Sacred Heart Girls’ College Newsletter

4 November 2019 No. 367

St. Teresa of Calcutta "November begins with two beautiful days the Feasts of All Saints and All Souls. Holy Mother Church remembers all of her children, to whom she has given the life of Jesus through Baptism...We all know that during this whole month we give them extra love and care, by praying to them and for them."

Dear Jesus, help us to spread your fragrance everywhere we go. Flood our souls with your spirit and life. Penetrate and possess our whole being so utterly that our lives may only be a radiance of yours. Shine through us and be so in us that every soul we come in contact with may feel your presence in our soul. Let them look up and see no longer us, but only Jesus. Stay with us and then we shall begin to shine as you shine, so to shine as to be light to others. The light, O Jesus, will be all from you. None of it will be ours. It will be you shining on others through us. Let us thus praise you in the way you love best by shining on those around us. Let us preach you without preaching, not by words, but by our example; by the catching force – the sympathetic influence of what we do, the evident fullness of the love our hearts bear to you. Amen

Term Dates for 2019

TERM 1:

Friday, 1 February – Friday, 5 April

TERM 3:

Tuesday, 16 July – Friday, 20 September

TERM 2:

Tuesday, 23 April – Friday, 28 June

TERM 4:

Monday, 7 October – Wednesday, 4 December

The Weeks Ahead

Monday, 4 November

Mid-Term Break

VCAA Exams

Monday, 11 November

VCAA Exams

Years 10 and 11 Exams

Tuesday, 5 November

Melbourne Cup Day

Tuesday, 12 November

VCAA Exams

Years 9 to 11 Exams

Years 7 and 8 Reconciliation

Wednesday, 6 November

VCAA Exams

Year 11 Exams

Year 7 Swimming Program

SEGAP Junior Tennis and Softball

Wednesday, 13 November

VCAA Exams

Years 9 to 11 Exams

Year 7 Swimming Program

Junior SEGAP Tennis and Softball

Thursday, 7 November

VCAA Exams

Year 11 Exams

Year 8 Mass

Thursday, 14 November

VCAA Exams

Years 9 to 11 Exams

Year 7 Immunisations

Friday, 8 November

VCAA Exams

Year 11 Exams

Year 7 Swimming Program

Friday, 15 November

VCAA Exams

Years 9 to 11 Exams

Saturday, 9 November

Musettes – St Justin’s Fair on the Hill

Saturday, 16 November

-

Sunday, 10 November

-

Sunday, 17 November

-

continued

Monday, 18 November

Staff Professional Practice Day: No Classes

Year 11 Student Leadership Formation Day

VCAA Exams

Friday, 22 November

Return of Hire Books Years 7 to 9

Tuesday, 19 November

VCAA Exams

2020 Year 7 Parent Information Evening

ECP Begins

Saturday, 23 November

-

Wednesday, 20 November

VCAA Exams

Year 9 Reconciliation

Year 7 Swimming Program

Musical Production Auditions

Sunday, 24 November

-

Thursday, 21 November

2020 Year 7 Orientation Day

Class of 2018 First Reunion

Years 7 and 8 Music Evening

In this Issue >

Message from The Principal

Deputy Principal – Wellbeing

Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching

Mission and Ministry Team

Year 8 News

Languages

Languages

Geography

First Assistant Principal Careers

Sport

IT Help Desk

Science

Alumnae and Events

Year 10 Twilight Retreat

Principal The final press briefing after the approval of the final document of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon, Cardinal Michael Czerny SJ and Bishop David De Aguirre Guinea OP, addressed a group of journalists in the Holy Sea Press Office. Cardinal Czerny who works in the Vatican Promoting Integral Human Development, identified the importance of the word and concept of conversion. Without conversion there are no new paths, we just repeat what we have done before, but with no real change. Cardinal Czerny reflected on four conversions that will offer new paths to the future. Cardinal Czerny, in the press conference, responded to a question about the contribution of scientists and experts to the Synod.

The first conversion is pastoral: meaning the way the Church

acts with the people. The Church is always trying to do better,

but conditions are changing so we cannot continue doing things

the way we have.

The second conversion is cultural. Differences need to be

embraced and respected, and the Church must learn to be

interculturally respectful. Divisions and tension, he said, are

getting worse.

The third is ecological conversion. Ecology may be

fashionable, but we have not grasped the gravity of the

situation. The current ecological crisis is so deep, if we don’t

change we won’t make it.

