Principal’s Message Friday 7 February 2014Dear Families and Friends Welcome to the 2014 school year. Although everyone farewells the holidays with some sadness, one of the great joys of working in a school and starting a new year is the excitement of students and staff as they return full of enthusiasm, pleased to see each other and ready for new challenges and experiences. The cycle of the school year is a reassuring one. Each January we get to start afresh. With new students and old. New colleagues and old. We can let last year go and look ahead. It is a time to take advantage of the freshness and optimism of the new year.

I am pleased to welcome the following new staff to our school: Ms Jude Wright Product Design & Technology, Art / Textiles

Ms Jess Bustin PE / Health

Dr Ric Benson French

Ms Natalie Lane Assistant to DP Staff

Ms Estelle Diez Numeracy Learning Support

Ms Kirby Templeton AFL Trainee

Ms Madison McQuiggan ALF Trainee

Ms Estelle Diez Learning Support Aide

Mr Fitz Koch Maths / Science Project Officer

There are always a number of issues which arise over the summer that inform us of the state of the nation and of our world and provide much to think about as we teachers begin again the work of teaching the young. This summer has been no different. The asylum seeker issue continues to cast a cloud over the country - internally and externally. Australia Day provided lots of opportunities for contemplation of us as a nation of boat people and yet the irony of this seems lost in much of the re-porting and commentary. Our political and social leaders on all sides have failed here I believe. Yes it is complex but it seems increasingly that nationalist interests have triumphed over hopes for an international humanitarian response to the plight of displaced people. As educators we have a role in continuing to explore, inform and to challenge views on issues such as this. The review of the Australian curriculum announced in January was a source of much discussion. The idea of review is al-ways valid and is ever present in the work of education at all levels. However, the inaugural national curriculum has been such a struggle to achieve, it is surprising that after five years work by academics, teachers and principals, it is to be re-viewed when it hasn't yet been tested in the classroom. There is to be a consultative process which I will keep you in-formed of as it develops.

(continued next page)

EXPERIENCE SUCCESS pcw.vic.edu.au

EXPERIENCE SUCCESS pcw.vic.edu.au

PCW Melbourne E-Newsletter Friday 7 February 2014

Principal’s message (continued)Pope Francis was named Time Magazine Person of the Year. "He really stood out to us as someone who has changed the tone and the perception and the focus of one of the world's largest institutions in an extraordinary way," said Nancy Gibbs, the magazine's managing edi-tor. ... what makes this Pope so important is the speed with which he has captured the imagi-nations of millions who had given up on hop-ing for the church at all. In a matter of months, Francis has elevated the healing mission of the church—the church as servant and comforter of hurting people in an often harsh world. I commend the article to you which you can find if you Google, Time magazine Person of the Year. Francis' work has not been, and probably won't be, in changed doctrine but in changed ways of working with and interpreting that doctrine. What strikes me about the analysis of Francis that Time offers is that he is alive to the complexity and nuances of the hu-man condition and to the struggle of each person to live a good life. The Church is fortunate at this time to be led by such a man. At year’s end the VCE results were released. There were some outstanding performances from our students. Elaine Leong was Dux of the College. A third of the cohort scored in the top 20% of the State and 80% of the students have been offered places in the top three preferences – most of these at University. There were excellent results in Art, Health and Human Development, English, Further Mathematics, Product Design and Development and Physical Education. Chinese First Language students recorded a Median Study Score of 42, among the highest in the State for that study. All our high achieving students, both in VCE and VCAL will be honoured at the Dux Assembly on March 12. What lies ahead for 2014? The January 4 edition of The Tablet listed the following as key events for the year: Remembering WW1, The US Health Legislation, Pope Francis, Europe, Syria, The World Cup in Brazil. Here in Australia, you would have to add the Royal Commission, the ongoing debate about school funding, the campaign for a referendum on recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Constitution and, in Victoria, a State election. For us at PCW Melbourne, we are looking forward to the Welcome Mass on February 13 which will conclude the 140th anniversary celebration and at which the new logo and ‘branding’ of the school as PCW Melbourne will be launched. We are especially excited about the development of the new Library which is progressing very well and we hope will be completed by early Term 2. The opened-up spaces in the old dormitories of the 1901 Kavanagh Building are light filed and beautiful and will become a wonderful place of learning and gathering for our school. Above, all, we are looking forward to furthering the work of education here at PCW Melbourne, to knowing and guiding the young people in our care and to continuing the great mission of the Presentation Sisters which began here in 1873. I wish you all a happy and fulfilling year.

