07 february, 2020 term 1, issue 1

Diary Dates

Contents

From the Principal Leader

07 February, 2020

Term 1, Issue 1

Tuesday 18 Feb

Year 7 Welcome Night

7.00pm

Wednesday 19 Feb

Senior Social Dance

7.00 - 9.30pm

Wednesday 26 Feb

Ash Wednesday Liturgy

Friday 28 Feb

CSDA State Debating

Finals - PBB

5.00 - 9.00pm

Principal’s Message

Assistant Principal -

Pastoral Care

Assistant Principal -

Learning, Teaching &

Innovation

Dean of Studies

Resource Centre Update

Religious Education

Dear Parents, Students, Staff and Friends, Welcome to the 2020 academic year. I trust that families had an opportunity to share some quali-ty time together over the school holiday break. In particular, I wish to welcome our Year 7 and other families who are new to the College. As we commence a new school year, we reflect on our College motto – Christus Regnat (Christ Reigns). We pray that we may be committed to the Gospels and work in partnership to consoli-date our sense of co-operation and community. On behalf of the College community, I wish to welcome our new staff members: Ms. Cathy Molloy Assistant Principal Learning, Teaching and Innovation Mr. Jake Webster Leader of Learning Science Mr. Matthew Jack PD/H/PE Ms. Irene Clayton TAS Ms. Danielle Marino HSIE Mr. David Carter HSIE Ms. Chelsea Williams PD/H/PE Mr. Marcus Wheeler IT Trainee Mr. Kieran Uys IT Trainee Ms. Janet Pacey RIP Over the holidays, it was with sadness that we received information that staff member, Janet Pacey, suddenly passed away. Janet was a long standing and much valued staff member who worked in the Resource Centre at Patrician Brothers' College, Blacktown. Over many years, she assisted many students and staff members in her role. Our prayers and thoughts continue to be with Janet’s family dur-ing this time.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in

peace.

HSC 2019

The College is proud of the achievements of our Class of 2019. Their hard work and commit-ment was evident in the courses undertaken. Overall, our students can be pleased with their results and I congratulate them. I would also like to recognise the College staff who have supported the boys through their schooling. Our expectations are high and the support of family is crucial in encouraging the boys to strive for and reach the fullness of their poten-tial. The boys demonstrated impressive personal qualities of friendship, intellect, strength and leadership throughout the year. Opening Mass

It was a pleasure to welcome the Bishop of Par-ramatta, Bishop Vincent to our Opening Mass.

From the Principal Leader Bishop Vincent co-celebrated our Opening Mass with other local clergy today in the College Hall. It was a wonderful gath-ering to celebrate our faith community and the commencement of the academic year. College Captain, Flynn Broom, unveiled the new College theme for 2020 – One in Heart and Mind. There were numerous special guests including the Executive Director, Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta, Mr. Greg Whitby and the Patrician Brothers. I wish to acknowledgement the many staff and students involved in the Mass. In particular, I thank the Dean of Religious Education and Mission, Mr. Hunt, and Liturgy Leader, Mr. Beacroft. Australian Space Design Competition

I wish to congratulate the boys who participated in the Austral-ian Space Design Competition in Brisbane over the holidays. Many schools from across Australia took part in the yearly

event. Our boys were extremely enthusiastic and energetic dur-ing the competition. I also extend my sincere appreciation to staff members, Ms. Pham, Mr. Hersey, Mr. Blaik and Ms. Cas-sell, who generously attended or visited the event with the boys. The Focus Newsletter – Digital Only Editions 2020

Please be aware that the College Newsletter, The Focus, will be distributed digitally effective 2020. Editions will also be available via SkoolBag. Limited paper copies will be available in Reception.

Community Mass

As a reminder, the College holds a Community Mass every Thursday morning. It commences at 8.15am in Chapel. This is a wonderful opportunity for students, staff, parents/carers and

friends to share Eucharist together. Everyone is warmly invit-ed. Farewell College staff member, Mr. Brett Sullivan resigned over the holiday period to join another Catholic school. As a communi-ty, we wish him the best in his new school. God Bless, Frank Chiment PRINCIPAL LEADER

