Vol. 49 Issue #12 26th August 2013

WALKATHON

FROM THE HEADMASTER

FEE STATEMENT

A reminder to all parents that your Term 3 Fee Statement was issued last week via email or post. Please note that this is the final major fee statement of the year.

We still have many outstanding Term 2 Fee Statements that were due in May.

If you have any queries, please contact Accounts on 9957 5000.

Mark BrooksBusiness Manager

FINANCE

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Our annual Walkathon was a very successful event last Friday. The front page collage gives you some insight into the support the students gave to the theme of the day, When I Grow Up. The students entered the day’s activities in a good spirit and their behaviour around the route was commendable. The money raised this year will be put towards more equipment for the Canteen, so we can increase the amount of freshly prepared hot meals, and also for extra equipment in the Fitness Centre.

Year 12 are now back at school full time after the completion of their recent HSC Trial Exam. Now is the time to work quite specifically to improve their readiness for the HSC itself coming up next term. Students need to minimise the distraction of the upcoming Graduation Ball and focus mostly on the learning that needs take place in order for them to be ready for the HSC examinations.

On Monday 26 August, College staff participated in a Spirituality day which was designed to give all staff an insight into the social outreach/solidarity activities that many of our students engage in during their time at school. Mr Stephen Versteegh and Fr. Peter Day led us through the days activities. The theme of the day was around how we as Catholic/Christians should be connected in some way to support people in our society who are on the margins. The day was appreciated by staff.

Two weeks ago, Year 10 went to work experience for five days. The College has received much positive feedback from the workplaces that the students attended. This experience is deliberately placed prior to subject selection time at the College so that the students can use

the wisdom acquired at the work experience to choose subjects with a high degree of insight into the professions they may be heading toward. Congratulations to Year 10 students for their very effective engagement with this program.

I encourage everyone to download the new app which allows you to receive notifications from the College about events. All letters to year groups and House groups are on the app as well so it is an easy way for you to stay informed.

Year 11 are currently readying themselves to move into the senior leadership position within the College. We will report the good news when it is finalised. I wish all the very best to them.

Best wishes for the coming fortnight,

Br Peter Corr, fmsHeadmaster

Moore House putting their finest foot forward

FROM THE DEPUTY HEADMASTERA LOVE OF LEARNING

Education is discovering the art and passion for learning and thus using knowledge gained to build capacity in one’s life. I believe we are very fortunate at Marist to have many wonderful teachers who through their passion for teaching provide wonderful learning opportunities and are good role models for our students. It is through story, research, learning enquiries and many other teaching techniques that our students discover this passion for learning from teachers.

However, a frustration of mine throughout my teaching career has been the question from students, “Will this be on the test?” This question implies that I will only learn this if it is on the test. My challenge to students is that it should not matter. Assessments and tests, while important, are imposed on our students at an early age. It is important though that we encourage our students to be learners for life and not just learners for results.

Research shows that students who have a love of learning demonstrate greater school success and better emotional health. This is a result of students developing skills to work through problems.So how do we foster a love of learning within our son’s/students? The following are just some ideas from some recent reading to engage our youth with a zeal for learning:

1. Show that you’re a learner too - demonstrate your passion

2. Encourage creativity3. Make it meaningful

4. Discover unique learning experiences in our environment / bush walks, museums, industries

5. Implement inquiry as a stance6. Invent and play games that are thinking exercises, are fun and have a physical element7. Encourages students to be responsible for

their own learning and self discipline8. Encourage persistence

9. Develop a sense of purpose10. Set learning goals

David ForresterDeputy Headmaster

YEAR 12

Year 12 have begun to receive their Trial HSC results this week. It is really important that families understand that this is often a time when the boys are feeling down, depressed or angry as they may not have received the results they expected. I encourage students to focus on some physical activity in the coming weeks to help deal with the emotions they may be going through. This period now before the HSC Exams, is very important as it gives students time to work together to improve their overall marks as a cohort. Students who work together to revise and help each other study often improve their marks quite considerably for the HSC exams.

