20 Years of being ‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ AQUINAS CATHOLIC COLLEGE MENAI 25 th June, 2012 Vol.19.No.15 FROM THE PRINCIPAL Last Friday saw Years 11 and 12 attend a valuable study skills and motivational seminar in relation to senior study and goal setting presented by Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning Educational Services [ELES] and Rocky Biasi from Human Connections. This timely activity will also be complemented by the College’s subscription for all students to the ELES Study Skills Handbook website. This website contains a multitude of interactive resources in relation to study skills, templates for learning and study timetables and time management. I would encourage all students and their families to make use of this resource as it is available as of this week and is most timely following our midyear exams for Years 7 -10 and will be of great benefit for our seniors as the Trial HSC looms in Week 3 of Term 3 and the end of Preliminary HSC exams that occur in Week 9. To access the handbook visit the website; www.studyskillshandbook.com.au and use the following Username and Password: Username Aquinas Password 10success I include the following as an example of the strategies that students can access: REVIEWING YOUR WORK ON A DAILY BASIS Did you know that if you don’t look at what you are learning for a second time within 24 hours you forget 80% of the detail! This is why your teachers encourage you to review what you learn each day when you get home from school. One of the best habits you can develop is the following: each afternoon, even before you start your homework, spend 10-15 minutes reviewing what you learnt at school that day. There are lots of different ways you can do this review, here are some ideas (and you can do something different every day): Highlight the key points in each lesson. Write down the top 3 things you learnt in each lesson (you could do this in a separate book or at the bottom of the day’s classwork). Make a mind map about what you have been learning in class. Try and explain what you did in each lesson that day to a family member (or even to the cat). Go on a Google adventure, do some quick research on one interesting thing from each lesson. Write up on a white board one main idea from each lesson (a whiteboard in your room is a great tool for secondary students). Write down for each subject a question you could ask about what you learnt that day. 1 The College staff will be exploring ways to embed the use of this resource into our learning and pastoral programs. It would be my hope that students and their families make use of it as a way of developing their own personal learning. The 2012 Archdiocesan Festival, Tell Me a Story, reached a crescendo last week and our students were to the fore in the show along with a large contingent in the audience for the Wednesday matinee, the event was also live streamed into the College at the same time. Congratulations to the following students on their marvellous performances; ___________________________________ 1 http://www.enhanced‐learning.net/index.php Anzac Road Menai NSW 2234 Phone 9543 0188 Facsimile 9541 0398 [email protected]www.aquinasmenai.catholic.edu.au
Transcript
20 Years of being ‘Enlivened by the Spirit’
AQUINAS CATHOLIC COLLEGE MENAI
25th June, 2012 Vol.19.No.15
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Last Friday saw Years 11 and 12 attend a valuable study skills and motivational seminar in relation to senior study and goal setting presented by Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning Educational Services [ELES] and Rocky Biasi from Human Connections. This timely activity will also be complemented by the College’s subscription for all students to the ELES Study Skills Handbook website. This website contains a multitude of interactive resources in relation to study skills, templates for learning and study timetables and time management. I would encourage all students and their families to make use of this resource as it is available as of this week and is most timely following our midyear exams for Years 7 -10 and will be of great benefit for our seniors as the Trial HSC looms in Week 3 of Term 3 and the end of Preliminary HSC exams that occur in Week 9. To access the handbook visit the website; www.studyskillshandbook.com.au and use the following Username and Password: Username Aquinas Password 10success I include the following as an example of the strategies that students can access: REVIEWING YOUR WORK ON A DAILY BASIS Did you know that if you don’t look at what you are learning for a second time within 24 hours you forget 80% of the detail! This is why your teachers encourage you to review what you learn each day when you get home from school. One of the best habits you can develop is the following: each afternoon, even before you start your homework, spend 10-15 minutes reviewing what you learnt at school that day. There are lots of different ways you can do this review, here are some ideas (and you can do something different every day):
Highlight the key points in each lesson. Write down the top 3 things you learnt in each lesson (you could do this in a separate book or at the bottom
of the day’s classwork). Make a mind map about what you have been learning in class. Try and explain what you did in each lesson that day to a family member (or even to the cat). Go on a Google adventure, do some quick research on one interesting thing from each lesson. Write up on a white board one main idea from each lesson (a whiteboard in your room is a great tool for
secondary students). Write down for each subject a question you could ask about what you learnt that day. 1
