Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
From the Principal
Mrs Gaynor Robson-Garth
Principal
We celebrated St Catherine’s Day
on Friday 29 April. The day began with Mass at St
Dominic’s Church, presided over by Fr Dominic Murphy
OP. In this 800 year Dominican Jubilee we were
honoured to have representatives from St Dominic’s
Primary School and from Santa Sabina College join us for
the handover of the commemorative staff/walking stick
that is travelling from school to school to remind us of
St Dominic, the itinerant preacher and of our place in the
wider Dominican family. Fr Dominic reflected on the
walking poles he used for support on his ten week
Camino across France and Spain a few years ago. He
drew parallels with St Catherine and the ‘staff of her faith’
that supported her throughout her life. He reminded us
that we too can call upon the ‘internal staff’ of our faith
that gives us truth to live by and be guided by.
Newsletter Contents:
From the Principal ................................................................................. 1
2018 Year 7 Enrolments......................................................................... 2
75th Anniversary College School photo ................................................ 2
Dominican Corner.................................................................................. 4
Feast of our Patron: St Catherine of Siena.......................................... 4
Caritas - Project Compassion 2016 ...................................................... 5
Pilgrimage to the Lands of Dominic ..................................................... 7
College Wellbeing Day .......................................................................... 8
I acknowledge and congratulate all in our community who
set about a variety of fund raising endeavours on St
Catherine’s Day to support the Dominican Sisters’
ministries in the Solomon Islands, and later in the
afternoon, the entertaining and energetic performances by
each House at the Fiesta. These are produced and
directed by the students, and each year the standard
improves beyond expectations. The day ended with a
visit from students and staff from St Dominic’s College,
Auckland who were in Melbourne as part of a sports tour.
There was some good natured competition in netball and
hockey.
Learning Matters at Siena ..................................................................... 9
Career News .......................................................................................... 9
From the Head of Science ................................................................... 10
From the Head of English.................................................................... 12
South African Immersion .................................................................... 14
Leadership Forum ............................................................................... 16
Learning Enhancement News ........................................................... 18
From the Director of Music ................................................................. 19
Albertus Magnus Library News ......................................................... 21
DAV Debating ....................................................................................... 22
Sports News ......................................................................................... 24
Letter from Madeline Rose Deed on exchange in Brazil ................... 27
General Notices ................................................................................... 28
College Term 2 Key Dates ................................................................... 29
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
It has been a great start to Term 2, particularly in the
Performing Arts. Rehearsals for this year’s performing
arts gala in collaboration with Whitefriars College are well
underway. I am told it is a wonderful production that
breaks with the tradition of past years and involves more
students than ever before. We hope you will join us to be
entertained and enthralled by a journey down memory
lane and a ‘A Night at the Movies’ that opens on May 25.
Last week, an appreciative audience of family members
and staff was treated to some outstanding dramatic
performances by Year 10, 11 and 12 students based on
their learning in Term 1. It was lovely to see the high
standard of their work and their very different
interpretations of the themes and stimulus material given
to them to develop through performance. This weekend,
our Jazz musicians headed off to the ‘Generations in
Jazz’ festival at Mount Gambier. The Senior Stage Band
excelled placing them second in their division. This is a
wonderful achievement given it is only the third year of
participation in a field of twenty-five schools.
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
1
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
Dominican Education Australia (DEA) a new Public Juridic Person
(PJP) in the Church, is to be officially launched in August 2016 as
part of the 800th anniversary celebration of the Dominican order.
The six new Trustees will assume responsibility for Siena College
and six other entities in a new governance structure after the
launch, and as three Congregations of Dominican Sisters hand
over their schools.
The new Trustees visited Siena College in March as part of the
Induction Program. The Chair of the College Board,
Dr Beverley Begg and, I briefed the Trustees on the College and
led a tour of the St Catherine Centre and Mrs Michelle Robertson
presented to them on the College’s learning and teaching
programmes.
College alumna, Sr Frances Caine OP was recently presented with the “Directors’ Award” for service to
the Deaf Community through the John Pierce Centre at the Annual General Meeting held on 20 April.
The citation delivered by one of the Directors paid tribute to Frances for over sixty years’ ministry to the
Catholic Deaf community as a teacher and Principal at Dominican schools for the Deaf in Waratah
NSW, Portsea and Wantirna South in Victoria. Frances continued her outreach to deaf children in
Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory, especially on Bathurst Island where she lived for eight
years, and received an Award there from the Aboriginal Hearing Program for this work in Hearing Health
and Education. Sr Frances was awarded the Order of Australia in 2002. We extend our congratulations
to her and thank her for the inspiration that she is to our community.
As the second term unfolds, may St Catherine bless us with renewed energy for the things of God so that we too can
‘preach the Gospel of Mercy’.
Mrs Gaynor Robson-Garth
2018 Year 7 Enrolments
As we commence the final enrolment process for students wishing to enter Siena College for Year 7 in 2018, we would
like to remind any current families with daughters in Grade 5, wishing to come to Siena
College in 2018, to please ensure that you have submitted an enrolment form for her by 15
May 2016. Enrolment Forms and Prospectus packs are available from Front Reception or
by emailing [email protected]
Mrs Tracey Lawson
Head of Admissions
75th Anniversary College School photo
th
The 2015 Siena College 75 Anniversary whole school photo is still available for purchase.
The cost is $40 and your order can be progressed by clicking on the link www.sienaconnect.com.au/schoolphoto
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
2
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
St Catherine’s Day Celebrations
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
3
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
Dominican Corner
Feast of our Patron: St Catherine of Siena
On Friday, 29 April, Siena College community celebrated the Feast of our Patroness, St Catherine
Sr Julianna Drobik OP
of Siena with a College Mass in St Dominic’s Church followed by a day of festivities and fund
raising for the Dominican Sisters in the Solomon Islands. Year 7 students were introduced to St
Catherine of Siena’s life in their Religious Education program. The following is some background on our patron saint
especially for our new families who have joined the College community this year.
Catherine was born on the 25 March 1347. She was the twenty-third of her parents’ twenty-five
children. At a young age Catherine decided that she wanted to give her life completely to God. Her
desire to belong to God expressed itself first in her taking a vow of virginity and later in her joining
the “Mantellate”, a group of lay Dominican women, who lived in their homes and dedicated their
lives to prayer and charitable activity. Catherine spent the first three years in a secluded life of
prayer at home. After this time she plunged herself into active service of neighbour, showing
sensitive care of the sick and the poor.
