Newsletter
2-30 Hampton Street, Craigieburn, VIC 3064Tel: (03) 8338 3600 Fax: (03) 8338 3699 www.mountridleycollege.vic.edu.auEmail: [email protected]
College Principal: Mr Lino Pagano Assistant Principals: Mrs Linda Blakis, Ms Helen Casey, Mrs Kristina Heffernan, Dr Tony Mordini,Mr Con Stamatelatos
Issue 8. May 25, 2018
Assistant Principal’s Message Assistant Principal’s Message
Dear Parents and Guardians,Congratulations to all the Years 3, 5, 7 & 9 students who sat the three days of NAPLAN testing at the college last week. We know that tests and exams can be a daunting experience for many young people, so it was wonderful to see all students giving the tests their best shot. I would like to acknowledge and thank all the teachers who administered the tests in such a professional manner and our Directors of Student Learning and Teaching Practice for the organisation of the NAPLAN test materials. Data from the testing will be returned to the college at the end of Term 3 and will be used to plan and implement programs for our students. Parents will also receive individual reports regarding their child’s progress. Further information will be provided through Compass. Following highly successful Japan Study Tours in 2017, 2015 and 2013, we are excited to be organising our fourth Japan Study Tour for 2019. On Wednesday 16th May, the Japan Study Tour information evening allowed eager parents and students to gain more information about the homestay, daily activities and costing. The tour is scheduled from Tuesday 18th June to Friday 5th July 2019 (Term 2) and is available to all students currently in Years 8 - 11. Interest is high, so to secure a position on the Japan Study Tour, please ensure the expression of interest and $500 deposit is provided to the Main Administration Office by Friday 22nd June, 2018. If you would like further information regarding the Japan Study Tour, please contact Lorena Folino, our Director of Specialised Programs at the college.On Monday 21st May, the Elite Sports Program team conducted an Information Evening regarding the program components and application process for the 2019 intake. Prospective parents and students gained a valuable and in-depth insight into the overall aims of the program, the core elements of the program, the selection process and ongoing expectations of students successful in gaining entry into the program. I would like to acknowledge the work of the Elite Sports Program leaders and coaches who organised and attended the evening and proudly showcased the program on offer. The curriculum day on Wednesday was a jam-packed day for staff. In the morning, staff participated in a workshop focusing on the Respectful Relationships initiative. Respectful Relationships is about tackling family violence through education. Just like other major social and health issues such as smoking and road toll, evidence shows that family violence can be prevented by working across the whole population (in this case, schools) to address the attitudes, beliefs and knowledge that support violence. The remainder of the day was spent with staff working together to consolidate their approach to teaching and learning. A major focus being the development of a skills continuum for both literacy and numeracy across Foundation to Year 10. Yesterday, MRC welcomed its 2018 scholarship recipients at a morning tea. The scholarship recipients and their families were joined by our business partners to acknowledge the students and present them with their certificates. During the presentation, Ms Casey addressed the gathering acknowledging that the calibre of our scholarship recipients is of the highest quality and that their achievements to date are a testament to their commitment to be the best they can be. A very big thank-you to Ms Convey, Ms Dancer and Ms Folino for organising the morning tea, and to our business partners and our families for their continued support.Last night, Darren Pereira from Success Integrated delivered the ‘Parenting Strategies for Teenage Success’ workshop. The focus of the work-shop was around providing parents with the skills to support the development of their child to be highly organised, have positive study habits and be able to communicate effectively to build their learning confidence for academic success. Darren delivered the workshop in a highly engaging and humorous way, which resulted in the parents that attended the workshop leaving feeling hopeful, energized and armed with a toolkit of strategies that they can implement immediately. The process of course counselling students for their subject selections for 2019 is gaining momentum. In Week 8, the Senior School Handbook for 2019 will again be available as an e-book for parents and students to be able to download from the college website. Our Subject Supermarket Information Evening will take place on Wednesday 13th June from 6.00 - 8.00 pm in the Willandra building. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain more information about subjects offered at Year 10, VCE, VCAL and pathways. There will be two information sessions available on the evening:• VCAL and LINCS commencing at 6.15 pm• VCE and Mainstream Year 10 at 7.00 pmThis will be followed by our Course Counselling Day in Term 3 which will take place during Wednesday, 1st August. There will be further reminders relating to these events in the coming weeks through our newsletter and Compass.A casual vacancy on College Council has become available. If you are interested, please contact our college principal, Mr Lino Pagano at the college on 8338 3600.On behalf of the principal class team, we thank all families who continue to support the college in the multitude of programs that we offer. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact our college.
