BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGEFAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE

COFFS HARBOUR

BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGECOFFS HARBOUR 4 May | 2012

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Chaplain’s Chat

This week, the Middle Leadership staff at school have been involved in a two day course on campus (run by the Association of Independent Schools NSW) aimed at their professional development as educational leaders.

For too long in schools, those working in this level of school organisations have been referred to as middle management. Whilst the management component of their work is essential, the purpose of this professional learning program was to emphasise and give voice to the crucial role these staff (Heads of Faculty in Secondary and Curriculum Coordinator in Primary) have as leaders of learning in the school.

Leading teaching and learning at the College is a vital cog in our ongoing success as a school. The investment we placed in this professional development for our middle leaders will have given them new skills, given acknowledgement to the leadership skill they already display, and given them the confidence to challenge their dimensions of the school such that the product is deeper and richer learning for our students.

Today we decommission ‘O-Block’, the demountables that sit at the end of the COLA. A few administrative matters need to be completed before we are in a position to sign a contract with our builders, F M Glenn, but once signed, work on the COLA extension and enclosure will begin apace.

This week, we received development approval for the installation of eighty solar panels on the roof of the main administration building. That will begin as soon as possible.

Next week will see an exciting new development in the Primary school. We have enrolled four students who have recently been settled in Coffs Harbour from Eritrea. With that enrolment comes the opportunity to begin a specialised ESL (English as a Second Language) program in Primary. Mrs Sonja O’Connor will run this program with assistance with Mrs Claire Murphy, who teaches ESL in Secondary. This program will not just assist these four students, but other students in Primary whose native tongue is not English.

Congratulations to Tahnee Philp (11), who has been accepted into the UNSW Indigenous Winter School. Congratulations too, to Courtney Smith (8) Basketball, Calum Ball (9) Rugby, Eli White (9) Rugby, and Zac Ion (9) Golf, who participated in the Academy Games over the recent vacation at the University of Wollongong.

What is SIN? It’s a question that could be debated for hours. Another question that is often asked, ‘what are there degrees of sin’?

Discussing the notion of what sin is during Chapel this week, students came up with a number of interpretations of sin. There was a common view that breaking the Ten Commandments was sinful. Others thought that sin separates us from God. From the moment we awake in the morning we are open to temptations that will lead us to fall short of perfection. This may be through an unkind comment to a hurtful action that negatively affects the lives of others.

Conversely words can be used to build up and encourage others. This week our Open Rugby team played against Farrer High, a school with a long heritage in the sporting arena. Although our College was defeated there was a great sense of determination and encouragement in the team as they committed themselves to the contest whole-heartedly. It’s often in the face of adversity that we learn the most valuable lessons and also an opportunity to draw together. I’m sure the rugby match will be remembered by the team members and will draw them closer together as a team.

Being part of a ‘church community team’ is another way that each of us as individuals can draw strength as we face adversity and temptations. The same way our rugby team drew strength together we also can find strength in the company of Christian friends. Have you thought about joining a ‘church community’? It may be a refreshing experience!

“Turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3: 19-20

Blessings

From the prinCipal

pastoral Care

Rev David MorganAssistant Chaplain

Alan BallPrincipal

BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGEFAITHFULNESS IN SERVICE

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BISHOP DRUITT COLLEGECOFFS HARBOUR 4 May | 2012

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From the head oF seCondary

Changes to the end oF year 10

The nation’s focus on academic outcomes will find its way back into the news headlines, no doubt, when all Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students are required to sit the NAPLAN tests this month. I would like to share with you some thoughts on this topic, expressed recently by the Headmaster of Knox Grammar School, John Weeks.

