no.22 - 16th may 2011
DESCRIPTION
NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
15 Alpina Street, Frankston North, Victoria, 3200
Phone: (03) 9786 3145 / Fax: (03) 9786 3988 Website: www.stanthonys.vic.edu.au
Email: [email protected]
ST ANTHONY’S COPTIC ORTHODOX COLLEGE
VOLUME #21 (16/05/2011)
Above: presentation of subject and
encouragement awards to Year 9 and 10 students (more details on page 10)
Dear Parents,
We are now coming into the winter season and many of our staff and students are beginning to feel the effects of colds and flu and all the other bugs that are around.
It is very important, for the wellbeing of our College community, that if your child is sick, they do NOT come to school. Sending a sick child to school means that they infect others as well as being miserable themselves.
We therefore ask you to make arrangements with family members, grandparents, neighbours or
friends, in the event that your child is sick during the winter months, to care for them at home. We would also like to remind you that as it is 2nd Term, ALL students should now be in full
winter uniform, if your child is particularly cold then primary students may wear a light blue skivvy under their shirts, and secondary students may wear a white one. These are only to be worn under their shirts and must not replace the school shirt.
Lastly, we would like to stress the importance, especially during these colder months, of a healthy filling breakfast for every child so that they can start the school day well.
Gary Underwood
College Principal
PS: due to the costs involved (and with consideration to the environment), we will from this issue onwards only provide an email copy of the newsletter to those parents who have
provided their email address, or a printed copy to those parents who have specifically requested it. For everyone else, our newsletters are freely available on our website at this address:
http://www.stanthonys.vic.edu.au/newsletters.htm .
Volume #21 (16/05/2011) Page 2
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As the weather starts to cool down, the cold and flu season will soon be upon us.
The facts: approximately 2,800 Australians die every year either directly from the seasonal flu, complications due to the flu, or pneumonia; adults and children with chronic illnesses (such as asthma)
are at a higher risk of complications from the virus; colds and flu can be a trigger for some people with asthma, and can make your symptoms worse; flu vaccinations are the single most effective action in helping fight the spread of flu in the community; the vaccine provides protection from about two weeks
after the injection, and lasts for about one year (so even if you were immunised last year, you need to have the vaccine again this year); the flu shot cannot give you the flu – as the vaccine does not contain any active virus; in Victoria, under the National Immunisation Program, the criteria state that an annual
free influenza immunisation is available to children or adults with severe asthma.
The vaccination is available now, so contact your doctor or immunisation provider to make an
appointment. Many workplaces provide free vaccinations for staff to help prevent absenteeism during the
winter months, so it is a good idea to ask your employer if this is available to you.
With the winter months approaching, it is important to be aware of the triggers that can affect your
asthma at this time of year.
Sudden changes in temperature: certain weather situations like very cold temperatures, humidity and dry air can trigger asthma symptoms. In a school environment, students are exposed to sudden temperature changes many times during the day as they go between heated classroom environments to outdoor
activities and lunch breaks. Wearing a scarf over the mouth and nose is recommended as it can help to warm the air as you breathe in. Exercise-induced asthma may be exacerbated by breathing in colder air than usual, so ensure that you take your reliever puffer 5-20 minutes prior to exercise, warm up
adequately, monitor your symptoms during exercise, and have a blue reliever puffer handy in case of an
asthma attack.
Thunderstorms: can be an asthma trigger for some people, as raindrops can cause grains to be broken down into hundreds of tiny allergen-containing particles – allowing them to penetrate the lungs. If you experience asthma symptoms during thunderstorms, it is best to stay inside with windows closed, and
ensure that you update your asthma action plan with your doctor outlining the management of your day to day asthma, what to do if your symptoms worsen, and the first aid procedure in the event of an
asthma attack.
Phone: (03) 9786 3145 Email: [email protected]
For further information, please
contact the Asthma Foundation of Victoria on 1800 645 130 or
email [email protected]
Ms Denny Newburn has had a long and successful career as a teacher and literacy consultant. She is currently professional coach of teachers at James Cook High School in Auckland NZ. This
very large High School in Auckland has a majority of students from families with language backgrounds other than English. The High School has been a role-model in NZ by improving the learning outcomes of its children through literacy teaching and coaching of its staff. Ms Newburn
has spent the last 5 years at James Cook in a role which does not or rarely exists in Australia. She coaches teachers, one-on-one, to improve the way they teach. This involves talking with teachers before classes, watching them teach and then working with them afterwards to improve
the lesson. Fortunately for St Anthony‟s Coptic Orthodox College, and thanks to Independent
Schools Victoria (ISV) funding and a new ISV initiative, our Head of Primary Ms Anthea Christian is training to be one of the first teacher coaches in
Australia. ISV is funding her one day a week to train her to be a professional coach. While in Australia at the invitation of our Principal Mr Gary
Underwood, Ms Newburn was able to spend two days at St Anthony‟s talking and working with Ms Christian and imparting some of her experience.