The College staff will be exploring ways to embed the use of this resource into our learning and pastoral programs. It would be my hope that students and their families make use of it as a way of developing their own personal learning. The 2012 Archdiocesan Festival, Tell Me a Story, reached a crescendo last week and our students were to the fore in the show along with a large contingent in the audience for the Wednesday matinee, the event was also live streamed into the College at the same time. Congratulations to the following students on their marvellous performances; ___________________________________ 1 http://www.enhanced‐learning.net/index.php
Lead Roles Bridget Woolnough [Year 12], Erin Isaacs, Mia Pimentel, Matt Rootes [Year 9] Choir
Dancers Not only did these students commit to a significant rehearsal schedule and perform well, they represented the College with distinction in terms of their behaviour, deportment and cooperation. Well Done! A big thank you also to the families who supported these students in their creative efforts and in ferrying them home on Wednesday and Thursday night from the city. I know that the Entertainment Centre car park was a challenge to exit! As was mentioned in last week’s newsletter we are proposing to name a number of sites in the College precinct in honour of our House Patrons. To this end the following are proposed:
Nagle Paved [the ‘Old’ Upper Paved] La Salle Pavilion [the new unnamed Pavilion near John Paul II Hall] Rice Pavilion [the unnamed pavilion adjacent to the Pare Pavilion alongside the oval sideline]
This proposal seeks to add to the Catholic life and culture of our vibrant community and to give a greater sense of identity to each of the houses and a big enough, covered location to gather for significant house events. There is of course one house, MacKillop, without a home! We would envisage that the College Chapel slated in the Master Plan would be known as MacKillop Chapel and the tiered, covered area directly outside the Chapel would be the MacKillop ‘home’. Until the Chapel is complete the MacKillop House will meet in the Para Pavilion. I would be happy to receive any feedback by the end of term around the naming of these areas of the College. We also have received sad news that the grandfather of Taylor & Nicola [Year 12] Fagerstrom’s passed away early last week. Later in the week, we also heard that the father of Mrs Capovilla and the grandfather of Nick [Year 7] also passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with both families at this most difficult time.
May they rest in peace and let perpetual light shine upon them. James Corcoran Principal
Lucinda Bell [Year 7] Bridget Dunn [Year 7] Maddison Lawrence [Year 7]
Bianca Deen [Year 10] Breanna Chan [Year 9] Miah-Rose Lake [Year 8]
Dion Heal Annelise Clinen Danielle Papakostas
Jaclyn Lee Mikaela Dunn Stephanie Sargeant
Mia Papakostas Sarah Knoke
Lauren Mulligan
Taylah Mustak
20 Years of being ‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 3
Year 7 Vaccinations-No. 2 The second visit from Health NSW will take place on Thursday 28th June at the College, where the following will be given to Year 7 only:
1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) dose 2 for girls (who had first dose on 29th March at school) 2. Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis booster vaccine (single dose for those who have handed card in earlier) 3. Varicella (Chicken Pox) vaccine (single dose for those who have handed card in earlier) 4. HPV catch up
Transition process into for Year 10 into Year 11-2013 A reminder that the Year 10 Transition to Year 11 - 2013 blue forms need to be submitted to the College by Thursday 28th June or earlier for those expressing an interest to continue into Stage 6. Also a reminder to those families that interviews with a Leadership team member or Coordinator in weeks 1-3 of Term 3 need to be booked online as a mandatory part of this process. Those students intending to leave will also need to submit a form to Mrs Monk by Thursday 28th June.
Robert Nastasi Assistant Principal
Key Dates Week 10 (B) Term 2
FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Monday 25th June WYD10 information night in the library at 5.45pm
Tuesday 26th June University of Wollongong talk for Year 12 at lunchtime
CCC Soccer round 4 vs De La Salle Revesby at 12.30pm
Wednesday 27th June College Assembly period 4
Taco’s for Tabitha Year 12 Fundraiser
Careers expo for school leavers
Thursday 28th June Year 11 - 2013 Transition forms due back today
Year 7 Vaccinations No. 2
Friday 29th June College Athletics carnival at the Ridge, Menai
Last Day of Term 2-Students dismissed from school at 2pm
Students return Monday A 16th July in full winter uniform
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Religious Education at Aquinas
Reflection on the Gospel
Next Sunday’s Gospel (Mark 5:21-43) is about Jesus healing a 12 year old girl and a lady who had been haemorrhaging for 12 years. Bruce Downes, during one of his ‘The Catholic Guy’ sessions last week, explored this Gospel, explaining the context of the “honour and shame” society that provides us with a deeper insight into this Gospel passage. This passage reminds us that Jesus was a man who is interested in the well-being of everyone, not just those who are highly valued by society. God’s graciousness towards us should prompt us to be generous in our dealings with others – that we must share with those in need, that we must extend the same loving touch of God to others. At times this will require us to share our material resources, at other times our energy. The love of Christ impels us to be open-handed as we approach others, following Jesus’ lead.
