FROM THE DIRECTOR OF LEARNING & TEACHING
The St. Vincent De Paul Society have trus ngly
called upon MacKillop’s Vinnies Team to support
them in dona ng socks to the homeless on our
streets. WE NEED YOUR HELP!
From Friday, March 14, we ask that each student
at MacKillop donates pairs of warm socks to their Home
Room’s sock basket. New socks only, please. This program will
run over the next 2 weeks culmina ng in a Silly Sock Day on
Friday, April 4.
This is part of the St. Vincent De Paul Project
Revolu on’s Survival Packs for the Homeless
Campaign. Catholic schools around Hobart have
been given specific items to donate for the
backpacks, and we got socks!
WE NEED YOUR HELP! Together we aim to warm
up as many feet as possible.
SMS MESSAGING AS A CONSEQUENCE OF NONSUBMISSION OF WORK
We have implemented a system by which a teacher can ini ate an
SMS message to a parent whenever a key assessment task has not
been submi ed by the due date. This service is due to go on line
from 5:00 pm on Wednesday, March 19.
The SMS message informs the parent that the required submission
has not occurred and requests them to contact the ini a ng teacher
to discuss how to progress the ma er further. At the same me, an
email will be dispatched to parent, student and ini a ng teacher in
case of failure of the messaging system. By using this service we are
able to be er inform parents in a more mely manner if their child
is not maintaining the correct work ethic. At the same me, we are
hoping to encourage our students to ini ate the correct dialog with
their subject teachers if they feel they are struggling and require
more support to complete tasks in a mely manner.
Dr John Snell
DIRECTOR OF LEARNING AND TEACHING
Be generous: one pair of socks can mean so much to those
whose feet feel the cold and will benefit from the comfort and
warmth.
What can you do?
1. Donate as many pairs of new socks as you wish.
2. Par cipate in Silly Sock Day on Friday, April
4 for a gold coin dona on or another pair of
new socks!
Meg Francis – Vinnies Group Secretary
MACKILLOP UNIFORM SHOP
A reminder to all families that due to the building works around
our College the Uniform Shop is now situated in the College
Office area.
Uniform Shop opening hours are:
Tuesday: 8.15 am – 1.30 pm and Thursday: 12.30 pm – 3.45 pm
MACKILLOP
CATHOLIC COLLEGE
ENROLMENTS
- YEAR 7, 2015
MacKillop Catholic College invites applica ons for places for
Year 7 students for 2015.
Applica on forms and informa on about the College are
available from the Principal’s Secretary by phoning 6245 0099
or email: [email protected]
You can also visit our website and download an applica on
form: www.mackillop.tas.edu.au
College tours are available. They are conducted on a Tuesday
morning, star ng at 9.00 am. Bookings are essen al. Please
phone the Principal’s Secretary on 6245 0099 to arrange a tour.
For all enquiries please contact Mrs Anne Morling on 6245
0099 or email: [email protected]
APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON
THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2014
ATTACHMENT TO THIS
NEWSLETTER
1.
2.
What is Lent?
News from the Director of Ministry
Pi DAY 2014
Goondi Street, MORNINGTON, Tasmania 7018
PO Box 1068 ROSNY PARK, Tasmania 7018
Telephone: (03) 6245 0099 Facsimile: (03) 6245 0100 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mackillop.tas.edu.au
mackillop catholic
college
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
VOLUME 22 - NO. 03 - MARCH 19, 2014
Paren ng is not an easy gig. I know that from first-hand experience.
We, as parents, are forever faced with the dilemma of what to hang
on to and what to let go when dealing with our children. Or, as I
have heard it said in other circles, “You need to pick your ba les to
win the war”. Over the years I have seen this predicament played
out many mes with parents / carers of our students. I recently
came across this reflec on on paren ng which I thought would be
worth sharing.
Our leadership style is of vital importance to our children because,
for be er or worse, paren ng styles tend to repeat from one
genera on to the next. The good news is that everyone has the
capacity to develop good paren ng skills and to be aware not to
repeat pa erns that expose children to nega ve and destruc ve
experiences. Our children will feel loved and secure, if the way
we go about living our lives and engaging with our children is in a
posi ve, friendly, yet firm manner.
During his presidency, Bill Clinton once remarked that running a
country was a lot like running a cemetery: you have a lot of people
under you and nobody is listening. His remark seems to suggest
that being a leader is a li le more difficult than it might appear
to be. The leadership role of parents in their family situa on is
likewise more difficult than it appears to be. The degree of difficulty
depends somewhat on the style of leadership we choose to use
and our reason for choosing that par cular style.