Ms Christian is already working with about half of the College‟s staff and improving the way St Anthony‟s staff teach our children.
Ms Newburn also has a strong background in literacy and is also an advisor in literacy education for Learning Media in New Zealand. While at St Anthony‟s she was also able to discuss the
College‟s literacy program and in particular how Accelerated Reader software is building reading practice and literacy skills. She had some good directions for our staff which can only mean better learning for our children.
While St Anthony‟s primary school (P-5) has one of the highest literacy levels in the country
according to My School website‟s Naplan data, the College is determined to keep this enviable record despite the large number of new students who join each year, especially those recently arrived from overseas.
Gary Underwood College Principal
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Page 5 Phone: (03) 9786 3145 Email: [email protected]
Professor Neil Cameron is currently tutoring at St Anthony‟s College – we thank him for his voluntary work, as his expertise in mathematics and physics is invaluable. Professor Cameron is a
mathematician who was formerly: • Head of the Department Of Mathematics And Statistics, Monash University (Clayton).
• Head of Robert’s Hall Of Residence, and Associate Dean (Education) in the Faculty Of Science. • Honorary Research Fellow in the Faculty Of Science, and Examiner In Mathematics for Monash International and Monash College.
• Winner of the Publisher’s Design Award for a pure mathematics senior-secondary textbook, plus another textbook was the first in the Australian Mathematical Society lecture series (published by
Cambridge University Press). After winning a competitive scholarship to study pure and applied science at St Andrew‟s
University, he graduated in mathematics and natural philosophy with a first and the honours prize in mathematics. After winning a Carnegie Post-Graduate Scholarship to Cambridge University, he instead began as a research fellow funded by the USAF European office of
Aerospace Research. After lecturing in Glasgow and New Zealand, he reached Monash University where he was involved for forty years.
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Thanks again Professor.
James McEntee Secondary Teacher (Maths)
On Thursday the 5th May, the Year 4 and 5 classes went on an excursion to the “Clean
Energy Education Event”, where they got to explore various means to which they can save energy through solar panels. They also learnt
how to use small wind turbines to capture energy from movements powered by the wind, which would help lead us to a healthier environment,
whilst also saving money, as it is a renewable source of energy.
Students got to partake in an activity to guess the wind capacity of a wind turbine. They also
experienced a 3D movie, and saw how to make popcorn by pedalling on a bike. It was an enjoyable and informing experience that left the
kids a lot to take home and discuss with their families.
Ms. Torcello Year 5 Co-Teacher
Page 7 Phone: (03) 9786 3145 Email: [email protected]
As part of our Science unit on human health and the importance of a healthy lifestyle incorporating exercise,
Year 8 students travelled to Fenix gym at Chelsea Heights to participate in a Circuit program. In keeping with the term‟s theme of Identity, students were also given a talk
about body image and how it is just as important to maintain a healthy body image as well as healthy body.
Students were given the opportunity to rotate through different exercise stations to test both stamina and
endurance. All students thoroughly enjoyed their time, as did the instructor who commented on all students‟ positive behaviour. Well done to our students who did us
proud in representing St Anthony‟s Coptic Orthodox College!
Merete Entwistle Secondary Leadership Team / E.S.L.
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Page 9 Phone: (03) 9786 3145 Email: [email protected]
Dear Parents of Year 9 and 10 students,
I hope you had a wonderful Easter break and I would like to give you a warm welcoming to term two of our educational year. We have already reached week 3 of our term believe it or not, which
presents us with the annual NAPLAN test and we would hope that all Year 9 students do their best. I would like to remind all parents that all students are to be in correct winter school uniform
throughout term 2 and 3, and that attendance to classes throughout the year is crucial as we have implemented a 90%
attendance policy whereby students must attend 90% of classes to pass the year.
At the end of term 1, Father Athanasius and Mr Underwood presented subject and encouragement awards to Year 9 and 10 students who showed improvement in their academic ability.
Furthermore, „Fete award‟ was given to a cohort of students who helped at the school fete. Photos seen below and right are of the awards being distributed.
Ninette Bebawi Year 9 and 10 coordinator
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Piano lessons are offered to St Anthony‟s students by Mrs Zeina Iskander.
The lessons will commence after school on Monday initially, with the possibility of other days being available at a later stage.
Lessons are $35.00 each and will be for half an hour of individual tuition per week.
The school has a bus service on Monday at 5pm to St Mina‟s church at Hallam.
For enquiries, please contact Mrs Zeina Iskander through the college‟s receptionist.
