Marian Catholic College 185 WAKADEN STREET, GRIFFITH NSW 2680

TELEPHONE: (02) 69692400

WEBSITE: www.mccww.catholic.edu.au

No 5

Friday 26 February 2016

Heavenly Father, give us the strength and courage to be Your

good and faithful servants, to use Your gifts well and not to

bury them, so that we may be a part in Your joy. Amen.

Dear Parents, Students and Friends,

Next week, Year 12 will be on Retreat. Their Year Coordinator Mr Lawler, Homeroom Teachers, Liturgy Coordinator Mrs Aventi, and the Marian Director of Pastoral Care, Mrs Segrave have put together a program which will personally and collectively challenge the group to make real our College

motto, The Way, The Truth, The Life. The theme they have chosen is “Dream Big” With them will be retreat team, Burn Bright. The Year 12 Leadership Development Program they present will equip students with the necessary skills to be effective leaders, understand their influence, build resilience and begin to shape their values. Acting Chaplain, Fr Christian will also be joining the group to say Mass and be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. They stay at Warrambui Retreat and Conference Centre, Murrumbateman and also use the time, being so close to Canberra, to meet with leaders from other faiths to support learning for the HSC subject, Studies of Religion. A report from the group will be published upon their return. I ask that you keep them in your prayers during this time.

Catholic Schools Week, March 6-12 is rapidly approaching. This year the theme is ‘ I Belong, You Belong, We Belong.’ More about this next week. Television advertisements promoting Marian Catholic College have already commenced and include the 2017 Year 7 Enrolment Information Evening. This will be held on Tuesday, 22nd March. Please pass this information to any parents you think would be interested in enrolling their child at Marian.

It has been brought to my attention that some students have already missed a number of days at school with no contact or explanation from parents/guardian.

School Legal Requirements –Student Attendance and Exemptions

Below is an excerpt from the Catholic Schools Office handbook-Policy: Procedures for School Attendance.

It is the duty of the State to ensure that every child receives an education of the highest quality and it is the duty of parents to comply with the compulsory education requirements of the Education Act 1990.

Responsibilities of Parents:

Explaining the absences of their children from school promptly by means such as a telephone call, written note, text message or email to the school within 7 days from the first day of any period of absence.

If there are 5 days in total where their has been unexplained absences, the school will contact the parents/guardian.

If there are 10 days in total where their has been unexplained absences, the Principal or delegate will formally contact parents/guardian with a letter .

If there are 12 days in total where their has been unexplained absences, a meeting with the Principal or delegate will be requested in writing.

If there are 15 days in total of unexplained absences the Catholic Schools Office, Wagga Wagga will be informed.

If there are 20 days in total of unexplained absences Formal Undertakings being (Legal Process) will commence. These will be managed by the Catholic Schools Office Wagga Wagga.

Peace and Best Wishes

Principal

CANTEEN ROSTER 2016

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

29 February 1 March 2 March 3 March 4 March

T Feltracco J Salvestro

S Favero A Donadel D Beltrame

L Vico M Harrison V Sharma

P Testoni S Comarin E Caffrey A Gibbs

R Connelly J Poloni S Sergi B Foggiato

CALENDAR OF EVENTS – Week 5 Term 1

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

29 February 1 March 2 March 3 March 4 March

Peer Support Lesson 1

Year 12 Retreat Warrambui

Year 12 Retreat Warrambui Bissa Swimming Junior All Schools League Tag Competition

Year 12 Retreat Warrambui Clean up Australia Day Year 8

Please pray for:

The family of Mrs Bellato, grandmother of Luke Cadorin.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

CAREERS

CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY - MyDay Psychology and

Social Work in Wagga Wagga on 22 March 2016

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY APPRENTICESHIP - employer based in Griffith and is offering a full time apprenticeship in Building and Construction. See me for further information

MEDICINE: Year 12 students intending to study undergraduate medicine need to undertake a UMAT test in July, applications are now open.

