Newsletter - Saint Ignatius College Geelong

Transcription

T IGNATIUS COLLEGE
SAIN
Newsletter
Edition 9, June 11th 2015
From the Principal
Welcome!
Coming Events
Important Dates
Term 2
June
Friday 19th
Student Free Day
Correction / Report Writing
Friday 26th
Last Day of Term 2
Students dismissed at 2.20pm
Buses depart from 2.30pm
Term 3
July
Tuesday 14th
First Day of Term 3
for Students
(Monday 13th is a
Student Free Day)
A more detailed calendar is
on the last page.
Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends
of the Saint Ignatius College community,
I write to inform you of some exciting news
for the College.
As you may be aware, following a review of
the Leadership Team roles and structure last
year it was decided to increase the number of
Deputy Principals from two to three with each
having a different focus as follows:
l
l
l
Students
Teaching & Learning
Staff, Identity & Operations
It was decided that Deputy Principal,
Mr Paul Lewis would continue and take on
the third mentioned position and deputise in
my absence. As a result of Deputy Principal,
Ms Kerry Sidaway finishing at the end of last
year to take up a senior leadership position in
an interstate Catholic school, two positions
would need to be filled.
For the interim period an Acting Deputy
Principal, Mrs Annette Chidzey was
appointed to cover Kerry’s position until the
new deputies could commence. Subsequently
we advertised during the last term holidays
for these two new Deputy Principals. We were
very pleased to receive a strong response.
I was grateful we were able to assemble a very
experienced selection panel to discern the best
candidates. Thank you to Mr Tony Frizza
(SICG Board Chairperson), Ms Victoria
Myers (Catholic Education Melbourne, CEM),
Ms Jennie Hickey (SICG Board, Jesuit
representative), Dr Peter Casey (CEM) and
Mr Paul Lewis for joining me on the selection
panel. I appreciate their advice and wisdom to
ensure best decisions for our College at this
point in time.
On behalf of the President of the Canonical
Administrators, Father Kevin Dillon, I am
delighted to announce the appointment of two
new Deputy Principals to commence at the
beginning of next year - Mrs Annette Chidzey
(Teaching & Learning) and Mr Michael
Timms (Students).
Mrs Annette Chidzey
Deputy Principal
Teaching & Learning
Mr Michael Timms
Deputy Principal
Students
....continued on Page 2
A Jesuit Partner School
In Brief
From the Principal (cont.)
This Page:
Continuation of ‘From the
Principal’
I congratulate Annette and Michael on their
appointments and look forward to Annette’s
continuation on and Michael’s joining of the
College’s Leadership Team.
I trust you will give Annette and Michael your
support and warmly welcome them into their
new roles at our vibrant learning and faith
community.
Annette is obviously well known to many
members of our school community as she has
been at Saint Ignatius for the last seven years.
I am very grateful that Mrs Annette Chidzey
and Ms Anna Oliver have agreed to continue
in the acting positions of Deputy Principal
(Teaching & Learning / Years 7 - 9 Students)
and Head of Teaching & Learning,
respectively for the remainder of the year.
Page 3:
Principal’
Page 4:
Principal’ and From Fr Kevin
Dillon
Page 5:
‘Noises Off!’ Photos
Page 6:
Faith Matters
Page 7:
Term 2 Social Justice Report
Page 8:
Year 10 Career Expo
Page 9:
South India Training Expedition
Page 10:
Canteen Roster and Parents and
Friends’ Association
Page 11:
English News: Upcoming
Author Visit
Page 12:
Sorry Day Photos
Page 13:
Year 10-12 Girls Football
Page 14 & 15:
Performing Arts News
Page 15 & 16:
A Year in France
Page 17:
Vic Gov CSEF information
Page 18:
PFA Trivia Night Flyer
Page 19:
St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal
Page 20:
Further Education Expo
Page 21:
HUB Chats Flyer
Page 22 & 23:
Tertiary Institutions Open Days
Page 24:
YOGA Fundraiser
Page 25 & 26:
‘What it means to be an
emotionally intelligent parent’ by
Michael Grose
Page 27:
School Calender
Page 28 to 36:
Pastoral letter Pastoral Letter on
Same-Sex Marriage
During her 38 years career Annette has taught
for 35 of those years at four Catholic Colleges
(Sacred Heart Geelong, Clonard Geelong,
MacKillop Werribee & here at Saint Ignatius
Geelong) and held many different positions of
leadership. These positions include: Subject
Coordinator, Year Level Coordinator, College
Development Coordinator, Acting Head of
Senior School, Head of Teaching & Learning
and Acting Deputy Principal.
Annette is a highly respected educator and
published author who is passionate about
quality teaching and learning to achieve the
best possible educational outcomes for
students. Over the years she has taught
English, Geography, History, Politics,
International Studies, Humanities and
Religious Education. Annette is very
committed to Saint Ignatius College and very
enthusiastic about helping lead the College
into a new phase of development.
Michael Timms currently holds the position
of Head of St Joseph’s College Geelong’s
Westcourt Campus. Michael has achieved a
Master of Educational Leadership with studies
in leadership and student wellbeing.
He has taught Religious Education, Physical
Education, Health and Outdoor Education for
over fifteen years at three different Catholic
schools - Ave Maria College Essendon,
St Kevin’s College Toorak and St Joseph’s
College Geelong. Other than his current
position, Michael has held Year 8, 11 and 12
Level Coordinator positions, Assistant Head
of Outdoor Education and has been Acting
Deputy Principal twice at St Joseph’s College.
Michael is also very excited and keen to join
the Saint Ignatius Leadership Team and is
looking forward to working with our students,
staff and parents.
As incoming Deputy Principals, Annette and
Michael’s individual and collective experience
and expertise in Catholic Education make
them well positioned to assume these
important and challenging roles. Annette and
Michael have a strong Christian faith, are
passionate about and committed to Catholic
Education and are active members of their
current parishes.
Their appointment will see them bring much
energy, drive, optimism and a collaborative
approach to leadership.
I am very confident that their contribution to
the College Leadership Team will assist in
further building a stronger school.
This will help to ensure a smooth transition to
the new structure.
Proposal to obtain more land - update
In my newsletter message on April 30th 2015
I informed our school community that we had
put a proposal to the City of Greater Geelong
(CoGG) to purchase from them some of the
vacant land that adjoins the College’s
property. The Council has started the process
toward the sale by calling for submissions
from the community. This will be the next
hurdle, of a number, that we will need to get
over. It is important that parents and friends
of the College demonstrate their support
for the College to obtain this land from the
CoGG. Some key points to support the sale
of the land are:
l the land is vacant and has been since it
was purchased by the Council over 20
years ago when it was used as farmland.
l
only land assessed by the CoGG as not
needed to accommodate the Potato Shed
masterplan that has determined the long
-term development needs of this
Multi-Arts Facility is proposed for sale.
(Some people may think we want all of
the vacant land beside us. The Council has identified and is retaining a sizeable
portion of the vacant land beside the
Potato Shed for its possible future needs.
This land is outside of the land proposed
for sale to us.)
l the enhancement of Saint Ignatius College
that can happen with the purchase of this
land will benefit the Geelong/Bellarine
Community by having an even stronger
education provider to support the growth
and the development of the Geelong
region.
l
the land will provide the space for
additional facilities and amenities to
meet the requirements of and attract
families seeking a quality Catholic
co-educational secondary school to
the region.
l there are no future plans in place for
the use of the land in question by the
CoGG.
l the land is very suitable because it
will provide enough space to
accommodate the growth of the
school, allow construction of facilities
....continued on Page 3
2
to be undertaken in a way that will
minimize interruption and
interference to the existing school and
provide construction advantages due
to the connectivity with our property.
l
The Greater Geelong Planning
Scheme specifically provides for
educational and community uses for
the land in question and surrounds.
This zoning, and associated local
planning policies of CoGG, provides
a “perfect fit” for the school’s
proposed development.
l
I am very grateful that we have
received notice that we have
progressed to the final stage before
approval of a Federal Government
Capital Grant of $2 million dollars to
build a new Year 9 Centre.
The current Year 9 Homerooms are
relocatable classrooms. We want to
build the new Centre on the adjoining
land as soon as possible. To take
advantage of this funding support we
need to meet the timeline for the
building program and this is running
out. We estimate the total cost of the
new Centre will be around $4 million
dollars. A construction program of
this magnitude will also have other
benefits for the local economy such
as providing employment.
Sorry Day Assembly and
Reconciliation Covenant
Sorry Day was commemorated with a full
school assembly on last Tuesday that
included an Aboriginal smoking
ceremony led by Mr. David Tournier of
the Wathaurong Coop.
Sorry Day provides an opportunity for
Australians to come together and share
in the healing of the Stolen Generation.
Reconciliation Week was celebrated last
week, with and marks two events in
Indigenous advocacy: the 1967
Referendum and the 1992 Mabo High
Court Decision, which paved the way for
the recognition of Indigenous people’s
land rights.
I thank Mr. Paul Lewis (DP) and
Ms. Kelly Koumalatsos (Koorie
Education Worker) for coordinating the
assembly and thank you and well done to
the students who took on various leading
roles during the ceremony.
To further our College’s support of the
national reconciliation effort an
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Working Party has been formed at school.
We have produced a first draft that will be
circulated for consultation soon. As a next
step, this draft will be discussed at the
following meetings - Staff, Student
Representative Council, Parents &
Friends Association and Board.
Public Speaking
Immersion Experiencs
The ability to speak confidently in public
is a valuable skill. As parents would
know, there will be many occasions
throughout life where one might be called
on to speak publically. A few examples
would be birthday parties, award
ceremonies and meetings. Some people
seem to take to the microphone easily
whilst many more would be very anxious
and shun the ‘spotlight’. The ability to
speak in public can help build student
self-confidence.
On Friday (21/6/13) next week, two of
our Year 11 students, Nicola Gordon and
Jacob Cuthill will travel to Dili, East
Timor with a group of Year 11 students
and teachers from Jesuit and Jesuit
Partner Schools from across Australia.