At the age of twenty-five Catherine found herself drawn into the political life of her day. She was
often requested to act as a peacemaker and ambassador between different Italian states that were
at war with one another. She played an instrumental role in encouraging Gregory XI, the Pope of
the day who was living in Avignon in France, to move to Rome, the episcopal see. Gregory was
timid and easily manipulated and was surrounded by French cardinals who were reluctant to leave their comfortable way
of living for what they saw as the uncivilised Rome. Gregory did move to Rome but was not there long when he died.
Urban VI was elected Pope and set about reforming the church. This marked the beginning of the Great Schism. For the
rest of her short life, Catherine gave her time to working and praying for an end to the schism. She exhausted herself and
became so ill that she died at the young age of thirty-three on the 29 April 1380 surrounded by many friends and
Extracts taken from Catherine of Siena by Mary O’Driscoll OP
followers.
Fundraising for the Dominican Sisters in the Solomon Islands
Since 1970, Siena College students have organized fundraising activities on St Catherine’s Day to support the ministries
of the Dominican Sisters in the Solomon Islands. The Sisters belong to the Congregation of Dominican Sisters of Eastern
Australia and the Solomon Islands. The Sisters work in primary, secondary and vocational schools, parishes, clinics and
2
hospitals and with their local community. The Solomon Islands lies 1600 km north of Australia. They cover 28,896 km
km spread over 600,000 km of ocean. The population is 523,000. The country became independent in 1978.
Education is not compulsory in the Solomon Islands and approximately 60% of children have access to it. Christians
make up 92% of the population. The people come from several distinct cultural groups and speak a wide range of
languages. Life is simple and the people lack so many basics that Westerners take for granted. The Sisters are grateful
for the ongoing support received from the students at Siena College to enable them to carry out their ministries across the
Solomon Islands.
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
4
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
Dominican Sisters of St Catherine of Siena
Live the passion and conviction of our patron St Catherine of Siena.
The Dominican Sisters of St Catherine of Siena serve the displaced people of Iraq. Their mother superior is Sister Maria
Hanna, who fled with dozens of her sisters from their convent in Quaraqosh when ISIS swept through northern Iraq in
August of 2014. They settled in Erbil, some fifty miles away, to begin serving others in the same boat. Throughout this
trauma, a backbone of support for the displaced Christians has been the Dominican Sisters of St Catherine of Siena,
some seventy-three of whom were also exiled from their convents across the plain. The community initially administered
to the displaced from their convent in Ainkawa.
As families were moved from Ainkawa to Kasnazan, it became clear a second, satellite convent was required.
“We want to be with the people, to serve the people in the moment,” says Sister Maria. “If they move someplace else, we
move with them.”
...The leitmotif evident across all the communities of displaced Christians living in towns across
Iraqi Kurdistan is resilience. From the seemingly hopeless ashes of shock and despair of last
autumn, green shoots of hope sprout. From Erbil to Dohuk to Suleimaniyah, the Christians,
frequently marginalized from public services by the Kurdish authorities, are building their own
structures of support and care. The Dominican Sisters have been crucial to the slow but steady
emergence of this infrastructure from the chaos of displacement. Within weeks of their exile, the
sisters realized children needed special help in this crucial time.
“Children in the displaced families are the real victims,” she says. “They are really crushed by the situation. Entire families
had to suddenly all live together in one room or tent and the children were not allowed to speak, to express fear or
frustration. They couldn’t play. They couldn’t shout. Often they had to bear witness to domestic problems caused by the
displacement.”
Responding to this need, the Dominican Sisters established a kindergarten and an orphanage in Ainkawa, filling in for
institutions abandoned back home. These efforts have eased the burden on families, especially the children themselves,
starving to learn and play
Extract from OPFAM (Order of Preachers Family) see www.opeast.org
Sr Julianna
Caritas - Project Compassion 2016
Total raised by Siena College was $418.50
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
5
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
Service to the Community Program
Pied Pipers Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal
On Good Friday, one hundred Siena students and many helpful parents volunteered to participate in the annual Good
Friday Appeal for the Pied Pipers, raising money for the Royal
Children’s Hospital. The Pied Pipers have contributed a record total of
$386,055.47 to the 2016 Good Friday Appeal, including an amazing
record sum of $14,980.65 collected by the students of Siena College.
Sincere congratulations to everyone involved in achieving this
wonderful contribution. The 2016 Good Friday Appeal was another
record of $17,445,624.38. These funds ensure that the RCH has the
best medical equipment available to help young patients receive the
best treatment possible. Congratulations on a great result Siena and a big thank you to all our volunteer students,
teachers and parents.
Term 2
Students are reminded of the requirements to complete Service to the Community as follows:
•
15 hours service (students in Years 7 and 8)
•
20 hours (students in Years 9 and 10)
•
Service to the Community is to be done out of school hours and is unpaid
•
Needs to benefit others in the community
•
Each student is expected to present the completed record of service to their Homeroom teacher once per term in
their Log Book.
It is great to hear from many students some of the activities through which they have begun to meet these requirements
in Term 1. Completed hours will be reported on Semester 1 Reports.
With a new term underway, I encourage all students to make plans and seek opportunities to support family, neighbours
or contact one or more of a multitude of agencies in the community to volunteer.
Upcoming Opportunities to consider:
Event
Details
•
Rotary Garden Project
Email Sr Julianna for details
•
Mother’s Day Classic Run
Refer to website
•
Camberwell Green - visit elderly after school
Email Sr Julianna to make arrangements
Sr Julianna
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
6
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
Pilgrimage to the Lands of Dominic
Recently I was so fortunate to have travelled with
sixteen other Dominican educators (including Ms
Vivienne Halocha, Siena Business Manager)
Ms Bernadette Donnelly
across the lands that
Deputy Principal - Learning and Teaching
th
St Dominic walked in the early 13 century. I was
struck by Dominic’s incredible vision for a more just and fair existence for all, his
sense of community and desire to serve the needs of his people. We saw many
amazing medieval sites, including a working Roman aqueduct in Segovia, the
University of Salamanca which is one of the oldest universities in Europe, and many
beautiful churches. We were lucky enough to visit Dominic’s birth place, Caleruega and even woke
to snow falling. Each part of our journey provided important parts of the jigsaw of the Dominican
story. Travelling through the beautiful countryside of Spain, I learnt about the early influences that
formed Dominic’s incredible outward-looking view of his place in the world, the significance of
southern France, where Dominic worked with others in the formation of the Dominican Order and
the importance of Italy in the growth and outreach of the Dominican Order. We also visited Siena,
the birthplace of St Catherine and learnt more about her story and the significant role and incredible
th
influence she had as a lay Christian woman in the mid 14 century.
