from the principal's desk - oacc · from the principal's desk ... if you have any...

From the

PRINCIPAL'S DESK

The ‘My Schools’ website was relaunched this week with updates of the 2013 NAPLAN and statistical data for all

schools now available. I encourage all families to visit the site, to look at our data as well as the data of other

schools that may be of interest to you.

Apart from the NAPLAN results for year level cohorts, it is possible for visitors to the site to look at the improvement

over time for students from Years 3 to 5, 5 to 7 and 7 to 9. This longitudinal information is more important from our

perspective than that for a single year. This is because as we all know each year level can be quite different to the

one before or after. By tracking progress of year levels over successive years we can more readily analyse the

strengths and weaknesses in the delivery of our programs.

NAPLAN results can be compared against similar schools and the national average. Similar schools are

determined by the socio-economic comparability of families attending a school. Given that most of the schools on

our comparison list are not similar in terms of size, gender, location or type (Govt. Catholic or Independent like

Overnewton) no useful conclusions can be made about the similar schools comparisons. In particular, a longitudinal

comparison of data from similar schools cannot be used as the grouping of ‘similar schools’ in 2013 is different to

the grouping of ‘similar schools’ in 2011. Next year’s grouping will be different again when compared to the 2012 list.

With respect to National Standards, we were pleased to note that we are at or above standard in every level of

NAPLAN this year.

Due to the work of our curriculum staff in this area there has been clear improvement in numeracy across all year

levels over recent years. At the beginning of the year, I said to the College staff that the expression “I Can’t do

Maths” should not be accepted from students (or parents or teachers) because we know that we can and do maths

every day in our lives – even if not to the level required at Year 12 or beyond. Even this simple approach will help

encourage students to be more confident with their learning in this area.

The one category that did cause some disappointment this year was spelling. Spelling is one area where parents

can support their children’s learning by helping students practise their spelling at home. I know that classroom

teachers would be only too willing to support parents in this regard too.

It has never been the practice at Overnewton to teach to NAPLAN and to have the timing of our curriculum delivery

constrained by when the tests were to be sat; we do know that this has been the practice in many other schools.

With the Australian Curriculum coming into all schools it does allow the College to be more explicit in its preparation

for NAPLAN and this will be the case in 2014.

The latest research out of Harvard University points to students achieving more successfully in examinations when

their excitement is raised about them rather than when we try to down play the seriousness of the exercise. The

Harvard study indicates that explicit teaching of examination techniques and practising them in the context of being

excited about the challenge will provide greater benefit to our students. With this in mind, and in addition to a more

explicit preparation for NAPLAN, the reintroduction of cross campus Year 8 exams for both Middle Schools will also

Whispers v28/5 5 MARCH 2014

provide more explicit teaching of exam technique across most year levels.

Our longitudinal data shows that student learning increases significantly at Overnewton the longer a student is in

the College and that this improvement occurs at a greater rate than the comparative data for students across the

national average.

Additionally, our VCE results continue to have Overnewton students achieving in the top 20% of the country. An

ever increasing number of schools are offering VCAL, which we do not plan to offer. It is likely that a high

proportion of students who undertake VCAL would place in the lower ranks of VCE scores. Removing such

students from a school’s reporting cohort means that their VCE results become deceptively inflated. We are

delighted that we continue to perform so well comparatively when we have all students’ results included in our data.

Overnewton is extremely proud of its status as an open entry school. Regardless of academic ability, a student is

able to enrol at Overnewton, to complete 13 years of education with us and to sit VCE exams if that is their wish.

Therefore, we celebrate the student who achieves 98.95, as our Dux of 2013 achieved, along with the student who

achieved well below that if that was a great achievement for that student.

The danger in focussing this article on NAPLAN and VCE results only means that we limit our appreciation of what

an education at Overnewton College is about. We know that character development, a sense of social

responsibility, exposure to a diversity of co-curricular and leadership options, developing skills in public speaking,

exploring faith, and a focus on family values combine with a strong curriculum focussed on literacy, numeracy and

thinking to develop a well rounded graduate.

Nevertheless, I do encourage a visit to the MySchools site and I would be very happy to hear from any parent who

wishes to discuss with me any of the information contained within it.


College Bulletin Board

College Bulletin Board

This page includes important College notes/dates/events including details of College dates, Principal's morning

teas, registration matters, Education Maintenance Allowance and other relevant administrative notices.

COLLEGE DATES

Friday 7th MarchSchool Alive Tours

Monday 10th MarchLabour Day Public Holiday

Thursday 13th MarchYears 4-6 Divisional Swimming Carnival at Oak Park Swimming Pool

Senior School Parent-Student-Teacher Interviews

Friday 14th MarchClass of 2004 - 10 Year Reunion

PARENTS AFTERNOON TEAWITH THE PRINCIPAL

Mr Laussen will again be holding informal opportunities for parents to meet with him over a cup of tea. Please feel

free to call in should you wish to have a chat, ask a question, or share a good news story about your child.

Keilor Campus

11th March and 26th March

Time: 2.30 - 3.30pm, in the Principal's Office

and

Taylors Lakes Campus

31st March

Time: 2.30 - 3.30pm, in the Principal's Office

Please contact the Principal's Assistant, Josie Klarin on 9334 0149 or email [email protected] if you are planning to attend one of these afternoon teas.

Parent Survey about ICTOn Monday, 3rd March, parents were emailed details of a short survey about Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This survey will assist a working party of College staff and parents in assessing the best ways of using ICT to support student learning at the College and will be open for responses until 5pm on Friday 7th


mailto:[email protected]

March.If you have any questions about this survey, please contact the Heads of Campus:Rob Huntington (Keilor Campus) - [email protected] Gabe Alessandrini (Taylors Lakes Campus) – [email protected]

STUDENT WITHDRAWALS FROM THE COLLEGEAs part of the "Conditions of Entry" to Overnewton Anglican Community College, signed by all families upon confirmation of enrolment "One full term's written notice is required to withdraw a student from the College. If one full term's notice is not given to the College, one full term's fees will be charged." Notifications should be sent to Mrs Diane King [email protected]

SIBLING APPLICATIONS

A REMINDER TO OVERNEWTON FAMILIESParents who have a child attending Overnewton College and are interested in obtaining a position for other siblings in their family should contact the Registrar, Diane King on 9334 0141 and request an application form as soon as possible.

Some vacancies still exist for Prep 2014 and 2015.

Mindfulness for ParentsParent Education EveningOur Term 1 Parent Education Evening will be held on Monday 17th March at

7.00pm in the Sports and Performing Arts Building at Keilor Campus.

Please see the Student Wellbeing section of Whispers for full details

Combined Working BeeSaturday 22nd March, 2014Keilor Campus and Taylors Lakes Campus

The next combined campus working bee will be held on Saturday 22nd March, 2014.

Please note that the working bee commences at 8.30am and not before. Hours will only

be credited after 8.30am. The day will finish at 4.30pm. Please stay as long as possible

so that the tasks organised for the day can be completed. The day will cover projects and general clean up at both

campuses. Please bring along your own gloves and any gardening tools you may require, including lawn mowers.

Lunch: $5.00. Please note that children are not permitted to attend working bees.

Co-ordinators: Keilor Campus, Andrew Daalmeyer - 0411 269 331 and

Taylors Lakes Campus, Sando Temelkovski - 0412 046 811

(Working Bee dates are also listed on the College website,www.overnewton.vic.edu.au)





http://www.overnewton.vic.edu.au)

CHIBOBO NEWS

SOAPS HELPING CHILDREN GO TO SCHOOL IN CHIBOBO, AN UNEXPECTED BLESSING.Mike Lampard

I am constantly amazed and delighted with how opportunities arise

and exciting results often happen from the unexpected, especially in

relation to our work at Chibobo. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the

Ephesians, talks of a God who is able to do more than we can ask or

imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

Chibobo children in their uniforms

Mrs Brown’s Stain Removing Soaps have been one such blessing. In 2011, I was approached with the offer of

hand made stain removing soaps to sell for Chibobo. Mrs Val Brown, with her husband Robert, is a faithful lady

who makes soap with the sole aim of helping mission work overseas. My initial thought was that I may be able to

sell a few soaps to help our work at Chibobo. I ended up with 1000 soaps in my garage and the thought that this

would last for years. Little did I see how God would use this opportunity. The soaps, which sell for $5, became

available at the same time that we were making school uniforms to help Chibobo orphans go to school. We realised

that the $5 raised by the sale of a bar of soap would send an orphan to school for a month, paying for shoes,

stationery and the other necessities needed to go with a uniform for the child to attend school. Added to this, the

soaps are BRILLIANT AT REMOVING ANY STAINS YOU CAN IMAGINE! Only last week I was told how great the

soap was at removing stains from cricket whites, and that a bar accidentally went in with the wash and the resultant

clothes were nice and bright, without a stain in sight. The soap can get stains out of carpets, remove those difficult

stains and GETS PAINT OUT OF SCHOOL CLOTHES AFTER AN ART LESSON (if washed in cold water)!

