COLLEGE P A L A E R E N T I NEWSLETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL 2015 Year 12 students Dear College Community On Thursday, 19th November, our Year 12’s finished their schooling days at Rostrevor College with a special Chapel Service and Assembly at the College. Valedictory is a very special time and an important rite of passage for our graduating students. Our Seniors have been fine leaders throughout 2015 and have been generous with their time, particularly with the younger students. I wish them well for the future and hope that they continue to represent the values of the College as they move into a new phase of their lives. This was a very special day for all in our community as we farewelled the Year 12’s of 2015. The final Chapel Service focused on the Gospel passage of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. This Gospel is a fitting way to send our graduates into the world: As Servant Leaders. Thirteen people are gathered in the room to eat. There should have been fourteen, a servant to politely clean the dirt of travel off the feet of the guests. But there was no servant. Jesus slips over, grabs the bowl and towel, and begins washing feet. In this moment, he is making their lives immeasurably more challenging. He is showing them exactly what it means to be a servant. He serves the man who will in a few hours deny ever knowing him. He serves the man who will in a few hours turn him in to the cops. He serves the man who, three years before, laughed at his redneck roots. He serves the men who argued over who was most important. He is washing the feet that will, in a few hours, run away from him. And it isn’t like he didn’t know what these feet, these hearts, were going to do. Jesus told them what they were going to do later. But he still washed their feet. And his behaviour invites questions. How did he do that? How do I do that? He doesn’t expect me to do that, does he? Yes, he does. TERM 4, WEEK 6 FRIDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 2015 Absentee line: 8364 8387 Continues over page...
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COLLEGE
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2015 Year 12 students
Dear College Community
On Thursday, 19th November, our Year 12’s finished their schooling days at Rostrevor College with a special Chapel Service and Assembly at the College.
Valedictory is a very special time and an important rite of passage for our graduating students. Our Seniors have been fine leaders throughout 2015 and have been generous with their time, particularly with the younger students. I wish them well for the future and hope that they continue to represent the values of the College as they move into a new phase of their lives.
This was a very special day for all in our community as we farewelled the Year 12’s of 2015. The final Chapel Service focused on the Gospel passage of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.
This Gospel is a fitting way to send our graduates into the world: As Servant Leaders.
Thirteen people are gathered in the room to eat. There should have been fourteen, a servant to politely clean the dirt of travel off the feet of the guests.
But there was no servant. Jesus slips over, grabs the bowl and towel, and begins washing feet. In this moment, he is making their lives immeasurably more challenging. He is showing them exactly what it means to be a servant.
He serves the man who will in a few hours deny ever knowing him.
He serves the man who will in a few hours turn him in to the cops.
He serves the man who, three years before, laughed at his redneck roots.
He serves the men who argued over who was most important.
He is washing the feet that will, in a few hours, run away from him.
And it isn’t like he didn’t know what these feet, these hearts, were going to do. Jesus told them what they were going to do later. But he still washed their feet. And his behaviour invites questions. How did he do that? How do I do that? He doesn’t expect me to do that, does he?
Yes, he does.
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Continues over page...
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DATES TO REMEMBERNOVEMBER
Week 6
Friday 20thYear 10 and 11 Swot Vac
Week 7
Monday 23rd - Friday 27th
Year 10 and 11 Exams
Tuesday 24th Rosary: College Chapel, 2.00pm
Friday 27th Year 10 Liturgy and Farewell
The act of service is grounded, for Jesus, in not having anything to prove. He gets nothing from this act, usually reserved for a gentile servant. Rinsing the feet of guests from the dirt that accumulated from manure-laden paths as they walked to a party had no redeeming value. This was not like opening the door for someone, an act that people can take turns doing. This was not about helping the helpless, an act that can earn inverse status points.
This act carried no points. It seemed repulsive to the disciples rather than noble. The idea of a servant leader was still new; was, in fact, in the process of being treated at this table, on this night. But, Jesus wasn’t jeopardizing his position, he was establishing it. He is Servant.
Peter is the only one who responds when Jesus washes feet. For whatever reason, Peter is the voice. And Peter argues that he doesn’t want Jesus to wash his feet.
But look more closely at what Jesus says to the disciples after he finishes washing their feet and gets dressed. He starts with a should, just like we expect: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” He piles it on: I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
Now the most important part of the message: Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. Wait, what? Not “you will be cursed if you don’t?” Not, “I did this to make you feel guilty?”
No. Jesus said that serving blesses the servant. But that shouldn’t be a surprise. After all, he’s not doing it out of guilt-avoidance. He’s doing it for love.
