High Notes #15 - 4 Nov 2013

Vol. 49 Issue #15 4th November 2013

Marist College North Shore 2014 Leadership Team

FROM THE HEADMASTER

FINANCEFEE STATEMENT

A reminder that the final Fee Statement for the year was due early September. If you still have not finalised your account, please contact the Office on 9957 5000.

Mark BrooksBusiness Manager

Dear Parents/Carers,

On Friday 1st November, the Year 7, 2014 cohort assembled at Marist North Shore for their Orientation and Allwell testing day. Students were either nervous or excited depending on whether they were entering Marist College North Shore by themselves or with a group of familiar faces from their primary school. There was similar mix of emotions amongst parent depending on whether this is their first experience of having a child in secondary school or their last. In fact, there are quite a number of siblings of current students in this cohort. The day went smoothly and students left happy and satisfied that they now know more about their new school.

I spoke to some parents at the beginning of the day, largely reiterating information that has been communicated prior. I reminded parents that our pastoral welfare structures of vertical tutor groups would enable the new students to learn from the older students about procedures and room locations etc.

The P&F final social function for the year, the Christmas Drinks, takes place on the evening of Friday 29th November. Please look at the details for each of these events. I look forward to meeting parents at this function.

An update regarding our new Headmaster, Mr Tony Duncan. We have been meeting to discuss handover details so that he is familiar with the operations of the school. We have met twice already and have others planned so that we can be thorough.

I encourage all families to contribute substantially to the appeal for Christmas hamper items, which is being driven through the tutor groups. These items are given to the St. Vincent de Paul Society so they can help families who struggle financially to make ends meet at Christmas time when the pressure to give presents and have celebratory meals surrounds them. Further details about this are later in the newsletter in the Faith Formation section.

Also in the Faith Formation section this edition is the report from Year 9 students about their visit to St. Edmond’s School in Wahroonga. Our students visited the school, which specifically caters for students with disabilities, so they would be able to appreciate the circumstance of the students who attend this fine school.

The Year 11 Prizegiving took place on Wednesday 23rd October. The students were congratulated for their efforts during 2013 and were encouraged to work hard during these next twelve months so that their prospects post-school are maximised.

The HSC students will complete all exams this week and wish them the very best with their results. They have been a fantastic group as seniors and we wish them well for their future endeavours.

The Parent/Teacher interviews at the end of this term are more for parents who have particular needs to discuss with teachers. Parent should not feel obligated to attend. Aside from these interviews, teachers will be spending the last days of the school year making preparations for the 2014.

Thank you and God bless,

Br Peter Corr, fmsHeadmaster

FROM THE DEPUTY HEADMASTER2014 HOUSE LEADERS

We are pleased to announce and present the College House Leaders for 2014. We have confidence in these fine young men to preserve and foster the outstanding tradition of fine leadership here at

Marist College North Shore.

Sports CaptainAlexander Gwozdecky

House CaptainHudson Whealing

Service & Mission CaptainJoe Burgess

Sports CaptainBenedict Coyle

House CaptainJack Garay

Service & Mission CaptainRobert Stevenson

Sports CaptainThomas Johnston

House CaptainBenjamin Johnston

Service & Mission CaptainDominique Braham

Sports CaptainMorgan Stevens

House CaptainEthan Grenot

Service & Mission CaptainStuart Williams

FAITH FORMATIONOTHERS CENTRED

As mentioned in previous editions of High Notes, I am very fortunate that I have the opportunity to work with students in a range of settings, enabling them to see the importance on being “Other Centered”. Ben Johnston, Moore House Captain, has exemplified this generosity through his own initiative. Ben explains the reason behind his efforts in the next column.

Thirty of our Year 9 students were invited to participate in the Social Justice and Awareness program at St. Edmund’s College, Wahroonga. St Edmund’s is a school for students from Year 7 - 12 with a wide range of disabilities, including sensory impairment, intellectual disabilities and Autism. As part of their approach, St. Edmund’s offers students the opportunity to participate in the SOJAD program, learning and experiencing what it means to have a disability. Read about the boys experience later in this edition.

