E-mail: kostka@xavier.vic.edu.au Jesuit Web site: www.jesuit.org.au Xavier Web site: www.xavier.vic.edu.au

FFROMROM THETHE R RECTORECTOR

Number 1 - 1 February 2012 Phone: 9592 2127 Fax: 9592 7017

X A V I E R C O L L E G E A J E S U I T S C H O O L

Kostka Hall ................ . Newsletter

COMING EVENTS Saturday 4 February Summer Sport Round 1 Monday 6 February

Information Evening (Prep-Year 2 Homeroom 6.15PM ) 7:00PM Prep—Year 8 Gather in Chapel Tuesday 7 February YEP Checkpoint Prayer Night & Shared Meal 6:45PM Wednesday 8 February KHMA meeting Companions Room Maritima 7:30PM Thursday 9 February Secondhand Uniform Shop open Drama Room 2:00PM – 3:00PM Friday 10 February KHMA & KHFA Welcome Evening 7:30 PM Saturday 11 February Summer Sport Round 2 Tuesday 14 February Class & Individual School Photos Kinder/Prep 9:00 AM Wednesday 15 February KHMA Meeting 7:30 PM Thursday 16 February Information Evening Kindergarten 7:00 PM Sunday 19 February All families invited to ‘Jazz on the Lawn’ 3:00PM – 7:00PM

Dear Parents and Guardians Welcome to the 2012 school year, the 134th year of Xavier College offering a Jesuit education in Melbourne. I trust you and your family had a happy and holy Christmas and that with the beginning of a new year you have been able to enjoy some time of rest and relaxation together. Our condolences are extended to the Griffin family with the death of Michelle last week after a long battle with cancer. Please keep in your prayers her husband Chris and their sons, Samuel (Year 8 – Burke Hall) and Benjamin (Year 6 - Burke Hall) in this most difficult time of grief and sorrow. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, may she rest in peace. I would like to congratulate our Class of 2011 on the excellent results they achieved in the VCE and the many offers of university places that have been made. I know from having spoken with a number of the students and their families that there is a wonderful sense of accomplishment and pride in what they have achieved through their education here at Xavier College. I would like to congratulate and thank our teachers who have worked so generously with our students in each year of schooling and especially in their final year at the College.

The theme for the College this year is “I am the Vine and You are the Branches”. Our theme comes from John 15:5 as part of Jesus’ farewell discourse to the first disciples following the Last Supper. This builds strongly on our theme of 2011, being “Who do you say that I am? (coming from Mark 8:28). For us at a Jesuit school, Jesus Christ is the model of human life that we put forward as the fullness of life. The early Johannine Community were divided and searching following their expulsion from the synagogue; but the one thing that they had left was their belief in the risen Jesus. For us as a Christian community, it is our belief in the risen Jesus that unifies us. We become members of the Body of the Christ through the gift of our baptism. All of us have different gifts and our community is strengthened by this diversity. We are called to share those gifts with each other, placing them at the service of the community, not for our own glory but for the greater glory of God. I had the opportunity in the holidays to undertake a retreat at the Centre of Ignatian Spirituality attached to the Jesuit vineyard at Sevenhill in the Clare Valley, South Australia. As I was walking around the property I was amazed by the differences in the vines, some were thin and young, others were much older, thicker with more knots but producing more fruit. The image of a vine and its branches is an appropriate and helpful metaphor for our community. We are at different stages of maturing, we are different shapes and sizes and we each bring forth our own distinctive fruit. We are also connected to each other, that is one of the gifts of belonging to a community. Throughout the year, may we continue to support and nurture each other in our joys and challenges living out the commandment of Jesus, “love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12). One of the fruits of the Christian life is joy, joy in the risen Jesus. It is my prayer that this too may be a quality that continues to be a defining characteristic of the Xavier community in 2012.