TSFX MASTERING THE EXAMS: June 2016, University of Sydney. The program is for year 11 and 12 students with information on skills and strategies that can be used during exam periods. http://www.tsfx.com.au/category-hsc-program/exam-strategy-lectures/ COUNTRY EDUCATION FOUNDATION UNI SURVIVAL GUIDE The Survival Guide provides information on accommodation, part-time work, health services and finding textbooks. https://cef.org.au/university-survival-guide-2016/

Mrs Farrugia

http://www.tsfx.com.au/category-hsc-program/exam-strategy-lectures/http://www.tsfx.com.au/category-hsc-program/exam-strategy-lectures/https://cef.org.au/university-survival-guide-2016/

On Thursday 18 February, Year 12 Pastoral Group had their first HSC Support Night for 2016. It was extremely encouraging to see such a large group of students and their parents in attend-ance. In recent years Marian Catholic College has built an impressive HSC record within the Wagga Wagga Diocese. We know that this is because of the hard work from teachers and par-ents together, and the success of such informative presentation nights.

Teachers and parents alike, realise the pressure faced by all involved during the HSC year. Presentations on the night focused on “Good Study Habits”, identifying the “Mindset” to suc-ceed and “finding a balance” throughout the year.

I have created a Google Classroom in order for students to access information, I will also be posting helpful APPS, websites and activities for the students to utilize in the future. I would like to thank all that attended, as well as the presenters Mr Le Brocque, Ms Scoble, Mrs Seagrave and Ms Cashmere.

We look forward to seeing more students and parents at the next presentation.

Aaron Lawler Year 12 Pastoral Coordinator

College Tuition Fees College fee statements have either be mailed or emailed this week. We take the opportunity to remind families your College Tuition Fee account payment for Term 1 should have been received by 8th April. The policies adopted by College management require that fees be paid in a timely manner to enable us to operate on a sound financial basis whilst continuing to serve all students. In order to achieve this, we require each terms’ fees to be paid by term end and the account must revert to a nil balance in order to begin each new school year. We offer a discount to families with 2 or more children at Marian Catholic College, being 10% off Tuition Fee only for the 2nd child, 50% off Tuition Fee only for the 3rd child and 100% off Tuition Fee only for the 4th child. This family discount will apply only when your account is in order & will be applied during 4th term. A further 2% discount applies to accounts paid in full by 8th April 2014. Feel free to contact the office to individually calculate your applicable discount should any of these concessions apply. Should you experience difficulty managing your account, there are a number of flexible payment options available to suit families’ budgets which we are happy to discuss with you. Please contact me at the office to make arrangements. Thank you to all families who conduct their account efficiently. Joanne Smith Business Manager.

Marian Catholic College’s production for 2016,

GREASE, is underway!

Students who are interested in assisting backstage need to see Mrs Aventi

ASAP.

Students involved in the show will be practising on Tuesdays 3:30pm—5:30pm and Sundays

1pm—5pm Commencing Tuesday 9 February

Students who wish to discuss their roles, please see Mr Hillam or Miss Calabria

IMPORTANT DATES FOR CAST & CREW -

FRIDAY 10th JUNE—REHEARSAL AT SCHOOL

SATURDAY 11th & SUNDAY 12th JUNE—BUMP IN (CREW & BAND ONLY)

MONDAY 13th JUNE—FULL DRESS REHEARSAL @

THEATRE

* We have some great packages available for sponsorship so if you think you would like to be

associated with another of our fantastic productions please email Belinda Aventi for more information

aventib@ww.catholic.edu.au

* We will have a FACEBOOK page up and running for everyone to see our progress but for now keep

the dates free

WED 15th JUNE 7pm, THURS 16th JUNE 7pm, FRI 17th JUNE 7pm and

SATURDAY 18th JUNE 2pm and 7pm.

Student Laptops Dear Parents,

When students were issued with their laptops, it was part of the agreement that students would carry them to and from their classes and the College in their Laptop Bags. A number of students are not using their bags and we are doing our best during school hours to remind the students around this part if their agreement. Laptops may be confiscated from the students until the protective case is brought in. This may hinder the learning of the student.

If they are dropped and broken, or end up with cracked screens, parents and/or students are liable to pay for the damage to have it repaired or replaced.

We are asking if parents could help remind your child about the importance of carrying the laptop in the correct protective bag to and from their classes and the College. The last thing we want is for families having to pay for repairs or replacements due to students not doing the right thing to begin with.

Lockers are available for hire from the office where students can safely store them during lunch and recess so they don’t have to worry about carrying them around. Your help in reminding students about this part of the agreement would be greatly appreciated.