On Wednesday 23rd October, Mr Dela Cruz, along with four students, attended the CEO Youth Forum led by Dr Dan White, which explored the topic: Religious Education programs and their relevance to young people. The afternoon presented the students with an opportunity to express their views and thoughts about how RE could be improved and made more relevant for students in today‘s society.

As we enter into the month of November and start to think about the Christmas shopping, I ask you to spare a thought for those who will not have a Christmas where they cannot provide a present for their child or even put a roof over their head. Last year as a College community, we provided over fifty Christmas hampers for the St. Vincent de Paul Society and I hope we can do the same this year. A note has been sent home explaining this year’s Christmas Appeal, what types of items we would like to donate and what each house has been asked to donate each week. This information has also been included in this edition of High Notes. As Mother Teresa wrote:

“Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time,

and always start with the person nearest you”.

Stephen VersteeghActing Director of Faith Formation

KICKING GOALS FOR WADEYE

I have played AFL for the Mosman/Willoughby Swans for most of my life and have always taken great interest in the sport. One day at school, I heard about the Northern Territory Immersion community, Wadeye, having an AFL team but unfortunately they do not have the facilities and equipment that we are so privileged to have. They play on a dirt field with no boots and an old footy.

A few days after hearing this news, I came up with the idea of getting all the boys from my club to hand in their footy boots, which would have been disposed of in a few weeks after our season finished. I managed to collect fifty-four pairs of boots, which have been sent up to Wadeye to be used by the boys.

Benjamin JohnstonMoore House Captain

Ben with his collection of boots

FAITH FORMATIONCHRISTMAS APPEAL 2013

There are hundreds of reasons to help...YOU ONLY NEED ONE!

As most of us prepare to celebrate the festive season with family and friends, there are countless Australians facing the prospect of a desperate Christmas as they struggle to pay their bills, provide food and gifts for their children or worse, find somewhere safe to call home.

For 5,000 people a day, this situation is their reality. The St. Vincent de Paul Society receives large numbers of calls for help every single day of the year, and the added pressure at Christmas sees this increase significantly. The time has arrived to come together as a community to help our neighbours in need.

Marist College North Shore has been heavily involved with the St. Vincent De Paul Society for many years and one of the great partnerships that the College has is the Christmas Appeal. This year we are continuing this partnership with each tutor group being provided with a basket for hamper items (such as food and toiletry items). A list of suggestions has been attached to this letter.

Each year we also donate presents to each family that we help in the hope of making their Christmas a little more special. If your son wishes to donate a present he can place it under the Christmas tree in the Faith Formation Office. Please include the gender and the age of the child that the present is suitable for.

Your donations will allow for the wonderful work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society to continue and ensure the less fortunate are able to celebrate this wonderful time of the year.

Stephen Versteegh Solidarity Coordinator

CHRISTMAS APPEAL 2013 - ROSTER OF ITEMS

Week beginning 4th November:Chanel House - Toiletry itemsKelly House - Canned food itemsMoore House - Christmas goodsSalta House - Packet goods and drinks

Week beginning 11th November: Chanel House - Christmas goodsKelly House - Toiletry itemsMoore House - Packed goods and drinksSalta House - Canned food items

Week beginning 18th November:Chanel House - Packed goods and drinksKelly House Christmas goodsMoore House - Canned food itemsSalta House -Toiletry items

Week beginning 25th November:Chanel House - Canned food itemsKelly House - Packed goods and drinks Moore House - Toiletry itemsSalta House - Christmas goods

CEO YOUTH FORUM

While the rest of the school went home after a hot day on Wednesday 23rd October, I along with three other students had the opportunity to attend a youth forum led by the Catholic Education Office. Students from all over the Eastern region of the Catholic diocese gathered together to express their feelings and thoughts on religion. We were greeted with questions such as: What were your favourite/least favourite topics of Religion? In an eventful discussion, many thoughts were expressed and it was a great experience for all of us. Not only the free food but the knowledge of students thoughts was amazing. The statement of “the topics were too repetitive” was common throughout all discussions and it was clear that students wanted a change; less textbook work and more interactive work. Special thanks to Mr Dela Cruz for bringing us out to the event and accompanying us for the whole afternoon.