2

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and Guardians Welcome to the new school year and, in particular, welcome to all our new students, parents and staff joining the Xavier community for the first time. I trust you have had an enjoyable rest and break with your family. This New Year marks the 134 year history of the College and much work has taken place on the Three Campuses over the break to make sure there is a smooth start to the year. As announced last year, there have been some changes to the members of the 2012 College Executive, namely, Ms Caroline Sheehan as Director of Teaching and Learning and Ms Kathleen Upfold as Director of Kostka Hall. We also welcome the following new staff to Xavier College – Ms Chessen BH Eng/Humanities Mr Gallego BH Middle Years Teacher Ms Munroe BH Learning Enhancement Ms Stephens BH Middle Years Teacher Mr Armstrong KH Teacher Ms Allsop SC Humanities Teacher Mr Coker SC Senior Accountant Ms Fotheringham SC Commerce Teacher Mr Franich SC Teacher Mr Goss SC Accounting Teacher Mr Grant SC Mathematics Teacher Mr Morriss SC Director of Boarding Mr Rossiter SC Science Teacher Ms Russo SC Accounting Teacher Mrs Sabbadini SC Faculty Head Humanities Mrs Dunin SC XSJN Coordinator Staff Development days This week the staff was privileged to listen to Sister Margaret Beirne RSC present to the staff a very insightful and refreshing vision of what does a Jesuit education mean within the culture of today’s young people. Sr Margaret is a former Principal of St Vincent’s College, Potts Point, Sydney and Director of the Institute of Spirituality, NSW. The powerful messages of openness, gratefulness, forgiveness and love as well as challenge to seek excellence in the everyday were central to her theme. Her inspiring presentation provided the staff with the renewed vigour to keep our focus on how we can best assist each individual student to flourish. Congratulations to our Australia Day Honour Award Recipients Fr Bill Uren SJ (OX) currently Rector of Newman College, University of Melbourne and former Provincial of the Society of Jesus in Australia received the distinguished honour of an AO. Mr Fergus Ryan former parent and current member of the Xavier College Council also received the AO. I very much look forward to meeting as many parents as possible in the near future and thank you for your continuing support as we work in partnership for the education and formation of your sons and daughters. Blessings and peace for the coming week. Chris Hayes Principal

I would like to congratulate Andrew Wang (Year 12 Spinola) for his most colourful and thoughtful banner design. Wishing you a joy filled and blessed 2012. Every blessing, Fr Thomas Renshaw SJ Rector tom.renshaw@xavier.vic.edu.au

3

FFROMROM T THEHE D DIRECTORIRECTOR O OFF K KOSTKAOSTKA H HALLALL Welcome back to all families to this 75th year of Xavier education at Kostka Hall. I would especially like to welcome all our new families to Xavier College. For 75 years hundreds of children have started the year here at Kostka. They would have each shared a sense of excitement for all that is new and perhaps some trepidation about all that is unknown. As I write this it is the end of my eighth day at Xavier. I have been made to feel most welcome and very quickly part of the Xavier Community. I can confidently say there is a very warm welcome ahead for all new students, parents and staff. I am looking forward to meeting and talking with many of you at the Information evenings on Monday 6 February (for parents of Prep to Year 8 students) and on Thursday 16 February (for parents of Early Years Kindergarten students) and at “Jazz on the Lawn” organized by our Fathers’ and Mothers’ Associations on Sunday 19 February. I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of the children on Wednesday 1 February. It will be good to see their presence in the buildings and hear their voices in the grounds and classrooms. It is most apt that we begin the year with a Mass in our Chapel – a tangible occasion where we connect with our God to centre our thoughts, words and deeds for the days, weeks and months ahead of us. The Mass will also further animate our theme for the year “I am the Vine and You are the Branches”. A new year holds much promise for us all but particularly for the children who experience so many milestones across their school years – learning to read, learning to write, receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation for the first time, playing a full tune on a musical instrument, or experiencing a new sport, beginning Kindergarten, Primary or Secondary education. Education gives us so many opportunities to discover things about ourselves and our children. We are all learners on our life’s journey and this brings much anticipation, happiness and challenge to our lives. This often comes into sharp focus at the start of the year so I do wish you every blessing and good wishes as we begin the year together in partnership educating your sons and daughters. With best wishes,