Over the last five years I have had heard a great deal about Rostrevor’s traditions. I want to share with you what I believe to be the only true traditions of this College – symbolized by the virtues of faith that are represented by the star in the crest and reflected in the actions of Jesus in washing the feet of his disciples. These virtues, the fundamental traditions of our College are: generosity; fellowship; purity; courtesy; and compassion.
I ask our graduates to be proud of these traditions and be proud of their time at the College, for if they carry these virtues in their hearts, they will be truly blessed and make a mighty difference to our world.
God Bless
Simon Dash Principal
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There are wonderful reflections to the Sunday Readings each week on Edmundrice.net, the Christian Brothers website. Here is an excerpt from last week written by Br Julian McDonald.
“Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Son of Man is near… Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Mark 13, 24-32
The first part of today’s gospel reading (Mark 13, 24-27) presents us with a challenge because it is apocalyptic writing. Such writing gets its name from the Greek apokaluptein, meaning “to unveil”. Mark was writing for a Christian community that was suffering persecution from the Roman Emperor, Nero. So, in order to be able to comment on the atrocities his community was facing, Mark resorted to a kind of “underground literature” that used symbols his audience understood. He was interpreting the events of his own time in light of what had occurred in earlier times. Mark was offering a message of hope: your suffering will all be over soon, so have courage and stand firm. The signs you will see in the heavens will point to an earth-shattering experience for all people: the arrival of the new kingdom of God, when peace and justice will prevail.
Mark then switches time frames, and has Jesus use the analogy of new growth on the fig tree to give a message to his community, and equally to us. Just as anyone can see that new growth on the fig tree is a sign that summer is coming, so we have to be alert to the signs around us of God’s presence in our world and in our lives. While we are told that God will come in splendour to judge the
SPIRITUALITY
Br John Ahern Assistant Principal Religious Identity and Mission
world at the end of time, it is important that we remain alert to the fact that God comes into our lives every single day, often in the most unlikely of disguises: in the friendly check-out person in the supermarket, in the crabby bus-driver, in the sick child, in the generous next-door neighbour, in the short-tempered bank clerk, in the beggars we encounter on the street. How do we respond to God’s messages brought to us by all these different people? Perhaps we are inclined to screen them out, to stop them from unsettling us, or to last them out until they recede from our consciousness. But we can also find it in ourselves to make a response that leaves us, and those we encounter, better for the experience.
Preaching from Memory to Hope (2009), Thomas Long shares the following story:
A minister and his wife were leaving church one evening and heading to dinner to celebrate their anniversary. As they were heading to their car, they saw an elderly man lying on the parking lot asphalt, the stricken man’s wife bending over him. As the minister’s wife ran back into the church to call an ambulance, the minister ran to the man’s side to try to reassure him that help was on the way.
The man looked up at the minister and said “Charlie, please forgive me.”
The minister did his best to comfort the man, “Don’t worry, help’s on the way.”
But the man persisted; he said, “Charlie, please forgive me.”
The minister finally said, “I’m Sam, but really, help will be here soon.”
The man was clutching his chest - it was clear he was not going to make it to the hospital. And with all the life that was left in him, he grabbed Sam’s arm and said, “Charlie, I beg you, forgive me.”
Sam said, “I do forgive you. I do forgive you.”
Those were the last words that the man heard in this life. What Sam later learned was that this man had a son, one son, named Charlie, and in an ugly argument years and years earlier, he’d disowned him - and hadn’t spoken to him since.
Sam later wondered if he had done the right thing, but later realised how this must have weighed on the old man’s spirit, as he grieved over the broken relationship with his son and the pain it had caused. This man’s dying wish was for forgiveness for something he’d done years and years before. Sadly, broken family relationships like this are not uncommon. Today’s Gospel speaks to the precious limits of time. The days of our journey through life are limited. They are God’s gift to us. Yet we often squander our time trying to justify our self-righteous anger instead of seeking to reconcile with those from whom we have distanced ourselves.”
Br John Ahern
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Working with others teaches teamwork – that every person counts, it teaches you the importance of collaboration and observing rules. It sets aside your personal aspirations, for the benefit of collective goals, and it teaches you that winning or losing can be done with honour – knowing that you did the very best of your ability. It also helps students learn about coping with pressure and the need to persevere with training or practice or rehearsal in order to improve.
Another important aspect of participation in co-curricular activities is the ability to make people feel they are part of something, a team member and a member of the Rostrevor Community - a community which is made up of students, parents, old collegians and of course staff.
We not only congratulate all those who won awards but also those who willingly participated in these activities, to all parents who helped with coaching, transport and assisting on match days, and to our staff for their continued involvement in this essential dimension of our College life.