Jay Ong8 Moore

(L-R): Duke Adams, Nathan O’Donoghue, Dr Dan White, Jay Ong, Mr Michael Dela Cruz & Khai Genish-Grant

YEAR 11

Congratulations to all of the Year 11 students who received their Academic Excellence and Commitment Awards on Wednesday 23rd October. I was sorry to miss the occasion due to being on the College Band Camp, but am very happy to answer any questions parents or students may have as a result of the HSC package that was provided on the evening.

One thing I would like to point out to parents is that there is no rush for students to drop subjects at this point. Some of the students I think have become very excited about starting their HSC year and have wanted to drop subjects straight away. This process of dropping courses can continue well into next year, so I have been advising some students who are performing well in various subjects to adopt a “wait and see” policy for at least this term.

The exception to this would be where a student needs to change from English Advanced to Standard English or Mathematics to General Mathematics. My advice is to change these courses as soon as possible, particularly for English, as the content of the courses changes dramatically after this term.

It is encouraging that so many of the current Year 11 have been seeing me to get help with organising their study routines at home. Now that each student has received their assessment booklet for the HSC, they should start to map out where their assessments and exams are going to take place, and plan accordingly. A reminder that there is a web version of the assessment booklet which will be updated if any changes are made to the schedule throughout the HSC year.

The students will be provided with an A4 version of the calendar from the beginning of the booklet, once the 2014 College timetable has been completed.

Ann McGovernDirector of Teaching and Learning

TEACHING & LEARNINGFAITH FORMATIONST. EDMOND’S VISIT

On Monday 28th October, our Year 9 Religion class along with Mrs Rorke and Mr Dela Cruz had a very inspiring day at St. Edmond’s, Wahroonga. St Edmond’s is a Christian Brothers High School for students with disabilities such as Aspergers, Autism, visual impairments and Downs Syndrome. All students are independent with self care tasks.

Firstly, we went on a blind walk wearing blindfolds and using canes in the beautiful streets of Wahroonga. We found this to be a confronting activity as we had to trust our partners. During recess and lunch, we had the opportunity to socialise with the other students. We also made paper aeroplanes with them as part of a ‘getting to know you’ activity.

After recess we attended a concert where the students sang and danced. We were amazed at how confident and happy the students were about getting up and performing in front of strangers. Our last activity was all about playing sport BLIND!! We attempted to play Blind Cricket with a ball that had bells inside and learnt a new game called Goal Ball.

We found the students were like any other normal teenagers. Some had boyfriends or girlfriends, they loved playing sport and the boys were very physical during a game of rugby. These students had a real sense of fun and play.

After spending a day at St. Edmund’s, we realise just how fortunate we are and that we should use all the gifts God has given us to the best of our abilities. It has inspired us to go forth and help others just as Jesus would.