Our children will sense a comfortable and upli ing atmosphere
and environment that allows them to be relaxed and op mis c
about life. Our children might even agree with the comment,
“Your ac ons speak so loudly, I can’t even hear what you are
saying.” Author unknown.
If we choose to use an autocra c style, where we totally dominate
and use the benefit of our adulthood to impose our will on our
children, then we will be in for a power struggle and will have
to use threats, fear and punishment to achieve what we want.
Unfortunately, our children will probably feel unsafe, unloved and
untrus ng of us. Our very strict rules and suffoca ng structures will
cause our children to yearn for freedom, to be rid of us and our
heavy-handed style of paren ng.
If we choose the opposite extreme and choose to use a permissive
style and choose to be physically or emo onally absent, don’t set
limits, be afraid to say “no” and never hold our children accountable,
then we will reign over chaos. Our children will think they have
the right to do anything they like and, because they don’t respect
us, they won’t respect other forms of authority. Unfortunately,
our children will probably be perplexed by life, lack mo va on to
achieve because they have never known structure in their lives, and
will find themselves easy prey for people who do not have their
best interests at heart; they too, will live in fear and feel unloved.
If we choose to be in the middle of these two styles, we will be
choosing an authorita ve-democra c style. This style is based
on respect, love and trust, where posi ve communica on and
coopera on are enjoyed on a daily basis. Our children will probably
feel safe, loved and accepted, yet free to be who they are. If we are
pro-ac ve and foresee problems before they can fully emerge, if
we can welcome opinions and offer choices while not guaranteeing
that our children will always get what they want, then our children
will be confident, able to think for themselves and able to make
decisions that have a posi ve outcome. If our leadership has a
confidence about it, it will inspire our children to take up the
leadership role in their own lives.
Jesus, our leader, with the guidance of the Spirit within us,
may we bring a spirit of joy, generosity and enthusiasm to the
leadership role we have as parents. May our children learn
about you by the way we lead our lives. Amen.
BOARD VACANCY
The MacKillop Catholic College School Board plays an important
role within the school community. It has an advisory role and is
concerned with the overall wellbeing of the College.
The MacKillop Catholic College Board of Management is seeking
nomina ons from the school community for posi ons on the
Board.
If you are interested in playing a role on the Board please contact
me or Mr Jorrick Chivers for details.
OLD SCHOLAR NEWS
Last week Guilford Young College held their Ceremony of
Commenda on. A key part of the ceremony was the presenta on of
awards for performances in 2013. Congratula ons to the following
MacKillop old scholars on their outstanding achievement:
ExcepƟonal Commitment and ContribuƟon
to the life of the College
Alec French
Joshua Paoli
Top TerƟary Entrance Score
Joshua Paoli
UTAS Scholarships and Bursaries
Joshua Paoli
Jessica Sinni
Subject Awards (TQA Level 3)
Julia Bazan
Jonty Dalton
Ryan Denholm
William Doyle
Joshua McKay-Wilson
Sports Science
English Wri ng
Outdoor Leadership
Physical Sciences
Physical Sciences
Ashley O’Keefe
Joshua Paoli
Mathema cs Applied
Chemistry,
Mathema cs Specialised, Physics
VocaƟonal EducaƟon and Training Awards
Gabrielle Minnucci
Cer ficate II Hairdressing
Outstanding ContribuƟon to Community
Morgan Norris
Clayton Rainbird
Outstanding ContribuƟon to the Faith Life of the College
Ashley O’Keefe
Georgia Verrier
Outstanding ContribuƟon to Sport
Jordan Latham
Ellie Picken
Julia Minnucci
I would also like to acknowledge and congratulate the following past
MacKillop students on their significant leadership posi ons at GYC:
Isabelle Brighella – College Captain, Hobart Campus
Alexandra Ford – House Captain (Bosco)
NATIONAL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM – LITERACY
AND NUMERACY (NAPLAN) 2014
In 2008, the Na onal Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy
(NAPLAN) commenced in Australian schools. The program is
scheduled to con nue in 2014 with all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9
to be assessed using common na onal tests in Reading, Persuasive
Wri ng, Language Conven ons (spelling, grammar and punctua on)
and Numeracy.
Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 students in Tasmania have been par cipa ng
in literacy and numeracy tests for a number of years, so there is
familiarity with the test formats and the types of ques ons.
The scheduled dates for the tests in 2014 are Tuesday, May 13,
Wednesday, May 14 and Thursday, May 15.