Kathleen Upfold Director of Kostka Hall

FFROMROM T THEHE D DEPUTYEPUTY H HEADEAD

Welcome to the 2012 school year. In particular, I offer a very warm welcome to new students, staff and families. Starting a new school is a time for making new friends, learning new skills, beginning new subjects and trying different activities and sports. But it is also a time for settling into new routines and procedures, finding your way around and coping with larger groups of students in a different environment. It is important to stress at the commencement of each year that the successful education of a young person is built upon a partnership between the student, parents and the school. Published in the students’ diaries are a number of policies in relation to the school’s expectations of its students. All parents and students are requested to familiarise themselves with these policies so as to avoid any inconsistency in expectations. Some reminders to start the year smoothly are as follows: EARLY ARRIVALS A reminder that teacher supervision of the school grounds commences at 8:15AM each morning. Students should avoid arriving at school before this time unless required for rehearsals etc.

4

PARENT FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM SOUL SPACE 1 Programs such as this one, attempt to foster a way of living and working as proposed by St Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). These opportunities are designed to allow you to learn more about St Ignatius and Ignatian spirituality so you can integrate this way of living into your everyday life. As you have chosen a Jesuit education for your children, you may be interested in accepting this invitation. Soul Space 1 will be presented by Fr Chris Gleeson SJ, the Provincial's Delegate for Education and will be delivered over three sessions. As the three sessions are general in nature and build upon each other, it is an expectation that you will be available for all sessions. Where: Xavier College Senior Campus - Dalton Room Session One: Nurturing our souls in a world full of noise. Session Two: Everything Belongs in Ignatian Spirituality. Session Three: Being a Companion in Ignatian Spirituality If you require any more information please contact Karyn Young on Karyn.Young@xavier.vic.edu.au or by phone on 9854 5342.

When: Session 1: Tuesday 21 February Session 2: Tuesday 13 March Session 3: Tuesday 27 March Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm

COMMUNITY PORTAL ACCESS Our Yearly Calendar is now published on our Community Portal, a fluid document which allows us to frequently update information. A reminder to please contact the ICT staff at Xavier Senior Campus on 9854 5411 should you be still experiencing difficulties viewing the portal. PUBLIC TRANSPORT / SCHOOL BUS/CROSSINGS/DROPOFFS With safety in mind, I encourage both students and parents to focus on the need for continued care when our students are travelling to and from school. In particular, I remind students of the need to enter and depart the school grounds using our pedestrian access, NOT vehicle driveways and our car park entrance. This cannot be stressed too much. NEW STREET GATE A reminder that the New Street Gate will is locked between 9.15AM and 3.00PM each day. If parents need to access the school during these hours you are asked to use the Hartley Street entrance. STUDENT PICK-UP AFTER SCHOOL Please remember that after 3.50PM , students in Years 5 to 8 must be picked up from the car park at the front of Maritima not at the New Street gate. Greg Gaudie Deputy Head Kostka Hall

Education Tax Refund The Education Tax Refund is a Commonwealth Government tax refund to help with the cost of educating primary and secondary school children. Eligible parents, carers, legal guardians and independent students can be reimbursed for half the cost of items such as computers, educational software, textbooks and stationery. For more information about the Education Tax Refund, visit www.educationtaxrefund.gov.au/

Education Maintenance Allowance and School Start Bonus Applications A reminder that parents that have a child under 16 and hold a Health Care Card, Pension Card, or are a foster parent, may be eligible to receive the Education Maintenance Allowance. Also, parents who hold a valid Health Care Card, Pension Card, or are a foster parent, and have a child starting Prep or Year 7, may be eligible to receive the School Start Bonus. For more information and an application form please contact David Taranto on 9854 5369 or via email David.Taranto@xavier.vic.edu.au by Thursday 9 February 2012.