Ms Helen Casey Assistant Principal: Community Engagement 2
Jessica ANGPranadh ANOOPPranav DEVINENIUdai MANNChloe MASONRylan MCINTOSHJayda SUBASILeilah J TOOMAGAKeng Kue YANGPalita YANGCori DAVISKayla DEWAKinuri RANASINGHE MUDIYANSELAGEGemma SAWYERAreej ZAINABGillian AGUINALDOJasmine BARICEVICAshneet BRAR
Students receive BRONZE GPA award.These are given to students in Years 5-7 who have achieved a GPA of 4.5 and above for both cycles of Term 1.GPA outlines a student’s ability to manage time, complete homestudy, meet work deadlines, come ready to learn, strive for personal success, listen to and follow instructions, come prepared to class and utilise feedback.These are our first recipients for 2018 and should be very proud of themselves! Keep up the awesome effort!
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MRC students are fortunate to have access to community programs. This term, City of Hume Boxing started work with a group of Year 5-7 students to deliver their Under the Hood Program. This program is designed to provide health and wellbeing information to students while immersing them in hands on traditional boxing training. The kids are having a blast! They have been stepping outside their comfort zone, working with new people and making new friendships. So far, students have been asked to give ‘coaching tips’ to one another and have discussed goal setting. The feedback has been very positive. This week, the students got to put on the boxing gloves and padsand work on jabbing while moving forwards and backwards. Brad and Casey (the instructors) have been very complimentary of the group and their ability to focus, follow instruction and work together.
PFA If you would like to join the PFA, or would like to join the PFA mailing list, please email our PFA President at: [email protected]
PFA Dates
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These students have been recognised by their Mentor teachers for representing one of MRC’s Values, Honesty and Trust, Respect and Tolerance, Personal Success and Responsibility. Keep up the great effort as you strive to create your future!
academic achievement!
Year 5, 6 & 7 students congratulated on their
May 28 Mickleham Division Athletics Carnival
May 30 State Rugby League 9’s Finals
May 31 Beacon High Impact Program (Year 11)
May 31 Community Day - Arts and Technology 11.30 am - 1.30 pm
May 31 Unit 3 English SAC 2, 10 pm - 3.40 pm
June 1 Life Education Van Visit (34A, 34B, Prep A)
June 2 Global Business Market Day - Craigieburn Central 10.00 am - 3.00 pm
June 4 Arrival of exchange students and staff from Delhi Public School Noida
June 4 Life Education Van Visit (34C, 34D, Prep B)
June 5 Life Education Van Visit (34E, 34F, Prep C)
June 6 Life Education Van Visit (34G, 34H, Prep D)
June 7 Second Hand Uniform Sale 9.00 am - 10.00 am
June 7 VCAL Portfolio Afternoon 2.10 pm - 4.00 pm
June 8 Life Education Van Visit (34I, 34J, Prep E)
June 8 Early Years Assembly - Early Years Gym 2:10pm - 3:10pm (parents welcome)
June 8 Life Education Van Visit (34I, 34J, Prep E)
June 11 Queens Birthday Public Holiday
& Upcoming events
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Who can see the GP?Any student from Years 7-12 can come and see us.When are you there and how do I make an appointment?Dr Leila is here to see students between 10 and 2 pm on Thursdays during the school term. You are welcome to drop in to Berkshire and make an appointment with Miss P or you can discuss with Mrs Allan in Student Services. Parents are also able to assist their children to request or access an appointment. You may also like to let a teacher know and they can help you make an appointment. We have a walk in appointment (where you can turn up without an appointment) from 1.30 - 2 pm.Is it confidential?The GP and Nurse are not allowed to discuss your visit without your permission. Sometimes we may need parent’s permission/ involvement to see you, but what is said in the consult is still confidential. What can I see the GP for? We are here for all your health needs. That might be a sore toe or chest infection, or you may be finding things overwhelming and you are feeling down. You may also need support to manage a chronic illness (like asthma). Maybe you have some questions about your body changing or are having difficulties with your feelings and emotions? We’re here for whatever you would like to discuss.