The fourth conversion in the word Synodal: something that

helps us learn how to be better Church, how to move forward

together, and how to involve people in that movement. Forms

of democracy have failed us in finding a way forward. A Synod,

instead, is based on listening, reflecting, and praying. The

Church hopes this model may assist others too.

They translated the suffering that we experience and witness, into data, hypothesis and proposals. The scientists spoke of the urgent need to address the suffering of our planet, and helped us to feel how badly things are going. They also helped translate our concerns into hope because there are practical and reasonable solutions at hand. These are not about more technology. The Amazon will prosper if trees keep standing and water keeps flowing, and this will mean hope for the Amazon and for us all.

Pope Francis is now developing an apostolic exhortation based on the conclusions of the Synod that voted for the priestly ordination of married deacons and requested consideration of a women’s diaconate as well as committing the Catholic Church to protecting indigenous peoples and rainforests from exploitation and violence of new colonisers. We join with Pope Francis in his prayer:

Let us pray for grace to be able to listen to the cry of the poor: This is the cry of hope of the Church. When we make their cry our own, our prayer will reach to the clouds.

In your thoughts and prayers, please remember staff member, Lorenza Arestia. Lorenza’s father, Salvatore (Sam), was buried at the end of last week. May Lorenza be strengthened by the love of those around her and may Sam be resting in the peace of God.

Eternal rest grant to him O Lord May perpetual light shine upon him May he rest in peace Amen

Every blessing for the fortnight ahead. Christopher Dalton Principal “The memory of the Saints leads us to raise our eyes to Heaven: not to forget the realities of the earth, but to face them with more courage and hope.” PopeFrancis@Pontifex, 1 November 2019

First Assistant Principal

Staff Pilgrimage > Walking In Step With Euphrasie Barbier

On September 24, four staff members, Jenny Bilton, Carmel Feeney, Pina Perna and Julie Swanson left to participate in the Walking In Step With Euphrasie Barbier pilgrimage to France and England. We were joined by three staff members from Sacred Heart College Perth and six associates of the RNDM Sisters. This was an opportunity to engage personally with the inspiring and courageous story of the foundress of the Our Lady of the Mission Sisters. We had the opportunity to visit significant sites through Euphrasie’s life and while there to hear of a young woman inspired to respond to the call of God through mission. We were astounded to learn of her determination to work with the marginalised, especially women and children, of how she began the RNDM Order and how she battled bureaucracy and social norms of the time to implement her vision. We came to understand that she was a woman of both action and contemplation – a woman who would not give up her vision even though she was continually confronted with obstacles. “Do not think that because you cannot do all that you would want to do, there is reason to believe that all is lost. No, no, what cannot be done today do tomorrow; what cannot be done in the first year do in the second. Only stay calm, maintain union with God” Euphrasie Barbier, 1868 This pilgrimage gave us the opportunity to draw from the story of Euphrasie and to marry it with our own life’s journey. We had time for reflection and prayer, to allow Euphrasie and her experiences to speak to us. This young French woman with enormous courage and vitality is an extraordinary role model for us all.

Like Euphrasie we hope that we will be faith-filled and courageous; embracing challenges that are set before us. Her story has impacted us all personally and professionally and we hope that we will be able to further embed the charism of the RNDM Sisters into the life of our community. We thank Chris Dalton for the opportunity to be part of the pilgrimage. We also thank Sisters Madeleine Barlow and Catherine Brabender RNDM in leading us through this experience. “There are difficult burdens to carry in life. We can lighten them for one another by our thoughtfulness, a kind smile, a little service; often nothing more is needed to console and encourage one another.” Euphrasie Barbier, 1869 Jenny Bilton First Assistant Principal

Pilgrims with the RNDM Sisters at Saint Rambert en Bugey, France

Euphrasie Barbier’s tomb in Sturry, England

Basilica – Notre Dame de Fourvière overlooking the City of Lyon, France

Deputy Principal – Wellbeing

Exams - Surviving and Thriving As Year 12 students continue their final exams and students in Years 9 – 11 prepare for upcoming exams, it timely to look at useful tips for students and their parents to help make the most of the opportunity and reduce stress. The headings only are listed, more information is available via the link:

✓ Take time to plan

✓ Look after yourself

✓ Stay focused

✓ Ask for help

✓ Be prepared

✓ And on the day of each exam, stick to your usual routine and take some water to the exam.