Ms Leonie Keaney. PCW Melbourne Principal

EXPERIENCE SUCCESS pcw.vic.edu.au

PCW Melbourne E-Newsletter Friday 7 February 2014

Upcoming Events

First Meeting: Tuesday 11 February. 7.30pm. Staff Lunchroom The PCW Parent Association work hard to encourage social interaction among parents so that they develop a sense of be-longing to the school community. All parents are invited to be a part of the association and come along to monthly meetings or be involved with activities. All meetings will be advertised in The Lantern – College E-Newsletter and dates are also available on the school calendar, published on the school website www.pcw.vic.edu.au

Once a month the Parent Association meets - hearing from the Principal and other members of the Leadership Team and Faculty Heads. This unique interaction between the Leadership, Staff and Parents is an opportunity to hear firsthand about developments around PCW and to provide timely feedback to the school from parents.

Immunisations for Year 7 and 10 Students I would, first of all, like to thank parents of Year 7 and 10 students for the prompt signing and return of the immunization permission cards. These are essential to your daughter receiving, or not, the inoculations. The first round of immunization against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) for Year 7 students will occur on Friday March 7. There will then be two more rounds on both Friday May 2 and Friday September 12 Also on Friday March 7, Year 10 students will receive immunization against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis). Please mark these dates on your calendar and let us know of any concerns you might have. Tina O'Donnell (Nagle Head of House)

Parents Association

Immunisation

Tuesday 11 Feb 7.30pm Parents Association Meeting

Thursday 13 Feb 9.30am Welcome Mass. St Ignatius Church Richmond

Wednesday 19 Feb 7pm Years 8 & 9 Information Evening

Sunday 23 Feb 1pm-4pm Open Day

Monday 24 Feb House Swimming Sports

Tuesday 25 Feb 5.30pm Year 7 Family Welcome BBQ

Tuesday 4 March 7pm Music Festival

EXPERIENCE SUCCESS pcw.vic.edu.au

PCW Melbourne E-Newsletter Friday 7 February 2014

Welcome Mass

2014 Welcome Mass Thursday February 13, 2014 Our 2014 Welcome Mass concludes our 140th Anniversary celebrations of Presentation Life in Windsor. In order to mark this significant historical event, we will celebrate in a special way. We will begin the day with a Eucharistic celebration at St Ignatius Church, 326 Church Street Richmond celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv. Many Presentation Sisters and other Presentation people will celebrate with us. At the conclusion of Mass, all students will be bussed back to school, where lunch will be provided for them. This will be followed by a Music Festival rehearsal. Students in Years 7 & 8 will be bussed from school. Students in Years 9 – 12 are asked to make their own transport arrangements to the church. St Ignatius Church is very easily accessed by public transport. Attendance by all students is compulsory. Medical certificates will be required to explain any absence. Please complete the attached form and return to your daughter’s Homeroom teacher by Friday February 7. We look forward to this special day with great excitement and joy! Yours sincerely,

Leonie Keaney Principal

EXPERIENCE SUCCESS pcw.vic.edu.au

PCW Melbourne E-Newsletter Friday 7 February 2014

Prayer6th Anniversary of the National apology to the stolen generation.

Next week, whilst we gather to mark and celebrate our PCW history at the Welcome Mass, we also gather to remember

those six years ago, the Prime Minister of Australia made the historical apology to members of the stolen generations of

Australia. As we thirst for justice and feel the pain, still present for so many, we pray.

Almighty and loving God, you who created ALL people in your image, Lead us to seek your compassion as we listen to the stories of our past. You gave your only Son, Jesus, who died and rose again so that sins will be forgiven. We place before you the pain and an-guish of dispossession of land, language, lore, culture and family kinship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced. We live in faith that all people will rise from the depths of despair and hopelessness. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families have endured the pain and loss of loved ones, through the separation of children from their families. We are sorry and ask God’s forgiveness. Touch the hearts of the broken, homeless and inflicted and heal their spirits. In your mercy and compassion walk with us as we continue our journey of healing to create a future that is just and equitable. Lord, you are our hope. Amen. Aboriginal and Islander Commission National Council of Churches in Australia. 2002.