So far we have sold approximately 1500 bars of Mrs Brown’s stain removing soaps. Many people are now regular

customers, a testament to how good the soap is. The soaps are available at the Overnewton reception, St. Mary’s

Anglican Church in Sunbury or from Mike Lampard. Far more than I could ask or imagine – soaps sold at

Overnewton and St. Mary’s helping orphans attend school in a remote part of Zambia. Who would have thought?

For further information on our work at Chibobo, or Mrs Brown’s Stain Removing Soap, contact Mike Lampard via

email: [email protected]



Head of

KEILOR CAMPUS

Visual Arts News

Bonnie Lethleen of Year 12 was one of the finalists in the ‘Fireworks Art and Design Competition’, run by the

Moonee Valley Council. She created a doona and pillowcase set using fabric dyes. The exhibition is held at the

Incinerator Gallery in Moonee Ponds, and will continue till the 30th of March.

Outstanding Professional Services Award presented to Jill Livett by theCouncil of Professional Teaching Association Victoria (CPTAV)

The CPTAV awards were held at Graduate House, Melbourne University. Each year Professional Teaching

Associations have the chance to celebrate the exceptional contributions their Board members or a member of the

association make to their community. This year saw 14 Associations having an outstanding individual recognised.

Keilor Campus Visual Arts Teacher, Jill Livett, who is President Design and Technology Teacher's Association

(DATTA) Vic, was awarded the Outstanding Professional Services Award 2013 for her exceptional work for DATTA

Vic. Jill has been President of DATTA Vic for over 3 years and has recently taken on the role of President for

DATTA Australia.

Jill has made and continues to make an outstanding contribution to education in the areas of Product Design and

Technology and Systems Engineering. Jill is an extremely talented and knowledgeable individual who has a strong

passion for education. Jill is a very hardworking teacher who always puts others first and it is wonderful to see her

outstanding efforts rewarded!

Working Bee


A good number of parents were active on Saturday in the buildings and grounds at Keilor Campus. One group of

parents did an excellent job pruning trees around the buildings and there was a significant focus on the Robertson

Rose Garden as well as ongoing garden border works and busy cleaning and mowing groups. It was pleasing to

see many new parents joining the ranks. The campus is looking in very good condition thanks to the work of our

parents.


KEILOR CAMPUS

Head of Junior School

Year 4 Leaders

Philippa Piper Year 3 - 4 Co-ordinator, Junior School - Keilor Campus

Last week, at our first Junior School Assembly for 2014 we saw our Year 4 leaders presented with their badges.

The Year 4 teachers stress that you do not need to wear a badge to be a leader, in fact all of the Year 4 students

are leaders. In the last couple of weeks all of the Year 4 students met their Prep buddies. This was an eagerly

anticipated meeting. Not only was it time to put faces to names, it was an opportunity for the Year 4s to reflect on

when they were in Prep and met their buddies. This is a very special relationship for both the Preps and Year 4s

and one which they will remember fondly over the years.

Junior School Assembly

Assembly is an opportunity for Junior School to gather together to celebrate and share as a whole school

community. Parents and members of the wider Overnewton community are always welcome to attend. Junior

School Assemblies are held in the Sports Hall and commence at 2.30pm. This year each year level will have an

opportunity to share their learning at an assembly.

Keilor Campus Junior School Assembly Dates for 2014

Term 1Monday 24th March – Year 3

Term 2Monday 5th May - Year 2

Monday 19th May – Year 1

Monday 2nd June - Prep

Term 3Monday 4th August – Year 4


Monday 15th September – Year 3

Term 4Monday 13th October – Year 2

Monday 27th October - Year 1

Monday 10th November - Prep

Monday 24th November

Developing Independence

In recent years Michael Grose was the speaker at one of Overnewton’s Parent Information Evenings. One of the

messages he gave to the audience was that the job of parents is to make themselves redundant, not in a relational

sense, but in a managerial sense from their kids. He went on to explain that this is not something new. Parents

spend a lot of time teaching their kids life skills; for instance teaching them to dress themselves, tie shoe laces,

selecting clothes to wear, packing lunch boxes and so on. This is done to help their children develop skills which

will equip them to eventually do things for themselves beyond the family home. This independence can start to

occur from a young age as long as the child is developmentally ready. We encourage the children to carry their own

school bag, learn to tie their shoe laces and do/make/speak for themselves. So consider Michael’s words of

wisdom, Don’t do for your child what they can do for themselves, they will thank you in years to come.

Junior School – Keilor Campus, Students of the Week

Congratulations to the following students for being awarded Student of the Week.

Prep BK, Tom Frewen for displaying excellent speaking and listening skills during group sessions

Prep K, Maddison Loughnan for always speaking nicely and using lovely manners

Prep P, Kristian Karras for working hard in all he does and for greatly improved concentration

Prep R, Siana Setiawan for demonstrating a commitment to her learning and always trying her best

1CA, Yiannis Tyrovolas-Oakley for working hard in all subjects and showing enthusiasm for every activity

1S, Harrison Taylor-Lynch for reflecting on his behaviour during team activities and making excellent choices to

help his team achieve its goal

2ML, Xavier Constanzo for working hard consistently and completing tasks to the best of his ability

2MR, Tyler Story for brightening up our classroom with his happy smile and eagerness to learn

2P, Cailie Parslow for being a kind and generous student and demonstrating care and thought for others

2T, Nikki Bozinovski for being an outstanding 'encourager' and support to her classmates

3C, Nina Mammone for working as part of the 3C team while collecting ‘Nude Food’ House points

3E, Olivia Evans for understanding the importance of manners and using them both in and out of the classroom

3Z, Jack Zammit for showing our College value of learning by being persistent and completing work tasks on time


4C, Alana Tsiavis for working hard to establish a reading routine and for finding out information about her learning

without any help

4LK, Tahlia Tanti for showing consistent politeness and following routines quietly and efficiently

4NK, Liam Armstron holds strong ‘community’ based values especially within 4N’s classroom community.

Whenever someone has a need Liam steps straight in to assist. He leads by example

4P, Jordan Daghe for sharing his understanding of the THRASS chart with the class


TAYLORS LAKES CAMPUS

Head of Junior School

Junior School - Taylors Lakes Campus

Ms Sonia Ashford, Prep – Year 2 Co-ordinator

Prep BBQ

Last Thursday evening we celebrated the Prep students being at school for one month. It was a wonderful evening

of good company and great excitement. The Prep families mingled with staff and Parent Support Team members

whilst having a picnic and BBQ together in the late afternoon/early evening sunshine. We thank all parents who

made the commitment to attend the evening with their families. A very special thank you goes to the Parent

Support Team who provided the BBQ and drinks. It was a very special evening. Congratulations Prep

students…..another 12 years and 36 weeks to go!

Reading in Junior School

Teachers often get enquiries and concerns about the coloured dot on the take home books for the Home Reading

Program. Please be reassured that staff work hard on teaching the techniques and strategies required to read

more challenging texts within the classroom. When your students take a book home to read, it is usually one of an

‘easier’ level so that they are practising the skills they have already learnt and showing this off to family at home.

There is no teaching expected at home, just an enjoyable time of sharing a book for the purpose of practise and

developing a love of reading. The home reading book will be carefully selected by staff to ensure there is success

at home although some older students may wish to also read books from home or the library which are more

challenging.

Rather than just having students ‘bark at print’ by reading each word without a depth of understanding, there is a

greater emphasis on comprehension within the reading process. Therefore, there is a clear understanding of the

meaning of the text, the student won’t progress to the next phase in their reading journey.

ComprehensionParents often wonder how they can help to develop the reading skills of children who are already fluent readers.

The best way is to continue to share books with your child, regularly listening to them read, read to or with them,

and also discuss books read in increasing depth. Below is a list of skills children need to develop to become good

readers and examples of questions parents might ask.

Inference:reading between the lines

What are the important ideas in this text?

What are the character traits that you see in the main character?


Structure and organisation: as children read a wider range of text types, they need to be able to comment on the

features of each and how they are organised

Is this a fiction or a non-fiction book? What are the features that make you think this?

Why is this page laid out in this way?

Language: specifically, thinking about the language choices made by writers, their possible reasons for making

those choices and the effect the choices have on the reader

Pick three favourite words or phrases from this chapter. Can you explain why you chose them?

Find two sentences which describe the setting.

Purpose and viewpoint: Children need to understand that writers write for a purpose, and to be able to recognise

that this will have an impact on the way a text is written

Do you think the author intended you to like/dislike this character? How do you know?

Do you think the title of the book is appropriate? Why?

Making links: as adults, we are constantly making links between ideas and experiences. Good readers connect

the book they are reading with real life experiences, other books, stories and movies

Have you read anything else by this author? Is anything similar?

Does this book remind you of anything else?

The first HOUSE assembly at Junior School - Taylors Lakes Campus

Written By Dion Constas, Curie House Captain Junior School - Taylors Lakes Campus

On Friday 21st February we, the Curie House Captains, Dion Constas and Zoe Marcote hosted the very first House

Assembly at the Taylors Lakes Campus. All of the House captains processed with the official party. Mrs Fitzgerald

–Tate, Head of Co Curricular and Mrs Fielder followed on.

