Newsletter - St John Bosco College

ST JOHN BOSCO COLLEGE
Newsletter
Term 3 Week 3
31st July 2015
Volume 39 No 22
Feast of St Ignatius Loyola
Today, 31st July we celebrate the feast of St Ignatius Loyola. He was born in 1491, one of 13
children of a family of minor nobility in northern Spain. As a young man Ignatius Loyola
was inflamed by the ideals of courtly love and knighthood and dreamed of doing great
deeds. But in 1521 Ignatius was gravely wounded in a battle with the French. While
recuperating, Ignatius Loyola experienced a conversion. Reading the lives of Jesus and the
saints made Ignatius happy and aroused desires to do great things. Ignatius realised that
these feelings were clues to God’s direction for him. Over the years, Ignatius became
expert in the art of spiritual direction. He collected his insights, prayers and suggestions in
his book the Spiritual Exercises, one of the most influential books on the spiritual life ever
written. With a small group of friends, Ignatius Loyola founded the Society of Jesus, or the
Jesuits. Ignatius conceived the Jesuits as “contemplatives in action”. This also describes
the many Christians who have been touched by Ignatian spirituality.
From the Principal
Years 8 and 10 Subject Selections: It is a busy time for students in Year 10 and Year 8 at the moment as they prepare to
make their subject choices for next year. Parent Information Evenings have been organised for both groups to explain the
process for making subject selections. This week, Year 10 students have been involved in subject selection interviews while
Year 8 has an Information Evening on Tuesday 18th August. Our learning at Bosco, over many years, has been that students
should choose subjects that they are interested in and are good at. In doing so, we believe they achieve better overall outcomes. Any issues associated with subject selection should be directed to the Heads of Faculties or Ms Harding, the Learning and Curriculum Coordinator.
Year 9 Camp: The “Tradition” continues and from all reports all students were in good spirits and had thoroughly enjoyed
their Southern Highlands and ski-field adventure. Fr Pete and I were fortunate to spend some time with them at the farm,
near Picton, last Wednesday evening. I would have to say that they were really enjoying their time and have entered the
entire trip with good spirits. It has been a most worthwhile and interesting educative experience for them. No doubt they
were very tired when they arrived home yesterday. I‘d like to thank Mrs Westwood and staff for all the work and energy
they have put into this event.
Year 12 Trials: The HSC Trials began this week and staff members have indicated that our Year 12 students
have started confidently. The exam period continues through next week. It is great to see students working
together in small groups sharing their learning with each other and I have been amazed at the level of focus
and energy our Year 12 students are displaying at present. We wish them the very best as they continue on
through this week and next.
Parent Advisory Committee: I would like to remind the members of our Advisory
Committee that our third meeting is being held on Tuesday 11 th August. All members should have
received an email from the College concerning this. The meeting is for all Committee members. It
will be held in the College Library at 7pm. I look forward to the discussions and parent feedback to
a variety of issues that are on the agenda. A summary of the discussion and any relevant recommendations will be posted in our next newsletter.
Rest in Peace: We pray for the repose of the soul of Mrs Enid Winn, mother of our College secretaries
– Anne Barnes, Carolyne McGrath and Cathie Rakebrandt and Grandmother to current (Jess McGrath
Year 12) and many ex students of the College. Enid passed away last night after a long battle with
illness. All members of the College community pray for her and her family. May she rest in the peace
of Christ.
Mr Damien Carlton
Principal
BANKSIA AVENUE PO BOX 353 ENGADINE 2233
Ph: (02) 9548 4000 - Fax: (02) 9548 4099 - www.bosco.nsw.edu.au - Email: welcome@bosco.nsw.edu.au
Ed uca tiona l Ex celle nce in a Ca ring Environme nt
Page 2
Calendar
Mon 3rd Aug - Fri 7th Aug
HSC Trials continue
From the Assistant Principal … Mr Michael Donnelly
We have certainly hit the ground running with the start of Term 3. There is a lot
happening at the moment, especially for our older students.
Monday 10th Aug
Year 11 Retreat
HSC Trials conclude
Year 10 have been heavily involved in their senior subject selection process. A reminder
to parents and students that the on-line subject selections need to be completed by
Friday 7th August.
Tuesday 11th August
Year 11 Retreat
Year 12 began their trial exams last week. The EXPO evening is set down for Friday the
21st August. This is an opportunity for the senior students who have completed major
works to showcase their talent. All of the College community are invited to come and
see the students’ work.
Tuesday 18th August
Year 8 Elective Info
Evening 7pm
NSWCCC Netball Penrith
Friday 21st August
Expo Night 4.00 - 9.00pm
th
Thursday 27 August
Prue Salter (Year 12)
Thursday 3rd September
Fathers Day Mass &
Breakfast
Performing Arts Night
7.00pm - 8.30pm
Year 9 had some great snow and weather for their trip this week. Thank you to Mrs
Westwood and all the staff who gave of their time to accompany the students.