Adapted from a reflection by Dianne Bergant CSS
Last Monday the Year 12 Studies of Religion students attended a HSC day organised by the Catholic Education Office at the Australian Catholic University. This day gave students the opportunity to attend workshops run by various presenters addressing key content of the HSC Studies of Religion syllabus, and gain advice on how to prepare for their HSC. Topics included Judaism bioethics and environmental ethics, Islamic Hajj, Christian Baptism, and religious expression in Australia post 1945. I would like to thank Mrs Monk for her leadership of the day; Mr Corcoran, Mr Snell and Mr Strudwick for their support of our students; as well as the students, who represented our College well.
Last week some Year 10 and 11 students also had the opportunity to attend one of ‘The Catholic Guy’ sessions which were held at the Holy Family Parish throughout last week. The students enjoyed the morning session and were touched by a generous gift from the main presenter, Bruce Downes. ‘The Catholic Guy’ was a great experience and was a reminder of the importance of taking time out for ourselves and God, to refocus and re-energise us. May this upcoming break provide us with many opportunities to refocus on what is important in our lives. Mrs Catherine Nolan Acting Religious Education Coordinator
Did you know?
Ordinary time (our current liturgical season) is celebrated for 33-34 weeks of the liturgical year, directly after the Christmas
and Easter seasons.
THANKSGIVING MASS FOR SINGLE PARENTS
A Mass for all single parents in the Sydney Archdiocese will be celebrated at
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church
230 Humphries Road, Bonnyrigg on Sunday 29th July at 1.00 pm
All single parents and their families are most welcome
Aquinas Lights up Blue! On Thursday 14th June 2012, Aquinas became blue for the day. Students were able to wear blue clothing for a great cause – ‘Autism Awareness’. Food stalls and games on the La Salle Pavilion proved a winner with students and teachers! By all accounts, it was a great, fun‐filled day! One of the many highlights of ‘Light it up Blue Day’ at Aquinas was the smiles on all faces from the ASPECT classes. The ASPECT classes were able to play games and enjoy the fun with kids from Year 7 – 12. It was an honour to have the ASPECT class join in on all the fun! Year 12 did an amazing job with organising, under the guidance of Roberto Hernandez. His efforts were amazing! Well‐done to all of year 12 and the Year 12 pastoral team for allowing time to set‐up and plan the extravaganza! There was almost $2000.00 raised on the day. An amazing effort and it’s great to see the school community come together and celebrate the great work Autism Australia does. Year 12!
Friday, 15 June was a landmark experience for the five musketeers heroically led by Sensei Butler and Mr Hannigan (Captain of the HMAS Lavoisier). Bravely marching into battle against the armies of other academic institutions in the chemical warfare that is the titration hunger games, we valiantly poured our hearts and minds into the reactants of the solution. We walked away with our beakers and conical flasks held high, leaving our legacy behind for the future musketeers to tackle the challenge awaiting next year. Also, five students went to St John Bosco school for a titration competition. Signed, the five musketeers. Luke Haavisto, Michael Phillips, Jonathan Yip, Nicole Richardson, Victoria Robbins
20 Years of being ‘Enlivened by the Spirit’ 6
Aquinas College will be hosting a visit in Term 3, from Jishukan High School in Japan. The program is conducted by AIIU from 2 August 2012 - 14 August 2012 (12 days). We will need in excess of 15 families as there are 23 students coming, 16 girls and 7 boys. Families are invited to share their lifestyle & home while experiencing another culture. This experience can be Families are invited to share their lifestyle & home while experiencing another culture. This experience can be positive & rewarding for all members of the family.positive & rewarding for all members of the family.
Students will attend a daily program (Mon-Fri) at Aquinas College. Japanese language is not necessary as students are learning English. Students are happy to try normal Australian meals. Families are asked to accept a student as a member of the family, provide a bed, meals and a safe and caring environment.
Host Families will receive a $30 stipend per night to assist with hosting costsHost Families will receive a $30 stipend per night to assist with hosting costs
Experience student exchange without leaving home!
If you would like more information about being a Host Family please contact Jenni on 0438 584 803 or Sue on 0417 063 530 or email [email protected]
If you would like to host a student please return this slip to Mr. Finch as soon as possible so that the name list can be finalised.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yes! I am interested in hosting a Japanese student. Name: ____________________________________________________________________ Telephone No: ________________________(H) ___________________________________ (Mobile)
We finally have confirmation of the date and venue of the much anticipated Debating Finals.
It will take place on Tuesday July 17th at Marist College Penshurst. We are looking forward to many supporters attending to encourage our Year 8 and 9 teams.