We introduced all of the House Captains to our Junior School community. They are, Newton: Tara Vursak and

Matthew Grimaud, Edison: Bianca Schembri and Luke Armocida, Pasteur: Celeste Bozinov and Marcos Siciliano,

Curie: Zoe Marcote and Dion Constas.

Through our presentation we explained the origins of the House names and the people they were named after

(Louis Pasteur – discovered pasteurisation, Thomas Edison – invented the light bulb, Isaac Newton – a famous

mathematician and scientist, Marie Curie – discovered radio therapy).

Zoe and I announced all the events that were coming up like the Nude Food Breakfast, Healthy Living Trivia

competition and the Emu Bob we are going to participate in. The House Captains did a great role play about Nude

Food in the classroom, educating the students in Junior School about how to recognise and count Nude Food.

Everyone watched carefully when a YouTube clip was shown about how rubbish impacts on the environment all

around the world. We saw bottle rings that could choke sea animals and we discovered where rubbish goes after it

goes into the rubbish bin. I was really surprised about how much food and plastic we waste and how all of this


affects the environment.

As a leader and presenter at the House Assembly I felt really nervous to be hosting but was confident in the end

because I practised every lunch and snack time of that week to make sure it was right. I think being a House

Leader has been a great experience for me. During the past few weeks I learnt that even though you may not be

confident in the beginning, you have lots of opportunities to develop confidence.


Nude Food Breakfast

Written by Zoe Marcote, Curie House Captain Junior School - Taylors Lakes Campus

On February 26th the Junior School community participated in a Nude Food Breakfast. It was great to see families

and their nude food on display. As a Curie Captain I was so proud that all of our hard work had come to life. The

Nude Food Breakfast showed that everyone cared about the environment and helped our world to have less litter.

The Nude Food Breakfast was a lot of fun, and a great way for the Junior School community to get to know how

important it is to have wrapper free food and use containers instead.

The House Leaders dressed up as fruity characters, which added an extra bit of excitement to the morning. It was

funny to see Mrs Nawrocki as a giant banana, Mrs Marchment as a yummy apple, Mrs Lonigro as a juicy orange

and who can forget Ms Treacey with her hat decorated in all that healthy fruit! At our Nude Food Breakfast we had

an abundance of free fruit which was generously donated to our Junior School by Romsey Fresh Wholesale Fruit

and Vegetable Shop. The fruit was a hit, not to mention delicious. I also saw lots of the adults making a

complimentary cup of tea of coffee using their own nude food cup!

During the morning we had our talented Middle School band play lovely music for us to enjoy while we ate our

breakfast. This really set the mood. We all really appreciate the effort the Middle School band put in to prepare and

play for us at our Junior School event. What a great community we are!


Raffle tickets were handed out to all families who attended our breakfast and prizes were drawn. We had many

Nude Food containers to give away which added even more excitement to the morning’s events.

Overall, our Nude Food Breakfast was great. Everyone had a wonderful time. Everybody was happy and smiling!

What a great beginning to our 2014 House Program!

Thank you to Mrs Nawrocki, Curie House Leader, for helping us to organise and run such successful events.

Star Students

Prep T Alyssa Kafritsas for always listening and being a responsible learner.

Prep T Alan Elenkov for remembering to use his manners and be respectful to his classmates.

Prep B Aidan Smith for his excellent organisation and independence skills

Prep B Ava Du' Pratt for her responsible and caring attitude toward her class members

1MI Valentina Velasco for the pride she takes in her presentation of her written work

1MA Joe Berrisford for demonstrating responsibility as he organises himself for his day

1N Isaac Landers for always displaying kindness towards his classmates and for showing a strong sense of

community

2O Ajaya West for working hard at THRASSING out his weekly focus words and being able to transfer his newly

found knowledge to his writing.

2O Kristen Tsiaplias for her persistence with counting and number work.

2A Mohammed Zafar for persistence in understanding the connection between addition and subtraction

2A Max Ciciulla for demonstrating determination and 100% effort with any task

2H Melody Hudson for showing kindness and acceptance when working with her new classmates.

2H Benjamin Smith for having a ‘You Can Do It’ attitude and never giving up when the going gets tough.

3BF Madison Saltarelli for excellence in dictionary work

3BF Michelle Galofaro for consistent excellence in spelling

3G Mitchell Stewart for being a proactive community member who works for the good of others in his daily school

life

3G Madison Mountjoy for being an active, kind, caring and considerate community member.

3M Maneesha Perera for her amazing thinking relating to the Central Idea

3M Alec Trakas for fantastic work during Numeracy activities

4L William Poplawski for showing responsibility and enthusiasm at all times and being a wonderful role model for

those around him

4NW Harrison Kypreos for displaying community values through the respect he shows to fellow class members and

teachers. A brilliant effort!


4NW Aikini Kandiah for the self- respect, commitment to learning and excellence displayed on a daily basis. A

commendable achievement!

4NJ Jenna Green for displaying a positive, happy and caring attitude towards her peers

4NJ Darcy Broom for showing such enthusiasm and offering great thoughts and ideas during small group work

Coming Events, Junior School - Taylors Lakes Campus

Thursday 13th MarchAssembly – 3M Presenting 2.30pm

Friday 14th MarchOutdoor Movie Night 7.30pm

Tuesday 25th MarchParent Teacher Interviews 3.30-8.00pm

Thursday 27th MarchAssembly – 2H Presenting 2.30pm

Parent Teacher Interviews 3.30-5.30pm

Tuesday 1st AprilCelebration of Learning 9.00-10.00am

Friday 4th AprilLast day of Term 1


Heads of

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Music Rehearsal Day

As part of preparations for the 2014 performance schedule, the College organised a Music Rehearsal Day that was

held at Brimbank Anglican Church in Keilor on Friday 28th February 2014. Many talented and enthusiastic Middle

School students from a variety of ensembles attended. The rehearsal day was an important part of the Instrumental

Music Program and assisted in improving the musicianship and ensemble skills of all involved. The students

worked intensively on performance material for the Founders’ Day Church Service and other concerts which the

Overnewton community will hear and enjoy throughout the year.

Uniform

Wearing the College uniform correctly is a requirement for all students of the College. If, for any reason on a

particular day, your child cannot wear their uniform in keeping with the College Uniform Code, please write a note in

their diary briefly explaining the reason. When students are wearing their sport uniform the shoes should be

suitable for sporting activities. Sports shoes should provide cushioning and have structures which support the foot.

It is very important that all pieces of the uniform are clearly labeled with your child’s name so that they can be

returned promptly if lost. Lost property is located in the Middle School Office.

An outline of the uniform requirements can be found on pages 18 and 19 of the student diary; however, a few

things to note are:

Blazers need to be worn to and from school

Length of school dresses should be in accordance with the College Uniform Code

Black leather lace up shoes to be worn

Earrings must be studs or plain sleepers only with one earring per ear and only in the earlobe.

A watch and small cross (worn under the uniform) are the only other jewellery to be worn.

Make-up and nail polish should not be worn to school

Hair must be tidy at all times and in accordance with the school policy regarding hairstyles. In Middle School

hair which touches or is longer than the collar must be (fully) tied back.

College design plain grey socks for boys

Correct sports uniform

Literature Circles in Middle School

Literature Circles were originally modelled after adult book clubs. Throughout the year each student in Middle

School has an opportunity to participate in the library-based Literature Circles program, with each year level

devoting one term to the program. Term 1 Year 7, Year 8 in Term 2, Year 6 Term 3 and Year 5 Term 4.


Students have an introductory session where the books for the rotation, selected by the English teachers and

Middle School Teacher librarians, are introduced. Students indicate their preferences and based upon their book

choice small temporary groups of approximately 9-10 students are then formed. It is an opportunity for students to

make choices about their learning and leads to a deeper engagement with and an intrinsic motivation to read the

text.

The groups then meet weekly with a teacher. During the session, students may discuss sections of the text;

analyse issues and themes that arise from their reading; explore the development of characters within the text; or

connect their reading to personal experience. The focus is on higher levels of thinking and literary comprehension,

with activities such as blogs and character mapping, to assist students in these areas.

Discussions during the meetings aim to be open, natural conversations about the books, so personal connections,

wide ranging discussions and open ended questions are welcomed. This is the place to debate and argue their

ideas within the context of the book being studied. Literature Circles are a place for cooperative learning where

students help each other to understand and make sense of the text being studied through conversation.

Between meetings, students read and prepare for the next meeting. At the end of the meeting it is agreed where

the group will read to for the next meeting and instructions for the reading response or the role to be prepared

before the next meeting will be given.

Coming Events, Middle School - Term 1 2014

Thursday 6th MarchTaylors Lakes Parent Support Group: Welcome to Middle School BBQ

Year 6 Keilor Campus ECOLINK excursion

Monday 10th MarchLabour Day Holiday

Monday 17th MarchParent Education Evening 7pm the Sports and Performing Arts Centre, Keilor Campus: Dr Craig Hassed will

speak on mindfulness for parents.