We offer tuition in Public Speaking at the
College and quite a number of students
are involved in this program.
We look forward to finding out about their
experience through the newsletter early
next term.
Last Tuesday evening, along with a
number of parents and some staff, I
attended a Public Speaking Recital
Evening in the College’s Art Gallery
where many of our students taking Public
Speaking tuition ‘performed’ for us.
In addition to this opportunity we will be
providing three Immersion trips for Years
10 and 11 students this year run by
external providers World Challenge
Expeditions or Destination Dreaming as
follows:
They showed off their skills by presenting
a ‘radio program’ that covered a variety
of topics in a very entertaining way. Well
done to the students involved and their
teacher, Ms. Amanda La Bonte.
Year 10 Work Experience Week
Best wishes to all Year 10 students as
they undertake their Work Experience
placement during the last week of this
term.
The aims of the program include the
following.
l By learning to cope with new
situations and new people and thus
building up self-confidence and
independence.
l By learning about the changes taking
place in society and in the workplace.
l By learning in a practical way.
l Work Experience allows students to
explore a variety of career
opportunities to decide how these
relate to their personal interests,
skills, values and goals.
l Work Experience helps prepare
students for life after school and gives
an insight into the world of work.
A number of Work Experience positions
were made available through our College,
however, students and their families
were encouraged to use their initiative
to secure a suitable and interesting place
themselves. When I signed the Work
Experience forms, it was interesting to see
the diverse range of placements that our
students have been able to obtain.
Thank you to Mr Bruce Connor (Work
and Further Education Coordinator) for
his efforts to coordinate this program and
the Year 10 Teachers involved.
This “immersion” experience for the
students will involve them visiting the
Jesuit school and touring some of the
surrounding areas. They will return late in
the first week of the holidays. I wish them
all a very rewarding and safe experience.
Trip: East Timor
Dates: 21/6/15 – 2/7/15
Org.: Destination Dreaming
Students:13
Staff: Paul Lewis and Michael Wright
Trip: Southern India
Dates: 20/6/15 – 5/7/15
Org.: World Challenge Expeditions
Students: 13
Staff: Andrew Smith and
Michelle Chambers
Trip: North Stradbroke Island
Dates: 14/7/15 – 19/7/15
Org.: Destination Dreaming
Students:17
Staff: Christian Berti and
Stacey Learmonth
As the first two groups will depart before
the next newsletter, I wish the students
and staff involved a very safe, enriching
and enjoyable time. I look forward to
hearing about their experiences early next
term. I expect each group will share
information about their trips with our
school community, one way will be
articles in the newsletter.
Year 12 Winter Ball
After much collaboration and organisation
undertaken by the senior Student Leaders
of all four Geelong Catholic Secondary
Colleges, I am pleased to advise that on
Wednesday 24th of June 2015 a Winter
Ball has been organised, which will be
held at St Joseph’s College.
The Ball is only available to Year 12
students from Sacred Heart College, Saint
Ignatius College, Clonard College and St
Joseph’s College.
Parents/guardians need not attend,
however, staff from all four colleges will
be in attendance to supervise.
..... continued on Page 4
3
The evening will commence at 7.00pm
and conclude at 11.00pm. Individual
travel arrangements will need to be made
between students and parents/guardians.
Any profits generated from this event
will be donated to “Head Space”, a local
organisation that works with the youth
of Geelong in the area of mental health.
Headspace posters will be put up around
schools leading up to the event and a
guest speaker will make an appearance to
discuss the issue on the night.
The Winter Ball will be an alcohol free
event.
I expect all students to attend school on
the day of this event for the full day and
the next day. Please note that we don’t
want students to have to purchase
expensive clothing to be able to attend
this social event. The dress code is
semi-formal.
Year 12 Students interested in attending
have received a letter from Mr McLean
(Year 12 Level Coordinator) to be given
to parents that provides more details and a
parental permission slip.
2014 Annual Report to the School
Community
I am pleased to inform you that the Saint
Ignatius College Geelong 2014 Annual
INTERPOL on Wednesday night put six men
with links to FIFA on its most-wanted list, as
the US-led probe into a $200 million culture
of corruption at the world soccer body
intensified.
The bombshell came as Victorian leaders
savoured the prospect of Melbourne hosting
2022 World Cup matches a dream made
possible by Wednesday’s earlier
announcement by FIFA president Sepp
Blatter that he would resign.
The FBI has confirmed it is now investigating
Blatter, among a host of FIFA chiefs. Among
the six men Interpol issued an international
red alert for last night in connection with
racketeering and corruption counts is Jack
Warner of Trinidad and Tobago, an ex-FIFA
vice-president.
He has been accused of pocketing
US$462,000 that Football Federation
Australia gave soccer in his homeland, in
advance of the 2010 vote for 2018 and 2022
World Cup hosting rights.
A shock result saw Qatar win the latter, our
failed bid costing $46 million.
More revelations from the US Department
of Justice are likely, with plea-deals on the
table for 14 soccer and sports marketing
officials including seven FIFA executives
arrested last week.
“Herald Sun”, Thurs. June 4
Report to the School Community is now
available on the College Website
www.ignatius.vic.edu.au and a copy is
also available upon request at the College
Office. The report covers three key areas:
l Professional Engagement;
l Key Student Outcomes; and
l Financial Performance.
The last day of term two is Friday 26th
June 2015. Students will be dismissed
at 2.20pm on this day due to the region’s
school bus last day of term timetable
arrangements.
Welcome to new staff member
Pastoral Letter from the Catholic
Bishops of Australia
On behalf of the College community
I welcome Ms Patricia McKay who is
replacing retired
Finance Officer,
Ms Jo Baxter.
Ms McKay brings a
wealth of
experience from
her previous
appointment in an
independent
secondary school
in the areas of finance and school
administration.
Reminder about dates
A reminder about some important dates:
Next Friday 19th June 2015 is a
Correction / Report Writing Day and there
will be no classes.
From Fr Kevin Dillon
Can you list the “Seven Deadly Sins”?
If not, then in alphabetical order they are:
Anger, Envy, Gluttony, Greed, Lust, Pride,
Sloth (or Laziness). So that’s the alphabetical
order. But what is the order of “deadliness”?
Traditionally, “Pride” would have “pride of
place” as the deadliest sin, and that is quite
arguable. But a number of modern
commentators have elevated “Greed” to
Number One position as the “most deadly”.
Of course, “Greed” can be an expression of
“Pride”, or “Pride” can cause “Greed”.
Either way, “Greed” can and will cause
enormous pain on many levels. More often
than not, greed can be the prime cause of
marriages breaking down, car thefts, home
burglaries, businesses going bust - and
international wars.
The amazing thing is that greed can often go
unrecognised until it has reached a flashpoint and then the fallout, and in some cases
massive fallout, begins.
We see greed at work often enough, but pay
attention only when the accusations, charges,
court hearings and sentences come to public
notice.
This week’s horrific debacle in world soccer and with FIFA in particular - will come as no
surprise to most.
Term Three commences on Tuesday 14th
July 2015. (Monday 13th July is a teacher
inservice day.)
The Archbishop of Melbourne, His Grace
Denis Hart, has written to principals in
Catholic schools asking that the Pastoral
Letter on Same-Sex Marriage approved
by the Australian Catholic Bishops during
their plenary meeting in May 2015 be
distributed to parents.
The Pastoral Letter (at the end of this
newsletter) is also available to download
from the CAM website, Catholic
Archdiocese of Melbourne: Church in
Melbourne, Australia > Archbishop >
Pastoral Letters and Messages > Same
Sex Marriage.
Best wishes,
Michael Exton Principal
The storm clouds of rumours and veiled
accusations have been doing the rounds for
years.
Now it’s a matter of justice hopefully being
done. The amazing things is that the key
players in the FIFA scandal have all been
talented, successful people - becoming
relatively wealthy by legitimate means.
They would have been able to live in
substantial homes in good localities, drive
quality cars, eat at better-than-average
restaurants etc. - yet the deadliest sin of
“greed” convinced them that all this was not
enough, and that they deserved something
better!
And if those desired possessions could not
be obtained legitimately, then “greed”
convinced them that corruption and bribery
had to be used.
The collapse of FIFA’s “ruling class” is a
worthwhile cautionary tale, reminding us
of just how powerful can be the conniving
infiltration of “greed”.
Does it deserve the title of “deadliest” sin?
If not, then it would still be pretty close!.
Fr Kevin Dillon,
Geelong
Deanery
Coordinator
and Association
of Canonical
Administrator
President
OAM
5
‘Noises Off!’
Photography by David Alexander
The VCE Theatre Studies class presented a short season of Michael Frayn’s “Noises Off!” at the Potato Shed Theatre in June.
The play was Directed by student Billy Dando with assistance from Prue Brunt and Olivia Lewis. Every aspect of the performance
was student driven, from the lighting to the publicity, costume to make up and acting to set design/construction. The four
performances were well attended with glowing reviews praising the students hard work quick to follow.
Mr. Chris Dainton
4
The Five Steps of the
Ignatian ‘Examen’
Prayer
Faith Matters
Thanks
I give thanks for the
graces, benefits and
good things of my day.
Famiglia
Help
I ask the Holy Spirit for
help to discern my day
with openess.
He noted especially those who we do not have
the opportunity to see often. Life is busy.
Review
I review my day, hour by
hour, to see how God is
working in my life.
Response
I respond to what I felt
or learnt in the review of
my day.
Resolve
I resolve with hope and
grace to amend my life
tomorrow.
‘Examen’ adaption by
Fr. Michael Hansen SJ)
Recently a colleague reminded me how
important family is.
It is hard to stay in touch when there is so
much going on. When you reflect on the
important things in life however the short list
runs along the lines of God, family and health.
With these three key components life is good.
Removing or failing to appreciate one or more
leads to misery.
We have the time and opportunity to follow
this approach to the world. I would like to
encourage you to pray for your family, my
family and all those around the world who are
lucky enough to have loved ones that they can
be with.
Let us be truly present to those who are most
important in our lives. If only we could be
more like Jesus. If only we focused on the
importance of each moment. Living as if time
was insignificant.