5

FFROMROM T THEHE C CURRICULUMURRICULUM D DEPARTMENTEPARTMENT

Are Your Children Getting Enough Sleep? Children need between 10-12 hours of sleep each day while teens need a minimum of nine hours. After our leisurely summer break, it was great to welcome and to welcome back, all our students and parents on Wednesday morning. Chatting with many parents on our first day back at school, much of the discussion revolved around adjusting their lives and households back to the busy school and co- curricular schedules of their children. As sleep is a key factor, in improving mental health, wellbeing and learning, I recommend the following article to you, written by parenting educator, Michael Grose. Professor Harlene Hayne, Head of the Psychology Department at the University of Otago revealed one of the most powerful strategies found to improve mental health and well-being in children and young people was to increase the amount of sleep they received. The links between sleep debt and poor mental health including anxiety and depression are indisputable. Anxiety goes down and confidence and wellbeing improves when kids get enough sleep' Many kids today are sleep deprived. Teenagers, in particular, don't get enough sleep. They need between nine and 10 hours sleep each night, yet most get about seven or eight hours sleep. Some get less. Not getting enough sleep leads to sleep deprivation, which is akin to jet lag, where kids don't function at their optimum. Lack of sleep leads to irritability, decreased creativity, memory lapses as well as strong links to anxiety and depression. Sleep maximises brain growth, which occurs with toddlers and teens. Sleep also consolidates learning. Research has shown that the brain practises what it has learned during the day when a child or young person is asleep. So sufficient sleep consolidates past learning as well as keeping them fresh to maximise their future learning.

Welcome back to another year of challenges and fantastic opportunities! As you are aware we will be working to a 6 period time table rather than a 5 period time table as in previous years. Therefore lessons will be fifty minutes long rather than an hour. HOME LEARNING: For Years 5 and 7 there will be no written home learning tasks required. This is to assist the boys in their settling in process and transition. The College believes that Home Learning is a reinforcement of learning processes that have taken place in class and a preparation of learning habits for future years of study. When given, the home learning must be entered by the student in the School Diary. Years 5 and 6 students are expected to spend three quarters of an hour to an hour per night on home learning, which will include reading, tables, spelling, memory and written work. Years’ 7 and 8 students are expected to spend at least one and a half to two hours per night on home learning, which will include specific written work, memory work and reading. Please consult the School Diary for the Home Learning Guidelines on page 28. This year will be our second year with the STUDENT STUDY WALL PLANNERS. All new students will receive one during the first two weeks while ongoing students will receive stickers which can be placed onto last year’s planner to make them current. For example there will be a sticker with this year’s College theme “I am the vine and you are the branches.” There will also be a sticker which is to be placed on the timetable to accommodate the new 6 period day. The STUDENT STUDY WALL PLANNER is an excellent study tool which, if used consistently and in conjunction with parents, students and teachers can greatly assist with organisation. It includes opportunities for explicit goal setting, home learning organisation and for transparency in time table knowledge. It is important to clean off 2011 information, apply the stickers and to write in the new timetable. Next, discuss have a discussion about setting goals. This will also be addressed in homerooms and classes. A list of subject coordinators will be published in the next newsletter. Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or myself if you have any questions about the curriculum. Have a great year! Therese Lunghusen Curriculum Coordinator Maths Coordinator

6

Welcome back to the 2012 school year. A warm welcome is extended to the following new Early Years families joining us this year. Magdalena Room Tara and Paul Bell, and their son, Joshua Kate and Paul Digney, and their children, Freddie and Vonnie Gonzaga Room Emma and Tom Coleman, and their daughter, Sienna Monique and Scott Hancox, and their son, Mason Sophie and Ben Stanford, and their son, Patrick Prep Ignatius Liz and Russell Jones, and their son, Richard Sophie and Ben Stanford, and their son, Nathan Year 2 Chisholm Kathleen and Chris O’Connor, and their son, Liam Year 3 Ogilvie Susan and Rodney Hayes, and their son, Anthony Katie Skorupa and Michael Maguire, and their son, Nicholas Kathleen and Chris O’Connor, and their daughter, Bridget Year 4 Ricci Olga and Theo Latsis, and their son, Marc Bridget and Hamish Salmon, and their son, Nicholas Gabrielle and David Sinn, and their son, Joshua.