Friday 21st MarchHarmony Day

Monday 24th MarchTaylors Lakes Campus Middle School and Year 9 Athletics Carnival

Monday 24th to Friday 28th MarchKeilor Campus Year 8 Camp - Canberra

Keilor Campus Year 7 Camp

Monday 31st MarchKeilor Campus Middle School Athletics Carnival

Monday 31st March to Friday 4th AprilTaylors Lakes Campus Year 8 Camp – Canberra

Friday 4th April


End of Term 1


Head of

CANOWINDRA YEAR 9

Student Notebook Computers

The roll out of student notebook computers was very successful thanks to the support from our Information

Services staff and our Year 9 students who were also a great support to staff throughout the process. All students

were given labels for their bag, computer and charger, but it is recommended that they add a decorative key ring for

quick identification.

During the session students were given an information booklet and we recommend families read this at home.

Please encourage students to take care of their new equipment. It is an educational tool, first and foremost, not a

games console, so limit the addition of extra software. It is expected that students use external storage devises for

high volume files not related to learning. Internet access should be in public spaces in the home, rather than in

bedrooms.

A number of students planned to take computers to ACS sport. We don’t recommend this due to the risk of damage

and the lack of supervision while games are in progress. When not being used computers should be secured in

lockers

Coming Events, Canowindra

Thursday 6th MarchACS Overnewton vs. St Michaels (Home)

Thursday 13th MarchACS Overnewton vs. Westbourne (Home)

Monday 24th MarchFocus Week 2

Wednesday 26th MarchWaratah Bay camp

Friday 4th AprilMonty Prior Presentation


Head of

SENIOR SCHOOL

Paul Dillon Sessions

On Thursday 13th March, Paul Dillon will be back at the College following successful sessions last year with our

senior students. He will run workshops around the issues of drugs and alcohol. Paul will work with each year level

in separate sessions to enable him to present information and talk with our students about the issues and concerns

that relate to each age group. Paul is fantastic in breaking down statistics, giving “real” and accurate information to

students and strategies on risk minimisation.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Student/Parent Teacher Interviews for Senior School students will be taking place on Thursday 13th March and

Tuesday 18th March in the Sports Hall. This year, interview nights are divided based on surnames, rather than year

levels, which allows for families with children in different year levels in Senior School, to attend the one evening.

Students with surnames ending A-L are to book appointments with their teachers for Thursday evening, and

students with surnames ending M-Z to book appointments for Tuesday evening. Students are highly encouraged to

attend these appointments so they can be a proactive member of these conversations. Information letters with

booking sheets will be posted out this week.


Head of

STUDENT SERVICES

Mindfulness

Mindfulness evolved over 2500 years ago in Buddhist thinking and meditation practice to address and relieve self-

induced suffering caused by the dysfunctional ways people habitually tend to respond to their experience. More

recently, it has been simplified as a means of learning to direct our attention to our experience as it unfolds,

moment by moment, with curiosity and acceptance. Rather than worrying about what has happened or might

happen, it trains us to to respond skillfully to whatever is happening right now, be that good or bad (

http://mindfulnessinschools.org/mindfulness/). In our current climate of information overload, there is never a more

important time to learn these important skills, both for ourselves and our children. Come and see why this is one of

the fastest growing movements in the field of health and wellbeing.

Our next Parent Education Evening Mindfulness for Parents by Craig Hassed 2014 will take place on 17th March,

2013 at 7pm and the Keilor Campus. Please come along and learn more on this topic. Click on the link to view

further information.


http://mindfulnessinschools.org/mindfulness/

/data/Insights/Mindfulness for Parents by Craig Hassed 2014.pdf

/data/Insights/Mindfulness for Parents by Craig Hassed 2014.pdf

Bulletin Board

Family Contribution Scheme

Parents and Friends Association Bulletin BoardThis page includes requests for parent assistance by various parent workgroup co-ordinators. It also

provides dates and details of upcoming social and fundraising activities.

Parent Support Team, Middle School - Keilor Campus

Warmly invites all parents to attend our Parent Support Team meeting. Come along and help us plan some fun

events for our students. New suggestions will be very welcome.

Time 9 am (straight after school drop off)

Date Wednesday 12th March, 2014

Place Sweet Lulus Keilor Village.

For more information please contact Kate Cornelius on 0410 649 326

Social Fundraising Team - Whole College - Help!

Our social fundraising team is a new group of parents who have come together this year and are looking to deliver

some fun “social” events for our school.

We will be holding a meeting at the Taylors Lakes Hotel on Tuesday 4th March at 7.30pm and encourage any

parents who are interested in helping this group to execute some great functions to come along.

This is a great way for parents to meet, and be involved in something that is fun and exciting for the school.

Hours spent attending this meeting will contribute toward the Family Contribution Scheme.

If you would like more information, please contact Amanda Thorley at [email protected] or 0416 260

702

First Aid Vacancies

We are seeking parents with nursing/medical qualifications or Level 2 first aid certificate who would like to join the

roster for the Taylors Lakes Campus First Aid room.

Please contact the First Aid co-ordinators Dawn Fischer 0413 134 965 [email protected] or Suzie Ristevski

0448 332 471

Junior School - Keilor Campus, Zooper Dooper Fridays




The Keilor Campus Junior School Parent Support Team is holding two free Zooper Dooper Fridays on 21st

February and 7th March. These will take place at lunchtime, in the plaza area for Prep and Year 1 students and

the Amphitheatre for Years 2, 3 and 4.

If you wish your child to have one Zooper Dooper, please fill in the order forms sent home in the student diaries and

return to your child's class teacher. A limited amount of lemonade icy poles will only be available for those students

with allergies or sensitivities to colouring agents.

For any queries, please contact Carina - 0410 559 151 / [email protected]

or Pela 0415 867 218 / [email protected]

Junior School Parent Support Team - Keilor Campus

Pick-Up and Drop-OffParents are required for: Mornings from 8.30 - 9.00am and/or Afternoons from 3.15 - 3.45pm for pick-up/drop-off

duties at the drop-off and pick-up zones at both campuses. The purpose of this duty is to assist students in safely

crossing the car park at the zebra crossing.

If this sounds like you and you are interested, please contact: Mary at [email protected] for Keilor

Campus or Andrea at [email protected] for Taylors Lakes Campus. We look forward to having you on our

team.

2014 Parent Workgroup Co-ordinator List is now available

Copies can be collected from the main reception at both campuses if you have not already received one via

email.

Mother’s Day Gift Stall - Keilor Campus

Donations NeededIf you are handy at making hampers we would love to hear from you, all other donations welcome.

Tammie Tanti - 0417 388 028

Anne Damanti - 0401 773 564

Hours for the Family Contribution Scheme will be allocated accordingly

Junior School Parent Support Team -Taylors Lakes Campus

Invites families from Prep –Year 4 to An Outdoor Family Movie Night (movie will be announced shortly)

When: Friday 14th March,

Time: 7.30pm – 9:30pm

Where: in the Junior School courtyard.

Cost - $15 per family (2 adults and 3 children)

Popcorn, lollies, drinks and novelties will be available to purchase on the night.

Bring along a picnic rug, or chair and a warm blanket.






We hope you can join us.

AuskickREGISTER NOW ONLINE FOR 2014 OVERNEWTON AUSKICK

www.aflauskick.com.au

Further details available on either OVERNEWTON AUSKICK WEBSITE

www.OvernewtonAuskick.sportingpulse.net or

OVERNEWTON AUSKICK FACEBOOK PAGE

www.facebook.com/OvernewtonAuskick

Car Pooling!Do you want to share the driving to and from the College?

Then car pooling may be right for you!

If you are interested in finding other parents who live in your area who may also wish to carpool then all you need to

do is register.

We will then provide you with the telephone numbers of parents who have also registered from the same area. The

arrangements are then up to you!

Please email your name, your telephone number, your address, your children’s year levels, the Campus you drive

to and the number of free seats in your car to Wendy at: [email protected]

Middle School - Taylors Lakes CampusYear 5 and New Families to Middle School in 2014 - you are Invited!

To welcome Year 5 and new families to Overnewton Middle School the Middle School Parent

Support Team are organising a sausage sizzle for these families.

We will be having aPicnic BBQ in the form of a Sausage Sizzle on Thursday 6th March from6pm – 7.30pm.

You may also like to bring along a picnic rug, your own food and drinks as well. (no alcohol)

It will be held in the Taylors Lakes Campus, Middle School courtyard (weather permitting).

From Middle School Parent Support Team (PST) Taylors Lakes Campus

Senior School Parent Support TeamThe group support friendship raising, and support families connected with the Senior

School. We are a friendly group and would like to invite interested Senior School parents

to Café Greko at Watergardens to chat about Senior School activities:Tuesday 4th March

and Tuesday 25th March, 2014 at 7.00pm.

Contact: [email protected] or Robyn Baddeley 9331 6322


http://www.aflauskick.com.au/

http://www.overnewtonauskick.sportingpulse.net/

http://www.facebook.com/OvernewtonAuskick



Classroom Assistance

Family Contribution Scheme

This page includes request for help with excursions, camps, sports activities and other class related activities for

both campuses.