Mrs Iskander has 26 years of experience, and has taught at the National Conservatoire of Lebanon.
Page 11 Phone: (03) 9786 3145 Email: [email protected]
Year 11/12 Student Meetings
Late last term I had meetings with almost all of the Year 12 students. These meetings were one on one and looked at student study programs, goals and student progress. Early this term I will be meeting with the last few Year 12 students and all of the Year 11 students. Since the issue of interim reports and with
feedback I have received on the performance of a number of VCE students, Mr Underwood and myself will be meeting with a number of students and their parents. These students will be those that we consider are underperforming. This performance is often associated with a student‟s home work/study
program. I would ask all parents of VCE students to see their child‟s home work/study program and have it displayed in a prominent position.
Year 11/12 Homeroom I will be having a weekly homeroom with the Year 12 students on a Monday morning and the Year 11 students on a Tuesday morning. The purpose of the home rooms is to ensure that the students are kept
informed about issues dealing with their VCE or higher education. Homeroom will also deal with any issues with the class such as excursions/camps or the class behaviour/motivation. Success in VCE
I talked about this in a previous newsletter but feel it is necessary to do so again. Studies have shown that successful VCE students: • Manage their time – to do this students should have a weekly study/work planner. Parents should help
students stick to this planner. I have requested a copy of these also. • Prepare study notes – these should be based on the relevant study design key knowledge. These should be being prepared NOW and revised on an ongoing basis.
Too many VCE students saw the recent break from school as a holiday. What is worse, they are continuing their holiday into term 2. VCE requires the students to work hard for the whole of the year. It is essentially a competition, if you are not working others are getting ahead of you.
Uniforms/College policies This is just another reminder regarding the college uniform policy. I would ask all parents to ensure that
their son/daughter leaves home in line with this policy. VCE students in particular need to be role models for the rest of the college regarding their appearance and behaviour. Points I would like to see addressed are: • Girls shoes – these should not be the slipper type of shoe.
• Students wearing jewellery including bracelets or rings, both of which are not allowed. • Nail polish – this mostly is not an issue. Items will be confiscated, a warning issued, then the students will be sent home. If a student is going to
be out of uniform for a good reason then parents should call to notify the school before 9:00 am.
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Reminder: UMAT - Registrations: 1st of April until 3rd of June; test date: 27th of July;
see http://umat.acer.edu.au 1. WHAT CAN I DO WITH MY DEGREE OR TAFE QUALIFICATION? Swinburne has a great addition
to their website. It gives details of employment options from their courses, employment information, average salaries and so on. Check it out at: www.swinburne.edu.au/careers and go to What Can I Do With My Degree?
2. EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES FOR GRADUATES – Decisions about higher education are some of the biggest you will have to make. What to study? What type of degree? What is right for me? To
help with this, GradFiles 2010 provides summary information. Highlights: • 76.2% of bachelor degree graduates seeking full-time employment were in full-time employment within four months of completing their degrees;
• Around one-fifth of graduates were undertaking further full-time study; • The median annual starting salary for new Australian resident bachelor degree graduates aged less than 25 and in their first full-time employment in Australia was $49,000 (25.6% higher than the median earnings for all Australians aged 20-24 in 2009);
• 93.2% of graduates expressed broad satisfaction with their courses. While for students leaving secondary school and intending to start a degree it will be 3-4 years before they will look for full-time employment, current graduate employment levels are very relevant. However, it
is worth remembering that the employment market may change substantially by their graduation time. Remember, too, however, that graduates are less likely to be unemployed in the long-term than non-graduates (GradFiles, December 2010); see www.gradsonline.com.au.
3. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT MONASH UNIVERSITY DEGREES – The ‘At Monash’ Seminar Series is an opportunity to hear from staff/students, get your questions answered, and collect information. All
seminars commence at 6.30pm; Information: 9903 4810. • Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tuesday 10th of May at Parkville
• Berwick Campus Showcase, Wednesday 11th of May • Business and Economics, Tuesday 17th of May at Caulfield • Architecture, Wednesday 18th of May at Caulfield
• Engineering, Thursday 19th of May at Clayton • Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Monday 23rd of May at Peninsula • Science, Thursday 26th of May at Clayton
(continued next page…)
Page 13 Phone: (03) 9786 3145 Email: [email protected]
• Health Science and Social Work, Monday 30th of May at Caulfield
• Information Technology, Tuesday 31st of May at Caulfield • Law, Wednesday 1st of June at Caulfield • Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedics, Thursday 2nd of June at Peninsula
• Education, Sport and Outdoor Recreation, Tuesday 7th of June at Peninsula • Gippsland Campus Showcase, Thursday 9th of June • Medicine, Biomedical Science, Radiography & Nutrition & Dietetics, Wed 15th June at Clayton
• Arts, Humanities and Performing Arts, Thursday 16th of June at Clayton • Psychology and Behavioural Neuroscience, Tuesday 21st of June at Clayton • Design, Fine Art and Multimedia, Wednesday 22nd of June at Caulfield.
