Catholic Regional College Sydenham

The Deputy Principal - Students

07 August 2015 Edition 03:10:15

380 Sydenham Road, Sydenham. VIC. 3037

Telephone: 9361 0000 www.crcsydenham.net email: info@crcsydenham.net

Dear Families,

Addressing our Year 12’s this morning I initially offered a prayer for them and then informed them that as of today (Wednesday 5 August) only 32 days of tuition are available to them before their ‘study break’ in September and that Graduation occurs on Friday 16 October. This statement caused a sense of concern amongst the group but I am pleased to say not a sense of panic as it would seem that our students, your sons and daughters are well aware of what lies ahead of them as they journey towards their last few months of involvement in the secondary education journey. I assured the students that we would continue to work and assist them in particular with their final exams.

I also addressed an issue that they all heard the renowned Psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg talk to them about early in Term 1 that being the advantage of sleep

Most if not all of our students are running at 100% with classes every day, extra curricular activities, part time jobs and lots of study but we have to ensure that they are ready, fully prepared and have enough fuel in their tank to do face each day with enthusiasm.

Michael informed our students that sleep deprivation has become a crisis among teens. He suggested that the key to success at school, and particularly during exam times,

2015 College Theme

‘Light the World’

IMPORTANT COLLEGE DATES

Monday 10 August SACCSS Hockey Tuesday 11 August VCAL Mapping Activity - All Day Wednesday 12 August Yr 12 OED Camp - Phillip Island Thursday 13 August Yr 12 OED Camp - Phillip Island Friday 14 August Yr 12 OED Camp - Phillip Island Monday 17 August Yr 11 Biology - Melbourne Zoo Wednesday 19 August Walk to School Day Yr 11 2016 Final Enrolment Interviews - College Hall 4pm-8pm Thursday 20 August SACCSS Chess - All Day Yr 12 Theatre Studies Workshop Yr 1/2 Hospitality Tour - Crown Complex - All Day

Loving Father Give us the eyes to see the poverty and

injustice in the world around us Give us the ears to hear the cry of the poor Give us the hearts to feel compassion for those who are suffering and are in need

Give us the feet to walk with them on their journey as companions

Give us the hands to work with them to overcome their situation.

For we are all one body in Our Lord Jesus Christ Amen

Bless the efforts of those who are participating in the Walk To School Day

activity this morning.

May their efforts bring much needed help and comfort to the people of Timor Leste.

starts with a good night’s sleep.

Andrew Fuller who worked with the College Wellbeing Team last year certainly agrees. Sleep studies indicate that adolescents need between 8.5 and 9.25 hours of sleep each night. Yet many surveys show that only 15 percent of young people sleep 8.5 hours or more during the school week, and more than 25 percent sleep less than 7 hours.

The adage “early to bed, early to rise makes one healthy, wealthy and wise,” is just as important for teenagers as it is for adults. In fact, adequate rest may and should:

Improve mood

Increase the chances that your teen will get to school on time

Increase the chances that your teen will be in school

Improve academic performance

The Deputy Principal - Students

The Australian Government has appointed a Commissioner set up the Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner. Its purpose is to handle complaints about cyberbullying material targeted at Australian children. The College has been working on how we need to be compliant in regards to the reporting of cyberbulling. The Herald Sun (August 5 2015) in an article titled “Web of monsters” report that

“Children are being physically abused by paedophiles within days of first contacting them online.

Creeps are using details in public Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr and Instagram profiles to gather information about where they live and their friends.

Police are now warning parents to lock down security settings on their child’s social media pages and to monitor their internet use to protect them from sexual abuse. Inspector Wayne Newman, former Officer in Charge of Taskforce Astraea. Teenagers have also been caught willingly sexting - sending naked images of themselves - to who they believe is a person of the same age.”