CLASSROOM ASSISTANCE

Classroom Assistance positions for both Keilor and Taylors Lakes Campuses will be advertised through Whispers

on a weekly basis. Most positions require a regular weekly commitment for the whole year, although in specific

cases you may be able to alternate with another parent or join a roster. You are invited to apply for any position,

even if your child is at another campus or different year level. Please note that the person you will be telephoning is

a parent fulfilling their 18 hour commitment, so please do not phone before 7.15am or after 9.00pm. Younger

siblings or sick children cannot accompany parents whilst on duty. A blue Classroom Assistance folder is kept at

the front office at each campus to record your hours.

Recording HoursA reminder to parents that it is your responsibility to record your own hours for classroom assistance and

excursions in the folder at the front office labelled Classroom Assistance. Please ensure you write legibly and

include details of your child, including the surname if you have a different name to your child, and your home

telephone number. These hours are collated at the end of each term.

Working with Children CheckIt is a Victorian Government requirement that all adults working with children have a current Working with Children

Check with Overnewton College listed as a volunteer organisation. . If you need to amend your details to include

Overnewton College please go to the website www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au click on Update My Details, click

again on Update My Details, and then register for My Check which allows you to update organisation immediately

on-line. You will then receive an email detailing the change which you can then forward to the school or relevant

parent co-ordinator. Please ensure you have your card number or Post Office receipt number and expiry date when

you phone to register your name.

KEILOR CAMPUS

If you have any concerns regarding the Classroom Assistance program at Keilor Campus please contact the

relevant co-ordinator or Jennie McCullagh, Resource Officer on 9334 0086

Parent Co-ordinators

Susie Gekas - Prep, Years 1 and 2, P.M.P. and Art, 9449 3419 [email protected]

Jenny Ratcliff - Years 3 - 8, Senior School and Hours, 0425 870 244 [email protected]

Tracy Wright - ACS/House Sport, 9336 7294 [email protected]

Classroom Assistance, 2014


https://bay168.mail.live.com/mail/17.1.7013.6000/Compose/www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au




Classroom Assistance vacancies will be advertised through the Whispers. If you would like to register your name

for any of the sessions below please contact Susie Gekas regarding your availability.

Perceptual Motor Program (PMP)Parent help is required for Perceptual Motor Program (PMP). All students in Prep and Year 1 participate in activities

that encourage skill enhancement movement pattern development using dynamic equipment. Physical Education

staff design and oversee the program. Sessions will be held in the Keilor Campus Gymnasium on Tuesday

mornings from 8.45am – 10.45am and we require a weekly commitment. Parent helpers are required to support set-

up at 8.45am so prompt arrival is appreciated.

Susie Gekas 9449 3419, [email protected]

Year 1 Classroom AssistanceParent help is required in 1CA on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8.55am – 10.45am.

Parent help is required in 1CR on Thursdays from 8.55 – 10.45am.

Parent help is required in 1S on Tuesdays from 8.55am – 10.45am.

Susie Gekas 9449 3419,[email protected]

Year 2 Classroom AssistanceParent help is required in 2P on Mondays Week 2 and Wednesdays Week 2 from 9.00am – 10.45am.

Parent help is required in 2ML on Wednesdays from 9.00am – 10.45am.

Susie Gekas 9449 3419, [email protected]

Junior School Art AssistancePrep R Tuesdays 11.00am – 12.10pm, Week 1 and Tuesdays 1.30pm – 3.20pm, Week 2

1CA Thursdays 11.00am – 12.10pm, Week 1 and Thursdays 1.30pm – 3.20pm, Week 2

1S Thursdays 1.30pm – 3.20pm, Week 1 and Thursdays 11.00am – 12.10pm, Week 2

2MR Wednesdays 11.00am – 12.10pm, Week 1

2P Thursdays 11.50am – 1.00pm, Week 1

2T Wednesdays 1.30pm – 3.20pm, Week 1 and Fridays 8.55am – 10.05am, Week 2

3GK Thursdays 11.00am – 12.30pm, Week 1

3Z Thursdays 1.30pm – 3.20pm, Week 1 and Thursdays 11.00am – 12.15pm, Week 2

Susie Gekas 9449 3419,[email protected]

Year 6 LOTE Excursion (German) – change of dateParent help is required for a Year 6 German excursion to Austrian Club on Wednesday 30th April from 8.55am –

3.20pm.

Jenny Ratcliff 0425 870 244 (after 6.00pm),[email protected] (preferred contact)

ACS Swimming CarnivalParent help is required for the Years 7–12 ACS Swimming Carnival on Friday 21st March from 9.00am – 4.00pm at

Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Tracy Wright 9336 7294, [email protected]

Keilor Campus Middle School House Athletics CarnivalParent help is required for the Middle School House Athletics Carnival on Monday 31st March from 8.30am –

3.00pm at Keilor Park Athletics Track.

Tracy Wright 9336 7294,[email protected]

Senior School Athletics Carnival









Parent help is required for the Senior School House Athletics Carnival on Thursday 24th April from 8.30am –

3.00pm at Keilor Park Athletics Track.


Years 4 – 6 House Cross CountryParent help is required for the Years 4 – 6 House Cross Country on Tuesday 29th April from 8.30am – 12.00pm at

Brimbank Park.


Spirituality and Meditation Camps (Senior School)A First Aid trained parent is required for each of the Spirituality and Meditation Camps throughout the year. You will

be required to run small group activities so please include relevant teaching, yoga or meditation experience and

involvement in your church.

Monday 28th April – Tuesday 29th April (closing date Monday 21st March)

Monday 8th September – Tuesday 9th September (closing date Monday 12th May)

Monday 13th October – Tuesday 14th October (closing date Monday 12th May)

Applications are to be emailed to [email protected] no later than the specified closing date.

Please provide: your name, child’s name and class, your postal address and a contact phone number, a photocopy

of First Aid qualifications – must include Minimum Level 2 First Aid, current CPR and anaphylaxis training and a

current Working with Children Check

It is a Victorian Government requirement that all adults working with children have a current Working with Children

Check with Overnewton College listed as a volunteer organisation. All email applications will receive a receipt of

delivery. Two terms of hours will be credited at the conclusion of the camp and must be taken consecutively.

TIPS FOR RECORDING YOUR FAMILY CONTRIBUTION SCHEME HOURSWhen you organise or contribute hours towards the Family Contribution Scheme ALWAYS ask the person who is allocating the task, 'Where should I record in my hours?'. Make sure you write your name clearly and include your child's name if it is different to your own. Include your home telephone number also, to help us allocate your hours correctly.

Please note that signing the security book only does not mean your hours have been recorded.

For further assistance regarding the Family Contribution Scheme contact Susan Bates, Community Development, 9334 0143.

TAYLORS LAKES CAMPUS

If you have any concerns regarding the Classroom Assistance Program at Taylors Lakes Campus please contact

the relevant co-ordinator or Denise O’Keefe, Resource Officer on 9334 0245.

Parent Co-ordinators

Melissa Lo-Iudice - Prep to Year 2, 0425 757 838 [email protected]

Michelle Schembri - Years 3 to 9, 0414 907 337 [email protected]

Tracy Wright - ACS/House Sport, 9336 7294 [email protected]

Year 6 Excursion









Parent help is required to assist with Year 6 excursions to Ecolinc in Bacchus Marsh as follows.

6K on Monday17th Marchfrom 9am – 3.20pm

6E and 6S on Monday 31st March from 9am – 3.20pm.

Michelle Schembri 0414 907 337,[email protected]

Year 9 ExcursionParent help is required to assist with a Year 9 excursion to the Arts Centre on Thursday 20th Marchfrom 11am –

3pm.


ACS Swimming CarnivalParent help is required to assist with the ACS Swimming Carnival being held at MSAC on Friday 21st March from

8.30am – 4.30pm. Transport will be provided to the venue.


House Athletics CarnivalParent help is required to assist with the Middle School and Year 9 House Athletics Carnival being held at Keilor

Park Athletics Track on Monday 24th March from 8.30am – 3.30pm. Parents will need to make their own way to

the venue as transport will not be provided.


House Cross CountryParent help is required to assist with the House Cross Country event being held at Brimbank Park on Tuesday 29th

April from 8.30am – 12pm. Parents will need to make their own way to the venue as transport will be not be

provided.