Summer Co-curricular Assembly
Last Friday, we held our Summer Co-curricular Assembly. A significant number of students were rewarded for their outstanding contributions to the College’s co-curricular program. The Summer Co-curricular Program allows for students to represent Rostrevor across a variety of activities, including Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Cycling, Handball, Music, Pedal Prix, Rock & Water, Surfing, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball and Water Polo. This is obviously in addition to the opportunities that are provided during the winter terms.
What was obvious from the reports read by students and the music performance from our Junior Years Band is that students continue to participate with wonderful enthusiasm and success in the wide range of co-curricular activities on offer at Rostrevor outside the classroom.
What we refer to today as ‘co-curricular’ was once known as ‘extra-curricular’. The change in wording is significant and reveals recognition of the worth of non-academic pursuits in education. The words ‘extra-curricular’ tends to imply that these activities, programs and learning experiences have no relationship to the learning that students do in the classroom. On the other hand, ‘co-curricular’ refers learning experiences that complement, in deliberate ways, what students learn in the classroom.
Each activity or program enables students to learn about team-work, commitment, fair-play, winning, losing and developing personal interests and passions. Our Co-curricular Program enriches students’ learning by providing an educational experience beyond the classroom – an opportunity to experience success and expand an understanding of personal and collective strength, worth and talent in a variety of settings.
Most importantly, the Co-curricular Program is about building relationships and understanding team dynamics – learning to relate with others within and beyond the school community. Through participation in the Co-curricular Program, students grow in character, confidence and esteem where their personalities are further nurtured, shaped and formed.
Frank Ranaldo Deputy Principal
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
Graduation and Valedictory Ceremonies
These ceremonies mark the conclusion of SACE Stage 2 assessment as well as the final farewell to the Year 12 Class of 2015. The Chapel Service followed by the Graduation Ceremony in Purton Hall yesterday morning was well attended by students and families. This is a very emotional experience for students, teachers and families alike, with moving speeches from the College Head Prefect, the Principal, Mr Dash, and a parent representing the many families in attendance. Memories were shared fondly, particularly as many students have attended the College since Reception.
It has been a pleasure to watch our current Year 12 cohort grow and flourish over the years, demonstrating the qualities of a Rostrevor Graduate as articulate, kind and compassionate young men who are well poised to take their place in the world.
The Graduation Ceremony ends with a prayer for the students and a blessing from all in
Nov/Dec Year 11 Year 10 Middle Years Junior Years
Thurs 19 Nov Year 11 Liturgy and
Farewell
Normal Lessons Normal Lessons Normal Lessons
Fri 20 Nov Year 11 Swot Vac
commences
Year 10 Swot Vac
commences
Normal Lessons Normal Lessons
Mon 23 Nov Year 11 Exam Year 10 Exams Normal Lessons Normal Lessons
Tue 24 Nov Year 11 Exam Year 10 Exams Middle Years Exams Normal Lessons
Wed 25 Nov Year 11 Exams Year 10 Exams Middle Years Exams Normal Lessons
R-2 Christmas
Liturgy
Thu 26 Nov Year 11 Exams Year 10 Exams Middle Years Normal Lessons
Fri 27 Nov Year 11 Exams Year 10 Exams Year
10 Liturgy and
Farewell
Normal Lessons Normal Lessons
Mon 30 Nov Year 11 Exam
Return and Feedback
Year 10 Exam Return
and Feedback
Normal Lessons Normal Lessons
Tue 1 Dec Year 12 Induction
Day
Year 11 Induction
Day
Normal Lessons Normal Lessons
Wed 2 Dec Normal Lessons R - 6 End of Year
Activities
Thu 3 Dec Normal Lessons Year 6 dismissed
at 1.05pm, Rite of
Passage and Mass
Fri 4 Dec Years 7 – 9
House Day and
Christmas Liturgy;
1.05pm finish
Last day for Years
R - 5; 1.05pm finish
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attendance as they make their way into the next exciting phase in their lives. We ask God to protect them on their journey and guide them towards happiness and fulfilment.
I would like to sincerely thank the families of the Year 12 Class of 2015 for entrusting the education and care of their son to us over the years; we all look forward to witnessing their future successes.
SACE Results Release
SACE Board results will be released on Tuesday 15th December. Students will be able to access their results online via the SACE Board website. Students have been encouraged to log into ‘Students Online’ using their SACE Registration number and PIN well prior to the results release data to ensure that they can gain access.
Middle Years Exams
Our Middle Years Exams will be held on Tuesday 24th November to Thursday 26th November. Students will undertake exams in the following core subject areas: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities & Social Sciences and Religious Education.
Exam grades will be recorded and reported on the Semester 2 Student Report.
Years 10 and 11 Examinations
Both Year 10 and 11 students had their Swot Vac day today to study for exams although preparation should have commenced prior to this.
