from the principal - De La Salle Catholic College, Cronulla

De La Salle Senior College
Cronulla
Deo Duce - With God as Leader
coming events
Newsletter Term 1 Week 9
8 April
End of Term 1
22 April
Good Friday
24 April
Easter Sunday
25 April
Anzac Day
26 April
Easter Monday
Public Holiday
27 April
Term 2 commence
Students return
3 May
Year 11 2012
Information Evening
6 May
Staff Development
Day - No students
19 May
Year 11 Exams
Commence
10 June
Founders Day
13 June
Queen’s Birthday
Public Holiday
17 June
School Photos
27 June
Year 11 Reports
Issued
28 June
Year 11 Parent/
Teacher/Student
Interviews
1 July
End of Term 2
18 July
Term 3 commence
Students return
2 Cross Road
Cronulla NSW 2230
Phone: 8522 1500 Fax: 8522 1555
www.dlscronulla.catholic.edu.au
from the principal
Reflection... In this season of Lent we urge students and each other to “give” to
causes such as Project Compassion. One way of doing this is to donate small
amounts of money throughout Lent. You might like to know that in comparison, we
contribute surprisingly less to Project Compassion than many other Catholic schools
across the Archdiocese. I feel at times we may miss the point of the project for giving. From a faith educative perspective, I encourage our students, with family support, to concentrate more on the word compassion. In order to place ourselves momentarily in the position of those less fortunate than us, we need to go without, to
make some sacrifice of lifestyle and personal “needs”. If every member of our
school community committed to give just 20 cents per day for the forty days of Lent, we
will have raised over five times the amount of money raised last year for Project Compassion. In addition, we will make a significant difference to the lives of many people far less fortunate than ourselves.
Cyclic Review… As mentioned in the last
Newsletter, a critical component of the Catholic
Education Office’s School Review and Improvement Framework is the five-yearly Cyclic
Review of our School’s Learning Improvement
Journey. Our College will undergo this review
throughout 2011. The Cyclic Review offers an
opportunity to:
 Capture a “big picture” view of improvement in students’ learning
 Engage in critical reflection and dialogue
about the improvement journey itself
 Reflect on progress to date and future
strategic priorities
An important part of this process involves collecting information from staff, parents and students. We will be working with the Parent Advisory Board to invite a cross-section of parents
to participate in a parent forum early Term 2.
Parent Advisory Board (PAB)… The PAB
meets from 6.00 – 7.00pm on the last Tuesday
of each month and assists the College by facilitating parent input in projects such as the Cyclic Review. It also provides a forum for parents to feedback to the College Executive any
concerns or initiatives that impact on our students’ learning or pastoral care. My thanks to
the following parents for their acceptance of the
role in 2011:
Mr Ross Kirby
Mrs Debbie Stephenson
Mrs Carolyn Riordan
I S S U E
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De La Salle College Cronulla - 75th Anniversary!... Many families and ex-students
would be aware that 2011 marks our 75th Anniversary. The organization of celebrations
will commence early Term 2. I anticipate a
small committee comprising members of staff
and one or two ex-students taking on the responsibility of this organization. If you are
interested in being involved please contact
me at the College.
Term 1 Conclusion… Our Year 12 students
are currently completing their Half-Yearly
examinations. This is a very important time
in their assessment program and I urge all
parents and students to treat this opportunity
with due care and preparation. Please familiarize yourself with Board of Studies and
College requirements regarding Illness and
Misadventure processes. In short, contact the
College immediately if your son/daughter
will be absent from an examination and make
sure you obtain necessary documentation to
support the absence.
Finally, I extend my best
wishes to all in our community
for a safe, happy and Holy
Easter break.
Mr Phil Gane
Principal
3 1
M A R C H
2 0 1 1
information ...
from the assistant principal
from the curriculum coordinator
As the term draws ... to a close can I take this opportunity to
congratulate all of our students on how they have presented and
conducted themselves throughout the term. The College has a
very pleasant tone and feel about it largely due to the nature, humour, good manners and friendliness of our students.
2011 HSC PIN ready for students… In the first week
of April, 2011 HSC students around the state will begin
receiving their four digit HSC Personal Identification
Number (HSC PIN) on a handy card from the Board of
Studies.
A few changes have been made to the Calendar for the beginning
of term 2.
HSC students need their HSC PIN and their eight digit Student
Number to log in to Students Online and also to retrieve their results
online or by SMS on 14 December.
Students resume school on Wednesday 27th April. This
will be a Day 8. There will be an Assembly in the pastoral period to celebrate Easter and remember ANZAC
Day. Students with a late start are reminded period 2
will start at 9.35am.
A Staff Development Day has been scheduled for Friday 6th May. This day will enable staff to learn the new
reporting package the school has purchased.