Make sure you have healthy snacks. The full article is at https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-reduce-stress-and-prepare-for-exams/ Try some quizzes to better understand stress and exam jitters:

Students Headspace

https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-reduce-stress-and-prepare-for-exams/

Parents SHGC website: SchoolTV

https://shgc.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/exam-jitters

Save the Date Each year, the grandparents of our Year 7 students are warmly welcomed to the College for a morning tea. Invitations with all the details will be sent home very soon, so in the meantime, please note Tuesday, 26 November in the diary for special grandparent – granddaughter time.

Sun Smart From mid-August to late April, UV levels can reach three in Victoria. Sun protection is recommended and a shared responsibility. We look to your support in reinforcing healthy sun protection habits in our young people – wearing covering clothing, seeking shade, wearing SPF 30+ sunscreen, wearing sunglasses and a hat. The length of the summer dress and PE shorts are part of protecting our young people from skin damage and are in line with The Cancer Council of Victoria’s school uniform recommendations which include: summer uniform at least to the knee and sports uniform shorts at least to mid-thigh. Download the free SunSmart app for up to date information.

Asthma

Recent high winds and stormy weather remind us that we are in thunderstorm asthma season (October – December). Students with asthma or hayfever are encouraged to be proactive in protecting themselves from the risk of thunderstorm asthma. Students need to have good control of their asthma, keep their reliever medication available, be alert to asthma symptoms, check the thunderstorm asthma forecast and remain indoors when there is a risk of thunderstorm asthma (students may remain in the Library when at school). For more information, please check out the link: https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/living-with-asthma/resources/patients-carers/factsheets/thunderstorm-asthma

Schoolies 2019 Students in Year 12 planning to celebrate the end of school in Victoria’s coastal regions are encouraged to visit the “Good Times, Great Breaks” website for registration, information about free services and safety tips. Go to https://goodtimesgreatbreaks.wordpress.com/ to register and more.

Carmel Feeney Deputy Principal – Student Wellbeing

Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching

Commence Conclude

VCE Unit 2 subject exams Wednesday 6 Nov Friday 15 November

Year 10 exams Monday 11 Nov Friday 15 November

Year 9 exams Tuesday 12 Nov Friday 15 November

Semester 2 Examinations VCAA end of year exams are well and truly underway, and this week semester two exams for Year 11 commence with other year levels’ exams soon to follow. A reminder to parents that copies of exam timetables and student expectations are available on PAM. These expectations contain important information for students in regard to the College’s exam protocols. A few key points from these expectations are:

• Correct summer uniform must be worn, not PE uniform

• Missed exams, regardless of the reason, cannot be rescheduled.

• Timetable clashes will be rescheduled by the relevant Year Level Leader

• Students who are ill for any exam must obtain a medical certificate and will be awarded NA (Not Assessed),

otherwise they will be awarded a zero (0).

• Year 11 and 10 students are only expected at the College for their timetabled exams.

• Year 9 students are expected to attend as per usual school times, as normal timetabled classes will run in

conjunction with the exam timetable.

Please ensure your daughters allow plenty of travel time so that any unanticipated disruptions to their travel arrangements do not result in unnecessary stress on the day.

VCE Early Commencement Program (ECP) This program will commence for all VCE subjects on Tuesday, 19 November and run until Tuesday, 3 December. Students will be issued a timetable for this program in the coming weeks and as this is invaluable preparation for their 2020 academic program, it is expected that all students attend.

College Awards Evening – save the date Our Annual College Awards Evening will be held on Thursday, 28 November commencing promptly at 7:00pm in Kendell Hall. All students and families are most welcome to attend, however students receiving awards and their families will receive a Care Monkey invitation on Friday, 22 November. Julie Swanson Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching

Mission and Ministry

Social Justice

On Friday, 21 October, Year 11 students Erin Bibby, Reena Dilinger, Penelope Watt, Vanrika Heldt, Tania Tran and Mia Basile attended a 'Table Talk' organised by Newman College in conjunction with the Jesuit Refugee Service. The event successfully raised awareness about the plight of forcibly displaced peoples and allowed students and others to come together and listen to their stories as well as respond to what they have heard.