Students in Years 10 and 11 are expected to attend the Exams Return and Feedback/Course Evaluation Day on Monday 30th November and the Years 11 and 12 Transition Day on Tuesday 1st December. Both days are compulsory school days and students are expected to attend, wearing their school uniform.
The purpose of the Exams Return and Feedback/Course Evaluation Day is for teachers to provide feedback which is specific to the questions and student responses but also regarding the effectiveness of study routines, revision and exam techniques. If your son is returning to study Year 11 or Year 12 in 2016, he must attend the Transition Day which commences at 8.35am and concludes at 3.15pm. Students will attend a class with each of their 2016 subject teachers where they will be issued with necessary texts, course outlines, syllabuses, novels and study notes to give them a good start to their Year 11 or Year 12 studies.
Frank Ranaldo
Nov/Dec Year 11 Year 10 Middle Years Junior Years
Thurs 19 Nov Year 11 Liturgy and
Farewell
Normal Lessons Normal Lessons Normal Lessons
Fri 20 Nov Year 11 Swot Vac
commences
Year 10 Swot Vac
commences
Normal Lessons Normal Lessons
Mon 23 Nov Year 11 Exam Year 10 Exams Normal Lessons Normal Lessons
Tue 24 Nov Year 11 Exam Year 10 Exams Middle Years Exams Normal Lessons
Wed 25 Nov Year 11 Exams Year 10 Exams Middle Years Exams Normal Lessons
R-2 Christmas
Liturgy
Thu 26 Nov Year 11 Exams Year 10 Exams Middle Years Normal Lessons
Fri 27 Nov Year 11 Exams Year 10 Exams Year
10 Liturgy and
Farewell
Normal Lessons Normal Lessons
Mon 30 Nov Year 11 Exam
Return and Feedback
Year 10 Exam Return
and Feedback
Normal Lessons Normal Lessons
Tue 1 Dec Year 12 Induction
Day
Year 11 Induction
Day
Normal Lessons Normal Lessons
Wed 2 Dec Normal Lessons R - 6 End of Year
Activities
Thu 3 Dec Normal Lessons Year 6 dismissed
at 1.05pm, Rite of
Passage and Mass
Fri 4 Dec Years 7 – 9
House Day and
Christmas Liturgy;
1.05pm finish
Last day for Years
R - 5; 1.05pm finish
AROUND THE COLLEGE
Junior Years New Student Transition
Title, Caption
2015 Prefects donated a sign to name our Science Garden the “Brother Coughlin Sustainable Garden” with a quote from author Elizabeth Bibesco, “Blessed are those that give without remembering and take without forgetting”.
Title, Caption
Year 9 Debating Team, Patrick Moller, Cyril Saji and Patrick Russo, who were Runners-up at the Debating Award Presentations held last Thursday by Debating SA Incorporated.
Year 9’s Cyril Saji, Patrick Moller and Luke Valente, had an opportunity to pitch an innovative solution to a global issue at the Final Heats of the. United Nations Youth Australia – South Australian Voice Public Speaking competition.
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We all feel anxious sometimes – it might be about test and exam results, a job interview, a relationship or even who will win the final of a sports match. This anxiety is a normal part of life and, in fact, is necessary to help us avoid danger or perform at our best. For some people, including children and teenagers, the feelings of anxiety can be much more extreme. This anxiety is more than feeling stressed – it’s a serious condition that makes day-to-day life difficult.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety can be part of your genetic and biochemical make up, as well as part of your personality. There are many things that can trigger anxiety, such as your environment, stressful situations like school exams, a trauma and/or problems within the family.
Some causes of anxiety may be genetic (a history of anxiety in your family), disturbance of brain activity, or a stressful event (like a family break-up, abuse, ongoing bullying at school, sexual abuse, a death, a relationship breakdown or family conflict).
Helping Kids Deal with Horrifying News
Terrorist events in Europe in recent days have reverberated around the world. Graphic images have been brought into our living rooms and onto our devices via the media over the last few weeks, and will continue to do so in the immediate future. But what about the impact of the event and the subsequent media coverage on children and young people? As adults, we all want our children to live carefree lives and keep them from the pain and even horror of tragedies such as terror attacks. In reality, we can’t do this. So what is a parent, teacher or other caring adult to do when such events fill the airwaves and the consciousness of society?
WORLD EVENTS AND ANXIETY
During the past week we have run a discernment process to identify our senior student leaders for 2016. The roles of Campus Captain and Vice-Captain are particularly important in our College community, however our message to the Year 5 cohort (our 2016 Year 6 students) throughout this process has been that ‘you don’t need a shiny badge or a title to be a leader’. In fact the Job Specification for year 6 students (if there was one) would read, ‘Using your experience of life and school to this point, how can you lead others?’