Alexander Noble, Alexander Bernes, Daniel He,Jae Morgan and Sean Gocher

TEACHING & LEARNING

EXCELLENCEMate Borovac =1st Economics

Dominique Braham Catholic Studies

Joel Brown

Mathematics Extension I

Physics

Prize for HSC Mathematics

Joe Burgess

English Extension I

=1st Sports, Lifestyle & Recreation

Studies of Religion I

Jonathan Cheng Construction

Jordan ClarkeAncient History

Industrial Technology Timber

Simon Cox=1st Sports, Lifestyle & Recreation

Alexander Coyle Chemistry

Harrison Fisk=1st Mathematics General

Harrison Gallagher English Standard

Luke Gallen (Year 10) Mathematics

Ethan Grenot Music

Alexander Gwozdecky French

Joshua HarkinDrama

Studies of Religion II

Adrian Keri Modern History

Mark Mackay Hospitality

Zachary Mansfield Senior Science

David Meehan=1st Mathematics General

Cameron Munro

Biology

Business Studies

PD/H/PE

Anmol Salhan =1st Economics

Michael Shippen Visual Arts

Robert StevensonEnglish Advanced

Design & Technology

COMMITMENT

Patrick AdamsEnglish Advanced

PD/H/PE

Peter Boyer Studies of Religion

Dominique BrahamModern History

Sports, Lifestyle & Recreation

Joel BrownChemistry

Economics

Joe Burgess Business Studies

Cian Byrne Physics

Jonathan Cheng Catholic Studies

Alexander CoyleMathematics Extension I

Physics

Benedict Coyle Studies of Religion II

Joshua Doherty English Standard

Harrison Gallagher Mathematics

Jack Garay PD/H/PE

Ethan Grenot Modern History

Jakub Grzybowski Mathematics

Alexander Gwozdecky PD/H/PE

Joshua HarkinBiology

Hospitality

Martin Huynh English Standard

Jerome Jackson Senior Science

Cameron Kinsella Ancient History

James Kirk Design & Technology

Will Liu Hospitality

Mark Mackay Business Studies

Jordan Mann Mathematics General

David Meehan English Standard

Cameron Munro Studies of Religion I

Sian Ramirez Johnson Mathematics General

Jack Riley Mathematics General

Michael Shippen French

James Simpson Drama

Liam Spring Visual Arts

Daniel Stefanowski English Advanced

Robert StevensonMusic

Studies of Religion I

Rohan Tailor English Advanced

Stuart Williams

Biology

English Extension I

Studies of Religion I

Steven Xenakis Construction

Elias YasbicIndustrial Technology Timber

YEAR 11 ACADEMIC AWARDS

Congratulations to the following Year 11 students who were recognised with Excellence and Commitment Awards at the Year 11 Prizegiving and HSC Information Evening on Wednesday 23rd October:

TASON TOP OF SYDNEY

On Wednesday 23rd October, students from both Year 10 Food Technology classes along with Ms Kim, Miss Eggins, Mr Dowe and Br. Peter attended an excursion to the Sydney Tower Restaurant and Buffet.

Students toured both back and front of house including kitchens and dining areas gaining avaluable insight into the running of one of Sydney’s busiest hospitality establishments.

During the tour students had the opportunity to speak with managers from both food production and food service. Our day was topped off with a delicious lunch at the Towers’ famous all-you-can-eat buffet, overlooking arguably the best view in Sydney. The boys represented the College exceptionally and impressed our tour guides with their behaviour and insightful questions.

Sean DoweTAS/VET Teacher

Dylan Seeto enjoying the selection at the buffet

Mr Dowe, Br. Peter, Ms Kim and Miss Eggins enjoying the food and the view at the Sydney Tower Restaurant

YEAR 11 PRIZEGIVINGYEAR 11 MAJOR AWARDS

The Grahame Smollett Award for Academic Excellence

Joshua Harkin

The Lillian Muir Award for Excellence in Cultural Pursuits

Rohan Tailor

The Br. Ludovic Award for Spirit and ServiceCian Byrne

The Br. Martial Lampard Award for Sportsman of the Year

Joe Burgess

ALUMNIGORAN BOGDAN (CLASS OF 2007)

Goran Bogdan graduated as Dux of his class from Marist College North Shore in 2007 and still to this day continues to academically shine.

Goran has recently completed his double degree in B Engineering/B Commerce at the University of New South Wales with First Class Honours and will graduate on Wednesday 6th November.

Goran has demonstrated consistent effort through the numerous Dean’s Awards he has received during his tertiary studies; a true testament to the student he was here during his time at Marist North Shore. Mr and Mrs Bogdan share this wonderful news and acknowledge that Goran’s achievements are also the achievements of the College and Goran’s teachers during his secondary studies.

“My husband and I are very grateful to the College that had given him

excellent fundamentals for his studies and his life values”.

We congratulate Goran on his fine achievement and wish him the very best as he pursues his chosen career path!

P&FP&F CHRISTMAS FUNCTION

Friday 29 November 2013 We invite all Parents to attend our Christmas Function. This event will incorporate a farewell to our Headmaster, Brother Peter Corr, as we celebrate his time at the College. Information has been emailed to parents and you can book your tickets via the following link: http://www.trybooking.com/60825

SECOND HAND BOOK SALE

The book sale will be held in the La Valla Hall on Saturday 7 December, 2013 from 9.00 - 11.00am. Please save the date and more information will be emailed to parents shortly. The book sale requires a lot of help so volunteers are needed to set up on Friday December 6 so please email the P&F at [email protected] if you are able to assist. Volunteers help ensure the sale runs smoothly on Saturday.