Mr L. Summerville

Learning Technology Co-ordinator

Creative Arts Excursion—Sydney On Wednesday 17 February, students from Years 10, 11 and 12 and staff from the Creative Arts department left Marian early in the morning bound for Sydney. After a long and hot journey, we had some time to freshen up and dress up at the Travelodge in central Sydney, before making the walk through the city to Darling Harbour for dinner. Our destination for the evening was the Lyric theatre to see Matilda the musical. We were blown away by the incredible sets, costumes and music. The talent of the children on stage was amazing. A long, slow walk back to the Travelodge with a stop for ice cream rounded off the evening nicely.

The following day, students and staff separated into the areas of Music, Visual Arts and Drama to engage in various workshops. Mrs Cox has kindly done a write up below on what the visual artists got up to.

The music students were able to walk to the Australian Institute of Music from the Travelodge and were treated to a tour of the impressive facilities on offer. Our tour guide Brad, enthusiastically outlined the different courses available. The music students then split into two groups for their workshops. The first was led by Jase, who is the head of audio at AIM. He had set up a recording studio and got the students to use the very expensive mixer and pro tools to record and edit some claps for a chorus to a song. The second was on composition, run by Dan. Students were given a choice of grooves and then had to improvise over the top based on a chosen chord progression. Both groups have a copy of their composition.

The Drama students and Mrs Calabria had a long walk down to the Wharf where they had a three hour workshop from the Australian Theatre for Young People. The workshop was aimed at helping HSC Drama students with their group performances. Within the group devised workshop, students investigated physical theatre, with a focus on movement and learnt about some of the techniques of Jacques Le Coq, including the seven tensions.

The artists, along with Mrs Cox walked to the Gallery of NSW in the botanical Gardens. They were given a photography challenge along the way. At the gallery, their workshop leader James, discussed contemporary art with the group then separated them into year groups, to walk around the gallery and choose a favourite art work. They then had the challenge of creating a performance work using a few objects as props which reflected some aspect of the chosen art work. The year 10 group performed their reflection which was focused on the structural aspects of the work. Year 11 focused mainly on the concept with their performance and the year 12 group involved the audience as they showed their interpretation of the work. At the end of the session we had a group discussion and free time before the walk back to the motel.

I would like to thank Lara Calabria and Rosanna Cox for giving up their time to support myself and the students on this excursion.

Mr Segrave

Creative Arts Coordinator

It has been a great start to the Year for the English Department!

Both teachers and students have been engaged, enthusiastic and excited about their teaching and learning.

In addition, there have been a range of classes from Year 7-11 enjoying the new facilities and styles of learning in our brand new ‘Marramarra’ Open Learning Facility. Classes have used the facility to cater for different learning styles and provide students with an opportunity to work in small groups and competitions.

Below are 10.1 English who used the space to move around in small groups and analyse and discuss the representations of conflict in a variety of poems and songs, by moving around a range of different work stations. This is just one of the many classes that have been using the space.

Many English classes have received or will be receiving Summative Assessment notifications. Please check the School website for dates and copies of the task. Also please note the correction on the Year 7 Poetry Task. It is now due

Friday 11th March – Week 7.

Mr Herb

English Co-Ordinator

M & Ms and FRACTIONS

Year 9 Stage 5.2 students were given an assessment

last week to test their mathematical abilities and

application in the solution of problems on fractions.

They were assessed on their knowledge in converting

fractions to decimals to percentages.

The assessment was designed to make the

mathematics of fractions visible. Each group of 3

students was given a packet of M & Ms to draw a

visual representation of the fractions of each colour.

It provided fun and actively engaged students during

the whole time. They worked and listened to each

other with discussion among themselves.

The assessment ended with all the members of the

group eating the packets of M &

Ms!

E.BLANCO

Mathematics Coordinator

Sports News Matthew Parisotto was part of the Brumbies team playing against Sydney South

Harbour in the first round of the Junior Gold Cup two weekends ago before the

Brumbies and Waratahs trial match in Wagga. Well done Matthew for being selected for

this representative team which involves incredible dedication

and commitment considering all the travel he has to do!