I would like to thank the pilgrimage group under the terrific leadership of Ms Marg O’Shea (Promoter
of Charism in Dominican Schools) for their generosity of spirit and sharing such a wonderful trip. I
would also like to thank our Principal, Gaynor and the Siena community for offering me the
opportunity of being able to be immersed and learn more about our wonderful charism at the commencement of my time
here at Siena. St Dominic’s message of searching for the truth and considering different perspectives are very relevant
messages for all of us even today. I look forward to sharing this ongoing journey with the Siena community.
Year 7 and 9 NAPLAN
NAPLAN testing at Year 7 and 9 will take on 10, 11 and 12 May. Students will take tests in Literacy and Numeracy. These
tests provide a snapshot of the progress that individuals and the cohort is making in comparison to state and national
standards. Parents, guardians and students will receive a letter outlining the schedule and the materials required for the
tests. The tests are over three days and students are assessed using common national tests in Reading, Writing,
Language Conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy.
Further details are available from the NAPLAN website. ‘NAPLAN is not a test of content. Instead, it tests skills in literacy
and numeracy that are developed over time through the school curriculum. Excessive test preparation using previous
tests is not necessarily useful. NAPLAN tests identify whether all students have the literacy and numeracy skills that
provide the critical foundation for their learning, and for their productive and rewarding participation in the community.
Students are assessed using common national tests in Reading, Writing, Language Conventions (spelling, grammar and
punctuation) and Numeracy.’ (http://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/the-tests.html).
Parents and guardians will receive their daughter’s individual results as soon as they become available, usually in
September. Semester One Examinations
•
Year 9, 10 and 11 students will undertake Semester Examinations in June. Students studying a VCE Unit 3 and 4
subject will sit the compulsory VCAA GAT (General Achievement Test).
•
The Year 9 to 11 Semester One examinations will run over the following dates:
•
Year 11: June 2 to June 9
•
Year 9/10: June 3 to June 9
•
Unit 3/4 GAT: June 7
Parents, guardians and students will receive a letter in early May with more information regarding the examination period
and their examination timetable. Students should also be speaking to their subject teachers regarding their specific
examinations, so that they are confident about the content of the examination but also how to revise prior.
Ms Bernadette Donnelly
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
7
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
College Wellbeing Day
Recently the College was involved in an intense professional learning day focussing on
wellbeing of the students and staff.
Mr Michael Hanrahan
Director of Staff and Administration
The day commenced with a number of self-care activities aimed at educating the staff of the
need to take care of themselves in this profession where the wellbeing of students is commonly the prime focus of
attention. The first workshop was preceded by a healthy breakfast in the Susan Alberti Auditorium foyer.
Following the State Government’s investigation into sexual assault allegations, the College felt it important to be informed
and up to date with these matters. The first speaker, Steven Troeth led an intense session on the law surrounding recent
legislation changes and the requirements of adults in reporting matters of misconduct. Steven is a partner in the Gaden’s
School Law team and has extensive experience in the education sector. He acts for independent and Catholic secondary
schools as well as TAFE and adult education institutions. He advises on student and parent issues that are peculiar to
educational institutions.
Following Steven and in the same vein was Robyn Miller who has most recently been in the position to provide practice
leadership as the Principal Practitioner in the Children, Youth and Families Division of the Department of Human
Services. Robyn is a social worker and family therapist with over thirty years’ experience in the field. She has worked in
the community sector, local government and Child Protection and spent fifteen years at the Bouverie Family Therapy, La
Trobe University Centre as a senior clinician and teacher.
Robyn’s passion about creating safer communities for children showed in her upfront, no nonsense presentation relating
to various case studies she has dealt with in her profession. She believes
that teachers need to understand child development and in particular, the
impact of trauma on that development.
The final session was a little lighter but no less engaging and Dr David
Collins introduced a new initiative for the girls at Siena. Dr. David Collins is
a doctoral trained clinical psychologist who has worked with young people
for over a decade. David has been involved in local and international
research collaborations, developing treatment programs for a range of
psychological difficulties. David has trained teachers, psychologists, and
counsellors across Australia in the neuroscience of young brains.
David is currently working with Dr Pieter Rossouw, who visited the College previously, to
develop “BRAiNgro” an exciting program being rolled out in schools across the country.
Siena is privileged to be on board at the start of this exciting initiative.
Mr Michael Hanrahan
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
8
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
Learning Matters at Siena
Learning Displays at Siena College
“Engage students in learning and develop the student’s self-esteem as learners”. John Hattie
Mrs Michelle Robertson
Learning Leader
An important component of being a Visible Thinking School, is to get students thinking and
talking about their own learning in the classroom. In order to reflect our learning and teaching,
a digital ‘Learning Display’ will be presented on the screen outside the Resource Centre (near the IT Department).
This display celebrates the thinking and learning that takes place in our day to day classes highlighting each faculty within
the school on a rotational basis.
The whole school community is able to enjoy visuals and students’ own thoughts and reflections on what they are
learning in their classes. These vibrant Learning Displays provide students with the opportunity to reflect on our teaching
and learning practices.
Please enjoy some of the students’ own reflections on their learning when you pass by this screen at Siena College.
Mrs Michelle Robertson
Career News
The Siena Career News (see link below) is quite lengthy at this time of year!
Tertiary institutions organise a variety of activities that aim to assist students with gathering
important information that will, in turn, help them make important decisions about their future
careers.
Ms Clare Timmins
Head of Careers
This month, the University of Melbourne will hold some great IT and Engineering workshops, Victorian College of the Arts
(University of Melbourne) students are holding “Walks of Art” tours in Melbourne for budding Visual and Fine Arts
students and the Design Futures Expo, a must attend for students interested in the design field, is at the end of May.