The paper with courtesy of the Australian Communications and Media Authority lists five points as to how parents can assist to keep students safe. Based on the deep concern the College has for our families in regards to the negative aspects of social media we are planning a seminar to inform and assist you in this area

Leo Mc Inerney

Acting Principal

The Deputy Principal - Students

R S

Each fortnight in the College Newsletter, we recognise the achievements of many of our 'quiet achievers', those students who should be singled out for the wonderful work they are doing. This fortnight we recognise, celebrate and congratulate the following students:

MacKillop Cluster

Bradman Cluster

Tahlia entered our College this year and has been quick to make positive contributions. She has been working hard in her studies and been a role model for her peers. During a Pastoral Care session the Bradman cluster assembled in the Learning Common where she performed two songs. This was part of Tahlia’s Music assessment and as a Cluster we were fortunate enough to be invited.

Dunlop Cluster

Winton Cluster

This fortnight, the Winton Cluster would like to acknowledge the hard work of Josip Vukadin in Winton 1. Josip plays for St. Albans Saints in the National Premier League, with his team currently having a great level of success as they approach the end of regular season and head into the finals series. He has scored multiple goals this season for his team and also is hard working in his approach to playing in the Catholic Regional College Sydenham soccer team. Congratulations Josip and good luck through your finals campaign.

Truganini Cluster

Truganini would like to congratulate Sime Brzoja from Truganini 6. Recently Sime was invited by the Canberra Football Club to represent Australian Croatian’s in a Football tournament in Croatia. The tournament was hosted by the Croatian Football Federation and included football teams of young men of Croatian heritage from all around the world. Over the two weeks Sime played soccer and visited significant tourist attractions as well as those areas most affected by the war. What a wonderful experience. We wish him well on his future academic and sporting

endeavours.

Karen is an exemplar of the Catholic values, with her friendly and giving spirit. She has demonstrated continuous improvement in her Religion and Society class and is a star student. Her friendly demeanor and welcoming smile is consistently present in Home Group. Karen is performing for the Dunlop Cluster in the coming weeks as part of her VET Music studies. We wish Karen the best of luck for her performance!!

The Mackillop Cluster would like to commend Joshua Scarpaci from Mackillop 7 for his valued input into the school community. Joshua, like many others, has shown commitment to his studies whilst maintaining a part-time job. Further to this, he pursues his passion for music through his involvement in an acoustic duo who perform to audiences outside of the College. Joshua has performed on many occasions throughout the year in musical items, masses, bands performances, lunchtime concerts as well as a feature band and support band for others in the Talent Quest. His work behind the scenes

should also be noted. It is with great pleasure that we recognise his contributions.

Chang Cluster

Teresa is our student of the fortnight because she is enthusiastic and consistently positive in her contribution to the Chang 7 Home Group and her studies. Teresa is undertaking Unit 3 and 4 studies in the following subjects: English, Literature. Religion and Society, Psychology and History – Revolutions, her favorite is Literature because she enjoys analyzing the content of each book. Teresa cited ‘In Cold Blood’ by Truman Capote as a good example because he successfully manipulates his readers to see his point of view.

Tahlia Trajkovski

Teresa Vu

Sime Brzoja

Josip Vukadin

Joshua Scarpaci

Karen Gonsalves

Recognition of the following students who travelled to East Timor and participated in the service project

The Deputy Principal - Students

Marcus Gaetano Aidan Williams Lily Wood

Natasha Li Gwen Lawrence Rembrandt Soler

Emma Pointer

Christina Heron Christine Jobli Nyakeer Akoul

Rebecca Cassar

Aneta Mastek

Julia Pruscino Joshua Stock

Stuart Mayor

East Timor fundraising badge now available for $5 from the SLG each day in Home Group and in the cafeteria at lunch time.