Principal Review February 2014 As you are aware, Principals and others in senior leadership positions in Catholic secondary schools in Victoria undertake regular performance reviews. Our Principal – Ms Leonie Keaney – is scheduled to have her next review during Term 1 of 2014. Guidelines for the process have been established by the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV) and it is the intent of the Board to conduct this Review following these guidelines. A Review Panel has been established as follows: Mr Frank FitzGerald *Principal Assist Consulting – Convener+ Ms Julie Ryan *Principal, Our Lady’s College, Heidelberg – Principal’s nominee+ Dr Rose-Marie Prosser *Presentation Sisters’ nominee+ The process will involve online surveying of all staff of the College and a random sample of families from Years 8 to 12 at the College. If your family wishes to be included in this sample, please email: frank@principalassist.com.au. Following the survey, members of the College community will be interviewed late in February 2014. A final report will be presented to a Board meeting in Term 2 of this year. The review process provides feedback to the Principal on her performance and an opportunity to affirm her many attrib-utes, while at the same time providing suggestions for change and improvement where appropriate. Brigid James Chair, PCW Melbourne College Board

Community Notice

EXPERIENCE SUCCESS pcw.vic.edu.au

PCW Melbourne E-Newsletter Friday 7 February 2014

Year 7 Report

A warm welcome to all Year 7 students and their families. The year 7s first day was filled with nerves and excitement. A highlight was when the girls were welcomed by their Year 10 Peer Support leaders at lunchtime on the first day and the Year 12 house leaders at the first House Assembly of the year on Friday. I am very pleased with the way the girls have settled in and they are to be commended on their enthusiasm for getting involved! I’ve seen them all jump right into Music Festival rehearsals; singing, dancing and smiling along with the rest of their peers in their house. The Year 7 team look forward to meeting all Year 7 parents at our Wel-come BBQ on Tuesday February 25 – more details will be forwarded shortly. I would like to thank some of the Year 7s who have shared their thoughts and feelings about PCW Melbourne and their first few days. Teresa Ciorciari, Year 7 Coordinator The first day of High school was an exciting and also a nerve-racking experience. We knew the moment we walked through those gates we were PCW girls. We all had our heavy bags and oversized uniform. This was going to be the beginning of our High School journey with both challenges and opportunities ahead of us. The annoying locker is probably the worst part but we will soon get used to it! In Primary school we have one teacher in High school we have about 11. My favourite part about High School is being able to make new friends and learn so many different things. I am really happy I can call PCW my school where I can feel safe and secure. All the teachers are welcoming and you know you can tell them anything. I can’t wait to go through Year 7 and look forward to a successful secondary school life Olivia Payne, 7 Gold

When I walked through the gates for the first time as being a PCW student I realized that this would be a school that I would learn so much from. There are 3 things that I have come to realized over the past 4 days. I believe that the teachers at PCW could quite easily be-come your friends. Diversity is a word and PCW definitely fits into the category. The third thing is that I am already proud to call PCW my school. Lily Anderson, 7 Blue On my first day of high school I was very excited but nervous at the same time, but as soon as I had settled in and met all the friendly staff and students, I was just more excited than ever to get started and get into all the cool activities at PCW Melbourne. PCW is an amazing school filled with amazing people. I have made so many new friends who make me so happy. PCW is the best school anyone could ever ask for. Ava Dillon, 7 Red My first week at PCW has been great. It has been hard to get used to the of the whole situation though; coming to school earlier, having 75 minute classes and changing to the different classrooms instead of having just one. But I’m slowly its getting easier and I feel happy to call PCW my new school Julianne Labarca, 7 Green

EXPERIENCE SUCCESS pcw.vic.edu.au

PCW Melbourne E-Newsletter Friday 7 February 2014

House Swimming Sports

PCW Melbourne House Swimming Sports

Monday 24th February Prahran Pool, Essex Drive

The PCW Melbourne House Swimming Carnival is designed around fun and maximum participation for all girls. Participation is strongly encouraged and compulsory. It is important to take note that: All Year 7 and 8 students are to arrive at school at the normal time, 8.30am, and attend Homeroom as usual. Students will then walk with their Homeroom teacher and supervising staff to Prahran Aquatic Centre, Essex Street, Prahran, for a 9.15am start. All Years 9 – 12 students will meet their Homeroom teacher for roll call at the Prahran Swimming Pool at 8.45am. Furthermore, as this is a College event, the Sun Smart Policy will apply. All students are to wear a hat, apply sun-screen, seek shade where possible and keep themselves covered. Please feel free to attend the Swimming Carnival. The girls would love to see many more familiar faces while competing. If you have any questions regarding the Swimming Carnival, please contact me at the College on 8517 2742. Or via my email. Natalie Tommasini Sports Coordinator

Students can place LUNCH ORDERS before school and

at recess, which they pick up at the back door and don’t have to line up with the crowds at lunch time .