Law Week is also coming up and there are numerous activities to inspire students interested in a career in Law, including
tours of Parliament House and a discussion of how Laws are made, “Step up to the Bar,” an information session for
people interested in a career as a barrister.
http://www.siena.vic.edu.au/_uploads/rsfil/01671.pdf
Ms Clare Timmins
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
9
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
From the Head of Science
Rocks and Minerals Incursion
“We learned to identify different types of rocks: metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous. Danielle
and Morgan from Strathmore really helped us to understand more about geology, with inside
information on minerals, gems, and crystals. We learned how rocks are formed, and how some
crystals can be turned into products like eyeshadow.’’
Ms Anita Galli
Head of Science
Stella Marmina, Ally Lasscock, Charlotte Taylor, and Rachel Douglas
“Today we enjoyed learning about all rocks in a fun and interactive way. We enjoyed trying to break all the rocks, and
pretending to be geologists!”
Elisabeth and Laura
Stick Insects
Jessica Boys is our lab assistant, and she does a fantastic job of supporting teachers and students in
preparing pracs, and in keeping the lab safe and equipped. Jess also keeps a growing family of
Goliath and Spiny Leaf stick insects in the lab, and has kept the new babies safe over the holidays!
Psychology Visit St Dominic’s Primary
To understand Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, Unit 1 Psychology students visited St Dominic’s Primary to work
with Grade 1 students. Being able to see the activities we have been learning about helps to really visualise the stages
through which children progress. By creating hands-on activities, our students are investigating whether children are in a
pre-operational, or concrete operational phase of development. It is interesting for students to really see the variety of
ways in which children reason aloud, and also the limitations of prescribing set ages for developmental milestones.
The relationship with St Dominic’s Primary school is a connection we have fostered for several years now, and certainly
hope to continue. We recently realised that the first students we worked with at St Dominic are now in Year 7!
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
10
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
Science Conference Opportunity
The ANZAAS Youth Science Conference, for
students in Years 10, 11, and 12, will be held
this year in Brisbane from
10 to July 15.
Places are available to students in each state,
and selected students are offered return air
fares.
A $500 accommodation fee still applies.
Consider writing the 500 to 1000 word essay
application to attend this unique, eye opening
event.
Please email Ms Galli for an application form.
Ms Anita Galli
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
11
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
From the Head of English
English Assistance
This week will see the commencement of English Assistance at lunchtime in F209.
Ms. Donna Laughlin
The sessions will run every Thursday during lunchtime in room F209. Students are welcome to
Head of English
bring along any pieces of work they need help with or can come along and work in an
environment where they can receive help from teachers. Students are welcome to come as little or as often as they
require; bring along their lunch and any English questions or concerns. If you feel your daughter would benefit from some
guided assistance, please suggest she visit F209 any Thursday lunchtime. We hope to see many students there!
English Competitions – show us your writing skills!
In recent weeks, students have been emailed various writing and poetry competitions that enable them to share their
creative ability and writing prowess. Students should avail themselves of these opportunities to further develop their skills
and nurture their imaginations. Below are the details of some of the recent competitions. Thank you to those students
who have already entered.
•
Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Competition http://www.dorothea.com.au/
•
Write for fun (7-12) http://www.write4fun.net/
•
Future Leaders Writing Prize (VCE) http://www.futureleaders.com.au
•
The Charles Dickens Prize - http://dickens.asn.au/prize/
Students’ Creative Work
English at all year levels requires students to respond in a creative manner to a text or other stimulus. Below are some
examples of student work for your reading pleasure. Thank you to the English Teachers for their work with the students.
OCEAN Sonnet
Year 10 IMAG 2016
Peaking through the glaze the ocean once sang
Sounding pure, deep within the seven seas
Travelling up and breaking loose it rang
The soft air smelt of oceanic breeze
Until the raven returns home
lanterns dimmed
cobblestones grow cold
stained with the dark blue of night sky
Tight clouds expanded in reach of minutes
Initiating a flawed sight for eyes
Black sky rumbles to convey god’s limits
All waves heightened but didn't stop the rise
hiding in homes
people breathe sharply
until the raven returns home
Murder in the air ready to gasped
Rough waves were swelling beyond the cliff face
The ocean won't still and couldn't be masked
But now it's time for the end of its race
when its pitchy shadow flies through the town
contaminating
plaguing with sickly amoebic dreams
The sea may be calm like some time ago
But there will always be a dark shadow
unable to be cured
will they ever understand
the riddled meaning
of why the raven feeds on their discontent
Cara Pettolino
Belinda Bentincontri
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
12
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
Mundane
Philosophy
friction consummates beneath your toe-tight sketchers
empty, sterile spheres of nothingness falsely contained by a
swarm of beings
the fourth light flickers
strangers on a similar journey, indifference grows feeble
Here I stand,
Miniscule, among the earth’s most majestic
creations
tick
tack
tick
tack
stained blue seats
headphones tangled to trap personality
computer voice
now arriving at South Yarra Station
Here I sit,
Absorbing every particle of pure beauty the world
offers
Here I dance,
Bringing life to the leafless trees and sun-kissed
sand
Here I pray,
Worshipping he who gave this to us
Lily Jackson-Martin
Here I sing,
Where my voice echoes through mountains and
travels in smoke
Here I lie,
Inhaling my last pure breath of the day
Forming angels in the sand for the universe
Alannah Korfiatis
Ms Donna Laughlin
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
13
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
South African Immersion
When asked to describe the South African Immersion experience, the most
common phrases from the 2016 Immersion group include: amazing, heart
breaking, confronting.
Across the two weeks, students and staff stayed with their ‘host families’ from
the Kopanang community in the township of Tsakane 50km south of Johanasburg.
Mrs Kate Gotlib
Head of Student Formation and Justice Education
The homes were full of joy and love, despite some very basic living conditions. No houses had hot running water and
most students spent two weeks without showering. But these experiences were all part of the overall purpose of the trip,
to journey beside these women.
Across the fortnight, the group spent several days at Kopanang, working in the crèche, cooking meals, tutoring the
students (many of whom are used to class sizes of seventy or more) and teaching the Kopanang women computer skills.
A highlight of the trip was handing over a laptop on behalf of Siena College to Refiloe Sibisi to assist her further with her
university studies. Refiloe wrote of this experience.
On the first day of me meeting the group, which was on Thursday 24 March…the girls blessed me with an amazing laptop
that had everything I need to complete my tasks and many more. I cannot truly express how grateful I am for the
consistent blessings I keep receiving from all of you. You keep motivating and supporting me in every way possible.
