marist catholic college · marist catholic college penshurst friday 25 may - number 7 one school...

MARIST CATHOLIC COLLEGE PENSHURST

Friday 25 May - Number 7

one school • one family • one communityTelephone: 9579 6188 Fax: 9579 6668 www.maristpenshurst.catholic.edu.au

In Week 2 of this term, Year 12 travelled to the Marist Hermitage in Mittagong for a two-night retreat. The aim was to lead students to an increased awareness of themselves and their true nature and to a greater relationship with their peers and with God. The theme was “Challenge Accepted” which is also the theme for the cohort; a timely message given the demands of Year 12. The boys had the opportunity to consider their own gifts and talents and how they can be shared with the group and the school as a whole. The students then were invited to recognise the gifts and talents of other members of the grade and important people in their life, taking the time to affirm them. Finally, through meditation and prayer, the students were invited to consider their own relationship with God. The scripture passage at the heart of the retreat from Jeremiah “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to bring you prosperity and a future full of hope” was unpacked and given further weight when students were invited to consider who they wanted to be when they were 25 years old. In their evaluations at the end, many students commented that they enjoyed developing friendships with people in the grade outside their immediate friendship circle. A special thanks to all of the teachers who facilitated this memorable faith-formation experience.

Mr Robert Reilly - Year 12 Leader of Wellbeing

YEAR 12 RETREAT: Challenge Accepted

2one school • one family • one community

Agnoscere Et Diligere - To Know and To Love

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YEAR 8 ENGLISHIn Term 1, Year 8 studied various novels in English in conjunction with their unit on ‘Heroes’, including The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner and Divergent. These novels engaged our Year 8s, and many students were excited to delve into the dystopian worlds they presented. At the end of the term, 8.A English were challenged to create their own dystopian world and pitch their concept to their potential publisher (Miss Emmerick) in a creative way. Each group had to consider a range of aspects in developing their concept, such as the setting, the figurehead of their dystopia, how the people would be controlled, how their world would provide an illusion of utopia, and what political system their world would operate under.

In early Term 2 each group presented their proposed dystopian world to the class, and was assessed by their peers and teacher. It was amazing to see the intricate detail, critical thinking and creative ideas that came through each proposal. Some groups used Google Slides or Prezi presentations, while others accompanied theirs with illustrated and hand-written picture books, brochures and even a 3D model. Memorably, one group presented their pitch through song with gestures and sound effects! Overall, it was impressive to see the way students enthusiastically approached this task, used their creativity, and put their theory into practice.

Miss Analise Emmerick- English Teacher

YEAR 7 MUSICStudents in Year 7 Music have been attending their instrumental classes each week where they study an instrument of their own choice. This week we joined the Brass, Woodwind and Percussion instruments together for the first time to help develop their ensemble skills. Students enjoyed playing with the larger group and were able to experience what it was like to play as part of a Concert Band. A great time was had by all and we already have some students who are showing enough progress to join the Concert Band next term!

Well done Year 7 Music students!

Mrs Catherine de AndradeCAPA Coordinator

ARCHBISHOP’S YEAR OF YOUTH LUNCHEONOn Friday the 11th of May two Year 11 leaders, Aaron Borg and Edward El-Jalkh, represented MCCP at the Archbishop’s Year of Youth Luncheon. This was an opportunity for young students across Catholic schools in Sydney to meet the Archbishop face to face and discuss opportunities and challenges facing young Catholic people in Australia. The students shared a meal with the Archbishop Anthony Fisher and Bishop Anthony Umbers and then engaged in a discussion with these Church leaders about the issues facing young people today. Students were encouraged to ask the difficult questions and the student body found it an interesting and engaging opportunity to meet and talk with the leaders of their Church in Sydney.

Mr Jon Cullerton - Year 11 Leader of Wellbeing



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FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPALNationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) on School Students with Disability

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) is an annual mandatory collection process that all schools across Australia are required to undertake. Schools are required to count the number of students receiving an adjustment due to disability and the level of reasonable adjustment they are receiving. The NCCD counts students who have been identified by school teams as receiving adjustments to address a disability as defined under the Discrimination Act 1992.

This information enables Australian and State governments to better target support and resources in schools. This in turn will assist schools to give students with disability further support. The Data Collection will take place this term. No personal or identifying information about any student will be included. More information about the NCCD can be accessed via this link https://goo.gl/4E6wpf.

If you have any further questions about the NCCD on School Students with Disability, please contact the College’s Diverse Learning Coordinator, Ms Rebecca Nolan, or Learning Support Teachers, Mr George Karpouzos, Mrs Phoebe Scali or Mrs Jennifer Hopkins.