I must end my message here as I have to call
my brother who I have failed to contact for a
few weeks. Although he lives in Townsville I
can still be present, if only I make the time.
Why then do we sometimes neglect those
we love? We fail to spend those extra few
moments ‘with’ them. We fail to make contact
with those who we love who are separated by
distance and time. We have a tendency to live
for the future, we often plan ahead.
Do you have someone you need to call also?
How many times do you think ‘it will be
better when’ or ‘I can’t wait until’?
Prayer for Families
We fail so often to live in the moment. Jesus
was the perfect example for all of us.
He showed us how to be present. How to truly
value those in our lives and experience all of
the joy those precious seconds, minutes or
hours offer. He gave all of his attention to
those he was with. I can only imagine what
those he interacted with experienced by being
in his presence and feeling of his presence.
I imagine that you would know when he was
around and you would know when he spoke to
you or focused on you time was insignificant.
In his humanity Jesus encountered all of the
emotions that we do in our lives. He felt the
love of his family, sorrow, joy, pain and
happiness. In his divinity he connected those
in his time, and us today, closer to the Father
through these human experiences and
emotions. In being human God lived and died.
In Christ’s resurrection we are promised that
those we love today will be with us eternally
when our time comes, in the presence of the
Trinity.
We have been shown the way. We have been
given all the gifts required to live like Jesus.
Yours in Christ,
Brendan Nicholls
Liturgy Coordinator
Dear Lord,
Today we pray for our family. We pray
especially for those who live far from us.
Those who are waking up in rural centers,
those living interstate, loved ones preparing
for bed in Europe those enjoying the afternoon
in America and those loved ones holidaying in
our Australasian region. No matter where they
are Lord, be with them today or watch over
them as they sleep.
We pray for family members who have
through their choice, or ours, are estranged
and no longer enjoy our love. Send your Spirit
to soften their heart and ours, so that we may
again open our arms to one another and live
as you want us to.
We pray that those we love who have passed
away and now are with you. May they watch
over us carefully and guide us today through
their spiritual presence.
Father forgive us. Forgive us for all of the
times we have failed to reach out to our
family members, whether near or far. Guide
our hearts and prompt us to make time for
them. The business of this day will pass with
little reward. Remind us that our reward is in
loving others, especially those in our family
who support us and keep us in their prayers.
Amen
6
Term 2 Social Justice Report
There is always something happening in
Social Justice at the College, and Term 2
is no exception. Homeroom captains
were recently bestowed their badges at
year level assemblies and acknowledged
at the whole school assembly; and these
captains are currently working in their
homerooms to make the annual College
Winter Appeal a success.
The Winter Appeal is an important Social
Justice initiative whereby we collect nonperishable pantry and household items
in addition to winter warming items like
blankets, coats, beanies and scarves.
Also in these holidays, is the Refugee
Holiday Program in partnership with all
other Geelong Catholic Colleges and
Diversitat. Always a fun and rewarding
day, more information will be coming out
regarding this very soon - so watch this
space.
Senior students, start thinking about
whether you want to be part of the
College’s annual Winter Sleep Out.
Places are restricted to 25 and all
participants are required to raise a
minimum of $60 to participate.
Again, stay tuned for more information
so you don’t miss out - a meeting for
interested students will be held in the last
week of term and is open to Years 11 and
12 student only.
The College Social Justice Committee
looks forward to your support in these
upcoming initiatives.
Sarah Callahan
Social Justice Coordinator.
All items donated are passed on to St
Vincent de Paul and help local Geelong
residents get through the coming winter
months. The Appeal runs until the end of
term - so it’s not too late to donate!
As ever, our eager and community
minded students are inundating us with
the desire to help at the Christ Church
Meals Program in Geelong, and it was
tremendous to see our College Captains
Vievey Nicholls and Harry Stannard, in
addition to Milly Stannard at the Meals
Program recently. Saint Ignatius College
volunteers fortnightly at the Program,
which feeds Geelong residents a hot
breakfast every day of the year and a two
course hot meal twice a week.
Our commitment to the Meals Program
continues throughout the holiday period,
so if you are willing and able to volunteer
between 3:30 and 6pm on Wednesday
July 1st, please email callahans@ignatius.
vic.edu.au for more information.
Student Procedures when accessing Headspace Bellarine
It is essential that all students who leave the College grounds during the school day to visit Headspace adhere to the
following procedure.
l
l
Have a note in your daily planner signed by your parents that clearly states the time of your appointment.
If for some reason you are unable to have your parents sign your planner you should then seek out either one of our Student
Wellbeing Officers. Mel Anset or Adam Dickinson may then write a note in your planner.
This can only be done before school on the day of your appointment.
l Before leaving the College grounds you must follow the normal exit procedure. You will need to present your note to the
front office and sign out. As soon as your appointment is finished you will need to return to the College via the front office
where you will sign in.
Failure to follow the above procedure may result in you being unable to attend your appointment.
Further consequences may also ensue.
7
Year 10 Career EXPO - May 27th
On Wednesday May 27 our Year 10
students heard from a variety of visiting
speakers including the opportunity of
listening to Dr. Jude Walker a Futurist
with the Geelong Local Learning
Employment Network (GLLEN)
regarding jobs of the future and current
employment trends.
Representatives from Deakin, Victoria,
LaTrobe and the Australian Catholic
Universities as well as The Gordon TAFE
provided students with an overview of
their courses on offer and later met with
each of the students in the Potato Shed for
an EXPO style presentation.
Ms. Leesa Snookes (along with first
year VCAL Intermediate student Nicola
Gordon) provided a presentation on the
Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning
(VCAL) program and the benefits of
undertaking a “hands-on” course of study.
Kirsty Cassidy
kcassidy@gordontafe.edu.au
Nicola has plans to go on to further study
and University in her area of passion,
which is Graphic Design.
Joanna Little Joanna.little@vu.edu.au
Students wishing to contact the presenters
can do so on the following emails
Paul Newitt p.newitt@deakin.edu.au
Sarah Andrews
s.andrews@latrobe.edu.au
Elsie Stoel
elsie.stoel@acu.edu.au
Louise Goodwin
lgoodwin@strategies4excellence.com.au
Bruce Connor
Work and Further Education Coordinator
Students were given the opportunity to
discuss particular courses and gather
Undergraduate and Certificate course
guides in readiness for the upcoming
Open Days, beginning in early August.
Ms. Louise Goodwin representing
G-Force Recruitment presented to the
students and focused her delivery on;
interview preparation and tips on
developing a relevant Resume as well as
letter writing skills. She finished off
clearly identifying the differences
between apprenticeships and traineeships.
Two previous Saint Ignatius College
students provided students with some
insight into their lives beyond Saint
Ignatius College.
Mr. Nick Tsavaris (ex student) with Mr. Bruce Connor
Current University student Michael
Clifton explained how he went from an
average student to a high achieving one
thorough discipline and hard work.
Michael is on the verge of completing his
Honors Degree in Engineering
(Mechatronics) at Deakin University.
Nick Tsavaris provided students with a
little insight into his Real Estate career to
date where he often works up to 80 hours
per week. The enjoyment he gets from
being able to provide a service to a person
buying a home is one that keeps him
going. “I could not think of anything else
I’d like to do, I love it”, Nick said.
Ms. Leesa Snookes and Nicola Gordon (current VCAL student)
Following on, Ms. Anna Oliver spoke
briefly about the Victorian Certificate of
Education (VCE) and the importance of
choosing subjects that you will enjoy and
that you intend to do for years 11 and 12.
Mr. Paul Newitt (Deakin University)
Mr. Michael Clifton (ex student)
8
South India Training Expedition
Thirteen lucky students headed for South
India on a World Challenge trip this June/
July school holidays, recently spent two
days in Daylesford on a training
expedition.
While the day spas looked like the much
better option, the purpose of the training
weekend was to ensure that the student
Challengers, from Years 9 and 10, and
School Leaders were familiar with hiking
and camping, to go over safety and
hygiene instructions for the trip and it was
a chance to get to know each other in an
environment that has somewhat similar
conditions to those that will be
experienced on the trip to South India.
Although the overnight low of 1°C didn’t
quite feel like the Monsoonal Indian
weather to be expected when they arrive,
the expedition proved a valuable
experience for the Challengers to take
care of a budget, buy and prepare meals,
navigate walking tracks and participate in
a range of scenarios that they may face in
India.
When the students land in India, they will
spend an orientation day in Kochi, trek
the rolling hills of Munnar, work on a
community project, and enjoy some rest
and relaxation time on the coast.
Saint Ignatius College
The countdown is now on for the school
holidays.
World Challenge
South India 2015
Michelle Chambers and Andrew Smith
South India School Leaders
Come to our new FREE lunch time Inventors Club
Learn to invent robotics and microchips in a fun practical way with
Science Technology Engineering Maths Social Enterprise Learning
(STEMSEL).
Michael Clifton a robotics University student from Deakin University
has offered to run a STEMSEL Inventors Club on Tuesdays and
Fridays during lunch. The workshops initially will be FREE for the
term so that anyone can get started. The program is suitable for
students of all year levels. This will help you understand STEMSEL
at school and many students have won scholarships based on their
experience at STEMSEL Inventors Club!
Heath came to STEMSEL Inventors Club and became an inventor.
See his video: http://youtu.be/02HEg2WrQog
Click here to read about his winning trip to Singapore
The Club will be held at The Technology building (T6) provided
enough people contact me that they would like to be involved. Email Mr. Zanghi on zanghib@ignatius.vic.edu.au to be a part of the STEMSEL club or if you require
further information.
9
Canteen
Roster
Parents and
Friends’
Association:
Starting 15th June
Monday 15th
T. Kevich, A. Brown,
J. Chainski, B. Rees,
E. Hudson
Tuesday 16th
L. Vella, C. Duncan,
C. Carey, B. Downey
Meetings for 2015
Wednesday 17th
R. Scott, T. Gullan,
R. Hay, L. Eastwood,
M. Sideris, P. Vaughan
We need your support can you assit by offering:
Goods - Vouchers Services
Thursday 18th
E. Carpenter, C. Lyons,
M. Hallam, M. White
Suggestions - Workplace Vouchers,
Sponsorship
Restaurant Meals, Wines, Experiences,
Gifts.