From the Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care

The new school year is well and truly underway and students in all year groups are to be congratulated on the way they have kicked off 2020. For the information of all our new students – and as a timely reminder to our continuing students - there are several items that are worth highlighting as the year commenc-es. As most parents are aware, a major focus at Patrician Brothers’ College, Blacktown last year was improving student attend-ance rates. The vast majority of students achieved outstanding attendance, with many well over 95% for the whole year. There is no doubt that attendance at school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success and social development. Stu-dents who regularly miss school will inevitably fall behind their classmates and their education will suffer. In a highly competitive job market, we cannot allow any of our students to incur this disadvantage. As was the case last year, individual student attendance is monitored on a daily basis by Homeroom Teachers and Stu-dent Formation Leaders (formerly called Year Coordinators) and overall attendance data is reviewed by the Assistant Princi-pals and Principal Leader at weekly leadership meetings. Students with continual poor attendance or unexplained ab-sences will face a range of consequences, including: compulso-ry parent interviews, counselling support, school attendance orders and, eventually, review of their enrolment at Patrician Brothers’ College, Blacktown. Students with poor attendance may also be excluded from sporting and other extra-curricular activities until we are satisfied that their attendance levels have reached acceptable benchmarks and that all classwork and as-sessment requirements have been satisfied. The particular focus in 2020 will be attendance on Fridays. Homeroom Teachers and Student Formation Leaders have been instructed to contact parents as soon as they notice pat-terns of non-attendance or unexplained absences. In addition, automated text messages are sent out every day to parents to confirm student absences. It will assist us considerably if you can ensure that the school has up-to-date contact details so that text messages and phone calls are being directed correctly.

From the Assistant Principal cont. A reminder that the front driveways of the College - both entry and exit from Flushcombe Road - are not accessible to parents or family members at any time for pick-up or drop-off of their sons. As you would understand, both gates carry high amounts of pedestrian traffic throughout the day, particularly immedi-ately before and after school, so it would create a dangerous situation for our students if we allow parents to use this area as a kiss-and-drop zone in the way that some primary schools operate. For this reason, we require that students are dropped or collected at K-Mart car park or other safe areas in nearby streets. Along similar lines – our students are constantly reminded to only cross Newton and Flushcombe Roads at the designated pedestrian lights and we need parents to support us in this safety message. Disturbingly, we regularly see parents calling their sons to run across the road to their car through heavy af-ternoon traffic. The school zones offer limited protection, but it is quite obvi-ous to any casual observer that some drivers simply ignore these speed limits. Finally - some reminders about correct summer uniform. While the vast majority of students have returned to school in full and correct uniform – a small number were issued with firm reminders on the first day. Generally, students were able to resolve minor issues on the spot.

Mr Brian Edmonds Assistant Principal – Pastoral Care

From the Assistant Principal -

Learning, Teaching and Innovation

Welcome back students and parents to a new year of learning

at Patrician Brothers’ College, Blacktown. A special welcome

to Year 7 and to other students who, like me, are joining this

vibrant and caring Catholic learning community in 2020. An

exciting year of learning awaits us all; it has certainly been a

great start for our students and teachers.

Focusing Our Work in 2020

The staff this year are working with purpose to ensure learning

growth for all. This will be the underpinning purpose of our

work in professional learning and in the classroom in designing

and delivering quality learning tasks and feedback that clearly

supports students to improve. We have a strong tradition of

working in partnership with parents in our endeavours and as

such, we will look forward to meeting you at our relevant par-

ent information evenings this year.

One very important aspect of learning growth for all is mind-

set. Belief in oneself to be able to succeed is paramount to

success.

Often, as a teacher, you hear people say that they aren’t very

good at particular subjects or skills; when I hear this I’d like to

change that to I am not very successful at this subject or skill

yet. It is not our inherent ability or having a particular talent

that makes us successful in life - it is working hard to grow and

improve in our knowledge and understanding as well

as in developing expertise and skills. I remind students of this

as we commence our academic year.

Assessment Handbooks and Calendars - Years 7 - 12

In the coming weeks, students from Years 7 - 11 will be re-

ceiving an assessment handbook, which outlines all assessment

tasks for 2020. Information evenings and/or opportunities for

parents/guardians to come and learn about using this document

will be held in the coming weeks. For students in Years 10 and

11, these are compulsory events to ensure that parents/

guardians and students understand our policy, procedures and

practices in relation to school based assessment. The relevant

event for your son/s will be communicated to you via a letter,

our Skoolbag App and in a future edition of The Focus.