• Bookings essential at: www.monash.edu.au/atmonash.
4. LAW AT MELBOURNE UNI – The Melbourne JD is a fully graduate law degree and the only degree
offered by Melbourne Law School leading to admission to legal practice. Find out the advantages of the Melbourne JD at the Juris Doctor Information Session. When: 6:00pm (registration at 5:30pm), Tuesday 17th of May; Where: G08, Ground Floor, Melbourne Law School; Register: www.jd.law.unimelb.edu.au/
events/CareersUpdate
5. INTERESTED IN SPORTS MEDICINE? Sports medicine offers fantastic career opportunities, giving the chance to work with motivated athletes. Two careers evenings are being held:
• Hear from practitioners in sports medicine, nutrition, podiatry, psychology, massage therapy, physiotherapy and exercise physiology. Ask questions and collect info. When: 6:30-7:00pm (registration), 7:30pm (start), Wednesday 25th of May; Where: Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre
(new AAMI Park Stadium) Olympic Blvd, Melbourne; Cost: $25 per student; Enquiries and bookings (by 20th of May): [email protected] OR • Hear from a doctor, physiotherapist, sports scientist, dietitian, psychologist, podiatrist and
osteopath at a seminar on Careers in Sports Medicine and Science seminar. Universities will be in attendance. When: 9:30am-1:30pm, Sunday 29th of May; Where: Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Champions Room, Aughtie Drive, Albert Park; Cost: Students $40, parents $25; Register at:
vic.sma.org.au; Info: 9674 8777. 6. DO YOU WANT TO STUDY OPTOMETRY? Deakin University will offer a course in optometry at their
Geelong (Waurn Ponds) campus in 2012, the second university offering optometry in Victoria (Melbourne Uni is the other). Deakin‟s program is being developed in response to the growing demand for optometrists throughout Australia. The goal of the program is to contribute to and improve the eye health
of Australians by educating new optometrists who are clinically competent, work ready, motivated to pursue careers in rural/regional areas.
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7. FOCUS ON MELBOURNE – Year 10-12 students are invited to look at study options available in New
Generation degrees (all 7:00pm-8:30pm). Focus On Environments, Wednesday 4th of May; Focus On Engineering And IT, Wednesday 11th of May; Focus On Biomedicine, Wednesday 18th of May. For details/booking see: http://www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/focusonmelbourne.
8. MEDIA AND COMMUNCATION AT DEAKIN UNIVERSITY – The Bachelor Of Arts (Media And Communication) is a broad course with lots of specialisations available: animation, film studies,
graphic design, journalism, media and communication, photography, public relations and visual arts. Employment options (depend on specialisations): advertising agencies, creative digital industries, education sector, entertainment industry, film production, marketing consultancies, multimedia
business, newspaper and magazine publishers, public relations agencies, radio and TV and web development. Info: http://www.deakin.edu.au/arts-ed/scca/courses/commarts.php
9. WHAT IS ENGINEERING SCIENCE (SPORTS ENGINEERING)? Sports Engineering at Victoria Uni (Footscray Park) is the only course in Victoria emphasizing the application of engineering technology to sports. The course covers areas in human movement sciences; mechanical and electronic; and software engineering with a strong emphasis on sports. Studies are primarily in the School of
Engineering and Science with some studies in the new VU Sports Science and Learning Commons Building. Students gain skills to design sports equipment and instrumentation, design solutions to enhance athlete performance, design solutions which minimize the risk of sports injury and
work in groups to solve real world industry problems. As a sports engineer you can work with coaches, elite athletes, the disabled, sports goods manufacturers, venue managers and other engineers. Graduates can look forward to working in areas like AFL, tennis, cricket, swimming and golf (eg. designing
lightweight tennis racquets, designing safer cycling helmets, sensor systems to improve athlete training). Pre-requisite subjects are Units 3/4 English (any) and a maths. Info: Dr Lai, 9919 4425, [email protected].
If you have any concerns, issues or ideas then please contact me at St Anthony‟s College on 9786 3145 or email me at [email protected].
Angelko Juresko VCE Coordinator
VCAL WORK PLACEMENT
2 VCAL students need work placement in IT area. It will be great if any parents or their friends could help place them for one day (Friday) a
week until mid November. Please contact Sunitha Susan (VCAL coordinator) on 9786 3145.
Page 15 Phone: (03) 9786 3145 Email: [email protected]