There are some more study sessions being offered by the School for Excellence. Feedback from students who have attended these sessions in the past has always been extremely positive. Information can be found at www.tsfx.com.au or on their new Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TSFX.The.School.For.Excellence.

STUDY SKILLS

A number of parents have been asking about what study skills are covered at the school. Study skills are incorporated into the curriculum across all subject areas. The skills are also covered in Year 10 Careers lessons and during Pastoral periods throughout the year. The subject coordinators are going to be mapping the skills which are being explicitly taught in order for the College to give extra feedback to all in the school community about what is and can be done in this area.

Ann McGovernDirector of Teaching and Learning

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING

FAITH FORMATIONSOLIDARITY

“ ‘Where is your brother?’ The voice of his blood cries even to me, God says. This is not a question addressed to others: it is a question addressed to me, to you, to each one of us. Many of our brothers and sisters seek to leave difficult situations in order to find a little serenity and peace, they seek a better place for themselves and for their families. How many times do those who seek this not find understanding, do not find welcome, do not find solidarity?” These words were written by Pope Francis, and raises many questions relevant to our current environment and how we are caring for our brothers and sisters who are marginalised by society. Marist North Shore reaches out to those in need through many different forms and methods, including Immersions, fundraising initiatives, Year 11 Ministry Week and Solidarity. These programs allow our students to in a sense be counter cultural in helping those on the margins of life and to show empathy in an environment where people may not often experience compassion.

While many schools run Social Justice programs and do a wonderful job, the silent difference in Catholic Schools is that we aim not to just provide a service but to stand in solidarity with those we encounter, learning about their lives and showing empathy to their needs, with students doing this in Christ’s name. It is important that we encourage students to do this work in Christ’s name in a humble and assuming manner. As Pope Francis wrote: “The humblest among you can offer the world a valuable lesson in solidarity, a word that is too often forgotten or silenced, because it is uncomfortable. Never tire of working for a more just world, marked by greater solidarity”. Challenge you son to use his gifts to help those in need and through these actions they will see the face of Christ in the people they meet.

Stephen VersteeghActing Director of Faith Formation

GIFTED & TALENTEDST. MARY’S MENTORING

St. Mary’s Mentoring Program is a partnership between Marist College North Shore and St. Mary’s Primary School. The structure of the program sees one Marist student mentor a group of three or four students in Year 5 or 6 that demonstrate academic ability considerably higher than would usually be expected within their age group. Having senior mentors to help them complete more complex tasks facilitates their learning in broader ways.

The many benefits for the senior mentors include, organisation, leadership and maturity as well as acquiring a deeper understanding of the subject content. To teach and guide younger students the mentors must first understand the work far beyond what would normally be expected; higher than the superficial level.

They must comprehend the content and provide informed and considered guidance to their charges every week. Now in its second term the Stage 5 Marist Mentors demonstrate continued commitment and dedication to their role as Mentor.

The feedback from St. Mary’s Primary School has always been positive and this program is a very good illustration to the maturity of Stage 5 Marist students. It is hoped that this program will continue to successfully develop the academic skills of all students involved and foster a deeper sense of appreciation for scholastic endeavor amongst the Marist North Shore Mentor participants.

Sian WelchGifted & Talented Coordinator

CULTURAL WEEK 2013

This week marks our annual Cultural Week celebrations. These celebrations affirm the many students who have generously shared their gifts and talents in areas such as: HSC Visual Arts Body of Works, HSC Music performances, HSC TAS Major Works, the musical Promises, Promises, the College Band and Ensemble Program, students involved in the 125th Anniversary Mass and those who have participated in Art competitions.

Tuesday 27 August: DRAW OFF Competition (Periods 1-6) 2013 The theme is Underground. Winners will be announced at the Cultural Assembly.