To accompany these documents, the school will be publishing

assessment calendars with dates that assessment tasks are due

or when they will be held. It will be our aim to not change

dates once this calendar has been published, however, we may

need to make amendments at times to ensure that we are al-

ways offering a balanced curriculum to our learners. In such

circumstances, this will be conveyed in writing to our boys

well in advance and our calendars updated online for your ben-

efit.

Our Year 12 students have received their handbooks as they

commenced courses in Term 4, 2019. They will also be re-

ceiving an assessment calendar for all Terms 1 - 3 assessment

tasks in the coming week.

We believe that these two documents will support students and

parents/guardians to best manage the delicate balance of home,

sport and social commitments with meeting school study and

preparation requirements.

High Achievers’ 2019

Our graduates from 2019 have done extremely well in their

HSC examinations and also in the paths that have opened for

them in 2020. In the coming weeks, we will be inviting some

of our graduates back to the College Assembly to speak

with our students about their success and in sharing about their next steps into careers, further study and/or life.

In 2019, we had many students attain a Band 6/E4 score in a HSC course. This equates to a mark of 90% or above as the final

HSC result, which is a combination of HSC exams (50%) and HSC school based assessment (50%). Overall, we had 30 scores

in this Band 6/E4 range, which were seen across a range of courses:

The successes of these boys are cause for celebration. These boys represented are a true example of how making a commitment

and putting in hard work will certainly pay dividends. After we have this assembly, we will share more stories of this success

with you.

High Expectations in All Our Endeavours

At Patrician Brothers’ College, we ask all of our learners to always aim for their personal best in all that they do. If we give our

best, then we grow as individuals and as a collective, we all benefit from learning with one another. In the coming weeks, I will

be making my way around our many classrooms and seeing first hand the hard work and focus of students and teachers engaged

in the learning process. I hope to bring you the highlights of these learning walks in future editions of The Focus.

I look forward to working in this role, which is a new position in the College, to support students, parents and the learning com-

munity as a whole to be working optimally in the classroom and beyond. Thank you to those of you I have already had the

chance to meet for the very warm Patties welcome I have received. I look forward to meeting more parents, students and fami-

lies in the coming weeks.

Ms Cathy Molloy

Assistant Principal - Learning , Teaching and Innovation

Standard Courses Extension Courses

Biology 1 English Extension 1 2

English Advanced 1 English Extension 2 2

Mathematics 1 History Extension 2

Mathematics Standard 2 1 Mathematics Extension 1 5

Music 1 5 Band Total 11

Physics 1

Society and Culture 4

Software Design and Development 1

Studies of Religion I 3

Visual Arts 1

Band Total 19

From the Dean of Studies

Year 11 Assessment Information Evening

Thank you to all parents and students who attended the Year 11 Assessment Information evening. The best learning occurs when there is a strong partnership between home and school. There will be many opportunities during the school year when conversations about your son’s learning can occur. The school will make every effort to ensure that your son will feel safe and secure in his learning and confident that he can do his best. Some very important information was given to the Year 11 students about assessment protocol and policy about late submission. In line with many other schools, the college has changed the conditions of late submission. Late submission will incur a zero mark unless a student applies for special consideration, where relevant documentation and evidence of illness and misadventure can be provided. It is important that students submit tasks on the due date and time. Electronic submission MUST be completed by 8:50am. Once submitted the task must not be further edited as this is then a case of potential malpractice. It would be best to actually submit the task earlier as if left to the last minute lateness will incur a zero mark. Thank you also to our student speakers Flynn Broom and Harkirat Singh who spoke passionately and convincingly about the challenges and expectations of senior work. HSC All My Own Work

Just a reminder to all Year 11 and Year 12 students, that NESA regards malpractice as not acceptable. If malpractice is proven in any assessment task then this must be reported on the malpractice register. The best would be if students worked carefully and respected the authorship of their task. There are many teachers who are more than willing to help students achieve their very best – to do the ordinary things extraordinarily well. Setting High Expectations

The answer to success is quite simple. It is all about persistence and consistency. The way to success is not generally fraught with difficulties. The formula is quite simple:

Minimum Standards

In order to achieve a Higher School Certificate, students need to pass the minimum standards in Numeracy, Reading and Writ-ing. Students have many opportunities to pass these minimum standards and shortly this round of testing will begin. Students who have as yet not met minimum standards in Years 11 or 12 will have an opportunity to sit for these tests in Term 1. Year 10 will sit for these tests later in the year.