Friday 19th
No Canteen
Student Free Day
Starting 22nd June
Monday 22nd
C. Dumarezq, A Brown,
N. Van Vliet, Needed
Tuesday 23rd
R. Morrison, T. Vuleta,
T. Mifsud, T. Tormey,
S. Schwaiger
Wednesday 24th
J. Laney, A. Schneider,
M. Sideris, Needed
Thursday 25th
P. Bakker, S. Clark,
M. Van Loon, M. White,
T. Wagener
Friday 26th
E. Stokie, D. Byron,
W. Boylan, L. Hart,
K. Butler, S. Anson
If unable to attend, please
make sure you get a
replacement.
Sandra Woodall
Tel: 0417 050258
The Parents & Friends’ Association
cordially invite all those interested to
their meetings for 2015 held from
7.30pm onward in the Food Tech
Centre on the following dates:
Meeting schedule:
July
Monday 13th
August
Tuesday 11th
September
Monday 14h
October
Tuesday 13th
November
Monday 9th AGM
DecemberTBA
All donations will be gratefully received and
acknowledged. Thank-you.
Please contact our Parents and Friends’
Association Rep:
Erin Carpenter
email: sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.edu.au
Supporting Performing Arts Deptartment
and
The Musical
2015 Parents and
Friends Contact List
The Minutes for all meetings can be
found on the College website in the
Parents and Friends’ Portal when
available. The Agenda for the
up-coming meeting is also available
from the website just prior to the
meeting date.
Uniform
Shop
The uniform shop is located behind the
office and is open Monday mornings
between 8.30 and 9.30am, and
Monday afternoons between 2 and
3.30pm.
It is the start of a new year and time to update the
Parents and Friends Contact list…
We have a wide variety of uniform in
stock and we also sell new socks.
If you are an existing Member of the 2014 Parents
and Friends list, please email Kristi (Secretary) to
ensure all your details are still correct.
Please email uniform@ignatius.vic.
edu.au for any enquiries regarding
buying or selling uniform.
If you would like to have your name added to
the Parents and Friends Contact list and you
have never been on this contact list before,
please email: Kristi Papp (Secretary, Parents and
Friends’ Association) on sicgpandf@ignatius.vic.
edu.au with your name, email address.
We are also looking for volunteers to
help out once a month, either mornings
or afternoons. Contact us on
uniform@ignatius.vic.edu.au if you
are intetrested.
There are many events and activities throughout
the year which you may like to support or be a
volunteer for. You do not need to attend any or
all of the Parents and Friends’ meetings in order
to assist with Working Bees, Open Day, or other
Fund Raising Events. Every small contribution is
highly valued and greatly appreciated
Kristi Papp - Secretary
10
English News: Upcoming Author Visit
On Monday 15th June, Ellie O’Neill, author of “Reluctantly Charmed” will be coming to
Saint Ignatius College.
Ellie will be talking to students from the year 12 LEAP class, as well as students from various
Literature and English Elective classes from years 9-12.
She will speak about creating and developing original writing ideas and the process of working towards publication.
The presentation will take place in the ILC at 3:15
This is a great opportunity for our students to meet and chat with an accomplished author in a relaxed
and informal fashion.
Ms Gemma Etherington Head of English
Thursday September 3rd and Friday September 4th 2015 @ GPAC
Booking details to follow shortly.
Camps, Sports and Excursions
Fund Announced
Main Points
lThe Victorian Government has announced $148 million over four years for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF), to ensure all Victorian students can take part in school trips and sporting activities.
lFamilies who hold a valid means-tested concession card or who are temporary foster parents are eligible to apply.
lThe information available on the CSEF website includes:
l CSEF Application form for parents/guardians
l CSEF A4 flyer to assist schools with promoting the CSEF to parents/guardians.
lPrincipals have primary responsibility for communicating the availability of the CSEF to their school community, and
directing them to the application form.
lSchool administrators will be required to enter the parent/legal guardian’s information from the application form into the online CSEF web system. Schools will need to maintain remittance advices for audit purposes.
lThe CSEF web system is now live for schools to commence entering applications.
lThe CSEF payments will be remitted directly to schools and be tied to the student.
Critical Dates:
lIn 2015, schools will be able to accept and process applications until 26 June 2015.
lFinal payments are expected to be received by schools early in Term 4.
Additional Information:
Further information on the fund can be viewed at the Victorian Government Department of Education and Training website:
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/Pages/csef.aspx.
11
Sorry Day Ceremony Photography by Paul O’Brien
Photos from our Sorry Day ‘Smoking’ Ceremony held on Tuesday the 2nd of June.
12
Year 10 - 12 Girls Football
Saint Ignatius senior girls football side
fought hard all day to record excellent
results at the GISSA carnival.
Players were kitted up and ready to
pounce on the Sacred Heart Girls side in
round one, but despite being in the game
all day just went down to the opposition
in a close one with final scores locked at:
Sacred Heart 5.9.39 and Saint Ignatius
0.0.0.
All players showed determination,
courage and skill and were willing to
work for each other and leading the way
was midfielder and the day’s best player
Tiahna Andree-Jansz.
More swithed on in game 2 lead to the
wolverines singing the song for the first
time. Co captains Sarah Van Arend and
Rebecca Haines and Kelsey Notting were
starting to get busy in the middle of the
ground.
Kelsey slotted the first goal and when
Maddie Searle followed up with a second
moments later there were jubilant scenes
on the bench.
Teleea Drever was also a good link up
player and Alexandra Gannon provided
a strong target at half forward.
Final scores: Saint Ignatius 2.1.13 to
Clonard 1.0.6
The Year 12 girls gave an impassioned
plea at half time about this last
opportunity to represent the college in
Girls football and the rest of the girls
followed.
Now used to the mud players were asked
for an extra effort. And things were
looking good until Teleea Drever went
down with an ankle injury half way
through the match. Victoria Herrring
was marking strongly, Laura Mellican
showing skill and Cecilia Johnston
creating space on the half forward flank.
Wild scenes followed the final siren as
players celebrated with photos and mud
all mixed in together.
Madeleine Lakey continued to rebound
from defence and again Tiahna and
Kelsey were amongst our best.
Final Scores Saint Ignatius 0.0.0 to
Kardinia 2.2.14
The coach was last seen talking to some
interested AFL scouts.
In the last match the coach let the players
choose their own positions and it worked.
What a pleasure it was to see the
enthusiasm, spirit and manner in which
these girls performed and represented the
school.
Well done to all.
Mr O’Brien
Year 10-12 Girls Football Coach
Saint Ignatius went on to win 2.2.14 to
Christian College 0.3.3.
Goal kickers were Kelsea Notting and
Phoebe Carr.
‘Saint Ignatius, 3222 - Radio Play’ Public Speaking Evening
See the ‘Performing Arts News’ article on the following page
13
Notre Dame Choir
Choir students were treated to an amazing
experience recently when they were
invited to attend the Notre Dame Choir
concert and workshop in Melbourne.
The talented choir performed to many
students from various catholic colleges,
followed by a liturgical workshop and
mass.
Mr Brendan Nichols and myself were so
inspired by this day and we are both
looking forward to our students singing
many of their wonderful songs.
Year 10 music students entertain the families at the
soup kitchen.
Year 10 Music in Motion
Music in motion is a subject which is
based on serving others.
Pictured: Sarah, Catherine, Abbey, Laura, Heidi ,
Notre Dame Student.
Year 11 Music Soirée
The year 11 music class experienced their
first VCE Soirée last week in the potato
shed when they performed their solo and
group works to staff, parents and friends
of the college.
I was very proud of all the students and
I am looking forward very much to their
next Soirée in November.
The year 10 class recently performed at
the Geelong soup kitchen and I am sure
the many families were impressed by the
students’ talents and also their willingness
to assist with the meals.
Thanks to Ms Doble for organising this
event.
Dance /Drama Night
Last Tuesday evening parents and friends
were treated to a great night of
entertainment from the Years 9 and 10
drama and dance classes.
Year 10 student Dylan Crawley.
Year 12 Play “Noises Off”
Mr Dainton and his VCE drama students
have been very busy for many weeks as
they rehearsed for their play “Noises Off”.
It was wonderful to see so many members
of the community, parents, friends,
teachers and students attend the many
performances. Well done to the VCE
drama students and to Mr Dainton for a
job very well done.
Many thanks to the students involved and
special thanks to Mr Dainton,
Ms Chambers and Mrs Brown.
Pru Brunt in “Noises Off”.
14
Voices for our future
Orchestra Excursion
The college art gallery was the perfect
setting for parents and friends of the
college who attended the Public Speaking
recital which was held last night.
Many of our orchestral students both
junior and senior attended the combined
schools band workshop and concert which
was held at St Joseph’s college last week.
The theme for the evening was “Saint
Ignatius, 3222 - Radio Play”.
Students reported that it was a great
opportunity to work with other students
from the Geelong region and get the
experience of playing in a large ensemble.
I couldn’t help but think during the recital,
that tuition in public speaking is certainly
a great step in the right direction for our
future leaders, not only for our college but
in the wider community.
Congratulations to all the students and
many thanks to our inspiring public
speaking teacher, Ms Amanda La Bonte.
Thanks to Ms Doble for organising this
excursion.
Ms Cordell conducts the Year 7 band.
Instrumental Music Tuition
Semester 2
Timetables are now being organised for
Semester 2, so students interested in
private music or public speaking tuition
are to obtain an instrumental form from
the front office.
Please complete and return forms as soon
as possible to the office or to Mrs Pape.
Performing Arts
Coming Event
Monday June 15th, 6pm
Year 7 Instrumental Showcase,
Potato Shed.
Thursday June 18th 6pm.
Year 10 Music in Motion,
College Art Gallery.
Thursday June 25th, 6pm
Year 12 Soiree, Potato Shed.