Below are some reflections from the Immersion students:
Each of us instantly recognised that our living conditions were vastly different to what we are used to. The women of
Kopanang do not have the luxuries which we are so accustomed to. They do not turn on a tap and have instant hot water
or air conditioning. Yet without these things that we see as essential, their house was still a home. Life revolved around
family. Not possessions.
Sophie Crawshaw
We helped a range of kids at Kopanang through tutoring either one on one or in small groups. To see the joy on those
kids’ faces when they finally understood something they were struggling with was a highlight of my trip. A mother told us
that her son came home so excited because we had been able to teach him something that he had not learned at school.
These students have given me a whole new appreciation of my education, something that we often take for granted.
For these kids, education is a way out of poverty.
Caitlin Patterson
Upon arriving in South Africa we were all accepted into our host families like we were their own children. From the first
day my family told me ‘be at home, don’t feel at home because feelings can change.’ This was the mindset that I kept
through immersion. Every day I felt more and more at home and by the end of the trip I could not imagine having a home
anywhere else.
Hollie McCormack
Tutoring
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
Computer classes
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
14
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
A typical shack area in Tsakane
Donations
Shack area
Sr Sheila with Refiloe receiving her laptop
Constitutional Court
Arriving home (Teeshirt design by Sinead Hickey)
Mrs Kate Gotlib
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
15
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
Leadership Forum
On Tuesday 26 April, several of the Year 12 executive team attended a Leadership Forum at the electoral offices of
Shadow Attorney General John Pesutto MP. Mr Pesutto facilitated a discussion on leadership with students from Siena,
Scotch College, Auburn Secondary College, Swinburne Senior Secondary and Strathcona. He also took the opportunity
to present each student with a Certificate of Recognition for they important role they play in our community as young
leaders.
Below are observations from attending staff member, Mrs Jemimah Walsh (Head of Humanities):
Mr Pesutto’s comments were very appropriate in encouraging the students’ future aspirations and I was impressed by the
quality of the contributions to the discussions he was able to elicit from the students. He asked the students to nominate
someone they know who showed the qualities of good leadership. Lily Curtis made a very articulate contribution to the
discussion in her explanation of the qualities of good leadership shown by Sister Sheila Flynn. It was so refreshing to hear
of a real person who has touched the students’ lives rather than a sports star or other usual suspects.
A lot of the other student leaders seemed to be really intelligent and worldly. It was great to hear their opinions on
pressing issues in Australia that youth currently face such as climate change and refugee policy.
College Captain Niamh O’Farrell
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
16
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
Mother's Day Luncheon.
The Susan Alberti Mother's Day Luncheon was this year attended by ten student leaders. The luncheon was an incredible
experience for several reasons. Firstly, students were given the opportunity to hear from Victoria's first female Governor,
Linda Dessau, who spoke of her own experiences as a mother, jurist and AFL commissioner. Other speakers included
female researchers from the St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research. It was very uplifting to hear of their achievements
but at the same time sobering to hear of their experiences as women in science. One of the researchers is profoundly
deaf but told the audience that 'being profoundly deaf is a walk in the park compared to being a woman in medical
research.'
Funds raised at the luncheon go towards alleviating some of that difficulty. Every $40 raised pays for one hour of a
research assistant's time, which in turn gives one extra hour of support to a researcher while she is on maternity leave.
It is known as the Women in Research Award. This year, the award winner is Dr Urmi Dhagat. Her research focuses on
how cell signalling receptors work, with the aim to discover drugs that treat blood cancers.
Rice and Pasta Drive
The Feed Melbourne Appeal is a joint initiative of FareShare, Leader Community News and the Lord Mayor’s Charitable
Foundation. The Appeal provides grants to help community groups feed their communities with one third of all funds
going to FareShare.
Siena has a long standing partnership with FareShare through our volunteering during Siena in the City week. So when
FareShare put out a request for assistance with Feed Melbourne, staff and students were happy to oblige.
Siena ran a Rice and Pasta Drive for a month to coincide with the appeal. The SRC were overwhelmed with the
response. Last week the rice and pasta (which filled a 7 seater car to capacity) were delivered to FareShare and will now
be served and / or distributed to thousands of people in need.
Mrs Kate Gotlib
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
17
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
Learning Enhancement News
‘All Fired Up’ Year 8 Enrichment Day
nd
On Friday 22 April Siena hosted a Year 8 Enrichment Day from schools in the Boroondara
Cluster called ‘All Fired Up’. Students from Ruyton, Scotch College, Strathcona, Kingswood
College and Camberwell Girls Grammar joined four girls from Siena College to participate in
learning activities which explored the theme of energy.
Mrs Simone Ryan
Head of Learning Enhancement
The students commenced the day with an informative presentation from guest speaker Katherine Shone, Sports
Dietician. They learnt about the types of energy gained from different food sources and how the body stores, transforms
and expends this energy. Students were able to apply the knowledge they had learnt from Catherine to develop meal
plans for people with different exercise and lifestyle demands. Additionally, Catherine debunked popular diet trends
including the belief that “all carbs are bad” and that protein supplements were necessary.
Students were then led in a session by Siena Art Teacher, Ms Peta Mackintosh, titled “The energy in Art”. Ms Mackintosh
explored a range of sculptures which depicted the exertion of some form of energy. Through discussion of medium, form
and structure, the students were encouraged to think about how they may be able to use materials of wood, metal, wire
and paper to explore an idea about energy. Students worked collaboratively in small groups to plan and create a
sculpture. The final products were vastly different in design and concept, yet all were incredibly impressive.
Finally, students explored Energy and Movement in the human body in a session run by another Siena member of staff,
Mr James Houghton. Working in small groups, students completed activities which tested their knowledge and
understanding of how the body works. Students learnt about the science of converting energy into movement and again
considered the importance of the food choices we make in providing the body with the fuel it needs to complete a range
of activities.
Our annual enrichment day for Year 8 was, once again, highly successful. Students enjoyed the opportunity to learn
content that broadened and extended their existing knowledge and were challenged to think creatively in their application
of this knowledge. Socially, this day provided students with the opportunity to mix with a range of like-minded peers in a
stimulating environment.
Ms Bronwyn Ilott
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
18
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
From the Director of Music
Siena’s Night of Jazz
On 23 March, Siena’s Night of Jazz was held at the Monte Carlo Reception
Mrs Kerryn McGillen
Centre in Doncaster East and featured our Stage Band programme and
Director of Music
Guitar ensemble. Stage Band and Sisters of Swing performed the set
pieces for Generations in Jazz tour and Groove Train and the Guitar Ensemble also performed a
set of charts for a packed house. Martina Di Martina, jazz pianist joined us for the first time and
played with the house band for our up and coming musicians and Alumnae Jazz Ensemble.