I wish all our students, parents and their families a happy and
holy Easter and a safe holiday period
Craig Mooney
Assistant Principal
from the art department
De La Salle Students... recognized in Sacred Art Prize. Cronulla
De La Salle Ex Student, Evan Donnelly has won the Monsignor
Doherty Prize for Student Religious Art at the annual Clancy
exhibition. The exhibition, held at the Australian Catholic University Regional Gallery, showcases religious art from across
Sydney's Catholic schools. Evan responded to Mary Mackillop's
words "There, where you are, you will find God" with a view of
Creation outside the classroom window. Students from Year 9 at
Caringbah De La Salle also won a University Prize for their collaborative ceramic work "Tread Lightly". The picture shows
Evan receiving his award from Monsignor Tony Doherty in
front of the work.
Mr Byron Hurst
Creative & Performing Arts
Students Online (studentsonline.bos.nsw.edu.au) is a website designed specifically for HSC students, with information, tips and
tools to assist them in their study throughout the year. Staff and parents and are also encouraged to visit the site to find useful information about exam preparation and frequently asked questions about
the HSC.
There is also a personal account section called ‘ My Details’, which
students log into with their HSC PIN and Student Number. ‘My
Details’ is where they can check their personal HSC status including:




enrolment and contact details
personal HSC exam timetable (available 28 April)
assessment ranks (available after the written exams)
HSC results (December)
Students are also able to submit or update their email address to get
HSC information and to help if they lose or forget their HSC PIN.
They can also register now to receive their HSC results by SMS on
14 December.
School staff should use the Student Signature Form to record the
receipt of HSC PIN letters by students. The form is available in the
Confirmation of Entry section of Schools Online and submitted to
the Board once complete.
The Board of Studies HSC PIN and Student Number are different to
the UAC application number and UAC PIN. Visit the Universities
Admissions Centre for more information.
(Source Board of Studies News Wednesday 23 March 2011)
Mr Tony Ginestra
Curriculum Coordinator
SMS UPDATE
Please do not reply to the SMS message via a text from your mobile
phone. The SMS message is sent out
via computer and we are not set up
to receive messages. Please phone
your reply to the school reception on
8522 1500
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information ...
from the sports department
On Thursday 10th March... the Southern Sydney Swim Carnival
was held at Caringbah swimming pool. Congratulations to all
swimmers who represented De La Salle College Cronulla. The
team consisted of Jake Moses, Nick McCarthy, Jasmine Clark,
Aaron Markey, Georga Sargeant, Nathan Bourke, Jack Bryce,
Kelly Hickman, Jack Whittingham, James French, Brielle Mulcahy.
We had many successes including: Girls winning both the 4x50
medley relay and the 4x50 freestyle relay, as well as the overall
CHAMPION Female College with joint point score with OLMC.
Boys won the 4x50 freestyle relay and also was the overall
CHAMPION Male College with joint point score with DLS Caringbah.
De La Salle Cronulla, combined with De La Salle Caringbah and
OLMC Burraneer won the overall point score, named CHAMPION COLLEGE.
We also had some outstanding individual results with Jake Moses
winning the 200m freestyle. Laura Grenfell swam for OLMC 16’s
and had a great swim meet with 1st place in the 50 Free, 100 Free,
200 Free, 50 Breast, 100 Breast and 1st place in the Intermediate
Medley Relay. Laura was also named AGE CHAMPION. Well
Done!
Thank you also to our fabulous volunteer time keepers, Kate Jansen
and Sam Cocokios.
Good Luck to our swimmers at the CCC Swim Carnival on Monday 2nd May. Please make sure your permission notes are returned
to Mrs Westwood ASAP.
Thank you to Mrs Degnan for attending as the team manager.
CONGRATULATIONS to Nathan Bourke who has been selected
in the Combined Catholic Colleges Open Boys Hockey Team.
CONGRATULATIONS to Sam Cooper, Sam Harris, Zac
Wedesweiller and Nicholas McCarthy for their selection in the
Southern Sydney Open Boys Rugby League Team. We wish them
well at the Sydney Independent selection on Wednesday 23rd
March.
CONGRATULATIONS to our College Rugby League Team on
their performance in the CCC Rugby League Cup.
from the sports department cont...
De La Salle Cronulla have a Big Day at Catholic Colleges
Rugby League... This year sees a new competition for Catholic
schoolboys with venues across NSW playing host to Rugby
League Gala Days.
The action was intense and the standard of play and sportsmanship high as Holy Cross Ryde played generous host to two pools.
De La Salle Cronulla emerged top of their pool equal with St.
Greg’s Campbelltown and St. Paul’s Manly, all with two wins
apiece.