Hi, I’m Leila your school GP. I have been a GP
for 15 years and have worked in a variety of settings. I really enjoy working with young
people.Secondary
Schools
We’re both really excited to be working at the school and look forward to helping students with
their health needs.
Hi, I’m Denise the Nurse. I’ve
been working as a nurse with young
people for 15 years.
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A message from MRC Student Services
headspace: dangerous content in 13 Reasons Why
headspace has today issued a warning following growing concerns raised by schools, parents and young people across Australia about some content featured in US Netflix series 13 Reasons Why.
The series – which debuted in Australia in late March and is currently streaming on Netflix -depicts a young woman who suicides. It presents the viewer with very confronting and graphic messaging and imagery inclusive of suicide method and means.
Since its debut both the national headspace School Support Program, which supports school communities in the aftermath of a suicide, and eheadspace, the national online and over-the-phone counselling service has received a growing numbers of calls and emails directly related to the program.
Kristen Douglas, National Manager of headspace School Support said the show exposes viewers to risky suicide content and may lead to a distressing reaction by the viewer particularly, if the audience is children and young people.
“National and international research clearly indicates the very real impact and risk to harmful suicide exposure
leading to increased risk and possible suicide contagion,”
Head of eheadspace Dr Steven Leicester said clinicians working for the service had been dealing with a steady stream of concerned parents and young people since the show first aired.
“There is a responsibility for broadcasters to know what they are showing and the impact that certain content can have on an audience – and on a young audience in particular,” he said.
headspace School Support and eheadspace is urging school communities, parents, and mental health services to be aware of the dangers and risks associated for children and young people who have been exposed to this content.
The national suicide media initiative, Mindframe, also has significant concerns and warnings related to this content.
If you are going through a tough time visit your local headspacecentre or contact eheadspace at www.eheadspace.org.au or 1800 650 890
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Saturday, May 26 at 11am
Craigieburn Library75-95 Central Park Avenue
Craigieburn VIC 3064
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE BOOK LAUNCH OF
Written by Nicola ConnellyIllustrated by Annie White
RSVP: [email protected] book will be available for purchase
on the day for $24.99 (cash only)
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The new school year is well and truly underway and thousands of kids (and their parents) across the country are settling in for a full year ahead. For some children, this year marks their first step into their school journey, while for others it is a chance for new opportunities, friendships and educational experiences. Here are some tips to help your child navigate the school year ahead:
1. Communicate with schoolCommunication with the school is important in aiding a successful school year for your child, whether they have just started at the school or have been there for several years. Familiarise yourself with your child’s class teacher. If your child has any specific learning or behavioral issues it is important to communicate these with their teacher early on in the year. Don’t assume that all relevant information will be passed on from previous teachers. It is well worth sending an introductory email to a new teacher outlining any information that would be helpful in relation to your child, including any strategies that have been successful in the past. Far from initiating ‘red flags’, this information is actually much more helpful for teachers than having to find out themselves.
Be sure to communicate any early concerns regarding your child’s experience at school to the class teacher as soon as you become aware of them. Teachers can only deal with information you share with them, so by all means, call or email the school and make an appointment to discuss any issues. Avoid trying to have a serious discussion with the teacher at the beginning or end of the school day as this is often the busiest time for teachers. Booking an appointment time is desirable unless it is an urgent matter.
2. Give organisational tools to support successChildren thrive on routine and being able to visually see what is happening in the school week ahead. Creating a family calendar, whiteboard or wall chart that is visible to your child is helpful. Include important events such as camps, sports days and excursions.
It is also helpful to set up a communication tub or tray in the home where your child can place any notices they bring home, forms that need signing or books that need to be checked or worked on for homework. When children have a place for things it creates an environment that supports them gaining organisation skills and increased independence. Having a place to put their school bag each afternoon and encouraging them to empty out their lunch box and unpack notices is important.