Congratulations to performers and staff for preparing and performing so well on the night.
I would especially like to thank Emily Caracella, Ivan Rosa, Ben Nieuwkerk, Barney Thomas, Sarah Clark, Michael
Mimmo, Mary McLaughlin the FOMPA parents and the music staff for working towards this wonderful event for Siena
Students.
Wind Orchestra Workshop with Brian Hogg
The Wind Orchestra had the pleasure of having a workshop with Brian Hogg, Australian composer, educator and
conductor, on the 19 April. The Wind Orchestra is currently working on two pieces by Brian Hogg and was thrilled to learn
more about the stories that inspired him to compose these pieces and composition tools he used to create these images
and sounds from Indonesia and Scotland. Brian is a passionate composer, amazing conductor and wonderful teacher
who brought the best out in the band and has left us with many ideas and much knowledge to continue working and
playing.
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
19
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
Jazz Lunchtime Concert/Jazz Workshop
Stage Band and Sisters of Swing performed for students at a lunchtime concert on 20 April in the College Hall. The
students also worked very hard polishing their set pieces for Generations in Jazz. On Friday 22 April, the ensembles
attended an intensive extended rehearsal evening with instrumental staff and their band directors to continue working on
their pieces. It is fantastic to hear the progress they have made over the past few months and to see how much
confidence they have gained. The stage bands had a fantastic time at Mt Gambier at the Generations in Jazz festival with
the Senior Stage Band achieved a second place ranking in their division.
Up Coming Events
Dates
10,11,15,17,18 22 May
Event
Gala Concert Rehearsals
13 May
Year 9 Music Performance
‘Wicked’ excursion
Piano students excursion
Year 7 Australian Navy Band
Concert Incursion
Instrumental/Vocal Assessment
week
VCE Music Performance Unit 3,
Combined Schools Workshop
Siena and Whitefriars Colleges
Gala Performing Arts Concert
13 May
16 May
16 - 20 May
20 May
25, 26, and 27 May
16 June
First Semester Concert
24 - 26 July
Music Camp
Sunday 14 August
Annual Music Concert
Rehearsals
Annual Music Concert: rehearsal
and Performance
18 August
Venue
Siena/Whitefriars
(check schedule)
National Theatre,
St. Kilda
ANAM
Susan Alberti
Auditorium
Siena College
Students involved
Gala cast, dancers and
musicians
Year 9 Music Performance
students (Classroom)
Piano students (optional)
All Year 7 students
Yarra Valley Grammar
School
Karralyka Theatre
Mines Rd Ringwood
VCE Music Performance
Unit 3 students
The Gala Choir, actors,
dancers, Stage Band,
Symphonic Band
Music Ensembles,
Unit 3 VCE musicians
Concert Band, Symphonic
Band, Junior Strings, Senior
Strings, Junior Choir
Choirs and Ensembles
Susan Alberti
Auditorium
Rutherford Park
Siena College
Robert Blackwood Hall
Monash, University
Instrumental Music students
Choirs and Ensembles
Mrs Kerryn McGillen
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
20
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
Albertus Magnus Library News
Since October 2015, the Australian Library and Information Association has been working with
the FAIR (Freedom of Access to Information and Resources) group to search for Great School
Libraries across Australia. They were looking for libraries that:
Ms Vicki Hudson
Head of Information Services
“help children and young people find reliable information; use the information effectively; think
critically; make informed decisions; work productively with others; build knowledge and understanding of the world; safely
navigate the internet; communicate and share their ideas; and find great reads to meet personal interests and abilities.”
We are pleased to announce that the Albertus Magnus Library at Siena College has made the Great School Libraries
Honours List along with two hundred and thirteen other school libraries in Australia. We are thrilled to have made the list
and will strive to continue to achieve our key aims of supporting students to become lifelong learners and readers who
can think critically, who read widely and can find, use and synthesise information in their school years and beyond.
The Library Team:
• Vicki Hudson
• Anna Apfelstedt
• Helmalie Gunathilaka
• Monica Brooks
Ms Vicki Hudson
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
21
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
DAV Debating
Siena College has had a great start to the 2016 Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV) Schools’
competition. This year the College has six teams representing the school, from A Grade at Year 12
to D Grade at Year 9.
Ms Becky Scott
Teacher
Students have been working very hard, with the support of the Siena staff coaches and the Debating
and Public Speaking Captains, Laura Butler and Emily Spagnol. The girls have also taken part in after school training
sessions with coaches from Monash University Association of Debaters leading up to each debate. These have been a
great opportunity to delve into the topics and discuss ideas and tips with some expert university debaters. We are looking
forward to a wonderful season of debating and I would like to wish all of the teams well as they prepare for the future
rounds.
Below is the report from Laura Butler on the first two rounds of the season.
The debating season for 2016 is well underway with rounds one and two already wrapped up! The results for round one
are as follows:
All Siena teams from D Grade to A Grade in Round 1 won their debates, with each team also having the best speaker for
each debate.
A GRADE:
D GRADE 1:
Debaters:
Stephanie Scopece, Lily Curtis and Laura Butler
Debaters:
Jade Devlin, Hannah Walsh and Sophie Smith
Siena College won the debate by 2 points against Trinity
Grammar with Lily winning Best Speaker
Siena College won the debate by 1 point against
Melbourne High with Sophie winning Best Speaker
B GRADE:
D GRADE 2:
Debaters:
Lucy Carr, Rachel Soebekt and Emily Spagnol
Debaters:
Eliza Powell, Eliza Kral and Annalise Skliros
Siena College won the debate by 2 points against
Strathcona with Emily winning Best Speaker
Siena College won the debate by 1 point against
Strathcona with Annalise winning Best Speaker
C GRADE:
D GRADE 3:
Debaters:
Ellie Dickinson, Bianca Cleland and, Isabelle de La
Masse Homsy
Debaters:
Hannah Foldi, Stephanie Rozario and Natalie Salib
Siena College won the debate by an amazing 5 points
against Trinity Grammar with Ellie and Bianca winning
equal Best Speaker
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
Siena College won the debate by 2 points against Carey
Grammar with Stephanie winning Best Speaker
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
22
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
Results for Round two are as follows:
A GRADE:
D GRADE 1:
Had a bye for this round
Debaters:
Lily Curtis, Madeleine Fels and Laura Butler
Siena won the debate by 1 point against Carey with
Laura winning Best Speaker
B GRADE:
D GRADE 2:
Debaters:
Sophie Bonollo, Rachel Soebekti and Emily Spagnol
Debaters:
Alisha Memar, Greta Reginato and Annalise Sklivos
A very close debate against Trinity Grammar which they
unfortunately lost by only 1 point.