P&F Committee

CAREERS NOTICEBOARD

Click here for the latest Careers news!

YEAR 11 PRIZEGIVING

YEAR 11 PRIZEGIVING

CANTEEN4 Nov: Linda Fung, Debbie Jenkins, Liz McGuire, Izabel Silva-Lindsey, Veronica Valderas5 Nov: Deborah Brown, Jacqueline Moran, Colin Wilson, Theodora Manos6 Nov: Sam Adderton, Lisa Brink, Marlana Collins, Erica Keri, Lyn Radovan7 Nov: Rosemary Burgess, Cathy Hamilton, Johanna Huskins, Jacki Krahmalov, Nikki Verhoeven, Jenny Winter8 Nov: Anne Christiansen, Karen Ferguson, Susanne Fraser, Sandra Garratt, Peta Turner11 Nov: Maria de Caires, Julie Moriarty, Jo Nicholls, Lyndal Jenney12 Nov: Stephanie Lainey, Andrea Morgan, Chris Saunders, Antoniette Raynal13 Nov: Leanne Bishop, Ann Catanzariti, Margie Morgan, Katharine Watts14 Nov: Suzanne Devine, Julie Gaidzkar, Maureen McKee, Sandra Robinson, Anton Singh, Kasumi Tucker15 Nov: Dominica Edwards, Melanie Lindquist, Susan Mayall, Joanna Milenkiewicz, Michele Mulligan

UNIFORM6 Nov: Janet Gill, Luija Gribben, Margaret Kamma, Sue Rennie13 Nov: Margie Weller, Mandy Arnold, Lynda Challenger

VOLUNTEER ROSTERS LOOKING AHEAD14 Oct - HSC EXAMINATIONS7 Nov: 4-8 Nov: Year 10 Assessment Week4 Nov: St. Vincent de Paul’s Christmas Appeal begins Solidarity - Night Patrol (Chanel)6 Nov: Solidarity - Matthew Talbot8 Nov: Solidarity - Sandwich Making (Kelly) Solidarity - Surry Hills (Moore)13 Nov: Uniform Shop open Assembly - Solidarity & Staff Appreciation, P.2 Solidarity - Matthew Talbot15 Nov: End of Year Solidarity Meeting18-22 Nov: Year 12 VET Hospitality Work Placement Year 9 Assessment Week18 Nov: Solidarity - Night Patrol (Kelly)20 Nov: Uniform Shop open Solidarity - Matthew Talbot22 Nov: Solidarity - Surry Hills (Salta)25-29 Nov: Year 7 & 8 Assessment Week27 Nov: Uniform Shop open Solidarity - Matthew Talbot28 Nov: Volunteers Thankyou Lunch29 Nov: P&F Christmas Party2 Dec: Solidarity - Night Patrol (Moore)4 Dec: Uniform Shop open Solidarty - Matthew Talbot Marist Solidarity Christmas Gathering5 Dec: Year 10 & 11 Champagnat Gold6 Dec: Last Day for 2013 - Year 10 & 11 only Solidarity - Sandwich Making (Moore) Solidarity - Surry Hills (Chanel)7 Dec: P&F Second Hand Book Sale

UNIFORM SHOPYEAR 7/2014 FITTING DAY

Saturday 16th November 2013The Uniform Shop is once again in need of volunteers for the Year 7 Fitting Day. On this day, the Uniform Shop outfits close to 100 students in the incoming Year 7 cohort. To enable the shop to handle this number, we need more volunteers on the day. Volunteers are required between 8am and 4pm, with coffee and lunch provided. If you can help out for any part of the day, please email: [email protected] with the time you can assist, or just turn up. All help is greatly appreciated!

CALLING VOLUNTEERS!Any current parents who are willing to give their time to help out in the College Canteen and Uniform Shop in 2014, don’t be shy and let us know as we’d love to hear from you!

You can notify the College on 9957 5000 or email: [email protected]

We sincerely appreciate all the help we receive and look forward to another busy year her at the College.

Shelley Kemsley June MitchellCanteen Manager Uniform Shop Manager