Wednesday 28 August: • Cultural Assembly• Year 12 Soiree (6.00 - 8.00pm) where HSC Visual Arts, HSC Industrial Technology and HSC Design & Technology Major Works will be on display in the La Valla Foyer and in the Conference Room• Spring Music Festival in the La Valla Hall (6.00pm - 8.30pm)

The Creative and Performing Arts staff would like to extend an invitation to all students, families and friends to the evening events.

Carolyn O’BrienCreative Arts Coordinator

CREATIVE ARTS

JAZZ IMPROVISATION TUITIONBeing able to improvise is one of the important performance skills that assist musicians of all levels. This is especially would assist performers aiming for HSC and Elective Music.

The College is now offering individual lessons teaching students how to improvise in Jazz including both performance improvisation work with accompaniments and basic jazz theory by Mr Tony Gardiner. Tuition offered is for Piano, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone and Flute.

These lessons should be used in conjunction with the regular instrumental lesson with your usual tutor who teaches all aspects of playing your instrument in all styles. Lessons can be taken weekly or fortnightly. Please contact Mr. Herbert for more details and a tuition enrolment form: rod.herbert@syd.catholic.edu.au

HOUSE CUP RANKINGS AS OF TERM 3, WEEK 6:

RANK HOUSE POINTS1st KELLY 25822nd CHANEL 24923rd SALTA 22404th MOORE 2111

TUTOR GROUP RANKINGS AS OF TERM 3, WEEK 6:

RANK TUTOR GROUP POINTS1st KELLY 8 3292nd SALTA 8 2453rd KELLY 3 208=4th CHANEL 8 187=4th MOORE 7 187

HOUSE CUP

VOTE FOR HARRY

Harry Lambrou (12 Moore) has entered a Scholarship competition at the Australian International Conservatorium of Music where he has made the Top 20 Finalist list so far.

At this stage of the competition, finalists are showcased on the Conservatorium’s Facebook page. To support Harry, view his video, then click the "Like" and "Share" buttons. The more votes Harry gets, the better his chances of moving on through to the Top 10, where the judging panel then decides. Best of luck Harry!

Go to: www.facebook.com/AICMAustralia

HSIEYEAR 7 TAKE ON THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

Year 7 G e o g r a p h y students recently visited the Blue Mountains and its fauna up close. In what can only be described as incredible, students on the excursion saw a Lyrebird in its natural habitat.

Students were in the process of learning about the nature of the forests around Scenic World near Katoomba when they noticed a Lyrebird just off the track in the act of scratching at the ground for some bush tucker.The local ranger guides were impressed that a Lyrebird would come so close to the track, literally within an arm’s length.

All went silent so as to not scare the bird away while it was feeding. It turned out to be quite a large male with an impressive tail.Marist students were quick to act and soon cameras and phone cameras were snapping pictures of the feathered celebrity bird. After a short while the Lyrebird jumped away into the forest leaving a lasting impression in its wake.

The excursion is part of a study of World Heritage Sites and mountain environments. At Scenic World students were treated to breathtaking views of the Jamieson Valley and Mount Solitary as they went on the Skyway and Cable Car rides.

Scenic World has recently refurbished the Scenic Railway with new cars that have improved seating and a renovated track which students experienced.

Marist College student experiencing the splendour of the Jamieson Valley

with Mt Solitary in the background

It still is the steepest railway in the Southern Hemisphere at an angle of 52%.

Earlier in the day students had stopped off at Echo Point and had quite a close view of the Three Sisters rock formation. They were also able to see Scenic World in the distance and see the Skyway and Cable Car in action.

Students experienced the environment of a lowland rainforest in all its complexity with a range of Eucalypts and Tree Ferns that are over 100 year old and Five Leaf Water Vines that form the majority of the forest’s thick canopy.

Both days had fairly good weather and students were engaged with learning about the Blue Mountains environment as well as the fun of the rides and the wonder of seeing the now named Larry the Lyrebird first hand.