Year 11 retreat is on 10th and 11th of August at Deer Park. All permissions and medical
information need to be returned to Mr Tickle.
Two dates that are important for the whole College are approaching. There is the
Performing Arts evening on Thursday 3rd September at the Sutherland Entertainment
Centre. For those new to the College this is a wonderful evening showcasing the
musical, dance and theatrical talents of the students. Tickets will be available again
online this year and more information will be made available through the newsletter.
On the following day, 4th September there will be a staff development day and this is a
pupil free day. Parents will need to make alternate arrangements for the supervision
of their children on this day.
Friday 4th September
Staff Development Day
Monday 7th September
Vaccinations
Wednesday 9th September
Year 11 Final Exams begin
Friday 11th September
NSWCCC Athletics
Mon 14th Sep - Fri 18th Sep
Year 11 Final Exams
Tues 15th September
Year 12 Picnic Day
Wed 16th September
Year 12 Graduation
Assembly
Year 12 Graduation Mass
Friday 18th September
Term 3 concludes
12.30pm dismissal
Gaudium et Spes - Joy and Hope
E d ucation al E xcellen ce in a Caring E n vir onment
Page 3
Curriculum News – Mrs Christine Harding
Year 8 Elective Subject Selection for
2016
Tuesday 18th August
Week 4
Friday 7th August
Completed Subject Selection Forms submitted online.
Assessment dates for Week 4, 3rd - 7th August 2015
The following assessment dates are due in the upcoming week:
Year 7
Nil
Year 8
Religious Education
Year 9
Mathematics, Timber
Year 10
Graphics, English, Music
Year 11
Mathematics, SLR
Year 12
HSC Trial Examinations
Year 12 HSC Trial
Examinations Monday
27th July – Friday 7th
August
YEAR 12 PARENTS AND STUDENTS – HSC LECTURES AT SUTHERLAND LIBRARY
HSC Lectures are available at Sutherland Library in August and September. Lectures are $5.00 each. Tickets are
on sale at any Shire Library. Bookings essential. Book online or call 9710 0351.
http://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/library/hscstudents
English Area of Study - Discovery - Wednesday 26th August 6-8pm
Larry Grumley, head English teacher, study guide author and senior HSC marker will share his expertise on
answering English Paper 1 – Area of Study.
Studies of Religion II - Tuesday 1st September 6-8pm.
Larissa Grinsell , first in the state in Studies of Religion II, discusses Religion in Australia post-1945 and her exam
tips.
Biology - Wednesday 2nd September 6-8 pm
Vicki Maggs, head teacher and senior HSC marker, presents a talk on the core topics and exam tips.
Privacy Statement
We would like to remind parents that from time to time we provide information to the Government .
Please make sure that you refer to the Privacy Statement on our Website.
Gaudium et Spes - Joy and Hope
E d ucation al E xcellen ce in a Caring E n vir onment
Page 4
Year 9 Camp Monday 27th July – Thursday 30th July.
Early Monday morning Year 9 left Bosco full of excitement as we
waved goodbye to the parents. A full week of awesome activities
planned.
First stop was Questacon, where the students had fun with the
science and technology interactive exhibitions. A highlight for many
was having a go on the free fall slide.
We stayed overnight in Jindabyne
and we had a great night of trivia.
Students had to work in teams to
answer questions on Bosco history,
sport, logos, celebrity faces and
name that song. It was a very competitive and fun evening.
Tuesday was another early morning start as we set off for the ski fields. We were very lucky
to see snow falling on our arrival at Thredbo. All students attended a ski or snowboard
lesson, and it was fantastic to see students taking on a new challenge. After lunch many hot
chocolates were drunk, snowballs were thrown and snowmen
were built.
Tired and exhausted after a long day at the snow, we relaxed
with some card games, movies and table tennis. Keeping with
tradition Mrs Babic lead us with a Salesian goodnight prayer. Students were able to have
some quiet time and be thankful for this opportunity.
On Wednesday our next stop was at The Australian War Memorial. As a group we had time to
reflect on the sacrifice that many men and women have made for our freedom today. All
students received a poppy and placed it on the Roll of Honour wall.
Continuing our travels we arrived next at Mowbray Farm feeling a little weary. Fr Pete and Mr
Carlton came to visit and lead us in Mass. This was a special occasion
for the students as they could think about friendships, experiences and being thankful for all that
they have done so far while on camp. The mass was spent with farm animals; even “Gary the Goat
“sat by the Altar. After mass, all students participated in a barn dance and it was great to see the
positive interaction between students, and their smiling faces.
On our last morning we were blessed with glorious weather and the students had the opportunity
to experience farm life. Activities included visiting and feeding the nursery farm animals, whip
cracking, boomerang throwing, tractor rides, archery, billy tea and damper making.
This camp has been a time for friendships to be strengthened and new friendships to start. It was
great to see smiles on faces and the positive interaction between the year group. Students need
to be congratulated on their outstanding
behaviour. Comments made by staff from the accommodation “that
this has been the best group of students we have
had in a long while.” Well done Year 9!