The Deputy Principal - Students

Academic Achievement Awards Year 11

Academic Achievement Awards Year 12

The Deputy Principal - Students

Jake Amos Andrew Awad Izabella Blazevic Anthony Caligari Carla Callanan Frances Deen Bianca D'Silva Renee D'Souza Ashley Enriquez Elise Favorito Gabrielle Fetalvero Eunice Garay Erin Go Shanelle Gorospe Olivia Houllis Denise Ignacio Annasimone Iskandar Cindy Lam Katelinh Lamb Arwin Lee Frances Lombardo

Jessica Mercieca Rachel Mercieca Kaitlin Mifsud Danielle Murphy Kathleen Murphy Queenie Nguyen Stephanie Pacoski Alex Paterakis Rebekah Ponniah Shana-Leigh Portelli David Porter Jessica Presnell Sarah Rasquinha Jessica Read Angelica Rojas Daniel Segulin Sarah Symes Dorothy Tang Kristy Thinh Jerald Tienzo Michael Vella

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Michael Tawdrous

Crystal Limcango  

LANGUAGE

Daniel Milligan  

Isabella Oliveria  

Claudia Santalucia  

Roisin Greaney

Kristen Pegoraro  

Nhu Lu

MATHEMATICS  

Samuel Abanese

Mariah Cotter  

Osinachi Njoku  

VOCATIONAL TRAINING

Sharlene Saliba  

Freya Clemens

Chloe Mazza  

Renee Pace

Stephanie Bonello  

 

PERSONAL DEVELOP-MENT

Katie Theodosiou  

Darren Stomilovic  

Julian Seol  

Rebecca Gonthier  

Sasha Sant  

Danielle Maugeri  

SCIENCE  

Roisin Greaney

Marielle Baluot

Rebecca Gonthier  

Andrew Rueda  

Osinachi Njoku  

Wendell Baluyut  

Nathan Peeters  

Andrew Awad  

 

HUMANITIES

Samuel Albanese

Luke Corson  

James Sawires  

Marlyn Solano  

Jeselle Guico  

Michael Simiele  

Samuel Albanese  

Peter Theodosiou  

VISUAL AND PERFORM-ING ARTS

Jesse Attard  

Hazel Ilagan  

Cheryl Canlas  

Declan Kelly  

Wendall Baluyut  

Declan Kelly  

Natalie Mikic  

Stephanie Lacerna  

TECHNOLOGY

Katie Theodosiou  

Kevin Luu  

Osinachi Njoku  

Michelle Barba  

Kristian Vukadin  

Ahmed Makki  

Julianne Ecijan  

VCAL  

Christopher Tennent  

Joshua Formosa  

Breanna Turrie  

Marlena-Grace Sapa’u  

Peter Tran  

Brendon Nguyen  

Jook Ajang  

Rocco Palamara  

Liam White  

Matthew Moussa  

Alex Dib  

Natalie Cicconi  

Renee Pace  

Luke Purski  

Pierre Sadou  

Fernando Reyes (Jr)  

Jem Tukapua-Broughton  

Joshua Formosa  

CLUSTER AWARDS  

Bradman  

Yr 11

Marcus Gaetano

Megan Debono  

Yr 12

Joshua Curmi

Tiarne Maresceaux  

Winton  

Yr 11

Julia Pruscino

Isaac Sawires  

Yr 12

Victoria Buccheri

Joseph Ventura  

Chang  

Yr 11

Peter Theodosiou

Ashleigh Enriquez

Yr 12

Jarrod Febbraio

Lan Tran  

Dunlop  

Yr 11

Kathleen Murphy

Joshua Machuca 

Yr 12

Paolo Musni  

Michelle Barba  

Mackillop  

Yr 11

Stephanie Camilleri

Damian Biacon  

Yr 12

Nicole Camilleri

Declan Kelly  

Truganini  

Yr 11

Vincent Julian

Rebecca Cassar  

Yr 12

Wendell Baluyut

Cheryl Canlas  

Reports and Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews

Parent-Teacher-Student interviews will be conducted from 2.00pm to 8.30pm on Thursday September 3. Parents can view semester 2 interim reports and book interviews using the Parent Access Module which can be accessed via a link on the College website. A letter will be sent to all parent/guardians on Wednesday August 12 which will outline all of the necessary information for you to access this system. Electronic versions of student reports will be available online from Friday August 28. Reports will not be posted to parents and a hard copy of this report will not be issued. Parents can also book an interview with the relevant Cluster Coordinator for their son/daughter.

Students should also attend these interviews with parents as the interviews will focus on the study habits and future learning goals of the students and, as such, they must contribute to discussions for them to be effective.