NNEWSEWS F FROMROM THETHE EARLYEARLY YEARSYEARS

Sleep experts stress that while adults may not have control over biology, we can assist children and teens to establish good sleep patterns. Generally, children who develop good sleep patterns tend to carry these habits into adolescence. lf you are parent of young children struggling to get them to sleep, or battling kids who want to stay up longer, then some knowledge of good sleep habits maybe useful. Good sleep habits include: 1. Regular bed-times. Kids may fight this, but make sure kids keep regular bed-times during the week and allow them to stay up a little later on weekends. Children need between 10-12 hours of sleep each day, while teens need a minimum of nine hours. 2. Have a wind-down time of up to 45 minutes prior to bed. This includes, removing TV and other stimuli, calming children down, and limiting food intake (and caffeine for teens)' The wind-down time informs the body clock that sleeping-time is near. 3. Have a bed-time routine such as story and teeth-cleaning that signals psychologically that it is time for sleep. A set routine means that kids can predict. lt also means that some children will fight bedtime so you need some good strategies in place to get kids to bed and make sure they stay there. (For ideas about winning bed-time battles read- One Step Ahead by Michael Grose 4. Keep bedrooms for sleep and not for TV, Computers, Mobiles and other IT entertainment. Bedrooms that resemble caves are recommended. lt gets tricky with mobile phones and other information technology available, but it’s smart to keep mobiles and laptops out of bedrooms at sleep-time. This goes for parents too. I've noticed most parents sleep in technology-free bedrooms (apart from a clock-radio) yet their kids will have technology-full rooms. 5. Maximise the three sleep cues of darkness (maintaining a cave-like bedroom), lowering body temperature (baths can be good for this) and melatonin (work within their cycle). With mental health being on the agenda for all Australians there is no better start than attending to good sleep habits. lf your kids get less sleep than they should, check out the five habits above, and work out which of these you can adjust to move things in favour of them getting more sleep. Further information can be found on www.parentingideas.com.au

Pleasant dreams!! Marg Fitzpatrick Student Wellbeing Coordinator

7

Staffing It is with great pleasure that we welcome back Ms Katie Callery to the Kindergarten staff and the Magdalena Room. Mr Lee Adolph will take over the Physical Education/Sport role this year for all Early Years classes. Information Evenings Primary Information Night – Monday 6 February Prep/Year 1/Year 2: 6.15PM start in classrooms Whole school gathering: 7.00PM Year 3/Year 4: 7.30PM Gather in classrooms Kindergarten Information Night – Thursday 16 February at 7.00PM - Meet in Kindergarten classrooms. At these evenings, classroom teachers will outline room procedures and organisation for the year ahead. Before/After School Care Arrangements Due to the limited places available in our before and after school program, could you please confirm with me any permanent booking or indicate the need for a casual booking arrangement in Term 1. Introduction of the 6 Period Timetable Due to the introduction of the 6 period timetable, our break times have changed. First Break is from 10.30AM – 10.55AM Second Break is from 12.35PM – 1.25PM We would encourage students to bring two equal sized meals to school each day so they can eat one meal at each break. Lunch orders will be available from the tuckshop at both breaks. On Fridays (due to the large number of lunch orders) toasted sandwiches may only be ordered at second break. Bernadette Williams Early Years Coordinator

8

Welcome back to all parents and students in Years 7 and 8. I hope that your break has been restful and rewarding and that you are looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in 2012. In particular I would like to welcome the new families to Kostka Hall, we are delighted to have you in our community and we look forward to working with you and your sons’ in the year ahead. Even at this early stage of the year it is clearly evident that the opening few weeks of the academic year will be very busy indeed, the notion of an “easing in” period is very much a thing of the past. I would advise all families to make every possible effort to be as prepared as possible to begin the year in as positive and organized a manner as possible. From the correct book from the booklists, uniforms and careful perusing of the College portal, all of these will assist our students to make the best start to 2012. If you have any queries or concerns please raise these with you son’s Homeroom teacher first, they are willing and able to assist in whatever way they can. On Monday 6 February we will have our Information Evening for 2012 and I very much look forward to seeing you there as we outline our plans for the year ahead and also field any queries which you might have. On behalf of the Year 7 and 8 staff welcome back again and we are very much looking forward to the year ahead. Jeremiah Mulcahy Years’ 7 and 8 Coordinator