We're a Parenting Ideas school parentingideas.com.au/schools
Helping children achieve sustained school successby Sharon Witt
insights
EDUCATION/LEARNING
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3. Provide support with homeworkHomework can be a struggle for both your child and yourself as a parent, especially when you are exhausted at the end of a working day. To enable your child to complete any set homework, ensure your child has a well-lit space where they can complete tasks, with the correct tools on hand – pens, rulers, whiteout, paper, etc. (a stationery tub or set of small drawers is helpful for the home).
Prioritise time to sit with them and guide them through their homework. If homework is becoming burdensome in your home and causing extra stress to your child, communicate this to their class teacher.
4. Prepare for a successful day aheadEnsure your child gets plenty of sleep. Children should be averaging around 8 to 12 hours of sleep each night. Make sure they have a regular bed time and stick to it wherever possible. Reading before bedtime can be a helpful way to end the day and set the scene for a good night’s rest.
The best way to set up a successful day ahead is for your child to eat a healthy breakfast and take a nutritious and balanced lunch with them, including plenty of snacks to keep their brain focused throughout the day.
5. Make time to chat about schoolKeep the lines of communication open with your child. Ask them questions about their day and look for any signs that they might be experiencing any concerns, particularly social issues. Remind your child that you are always available to listen. At the end of dinner time each evening you could ask each family member: “What went well for you today?”
6. Assist with friendshipsMaking and maintaining friends is an important aspect of your child’s school life. Ask your child regularly about the friends they are making at school, who they are playing with and how they are interacting with others. Get to know your child’s friends where possible and look for opportunities to grow your child’s social experiences, particularly if you have a shy child. If there are social concerns at school, make sure you communicate these as early as possible to the class teacher.
Sharon Witt
Sharon Witt has been immersed in teen world for over two decades in her role as a Secondary teacher, Author and Presenter. Sharon is one of Australia’s leading book authors for young people. She has written 12 books for young people to help guide them through many of the issues they face in early years and help them develop key strategies in building resilience. www.sharonwitt.com.au
We're a Parenting Ideas school parentingideas.com.au/schools 11
On the 2nd of July, the Australian Government will transition to a new Child Care Subsidy (CCS). This will replace the existing Child Care Rebate (CCR) and Child Care Benefit (CCB).
There are a number of key changes that families who rely on childcare before and/or after school need to know, including:
• Any benefit will be paid directly to child care providers (like Camp Australia), who will then only bill the ‘gap’ amount to families.
• There will continue to be hardship relief.
• For families earning less than $186,958, there will no longer be an annual cap on the amount of subsidy you can receive. For families earning between $186,958 and $351,248, an increased annual subsidy cap of $10,000 per child will apply each year.
If you’d like to know what percentage of your child care costs you can claim back through the Child Care Subsidy, check out the simple Family Childcare Subsidy Estimator at https://www.education.gov.au/sites/education/files/chcare/est/index.html
We’re here to make Outside School Hours Care the best experience possible for your child.
To find out more about our program, view fees and to register visit www.campaustralia.com.au
We look forward to seeing you and your family soon.
From the Team at Camp Australia.
On the 2nd of July, the Australian Government will transition to a new Child Care Subsidy (CCS). This will replace the existing Child Care Rebate (CCR) and Child Care Benefit (CCB).
There are a number of key changes that families who rely on childcare before and/or after school need to know, including:
• Any benefit will be paid directly to child care providers (like Camp Australia), who will then only bill the ‘gap’ amount to families.
• There will continue to be hardship relief.
• For families earning less than $186,958, there will no longer be an annual cap on the amount of subsidy you can receive. For families earning between $186,958 and $351,248, an increased annual subsidy cap of $10,000 per child will apply each year.
If you’d like to know what percentage of your child care costs you can claim back through the Child Care Subsidy, check out the simple Family Childcare Subsidy Estimator at https://www.education.gov.au/sites/education/files/chcare/est/index.html
We’re here to make Outside School Hours Care the best experience possible for your child.
To find out more about our program, view fees and to register visit www.campaustralia.com.au
We look forward to seeing you and your family soon.
From the Team at Camp Australia.
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