Mrs Danuta Paton Dean of Studies

• Have a good record of attendance and punctuality

• Take an active role in all learning experiences in the classroom

• Submit your assessment tasks on time

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help

• Be organised and use the diary as a communication and organisa-

tional skill.

Resource Centre Update

We welcome all students back to the College Resource Centre

2020. We extend an especially warm welcome to students new

to our College community. At the beginning of the year, we

like to remind students of the wonderful world of reading and

the resources available at the Resource Centre. Our goal in the

Resource Centre is to be a place where students can come for

resources, support and assistance in their learning.

Fiction Lounge

In the first few weeks back, we have been so happy to see stu-

dents coming to the Resource Centre to return books from their

holiday reading and to borrow more books to continue their

reading journey. We are very blessed at Patrician Brothers to

have an extensive fiction collection. We remind students that

they are able to borrow four fiction and four non-fiction texts

at any one time. We encourage all students to take the time to

visit us in the RC. We are always happy to support and help

students to find a book to suit their interests.

Year 7 - Reading and Discovery

This term our new Year 7 students will begin their Reading

and Discovery Program (RAD). Each fortnight students are

allocated a lesson in the Fiction area of the Resource Centre.

During this time, we work with and encourage all students to

select a text that really interests and excites them. We want all

students to discover the love of reading and experience that

feeling of never wanting to put the novel down!! We would

also love to take the opportunity to encourage parents and care-

givers of our students to take an interest in what they are read-

ing, make time to discuss with him the book that he has chosen

and praise his efforts in reading - this will help to encourage

and motivate our students to continue their reading journey.

Homework Centre

Homework Centre continues in 2020 as one of our most im-

portant contributions to College life. Homework Centre is an

opportunity for students to come to the Resource Centre to

work on any homework, assessment tasks or revision they may

have. There are always lots of teachers available to offer assis-

tance and support. The Homework Centre is open every

Wednesday afternoon from 2:50-4:15pm.

Opening Times

We would like to remind students that the Resource Centre is

open EVERY DAY - Before school from 8am, every

lunchtime and until 3:30pm each day (Wednesdays until 4:15

pm). There is plenty of opportunity for students to come to the

RC to read, revise or prepare for assessments.

There is always lots happening. Please come and visit us in the

Resource Centre. We look forward to seeing you!

Mrs Marie Lane and Mrs Stephanie Hunt,

Resource Centre Leaders

Religious Education

We have a number of exciting events and initiatives occurring

this year within Religious Education and Mission. Firstly, we

will be commencing our year with a College Opening Mass on

Friday 7th February. This will be celebrated by Bishop Vin-

cent, our parish priests and surrounding parish priests. We are

looking forward to commencing our year with the eurachistic

celebration. We are also looking forward to the planning and

implementation of the new Religious Education curriculum.

This promises to renew and energise Religious Education

across the Parramatta Diocese.

We are also looking forward to our social justice program. We

will be awareness and funds for the Diocesian Bushfire Ap-

peal, The Delany Foundation, Project Compassion, Vinnies

Winter Sleepout, Vinnies Christmas Appeal and we will also

be continuing the Vinnies Van program during 2020. We will

also be seeking opportunities for our students to reach out in

our local community through volunteering. The College will

also be continuing the Special Religious Education Program,

where a number of our Year 10 students become catechists in

our local public primary school.

2020 promises to be an exciting and renewing year for Reli-

gious Education and Mission.

Mr Victor Hunt

Dean of Religious Education and Mission

Australian Space Design

Patrician Brothers’ boys recently made it to the finals of the

Australian Space Design Competition in Brisbane over the

holidays. This is a yearly event industry-simulation event for

high-school students in Australia. It was an honour making it

to the finals and it was an exceptional learning opportunity.

The Australian Space Design Competition competitions pro-

vide interactive, high-tempo, and dynamic environments for

students to further their Science, Technology, Engineering and

Mathematics (STEM) skills. Since 2002, they have partnered

with a number of organisations and schools across Australia to

nourish and prepare the next generation of innovative young

minds.

We wish to congratulate the boys who took part and extend our

sincere appreciation to staff members, Ms Pham, Mr Hersey,

Mr Blaik and Ms Cassell, who generously attended or visited

the event with the boys.

This year, Patrician Brothers’ College teamed up with students

from Bundaberg State High School and Corinda State High

School to form a company called Centaurus. Students busily

worked in their departments on a very interesting scenario

where they had to design a habitat that operates a solar shield

to moderate Earth's climate. Very fitting and relevant to the

issues we face today.