It is recommended that students whose parents require an interpreter for these interviews contact Janet Doolan in Student Services and express their needs and the relevant times.

Pathway Planning

In addition to the current academic demands of each student’s program we are currently asking them to give strong consideration to their intended program in 2016. Year 11 students are required to submit 2016 courses online via a link shown on their on their Web Preferences receipt by Monday August 24. Year 12 students are currently working through a process of pathway planning during their pastoral periods. This process involves investigation of tertiary programs and the whole range of pathway options available. We encourage parents to discuss this topic with their sons/daughters and to assist them in embracing a wide network of support in this very important process.

Jeff Mulcahy

Deputy Principal - Learning and Teaching

Yr 12 Course Selection 2015 – Wednesday August 26

Over the next few weeks current Year 11 students will be considering their course selection for Year 12, 2016. This involves investigating how current study plans connect to a student’s future pathways. The selection of Year 12 subjects is an important decision and requires an understanding of the pathways available. Students need to be clear about their future pathways and current level of achievement and select subjects accordingly. It is also important to note that student achievement in Year 11 will be taken into consideration during the course selection process.

There are a number of students who have received two or more N results in semester 1. The school’s promotion policy states that students must achieve a Satisfactory result in at least 75% of the units undertaken in a calendar year. For a Year 11 VCE student this typically means that no more than three N’s can be awarded before promotion to Year 12 is placed in jeopardy.

Students will be submitting subject choices online via Web preferences between Friday August 7 and Friday August 21. Students will then be required to attend a course selection interview on Wednesday August 26 with senior staff member at the College.

We encourage you to attend this course selection day with your son/daughter in order to be part of the decision making process for their 2015 course selection.

Parents and students will be allocated a time to attend a subject counseling session between 9:00am and 6:00pm on this day.

Information regarding this day will be sent out early August.

The College looks forward to meeting with you and your son/daughter to finalise enrolment for 2016.

Jamie Mason

Director of Learning

From the Deputy Principal From the Director of Learning

- Learning and Teaching

VTAC APPLICATION PROCESS- YEAR 12

VTAC – Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre: www.vtac.edu.au

The Year 12 VTAC application process is now underway. Registrations for VTAC opened 9am Monday 3st August and timely applications close on the 30th September. Students will be required to pay a $29 processing fee. By now all Students have received a copy of the 2016 VTAC guide as well as “ABC OF APPLYING”, which outlines the entire application process. Year 12 students attended an assembly to explain this process on Wednesday morning. Applications are now also open for scholarships and SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme). There are many resources available to assist students with this application process, all of which can be obtained from Student Services.

VTAC Alternative Entry Programs:

RMIT SNAP Program: http://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/applying-to-rmit/local-student-applications/equity-access-schemes/types-of-equity-access/schools-network-access-program-snap-applicants/schools-network-access-program-snap-schools/

Students wishing to apply for a place at RMIT University are encouraged to put in a SNAP application. This 2 step process requires students to put in a SEAS application (category 1) and add their name to the list outside the careers office in order to qualify for school recommendation. Students could be eligible to gain access to RMIT courses with a heavily reduced ATAR.

*conditions apply

Victoria University PPP Program: http://www.vu.edu.au/study-with-us/your-study-options/vce-high-school-students/portfolio-partnership-program

Students wishing to apply for a course at Victoria University are encourage to put in a PPP application. This 2 step process requires students to put in a SEAS

application (category 1) and add their name to the list outside the careers office in order to qualify for school recommendation. Students could gain entry to Victoria University courses with an ATAR of 50:00.

*conditions apply

Australian Catholic University & La Trobe University offer Catholic Regional College Sydenham students bonus points as part of the Priority Access Program. This could award students bonuses of between 5 and 15 points added to their aggregate score.

*see Josie or Marj for further information.

Monash Guarantee Program: http://www.study.monash/how-to-apply/special-admissions/the-monash-guarantee The Monash Guarantee recognises your potential to succeed at university is about more than just your ATAR. It ensures fair entry for students to Monash. You could be eligible for a guaranteed place at Monash – even if your achieved ATAR is below the clearly-in rank.