Friday June 26th, 6pm
Year 12 “Community Concert”,
Potato Shed.
Looking forward to seeing many parents
and friends at our special nights.
Regards,
Linda Pape
Learning Area Leader - Performing Arts
A Year in France
Current Saint Ignatius student Samantha
Gravener shares her experiences gained
five months into a 12 month student
exchange to France under the auspices of
Rotary International.
Where?
For the entire year, I am living in a small
town called Saint Jorioz. It is located on
Lake Annecy, and surrounded by
mountains (I see ‘Mont Blanc’ everyday
when I drive to school).
Saint Jorioz is located about 15 minutes
from the beautiful city of Annecy. It is a
relatively small city in the Haute-Savoie
department in the Rhône-Alpes region in
South-Eastern France.
What are the objectives of Rotary
Youth Exchange?
The objectives of Rotary Youth Exchange
include various things. For example,
furthering international goodwill and
understanding by enabling youths to learn
about, and accept cultural differences of
people in lands abroad.
Through accepting and learning about a
new culture, the youths are also able to
advance their education by learning life
lessons that you wouldn’t learn in your
typical classroom at home.
Youth exchange students obtain a role of
acting as Youth Ambassadors for their
own country and their Rotary Club.
They do this by imparting as much
knowledge they can of their own
country to the people they meet during
their exchange year.
15
What is Rotary?
Rotary is an international, non-profitable
service whose purpose is to bring together
a variety of business and professional
leaders in a bid to provide humanitarian
services, encourage high ethical standards
in all vocations, and help build goodwill
and peace in the world.
lThe development of opportunities for
service.
lHigh ethical standards within
professions (the worthiness of all
useful occupations and dignifying by
each Rotarian of his occupation as an
opportunity to serve society).
lAdvancement of international
understanding, goodwill and peace.
What are the objectives of the
youths going on an exchange?
lTo experience first-hand some of
the accomplishments and differences
of people in other lands.
lTo broaden our outlook by learning
to adapt to the day-to-day living of a
completely different culture.
lTo potentially pick up a foreign
language.
What qualities do you need to be
an exchange student?
lThe ability to adapt
lBeing willing to step out of your
comfort zone
lConstantly being eager and willing to
try new things
lSmile!
lThe ability to integrate
lAlways (within reason) say ‘yes’ to
new opportunities
lBe happy to learn and also to teach
lBe mature, respectful and
independent
What are the expectations of an
exchange student?
Many people view an exchange year as a
‘holiday’; however, it’s nothing close to it.
It may seem like it is because you could
be travelling often like I have been, but
unfortunately, it’s much more challenging
than your everyday life. You’re faced with
many struggles that generally
succumb from cultural and language
differences, along with homesickness…
As an exchange student you cannot go
into your year expecting that it will be a
holiday.
lIt is expected that you abide by all
guidelines set by Rotary.
lMake every effort to adapt to cultural
differences.
lLearn and speak the countries
language.
lLive as a family member rather than
a guest in your host family.
lBe more than prepared for homesick ness, as there’s no doubt you will suffer from this at some stage of your exchange - it’s normal.
lYou must attend school and work
conscientiously for good results.
lHave a general knowledge of
Australia’s history, traditions, and
current events.
lBe truly appreciative for your
opportunity.
lDon’t be critical of the culture of your
host country.
lBe conscious of your actions at all
times. You are seen as an example
for other current, and future exchange
students.
As a Rotary Youth Exchange student, it
is normal to have three or four ‘host’
families. I have three. During the year,
you live within these families (who
generally have children your age) as if
you were a part of the family, not a guest.
My families thus far have done all they
can to make me feel at home and I’m very
appreciative for this, as I am very
comfortable with them. I appreciate and
love my host families.
I attend school everyday just like a normal
student; however, there are some
occasions that I miss school due to
organised trips with Rotary or my host
families.
For the first half of the year I went to
a ‘professional’ school, which is like a
vocational school in Australia. I studied
Commerce and Aesthetics.
The classes I attended were relatively
easy and this gave me the chance to focus
on learning the language.
For the remainder of the year I will attend
a ‘science’ school, where I will study
Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Maths,
Spanish, French and English. It will be
much more difficult.
Between these studies I’ve been travelling
a lot and playing sport. I have been to
many cities in France - Lyon, Grenoble,
Paris, Cannes, Nice, etc., but also other
countries. I have had the opportunity to
go to Germany, Monaco, Austria, Czech
Republic, Italy, Switzerland, and Spain.
For the first few months in France, I skied
often (every weekend) with my host
families. Now that it’s summer, we do a
lot of hiking in the mountains and also
long bike rides.
I have made very close friendships with
other exchange students. I would never
have expected to be such good friends
with people from Ecuador, Finland,
Brazil, Mexico, Poland and America.
The connection all of the exchange
students have is really difficult to explain,
something I don’t think I’ll ever be able to
put into words. These people understand
everything that you go through because
they are going through it too, so it’s like
a huge support system - like a makeshift
family. I don’t get to see my entire district
of exchange students often, but there are
five others who live in my city that I see
all the time.
It’s strange to think people who I didn’t
know a year ago, have now become some
of the most important people in my life,
and at the end of the year these goodbyes
will be the hardest because I don’t know
if I’ll ever see them again.
Samantha Gravener
16
Financial Assistance
Information for Parents
Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF)
Every Victorian child should
have access to the world of
learning opportunities that
exist beyond the classroom.
The Camps, Sports and
Excursions Fund will ensure
that no student will miss
out on the opportunity to
join their classmates for
important, educational
and fun activities.
School camps provide children with
inspiring experiences in the great
outdoors, excursions encourage
a deeper understanding of how
the world works and sports teach
teamwork, discipline and leadership.
All are part of a healthy curriculum.
CSEF will be provided by the Victorian
Government to assist eligible families
to cover the costs of school trips,
camps and sporting activities.
If you hold a valid means-tested
concession card or are a temporary
foster parent, you may be eligible
for CSEF. The allowance will be paid
to the school to use towards expenses
relating to camps, excursions, or
sporting activities for the benefit
of your child.
The annual CSEF amount per student
will be:
• $125 for primary school
students
• $225 for secondary school
students.
How to Apply
Contact the school office to obtain
a CSEF application form or download
from www.education.vic.gov.au/csef
Closing Date
You should lodge a CSEF application
form at the school by 26 June 2015.
For more information about the CSEF
visit www.education.vic.gov.au/csef
17
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Parents & Friends Association
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Trivia
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Supporting Performing Arts Dept
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18
St Vincent de Paul
Winter Appeal
When: Start of May
to the end of June
Why: To help
Vinnies care for
those in need in the
Geelong region
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Where: Every
homeroom
Students are asked to help Vinnies
by bringing non-perishable food
items and good quality winter
blankets, coats, scarves and
gloves to school.
All items donated to St Vincent de
Paul.
19
Further
Education
Expo
Further Education Expo Participants
Australian Catholic University
Australian College of Applied Psychology
Deakin University
Deakin College
Federation University
JMC Academy
La Trobe University
Monash University
Navitas College of Public Safety
RMIT University
Swinburne University of Technology
The Gordon
The University of Melbourne
Victoria University
William Angliss Institute of TAFE
Deakin Waterfront Campus
1 Gheringhap Street
Geelong
Monday 20th July 2015
4:00pm - 8:00pm
20
INFORMATIVE - ENGAGING - INSPIRATIONAL - CHALLENGING
COME AND ENJOY AN ENGAGING EVENING
WITH THESE INSPIRING LADIES
Sarah Valentine
Accredited Business Coach and Trainer
www.sarahvalentine.com.au/about-sarah
Sarah Carroll
Ukulele Queen of The Bellarine
www.facebook.com/sarahcarrollukulelequeen
When:
June 17th, 2015.
Doors open at 6.30pm for 7.00pm start/8.30pm
Carol McCarthy
Proprietor Helloworld Drysdale
www.helloworld.com.au
Venue:
Potato Shed, Bellarine Multi Arts Centre.
41 Peninsula Drive, Drysdale.
Admission: $5 Includes light refreshments.
You will find this meeting informative of what is
happening in your Bellarine District;
come along and be inspired!
Info: www.hubbellarine.com
Phone : 0452 212 230
Email : committeeforbellarine@mail.com
Bookings
essential
Book early
5251 1735
HUB Bellarine
21
OPEN DAYS 2015
INSTITUTION Australian Catholic University Melbourne Campus Ballarat Campus Australian National University DATE TIME CONTACT DETAILS Sun 9 August Sun 30 August Sat 29 August Sat 25 July 10am – 4pm 10am – 3pm 10am – 4pm 2pm – 8pm Sun 23 August Thurs 13 August TBC 2pm – 6pm Sat 22 August Sun 2 August Sun 9 August Sun 23 August Sun 30 August 11am – 3pm 10am – 3pm 9am – 3pm 9am – 4pm 10am – 3pm 16 July 13 August 17 September 22 October 19 November Sun 22 August 10am – 6.30pm La Trobe University & La Trobe Melbourne Shepparton Campus Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus Bendigo Campus Mildura Campus Albury-‐Wodonga Campus Monash University Berwick Open House Peninsula Campus Clayton & Caulfield Campuses Parkville Campus (Pharmacy Focus) RMIT City, Bundoora & Brunswick Campuses Fri 7 August Sun 9 August Sun 16 August Sun 19 August Fri 28 August Wed 29 July Sat 1 August Sun 2 August Sun 16 August Sun 9 August TBC 4pm – 8pm 10am – 4pm 10am – 4pm 10am – 4pm 10am – 4pm 1800 666 274 www.monash.edu.au/openday Swinburne University Hawthorn Sun 2 August 10am – 4pm 1300 275 794 www.swinburne.edu.au/openday University of Melbourne Parkville & Southbank Campuses Burnley Campus Victoria University Footscray Park campus William Angliss Institute of TAFE Sun 16 August Sat 5 September Sun 23 August Sun 9 August 9am – 4pm 10am – 2pm 10am – 3pm 10am – 4pm 1800 801 662 https://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/exp
lore/events/victoria_and_interstate/victori
a/university_of_melbourne_open_day Bond University Box Hill Institute Central Queensland University (Melbourne) Chisholm Institute Deakin University & MIBT Warrnambool Campus Geelong Campus (Waurn Ponds & Waterfront) Melbourne (Burwood) Campus Federation University of Australia Mount Helen Campus; SMB Holmesglen Institute Open Thursday’s – all campuses JMC Academy 10.30am – 3.00pm 1300 ASK ACU Email: opendayvic@acu.edu.au www.acu.edu.au/openday http://www.anu.edu.au/study/events/anu-‐
open-‐day-‐2015 1800 074 074 https://bond.edu.au/future-‐
students/study-‐bond/see-‐yourself/open-‐
day-‐bond-‐university 1300 269 445 www.boxhillinstitute.edu.au https://www.cqu.edu.au/calendar/event-‐
items/graduation/melbourne-‐open-‐
day?SQ_CALENDAR_DATE=2015-‐08-‐13 http://www.chisholm.edu.au/open 1800 334 733 http://openday.deakin.edu.au/ 1800 333 864 http://federation.edu.au/future-‐
students/study-‐at-‐feduni/open-‐day 1300 MY FUTURE http://www.holmesglen.edu.au/open 1300 410 311 http://www.jmcacademy.edu.au/events/o
pen-‐days/register-‐for-‐our-‐next-‐open-‐day-‐
2015.aspx 1300 135 045 http://www.latrobe.edu.au/openday 9925 2260 www.rmit.edu.au/openday 1300 VIC UNI www.vu.edu.au/open-‐day 1300 ANGLISS http://www.angliss.edu.au Addresses of tertiary institutions are available via VTAC on www.vtac.edu.au or by ringing the institution
directly or visiting their website.
Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 are encouraged to go along to Open Days
22
OPEN DAYS 2015
Getting the most out of an Open Day Most institutional Open Days are held in late July and August (see over the page for Open Day dates). However, you are more than welcome to contact an institution to arrange a visit any time. What happens on an Open Day? On Open Day you can visit an institution when it’s at its best. Everyone is there – academics, lecturers, current students and information officers. More importantly, you can talk with academics, lecturers and current students about what certain courses are actually like, and what is required to get into them. Who should attend an Open Day? Anyone who is considering studying at a tertiary level in the next few years should attend. Why should you attend an Open Day? Apart from the opportunity to obtain course information there are many other reasons why attending an Open Day is a good idea: •
You are going to feel more comfortable arriving at a university or TAFE institute on the first day of classes if you have been there before. •
What is really involved in the course or courses you are interested in? •
If you have to move away from home, where are you going to live? •
Will you be happier studying in a large metropolitan institution or a smaller, perhaps rural institution? •
What does the place ‘feel’ like? Is it a bustling environment with lots of activity or a quieter, more relaxed campus set in landscaped grounds? •
How are you going to get there? Is it close to public transport or should you start saving now for a car? If you don’t know the answers to any of these questions, then you should attend an Open Day! How to make the best of Open Days To make your Open Day visits fun and informative, here are some pointers: •
Write down a list of questions you would like to ask about particular courses •
Be there early. Crowds tend to develop as the day progresses •
On arrival, get a map from a central point and ask for directions to the relevant faculties or schools •
Ask questions! •
Don’t spend the day collecting printed information only. Use the opportunity to speak directly with academics before applications close •
Introduce yourself to selection officers if you feel it is appropriate, but don’t be pushy •
Check out the residential colleges, if available. After all, it is you that will be living there. •
Walk around the campus. Have a good look! See what sporting facilities and other services are available. •
Enjoy the visit! Not everyone can attend every Open Day and various Institutions hold their Open Days on the same date! If you can’t attend an Open Day and you are interested in a particular institution, you may visit at other times. If you wish to speak to a particular person, it is essential to make an appointment first. Addresses of tertiary institutions are available via VTAC on www.vtac.edu.au or by ringing the institution
directly or visiting their website.
Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 are encouraged to go along to Open Days
23
Support
Others
Survival
YOGA
Fundraiser for Vanuatu
Saturday June 20
19 Sydney Avenue, Geelong
REGISTER / DONATE
www.athayoga.com.au
0407 684 355
CLASSES
*Beginners *Women *Men *Athletes
*Kids *Teens *Gentle *Prenatal
24
INSIGHTS
Building parent-school partnerships
WORDS Michael Grose
What it means to
be an emotionally
intelligent parent
Ten year-old Elle liked to be active, but one
weekend things got out of control. A jazz
ballet concert, a game of netball, and a
family visit to her cousin’s house meant no
time to herself.
And she let her parents know it with
constant moaning, as well as a tantrum or
two.
Her father held his tongue for most of
the weekend, but couldn’t help but give
her some fatherly advice on Sunday night.
“You’ve spent the whole weekend moaning
about how busy you are. Maybe you need
to drop one of your activities, if they are
stressing you out so much!”
A tantrum followed…from Elle.
Elle’s mum took a different tack. She had
a hunch that something was bothering her
daughter. “You sound like something is
bothering you big-time. What’s up?”
her mum understood how she felt. In fact,
her mum had unlocked the problem for her
and reflected back how she felt.
Elle’s dad focused on her behaviour and
responded in kind (with well-meaning
advice about her future behaviour), while
her mother focused on the feelings that
acted as a possible driver to her daughter’s
behaviour. She took an emotionally smart
approach, which turned out to be the right
one in this circumstance.
Emotionally intelligent parents don’t
dismiss children’s behaviour and allow kids
to do as they please. There are times that
we need to focus on a child’s behaviour.
A child who is rude in public should be
reminded in no uncertain terms that poor
manners are inappropriate.
“I’ve got to give a talk at school on
Monday in front of the whole school and I
haven’t time to prepare. It’ll be awful and
everyone will laugh.”
However, there are times when smart
parents need to look beyond the obvious
behaviours to get an good understanding
of what’s happening to their child, and to
help a child better understand and manage
their emotions.
Her mum replied, “You sound like you
might be pretty nervous. That makes sense.
Giving a talk in front others can be nervewracking.”
So what does an emotionally intelligent
parent look like? And importantly what is
the impact on kids, parents and families of
this approach?
Elle dropped her shoulders, smiled and
said, “You bet!” She was relieved because
Emotionally intelligent parents have the
following five attributes in common.
They will usually:
1 Listen more and judge less
There is nothing better than being
understood. Parents who operate from
an emotionally-smart mindset are more
likely to listen to their kids when emotions
are high, trying to access what may be
going on, rather than clamping down their
behaviour or closing them down with wellmeaning advice.
IMPACT: Better, more open relationships.
2 Accept strong emotions
Anyone who lives with teenagers will know
that emotions can run very high. They
can say the worst possible things to each
other and, at times, to you. Ten minutes
after delivering a hateful tirade they can
be cuddling up to the person who was the
butt of their anger, frustration or anxiety.
Emotionally intelligent parents know that
feelings need to expressed rather than
bottled up, and allowed to fester. They
also believe there is nothing so bad that
a child can’t give voice to in a family,
however there are behaviours that are not
unacceptable.
IMPACT: A healthy expression of emotions.
more on page 2
e from Michael Grose. Join
Stay one step ahead of your kids with great ideas & expert advic
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© 2015 Michael Grose
parentingideas.com.au
INSIGHTS
2
Building parent-school partnerships
... What it means to be an
emotionally intelligent parent ...
3 Focus on the present
5 Develop a language
Most parents are rightfully future-focused.
We focus on the homework that needs to
be handed in tomorrow; the washing that
needs to be done; the meal that needs
to be cooked. That’s part of everyday life.
Children generally focus on the here and
now. That of course can be frustrating to
a task-oriented future-focused mother or
father. However when we lower our gaze
we are more likely to pick up how kids
are feeling, and importantly help them
understand and manage their moods and
emotions.
IMPACT: Happier families and less stress
felt at home.
4 Use rules rather than their
moods to determine discipline
Some parents discipline according to their
moods. If they feel good then they give
children plenty of lenience. If they are feel
bad then they pick their kids up on every
little thing. It’s better to stick to the family
and house rules; that makes you more
predictable, which kids really crave.
IMPACT: More consistent parenting
around feelings
A family develops a vocabulary around the
things that are important to them. Kids in
a sport mad family will inevitably have a
rich vocabulary around their chosen sport.
The same holds for emotional intelligence.
Families that truly value building
emotional smarts will develop in kids a
rich palette of words that will help them
describe how they feel. This vocabulary
will inevitably stay with them for life.
IMPACT: Better relationships later in life at
work and in their own families.
At a time when anger and anxiety has
never been so high in families, there is a
massive need for a parenting approach
that includes emotional intelligence.
Many parents struggle in the area of
helping children understand and manage
their emotions because we’ve never
had any training in it. We didn’t learn it
from our parents, and more than likely
haven’t learned it at work. Emotional
intelligent parenting can be learned. At
Parentingideas emotional intelligence is
central to the work we do with parents.
We know first hand that kids who have
parents versed in Emotional Intelligence
are more likely to raise kids with the skills
to be happier, enjoy better relationships
and experience more success at school.
Michael Grose
e from Michael Grose. Join
Stay one step ahead of your kids with great ideas & expert advic
b.com.au. You’ll be so glad you did.