PASTORAL CARE NEWS

The COMMUNITY ACTION TEAM has had a huge week and through their acts of kindness towards others clearly

demonstrate that they believe and follow the core Christian

values of kindness, respect to others , honesty and integrity .

We recommenced some of our volunteering activities and this

week alone 25 students willingly gave up their lunchtime, recess and a period of their

free time after school to provide assistance to local community service organisations such

as ‘Meals on Wheels” and “CAREVAN”. Under the guidance of staff members Mrs

Trembath & Mrs Davidson, who also volunteer their free time; students prepared and

cooked a meal that will cater for 120 people.

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKYOU TO ALL INVOLVED

CAT Leaders will be announced at a meeting on Monday and it is also Monday that we launch our first activity for 2016.

To acknowledge and celebrate HARMONY DAY 21ST MARCH, in partnership with Griffith City Council, Western Riverina Community College, Soroptimist Griffith

and Griffith City Cinemas THE COMMUNITY ACTION TEAM will be showcasing the

docu-film “HE NAMED ME MALALA”. This film tells the inspiring story of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai, who was targeted by the Taliban and

severely wounded by a gunshot when returning home on her school bus in Pakistan’s

Swat Valley. The then 15-year-old was singled out, along with her father, for

advocating for girls’ education, and the attack on her sparked an outcry from

supporters around the world. She miraculously

survived and is now a leading campaigner for

girls’ education globally as co-founder of the

Malala Fund.

We hope that you will join us to acknowledge

and support the work that the Malala Fund

does throughout the world.

Tickets are available from Monday at the front

office and are $20 each. Funds raised will be

used to subsidise matinee screenings for local

students.

More details please contact me on 69624655

Have a wonderful weekend as we say goodbye to summer……………..

Sue Hone

Pastoral Care Worker

The Joy of the Gospel is knowing that God is always a loving Father and that His mercy never fails. Best wishes to our Year 12 as they make their retreat this week at Warrambui, Murrambateman. Also, may we all join the whole world as we respond to Pope Francis’ call for “ 24 Hours for the Lord” – 4th to 5th March, for Prayer, Adoration & Reconciliation. Here at our Parish church, Sacred Heart, we will start our “24 Hours for the Lord” at 1pm Friday 4th March until 1pm Saturday 5th March. More information later in the newsletter. God Bless you all

Fr Christian Obiekwe

CHILD STUDIES NEWS

Year 9

The Virtual Parenting Program has started again in Year 9 Child Studies. This program

enables the girls to take care of the Virtual Babies for 24hrs which involves changing the

nappy, feeding, burping or cuddling the baby. The girls have been taking the baby to

class and taking them home for the night, which makes for some interesting sleep.

Year 10

The Year 10 girls have been learning about the

characteristics of a child at each stage of Growth and

Development. We have been discussing the range of

factors that can affect their Growth and Development

such as Genetic Factors, Environment, etc. Last week the

class participated in some practical activities to develop

their understanding of

Gross and Fine Motor

Skills of children.

Renae Savage

Child Studies Teacher

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY

Dear Parents,

As a part of Marian Catholic College’s Community Service initiative, Year Eight students will be help-

ing the Griffith community by taking part in a Clean- up Australia Day activity during period 4 on Fri-

day the 4th of March 2016.

Clean up Australia Day has run for the past 20 years. In that time, Australians have devoted more than

24 million hours towards the environment collecting over 200,000 tonnes of rubbish. Every year the

event encourages and inspires thousands of Australians to take to their local park, beach, bushland and

streets and really help make a difference to their local environment.

The students of Year Eight will be assisting the Griffith community by ‘cleaning up’ the school grounds

and areas near to the school under the supervision of their teachers and their Pastoral Coordinator Ms

Star. This activity will enable the students to support their wider community while representing their

school in this worthwhile and rewarding form of community service.

This event is compulsory and all students are required to take part. They will be able to log this hour of

service in their school planner and it will go towards their ‘Record of School and Community Service’.

Garbage bags and gloves will be provided by the school, local council and the Clean-up Australia Day

team.

If you do not wish your child to participate please contact the school by 9am on the 4th of March 2016.

If you have concerns please contact Ms Star.

Patricia Star Lora Segrave

Year 8 Pastoral Coordinator Director of Pastoral Care (Acting)