Siena won the debate by a phenomenal 4 points against
Trinity Grammar with Annalise winning Best Speaker
C GRADE:
Debaters:
Isabelle de La Masse-Homsy, Madeline Harris and
Hayley Kennedy
D GRADE 3:
Siena College won the debate by 2 points against Trinity
Grammar with Hayley winning Best Speaker
Siena College won the debate against Alia College by 3
points with Stephanie winning Best Speaker
Debaters:
Stephanie Rozario, Layla Fernandes and Hannah Foldi
Thank you to parents who attended the debates to support the teams. We encourage all parents and families to come
and watch the debates and to cheer on the debaters. Thank you to the coaches for giving up their time to assist and
support the girls.
Congratulations to all teams, the girls who won best speaker, and the team coaches.
Laura Butler (Debating and Public Speaking Captain)
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
23
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
Sports News
On Thursday April 14, Siena College celebrated our annual House Athletics Carnival at Doncaster
Athletics Track.
The day was tremendous fun with many girls experiencing stiff competition or simply trying out new
activities in order to gain points for their houses. After a great day of camaraderie and friendly
competition, the champions of each year level, division and Michele Timms competitions as listed below:
Congratulations to all girls that were involved in the day.
Placings
st
1
nd
2
rd
3
th
4
th
5
th
6
th
7
th
8
th
9
th
10
FINAL RESULTS: MICHELLE TIMMS OPEN 100M
Runner
Year Level
House
Ciarra McAlary
7
Waratah
Rachel Smith
12
Kurrajong
Georgie Kirkwood
10
Cassia
Cassie Evans
9
Dianella
Alycia O’Brien
8
Cassia
Amy Fisher
8
Dianella
Eliza Kral
9
Waratah
Isabella Villani
11
Cassia
Kristin Bato
11
Dianella
Maggie O’Shannassy
11
Dianella
TEAM AWARDS
House
st
1
Cassia
nd
2
Kurrajong
rd
3
Dianella
th
4
Waratah
Event
Junior aggregate
Mr Mark Smith
Head of Sport
Time
13.69
13.76
13.85
14.11
14.15
14.28
14.425
14.426
14.53
14.63
Points
428.5
419
408.5
382
Intermediate aggregate
1
nd
2
rd
3
th
4
st
Dianella
Cassia
Kurrajong
Waratah
364
319.5
311
196.5
Senior aggregate
1
nd
2
rd
3
th
4
st
Kurrajong
Dianella
Cassia
Waratah
360.5
300
241.5
138
House Enthusiasm: CASSIA
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
24
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
OVERALL AGGREGATE
House
Kurrajong
Dianella
Cassia
Waratah
Place
st
1
nd
2
rd
3
th
4
Award
Year 7 Champion
May 2016
YEAR LEVEL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Name
House
st.
1 Olivia Capomolla
Cassia
nd
2 Sarah Bronte
Cassia
nd
2 Ciarra McAlary
Waratah
nd
2 Liv Swift
Waratah
Points
1090.5
1072.5
989.5
716.5
Points
31
24
24
24
st
Kurrajong
Kurrajong
Dianella
32
27.5
24
st
Cassia
Kurrajong
Dianella
46
30
29
st
Cassia
Kurrajong
Dianella
46
35
30
st
Kurrajong
Dianella
Dianella
Dianella
Dianella
39.5
31
30
30
30
st
Kurrajong
Kurrajong
Kurrajong
39
36
38
Year 8 Champion
1 Ella Gurry
nd
2 Julia Cabai
rd
3 Kristy Connolly
Year 9 Champion
1 Emily Hodder
nd
2 Alana Mawby
rd
3 Cassie Evans
Year 10 Champion
1 Georgie Kirkwood
nd
2 Breana Ritchie
rd
3 Johanna Zikas
Year 11 Champion
1 Juliette Duffy
nd
2 Kristin Bato
rd
3 Caitlin Angus
rd
3 Clare Fernandes
rd
3 Maggie O’Shannassy
Year 12 Champion
1 Giulia Little
nd
2 Rachel Smith
rd
3 Alexa Tasios
Michelle Timms Open 100 winners
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
25
Term 2: Issue 4
Junior Division winners
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
Intermediate Division Winners: Dianella
Overall winners: Kurrajong
Senior Division Winners: Kurrajong
Year 12 Final House Carnival Gathering
On Friday April 29 Siena College welcomed St Dominic’s College Auckland, playing two games of Netball and a game of
Hockey. St Dominic’s College hosted Siena College in New Zealand in 2014.
Siena College will again be entering the elite Waverley International Netball Tournament in the Term 2 Holidays. It will be
running from Tuesday 28 June to Friday 1 July. If your daughter plays a high level of netball and is interested in playing
please listen out for trials beginning very soon. It is a great experience playing against international teams, interstate and
international schools.
Mr Mark Smith
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
26
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
Letter from Madeline Rose Deed on exchange in Brazil
Dear Siena, Hello, or rather Olá,
It’s almost impossible to know where to begin in this whirlwind that has been the first three months of my exchange. I
sometimes feel the world has flipped upside down, started spinning backwards and an eternity has gone by without
anyone but me noticing. Yet what an amazing world it is.
Prior to this exchange, I had many preconceptions, about what it would be like, about Brazil my exchange and the world
itself. Enough that I thought I knew exactly what to expect. Boy was I wrong. Leaving my family, as I walked through the
departure gate I felt ever so slightly disappointed. In the one hundred and seventy-five day countdown to D-day, (16
January 2016), I had anticipated and simulated saying goodbye to my family in my head infinite times, and while each
involved hugs, kisses, photos, even tears, each time I imagined walking away, passport in hand and Australia at my
heels, I knew that that was it. I had predetermined it to be the moment that living in Brazil for an entire year was going to
hit me, that it was all going to become instantly real. In reality, from boarding in Melbourne to arriving in Belo Horizonte,
the goodbye felt like any other. I still just hadn’t quite realised just what it meant to be an exchange student.