We are open for breakfast every morning from 7.45 to

8.20

Any of the following will be available for $1.00 :-

2 slices of toast – butter, jams, vegemite and Juice

Cereal and Juice

Yoghurt and Juice

We also have:

Ham Cheese Croissants $3.00

Plain Croissants $2.00

Weekly Specials

From Monday 10 Feb

MEAL: Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Muffin: Triple Choc Chip

From Monday 17 Feb

MEAL: Caesar Salad

Muffin: Apple

Canteen

EXPERIENCE SUCCESS pcw.vic.edu.au

PCW Melbourne E-Newsletter Friday 7 February 2014

Social Justice

SOCIAL JUSTICE at PCW MELBOURNE 2014

The function of a Catholic school is worship, teaching and learning within the values, traditions and contemporary mis-sion and vision of the Church. A focus on social justice pro-vides opportunities for students to show their concern and solidarity for our community and world.

Every year, we receive numerous requests from a variety of organisations, asking for assistance with awareness and fundraising. While still being open to requests as they arise, we feel it is beneficial to streamline the organisations The PCW Social Justice Team are affiliated with.

When deciding on which fundraising requests to support, we have considered the following criteria:

1. Is the philosophy of the organisation in accordance with Gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching?

2. Does the involvement with the organisation lead to a deeper understanding of, and education in the social issues confronting our society?

3. Can the fundraising activities be linked to our call as Catholics to proclaim the Word of God, celebrate the sacra-ments, and exercise the ministry of charity?

How does the organisation use its funds?

Following careful consideration, it has been decided that PCW Melbourne raises funds/collects goods for the follow-ing organisations:

1. Presentation Sisters (nationally and internationally)

2. Sacred Heart Mission St Kilda

3. Caritas

Opening the Doors Foundation (assisting Indigenous stu-dents with the costs of their education in Catholic schools).

This provides a focus for our school and our Social Justice activities. It does not, however, preclude our girls from or-

ganising awareness raising activities for other organisations (e.g. Fair Trade, Global Poverty Project).

We have the following Social Justice events planned for 2014:

In addition to the above, we have 9 shifts at the Sacred Heart Mission Dining Hall throughout the year. This provides girls aged over 16 with the opportunity to help prepare and serve lunch to over 300 clients at the Mission.

Our Social Justice Team here at PCW is an enthusiastic and thriving group who meet every Thursday in the R.E. Centre at lunchtime. Our first meeting will be on Thursday 20th Feb-ruary, and we invite girls from Years 7 – 12 to come along and be part of the positive action!

If you have any questions, please contact me at fhall@pcw.vic.edu.au

Fiona Hall

Social Justice Co-ordinator

PCW Melbourne

TERM 1 ORGANISATION

Project Compassion Collection Caritas

Music Festival Interval

Collection

Presentation Sisters

(India)

Ice Cream Stall Presentation Sisters

(Balnarring)

TERM 2 ORGANISATION

Simply Sharing Collection of Sacred Heart Mission

Bake Sale in May Opening the Doors

Foundation

TERM 3 ORGANISATION

Clothes Drives/Casual Clothes Sacred Heart Mission

Coin Line (September) Presentation Sisters

(India)

TERM 4 ORGANISATION

Christmas hamper collection Sacred Heart Mission

India Trip (November; open to

girls in Years 11 and 12).

Presentation Sisters

(India)

EXPERIENCE SUCCESS pcw.vic.edu.au

PCW Melbourne E-Newsletter Friday 7 February 2014

Meet some of our new Staff

Jess Bustin

With my mother and aunty both graduates of PCW Melbourne, I am very

excited to have the opportunity to work here this term.

Having just returned from Maternity leave, I previously taught at Korowa

Anglican Girls’ School in Glen Iris. I thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to

work with teenage girls, and from my own positive experience as a student

of Star of the Sea College, I hope to share my enthusiasm with the PCW

community.

I have two beautiful children, Freddie (3½ years) and Willow (10 months).

My English husband Steve, has had a long summer watching his depleted

cricket team, and so we have spent the holidays enjoying the beautiful beaches Victoria has to offer.