A huge thanks goes to the staff who attended camp. They have had
to leave a week worth of lessons for their classes back at school and
also leaving their own families for the week. Thank you Mrs Babic,
Miss Mirabito, Mrs Watson, Mrs Staniforth, Mrs Ledgerwood, Mrs
Trimboli, Mr Tickle, Mr Kennedy, Mr Butcher and Mr Porter.
Mrs Westwood
Year 9 Coordinator.
Gaudium et Spes - Joy and Hope
E d ucation al E xcellen ce in a Caring E n vir onment
Page 5
Gaudium et Spes - Joy and Hope
E d ucation al E xcellen ce in a Caring E n vir onment
Page 4
Year 12 Community and Family Studies
Excursion to The Wayside Chapel, Kings Cross
Mrs Belinda Westwood , CAFS Teacher
Recently Year 12 Community and Family Studies students
visited The Wayside Chapel at Kings Cross. We have been
studying Homelessness and support services. It was a great
opportunity to see the work that The Wayside Chapel are
doing to assist homeless people. Our tour guide/educator
Rod Holt shared his own personal stories of his experience of
being homeless. Rod also showed us around Kings Cross and
the surrounding areas to broaden our knowledge and
understanding of how homeless people try to survive living
on the streets. As a class we collected many toiletries and
underwear and made a donation on the day. A great day had
by both students and staff.
“Make a Difference Day”- Parliament of NSW
On Friday 24th July, three year 10 students; Georgina Walker, Christina Adam and
Amelia Cafe embarked on a day of ‘Making a Difference’ with Mrs Adam. We
attended the Parliament of NSW where our day of inspiration began. There were
year 10 students from schools all around Sydney. Professor The Hon. Dame Marie
Bashir AD, CVO was the keynote speaker of the day. She spoke about the history of
Australia and how this has influenced the importance of
democracy in Australia. She also spoke about her past
role as being the Governor of NSW. We then formed
groups and discussed contemporary civic issues and
possible resolutions within the framework of democracy
with some key staff members from the parliament. There
were some very entrepreneurial as well as civic minds in
the groups.
Professor Marie Bashir left us with a quote to remember:
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” Nelson Mandela
Gaudium et Spes - Joy and Hope
E d ucation al E xcellen ce in a Caring E n vir onment
Page 5
YEAR 8 COORDINATOR’S AWARDS
Georgia Baldwin
Jarrod McRae
Mikaela Robinson
Abbey Godwin (2)
Douglas White
Mitchell Long
Mitchell Bingham
Alyssa Moffitt (2)
Alyssa Shea (2)
Ethan Westwood
Finn Walsh
Tahlia Walker
Year 7 Design & Technology—Mrs Nita Panagio
Wow, I am extremely impressed with the Year 7 Design & Technology students
who have handed in some fabulous iPad cases which are on display at the
school library. These cases were all individually made and sewn with the sewing
machine which was a huge challenge for many students. 7E1 and 7E4 were
given a design brief to: Design and decorate an iPad case which will represent
you and your personality. Students also used several fabric decoration
techniques such as marbling, beading and quilting. Students are extremely
pleased with themselves, as am I with their final creative products.
UNIFORM SHOP
The Uniform Shop will be open every Wednesday of Week 1 from 3.00 - 3.45pm and then every Friday
morning of Week 2 from 8.45am - 9.30am. The next open dates are Friday 7th August and Wednesday
12th August .
Winter Pants $10.00
Blazers $80.00
Lots of stock available (various sizes)
CANTEEN
Week 4
Mon 3rd Aug
Tues 4th Aug
Wed 5th Aug
Thurs 6thAug
Fri 7th Aug
G Jones, M Gorry
L Walsh
Help is needed please
V Abela
L Lockton, L Radford
Week 5
Mon 10th Aug
Tues 11th Aug
Wed 12th Aug
Thurs 13th Aug
Fri 14th Aug
P Wood, T Dimmock, C Forshaw
M Patterson, K Massey
C Boyd
A Paynter
Help is needed please
PARISH NEWS
THE BOSCONIAN, the quarterly parish magazine, is now available online
via the parish website www.bosco.org.au
Gaudium et Spes - Joy and Hope
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend
Keep the chill out of your relationship this winter with a weekend together. A Worldwide Marriage
Encounter Weekend is a Marriage Enrichment experience – set in peaceful, picturesque
surroundings, away from the distractions of everyday life. During the weekend, couples have a
unique opportunity to reconnect, rekindle and refresh their relationship. Give the greatest gift, that of
your time alone - invest in your most precious asset . . . your marriage!
2015 Weekend Dates
11-13 September Venue for Weekends: Mount Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville, NSW
To apply contact: Ardell & Bill Sharpe Tel. 02 4283 3435 or
13-15 November
wsharpe@bigpond.net.au
www.wwme.org.au
www.facebook.com/WWMEasternUnit
- EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN A CARING ENVIRONMENT -