The boys are very grateful for all of the support with this won-

derful experience.

Game Plan for Greatness

Daniel Merza, award-winning speaker, author, coach and men-

tor, joined our Year 11 boys in a motivational talk getting them

prepared for 2020!

Daniel's mission in life is to inspire tenacity, optimism and

empowerment in the lives of others, especially the next genera-

tion.

He worked with Patrician Brothers to incorporate his 'Game

plan for greatness' program into our existing wellbeing and

positive psychology framework, with focus on leadership, re-

silience, optimism, emotional intelligence, growth mindset,

hope, relationships, character traits, and maintaining good

mental health.

Having worn the "underdog" cap growing up, Daniel's story

can be summed up in three words - "Defying the odds".

Bullied for a decade, diagnosed with a mental illness aged 13,

and labelled as a student with “no hope”, Daniel faced up to his

tormentors at 16 and turned his life around – to create a life of

achievements as an , Event Host MC and Chartered Account-

ant.

Term 1 2020 Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

1

27/1/20

Australia Day holiday

28/1/20

Staff Development Day

29/1/20

Years 7, 11 and 12 return to school

30/1/20

Years 8, 9 and 10 return to school

No MCS this week

No school sport

31/1/20

Welcome Assembly in Hall in Period 3

2

3/2/20

CCC Blues Awards

4/2/20

Year 11 Information Even-ing at 7:00pm in Hall

5/2/20

ID Photos for Years 7-12 in Hall from P1-5

6/2/20

MCS Rd 9 Cricket

MCS Rd 8 Basketball

7/2/20

Opening College Mass at 9:30am in Hall featuring 2020 theme

3

10/2/20

12CON workplacement

11/2/20

12CON workplacement

Principals Afternoon Tea from 4:3-5:45pm

12/2/20

12CON workplacement

13/2/20

MCS Rd 10 Cricket

MCS Rd 9 Basketball

12CON workplacement

14/2/20

12CON workplacement

Year 10 Assessment as-sembly

4

18/2/20

College Assembly including HSC High Achievers

Year 7 Welcome Night at 7:00pm in Hall

19/2/20

Senior Social Dance at PBB from 7:00-9:30pm

MCS Baseball trials

20/2/20

MCS Semis Basketball

21/2/20

11BIO excursion to Pen-rith Lakes:

5

24/2/20

12CON workplacements

25/2/20

Patrician Invitational Swim Championship at Auburn Pool from 1:00-3:00pm


26/2/20

Ash Wednesday liturgy in Hall


27/2/20

MCS Semis Cricket

MCS Grand Finals Basket-ball


28/2/20


CSDA State Debating Finals at PBB

6

2/3/20

3/3/20

College Assembly

4/3/20

MCS Touch trials

5/3/20

MCS Grand Finals Cricket

6/3/20

7

9/3/20

Progress Interviews for Year 12 in Library from 3:00-5:00pm

10/3/20

11/3/20

PBB Swimming Carnival

Patrician Induction for selected Year 7 students from 10am-1:30pm at Liver-pool

12/3/20

MCS Tennis 16-Opens all day

MCS Cricket GF wet weath-er

MCS League trials

13/3/20

Central Coast Rugby League Challenge v St Edwards at Blacktown.

8

16/3/20

17/3/20

St Patricks Day Mass and celebrations

18/3/20

MCS Swimming at Home-bush from 6:00pm

Year 7 2021 Open Night in Hall from 7:00pm

19/3/20

MCS Rd 1 Soccer

MCS Tennis 12-15yrs all-day event

MCS League trials

20/3/20

9

23/3/20

Patrician Cup at Black-town from 12:00-3:00pm

26/3/20

25/3/20

Year 7 Vaccinations

26/3/20

MCS Soccer Rd 2

MCS League Rd 1

27/3/20

10

30/3/20

Michael Jeh presentation for Years 10, 11 and 12 in Hall

31/3/20

College Assembly

CCC Swimming Carnival

1/4/20

2/4/20

MCS League Rd 2

MCS Soccer Rd 3

3/4/20

11

6/4/20

Year 12 Assessment Week

Year 7 Camps at Mulgoa

7/4/20



8/4/20



MCS Touch carnival

9/4/20

No MCS this week

Stations of the Cross liturgy in Hall in Period 3 and 4


10/4/20

Good Friday

07 february, 2020 term 1, issue 1

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