MARIST CATHOLIC COLLEGE PENSHURST

Friday 22 February - Number 2

one school • one family • one communityTelephone: 9579 6188 Fax: 9579 6668 www.maristpenshurst.catholic.edu.au

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

YEAR 7 2021 ENROLMENTSEnrolments for Year 7, 2021 will open on our College Open Day, Wednesday 6 March 2019.

All enrolments will close on Friday 5 April 2019.

If your son/daughter has a sibling eligible for Year 7 enrolment for 2021, please ensure your applications are submitted within this enrolment period.

SHADE STRUCTURESThe College has recently installed temporary shade structures on both new playgrounds on the Victoria Road side of the school property. These are proving to be very effective in providing excellent protection from the weather particularly during recess and lunch. The College continues to work with Sydney Catholic Schools to have permanent shades approved and installed on these playgrounds soon.

Mr Ray MartinCollege Principal

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FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

2019 UPCOMING DATES Wed 27 Feb Opening College Mass OLF Kingsgrove

Wed 6 Mar Ash Wednesday

Wed 6 Mar College Open Day 3pm - 7pm 2021 Year 7 Enrolments Open

Wed 13 Mar Year 7 Parent Study Skills Evening 7pm - 8pm La Valla Hub

Frid 15 Mar St Patrick’s Day - Project Compassion

Mon 18 Mar Year 7 Vaccincations - Visit 1

Thur 21 Mar Harmony Day

Mon 8 Apr - Year 7 CampWed 10 Apr Wesley Vision Valley

High Achievers AssemblyOn Thursday 7th February we welcomed back our distinguished achievers from the HSC Class of 2019. As a College we are very proud of all the boys. They worked very hard, as a team with their peers and teachers, acted upon feedback, and took every opportunity to make the most of their unique potential.

In 2018, 83% of our HSC courses were above the NSW State mean, with many courses performing significantly above. Some of the highlights were English (Standard) 7.91 above, Mathematics General 2 8.77 above, Physics 8.85 above, Mathematics & Ancient History 10.58 and 10.98 respectively above and Senior Science an incredible 13.41 above the State mean. These results are very impressive.

Overall the Class of 2018 achieved 29 Band 6 scores of 90 or above, placing the College 191 out of approximately 600 schools in NSW. Eight students achieved an ATAR of 90 or above, with the top ATAR being 99.1. This represents approximately 14% of our 2018 ATAR candidates.

The College had twelve courses where every student achieved a Band 4 or above. That is a mark above 70%. These courses were Ancient History, Design & Technology, English Advanced, Mathematics, Information Processes & Technology, Legal Studies, Modern History, History Extension, Music 1, Physics, Senior Science and VET Construction. What is most pleasing is the variety of courses and faculties that were represented.

In fact, 86% of all student results were marks of above 70 (Bands 4, 5 or 6) and 50% of our student results were marks above 80 (Bands 5 & 6). This is a significant achievement.

In Design & Technology three students had their major works recognised by NESA as exemplary and were nominated for Shape 2018. Congratulations to Brendan Galluzzo, Tim Lisson and James Tzortzatos on this recognition and achievement.

As a community we are very proud of the HSC Class of 2018.

Zac Pitkethley shared his wisdom at this assembly. His address was most inspiring and can be accessed through the link provided: Zac Pitkethley 2018 College Dux Speech

Uniform & GroomingThe College’s reputation in the community is in no small way reflected by the behaviour and presentation of our students in public. The pride and effort taken in the way in which the uniform is worn directly reflects on our students and the College. As such, College staff will take every opportunity to ensure that the College uniform is worn correctly and students are presenting with the highest level of personal grooming. The way in which the vast majority of our students meet these high expectations is most pleasing and continues to be a source of positive comment in the wider community.

Over the next few weeks there will be a uniform and grooming blitz. All uniform and grooming requirements are outlined in the Student Diary on pages 13 and 14. We ask that you please check your son or daughter’s uniform and presentation each day. We realise that sometimes circumstances can hinder students from wearing the correct uniform. If this occurs a note explaining the problem should be placed in your son or daughter’s diary. It is expected that uniform non-compliance issues would be rectified as soon as possible. Please contact your son or daughter’s Leader of Wellbeing if you have any concerns regarding our uniform or grooming expectations.