As John Maxwell, a prominent leadership consultant, says of leaders; “A good leader is one that knows the way, goes the way and shows the way”. Thus, as Year 6 students, a majority should know the ‘way’ of our school (how we do things) and be able to ‘go’ the right way in order to ‘show’ others. Another way to put this for the Year 6 boys might be that, as senior students, we must ‘walk the walk and talk the talk’ and thus we rely on their modelling as one of the ways we teach our younger boys a greater sense of personal responsibility.
Guiding all of our leaders at Rostrevor College (both staff and students) is the Charter of Edmund Rice Education. The Touchstones of all Edmund Rice schools in Australia serve as a litmus test or acid test to ensure our schools stay on the right path in recognising what binds EREA schools across the country together. It is often said that anyone should be able to walk into any EREA school in Australia and see evidence of the following;
1. A Liberating Education – opening our hearts and minds to an education of the whole person
2. Inclusive Community – positive relationships and community acceptance
3. Gospel Spirituality – creating an environment of compassion, justice and peace
4. Justice and Solidarity – a spirituality of reflection and action that calls us to stand in solidarity
All boys who applied for the senior leaders role were asked to speak to the Touchstones – how would an observer see your leadership as a member of an Edmund Rice School? We had nine
wonderful Rostrevor lads present their speeches to boys from Years 3-6 last Friday in the Callan Hall and, after a student vote, staff discussion/vote and the approval of the Principal of Rostrevor, we arrived at our decision.
To that end it is my pleasure to announce the Junior Campus Captain for 2016 is Cameron Tunno and the Vice-Captain is Ishaan Oak. Both of the boys were humbled and incredibly excited in being offered the roles and we heartily congratulate them on their well deserved selection.In announcing these new leaders, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the fantastic leadership of our current Campus leaders, Captain Tyson Walls and Vice-Captain Jack Basso. Both Tyson and Jack have served their community extremely well in 2015 and have left rather large shoes for Cameron and Ishaan to fill – this is a credit to these young men who have not only worked hard but also provided their peers with exceptional role modelling in all areas of college life. There have been no two better people to run College tours and feedback has often centred on their maturity and obvious love for their school!
We farewell our Year 6 students and leaders in coming weeks and thank them for their efforts as we wish them well in their future studies at Rostrevor College.
Geoff Aufderheide
JUNIOR CAMPUS
Geoff Aufderheide Director - Junior Campus
Evan Pezos Director - Student Welfare
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HERE ARE SOME IDEAS:
Reassure Children That They Are Safe
The consistency of the images can be frightening for young children who don’t understand the notion of distance and have difficulty distinguishing between reality and fiction. Let them know that while this event is indeed happening, it will not affect them directly.
Explain What Happened
Sounds obvious but it’s important not to simply assume that children and young people understand what’s happened. Be calm and stick to the facts, using a map to show older children where it happened.
Be Available
Let kids know that it is okay to talk about the unpleasant events. Listen to what they think and feel. By listening, you can find out if they have misunderstandings and you can learn more about the support that they need. You do not need to explain more than they are ready to hear, but be willing to answer their questions.
Help children process what they see and hear, particularly through television. Children are good observers but can be poor interpreters of events that are out of their level of understanding.
Support Children’s Concerns for Others
They may have genuine concerns for the suffering that will occur and they may need an outlet for those concerns. It is heart-warming to see this empathy in Children for the concerns of others.
Let Them Explore Feelings Beyond Fear
Many children may feel sad or even angry with these events so let them express the full range of emotions.
Avoid Keeping the Television on all the Time
The visual nature of the media means that images are repeated over and over, which can be both distressing to some and desensitising to others.
Be Aware of Your Own Actions
Children will take their cues from you and if they see you focusing on it in an unhealthy way then they will focus on it too. Let them know that it is
C O M E ‘ N ’ H A V E A T A L K W I T H U SC O M E ‘ N ’ H A V E A T A L K W I T H U S
happening but it should not dominate their lives.
Children’s worlds can be affected in ways that we can’t even conceive of, so adults need to be both sensitive to children’s needs and mindful of what they say and how they act in front of children.
In difficult times, it is worth remembering what adults and children need most are each other.
At Rostrevor College
If any student is dealing with a difficult personal issue and would like to talk to someone in a confidential setting, please encourage them to come and speak with Mr Pertl or Ms Rossi. They can make an appointment through Student Services or by emailing [email protected].
As well as our teaching staff and Counselling Services, Rostrevor College would like to remind you that there are many external agencies (as listed on the posters below) and resources that offer support and assistance.