N NEWSEWS F FROMROM Y YEAREAR 7 7 ANDAND 8 8

Welcome back to what promises to be another exciting year of Kostka Hall sport!! The Term 1 sports on offer for Year 5 and 6 students are: Cricket, Swimming and Tennis. Training will occur on Mondays during Period 6 (2.15—3.15PM). Competition against APS schools is Wednesday during Periods 5 and 6 (1.25—3.15PM). The first competition day is on Wednesday 15 February. The Term 1 sports available for Year 7 and 8 students are: Cricket, Swimming, Tennis and Volleyball. Training will occur on a Thursday during Periods 5 & 6 (1.25—3.15PM). APS competition takes place on Saturday mornings with the first competition day scheduled for Saturday 11 February (swimming will trial at the Stephenson Centre and volleyball will play at Haileybury College (Newlands Campus) on Saturday 5 February). Sport uniform guidelines are highlighted in the School Diary, on the school portal and on the sports notice boards at school. Years 7 and 8 students are required to arrive at the competition venue on Saturday mornings thirty minutes before the scheduled start of play. HOUSE ATHLETICS CARNIVAL The Kostka Hall Middle Years’ Athletics Carnival is scheduled for Wednesday 14 March at the Sandringham Athletics Track. Competition will be staged from approximately 9.30AM-2.30PM. The awards ceremony traditionally runs for fifteen minutes and concludes at approximately 2.45pm. At this stage, students can return to Kostka Hall on the buses provided or depart directly for home from the track providing they have supplied the College with a parental permission form. This event has been brought forward to Term 1 at the request of the Head of Athletics, who is based at the Senior Campus. The timing of this competition will allow for talent identification in the lead-up to the commencement of the APS Athletics season. Every measure has been taken to ensure that students receive appropriate sun protection. As with every House sporting event, there will be a plentiful supply of sunscreen and spare Xavier College bucket hats. Portable gazebos

NNEWSEWS F FROMROM K KOSTKAOSTKA H HALLALL S SPORTPORT

9

have been purchased by the Sport Department to provide student shelter for times when students are not engaged in competition. Students and parents will receive the usual information weeks in advance of this event highlighting the need for students to be wearing hats and appropriate clothing, eat a substantial and nutritious lunch, remain hydrated through water and to seek the shaded areas when not competing. The Athletics Carnival is one of the highlights of the Kostka Hall sporting calendar, which all students enjoy immensely. Parents are warmly welcomed to attend and support their sons. TIMOTHY BARBAKOS – TRIPLE JUMP - SCHOOL RECORD!!! Congratulations to Timothy Barbakos who claimed the Kostka Hall Year 5 Triple Jump record with a distance of 8.47m on his way to becoming the 2011 Year 5 Athletics Champion. It was appropriate that Timothy was presented with his school record medallion from an athlete renowned for his spectacular jumping, Russell Robertson. ‘ROBBO’ VISITS KOSTKA HALL Students in Years 5 and 6 participated in a presentation from former Melbourne Football Club star, Russell Robertson, as part of their final sports day for the 2011 school year. Robbo spoke to students on the necessity of being an excellent listener when taking instruction from the various coaches throughout his career. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining enthusiasm and motivation to

achieve his goals. After thirteen seasons, 228 games, 428 goals, four time club leading goal kicker awards and a club Best & Fairest, the Kostka Hall students were extremely fortunate to learn from a sportsperson who excelled in his chosen field. Three great Melbourne men - Samm y Stynes, Russell Robertson, Daniel Jones. Russell Robertson, Timothy Barbakos

Cameron Childs Xavier College - Kostka Hall Head of Sport Year 5 - 8

10

Xavier Swimming & Diving Season Opening

(Senior Campus / Burke Hall / Kostka

Hall) Saturday 4 February 2012

8.00AM – 10.00AM at the Stephenson Centre Pool

All members of the Aquatics Team (Years’ 7 -12) are to

attend this 1st training day, which will include the announcement of team leaders and distribution of team

uniforms for the season. For all enquires please contact Mr Strahan at Xavier

College.