Prep General HelpersParent help is required daily from 9am – 10.45am to assist the Prep teachers with general tasks eg laminating,

collecting materials for classroom activities, labelling, sorting resources. Please note that you will be making a

commitment to a particular day for the whole school year and will not be required to reapply each term

Melissa Lo-Iudice 0425 757 838,[email protected]

Junior School Classroom AssistanceParent help is required for classroom assistance in the following classes. Please note that you will be making a

commitment to a particular day for the whole school year and will not be required to reapply each term

1MA Fridays 900am – 10.45am Week 1 and 2

1MA Thursdays 1.40pm – 3.20pm Week 1 and 2.30pm - 3.20pm, Week 2

1MI Mondays and Tuesdays 9.00am - 10.45am Week 1 and 2

1N Tuesdays 9.00am - 11.00am Week 1

1N Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9.00am - 11.00am Week 2

Melissa Lo-Iudice 0425 757 838, [email protected]

Year 2 ICT AssistanceParent help is required to assist the following classes with their ICT lessons. General computer knowledge is

helpful, eg know how to operate a mouse, type on a keyboard, open a program. Please note that you will be

making a commitment to a particular day for the whole school year and will not be required to reapply each term

2O Tuesdays 11.10am – 12.40pm Week 1 and 2









2H Tuesdays 11.10am – 12.40pm Week 1 and 2

2A Wednesdays 11.10am – 12.40pm Week 1 and 2

Melissa Lo-Iudice 0425 757 838, [email protected]

Junior School Art AssistancePrep T Tuesdays 11.00am – 12.00pm in Week 1

Prep B Tuesdays 11.50am - 12.50pm in Week 1 and Wednesdays 1.30pm – 3.30pm in Week 2

1N Wednesdays 8.45am - 10.45am in Week 1 and 11.50am – 12.50pm in Week 2

1MA Wednesdays 11.00am - 12.00pm in Week 1 and 8.45am - 10.45am in Week 2

1MI Wednesdays 1.30pm - 2.30pm in Week 1

2A Fridays 1.30pm – 2.30pm in Week 1 and Fridays 1.30pm - 3.30pm in Week 2

2O Wednesdays 9.45am - 10.45am in Week 1 and 8.45am - 10.45am in Week 2

2H Wednesdays 8.45am - 10.00am in Week 1 and 11.00am - 1.00pm in Week 2

Melissa Lo-Iudice 0425 757 838,[email protected]

3BF Tuesdays 10.00am - 1.00pm in Week 1 and 11.50am - 12.50pm in Week 2

3G Tuesdays 8.45am - 10.45am in Week 2

4L Tuesdays 2.20pm - 3.20pm in Week 1 and Wednesdays 11.00am - 1.00pm in Week 2

4NJ Wednesdays 9.45am – 10.45am in Week 1 and 8.45am - 10.45am in Week 2

4NW Fridays 2.20pm - 3.20pm in Week 1 and 1.30pm - 3.30pm in Week 2


Middle School AssistanceA parent is needed to assist the Year 5 and 6 teachers with preparation of materials for Classroom Reading

Circles. Tasks will include preparing resources, collating materials, photocopying, laminating and other general

assistance. Times and days are negotiable and can vary depending on the workload.

Michelle Schembri 0414 907 337, [email protected]






Music and Theatre

Encore

Encore Instrumental Music

George Katsikas, Head of Instrumental Music

Over 120 students from both campuses participated in the first Music Rehearsal Day at Brimbank Anglican Church.

These Rehearsal Days are an integral part of the Encore Instrumental Program and give students and staff the

opportunity to work intensively and without interruptions for a whole day. The College Big Band, Middle School

Concert Bands, Middle School Choirs, String Orchestra and the Canowindra Vocal Group all worked with fantastic

enthusiasm and dedication throughout the day. A special thanks to all involved who ensured it was a valuable and

rewarding day.

A reminder to all students that if you would like to participate in one of the Encore Instrumental Ensembles, Term 1

is the best time to join. Participating in a music ensemble is great fun and also incredibly rewarding, so if you have

not had this experience, contact Mrs Tania Riotto for more information.

Free Drumming Workshop

Any Middle School students interested in learning the drums should attend a free Drumming Workshop to find out

what is involved in banging a drum!

Keilor Campus is on Tuesday 18th March, 2014 at lunchtime in S201 and Taylors Lakes Campus is on Thursday

20th March in MU1. This is a great chance to find out more - parents are welcome to attend.


Sport

Activate

State Primary Athletics ChampionshipsCongratulations to Erin Kypreos who has made it through to the State Primary Athletics

Championships.

Erin finished 1st in the long jump with a jump of 4.38m, 3rd in the triple jump with a PB jump of

9.28m and 2nd in the 200m with a PB (personal best) of 29.21. Erin finished 1st in the 100m

with a time of 14.06 and a fall after she crossed the finishing line. It was a very close race in

which Erin was able to beat her arch rival from Diamond Valley.

Inter-school Sports Report

Nikki Little and Janene Lokaj, Heads of Sport

Years 5 - 6Taylors Lakes Campus teams played away at Mackellar Primary School and the Keilor Campus teams hosted

Keilor Primary School. The Taylors Lakes Campus open football team scored their first win of the season, with a

10 point win. Lachlan Bonaguro and Lachlan Rudd were the goal scorers for the game and were amongst best on

field along with Darby Lalor, Oliver Lake and Joel Pirrotta. Both netball and bat tennis teams also brought home

wins this round. The girls’ netball continues to dominate their opponents with a 23 goal win and the girls’ bat tennis

were also very strong winning by 15 matches. Jayden Najdovski scored two goals in their win over Mackellar with

the third goal scored by Ryan Lethlean. In the girls’ soccer match Amelia Velardo scored the only team goal;

however, it was not enough as Mackellar were able to score a goal an even up the score line. The girls’ tee-ball

had a narrow loss by one run while the open team need to keep working on their fielding skills to limit the opposition

access to the bases. From the Keilor Campus open soccer game, Michael Cesarios was sensational in defence

talking to his team mates and making sound defensive decisions while Sam Rachmani worked hard up front. Niko

Sikavitsas was creative in midfield and took his chances up front, resulting in 5 goals for the team. It was a one-

sided game in the girls’ match and they showed good skills especially for their first game. Great hitting by Jesse

Campagna from the open tee-ball squad. The opposition umpire commented on how great Vin Tran’s

sportsmanship was in this match. From the girls’ tee-ball game Hannah Eres displayed fantastic team spirit and

encouragement of everyone – even the opposition. Tia Moutzikis made good decisions in the field. The girls’

netball team had an awesome first game, which came down to Keilor Primary School scoring the winning goal in

last 20 seconds. It was an amazing team effort by all members of the open netball team and fabulous winning

partnership by Emma Galacho and Elsie Capp in goals that saw an 11-0 win.. Samual Joson from the open bat

tennis team won a tough singles battle 6-5 while Larissa Chan won her singles comfortably 6-1. Despite narrow

losses, both bat tennis teams had a positive start to the season.


Year 9Splitting the round again were the boys’ basketball teams with a loss for the B team and a win by 4 points by the A

team. Point scorers for these matches were Trent Cousins (25), Zac Larmer (8), Richard Leenaars (6), Liam

Marchment (6), Callum Stephens (6) and James Savvidis (5).

Adrian Caruana took two wickets and one catch in the cricket team’s loss this round. Mehtaab Singh was best of

the batters with 32 runs batted in.

After the disappointing loss of last round the boys’ softball team bounced back with a convincing 13 runs win over

their opponents Thomas Carr this round. It was a very even team effort displaying consistent batting skills.

General fielding skills need improving; however, Michael Ajaimy has displayed controlled pitching to pressure the

opposition batters. He also was skilled with the bat as he was one of several multiple run scorers. The highlights

from the girls’ softball match were the two runs scored by Adel Besim and Natalie Fewster and the 3rd base catch

by Jasmin Rifat.

It was an improved performance by the boys’ hockey team with better pressure and structure in attack. Their

general skills are also on the improved.

All players contributed to the win by the boys’ table tennis team. It was a return to form by captain, Jeremy Su and

a special mention to Edward Seiffert who played in his first ever ACS match and scored a win.

Goal scorers from the girls’ soccer match were Rebecca Wrout (2) and Annalyse Schipano (1). Best on ground

from this match was Aprille Trajcevski. The coach has commented that team’s game sense is improving.

Winners: Boys’ basketball A (38 pts – 34); boys’ softball (25 runs – 8); girls’ soccer (3 goals – 3 draw); boys’ table

tennis (13 matches – 3); girls’ tennis (11 sets – 1)

SeniorsTahni Curnow Rice captain of the 2nd girls’ tennis team, displayed good leadership, sportsmanship and had a

winning score line in both her singles and doubles encounters. It was a fantastic first round match from the girls

from the 1st tennis team. Everyone put in their best efforts and finished with a good win. Best players were Sarah

Gonsalves who won both her matches 6 – 1 / 6 – 0 and Morgan Bain who won her matches 6 – 2 / 6 – 1.

From the 2nd boys’ futsal match, James Mascia played superbly as goalie for the team only allowing one ball past

him but stopping plenty of other shots in his team’s win by 9 goals. Anton Longhitano scored 5 super stunning

goals to start up the 1st boys’ futsal team’s road to the season grand final.

James Paraskevopoulos worked hard throughout the entire basketball game in the thirds match having to rebound

against a tall opposition. Sean Ferguson shot the ball well, Daniel Vella tried hard on defence and Ethan Towns

battled hard in this game also. Excellent defence from all of the players from the 4th boys’ basketball team enabled


them to score a narrow 2 point win. Joshua Kimpton worked hard throughout the match while Mason Morello was

able to hit his shots from anywhere on the court. Aiden Sita was controlling the boards throughout the game. The

1st boys’ basketball team had a win by 9 points but the 2nd boys’ basketball team had a loss. Goal scorers from

these matches were Callum Bellinger (12), Mitchel Harvey (8), Harrison Bult (6), Anthony Moon (6), Andrew

Bellinger (2 ) and Dylan Pateras (2).