Ask parents what they want for their children and most will tell you they want happiness, confidence, contentment and other similar priorities. However, if you ask them what schools teach they’ll say things such as literacy, achievement, maths, discipline and academic success. There is a fundamental disconnect between what our parents want and what our schools teach. We must redress this disparity. ……. As part of a well-rounded education, all schools should be resourced to offer comprehensive co-curricular programs such as sport, music, drama, community service and outdoor education. (SMH – 30 April 2012)

Here at Bishop Druitt College, we firmly believe in a well-rounded education that teaches our students to be part of the community in which they live and will live in the future. While academics are fundamental, schools should aim to provide a range of activities that will broaden our students’ minds and will build a sense of school pride and community. Co-curricular programs that occur outside the classroom teach our students about teamwork, perseverance and how to deal with success and disappointment (elements that can be applied to testing as well!).

One such example was the recent First XV Rugby Union game against Farrar Agricultural School. Our firsts came up against formidable opponents, something that they discovered first hand within the first half of this game. Our boys were outclassed in many ways by their opposition and things looked grim during the break. To their credit, our team came out in the second half and displayed a level of pride within themselves and their school, by matching skills across the park to put up a much tougher struggle in the second half. It was a display that I was most proud of and one where our students rose to a challenge, even though there was not a chance of saving the game.

I would like you to remember this example of spirit and pride when events such as NAPLAN are looming or when results are sent home. We are a school that is much more than one test on one school day. While these tests are important, I would challenge all parents to encourage their children to contribute to the co-curricular offerings here at BDC.

I would encourage you to read this article by John Weeks, as it also goes on to discuss issues such as mental health issues for young people and positive programs in schools. The link is:http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/right-programs-can-stormproof-kids-20120429-1xsx8.html

seCondary sChool

Tim EganAssistant Principal (Head of Secondary)

Many of you would be aware that as of the end of 2011, the NSW Board of Studies announced the cessation of awarding a School Certificate to Year 10 students. This has meant the state wide examinations at the end of Year 10 will no longer occur. To replace this the NSW Board of Studies has announced the introduction of the Record of School Achievement, to be known as the RoSA, from 2012.

The new process will not mean a change to the curriculum, skills and content, being taught to students in Stage 5 (Year 9 and 10). The difference will be at the end of Year 10, there will not be state - wide examinations, instead teachers will be asked to submit grades (A – E) to the Board of Study for each student. Students who are 17 years of age (the legal requirement for students) and choose to leave school at the end of Year 10 will be issued with a RoSA from the NSW Board of Studies. This will appear very similar to the School Certificate. It will have the student’s information and a record of their subjects with grades. This will not be issued to every student, just those who inform the Board of Studies via the school, they are leaving all formal schooling. For students who change schools, the information will be transferred to the new school via their Board of Studies identification number. The schools complete this and parents only need to inform the school of the student’s departure and the name of the new school.

For any student who decides to leave school before completing their HSC, the NSW Board of Studies will issue the student with a Record of School Achievement. This record will reflect the student’s progress. It will have the grades achieved in Year 10 and 11. If the student has not completed Year 11, it will record the subjects the student was enrolled in. If the student leaves part way through Year 12, it will have grades for Year 10 and Year 11 and the subjects the student was enrolled in for Year 12.

The aim of these changes from the School Certificate to the Record of School Achievement is to produce a qualification that better reflects the progress of the student. Very few students are able to leave school at the end of year 10 due to the requirement of being 17 years of age. It is more likely they may leave at the end of Year 11. In the School Certificate system they would leave school with a Year 10 certification and school reports. They will now depart with a Record of School Achievement that documents their progress in Year 11 plus their individual school reports.

If you have any questions about these changes to the School Certificate, please do not hesitate to contact me at school via email cspry@bdc.nsw.edu.au

Carmel SpryDirector of Curriculum

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Alison HollierScience Faculty

Lyn PercivalYear 8 Middle School Coordinator

Charmain HarringtonSecondary Teachers’ Aide

sCienCe news

year 8 tutor groups

National Youth Science Forum (NYSF), Canberra, January 2013; recommended for Year 11 students who excel in Science and are planning to study Science at university. Applications close 31 May. http://www.nysf.edu.au/doc/NYSFProgramGuide13.pdf

Youth ANZAAS forum, Dunedin, N.Z. (in late June this year) for Science students from Years 10, 11 or 12 to participate in science activities and experiences; exposes students to behind-the-scenes tours, lectures with leading scientists, hands-on research and cutting edge technology; be quick - applications close 18 May. Please see Ms Hollier.