These na onal tests will provide informa on on how students are
progressing against na onal minimum standards of literacy and
numeracy skills expected for each year level, as well as performance
across the whole range of student abili es. The results will support
improvements in teaching and learning for students.
Parents will receive an individual report that shows their child’s
results and a comparison of their child’s performance against all
other Australian students in their year level. The report will also
indicate how their child performed in comparison to the na onal
average and the levels of achievement expected at that year level.
For students in Years 5, 7 and 9, the results from the 2014 tests will
provide parents and schools with important informa on on progress
made since they last par cipated in NAPLAN tes ng in 2012.
The best way you can assist your child is by making them feel
comfortable about the nature and purpose of the tests, and assure
them that the tests will give them an opportunity to show what they
have learned in class.
For more informa on about the na onal tests, including test
samples, frequently asked ques ons, the test schedule and a parent
informa on brochure, please visit the na onal NAPLAN website at:
h p://www.nap.edu.au
STAFF NEWS
This week the College will farewell Mrs Jenny Brighella. Jenny has
played a key role in Learning Support and the Library over the last 10
years. On behalf of the College I would like to thank Jenny for all her
contribu ons to the College and wish her every blessing in her new
posi on at Corpus Chris , Bellerive.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Congratula ons to Ashley Steele (10 Green) on qualifying to swim in
the Australian Age Championships being held in Sydney next month.
All the best, Ashley.
Congratula ons to Tom Steele (8 White) on being selected to
represent Tasmania in the Under 14 Water Polo team compe ng in
Brisbane next month. All the best, Tom.
Dr Sally Towns
PRINCIPAL
FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
YEAR 7 IPAD INTRODUCTION
During our Year 7 Orienta on Program, we men oned that our Year
7 cohort would begin to use their iPads a er the Term 1 holidays.
With the holidays fast approaching we would like to invite parents
of our Year 7 students to a end an evening introduc on session on
Wednesday, April 2. This session will be facilitated by our eLearning
Co-ordinator, Mike Dilger, and aims to support parents and introduce
them to the way the College manages our iPad program.
In past years, we have received feedback from parents that such
sessions provide them with valuable informa on and strategies to
help manage digital devices in their homes. A le er with details and
mes will be sent home to all Year 7 parents later this week.
Addi onally, the College Uniform Shop will be open on this evening
from 6.00 pm - 7.30 pm to enable our Year 7 parents to purchase the
winter uniform. For all enquiries, please contact Mrs Anne Morling,
Uniform Shop Co-ordinator, by phoning 6245 0099 or by email:
[email protected]
YEAR 8 CAMP AND RETREATS
Next week is a very busy week in the College for our Year 8 students
and staff. We begin the week with our Retreat Program on Monday
and Tuesday and then they depart for camp bright and early on
Wednesday morning. Both programs are of great value in building
support for our young adolescents, hence it is very important that
all students par cipate fully and are well prepared on the day. The
Retreat Day for students is deemed to be a normal school day and
students are asked to be here at the beginning of the day.
UNIFORM
As men oned in our last newsle er, a er the term holidays all
students need to return in full winter uniform. Due to the reloca on
of the Uniform Shop into the front office during the building works
space and storage are very ght, so please start thinking about what
items of clothing your son or daughter may require so that you will
avoid last minute me delays in acquiring our winter uniform.
Please note that as of last year we began providing a “so -shell”
jacket for students to wear during the day at the College which
provides extra warmth. This jacket can be purchased as an addi on
to the required uniform items.
Lost property is a constant problem in the College; please ensure all
items of clothing are named with your child’s full name to help ensure
lost property gets back to its righ ul owner.
DUTY OF CARE
We ask for parent support in the use of student mobile phones at the
College. The first point of contact for parents during the school day is
through the front office. Please do not contact your son or daughter
via their mobile phone during the day, as our policy dictates that
phones should be “off and away” between the first and last bell for
the day. If students require contact with you during the day to check
arrangements, or if they are feeling unwell, contact with you will be
made by our administra on staff.
CONTACT DETAILS
Please remember to update your contact details with the College
Office if there is any change to phone contacts, addresses etc.
Mrs Sue Howard
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF STUDENT WELLBEING
NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST BULLYING
AND VIOLENCE - FRIDAY, MARCH 21
Despite this Friday being a Student Free Day, it is important to note
that it is also Na onal Day of Ac on Against Bullying
and Violence. MacKillop is a registered associa on
College of “Bullying. No Way!” – a government
organisa on managed by the Safe and Suppor ve
School Communi es (SSSC) Working Group.
Although this event is highlighted na onally this Friday, May 21, its
message is echoed every day at MacKillop. An -bullying educa on
is an important part of our Personal Development Program for all
year groups.