Zachary PediciniHSIE Coordinator

Marist College student ready to ride the new improved

Scenic Railway.

The variety of Lyrebird that was seen on the Lilli Pilli Track

P&F COMMITTEEP&F AGM

The P&F Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 2 September, 7pm in the College Library. The main purpose of the meeting will be the presentation of reports submitted by the Headmaster, President and Treasurer. We will also hold the Election of Committee members for 2014. This is an opportunity to be more involved in activities at the College, meet parents from other year groups and get more of an insight into the running of the College. We will also cover upcoming events such as the Second Hand Book Sale and Christmas Function. We welcome the attendance of interested parents.

FATHERS’ DAY BREAKFAST

We are now fully booked for the function. If you would like to offer assistance at the event, either preparation from 5.00am or clean up from 8.30am (we need parents at this time to relieve parents who started at 5.00am), please email Elizabeth Byrne: cmbyrne@cherry.com.au

We would like to thank the following businesses for their support for the function:

The Vine Yard -Italian Restaurant, Crows Nestwww.vineyardrestaurant.com.auPattis Hire, event and function solutions www.pattishire.com.auTempting Treats, Cromerwww.temptingtreats.com.auM&T Enterprises Limited (Bacon & Ham) Langereis FamilyHarris Farm Butcher, WilloughbyManning Valley Free Range Eggswww.manningvalleyeggs.com.auNippy’s Fruit Juicewww.nippys.com.au

EVENTS TO COME IN 2013

Christmas Function – Friday 29 NovemberSecond Hand Book Sale – Saturday 7 December

P&F Committee

ENGLISHA MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM REVIEW

On Tuesday 6 August, Year 8 visited the Opera House to watch A Midsummer Nights Dream. The play is a comedy romance, which is about two men called Demetrius and Lysander fighting over a woman called Hermia. Unfortunately for Demetrius Hermia only loves Lysander but Hermia’s father Egeus has already arranged a marriage with Demetrius.

The thing I enjoyed the most about A Midsummer Nights Dream was the humour of the play. Some examples of the comedy in the play I enjoyed was when Oberon who is the King of the Fairies, casts a love potion on Demetrius and Lysander and they now love both love Hermia’s best friend Helena. This causes a lot of confusion in the play especially for Hermia because now nobody loves her.

The thing I didn’t like about the play was the challenge of understanding the language that was used in the play.

My favourite character in the play was Nick Bottom. Nick Bottom is an actor that has to be in a play for a wedding. Unfortunately for Nick he is horrible actor and a woman called Puck who is a fairy and works for Oberon (Fairy King) transforms Nick Bottom’s head into a donkey’s head without him even knowing.

In conclusion, I found this play very funny, a great story and I would recommend this play to anyone of all ages!

Jamie Mimis8 Kelly

CAREERS

CAREERS NOTICEBOARD

Click here for the latest Careers news!

YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE

Featured are some photos and comments the College received from employers during our recent Year 10 Work Experience week:

He is a conscientious and amiable person who works well in a team environment

He will make an excellent environmental engineer or biologist, he is intelligent and

determinedThankyou for having the opportunity to have him work with the company… he was a pleasure to deal with him A cordial and pleasant manner in all interactionsHe was quite advanced and very keen to learn

He was keen to participate and learn, displaying a positive attitude through the week

Always very punctual and well-mannered, showing a level of maturity beyond

his yearsAlways accommodating and happy

Has been a wonderful student during a busy week… he has approached all tasks with enthusiasm… always helpful and capableHe has impeccable manners and brought a

bright and friendly personality to all tasks

We found him to be polite and switched on… he was not shy to ask questions

and provide an opinionVery professional, polite and a good worker… he is welcome back here anytime

An exemplary student… it was a pleasure to have a young student as well

balanced as himSuper enthusiastic. I wish he could stay forever!His interest in learning has been appreciated by the staff

We were impressed with the quality and resulting work

A great worker and willing to get his hands dirty… great anticipation and ability to preform tasks.