We thank parents for their support and for partnering with us in the education of our young people.

Mrs Connie Frino - Assistant Principal

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ALWAYS BE HAPPY“Always be happy; again I will say, be happy. Let your kindness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and appeal with thanksgiving let your needs be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4.4-7)

Yeah – right! They’re takin’ the mick, aren’t they? Havin’ a lend? Surely. Be happy always. Come on – surely not.

Mind you, do you have a better alternative?

Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury (2002-2012) says: “If we are troubled by the conflicts and failures of the Church [and the world – our banks, our government, domestic violence, mortgages, the mess that education is in, terrorism, etc.], what we need to do is not to panic or to freeze in defensive and angry posturing, but to get on with the real work of opening the way for God’s transforming presence.”

French Jesuit anthropologist Teilhard de Chardin (1888-1955) writes: “Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.” What do you think?

But if you don’t believe in God – as is fashionable today – what’s your solution? Let me know.Brother Tony Butler

YEAR 10 DANCE EXCURSIONCALLBACK 2019

On Friday 15 February, Mrs Vassallo and the Year 10 Elective Dance class attended the Seymour Centre to watch CALLBACK. This was a great experience for our class as we had the opportunity to watch a showcase of exemplary performances by the 2018 HSC Dance students. Watching these performances was a wonderful way to teach us what our future expectations are with Dance for the HSC and it also gave us ideas of new tricks and moves that we can attempt to use as inspiration in our upcoming assessment tasks. Each dancer had so much talent and were incredible to watch. It was a very enjoyable day and we are most grateful to Ms Rothwell and Mrs de Andrade for organising this experience for us.

Georgia Mitropoulos - Year 10

YEAR 9 PARENT STUDY SKILLS EVENINGOn Tuesday 19 February we had the pleasure of hosting a Study Skills information evening for Year 9 parents. The College is currently working with the team from Elevate Education to enhance student learning, study techniques and overall organisation for students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 11. We were fortunate to have a member from Elevate Education speak to parents about a range of study techniques that can benefit their child’s learning.

Following on from the student’s Study Skills session, parents were given important tips to help support their child in their educational journey. The common question all parents asked was: “How can I support my child with their study?”. To support your child, Elevate Education strongly suggest creating a study timetable with your child. In order to be workable and successful, this timetable needs to incorporate not only study but extra-curricular activities and free time. Year 9 have been asked to have a study timetable ready to show their PC teacher in Week 6. Please work with your son or daughter over the next couple of weeks to create a workable and flexible study timetable.

For more information, students can visit the Elevate Education website: elevateeducation.com.au. All students in Year 9 received a login that allows them to access resources and timetable templates. There is also an informative “Parent Info” section for parents and guardians.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents about the importance of the College Diary. Please ensure you check and sign your son or daughter’s diary each week. If the diary is blank or not filled in properly, ask the question why. The College Diary also provides an opportunity for parents and teachers to communicate with each other. A well-organised diary is a good sign that your child is on the right track with their study goals.

Mr Steven Skoflic - Year 9 Leader of Wellbeing

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YEAR 7 and YEAR 12 - BUDDY PROGRAMThis morning Year 7 and Year 12 met during morning pastoral care class to begin a buddy program that will continue throughout 2019. Each Year 12 student has been assigned 2 or 3 Year 7 students who will join them in the Opening College Mass Procession, Wednesday 6 March.

This friendly relationship will continue throughout the year as Year 12 will act as mentors to their young charges and be another friendly face around the College. The two grades met in prayer before moving to their classrooms to met their buddy for 2019.

To begin this relationship each Year 12 student presented their buddy will a Holy Bible – a symbol of the beginning of their faith journey here at the College. In return each Year 12 student received a senior black College tie to recognise their commitment to the College over the past 6 years.

Both Ms Collins and I look forward to growing this relationship between our Senior students and the newest members of our College community.