The 2nd boys’ table tennis team had a great start to the season with a 12 match win over their opponents St

Leonards in the first game of the season. All players gave their best and displayed good sportsmanship throughout

the afternoon of competition. It was a great first up win against St Leonards with most of the games being very

even in the contest. The Overnewton boys managed to take the win each time in these matches.

Khayzenne Abarra displayed some good fielding and batting skills from the 2nd girls’ softball team in their loss this

round. Bronte Hawke pitched well; however, the coach has commented that improvement in general fielding and

running harder at the bases may get them the win in the future. Luke Jovanovic scored a home run in his team’s

16 run win in the 2nd boys’ softball game. Coming up to the last innings of the boys’ 1st softball match, the

Overnewton team were 5 runs down. With belief in themselves that they could still win the match, they went into

bat and were rewarded with 10 runs. Now up they had to hold it together in the field to deny St Leonards the

game. With some brilliant fielding, pitching and catching that kept the pressure on the St Leonards team, the

Overnewton team were able to keep them scoreless and thus securing the win. The 1st girls’ softball team had a

narrow loss but also displayed some positive signs in the field and in the pitching positions to give the coach

confidence for future games.

A first up loss for the 1st boys’ cricket team this round; however, there were positive signs from many of the team

members. Daniel Raniolo had bowling figures of 2/26 while William Connor bowling figures were 2/9. On the

batting side Joshua Nunn top scored with 21 runs and next best was Clayton Bonello with 19 runs.

Gabrielle Fox was outstanding in defence in the 1st girls’ soccer match this round. Sylvia Pan was exceptionally

strong in the midfield defensive position. All of the team goals were excellent in terms of passing and scoring.

Katherine Salik was able to beat her defender to the ball and slot past the keeper to score. Annabelle Toro scored

beautifully from set goals. Dimitra De Losa’s explosive pace got her past two defenders to get to the ball, beat the

keeper and score the goal. The 2nd girls’ soccer team also had a win but the team is still learning their positional

tasks within the structure. Once this is achieved that could be unbeatable, especially after this start without this

knowledge.

The 3rd girls’ volleyball team had a loss this round but Alanna Daalmeyer and Lauren Romeo were key players in

trying to keep their team in the match. With a loss also were the 2nd girls’ volleyball team who played well but loss

focus at the crucial moments. The 1st girls’ volleyball scored a win this round with a tough 3 set – 2 victory.

The 2nd boys’ hockey team had a first up win with the forwards working vey well together, leading and passing

accurately. The defenders did well to keep most of the play out of the oppositions attacking end. Good

communication between the team members was a key feature of the team’s win.

Winners: 1st Boys’ basketball (32 pts – 23); 4th boys’ basketball (28 pts – 26); 1st boys’ softball (19 runs – 13);

2nd boys’ softball (27 runs – 11); 1st girls’ softball (14 runs – 14 draw); 1st girls’ soccer (4 goals – 0); 2nd girls’

soccer (4 goals – 0); 1st boys’ table tennis (10 sets – 6); 2nd boys’ table tennis (14 sets – 2); 1st girls’ tennis (10

sets – 2); 2nd girls’ tennis (9 sets – 1); 1st girls’ volleyball (3 sets – 2); 4th girls’ volleyball (4 sets – 0); 1st boys’

futsal (9 goals – 2); 2nd boys’ futsal (10 goals – 1); 2nd boys’ hockey (2 goals – 0)

For information regarding departure and return times of the ACS and Years 5 /6 teams during the week, call the


College’s Sports Information Line on 9 331 5980. For fixtures and other relevant information visit the College

website using the URL http://www.overnewton.vic.edu.au then follow the sequence: - Our College, Co-Curriculum,

Sport. Also find Sport Information and follow the tweets by using the College Mobile App

Sydenham District Year 4 – 6 Swimming Carnival

Nikki Little and Janene Lokaj, Heads of Sport

Fifty enthusiastic students from Years 4 – 6 represented Overnewton’s Keilor and Taylors Lakes Campuses at the

Sydenham District Swimming Carnival. The two campuses competed against one another at the event, as well as

seven other local schools in individual 50m freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly races and 4 x 50m

freestyle relays. Overnewton Keilor Campus won the event, while Overnewton Taylors Lakes Campus placed 2nd.

All competitors displayed outstanding sportsmanship and were proud representatives of the College.

Competitors who placed 1st or 2nd in their events advance to compete at the Western Metropolitan Division Swim

Carnival on the 13th March. This is our largest team to reach this level in many years and our excited swimmers

are looking forward to the challenge.

Freestyle: Robbie Stewart (K), Noah Juzva (K), Amelia Verlado (T), Harry Osumi (K)

Backstroke: Jorjia Chamra (T), Tara Verzak (T), Keiya Osumi (K), Alessia Fisicchia (T), Piper Heard (K), Harry

Osumi (K)

Breaststroke: Tara Verzak (T), Keiya Osumi (K), Eliza Coyne (T), Noah Juzva (K), Alyssa Rich (K), Cody Brand (K)

Butterfly: Robbie Stewart (K), Jessica Pollard (T), Jasmine Thuree (K), Lachlan Stewart (K), Matthew Morello (T)

Freestyle Relay Teams: 9/10 girls (T), 9/10 boys (K & T), 11 girls (K & T), 11 boys (T), 12/13 girls (K & T), 12/13

boys (K)

Relay swimmers: Monique Georgopoulos (T), Trinity Melich (T), Paris Najdovski (T), Ben Frewen (K), Mason

Sykes (K), Lawrence Hope (T), Brodie Fischer (T), Dion Constas (T), William Poplawski (T), Alicia Kossivis (T),

Genevieve Falzon (K), Madison Falla (K), Charlotte Hubble (K), Tahlia Read (K), Darby Lalor (T), Timothy Smith (),

Hanifi Mustafa (T), Joshua Castello (T). Chelsea Attard (K), Isabella Butterworth (K), Allison Cram (T), Samantha

Barrow (T), Catherine Honeyborne (T), Daniel Saunders (K).


http://www.overnewton.vic.edu.au/

ACS Summer Sport Captains

Sport captains are elected by team coaches to lead ACS teams in the seasonal sporting competitions and during

the major carnivals. These students demonstrate skill, commitment and the qualities to lead and inspire team mates

to play to their best. Captain badges were awarded to the following students at campus assemblies to acknowledge

their role this season:

Year 7:Basketball A: Simon Borzillo, Basketball B: Julian Mazzone, Cricket: Thomas Guljas, Hockey: Lucas Calderazzo,

Softball: Poojitha Ravikumar, Softball: Jordyn Leonardelli, Soccer: Catherine Ioannidis, Table Tennis: Nelson Tran,

Tennis: Andrea Lontos, Volleyball A: Isabella Halil, Volleyball B: Elizabeth Fernandes

Year 8:Basketball A: James Elkington, Basketball B: Jack Pelligana, Cricket: Jye Craggill, Hockey: Josh Verlado, Softball:

Isabella Charalambous, Softball: Nathan Karic, Soccer: Mallory Vandeloo, Table Tennis: James Tang, Tennis:

Emilia Werner, Volleyball A: Hanna Bult, Volleyball B: Eva Arena

Year 9:Basketball A: Trent Cousins, Basketball B: Michael Dinatale, Cricket:Mehtaab Singh, Hockey: Andrew Metz,

Softball: April Ashcroft, Softball: Michael Ajaimy, Soccer: Eden Cassar, Table Tennis: Jeremy Su, Tennis: Emily

Kanzamar, Volleyball A: Emily Hickmott, Volleyball B: Cindy Tran

Senior:Basketball A: Anthony Moon, Basketball B: Jay White, Basketball C: Sean Ferguson, Basketball D: Mason Morello,

Cricket A: Rukshan Gunasekara, Cricket B: Jack Hojnik, Hockey A: Frank Cimone, Hockey B: Joshua Dix, Futsal A:

Ryan Dragovic, Futsal B: Brayden Azzi, Softball A: Kristen Koroneos, Softball B: Khazenne Abarra, Softball A:

Jayden Ristevski, Softball B: Jonah Krznaric, Nathan Karic, Soccer A: Gabriella Fox, Soccer B: Kim Van, Table

Tennis A: George Papadopoulos, Table Tennis B: Winston Luong, Tennis A: Sarah Gonsalves, Tennis B: Tahni

Curnow Rice, Mixed Touch A: Hashani Kumara, Mixed Touch B: Adam Pisani, Volleyball A: Bonnie Lethlean,

Volleyball B: Georgia Potiriadis, Volleyball C: Alanna Daalmeyer, Volleyball D: Taylor Elkington; ACS Swimming;

Jacki Santi and Mason Morello

Year 5 and 6 - 2014 State Team Selections

Students in Years 5 and 6 have an opportunity to trial for Team Vic Selection in the following sports:


Tennis – boys and girls

Football (Australian Rules) – boys only

Soccer – boys and girls

Basketball – boys and girls

Netball – girls only

Students who are selected to participate in these trials will be required to attend an after school selection in the

week beginning 31st March.