He attend all tasks assigned to him in a highly efficient manner, he is intelligent young man,

confident in his duties, we enjoyed having him in our workplace

He has brilliant skills and would be well suited to a creative role

Preformed all tasks to a high standard and was a credit to his school and family

2013Women’s

Night ofSpirituality

Tuesday 10th September 7.30pmSt Mary’s Church Ridge St North Sydney

The Parishes of Our Lady of the WaySt. Mary’s - North Sydney

St. Francis Xavier - Lavender BayOur Lady, Star of the Sea - Kirribilli

incorporating

www.northsydneycatholics.com.au

MCCaroline JonesPresenter ABC TVAustralian Story

Limited parking in Church grounds

Guest SpeakerViv BenjaminOaktree Foundation CEO. Young people working together to end global poverty.

Guest SpeakerSr Brenda KennedyPrincipal Holy Family Primary, Emerton, Mt DruittPassionate educator and advocate for children in great need.

Guest SpeakerGail O’BrienDedicated to Lifehousethe cancer care work envisioned by her late husband Dr Chris O’Brien

 

 

 

 MARIST YEAR 9 DINNER

Saturday 14th September7.00pm

at

The Woolwich Pier Hotel

2 Gale StreetWoolwich NSW 2110

Meals and drinks at Hotel prices

Numbers are strictly limited so reserve your seat.

Booking cost $5.00 at www.trybooking.com/59591

Bookings close Monday 9th September

Enquiries: Deb 0401 880 446manddsykes@bigpond.com

SPORT

ROWING

Tom Schramko (11 Chanel) competed for Australia at the World Junior Rowing Championships in Lithuania this month. Tom was selected as part of the Quadruple Scull. The crew achieved 11th place in the world overall. A fantastic achievement by Tom and his team.

We wish him all the best for the upcoming NSW Rowing season!

MCC ATHLETICS

On Thursday 22 August, fifty boys representing the College ventured out to E.S. Marks Athletics Track at Kensington to compete in the MCC Athletics Carnival. It was a very successful day with North Shore achieving 2nd place in the Juvenile division, 4th place in the Junior division and 1st place in the Senior division. This meant that North Shore finished 2nd in the Aggregate standings, only 11 points behind the eventual winners. As a team we had some exceptional performances that the school should be proud of. These included:

• Thomas Fay (7 Chanel), Joshua Phillips (8 Chanel) and Joe Burgess (11 Chanel) winning their respective 1500m and 800m races• Matthew Crowe (11 Kelly) winning the 200m and 400m events and the Long Jump• Sebastian Herbert (7 Chanel) winning the 100m 200m events and the Long Jump• Lachlan Kenny (7 Kelly) winning the 80m Hurdles and the Triple Jump. • Stuart Williams (11 Salta) winning the High Jump• Thomas Pitts (7 Moore) for winning the Long Jump• U/16s relay team winning their 4x100m relay

While all these boys should be congratulated for winning their respective races, Athletics is a team sport and it is equally important that we have boys participating and trying their best in every event for the benefit of the whole team. With this in mind I would also like to highlight some performances on the day that were equally as significant to our success as a team.

• Henrique de Mattos (7 Chanel) who volunteered at the last second to fill in for the 80m hurdles, coming 2nd and for the 400m, placing 5th

• Lachlan Kenny (7 Kelly) who willed himself from sixth place into third place in the 800m• Joe Burgess (11 Chanel) for his 300m sprint finish to win the 1500m• Brad Falconer (10 Chanel) for stepping up and attempting the U/16 triple jump having never attempted a triple jump before and needing to watch a youtube video to see how it was done• Billy McGuire (9 Chanel) for attempting the discuss when he only learnt to throw in the warm up• Tristan Leffers (7 Salta) for stepping up to join the U/12 relay• Salvatori Agostino (7 Salta) for filling in for the U/12 200m event

These boys typify the team attitude, and a willingness to challenge themselves for the benefit of the team that I am hoping that we can continue to improve on next year. Hopefully next year we can go one better take home the overall win for the first time in almost fifty years.