The Bullying. No way! website: www.bullyingnoway.gov.au has
informa on and strategies for parents and students of all ages
about the Na onal Day of Ac on and how we can all help create a
suppor ve school environment free from bullying, harassment and
violence. Also available on the site is the Take a Stand iPhone & iPad
app, for ps and advice on dealing with bullying.
BULLY – THE CINEMATIC DOCUMENTARY
This week the Years 9s commenced the viewing of the characterdriven documentary “Bully”. Filmed over the course of two years,
“Bully” opens the window onto the pained and o en endangered
lives of bullied students. It documents the responses of teachers,
students and parents and captures the growing movement amongst
our community to change how bullying is handled in our society.
NATIONAL CYBERSMART PRESENTATION TUESDAY, APRIL 8
Cyberbullying is one of the biggest, current concerns for teachers,
parents and students. While the world online can be a powerful
and engaging one for young people and adults alike, it can also be
a damaging one. The Na onal Cybersmart Program will be visi ng
MacKillop in Week 9 of Term 1 and delivering a presenta on
during Personal Development to the whole school. The Cybersmart
program aims to:
• inform students and staff about cybersafety issues;
• educate audiences through informa on, resources and prac cal
advice; and
• empower students to be safe online.
SRC NOMINATION AND ELECTION PROCESS YEAR
7-9
Last Tuesday, Dr Towns addressed all students in Year 7-9 to
encourage them to consider being a leader at MacKillop. During
Personal Development, students have had the opportunity to
nominate themselves or another member of their Home Room to
be considered for SRC. Nominated students will be required to write
and deliver a speech to their Home Room prior to the elec on.
Elec ons for all Year groups will take place on Tuesday, April 1,
during period 5. The Year 10 Student Leaders will be coaching
and mentoring students throughout this process. We wish all the
candidates the very best. (For a full list of the nominees for each
year group, go to our website: www.mackillop.tas.edu.au)
Mr Nicholas Lahey
DIRECTOR OF STUDENT WELLBEING
PI DAY 2014
Pi, Greek le er (π), is the symbol for the ra o of the
circumference of a circle to its diameter. It is an irra onal
number (it cannot be wri en as a frac on) with an infinite
number of non-repea ng, seemingly random, decimal
places. Pi = 3.1415926535 etc. Pi Day is celebrated by maths
enthusiasts around the world on March 14. This year marked
MacKillop College’s third consecu ve, and most successful,
celebra on of the day.
Throughout the week leading up to Pi Day, several maths
classes inves gated the rela onship between a circle’s
circumference and its diameter. Circles of many different sizes
were measured and when their circumferences were divided
by their diameters, students discovered that the result was
nearly the same, regardless of the size of the circle. The results
were very close to 3 (Pi = 3.14…). Mr Capaci’s and Mr Cramer’s
Year 9 class made a human Pi symbol (π) on the basketball
court as well as a “Pi-line” with the first 35 digits. Mrs Prenter’s
classes enjoyed mini Pi-memorisa on challenges using an
iPad app. Mr Cramer’s Year 8 class read “Sir Cumference and
the dragon of Pi” by Cindy Neuschwander. These students
also wrote stories using the first 20 digits of Pi, associa ng
the number of the digit with the number of le ers in a word.
Some year 10 students graphed the number of mes each
digit appeared in 100 digit blocks of Pi. They found that the
numbers were not evenly spread in each block. Mrs Graham’s
Year 7 class made a “Pi paper-chain”, with each digit being
represented by a different coloured paper. They managed the
first 150 digits and some helpful Year 9s rounded it off to an
even 200.
Pie sales in the canteen reached a record high, with fruit pies
proving to be just as popular as steak pies. Again the highlight of
Pi Day was the Pi digit recita on compe on, held at lunch me
in front of a packed house. All 13 individual compe tors, plus
Mrs Arne ’s Year 7 class, are to be commended. It is not an
easy feat to memorise and recite a seemingly random string
of numbers. Special men on to Marissa MaƩrocce (Yr 7) who
flew through an 85 digit recita on. Congratula ons to the five
students who broke the “100 digit barrier”: Henry Reinbach
P (Yr 7 – 110), A.J. Merrigan (Yr 9 – 110), Laura Cruise (Yr 8 –
160), Molly Steer (Yr 10 – 180) and Zoe Teders (Yr 8 – 190).
All compe tors received a personalised cer ficate and there
were also prizes of Pi magnets, key rings and Pi pins.
Mrs Pat Graham
Head of MathemaƟcs