With a passion for sport, my own background includes being chosen for an Australian Softball squad and representing

Victoria on numerous occasions. Playing a variety of sports over the years including Netball and Basketball, I have more

recently taken up the challenge of training for a Triathlon.

I have joined the Physical Education and Science departments part time and look forward to contributing to PCW students’

positive experiences.

Fitzwilliam (Fitz) J Keenan Koch

I am a gap-year student from the Eastern Coast of the United States, here for the first

two terms. My position at PCW is maths/science officer – which means I do every-

thing and anything to enhance those two departments, but with an emphasis on

larger levels projects and development. When not working at PCW, I plan to spend

each and every second exploring and wondering at Australia. Kangaroos, Hiking,

Biking, Rock-climbing – you name it, I’m up for it. With the possible exception of drop-

bears. Currently, my plans are vague but Tasmania, Cairns, New Zealand, and the

Northern Territory are all high on my to-see list. I have to fit them in fast, as I am

returning to the US at the end of August to study at the University of Chicago, where

I plan to major in Physics and Creative Writing, for a little diversity.

Estelle Diez

I am a PCW old girl who has returned to work as a part-time teachers ‘aide, supporting

both the learning support team and the maths department for Years 7 and 8. This year

will be very busy for me, as I will also be undertaking a Graduate Diploma of Education

in Primary School Teaching. Before returning to school, I finished my Bachelor of Busi-

ness in Marketing and HR and have spent 2 years with NAB as a banking advisor. I am

extremely excited to be working at my old school and look forward to meeting with

everyone.

EXPERIENCE SUCCESS pcw.vic.edu.au

PCW Melbourne E-Newsletter Friday 7 February 2014

Invite your family and friends to our Open Day

EXPERIENCE SUCCESS pcw.vic.edu.au

PCW Melbourne E-Newsletter Friday 7 February 2014

Host an Exchange Student

Become a host family to a Japanese Exchange Student

We are hosting our first Study Tour from Japan from Sunday July

20 to

We are looking for PCW Melbourne families to host our guest students for the two weeks.

Benefits of becoming a Host Family:

Weekly payments of $250

Provide an enriching experience for the entire family

Experience different cultures and traditions

Participate in Melbourne excursions

Establish long lasting overseas connections

Share your home

Help the PCW Melbourne community

Some expectations of the Host Family:

Provide an inviting space for students

Organise travel to and from school with your daughter (transport costs are covered by the College)

Provide breakfast, lunch and dinner daily for students

If you and your family are interested in hosting one or two students

please contact Caitlin Terris on 8517 2792 or via email cterris@pcw.vic.edu.au

We are hosting our first Study Tour from Japan from Sunday July

20 to Sunday August 3, 2014

EXPERIENCE SUCCESS pcw.vic.edu.au

PCW Melbourne E-Newsletter Friday 7 February 2014

Scholarhsips

Scholarships: 2015 PCW Melbourne offers a range of Academic, Music and Community scholarships each year to students commencing in Years 7, 9 & 11. Students currently studying at the College who will be entering Years 9 or 11 are welcome to apply. Please note that Music Scholarships are only available at Years 7 and 9. Students can only apply for one scholarship. All applications will be acknowledged as they come in. Please be aware that in fairness to all students, late applications will not be accepted. Scholarship information and application forms can be found on the College Website: www.pcw.vic.edu.au

Timeline

Applications and accompanying documentation should be submitted to:

Mrs Trish Chester Principal’s Secretary 8517.2704 or office@pcw.vic.edu.au if you require any further information

Closing Date: Friday 20th June, 2014

Friday 20th June, 2014 Closing Date for all Scholarship Applications

Monday 23rd – Wednesday 25th June, 2014

Applications reviewed

Thursday 26th June, 2014 Shortlist selected

Monday 30th June, 2014 Letter sent home to all applicants indicating whether the student will proceed to the interview stage

Thursday 17th July, 2014 Interviews held for Year 7, 2014 8.00 am - 11.00 am

Friday 18th July, 2014 Interviews held for Year 9, 2014 8.00 am - 11.00 am

Wednesday 23rd July, 2014 Interviews held for Music Scholarships (Year 7 and 9) 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm

Thursday 24th July, 2014 Interviews held for Year 11, 2014 8.00 am - 11.00 am

Friday 1st August, 2014 Letter sent to all Scholarship Applicants advising of decision