Robert TaylorAthletics

Lewis Criniti, Luke Ham and Zachary Nicholls with the Senior Shield

Stuart Williams in the High Jump

CANTEEN26 Aug: PUPIL FREE DAY (Staff Spirituality Day)27 Aug: Deborah Brown, Jacqueline Moran, Colin Wilson 28 Aug: Sam Adderton, Lisa Brink, Marlana Collins, Erica Keri, Lyn Radovan29 Aug: Rosemary Burgess, Cathy Hamilton, Johanna Huskins, Jacki Krahmalov, Nikki Verhoeven, Jenny Winter30 Aug: Anne Christiansen, Karen Ferguson, Suzanne Fraser, Sandra Garratt, Karen Mitchell, Peta Turner2 Sep: Maria De Caires, Julie Moriarty, Jo Nicholls, Kerrie Van Loon3 Sep: Stephanie Lainey, Andrea Morgan, Chris Saunders4 Sep: Leanne Bishop, Ann Catanzariti, Margie Morgan, Katharine Watts5 Sep: Suzanne Devine, Julie Gaidzkar, Maureen McKee, Sandra Robinson, Anton Singh, Kasumi Tucker6 Sep: Dominica Edwards, Melanie Lindquist, Susan Mayall, Joanna Milenkiewicz, Michelle Mulligan

UNIFORM28 Aug: Margie Weller, Mandy Arnold, Lynda Challenger 4 Sep: Anne Haron, Anna Ng, Leanne Bishop, Debbie Jenkins11 Sep: Narelle James, Karen Whitehead, Gemma Metzker18 Sep: Helen Briggs, Megan Sturrock, Tracy Pitts, Tracy Cummins

VOLUNTEER ROSTERS LOOKING AHEAD26 > 30 Aug: CULTURAL WEEK26 Aug: PUPIL FREE DAY (Staff Spirituality Day)28 Aug: Assembly - Cultural Solidarity - Matthew Talbot Uniform Shop open Waterpolo Presentation Evening, Faith Formation Room, 5.30pm Year 12 Soiree - La Valla Foyer & Conference Room, 6pm - 8.30pm Spring Music Festival, La Valla Hall, 6pm - 8.30pm29 Aug: Winter Sport Photos30 Aug: P&F Father’s Day Breakfast Solidarity - Surry Hills (Kelly)2 Sep: Year 12 Reflection Day Solidarity Meeting (Chanel & Salta)4 Sep: Assembly - Winter Sports Uniform Shop open Solidarity - Matthew Talbot5 Sep: MCC Golf & Tennis Rep Day9>18 Sep: YEAR 11 ASSESSMENT WEEK9 Sep: Solidarity - Night Patrol (Chanel)11 Sep: Uniform Shop open Solidarity - Matthew Talbot13 Sep: Solidarity - Sandwich Making (Salta) Solidarity - Surry Hills (Moore)16 Sep: Year 12 Thankyou Lunch18 Sep: Year 12 Mini Book Sale Uniform Shop open Solidarity - Matthew Talbot20 Sep: Year 12 Graduation Assembly (La Valla Hall)

Year 12 Graduation Mass (St Mary’s North Sydney)

Year 12 Graduation Ball (The Four Seasons, Sydney CBD)

END OF TERM 3

MAKING NEWSZac Williams (9 Kelly) met with his local mayor, Cr Darcy Byrne this month through his own initiative in flagging the need for an indoor sports centre in his local area.

Cr Darcy Byrne posted this comment and picture of Zac and him once the meeting wrapped up (see right). Since this meeting, a lot positive feedback has been received.

We wish Zac every success in pursuing his plan for his local area!