Now I live in Belo Horizonte Brazil in an apartment close to the city centre, with my host mum and dad, fifteen year old
sister, Sofia, and ten year old sister Carol. Every day I wake up at 6.00am to a warm, muggy morning and more often
than not it’s monsoon rains before five. Lunch is the biggest meal of the day and everyone travels home, often for less
than half an hour to enjoy it, before they return to work. I’m also beginning to think that Brazilians simply do not believe in
sleep, because while everyday may start at 6.00am you can be sure no one’s asleep before midnight.
My new school, Colégio São Paulo Irmãs Angélicas, is roughly fifteen minutes from my house by car, and approximately
thirty minutes by bus (trains and trams simply don’t exist in my city). School starts at 7:15am Monday through Friday with
six fifty minute classes and one twenty minute break. Each week for the academic year, students take sixteen compulsory
subjects, for which there are tests every Friday and compulsory late afternoon classes every Monday, (as if I didn’t dislike
Mondays enough already). Needless to say, school here is tough, and that’s if you speak Portuguese.
In my city there are approximately forty exchangers from all corners of the globe. There’s an amazing diversity of
personalities and cultures and each individual brings something different to the exchange. Together we do everything
from visiting bookstores while it pours, to playing paintball in scorching 30 °C heat. No one understands being on
exchange quite like a fellow exchanger. It would take five pages to list the events of the past three months and ten to
introduce all the people I’ve met.
A few of the things that have made my exchange so incredibly special thus far are, my arrival in Brazil at BH airport,
which was complete with confetti, foam, tinsel, and flying banners printed with the names of the four lucky Australian
arrivals. My welcome party was a crowd of people so large I could only ever hope to remember all their names, and
though I had been travelling and awake for approximately thirty-two hours and it was all a bit of a blur, it was a welcome I
will remember forever.
Secondly, and early on, around the four week mark I attended Carnaval. This, as infamously promised, was a fabulous
celebration with flower crowns, music, dancing and an overwhelming sense of pure joy shared by all. Everyone was as
each other’s family, sister, brother or best friend. Despite barely knowing most of the people I spent those five days with,
they have become amongst my closest friends and we share the most amazing memories.
Then there’s the soccer. Now I knew Brazilians worshiped the game but I had no idea as to the extent. Worship is in fact
the word, as for some, (many), football is their religion. In Australia, Rotary advises exchange candidates to avoid conflict,
especially religious and political confrontation. In Brazil football is added to list and quite literally to the handbook! At my
first soccer game here I discovered the teams have to enter through different sides of the stadium (for security reasons).
You don’t want to be the one wearing the wrong colours in the oppositions stands. I have been twice now and each time I
don a jersey and enthusiastically join in, though I’m still a loyal Aussie rules football fan, and a firm believer that it’s the
better game (another thing I don’t say too often over here). Every single person at a game here wears their colours and
participates in cheering, (imagine thousands of synchronised battle cries) and many wave 4x2m flags and hug random
strangers when their team scores. There’s nothing really to compare it to.
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
27
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
In addition, I have eaten some of the best food in the world (most of which was rice and beans), visited countless theatre
shows and museums, climbed mountains, been ice skating in shopping malls, found my way around the labyrinth that is
the central market, danced in a mall, fed monkeys, discovered quatis, (seriously look them up), walked a tightrope and
seen so many women dressed as men and men dressed as women that it became a norm, (it’s a carnaval tradition). I
th
have been to two 15 birthday celebrations, (sweet 16’s in Australia are tragically underdone in comparison), and played
Uno during P.E. The adventures with my family, friends and other exchangers are endless and each and every
opportunity is amazing.
One of my most challenging experiences was visiting an orphanage with Rotary. There, there were kids from one month
to eight years old. Two buildings on the same street house them, (one for the babies and the other for the older children).
While I spent only a few short hours with them, playing and holding and feeding the babies, it was enough time to get
some perspective, and help me realise just how lucky I am to have the opportunities that I do.
Exchange is by far the most amazing and challenging thing I’ve ever done. Three months in and there are still days when
I wake up and wonder where I am, though to be sure, Brazil is just my home across the sea. The opportunity to make
international friends and family, to learn and study in an entirely new language and to gain a new perspective on life, is an
incredible one in a lifetime chance and one everyone should consider.
Thank you
Madeline Rose Deed
General Notices
FAMILY CARE SISTERS
The Family Care Sisters facility at Croydon,
offers holistic care to all women (aged 20+
to 70 years) who are in need of a peaceful
environment, ‘time out’, support or nurturing.
Our residential program operates each
week, Monday to Friday (February to midDecember).
A daily group session is held on topics such
as ‘relaxation’, ‘well-being’, ‘self-awareness’,
‘boundaries’, etc.
Cost: $175 which can be paid in
instalments.
In 2016, we are trialling Day Programs on
topics such as “Boundaries”, “Dreams”,
“Genograms” etc.
For further information or to book in contact
9723 6797.
Web: www.familycaresisters.com.au
Email: [email protected]
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
28
Term 2: Issue 4
NEWSLETTER
May 2016
College Term 2 Key Dates
Term 2 - 2016
Tuesday 10 May
NAPLAN Testing begins (concludes Thursday 12 May)
Friday 13 May
Open Morning
Wednesday 25 May
Siena/Whitefriars Musical Production Opening Night (closes Friday 27 May)
Wednesday 1 June
Year 11 Examination period begins (concludes Thursday 9 June)
Friday 3 June
Year 10 and Year 9 examination period begins (concludes Thursday 9 June)
Tuesday 7 June
VCE GAT
Friday 10 June
Report Writing Day (student free day)
Monday 13 June
Queen’s Birthday public holiday
Thursday 16 June
Semester 1 Concert
Friday 17 June
Open Morning
Tuesday 21 June
Alumnae Association Careers Showcase Evening
Wednesday 22 June
Year 7 Camp begins (concludes Friday 24 June)
Year 8 Camp begins (concludes Friday 24 June)
Year 12 Retreat begins (concludes Friday 24 June)
Friday 24 June
End of Term 2 (for staff and students)
815 Riversdale Rd, Camberwell 3124
T: 9835 0200
E: [email protected]
www.siena.vic.edu.au
29