Bayerboost Environmental Scholarship; aimed at giving senior secondary school students experience in environmental research or restoration with an accredited organisation during their summer break. See http://www.bayerboost.com.au for details.

Define, locate, select, analyse, organise, synthesise, create, present, evaluate and reflect. What do all these words mean, are they for homework tasks, study skills or assignments? During this term, in Year 8 Tutor Groups, there will be an emphasis on study skills, in order to help with the homework/assessment schedule for Year 8, along with a continued focus on pastoral care.

Students will be provided with an A3 planner and assisted with marking in all tasks and the due dates. Approaches to working and allotting study times in order to give students an understanding of how to plan and achieve positive outcomes will be a focus. Accessing the BDC Library website, it’s study resources and assessment task due dates will also be completed.

Working smarter not harder. Planning and structure are important to achieve the tasks in a manner that suits both the family and students. Parents and students are encouraged to access the Library website, the subject teacher or the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) if there is any doubt about what is required to complete tasks. Homework/assessments should not be a cause of arguments or stress within the family if they are planned and organised.

An email will be sent very soon to provide further details. If you have not updated your email please advise through secretary@bdc.nsw.edu.au If you do not have an email address please advise Mrs Lynn Percival on Extension 253 for a letter to be mailed.

Graeme NaftelAssistant Principal (Head of Primary)

From the head oF primary

IMPACT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCEOn Tuesday 1 May the Primary School Captains, the SRC and the House Captains attended a leadership conference to support them in their roles as student leaders. This is what they had to say about the day:

‘It was better than we expected because the presenters made it fun.’ - Ima Caldwell and Nanda Soe

‘I learned to be a strawberry leader: the same on the inside as on the outside.’ ‘You mean a leader with integrity.’ - Peter Halling and Isabella Corlis

IPSHA TRAVELLING ART SHOWThe IPSHA Travelling Art Show is on display in the PPS until Thursday. Please drop in to view some quality artworks from talented Primary School artists from across the state.

WOOLWORTHS EARN AND LEARN PROMOTIONBDC will again be participating in this promotion from 9 May to 1 July.

This year, for every $10 spent in Woolworths, you will receive a sticker to place on a sticker card. When the card is full, bring the card in to school and place it in the ‘Earn and Learn’ collection box in the library.

For more information clink on the link: www.woolworths.com.au/earnandlearn

Last year the College claimed some fabulous resources for our students and we look forward to your support again this year.

primary sChool

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grade oF the week - year 3

ANZAC Day

ANZAC day is when we remember the soldiers who fought in the war. They sacrificed themselves to save us. They sent letters to their family.

Katie Stebbings (3M)

ANZAC men were brave and bold. A lot of men died in World War 1 and some lived. They did not have phones in those days. They only had letters. The three words remain: Lest We Forget

Tyler Widdowson (3M)

ANZACMy Dad’s friend Adrian is going to war in June.

Fletcher Scott (3M)

ANZAC day is where we think about all the soldiers who have died in war. They had to hide a lot and be really brave. They had to sacrifice their lives when they went to war.

Natalie Giri (3M)

Our soldiers risked their lives for Australia. In the olden days you had a choice to go to war or not. Most men went and some women went too.

Hunter Black (3M)

We celebrate ANZAC day to honour the soldiers who went to war. I marched to honour those soldiers, who made sure that Australia has freedom.

Georgina Morrall (3M)

Robert Sullivan (3M) ANZAC Day

Students in 3M built an amazing community last term, which included a wind farm, solar panels, sewerage plant, dam, power station, roads and gardens. Unfortunately it was hit by a Tsunami!