Mr Jon Cullerton Year 7 (Leader of Wellbeing) and Ms Anne Collins (Year 12 Leader of Wellbeing)

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WORLD YOUTH DAYIn the last two weeks of the school holidays, two of our Year 12 students Daniel Hoang and Edward El-Jalkh had the opportunity to partake in a spiritual pilgrimage, to World Youth Day. Below is a brief summary of their experience. Ms Josline Elhage – Youth Ministry Coordinator

The theme of this years’ WYD was “I am the servant of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Lk 1:38) which encouraged pilgrims to say ‘yes’ to God’s call to and to new experiences, not only during WYD but in our day to day lives as well. Electing to travel via Washington DC, we were very fortunate to have an amazing bus group of teachers and students from various Eastern Region schools that we spent most of our time with on the trip. In Washington we visited the main landmarks including the White House and the Lincoln Memorial, whilst also gathering for daily mass in churches around the city. We also participated in the 46th Annual March for Life with people from around the country, coming together to celebrate the gift of life given to us by God.

Immediately upon arrival in Panama for WYD week, a presence like no other could be felt all around. Almost a million people had flown to the small country for this celebration of faith, and it was truly amazing the spirit and joy that was emitting from every pilgrim. The opening and final mass administered by Pope Francis were the highlights of the trip, with many meaningful speeches being given. World Youth Day 2019 proved to be a truly rewarding and life changing experience for us. We strongly encourage anyone given the opportunity to attend the next WYD in Portugal.

Edward El-Jalkh & Daniel Hoang – Year 12

Traffic management around the College is critical in maintaining a safe environment for our students, caregivers and members of the general public who use these facilities. Our neighbours have been most accommodating of the building works that have occurred over the past four years, including heavy vehicles accessing the site. We have, however, fielded a number of concerns from residents reporting that parents have obstructed private driveways & garages. Furthermore, a number of parents are queuing at the Bus Stop to enter the Kiss and Ride. We remind parents/carers that there are hefty fines issued by Council and Police for traffic infringements around school zones.

We encourage parents/carers to model safe road use and be mindful of the traffic around the College. Thank you for your support.

Mr Brian Vane-TempestHead of Strategic Planning and Communication

TRAFFIC REMINDER - SAFETYCouncil is committed to promoting safe parking practices around schools, particularly during school zone times, on school days between 8.00am-9:30am and 2:30pm-4.00pm

Illegal parking at these times contributes to traffic congestion and may create unsafe conditions for children and other road users.

To help deter drivers from choosing to park illegally, Council officers regularly patrol school zones and may issue penalty notices. Officers are also a valuable source of information on how to park safely and avoid receiving a penalty notice.

You can help to promote safety and reduce congestion around schools• Avoid waiting in ‘No Parking’ zones. A two minute limit applies for most vehicles and a

five minute limit applies for Mobility Parking Scheme permit holders when picking up and droping off

• Never double park• Park away from the school and walk to pick up your child• Stagger arrival times to avoid pick-up/drop-off 'peak time' traffic GEORGES

RIVERCOUNCIL

School zone safety

Child safety is the responsibility of all road users. Drive safely and park legally.

Stop on/near pedestrian crossing $448 2

Disobey ‘No Stopping’ sign $337 2

Double park $337 2

Stop in Bus Zone $337 2

Stop on/across driveway $337 2

Stopping on footpath/nature strip $337 2

Disobey ‘No Parking’ sign $187 2

SCHOOL ZONE parking offences Fine Demerit Points

Parking restrictions apply uniformly state wide to deter illegal parking. For further information, please go to www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Services/Parking-and-Traffic and http://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/schools/index.html

Penalties and demerit pointsfor offences in school zones

This list of offences is not exhaustive and only indicates some of the penalties for school zones under Road Rules 2014. The information contained in this leaflet is correct as of 1 July 2018, however is subject to change without notice.