Michael’s NEW Parentingideas Club today at parentingideasclu
parentingideas.com.au
School Calendar
June 2015
June 2015
Thursday 11th Year 11 Exams Continue
Thursday 11th and friday 12th
Thursday 11th
India Immersion Pre-departure Check
Thursday 11th Year 10 Debating
Geelong Grammar
Friday 12th
Year 9, 10 and 11 Exams Conclude
Friday 12th
Year 8 Football
Grovedale Secondary College
Monday 15th
VCE Semester 2 Commences
Monday 15th
Year 7 Music Concert
Tuesday 16th
Year 12 Business Excursion
Godfrey Hirst and Barwon Water
Tuesday 16th
College Production ‘Hairspray’ Rehearsal
3.00pm to 5.30pm
Wednesday 17th Year 8 Leadership and Mindfulness Session
Potato Shed
Thursday 18th Music in Motion Concert
Sant Ignatius College, 7.00pm to 8.30pm
Friday 19th
Year 7 / 8 Basketball
Werribee Stadium
Saturday 20th South India World Challenge Immersion
Saturday June 20th to Sunday July 5th
Sunday 21st
Timor Leste Immersion
Sunday June 21st to Thursday July 2nd
Monday 22nd
Year 10 Work Experience
Tuesday 23rd
Year 12 Mid Year Assembly ‘Red Frogs’
Tuesday 23rd
3.00pm to 5.30pm
Wednesday 24th Year 11 ‘Fit to Drive’
Driver safety run by Vic Police, TAC and
City of Greater Geelong
Thursday 25th Year 12 PE Excursion
Exercise Research Australia
Thursday 25th Year 12 VCE Soirée
Potato Shed 7.00pm to 9.30pm
Friday 26th
Year 12 PE Excursion
Exercise Research Australia
Friday 26th
National Sorry Day
Friday 26th
Last Day of Term 2
Classes finish at 2.20pm
Buses commence leaving 2.30pm
July 2015
Monday 13th
Student Free Day
Staff in-service
Monday 13th
Parents and Friends’ Association Meeting
Food Tech from 7.30pm
Tuesday 14th
First Day of Term 3
Tuesday 14th
3.00pm to 5.30pm
Tuesday 14th
Indigenous Immersion to Stradbroke Island
Tuesday 14th to Sunday 19th July
Monday 22nd Jesuit Province Immersion to Timor Leste
Monday June 22nd to Monday July 6th
Look for the Calendar available through the Saint Ignatius College
Website: www.ignatius.vic.edu.au
T IGNATIUS COLLEGE
SAIN
Saint Ignatius College
Geelong
27 Peninsula Drive, Drysdale, Victoria. 3222
E: info@ignatius.vic.edu.au
T: 03 5251 1136
www.ignatius.vic.edu.au
27
Don’t Mess
With Marriage
A Pastoral Letter
from the Catholic Bishops of Australia
to all Australians on
the ‘Same-sex Marriage’ Debate
Respect for all
© 2015 Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
At this time in history there is much discussion
about the meaning of marriage. Some
suggest that it is unjustly discriminatory not
to allow people with same-sex attraction
to marry someone of the same sex. Others
believe that marriage is an institution uniting
a man and a woman. We wish by this
pastoral letter to engage with this debate,
present the Church’s teaching to the faithful,
and explain the position of the Catholic
faithful to the wider community.
The Catholic Church opposes all forms of
unjust discrimination. We deplore injustices
perpetrated upon people because of
religion, sex, race, age etc. The Catechism of
the Catholic Church calls for understanding
for those with deep-seated homosexual
tendencies for whom this may well be a real
trial. “They must be accepted with respect,
compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of
unjust discrimination in their regard should be
avoided.” {2358}
The Catholic tradition teaches
that every human being is
a unique and irreplaceable
person, created in the image of
God and loved by Him.
Christians believe that all people including
those with same-sex attraction are called
by God to live chastely and that, by God’s
grace and the support of friends, they can
and should grow in fulfilling God’s plan. Even
those who take a different view to us about
the place and meaning of sexual activity can
appreciate the particular significance and
importance of this institution. We now face a
struggle for the very soul of marriage.
Because of this, every man, woman and
child has great dignity and worth which can
never be taken away. This includes those who
experience same-sex attraction. They must be
treated with respect, sensitivity, and love.
To obtain further copies visit
www.catholic.org.au
2 | Australian Catholic Bishops Conference 2015
Don’t Mess With Marriage | 3
Marriage equality
& discrimination
Advocates for ‘same-sex marriage’1 rarely
focus on the real meaning and purpose
of marriage. Instead they assume that
equal dignity and the principle of nondiscrimination demand the legal recognition
of same-sex relationships as marriages.
justice demands that we treat that union
accordingly. If marriage is an institution
designed to support people of the opposite
sex to be faithful to each other and to the
children of their union it is not discrimination
to reserve it to them.
This appeal to equality and nondiscrimination gets things the wrong way
around. Justice requires us to treat people
fairly and therefore not to make arbitrary,
groundless distinctions.
Indeed, in this pastoral letter we argue that
what is unjust – gravely unjust – is:
We must treat like cases alike
and different cases differently.
Only women are admitted to women’s
hospitals and only children to primary
schools. We have programmes targeted at
Aborigines, refugees, athletes, those with
disabilities or reading difficulties, and so on.
Thus privileging or assisting particular
people in relevant ways is not arbitrary but
an entirely fair response. And if the union of
a man and a woman is different from other
unions – not the same as other unions – then
If we are right in this assertion and if the civil law ceases to define marriage as traditionally
understood, it will be a serious injustice and undermine that common good for which the civil
law exists.
Whether we are right depends upon what marriage really is…
•to legitimise the false assertion that there
is nothing distinctive about a man and a
woman, a father or a mother;
•to ignore the particular values that real
marriage serves;
•to ignore the importance for children of
having, as far as possible, a mum and a
dad, committed to them and to each other
for the long haul;
•to destabilize marriage further at a time
when it is already under considerable
pressure; and
•to change retrospectively the basis upon
which all existing married couples got
married.
1. Although we use the language of “same-sex
marriage” throughout this pastoral letter, we do not
consider that same-sex relationships can ever amount
to marriage. As we argue, the meaning of marriage
is confined to relationships between a man and
woman entered into voluntarily for life to the exclusion
of all others and which is open to the procreation of
children.
Emotional tie -v- Comprehensive
one-flesh union
spiritual, sexual and reproductive, permanent
and exclusive. It is in these senses that
marriage is comprehensive.
One view of marriage is that it is nothing
more than a commitment to love. On this
view, marriage is essentially an emotional
tie, enhanced by public promises and
consensual sexual activity. The marriage
is valuable as long as the good emotions
last. Proponents of this view of marriage
argue that, given that men and women, men
and men, and women and women, can
have these sorts of emotional ties, all such
unions should be recognised as marriages
in law. (On this logic marriage could be
further redefined to include various types of
relationships.)2
The traditional view of marriage, which the
Church has always supported, is different.
It sees marriage as about connecting
the values and people in our lives
which otherwise have a tendency to get
fragmented: sex and love, male and female,
sex and babies, parents and children. This
view has long influenced our law, literature,
art, philosophy, religion and social practices.
On this view, marriage includes an
emotional union, but it goes further than
that. It involves a substantial bodily and
spiritual union of a man and a woman. As
the Old Testament taught and Jesus and St
Paul repeated, marriage is where man and
woman truly become “one flesh” (Gen 2:24;
Mt 19:5; Eph 5:31). It is a comprehensive union
between a man and a woman grounded on
heterosexual union.
On this traditional view what allows for
this special kind of union between a man
and a woman in marriage is precisely
their difference and complementarity.
Their physical, spiritual, psychological and
sexual differences show they are meant for
each other, their union makes them whole,
and through their union ‘in one flesh’ they
together beget children who are ‘flesh of their
flesh’. They share the sameness of humanity
but enjoy the difference of their masculinity
and femininity, being husband and wife,
paternity and maternity.
Same-sex friendships are of
a very different kind: to treat
them as the same does a
grave injustice to both kinds
of friendship and ignores the
particular values that real
marriages serve.
This union is centred around
and ordered not only to the
wellbeing of the spouses but
also towards the generation and
wellbeing of children.
This is true even where one or both spouses
are infertile: they still engage in exactly the
same sort of marital acts as fertile couples,
i.e. that naturally result in a child. Marriage
for them as for other truly married couples is
grounded on a total commitment: bodily and
2. There have been examples of “throuples”, that is three
people, being ‘married’ in private ceremonies.
The importance of
marriage and family
The Catholic Church cares deeply about
marriage because it is a fundamental good
in itself, a foundation of human existence
and flourishing, and a blessing from God.
The decision to commit permanently and
exclusively to sharing the whole of one’s life
with someone of the opposite sex and to raise
any children that are the fruit, embodiment
and extension of that union, is good in
itself, even if no children are conceived. But
because children are the natural result of
marital life and are best reared within the
commitment of marriage, this makes marriage
also an essential part of the propagation and
nurturing of the human family.
Marriage also joins distinct families to each
other, fostering greater communion between
people.
Each marriage, from its
beginning, is the ‘foundationin-waiting’ of a new family and
each marriage-based family is
a basic ‘cell’ of society.
Families also provide the social stability
necessary for the future by modelling love
and communion, welcoming and raising new
life, taking care of the weak, sick and aged.
The principal ‘public’ significance of the
marriage-based family is precisely in being
the nursery for raising healthy, well-rounded,
virtuous citizens.
Governments normally stay out of
relationships: it is none of their business to say
who may be friends with whom and on what
basis.
But because of the crucial role
marriage plays as the nursery
for the future of the community,
and its responsibility always
to act in the best interests
of children governments
everywhere recognise and
regulate marriage.
Marriage also has a religious significance.
The Catholic Church believes that God is
the author of marriage and has “endowed
marriage with various benefits and purposes”
including “the good of the spouses and the
procreation and upbringing of children”.3
Christ raised the matrimonial covenant
between baptised persons to the status of a
sacrament “in which God helps the spouses
live out the dignity and duties of their state”
and so work out their salvation with Him.4
For these reasons the Church
can say that marriage is not
only a natural institution but also
‘holy’.5
Thus the Church, as well as the state, has an
interest in the right understanding and support
of authentic marriage.
3. Second Vatican Council, Gaudium et Spes §48.
4. John Paul II, Familiaris Consortio.
5. E.g. Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith,
Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to
Unions between Homosexual Persons, 3 June 2003.
The importance of
mothers and fathers
Every child has a biological
mother and father. But the
importance of mothers and
fathers goes far beyond
reproduction.
Men and women bring unique gifts to
the shared task of raising their children.
Mothering and fathering are distinctly
different. Only a woman can be a mother;
only a man can be a father.