Congratulations once again to both these teams on making it to this stage.
Miss Curis & Ms Roche, Debating Coordinators
DEBATING AND PUBLIC SPEAKING NEWS
Maths Recall is included in the newsletter each week and is designed for Stage 4 and 5 or junior, students. The questions may focus on Working Mathematically problems and all are intended to be done without a calculator.
QUESTIONS 1. What is the name of a figure with 4 equal sides? 2. What is the name of a 4 sided figure with only 2 parallel
sides? 3. What type of angle is between 180 and 360 degrees? 4. What is the angle sum of a quadrilateral? 5. What is the exterior angle of a triangle?
Mrs Catherine Fensom
MATHS DEPARTMENT RECALL CORNER
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CHEWING GUM FORBIDDEN
Chewing gum is strictly forbidden at all times on the College property. An automatic afternoon detention will be issued to those students found chewing gum.
Could we ask parents to assist us in enforcing this rule to protect the College environment and student uniforms. Mr Anthony Hulme Pastoral Care Coordinator
SMS Attendance System Aquinas Catholic College has introduced the SMS attendance system. At approximately 11am each school day, a courtesy SMS will be sent to a nominated caregiver for each student who we have recorded as either absent or late. If you wish to clarify the details of the automated message please call the College office during normal school hours. If any parent has updated/changed their mobile phone contacts, could you please notify the College as soon as possible
TACOS for TABITHA On Wednesday, 12 Red will be selling Tacos and drinks to raise money for the Tabitha Foundation. This is a foundation that supports impoverished Cambodians by running savings programmes that empower villagers to build homes that will withstand flood, sink wells, establish livestock and crops and develop cottage industries. It is funded by volunteers around the world and run by Cambodians for Cambodians. 100% of the money raised will go to assist programmes in Cambodia. If you would like to know more about this organization visit their website at http://www.tabitha.org.au/cms/tabitha-australia.html
Year 10 into 11 Transition Interviews Online bookings for Year 10 students are now open for Transition Interviews. A letter containing passwords and instructions was included in your child’s Enrolment package that was distributed on Parent Teacher Interview evening. Please call the College office if you did not receive this letter to access the online booking system. The address is www.aschool.com.au Bookings close 6th July (end of the first week of the holidays)
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TVET
For parents of students entering Year 11 next year
TVET are TAFE courses a student undertakes as part of their HSC studies. They are studied at TAFE, usually on a Tues afternoon from 2-6pm. Students receive a TAFE certificate as well as their HSC upon completion. MOST TVET students do not receive an ATAR. There are very limited positions available for TVET, and the student undergoes an interview process with the school before submitting their application to TAFE. Once the application is submitted, there is still no guarantee they will be offered a position. Booklets are available from myself outlining the range of courses available through TVET. Please note – if your child is anticipating following an ATAR pattern of study, and pursuing a university education, then TVET is not the right path for them.
Lisa Higgins Careers Adviser (Tues, Wed, and every second Thurs)
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On Tuesday 19th June, Year 7 ventured into the city to Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Wildlife world. As we walked through tunnels of the aquarium, surrounded by water, majestic manta rays and fearsome sharks swam above our heads. We walked a bit further to find the kindness of a coral reef. Not only seeing a cluster of colourful coral, we saw many wondrous species of fish. We concluded our adventure in the underwater world, and entered the many environments of the Sydney wildlife. We entered humid rainforests and had butterflies landing on our heads, and turtles swimming in little pools. We walked on more; we saw an insight of outback Australia, with bouncing kangaroos, a sleeping wombat and many more native species. On entering the dark side we were greeted with scurrying mice, quolls and many more. The climax of our adventure was coming face to face with a giant 5m, 500kg croc named Rex. He moved at a lazy pace showing us how enormous he really was. We finished our adventure, and returned to the outside world, and began our journey home, sharing stories of our encounters and photos of the wildlife.
Please note the Uniform Shop only sells Sports Uniforms and School bags
The Uniform Shop does not accept Eftpos or Credit cards
College caps and sports socks can be purchased from the
College Office
VOUCHER COLLECTION 13 JUNE—14 AUGUST
Spend and Collect. Every $10 spent at Coles Supermarkets, Coles Online, Bi-Lo and Pick ‘n Pay from Wednesday 13 June will earn a Coles Sports for Schools
voucher.
MATHS CHALLENGE
Maths Department
Answers:
1. Quadrilateral 2. Trapezium 3. Reflex angle 4. 360° 5. The sum of the 2 interior opposites
(Or Extend one side and it is angle formed joining back to triangle.)