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SCC

VOLLEYBALL RND OPPOSITION WIN / LOSS SCORE COACH

Junior 2 Rosebank Win 2 - 1 Mrs Sandra Neilson3 Holy Spirit Loss 0 - 2

Intermediate 2 Rosebank Win 2 - 1 Ms Analise Emmerick3 Holy Spirit 1 -2

AFL RND OPPOSITION WIN/LOSS SCORE COACH

Junior 2 Bethany Draw 24 - 24 Mr George Karpouzos3 All Saints Win 48 - 9

TOUCHFOOTBALL RND OPPOSITION WIN/

LOSS SCORE COACH

Senior 2 Rosebank Win 5 - 0 Mrs Belinda Earl3 Holy Spirit Win 12 - 1

SPORT RESULTS

CBSA

CRICKET RND OPPOSITION WIN / LOSS SCORE COACH

Junior 2 St Mary’s Cathedral Win MCCP 5/158 defS.M. 6/62 Mr Jordan Russo

3 Fivedock Win MCCP 10/72 def10/44

Intermediate 2 St Mary’s Cathedral Win 6/80 defS.M. 5/69 Mr Steven Gawidziel

3 Rosebank Win MCCP 2/114 defR 7/101

Senior 2 St Mary’s Cathedral Win MCCP 10/77 defS.M. 8/76 Mr Michael Young

3 Rosebank Win MCCP 7/137 defR 8/61

BASKETBALL RND OPPOSITION WIN / LOSS SCORE COACH

Junior 2 Lakemba Loss 36 - 42 Ms Anna Le3 Bye - - - -

Intermediate 2 Lakemba Win 47 - 24 Ms Chloe Nasr3 Bye - - - -

Senior 2 Lakemba Win 31 - 30 Ms Rachel Thompson3 Bye - - - -

COLLEGE FEES2019 school fees have now been sent out to families. Please ensure Term 1 fees are finalised in accordance with your payment plan.

Payments can be made by Cheque, Cash, Eftpos or BPay. Any queries please contact the College Office.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Mrs Joy O’Sullivan - College Bursar

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COUNSELLOR’S CORNERHelpful tips to prevent cyberbullyingIt’s hard to protect your child if you don’t understand the problem with cyberbullying or see it happen. Parents need to be the ones their kids go to when something is wrong. However, parents are often the last ones to know about problems because their kids fear getting into more trouble. Here are practical tips to help parents and children prevent and stop cyberbullying.

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO?1. Keep the computer in a common area of the home. Do not allow it in your children’s bedrooms. Monitor their online usage on both their computer and mobile phone.2. Learn how various social networking websites work. Become familiar with Facebook, MySpace, Snapchat, and Twitter. Ask your children if they will show you their profile pages.3. Talk regularly and specifically with your children about online issues. Let them know they can come to you for help if anything is inappropriate, upsetting, or dangerous.4. Build trust with your children. Set time limits, explain your reasons for them, and discuss rules for online safety and Internet use. Ask your children to contribute to establishing the rules; then they’ll be more inclined to follow them.5. Tell your children not to respond to any cyberbullying threats or comments online. However, do not delete any of the messages. Instead, print out all the messages, including the e-mail addresses or online screen names of the cyberbully. You will need the messages to verify and prove there is cyberbullying.6. Don’t overreact by blaming your children. If they are being bullied, be supportive and understanding. Find out how long the bullying has been going on and ensure that you’ll work together to find a solution. Let your children know they are not to blame for being bullied.7. Don’t underreact by telling your children to “get over it” or just deal with the bullying. The emotional pain of being bullied is very real and can have long-lasting effects. Don’t tease them about it or respond with a “kids will be kids” attitude.8. Don’t threaten to take away your children’s computers if they come to you with a problem. This only forces kids to be more secretive.9. Talk to your school’s Leader of Wellbeing so they can keep an eye out for bullying during the school day.10. If there are threats of physical violence or the bullying continues to escalate, get law enforcement involved.

WHAT CAN KIDS DO?1. Don’t respond to any online or text messages sent by cyberbullies.2. Don’t be an accomplice by forwarding any of the messages to others kids.3. Save and print out all the messages as proof and evidence of cyberbullying.4. If you are being bullied, tell an adult immediately to get help solving the problem.

Source: Pattie FitzgeraldMr Rodriigo Valentino - College Counsellor - Wed, Thurs, Fri

FITNESS & FUEL CLUBCome along and join us for a fun fitness session followed by a delicious healthy breakfast.

When: Every Thursday MorningTime: 7:15am - 8amWhere: Champagnat Village

Start your day the right way......

All year groups are welcome!