Please feel free to contact me and/or your son’s Pastoral Care Teacher/Class Teacher or Head of House (MY/SY students) with any concerns.
Evan Pezos
8 9
It was to the pleasure of Rostrevor College on the morning of November the 11th, that Mrs Helen Hart shared her personal sentiments at our annual Remembrance Day Ceremony. In her address, Mrs Hart provided a snapshot of her Grandfather’s commitment to our nation, as he fought resolutely in the First World War to protect the lives we lead today. Born August 11 1896, William Joseph Lake enlisted on 5th September 1914 to join the allied forces. During his service William represented the 12th Battalion, 3rd Brigade until February, 1916, where he was discharged due to injuries sustained at Gallipoli.
The Valley filled of Rostrevor College students engaged silently with the inspiring and thought provoking words of Mrs Hart, included, as they were challenged to ‘imagine’ the hardship and the sacrifice the servicemen, many of which are of a comparable age, endured during The Great War.
Tom HodkinsonHead of Humanities and Social Sciences
“Imagine a lad just turned 19, so not a lot older than some of you, a bricklayer, son of a dairy farmer. Morphettville race course was being used as a recruitment training camp and that’s where this lad went in early September 1914 to enlist to join the fight for his king and country. He was Private William Joseph Lake, service number 572, of the 12th Battalion, 3rd Brigade, First Australian Imperial Force. William was my father’s father and was always known as Bill. At the time Bill was a handsome young man, well built, tall and strong. While at Morphettville, the young men frequently marched along what is now Anzac Highway to Glenelg to bathe and train at the beach.
Bill remembered Monday 21st September 1914 with mixed feelings. It was the day he left Adelaide to start his great adventure but it was also the day he left his family and friends behind. The day also saw tens of thousands of people crowd the streets of Adelaide to farewell the troops. Shops and offices closed for the afternoon and the roads were blocked. People were packed ten and twelve deep along the route waving and cheering. A few people recognised Bill along the way and called to
him. It was a parade showing a triumph of belief and hope and loyalty as the people of Adelaide sent their young men away to war. Bill had never seen anything like it. He felt privileged to be part of it. Of course no-one there that day had any idea of just what lay ahead.
Following the parade, 250 men of the 12th Battalion left Adelaide and travelled by train to Melbourne where they boarded the HMAT Geelong and sailed to Tasmania. In Hobart, the Adelaide boys were joined aboard by almost 500 local men boosting the numbers of the 12th Battalion to 750.
On the 4th October with all the supplies and equipment loaded on board, (and this included a live Tasmanian Devil they took as their Mascot) the Geelong set off from the pier. Bill and his mates watched from the deck as Hobart disappeared. They were off at last and the mood on board was almost festive.
However life aboard the Geelong was not pleasant. It was stiflingly hot, crowded and uncomfortable. The voyage was so long, towards the end most of the lads were feeling hard done by. They thought
REMEMBRANCE DAY WEDNESDAY 11TH NOVEMBER
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the war would be over before they could get to the front.
Bill told the story of being anchored off Port Said, Egypt. The ship was surrounded by Egyptians in dinghies selling fruit, jewellery, scarves, even Turkish Delight. Fruit was very popular after so many weeks at sea. A basket with money in it went over the side and was hauled back up laden with fruit.
After further training in Egypt, Bill was part of the first landing at Gallipoli. Bill described the landing as mass confusion with little understanding of events unfolding around him. Again imagine - he jumped into the water, struggled ashore among all the noise and relentless gun fire and made his way towards the cliffs and some protection from the guns. Fierce fighting continued through the following days.
Bill couldn’t remember exactly when he was wounded. How many days did he dart about the battle fields feeling like a rabbit in a spot light? How many nights did he lie in a trench, cold and exhausted, hoping for the oblivion of sleep?
When Bill was hit, he didn’t even realise what had happened. He was towards the front line when a shell exploded nearby. The ground shook beneath him and shrapnel flew in all directions. Bill lay there, his face in the dust, too terrified to move. Eventually there was a lull and Bill managed to crawl to safer ground. It was then he realised he couldn’t feel his feet. His army boots were tangles of filthy leather fragments.
He was evacuated to an Army Hospital in Egypt where he stayed for 2 months waiting for his badly injured right foot to improve. When this didn’t happen Bill was sent to London and eventually made it back to Adelaide in December 1915.
Bill and his mates had set out on an adventure, full of confidence and bravado. They had been sent to a hell hole and too many paid the ultimate price. Bill felt fortunate to be alive. He was battered but he wasn’t beaten. His feet did heal in time. He had done his duty, he had done his best.”
THANK YOUAs the school year draws to a close, the Parents and Friends Association would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Rostrevor College families for supporting P&F events this year. Your generous support and donations allows the P&F to allocate funds to projects based on a “wish list” provided by the school leadership team.