Student Voice > The Table Talk allowed us to put names to the ever-growing refugee statistics, which served as a wakeup call to me of the privileged life I live and how it is my duty to help others who aren’t as privileged. Reena Dilinger The Table Talk with Refugees and Asylum Seekers was a real eye opener for me. The tragic events that the speakers had experienced made me think about just how much we take for granted. Their positive outlook on life is truly inspirational. Penelope Watt My experience of going to the TableTalk was very positive because I was able to be part of a group of like-minded people who had the same desire of helping make a change within Australia. Erin Bibby For me, the Table Talks event was an invaluable experience as I got to put faces to the statistics. We constantly hear about the number of displaced persons, this enabled me to enhance my understanding and compassion towards refugees and asylum seekers. Mia Basile

Year 8 News

Year 8 > > > As Week 3 draws to a close and Years 9-12 prepare for examinations, it is a delight to see the many ways Year 8 students are involved in school activities. Year 8 is a wonderful year for students to enjoy the array of activities SHGC offers and discover the rewards that such commitment and involvement brings. Over the last couple of weeks Year 8 students have enthusiastically participated in the wonderful Arts Festival, attended the Children’s Mission Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, been members of the tennis, table tennis and softball teams, and demonstrated their growing skills in debating. Debating is a wonderful opportunity for the girls who signed up to work on public speaking and confidence. Along with this, debating teaches us to think under pressure and come back with meaningful responses, or in other words, good rebuttals. Debating has acted sort of like a team bonding experience or a sport that allows us to work with other students and become better public speakers. Throughout this experience, I have become more comfortable with speaking to audiences and also expanded my researching skills. Jeewakee Wijesundara 8 Red

Mission Mass On Wednesday, 23rd of October, the Year 8 Homeroom Representatives and the Faith and Liturgy Leaders attended the Children’s Mission Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral. Morning tea was provided for us and we were lucky enough to enjoy some McDonald’s! We left school at 9:00am and travelled into the city by train, accompanying us were Miss Heath and Sister Suchitra. A procession of school banners marked the beginning of the Mass and the Sacred Heart banner was proudly carried by Auxilia and Shoshini and Miss Heath read one of the Prayers of the Faithful. The homily given by Bishop Comensoli was very inspiring. He spoke about how we should treat everyone as our neighbours and always show them respect and love. Bishop Comensoli then told us about the parable of the Good Samaritan and related it to our everyday life. Overall, we really enjoyed out time in the city and it was a wonderful experience. Benna Shaji and Sona Chacko

Our most recent Wellbeing session again focussed on problem solving. Students reviewed the 5-step approach introduced in the previous session. Small groups then tackled a range of scenarios using the 5-step approach. The 2019 Resilience Survey highlighted problem solving as a skill requiring considerable development in many students. Please talk to your daughter about this approach and when a difficulty arises suggest that she maps out the problem and uses the 5 steps in her quest to find a solution. Step 1 > State the problem. Step 2 > Identify some possible solutions. Step 3 > Consider the consequences of the suggested solutions. Step 4 > Select a solution. Think about why you chose it, and then implement it. Step 5 > Review or reflect on action taken.

Year 8 students participated in a special forum by ‘Project Rockit’ called ‘REWRITE’. Last year, this group presented on the topic of cyberbullying. This year we focussed on the complex issue of social judgement and labels. ‘Project Rockit’ forums are vibrant, engaging and highly informative which will hopefully elicit an opportunity for you to have a conversation with your daughter about the ideas raised during this presentation. With my best wishes Kate

Languages

PERJALANAN KAMI KE INDONESIA

Having the opportunity to go to Indonesia these holidays was an experience we all very much appreciated. Natalie, Faith, Alexi, Ardhra, Kimberly, Rebecca and Kara spent two memorable weeks making amazing new friends and meeting new people. Something so unforgettable. Learning more about the culture and the historical traditions harboured within the largest archipelago in the world, opened our eyes to how vastly different this bewildering country is compared with Australia. However, it also showed us that Indonesians are not dissimilar to Australians. Yes, there are cultural differences. Indonesia has better radio stations and you could say Australia has a more diverse population. However, the girls we stayed with in Jakarta were almost like sisters to us; only at first, separated by the ocean. They liked the same movies, music, food and anything girls our age liked. Their families were warm and welcoming in taking care of us. Regina Pacis, the school we attended in Jakarta offered us the chance to see how students in Indonesia learn, and after our classes there, it didn’t feel all that different to our own school. Jakarta like most super cities was large, with looming skyscrapers and beautiful attractions, buildings, landmarks, churches and mosques. The shopping centres there are so much larger than our ‘Chadstone’…..now we can’t brag about Chadstone anymore! After the 6 days in Jakarta, we began to feel like Jakarta was home for us too. After a sad departure from Jakarta, we set off on a different adventure in Yogyakarta, a city full of amazing people, food, markets, and temples. We were just in awe of being surrounded by the most beautiful sights. Although the heat was a little difficult at times, we were able to gain insight into the lives of Indonesian people whilst being able to immerse ourselves in the culture. A country that never sleeps keeps us up at night missing those thrilling moments we shared in Indonesia. We feel so fortunate to have had this experience; to have tasted the most exquisite food, to have seen the most beautiful of sights, and of course to have gained life long friendships with the best of people. We would all agree that it was an experience to remember. By Alexi, Ardhra and Kimberly