A mother and a father each contributes in
a distinct way to the upbringing of a child.
Respecting a child’s dignity means affirming
his or her need and natural right to a mother
and a father. And there are countless reliable
studies that suggest that mothers and fathers
enhance – and their absences impede –
child development in different ways.6
The Church acknowledges the difficulties
faced by single parents and seeks to support
them in their often heroic response to the
needs of their children.
There is a big difference,
however, between dealing
with the unintended reality of
single parenthood and planning
from the beginning artificially
to create an ‘alternative family’
that deliberately deprives a
child of a father or a mother.
Sometimes people claim that children do
just fine with two mums or two dads and that
there is “no difference” between households
with same-sex parents and heterosexual
parents. But sociological research, as well as
the long experience of Church and society,
attests to the importance for children of
having, as far as possible, both a mother and
father.7
‘Messing with marriage’, therefore, is also
‘messing with kids’. It is gravely unjust to them.
We know that marriages and families are
already under very considerable pressure
today and that there is already much
confusion about what they mean and how
best to live marital and family life. The Church
devotes much of her pastoral energy to
supporting people to live married and family
life well and to assisting the victims of marital
and family breakdown. This convinces us
that a further tearing away at the traditional
understanding of marriage and family will
only hurt more people – and especially
more young people who, because of their
vulnerability, demand particular care.
6. See references at the end of the document.
7. See references at the end of the document.
Here are a few real life examples that have
occurred recently:
•The City of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, ordered
Christian ministers to perform samesex weddings under pain of 180 days’
imprisonment for each day the ceremony
is not performed and fines of $1000 per
day; some British MPs have threatened to
remove the marriage licences from clergy
who fail to conduct ‘same-sex marriages’
Consequences of
redefining marriage
Beyond the effects on spouses and on
children, redefining marriage to include
same-sex relationships will have far reaching
consequences for all of us.
The world around us influences the
communities in which we live. Cultural and
legal norms shape our idea of what the
world is like, what’s valuable, and what are
appropriate standards of conduct. And this in
turn shapes individual choices. That’s one of
the main purposes of marriage law: to enable
and encourage individuals to form and keep
commitments of a certain kind.
But if the civil definition of
marriage were changed to
include ‘same-sex marriage’
then our law and culture would
teach that marriage is merely
about emotional union of any
two (or more?) people.
All marriages would come to be defined
by intensity of emotion rather than a union
founded on sexual complementarity and
potential fertility.
Husbands and wives, mothers
and fathers, will be seen to be
wholly interchangeable social
constructs as gender would no
longer matter.
And people who adhere to the perennial
and natural definition of marriage will be
characterised as old-fashioned, even bigots,
who must answer to social disapproval and
the law. Even if certain exemptions were
allowed at first for ministers of religion and
places of worship, freedom of conscience,
belief and worship will be curtailed in
important ways.
•Clergy in Holland, France, Spain, the
US and Australia have been threatened
with prosecution for ‘hate speech’ for
upholding their faith tradition’s position
on marriage; the City of Houston, Texas,
has even subpoenaed pastors, compelling
them to submit sermons to legal scrutiny
when discussing sexuality
•In Colorado and Oregon, courts have
fined bakers who refused on religious or
conscientious grounds to bake wedding
cakes for ‘same-sex weddings’; in New
Mexico a wedding photographer was
fined for refusing to do photography
for such a ceremony; and in Illinois
accommodation providers have been
sued for not providing honeymoon
packages after ‘same-sex weddings’
•Yeshiva University in New York City
was prosecuted for not providing
accommodation to ‘same-sex married
couples’ and other Catholic university
colleges have been threatened with similar
actions
•Catholic adoption agencies in Britain and
some American states have been forced to
close for not placing children with samesex couples: for example, Evangelical
Child Family Services in Illinois (US) was
shut down for its refusal to do so
•Catholic organisations in some American
states have been forced to extend spousal
employment benefits to same-sex partners
•In New Jersey an online dating service
was sued for failing to provide services
to same-sex couples and a doctor in
San Diego County was prosecuted after
refusing personally to participate in the
reproduction of a fatherless child through
artificial insemination
•Parents in Canada and several European
countries have been required to leave
their children in sex-education classes that
teach the goodness of homosexual activity
and its equality with heterosexual marital
activity; for example, David and Tanya
Parker objected to their kindergarten son
being taught about same-sex marriage
after it was legalised by the Massachusetts
Supreme Court, leading to David being
handcuffed and arrested for trying to pull
his son out of class for that lesson. They
were told they had no right to do so
•The Law Society in England revoked
permission for a group called ‘Christian
Concern’ to use its premises because the
group supported traditional marriage
which the Law Society said was contrary
to its ‘diversity policy’
•In the US, Canada and Denmark pastors
or religious organisations have been
forced to allow same-sex marriages in
their churches or halls: Ocean Grove
Methodist Camp in New Jersey (US) had
part of its tax-exempt status rescinded
because they do not allow same-sex civil
union ceremonies on their grounds
•British MPs have threatened to stop
churches holding weddings if they do not
agree to conduct same-sex ones
We all know and love people with same-sex
attraction. They are our brothers and sisters,
sons and daughters, friends and neighbours.
They need love and support like anyone
else. But pretending that their relationships
are ‘marriages’ is not fair or just to them. As
Christians we must be willing to present the
truth about marriage, family and sexuality
and to do so charitably and lovingly.
•The Chief Rabbi of Amsterdam and a
Bishop in Spain have been threatened
with prosecution for ‘hate speech’ merely
for restating the position of their religious
traditions
•The Deputy Chief Psychiatrist of the state
of Victoria was pressured to resign his
position on the Victorian Human Rights
and Equal Opportunity Commission after
joining 150 doctors who told a Senate
inquiry that children do better with a
mum and dad; in several US states and
in England psychologists have also lost
positions for stating that they favour
traditional marriage or families based
thereon
•Having allowed ‘same-sex marriages’,
polygamous marriages have been
permitted in Brazil and pressure for their
legalisation is strong in Canada and
elsewhere
•Businessmen, athletes, commentators,
teachers, doctors and nurses, religious
leaders and others in several countries
who have spoken in support of traditional
marriage have been vilified in the media,
denied employment or business contracts,
and threatened with prosecution.
Thus a view of marriage –
as between a man and a
woman – which was previously
common to believers and nonbelievers alike, across a whole
variety of cultures and times,
is increasingly becoming a
truth which cannot be spoken.
Redefining marriage has
consequences for everyone.
Additional References
6. See e.g. P Amato, “Research on Divorce: Continuing
trends and new developments,” Journal of Marriage
and Family 72 (2010): 650-666; S McLanahan and
C Percheski, “Family Structure and the Reproduction
of Inequalities,” Annual Review of Sociology 34
(2008): 257-276; S McLanahan and G Sandefur,
Growing Up with a Single Parent: What Hurts, What
Helps (Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press,
1994); B Ellis, et al., “Does Father Absence Place
Daughters at Special Risk for Early Sexual Activity
and Teenage Pregnancy?” Child Development 74
(2003): 801–21; W B Wilcox, et al., Why Marriage
Matters: Twenty-Six Conclusions from the Social
Sciences, 2nd ed. (New York: Institute for American
Values, 2005); E Marquardt, Family Structure and
Children’s Educational Outcomes (New York: Institute
for American Values, 2005); P Amato, “The Impact
of Family Formation Change on the Cognitive, Social,
and Emotional Well-Being of the Next Generation,”
The Future of Children 15 (2005): 75–96; C Harper
and S McLanahan, “Father Absence and Youth
Incarceration,” Journal of Research on Adolescence
14 (2004): 369–97.
7. See, e.g.: S Brown, “Marriage and Child WellBeing: Research and policy perspectives” Journal
of Marriage and Family 72 (2010): 1059-1077;
D P Sullins, “Emotional Problems among Children
with Same-Sex Parents: Difference by Definition,”
British Journal of Education, Society and Behavioural
Science 7(2) (2015): 99-120; W B Wilcox, et al.,
Why Marriage Matters; W B Wilcox, “Reconcilable
Differences: What Social Sciences Show about
the Complementarity of the Sexes and Parenting,”
Touchstone 18, no. 9 (November 2005): 36; M
Regnerus, “How Different Are the Adult Children of
Parents Who Have Same-Sex Relationships? Findings
from the New Family Structures Study,” Social
Science Research 41 (2012): 752–70; and L Marks,
“Same-sex Parenting and Children’s Outcomes: A
Closer Examination of the American Psychological
Association’s Brief on Lesbian and Gay Parenting,”
Social Science Research 41 (2012): 735–51, 748.
Time to act
The word ‘marriage’ isn’t simply a label that
can be attached and transferred to different
types of relationships as the fashion of the
day dictates. It has an intrinsic or natural
meaning prior to anything we may invent
or the state may legislate. It reflects God’s
plan for humanity, our personal growth
and that of our children and society. To say
that other friendships are not marriages is
not to demean those other friendships or
the individuals concerned, but merely to
recognise that...
...marriage is the covenant of
a man and a woman to live as
husband and wife, exclusively
and for life, and open to the
procreation of children.
We call upon all those of good will, to
redouble their support for the institution of
marriage in our community and for the laws
and culture that sustain it. We particularly
urge you to make your views known to
your parliamentary representatives. At this
moment in our nation’s history married
people must give the testimony of their own
lives in this matter. We especially pray for
genuine friendship and love in every person’s
life, married or unmarried; for a right
understanding of the meaning of marriage
and the requirements of justice; and for an
increasing openness to the powerful witness
of married couples in our world.
Other resources
For those who wish to read more we recommend the
publications of the Bishops’ Commission for Pastoral Life,
available at http://tinyurl.com/pastorallife
Other Church documents include John Paul II, Familiaris
Consortio (1981) and Congregation for the Doctrine of
the Faith, Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition
to Unions between Homosexual Persons (2003), both
available at www.vatican.va
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
Bishops Commission
for Family, Youth and Life
PO Box 368
Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone: 02 6201 9845
www.catholic.org.au

Newsletter - Saint Ignatius College Geelong

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