Through you generous support, the P&F Association have committed to donating $42,300 to Rostrevor College this year for the following 2016 projects:
•Covered outdoor learning space
•LED Signage
•Vocal microphones for the music department
Last year the P&F approved $50,000 for audio/visual equipment in the new Learning and Resource centre. Therefore in the last two years the P&F have donated $92,300.
These donations would not be possible if it weren’t for the dedicated and hardworking co-ordinators and volunteers of the various events. A big thank you to all the co-ordinators, volunteers and the Staff that go above and beyond their normal duties, in particular Andrew Robertson, Sue Giacobbe, Jan Hurley, Fiona Jarzabek, Stef Caruana, Donna Douglas and Megan Roberts. The dedication and hard work by everyone involved is very much appreciated. A special thank you to everyone involved in our major fund raising event, Spring Fair. The continued success of this event and other P&F events ensures that we are able to make generous donations to Rostrevor College.
The P&F is always looking for new members in order to continue our growth and to contribute fresh and new ideas. The meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month and our first meeting for 2016 will be on 9th February at 7pm in the Senior school staff room. Please consider coming along.
Once again, a big thank you to all the Rostrevor community for your support.
Rostrevor P&F Committee
10 11
CO-CURRICULAR NEWS
Fixtures
Please check the Rostrevor website under Co-curricular for updated details of fixtures for Term 4. Weekly maps can also be found on the Rostrevor website.
Reminder that late cancellations due to heat or wet weather will also be posted on the website.
2016 Co-curricular Forms
All boys should by now have completed a request to enter their Co-curricular selections for 2016. Nominations for some teams have already been called for the SAAS association, therefore it is important that boys who selected an activity for Term 1 fulfil this commitment and make plans to acquire correct uniform and attend trainings in Week 1 of 2016.
1st XI Cricket
PAC 147 all out in 43 overs (Angus Slack 3/23, Harrison Rahaley 2/2, Lachlan Prior 2/24) defeated by Rostrevor College 7/148 in 40 overs (Murphy Short 70no, Dylan Fitzsimons 22, Jack Hill 18)
This was a fantastic result considering that we looked out of the game for much of our batting innings. After winning the toss and electing to bat, PAC lost an early wicket with Dylan Smith picking up a wicket with the second ball of the innings. From then on, we bowled quite well, but still allowed a loose ball every over and PAC were mostly able to capitalise on it and keep the runs ticking over. Darcy Fogarty and Lachlan Prior, both in their first games, showed plenty of potential with Prior especially impressing with his line and length. This enabled him to pick up 2 very valuable wickets. Angus Slack, playing in his last game for Rostrevor, bowled some tidy off spin and was instrumental in slowing the scoring rate towards the end of the innings. Harrison Rahaley chipped in at the end with 2/2 from just 11 balls.
In reply, we started slowly due to some excellent bowling from the PAC bowlers. They were able to swing the ball and didn’t offer any loose deliveries that we could capitalise on. At 3/39 after 20 overs and 5/53 after 24, we had a big job in front of
Jeff Fischer Co-ordinator of Co-curricular Activities
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ProSwim Lessons held at Rostrevor CollegeChildren 5yrs & overBeginners, Intermediate & Advanced
Commencing Monday 26th OctoberAfter school times between 4.00pm – 6.00pm Ph 8276 8622 ProSwim Mission Statement: Our mission is to advocate the many benefits of swimming as a life skill; to provide swimming lessons to children and adults of all ages in a safe and comfortable environment; to ensure that lessons are enjoyable and fun for those who attend and to provide professional and qualified staff to assist in the learning process.
ProSwim lessons held at Rostrevor College Children 5yrs & over: Beginners
Intermediate
Advanced
Outdoor Season: October – March Classes run: Monday
Wednesday
Friday
After school times between 4pm-6pm *ph: 8276 86 22
ProSwim Mission Statement:
Our mission is to advocate the many benefits of swimming as a life skill; To provide swimming lessons to children and
adults of all ages in a safe and comfortable environment; To ensure that lessons are enjoyable and fun for those who attend and to provide professional and qualified staff to
assist in the learning process.
NOTICES
Having our students arrive and go home safely every day is an absolute priority. The Parent Handbook clearly communicates expectations with regards to appropriate ‘pick up and drop off’ points, subsequently the College anticipates these will be adhered to. We are aware that often extended family members also help out with transport and that they need to receive this information also. We thank you, our parents, who are overwhelmingly conscientious, patient, careful and cheerful at drop off and pick up times. Your contribution is vital and very much appreciated.