Science

Geography

Three students represented the College at the STEM Make A Difference Showcase that took place at the Catholic Leadership Centre. Tijana Mejia (8 Purple), Ella Martin (10 Silver) and Alana Stillman (8 Green) showcased their work in the College Bridge Building Competition earlier in the year, and focused on how bridges make a difference to people’s lives. The students presented themselves with distinction and received many favourable comments. Thirty Catholic secondary schools and sixty Catholic primary schools took part in the event. Peter McClive Learning Leader Science

STEM Make A Difference Showcase

Geography Fieldwork in Oakleigh In October the year 7s participated in a fieldtrip around Oakleigh. When my teacher told the class about the excursion, I thought how boring…I was wrong! The experience was amazing. I have learnt so many new things about Oakleigh: e.g. Skyrail, shops and culture. My favourite part was the housing. I thought it was very fascinating to see all the old and new houses around Oakleigh. We marked down information about the shops, bus transport available as well as what is good or could be improved about Oakleigh: e.g. shops, crime, park, cemetery and police station. Overall this was an amazing experience and I have learnt so much about Oakleigh. By Molly Nousis

Careers

Year 10 Twilight Retreat

Sport

Congratulations to Niveda S Thomas in 7 Purple, who was selected to represent the Victorian Under 13 Hockey Girls Venom team. This team is Victoria’s top team for this age group. Niveda participated in the Under 13 National Hockey Championships held in Hobart from October 1 - 8. Niveda's team played 12 games and finished 4th out of 13 teams; a fantastic result. Niveda had a wonderful time playing the sport she loves. Niveda has achieved this success through hard work and continuous training. Congratulations Niveda, the Sacred Heart Community is very proud of you and we wish you further success in the future.

Student Achievements If your daughter has participated at a State, National or International level, please email her achievements through to me with a photo at tfay@shgc.vic.edu.au so that we can recognise her achievements and publish them in the College Newsletter. Tasia Fay Sport Administrator

Niveda S Thomas > > > Hockey Championships

On 14 October, the Year 10 girls participated in a twilight retreat in relation to their current RE study of the Gospel of Mark. The theme for the evening was 'My Call to Discipleship' with guest speaker, Josh Angrisano, a musician who rapped about his faith; giving a testimony about his journey with God. His talk was based on the statement 'Create Creative Disciples' and he spoke to us about the many ways to bring people closer to God. We then participated in a workshop where, in groups, we were given a situation where we had to plan an event in order help people in our society. This was an eye opening activity as we were able to think of ways to help those in our society who are disadvantaged or have lost their way. The retreat evening ended with a quiet reflection to think about how we can make a difference in someone else’s life. This retreat allowed us to take a break from our busy lives and reconnect with God and those around us, both close and all of society.

IT Helpdesk

Alumnae and Archives

SACRED HEART GIRLS’ COLLEGE

CLASS OF 2018

12 months on!

Students of the Class of 2018

and

Members of Staff

are cordially invited to a reunion at the College on

Thursday 21 November 2019

5:00pm to 7:00pm

Refreshments will be provided

RSVP Lynne Evans at SHGC 9568 5488 or levans@shgc.vic.edu.au

IT Helpdesk

> Student Laptop Support

The school provides IT helpdesk for students during break times. These are: > Before school, recess, lunchtime and after school

> It is expected that students attend support at these times and not during class time

The IT Helpdesk is also available for students via email itsupport@shgc.vic.edu.au.

Term Break/Year End Holiday Period The school closes for 3 to 4 weeks over Christmas/New Year period. At any other time of the year there are IT staff available at the College for warranty or accidental damage claims and general support. If students need IT support during term or end of year break, please telephone first to arrange a suitable time. Students must sign in at Reception prior to attending IT Helpdesk for assistance during these times. As ICT Manager, I am available to talk with parents via telephone or by making an appointment at a convenient time to discuss any issues relating to the laptop computer program. Peter Carmody