ANZAC Day is to remember all the soldiers who died at Gallipoli and other wars. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on the wrong beach.William Bond (3S)

ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldiers fought at Gallipoli but only some survived. I think that ANZAC Day means that we have to remember the soldiers that died in the war.Tai Crismale (3S)

Australians fought in the war at Gallipoli. This war was the first war that Australians fought for Australia. Lots of people died in this war. ANZAC Day is to remember people who fought in the war.Harvey Summersell (3S)

Books Are Better Than Video Games – a draft exposition

Books are better than video games. Books are written words on paper. Video games are games you play on the TV or computer. Some popular books are Rondo, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Artemis Fowl. There are three main reasons why books are better.

Firstly, books help you learn more. They help you with vocabulary, improve your memory and help your spelling.

Secondly, books often have opinions, which can show you their point of view. This will make you think differently and make things more interesting.

Thirdly, they teach you a lesson. Books can show you what you should and shouldn’t do. They can help you learn the structure of the book.

Now there is no doubt that books are better than video games.

Spencer Burnet (3/4R)

Luka Foster (3S) My Passions

Xanthe Rose (3/4R) Proudly displaying her ‘BLOBS’

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Dale CondonHead of Music K-12

gene peterson

lesson times & payments

ensemble involvement

The very talented Gene Peterson treated Year 7 and 8 students to workshops and a performance this week. Gene Peterson takes percussion to a new level with his phenomenal rhythmic extravaganza. He makes percussion music from toys, office equipment, junk, kitchen utensils, tap dancing and piano. The students received hands on learning in the series of workshops and enjoyed the terrific performance. The students had a great day.

We would ask that you familiarise yourselves with your child’s music lesson time and remind them on the day before school, especially the younger ones. A lot of time is spent finding students who are supposed to be in a music lesson, which means the lesson time is substantially reduced.

You will be receiving invoices for Term 2 fees in the next couple of weeks. Your prompt attention to payment to your tutor is much appreciated.

Two new great ensembles are starting this term:

Mrs Buchanan’s Middle School Band – this provides opportunity for students who came through the primary band program to continue learning and performing as well as inviting students in Years 7 and 8 who learn a band instrument and want to get involved in an ensemble.

Mr Cimino’s Secondary Guitar Band – this provides opportunity for students who came through the primary guitar band program to continue learning and performing. Any secondary students who can already play guitar, has their own instrument and, can practice their part at home are welcome to join.

musiCal notes

athletiCs

rugby

rugby league

Football

Beginning next week, we will be hosting Athletics field event trials for both Primary and Secondary students at lunchtimes. The trials will be conducted in age group categories, rather than the student’s year at school, and we will trial a different discipline each week.

Week 3: Discuss Primary Secondary

Monday 7 May Junior Girls N/ATuesday 8 May Junior Boys N/AWednesday 9 May 11 Yrs Girls / Boys 12 and 13 Yrs Girls / BoysThursday 10 May Senior Girls 14 Yrs Girls / BoysFriday 11 May Senior Boys 15 Yrs Girls / Boys

Last Tuesday 1 May, BDC hosted Farrer Agricultural School in the very prestigious Waratah Shield. Whilst our grounds staff did a fantastic job, the playing conditions were extremely difficult and with persistent rain falling, handling was almost impossible for both teams. Whilst our boys were beaten convincingly by a very professional Farrer team, the heart and spirit our boys displayed for the entire 80 minutes was nothing short of outstanding and an absolute inspiration for anyone watching the game. They brought both honor and pride to themselves as individuals, their team and their school, and I commend them for their sportsmanship and their spirit. In these two areas, they were winners!

Monday 7 May BDC vs CCS at CCS. This match will take place during normal Sport time.

The CRL Rugby League Gala Day for Under 13s and Under 15s will be held at Advocate Park on Wednesday 9 May. This is an all day event.