Please also be aware that the Adelaide Hills Council parking inspectors have been targeting drivers who break road/parking laws around the College. We have been advised that infringement notices will be issued.
Some reminders
•Strictly no pick up/drop off on College grounds
•Year 7-12 students are to enter/leave via Main Gates (Glen Stuart Rd), Gate 10 (Heather Ave) Gate 11 (Morialta Rd) and not via the Junior Campus nor the Science and Technology Centre gates. NB: Staff members have been rostered to supervise these areas afterschool.
• Junior Campus students are to enter/exit via the Kintyre Avenue Gates.
•Senior students with a sibling in the Junior Campus may enter/exit via the Junior Campus
PICKING UP AND DROPPING OFF STUDENTS AT ROSTREVOR
Have you changed your contact details recently?
If so don’t forget to notify the College to ensure we are able to reach you.
us. Chasing a modest total of 147 meant that we needed really only 1 strong partnership to win the game and this is what took place. Murphy Short and Dylan Fitzsimons in his first game were outstanding and their partnership of 83 was the defining moment of the game. Short was able to hit the ball to the boundary and over with some precision, clean hitting. Fitzsimons was very effective in knocking the ball into gaps to rotate the strike and also find the boundary himself too. When he was out at 6/135, the game was effectively over.
In other Co-curricular News:
I would like to congratulate the following students and Old Collegians for their achievements:
•Aniello De Rosa, Year 11, who received Honours and Honours Plus in both his Tap and Jazz Exams and winning a Scholarship from his Dance Studio.
Jeff Fischer
CO-CURRICULAR JUNIOR YEARS
Week 5
BASKETBALLYEAR 6/7 8 def by Walkerville 30
Best M Callisto, J Basso
YEAR 4/5 BLACK 18 def Christian Brothers 10
Best J Haddad, N Malatesta, R Mahar, J Condo
YEAR 4/5 RED 4 def by Marryatville 18
Best T Richardson, L Beltrame, I Muchenje
YEAR 2/3 BLACK 12 def by Norwood 22
Best C Rubeo, J Beltrame, S Costanzo
YEAR 2/3 RED 24 all draw with East Adelaide
Best D Murray, L Marzullo, C Becker, N Babic
CRICKETPRIMARY A 5/107 def St Ignatius 6/91
BestBatting: T Walls 21no, J McGuinness 18noBowling: L Mahar 2/9, T walls 1/10, M Greenwood 1/10
PRIMARY B BLACK 73 def by Blackfriars 7/103
BestBatting: J Brinkley 18, J Kain 13no , F Di Iulio 11noBowling: F Di Iulio 1/4, J Zorzi 1/5, A Ruggiero 1/9
YEAR 5 5/92 defeated Prince Alfred 6/80
BestBatting: I Oak 29, T Bos 15Bowling: I Oak 2/7, S Severino 1/6
YEAR 4 BLACK 5/49 Average 9.8 def by Linden Park 3/61 Average 20.66
High Performance Tennis is offering your child an opportunity to improve their skills, hand-‐eye coordination and footwork while staying active in the holidays in a professional and supporting environment. The program will cover all the strokes, drills and match play.
Dates: Monday 14th December – Thursday 17th December
***January ANZ Hot Shots Clinic*** Thursday 21st January – Friday 22nd January Where: ETKG Tennis Club -‐ Cnr East & South Terrace, Kensington Gardens Time: Red Ball (ages 5-‐8): 9:00am -‐ 11:00am Orange/Green Ball (ages 8-‐12): 9:00am -‐ 12:00pm Yellow Ball (ages 11-‐17): 9:00am -‐ 12:00pm Cost: Red Ball: $125 (4 days), $75 (2 days) Orange/Green/Yellow Ball: $165 (4 days), $95 (2 days)
Registrations close Monday 7th December and for the January Clinic Thursday 14th January
Bring your racquet, a snack and a hat
To book and secure your place or ask any questions, call Domenic
Sending/returning this form with full payment confirms your booking. Forms can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to High Performance Tennis
40 Buchanan Street, Nailsworth SA 5083
Cheques made out to ‘High Performance Tennis’ or cash to your coach EFT: BSB: 805 050, ACC: 102 038 683, Surname as reference
Please note -‐ Minimum numbers are required for sessions to run.
I wish to enrol my child/s ________________________________________ Date of birth _____/____/____ For: Red Ball Orange Ball Green Ball Yellow Ball (please circle) Dates Attending: Clinic 1: 14th Dec 15th Dec 16th Dec 17th Dec (please circle) Clinic 2: 21st Jan 22nd Jan (please circle) Medical details___________________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Name ____________________________ Signature________________________________ Contact details (h) _______________________________ (m) _____________________________________ Email address:____________________________________________________________________________