A copy of the 2012 Tuckshop Menu and Price list has been sent home this week. A copy can also be found on the Portal. Lunch orders are available for the Early Years at both breaks. However, as there are so many orders on Fridays, toasted sandwiches will only be available at Break 2. Please mark on the bag Break 1 or Break 2. Window sales are available for Years 5 - 8 at both breaks. Lunch orders for these years are available at second break only with the exception of Years 5 & 6 on Wednesdays when lunch orders are only available at Break 1, due to sport. Special meals will be advertised via Tuckshop windows and the Newsletter. Please note the menu which will be available for Ash Wednesday - on the bottom of the Menu/Price list. Window sales will not be available after 1.05PM. Parents, (Mums and Dads) if you would like to help in the Tuckshop on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (particularly Fridays), I'd love to hear from you. Liz Mitchell Tuckshop Manager

NNEWSEWS F FROMROM K KOSTKAOSTKA H HALLALL T TUCKUCK S SHOPHOP

The Marron Singers The Marron Singers, the Xavier College Community Choir, will begin rehearsals for 2012 on Tuesday 14 February. The choir is open to all, regardless of experience or ability, and rehearses in Marron Hall at 7:45PM on Tuesdays during term time. For further information phone Jane Wood on 9815 4817.

Sacred Heart Parish School Centenary Celebrations

Sacred Heart Parish School will celebrate its centenary on Sunday 29 April 2012. We are asking for any photos, memorabilia, newsletters, reports, articles etc. that you may have that will assist

us in putting together a display to help celebrate this special day. Erin Macdonald (School Principal) is happy to receive this scanned information via email at

principal@shsandringham.catholic.edu.au or alternatively Erin is available to scan this information for you at the office during school hours. (Drop off one day, pick up the next).

Please keep the date free to join in the celebrations. Please contact Megan McCartney on 0425 789 141 if you have any queries.

Megan McCartney Director Parents and Friends

Sacred Heart

11

NNEWSEWS F FROMROM THETHE K KOSTKAOSTKA H HALLALL M MOTHERSOTHERS’ A’ ASSOCIATIONSSOCIATION

An invitation to Jesuit Social Services' Annual Fundraising Dinner This year, Jesuit Social Services marks 35 years since our work began in 1977. We'll be marking this milestone at our Annual Fundraising Dinner and we'd love to see you there. Annual Fundraising Dinner - marking 35 years of Jesuit Social Services When: 7.00PM Saturday 24 March 2012 Where: Sofitel Melbourne on Collins - Grand Ballroom Guest speaker: Mick Malthouse Jesuit Social Services strives to promote just leadership within all levels of the community. We're delighted that this year at our Annual Fundraising Dinner, AFL legend Mick Malthouse will deliver the Frank Costigan QC Address. Mick, a recently retired AFL coach, is widely respected for his leadership wisdom. Each year our Annual Fundraising Dinner provides us with an opportunity to celebrate our commitment to building a just society in a relaxed atmosphere with like-minded friends, colleagues and supporters. I hope that you can join us and bring a table of friends or colleagues to this evening of celebration as we mark 35 years of Jesuit Social Services. To book tickets for yourself or a table, go to www.jss.org.au. Julie Edwards CEO Jesuit Social Services

JUST MUSIC - A benefit album for Jesuit Social Services To mark 35 years of Jesuit Social Services, a new album of great Australian artists performing original and rare tracks is being released to raise funds and promote awareness for Jesuit Social Services' work with disadvantaged young people, especially those within the justice system and those with multiple and complex needs, including mental health problems and drug and alcohol use. A multi-styled, multi-national, multi-award winning collection of musicians have put their hands up to be part of the innovative new album titled JUST MUSIC and donate track to support Jesuit Social Services. The line up of musicians on the JUST MUSIC album speaks loudly for their support of Jesuit Social Services and, amongst others, includes: Paul Kelly - Australia’s premier singer-songwriter with indigenous singer-songwriter Dave Arden and a new unreleased song about Indigenous soldiers and their World War I and II journey. Waleed Aly - ABC Radio National host, The Age journalist, television's The Project panel member and social commentator and his band Robot Child Jesse and Ella Hooper - from Killing Heidi to national treasures Claire Bowditch - our reigning soul/pop diva with her take on a Joni Mitchell song Xavier Rudd - with members of legendary African reggae troupe Lucky Tube’s backing Dan Sultan - critically acclaimed and multi-award winning young Indigenous soul singer Angie Hart - backed by a Greek bouzoukis band with a version of a Bruce Springsteen classic The JUST MUSIC album will be launched on 4 March 2012 at The Famous Spiegeltent. JUST MUSIC album launch Date: 6:30pm - 8.00PM, Sunday 4 March 2012 Venue: The Famous Spiegeltent, Arts Centre Melbourne Artists performing at the launch: Robot Child with Waleed Aly, David Bridie and The Sheilas, Jesse and Ella Hooper, Tjimba and the Yung Warriors, Peter Ewing and more. Tickets: $35 including a copy of the JUST MUSIC album For more info and to book: www.justmusic.org.au