Overnewton is strictly limited to entering a maximum of six boys and six girls for each sport (three per campus).

Tennis is run differently as a singles competition, and only two boys and two girls may be nominated. Students

must be playing at a representative level to be eligible. Students who are currently playing at local clubs who have

not demonstrated further representation or significant accolades will be unable to trial.

Nomination forms can be obtained from Mrs Nikki Little (Keilor Campus) and Ms Janene Lokaj (Taylors Lakes

Campus) and be must returned by 14th March (tennis) and 21st March (all other sports).

Year 7 - 12 2014 State Team Selections

Secondary students who wish to nominate for Team Vic selection are to go to the School Sport Victoria website for

nomination details ( www.ssv.vic.edu.au ) and follow the Team Vic State Teams tab


http://www.ssv.vic.edu.au

Junior Sports Program

New Basketball Players Wanted - Overnewton Boys and GirlsDom Facchino, Overnewton Junior Sports Program committee

Is your child interested in playing basketball? If they are, here is the perfect chance to

get them started.

The Overnewton Junior Sports Program committee would like to have more players

playing in the Overnewton Fire teams for under 10, 12, 14 and 16 age groups, which

play in the Keilor Basketball Association. A new season starts in Term 2.

If your child is born between 2000 and 2007, is able to commit to training once a week

(most likely at the College), and is able to play the game on Saturday mornings, then

send me an email to [email protected] for more information.

Please note: if we receive too many applicants, preference will be given to those who

register first.

Junior Sport Program (JSP) - Soccer Term 2, 3 and 4Attention: Boys and Girls in Year 1 to Year 4.The Junior Sports Program is

pleased to inform you that the soccer program at Overnewton is back for 2014.

Martin Colak will be co-ordinating the program again this year.

Venue: Keilor Campus (Sports and Performing Arts Building and outside)

Time: 9.30am – 11:00am

Day: Saturday

Duration: Term 2, 3 and 4 approximately 24 weeks, starting the 3rd of May

Cost: $120 Participants will receive one pair of soccer socks, shin pad and a ball

Numbers are strictly limited .Register by Monday 24th of March The program requires parents to actively assist

and will only go ahead if there are parents able to help. Time spent assisting with this activity will be allocated

toward the Family Contribution Scheme. All parents will need to have a current Working with Children Check.

To register your interest for your child to participate or to help out, please email Mary Paolozza,

[email protected] with the following information:Your child’s name, their class (eg 1T), the Campus which

they attend, a parent’s name and parent contact phone number and their email address.

If there are any parents who are capable of coaching any other sports and would like to be part of the program, we

would like to speak to you. Junior Sports Program Committee




Netball Results

Under 11Jade Stars defeated Overnewton 1 12-6

A great game

Under 13Overnewton 1 defeated Overnewton 2 20-11

Under 15Overnewton 1 defeated Panthers 27-7

A fantastic game played by all.

Basketball Results

Congratulations to all of the Overnewton Basketball teams for an entertaining season.

Good luck to all teams who made it through to the first week of the finals.

Under 10 BOYS (Overnewton 1)Great game by the Overnewton Under 10s. Now on to the finals!!

Final scores: Overnewton Fire 1: 26, Aberfeldie Jets 3: 3

Under 10 BOYS (Overnewton 2)This was very physical encounter, with the opposition going in hard. To their credit the team stuck to their

defensive strategy, slowed the game down and played to their strengths. Congratulations to the team and coach

for earning a spot in the finals.

Final scores: Overnewton Fire 2: 9, C.S. Blue Devils: 7

Under 10 GIRLS (Overnewton 1)A well fought game and a valiant effort against the Salvo Saints. The girls played brilliantly and won by 2 points

with many shots on goal. Well done!

Final scores: Overnewton Fire 1: 7, Salvo Saints: 5

Under 12 BOYS (Overnewton 1)This was a great last game for our team but we met stiff competition from Blue Devils team. Results draw 18 all.

Good season all in all.

Final scores: Overnewton Fire 1: 18, Blue Devils: 18

Under 12 BOYS (Overnewton 2)The boys are second on the ladder. The boy’s defensive skills were on display and they came away with a

deserved win to go to the semi-final. Well done boys!

Final scores: Overnewton Fire 2: 17, Aberfeldie Jets: 10

Under 12 GIRLS (Overnewton 1)As another season draws to an end – our girls have shown good improvement, good perseverance and an amazing

attitude. You should all be very proud of the way YOU have represented Overnewton College.

Final scores: Overnewton Fire 1: 7, C.S. Blue Devils 1: 25

Under 12 GIRLS (Overnewton 2)


It was a nail biting game against a very strong team. The girls worked extremely hard to keep the Jets at bay and

managed some great offensive play but trailed by 4 points at half time. Showing great determination, they evened

the score half way through the second half then took the lead until the last second when the Jets scored on the

buzzer for the equalizer. A brilliant effort with every player committed 100%.


Under 14 BOYS (Overnewton 1)Certainly a challenging first half, with the height advantage of the opposition keeping them ahead of us.

Unfortunately, five minutes into the second half the game stopped abruptly when a player from the opposing team

had a fall resulting in a serious injury requiring a trip to the hospital via ambulance, we wish him a speedy recovery.


Under 14 GIRLS (Overnewton 1)The girls played a very hard and clean match, their efforts were inspiring. Our girls were aware of the importance of

this match in order to take them to the finals. So proud of our team after a convincing win.

Final scores: Overnewton Fire 1: 46, St Christopher’s 4: 9

Under 14 GIRLS (Overnewton 2)Tough assignment against the top team, the girls fought hard and showed excellent teamwork. A great 3 pointer

was scored by Georgie.

Final scores: Overnewton Fire 2: 5, C.S. Devils: 33

Under 16 BOYS (Overnewton 1)This was one of the most memorable games for the season. The boys began really well and had a handy lead at

half time. The opposition were able to narrow the lead considerably in the second half, making the last few minutes

very exciting; it could have gone either way. Thankfully, with great team work and accurate scoring we were able to

come away with the win. A great way to cap off the season boys!

Final scores: Overnewton Fire 1: 30, Salvo Saints: 26

Under 16 BOYS (Overnewton 2)This was our last game of the season and the boys pulled out all stops to stay in front. Great teamwork from all the

boys, great passing skills, with a few missed baskets along the way. With only five seconds to go our highest scorer

dropped the ball in the basket and we won by 2 points in the last breathtaking moment. Congratulations to all our

team and a huge thank-you to coach – Sean Ferguson for taking the time to coach our team.


Under 16 BOYS (Overnewton 3)What a way to finish a game!! Nail biting last two minutes saw our boys winning this thriller of a game. Our team

were always leading the score, however after a couple of hiccups Aberfeldie Jets were coming very close, but with

a fantastic team effort our boys delivered a very important win that will see us in the finals. Well done boys!

Final scores: Overnewton Fire 3: 19, St Christopher’s 2: 31

Under 16 GIRLS (Overnewton 1)The girls played against a faster and taller team. Unfortunately they did not win, so they have not progressed to the

finals. Well done to all the girls for their hard work this season.

Final scores: Overnewton Fire 1: 18, Taylors Lakes 4: 35


College Shop

The College Shop is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday every week and two Saturdays (the first and last

Saturday each term). Please note: the College Shop is not open during school holidays unless advertised in

Whispers.

Term 1, 2014 Opening Hours

Monday 31st March, 8.15am - 4.30pm.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8.15am - 4.30pm.

The College Shop will be closed for lunch between the hours of 12 - 1pm.

Saturday Opening Dates For 2014

Term 129th March

Term 226th April, 9 - 1pm and 21st June, 9 - 1pm

Term 326th July, 9 - 1pm, 2nd August, 9 – 3pm for Blazer Fittings Only and 13th September, 9 – 1pm

Term 411th October, 9 – 1pm and 6th December, 9 – 1pm

Exchange and RefundsWhile we are happy to exchange, you will need to keep your receipt to do so. All exchanges and refunds will only

be accepted in the term of the original purchase.

Note: Patches are now available from the College Shop for Junior School grey trousers and track pants.

Zip RepairsBags requiring zip repairs can be dropped off at the College Shop the last Thursday of the term before 11am. We

ask that you clearly mark your child's bag with their name and phone number contact and ensure the bags are

clean. These bags are then ready for collection on the first Tuesday of the new term.

Second Hand SalesSecond hand sales are Cash Only, so please choose well as there are no exchanges. All second hand items for

sale must be handed to Miranda Turner/Amanda Markey and at no time are they to be dropped off to Reception.

Blazers MUST be dry-cleaned with the dry cleaning tag clearly displayed. All other items must be freshly laundered


and ironed. We do not accept hats, socks or any items of clothing with holes or stains or any kind. Items are held

for a period of 12 months only. If they have not been sold within that period, we ask that you collect your items from

the College Shop. If not collected, your items are then donated to the orphanage in Zambia.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Miranda Turner on 9334 0112.

Miranda Turner, College Shop Manager


from the principal's desk - oacc · from the principal's desk ... if you have any...

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