Sydney’s recent dry weather meant a dusty track as De La Salle
went ahead of Kogarah Marist by 4 tries in the 15 minute each
way format. Coach Dave Callandar said the boys started very well
considering that this was the first time they had played together as
a team. “The recent passing on of our team patron Br. Stan Carmody, gave the boys some extra fire as the shoulder went in to the
tackles.” Cronulla then went on to defeat a courageous St. Mary’s
Cathedral School by 5 tries. Up until the last 4 minutes of the day
Cronulla had not had a point scored against them when Manly,
who were down 8 – nil, suddenly found their form to put on a try
scoring blitz. In the first half Cronulla’s winger, Tom Walsh had
backed himself at the end of a fluid backline movement to outpace his opposite number and score under the posts. A penalty
goal by Nick Mc Carthy early in the second half put Cronulla well
ahead; but it proved a false sense of security as St. Paul’s stormed
back.
Cronulla Captain, Zac Wedesweiler said, “ A couple of injuries
and two games in the middle of a hot day took their toll on us, but
full credit to St. Paul’s for a memorable comeback. We will be the
wiser for it.” The top teams in the pools will reconvene at Holy
Cross on June 1st in what promises to be a day of outstanding
Rugby League and good sportsmanship.
Byron Hurst
De La Salle Captain Zac
Wedesweiller looking for a
way through a swarming
Marist defensive line
CONGRATULATIONS to Cameron Todd who has been selected
to play for Australia in the International Ice Hockey World Championships in Taipei.
CONGRATULATIONS to Luke McCosker and Emily Eve who
have been successful in progressing to the Southern Sydney Soccer
Selections on 29th April. Good Luck.
Any students interested in competing in the Southern Sydney Cross
Country Carnival are to see Mr Breen for a permission note. There
will be a team meeting early in Term 2, listen in homeroom for
announcements.
College Knockout Soccer teams will start up in term 2, listen for
announcements in homeroom for trials.
Mrs Belinda Westwood
PDHPE Coordinator
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Halfback Sam Cooper launches another raid on the St. Mary's line
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information ...
from the careers department
from the lasallian foundation
Need a TFN?
A Tax File
Number is needed by anyone applying
for a job, continuing studies, or applying for government benefits. The Australian Taxation Office run a program
where you can lodge your Application
for a TAX FILE NUMBER via your
School, simplifying the process for you considerably. Interested students should see Ms. Brown for a form.
Lasallian Foundation Vietnam/Cambodia Update…
To assist with the rigours of HSC study the SGSCC (St. George &
Sutherland Community College) conduct classes in the following –
English (Standard, Advanced & Ext. I), Maths (Standard, Advanced
& Ext. I), Chemistry and Physics, with programs following the BOS
syllabus -- as well as classes on HSC Study Techniques, Cover Letter & Resume Writing and Life Skills. For more information contact
SGSCC on 8543-7426 or visit www.sgscc.edu.au
On 18-20 April, 2011 The Blue Mountains International Hotel
Management School will hold a Career Focus Day. For more information go to www.bluemountains.edu.au
The University of New England -- UNE -- will hold an information/open weekend in Armidale on 6-8 May, 2011. For more information: Call 1800 818 865; email: study@une.edu.au or visit
www.lifeataltitude.com.au
Also, on the 6-7 May, 2011 a Careers and Employment Expo will
be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour. For more information:
Phone 1300667121 or visit
www.eocexpo.com.au
C. Brown
Careers Adviser
We are excited to be working with the Brothers Communities in
Vietnam where the Government has recently granted permission
for two primary schools and a vocational training centre to be
built, creating opportunities for children and young people who
had been driven from their mountain homes and villages. These
children speak many diverse languages and in most cases do not
attend school. They are mostly very poor, uneducated and eking
out a subsistence living. In 2011, we will be seeking to help these
three vital learning centres for the poor in Vietnam.
In Cambodia too, a new lower primary school will open in
Phnom Penh in April for children from 24 poor villages along the
Mekong River. These villages comprise both Cambodian and
Vietnamese populations. There has been a long-term enmity between the two nationalities and an important role for the new
school will be to integrate these and therefore help overcome the
evident hostilities with the neighbouring villages.
It has taken five years for this program to come together and one
of the key elements of the program design is to increase the understanding of the parents of the importance of learning for their
children - that it will benefit both the children and themselves in
the long run. Even so, a high percentage of these children will
attend the school only for the morning sessions as they will then
have to return home to work – some of the children are as young
as four and five. The Foundation will help equip the school with
desks, chairs and other fittings to conduct classes.
If you would like to know more about the work of the Lasallian
Foundation or support us, please visit our website
www.lasallianfoundation.org or contact us on 03 9832 3100 or
email janet@lasallianfoundation.org
Greg Breen
Almost completed school in Cambodia
Vietnamese students in class
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information ...
from the re department
Project Compassion... The Caritas annual appeal during Lent has been embraced by our
community. Thank you to College leaders and
Social Justice members who are pushing the
cause on a regular basis. Thank you to the students who are contributing so generously. On
Wednesday Year 11 students baked cup cakes to raise funds
also. There is one week to go to help make a difference in the
lives of others.
