who
might not have even picked up a guitar
before to those who have learned a few
chords and songs on the instrument
and are looking to take their playing to
the next level.
Guitar lessons are offered in both
private and group lessons and take
place in a comfortable learning
environment where what you want
to learn is always of the highest
importance.
If you are interested in starting guitar
lessons with Mr Kupper at San Sisto or
just want to ask a few questions about
them your parents can send him an
email at [email protected] or
you can find him on Friday mornings in
the music block.
memberships left, so hurry and order
now!
of
Remember, for every membership we
valuable up to 50% OFF and 2-for-1
sell, 20% of the purchase price goes
offers for some of the best local restaurants,
directly to us, and the funds we raise will
cafés,
over
Guitar Lessons at San
Sisto Vacancies
attractions,
accommodation,
travel
hotel
and
more
for only $65. There are only a few
go to support our College.
Click here to purchase.
Our Community
•
college
extends
•
our
deepest
condolences to Kate Ross and the Ross
family on the loss of her grandfather last
week.
BABI Youth
Service
&
Parenting
and
Teenagers Talks
and
building
on strengths
Rest in Peace
Our
Highlighting
Family
•
Using effective and assertive com-
6.00pm to 8.30pm
munication
•
Venue: Headspace Capalaba
Building your relationship with your
•
1/29-37
Bay
Road,
teenager
•
Setting limits and boundaries
Street Furniture)
•
Improving life balance and developing self-care strategies
Enjoying
Moreton
Capalaba (next door to Eureka
•
Dealing with anger - yours and your
teenagers!
•
Cost is $60 per person or $90
for a couple (negotiable in some
circumstances).
Refreshments will be provided.
Hot topics: sex, drugs, alcohol and
For bookings, call 3393 4176
group program for Parents and Carers
drug use, driving, social media and
Once booked, payments can be made to
of children 10 yrs+.
more!
A relaxed, informative and enjoyable
•
BABI Youth & Family Service BSB# 084
Topics covered:
TERM 3 — 2016: Dates for Monday
129 A/C# 86662 9467 (please include in
•
Evening Group
reference your surname followed by PET
•
(eg. SurnamePET)
Adolescent
development
challenges of parenting
and
1 August to 12 September —
FINAL DAYS
If you haven’t, this is your last chance to
grab your event tickets.
Come and be a part of the celebrations!
Black & White
Dinner Dance
Ticket sales close 31 July.
Purchase online through www.flexischools.com.au
15 I Verigram