Differentiated Assessment in Years 7 - 10 Creating Multiple Paths for Student Growth

At Marist Penshurst teachers use a variety of tasks to assess student performance of syllabus outcomes. The nature of tasks vary within and across subjects and may include assignments, reports, multimedia presentations, oral presentations, tests and examinations, portfolios, practical investigations, demonstrations and performances.

At our recent staff development day, our teachers gained a deeper understanding of how to design quality tasks that are valid, reliable, rigorous and inclusive. In particular, teachers learnt about the principles of differentiated assessment as research suggests this has the potential to enhance student learning outcomes and achievement.

As the term progresses you will notice that your child will receive hand-in / practical tasks with various access and entry points (i.e. options) in which to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and skills (see figure 1). This style of assessment recognises students as being individuals who learn at different rates and in different ways. Task differentiation ensures all students engage in assessments that will appropriately challenge and cater for their individual ability, readiness, background and/or disability.

Teachers will guide students to choose the most appropriate task option best suited to their current level of understanding as observed and demonstrated in the classroom. This ensures all students reach their academic potential and achieve new learning.

All task options will have access to the full mark range as indicated on the marking scheme provided. Furthermore, students who complete the extension task option may also achieve additional extension outcomes, indicating that they are working above the core standard (see figure 2).

If you have any questions regarding your son or daughter’s assessments please contact the subject teacher(s) directly.

Mrs Connie FrinoAssistant Principal

Figure 1 - Year 8 English Task Options

Figure 2 - Year 8 English Task Marking Scheme with Extension Option



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YEAR 9 EVANGELISATION DAYOn the 18th of May, ten Year 9 students and Ms Elhage attended the Year 9 Evangelisation day. The day was a great experience, where we got the opportunity to learn about our faith in an enjoyable way and make new friends. The day started with a live Catholic Youth Band, followed by ‘Chats with Chez’- where Cheryl Fernandez interviewed Sister John Mary and Robert Haddad about vocations. After recess, we had the opportunity to listen a world known international speaker who spoke to us about ‘What it means to be Catholic’. Jason was very engaging, and talked about several famous Catholic historical figures who have been given amazing gifts from God, and some even the power to perform miracles, and we all must follow in their footsteps, not necessarily to perform miracles, but to have to gifts of patience, wisdom, kindness, etc. After a delicious pizza lunch, we heard from Steve Angrisano, who taught us about our power to make a difference by saying ‘Yes’ to our Lord in a fun, upbeat, song performance. This got everyone involved doing actions, as well as some friendly boy vs girl competition to see who could sing the loudest. The girls obviously won! At the end of the day, we had Q&A, where Jason and Steve came back to answer some of our questions. Overall, the day was an amazing experience that allowed us to really reflect on our faith journey. A massive thank you to Ms Elhage who let us go, and accompanied us on the day.

Charlotte Bulmer and Eleni Condylios - 9.6

RECONCILIATION WEEKThis Sunday May 27th marks the start of National Reconciliation Week during which we commemorate two significant events in our nation’s story; the 1967 referendum in which over 90% of Australians voted to amend the constitution to include our Indigenous brothers and sisters in the census and allow the Commonwealth to make laws for them and the 1992 High Court decision that recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners of land, also known as ‘Native title’.

Saint Pope John Paul II held a deep affection for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and addressed them in Alice Springs in 1986; “Your culture, which shows the lasting genius and dignity of your race, must not be allowed to disappear. Do not think that your gifts are worth so little that you should no longer bother to maintain them. Share them with each other and teach them to your children. Your songs, your stories, your paintings, your dances, your languages, must never be lost.”

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia, reconciliation means honouring the history, continuing to tell the story and preparing the way forward. We each have a role to challenge others to consider how we can be agents of transformation and build right relationships. Reconciliation cannot be driven just by our First Peoples, but rather it is an individual responsibility of all Australians.

In a Papal Letter in 2016, Pope Francis called on the Church across Australia to come together in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and use the power of faith and unity to bring to life the hope that “we offer a convincing and tangible sign that we are no longer strangers and sojourners, but ... fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19).