The NCIS Football Gala Day is scheduled for Tuesday 8 May at BCU Stadium and will feature Senior Primary girls and boys teams, and also Open Secondary girls and boys teams. This is an all day event and programs will be available upon entry. This is a selection event for CIS teams.

College sport

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important dates and events8 May Year 10 Careers Expo Primary ICAS Science Football Gala Day - BCU Stadium

9 May P&F Mothers Day Stall

10 May Scholastic Book Fair - 8am-5:30pm, Primary Library

11 May Year 7 dorrigo Excursion

15-17 May NAPLAN 2012

18 May NCIS Cross Country

College Community

trinity grammar sChool visitTrinity will arrive at BDC on 19 June to play against our Senior Primary Rugby and Football teams. The games will be played at the school on 20 June and Trinity will leave the following morning. We require host families to billet the 35 students for two nights, from 19 – 21 June. Please contact me if you are able to provide any assistance. jwebber@bdc.nsw.edu.au

out oF sChool hours CareThis week we are celebrating Mother’s Day on the 11 May. As we give thanks to all the mothers in the world, we want to our show our appreciation for all their hard work. This week on Friday 11/5 we will be opening the centre until 6:00pm. Children will have the chance to create a special Mother’s day card, a special bracelet or necklace and a home made flower and we will provide an afternoon tea at a total cost of $10. This week we will also be making an OSHC Robot, having a Treasure Hunt and we will be turning into Egyptian Mummies. To make a booking for After School Care please notify Mariellos on 6651 7400 or send an email to oshc@bdc.nsw.edu.au. We look forward to seeing you at OSHC soon.

parents and FriendsTHE MOTHERS’ DAY STALL Don’t forget The Mothers Day Stall will be held on Wednesday 9th May, third week of Term 2. This stall gives students from K-6 the opportunity to buy a special gift for mum, step-mum or nana. Should you wish to purchase a gift or two, the cost for each item is $6.00 and will be added to your school account. The note has been sent home, please return these to your child’s teacher as soon as possible to ensure the smooth management of this event.

GREAT MOTHERS’ DAY IDEA!Why not give your mother, grandmother or friend a BDC P&F Cookbook for Mothers’ Day? For just $25 you can share hundreds of yummy homemade recipes contributed by the BDC community and even offer to cook your favourites with them! They are available either through the Accounts office or send in the order form on the BDC website to the Front Office.

UPCOMING EVENTSTrivia Night - 2nd June - We are currently looking for donations for prizes and/or items to be auctioned on the night. If you are able to help with this please email Erika at the P&F email below. Click here to read the flyer.

PARENTS & FRIENDS CATERING VAN Throughout the College year, the van will be facilitated at various events and will need volunteers to assist and prepare food. It is a great way to assist the College in providing a wonderful service to the students and visitors. If you would like to be placed on our Parents & Friends Catering Van Volunteer list, please email the P & F or phone President Allan Williams.

CANTEEN VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDIf you have a spare hour or more, especially between 10.30am and 12pm (recess service) or 1pm and 2pm (lunch service) the Canteen Manager, Ben Pike would be greatly appreciative. If you can offer a hand please fill in the form located on the BDC website and return to the College or for further enquiries please email Ben on bpike@bdc.nsw.edu.au

POSITIONS AVAILABLE - VICE PRESIDENT SOCIAL AND VICE PRESIDENT FUNDRAISINGDetails available from President Allan Williams.

CONTACT USFor more information, to view our Constitution or read our latest meeting minutes, click on “Our Community” then “Parents and Friends” on the College Website. We look forward to your support.

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President: Allan Williams 0408 332 082 akwillo@live.comP & F email: parentsandfriends@bdc.nsw.edu.auNext Meeting: Monday 21st May, 6.30 to 7.30 pm, Senior Common Room, refreshments provided

The Bishop Druitt College Parents and Friends Association is an organisation that supports the aims and objectives of the College. It does so through the promotion of fundraising, fellowship, friendship and fun.