Lasallian Spirituality Day… On
Thursday 38 Year 11 Lasallian Youth
Leaders spent the day at either
OLMC or De La Salle Caringbah,
where they facilitated a Spirituality
Day with the Year 6 students from
the feeder schools. This is an excellent leadership experience for these students and we are impressed with their enthusiasm and initiative. Simone McGill, our
Lasallian Youth Minister trained the group two weeks ago and
organized the day. One of our College captains, Dean Hodges
and ex-student Luke Janssen (HSC 2010) also volunteered in the
training and the running of the day. Well done to all!!!
Youth Mass – St Aloysius… Last Sunday evening students and
staff celebrated Mass at St Aloysius. I was very proud to have
De La Salle students actively involved in many areas of the liturgy. Thank you to Kate Berger for her work with the youth and
choir; to Megan Muller for the Second Reading and Ruby Crowe
and Christian Chillari for their part in the entrance procession.
Thank you also to the students who joined us in prayer.
Maree Cullen
Religious Education Coordinator
My School 2.0: The ‘ICSEA’ Scale
With the launch of the upgraded My School website, there has
been a lot of talk about something called ‘ICSEA’.
What is ICSEA?
ICSEA is short for Index of Community Socio-Educational
Advantage. ICSEA is a way of identifying schools that are statistically similar in terms of their student intake. A school’s
ICSEA value is determined by using information about the
school’s parent body.
The school’s ICSEA value is set by gathering information on
parents’ education and occupation (where this is available) for all
the students in the school.
Two children may live in the same street but come from very
different education and economic environments. Before now,
these kinds of assessments have been made by using what is
called the Socio-economic Index (SES) which gives a single rating to a whole suburb. The ICSEA value is not a rating for a
whole suburb. ICSEA recognises that while people may live in
the same suburb, their personal circumstances are often very different!
Sometimes, it can be confusing as to why a school has a particular ICSEA value. Schools even very close to each other can have
different ICSEA values. Try to keep in mind that a school’s
ICSEA value is much more than a blunt assessment based on a
suburb rating, but instead uses parent information from each
school.
What is ICSEA used for?
The My School website compares the NAPLAN scores for ‘like
schools’. Having an ICSEA value for each school helps to make
the ‘like schools’ groupings more accurate. For a whole range of
reasons, it is not fair to compare every school to every other
school. Using ICSEA values is an attempt to make these comparisons as fair as they can be by making it easier to group
schools that are statistically similar.
Remember, ICSEA is not a score out of a particular
number. The higher the school’s ICSEA value, the
higher the school’s socio-educational advantage rating.
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information ...
My School – The School Finance Data
You would be aware that the new My School website now has financial information for each school. So what does it all mean?
Below is a basic explanation about the three main headings on the school finances page.
Why are financial figures different for each school?
The total amount of income each school receives per student is determined by a number of factors. It does not follow that a
school that receives less total income ‘per student’ than another school is being disadvantaged. It is not that simple!
Here are some of the factors that will determine that final funding figure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The size of the school. Smaller schools usually have a higher per student funding figure than larger schools. This is
because larger schools have greater ‘economies of scale’
Special programs. Some schools attract more funding because they run special programs to cater for particular students. For example, some schools have a high concentration of students with special needs. There are some schools
that run satellite classes for students on the Autism spectrum and other schools with a high number of students from
refugee backgrounds. Other schools attract extra resources so they can modify the school site to assist students with
physical disabilities (eg, ramps, lifts etc). Some schools receive additional funding because they are part of the Federal Government’s Smarter Schools National Partnership Program. The funding used to run these programs is included in the figure for net recurrent income.
New schools. As you would expect, schools starting up require a lot more funding in their first few years than established schools.
Paying-off existing loans. Some schools have a significant debt because they are paying off loans taken out to build
new school facilities.
Fundraising. The amount of money that each school is able to raise through fundraising activities can vary enormously! A school should never be disadvantaged because its community does not have the same fundraising capacity as a school from another area.
Supporting less financially advantaged schools. The 147 schools in the Archdiocese operate as a ‘system of
schools’. This means that more economically advantaged schools support less economically advantaged schools. The
system allocates resources to where the needs are greatest. That is one of the system’s great strengths!
So in summary…
Equity (directing funds to where the needs are greatest) should always be a guiding principle when making decisions about
where to direct precious funding resources. At the same time, doing everything possible to meet the needs of all students and
all school communities is equally important.
The per-student funding that each school receives will vary but what won’t change is the system’s commitment to do all possible to support every student in every school.
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