The theme for 2018 National Reconciliation Week is “Don’t Keep History a Mystery: Learn, Share, Grow”. Reconciliation Australia invites all Australians to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories, to share that knowledge and help us grow as a nation. Please see their website for more information

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/

Mrs Phoebe Scali



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RECONCILIATION WEEK AT MCCPDuring Reconciliation Week at MCCP, we will learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders through a presentation of ‘Welcome to Country’ and ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ by our SRC Years 7-12. This presentation will highlight the meaning of this practice which pays respect to the traditional owners of a particular area or region. Our College Chapel will reflect Reconciliation Week with a sacred place dedicated to Indigenous culture and history. Students will have an opportunity to visit and reflect in this sacred space in their religious education classes or at recess and lunch. Prayer cards of reconciliation, created by our junior students, will be on display in La Valla. On Friday 1st June, our music faculty will perform some modern Aboriginal musical pieces. A ‘Hands to Earth’ display will be visible outside La Valla which will celebrate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders profound spiritual connection to the Land. Reconciliation Week allows us to come together as a community and recognise the traditional custodians of the land.

Ms Anne Collins - SRC Coordinator

FROM THE COLLEGE BURSARAll College fees are now overdue for payment. Please finalise these ASAP. Payments can be made via BPay, Eftpos, Cash or Cheque.

Thank you to those families who have honoured their commitment and paid accounts promptly.

Mrs Joy O’Sullivan - College Bursar

Mon 11 June Queen’s Birthday Holiday

Wed 13 June Mathematics Olympiad

Tues 19 June Vaccinations Visit 2 - Year 10 & 11

Mon 2 Jul Yr 7 - 10 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews 3.30pm - 8pm

Tues 3 Jul Yr 7 - 10 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews 10am - 5pm

UPCOMING DATES

Thurs 25 May - Year 10 Exam BlockTues 29 May

Mon 28 May Year 11 and Year 12 Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews

Wed 6 June Champagnat Day Mass - OLF Kingsgrove

Fri 8 June Champagnat Day Celebrations Whole School Luna Park Excursion

COUNSELLOR’S CORNERThe importance of sleep

A study in the Journal of Adolescent Health 2016 claimed that two thirds of high school students got fewer than 7 hours sleep a night. Research says teenagers need 9 ¼ hours of sleep a night. In fact teenagers require considerably more sleep to perform optimally than do younger children or adults.

Sleep deprivation can have a negative effect on your teenager’s mood, behaviour, cognitive ability and academic performance.

If parents are concerned that their son/daughter is not getting enough sleep perhaps work with them on a plan to establish a regular sleep routine. Encourage exercise in the afternoon rather than late in the evening. Minimise caffeine and sugar intake before bed. Have the bedroom a tech free zone. Maybe have your teenager ‘check in’ their laptops, phones, ipods etc with you at an agreed time. As well, the bedroom should be dark, cool and quiet for sleeping.

Sleep is essential for good mental and physical health. It is as important as a healthy diet.

Ms Carmel Coleman - College Counsellor (Mon-Tues)



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SCC

NETBALL RND OPPOSITION WIN / LOSS SCORE COACH

Junior 3 De La Salle Bankstown Win 33 - 3 Ms Anna Le4 Casimir College Win 43 - 1

Intermediate 3 De La Salle Bankstown Win 44 - 9 Miss Analise Emmerick4 Casimir College Win 46 - 10

Senior 3 Rosebank College Loss - - Nicole Katrib4 Mary MacKillop College Loss 13 - 21

SOCCER RND OPPOSITION WIN/LOSS SCORE COACH

Senior 3 Rosebank College Loss 2 - 3 Mr Michael Falzon4 Casimir College Loss 1 - 2

CBSA

Soccer RND OPPOSITION WIN/LOSS SCORE COACH

Junior 3 St Charbel’s Punchbowl Win 11 - 0 Mr Michael Young4 Rosebank College Win 3 - 1

Intermediate 3 St Charbel’s Punchbowl Win 2 - 1 Mr Jon Cullerton4 Rosebank College Draw 0 - 0

Senior 3 St Charbel’s Punchbowl Win Forfeit Mr Tory Brustolin4 Rosebank College Loss 0 - 1

Rugby League RND OPPOSITION WIN/LOSS SCORE COACH

Junior 3 St Charbel’s Punchbowl Loss Mr Michael Fisher4 Rosebank College Loss 4 - 20

Intermediate 3 St Charbel’s Punchbowl Loss 16 - 32 Mr John Lloyd4 Rosebank College Win 28 - 26

Senior 3 St Charbel’s Punchbowl Loss 8 - 16 Mr Martin Shipley4 De La Salle Revesby Win Forfeit

SPORT RESULTS

CONGRATULATIONSLara Savet-Buck has been selected in Cricket NSW Under 17 Metropolitan Academy Squad. Well Done Lara.

marist catholic college · marist catholic college penshurst friday 25 may - number 7 one school...

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