12

    

BACK TO SCHOOL 2012 Reducing the risk of an asthma attack in February:  

Tips for Parents & Carers  

What is the February asthma spike? Throughout  the  year  there  are  significant  increases,  or  ‘spikes’,  in  asthma  presentations  to  hospitals  and          emergency departments.  Approximately 1 in 9 children in Australia have asthma, and for children and adolescents with    asthma  these  ‘spikes’  usually  occur  towards  the  end  of  holiday  periods  as  they  return  to  school  and             preschool.    A  significant  ‘spike’  in  asthma  symptoms,  and  subsequent  hospital  admissions,  of  children  and           adolescents occurs throughout the first few weeks of February.   The following are key points that are  important for parents and carers of children or teenagers to be aware of.  Why does the spike occur? While  there have not been direct  links established,  the February  ‘asthma spike’  is believed  to be  largely due  to     children and adolescents coming into contact with asthma triggers that they have had time away from, as they are now returning to school.  Triggers that can be encountered are: 

Dust and mould spores from poorly ventilated, or insufficiently cleaned school/preschool rooms Respiratory viruses, such as cold and flu viruses Cleaning products that leave behind strong smells, aerosols or airborne dust Anxiety and stress due to returning to school/preschool 

What can parents and carers do to avoid asthma exacerbations at school? • Ensure your child  is always carrying  their  reliever medication  (e.g. Ventolin, Asmol, Airomir and Bricanyl) as well as a spacer.  If required, also ensure that you provide medication to the preschool your child attends • Ensure that you have provided your child’s school/preschool with an updated Asthma Action Plan • Ensure that your child or teenager knows how to recognise early symptoms of an asthma attack and know to use their reliever medication properly • Ensure your child or teenager will seek help from school/preschool staff if they experience asthma symptoms Ensure that your child or teenager’s asthma is being well managed and that their medication and management is reviewed annually by your GP (this is a good opportunity to also update the Asthma Action Plan)

 For more information on any of the above points, free resources please contact the Asthma Foundation of Victoria via 

the details at the top of the page

Australian Centre for Asthma Monitoring (2011), “Asthma in Australia: with a focus chapter on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease”, Austra-lian Institute of Health and Welfare, Canberra 2011. Ibid. Ibid. 

The Asthma Foundation Telephone 03 9326 7088 of Victoria Facsimile 03 9326 7055 ACN 004 583 313 Toll Free 1800 645 130 ABN 16 873 513 650

491-495 King Street afv@asthma.org.au West Melbourne www.asthma.org.au Victoria 3003

13

National Year of Reading 2012 2012 will see a whole heap of amazing, fun, reading activities taking place around Australia and online, so people of all ages, from different backgrounds, can discover and rediscover the joy of reading.

All Australian libraries – school and public - and library associations are behind a campaign to turn 2012 into the National Year of Reading, linking together all the great things that are already happening around books, reading and literacy, and giving them an extra boost, with inspirational programs and events taking place across the country.

What’s happening in 2012? 14 February The NYR will kick off in Canberra when the patron, popular actor and author William McInnes, will launch the calendar of events at the National Library of Australia. To coincide with the launch, Xavier College Libraries have invited well-known children’s authors to visit the College and speak to students. 25 August The launch of the National Reading Hour, similar to the Earth Hour , but with an emphasis on reading rather than saving energy. On Tuesday 28 August staff and students at Xavier College across all campuses will have their own Reading Hour when staff and students will read together as part of our campaign to encourage everyone to read. During 2012 the 5 Xavier College Libraries will organize local events involving students and staff. Contact your local campus library or read the newsletters for more information. National Year of Reading website : Rehttp://www.love2read.org.au Visit us at : https://portal.xavier.vic.edu.au/Portal/services/library