A list of all guarantee courses can be found on the following link:

http://www.study.monash/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/199951/Monash-Guarantee-2016.pdf#page=4 Access Melbourne Program: http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/admissions/access_melbourne_and_equity_programs/access-melbourne High school can be a challenge at the best of times. If your circumstances have prevented you from achieving your best, Access Melbourne can help. Applications open 3 August at 9.00 am and close 6 October at 5.00 pm. The University guarantees admission to eligible applicants in these Access Melbourne categories: Disadvantaged financial background Applicants from rural or isolated areas You need to meet prerequisites and achieve the following ATARs: 78.00: Environments, Science 80.00: Arts 88.00: Commerce 95.00: Biomedicine *some conditions apply.

From the Careers

ACU – Early Achievers Program: http://www.acu.edu.au/study_at_acu/alternative_entry/early_entry

ACU recognises that are some students are not defined by their academic results and takes into consideration the students contribution to their local community. Successful applicants will receive an offer well ahead of usual tertiary admission announcements. Applications open Monday 10 August and close Monday 19 October.

La Trobe – ASPIRE Program: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/study/aspire

The Aspire program is an exciting initiative open to domestic year 12 school leavers, who volunteer in their community. When students apply through the Aspire program, La Trobe University will consider their volunteering and community engagement experience. This, along with the school’s recommendation, will form the basis of assessment.

If successful, students will receive an offer from La Trobe in September before ATARs are released, securing them a place to study before they complete their exams.

Offers are conditional on you meeting the minimum ATAR and standard prerequisites for your chosen course. Applications opened on 1 June and close on 31 August.

All Year 12 students are encourage to make an appointment with a member of our careers team if they would like some help with their applications.

Josie Albano albj@crcsydenham.net

Marj Peel peem@crcsydenham.net

Music News

The Year 1 VET Music Class had their first performance to the general public on Wednesday August 22. After months of rehearsal and in class performances, The Crate theatre opened it’s doors to parents, friends and teachers. Months of hard work paid of as students performed acoustic covers of some of their favourite songs including Flashlight, Snuff, By the Way and other work by the likes of Maroon 5 and Vance Joy. The night was a fantastic one, with the students giving their all and putting on a great show. Congratulations also to the Year 1 Technical Production class who ensured the show ran smoothly.

The year 11s will be strutting their stuff again on the 16th of September as they again take over the Crate theatre and raise money for charity. More information available at the Performing Arts office.

From the Careers Team From the Music Faculty

From the Music Faculty

Student/Family Information Changes

To ensure that families are kept up to date on all College matters we ask that If your family details have changed, please collect a form from the front office or alternatively you can email data@crcsydenham.net.

Year 12 2016 RE-ENROLMENT All families of current Year 11 students have had their Year 12 2016 re-enrolment forms posted out in the mail. Could these forms and the required deposit please be handed back into the front office immediately.

LOST PROPERTY

Any student that has lost any items of clothing or personal belongings could you please come to the front office and check that it has been handed in.

UNIFORM SHOP

Hours of operation at the College.

MONDAY: 2.30 - 4.30pm

THURSDAY: 8.00am - 10.00am

SATURDAY: 9.00am - 12.00pm

The uniform shop is located in the portable behind the basketball courts.

PAM LOGIN All parents should have received their letter with their PAM login details. PAM is your information hub for your student. If you require assistance with your login please email pamsupport@crcsydenham.net

FEES

The fee structure for 2015 will be:

Year 11/12 (over 2 years)

$8,380.00

Year 12

$4,170.00

Several subject areas which have high running costs also have compulsory charges – these subjects include Art, Drama, Geography, Foods, Wood, Studio Arts and parents should have already paid these levies.

We have EFTPOS available for school fee payments. Feel free to phone and make a payment on your fees.

We have a set and forget policy where families can commit to a payment plan to suit their requirements via direct debit or credit. We encourage all families to adopt this new policy.

The College fee statements have been posted out to families

Community News

Community News