Vol. 49 No.4 19 March 2015 Official Opening of Lavalla ... · was Member for Cairns, Rob Pyne MP. Lavalla is a three ... It continued under Brother Bill Sullivan, where again the

Vol. 49 No.4 19 March 2015

St Augustine’s College’s new buildings were officially opened by the new State Minister for Education, Kate Jones MP and blessed by The Episcopal Vicar for Education, Cairns Diocese, Father Neil Muir on Friday 13 March. Also present was Member for Cairns, Rob Pyne MP. Lavalla is a three story complex incorporating 14 general learning areas, 4 science laboratories and a hospitality kitchen. Francois is the new boarding residence for senior male students. “The project drew funding from three major sources and was the culmination of seven years of planning under the leadership of three College Principals” said John Doolan, Deputy Principal.The complexity of the project was added to, with the need to attract Block Grant Application (BGA) funding to complete the project. We should not underestimate the complex processes that resulted in the acquisition of the level of Government funding for these two buildings. There is $7.4 million invested by the State Government in the two buildings, part of which came about as a result of the Flying Start funding that the Queensland Government was putting towards the arrival of the Year 7 cohort and the rest as a result of a Block Grant Application to Queensland Catholic Education Commission. The regular flooding of J Block helped to gain the second dimension of the State funding. In addition to this, the Federal Government contributed $1.1 million for the trade training kitchen and facilities. The College had to contribute $750,000, which is a loan over a ten year period. Acknowledgement must go to Mr John Doolan (Deputy Principal Curriculum) who had a big hand in the funding applications.The Trade Training funding resulted from the College joining a consortium of schools: St Mary’s Catholic College (Lead School), St Stephen’s Catholic College, Mount St Bernard College and Good Counsel College. The official opening of these facilities will occur at the lead school (St Mary’s) during Term 2.

The initial conceptual ideas began in 2007, under Principal Brother Michael Green, as part of the College strategic plan to provide a flood proof contemporary teaching block for the College. This vision expanded in 2009 to take in the option for the College to be involved in the Diocesan Trade Training Centre project.It continued under Brother Bill Sullivan, where again the vision was expanded to take in the need for additional facilities to cater for Year 7 joining the College in 2015, in both the day school and boarding.Final design and construction began in Term 4 2013 after the demolition of J-block along Scott Street and was completed in 2014 under the current College Principal, Brother Darren Burge, with classes and boarders moving into the new facilities in January this year. The end result is an impressive addition to the College landscape that caters for an additional 130 students in the school with cutting edge facilities and space. The College community would like to acknowledge the efforts of Cairns Catholic Education Services, especially Shane Watson and Mark Stallman, Farrell Morrison from MMP Architects, and the two building contractors, Richard Field from Richard Field Constructions and Matthew La Spina from La Spina Constructions.The new three story Lavalla building houses state of the art technology with touch interactive projectors and wireless connectivity in all classrooms and the latest design in science laboratories. It is now a flood free building, something of a novelty given that previous buildings on the site were subject to annual flooding. A lift has also been installed to allow for easy access for students with disabilities.The Francois Residence caters for 36 senior students, each with their own room and study area. It really sets the benchmark for future boarding school residences.Mr Czek KersevaniHead of College Promotions

Official Opening of Lavalla & Francois Buildings

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Special achievementSCongratulations to all these boys on their Special Achievements. Well done!

Thursday 19 March Year 8 Parent/Teacher/Student Meetings 3.00pm - 7.30pm Lennon Hall

Friday 27 March Year 7 2016 Applications Close

Wednesday 1 April Inter-house Cross Country Classes finish Term 1

Friday 3 April Good Friday

Sunday 5 April Easter Sunday

Friday 17 April Performing Arts Camp until 19 April

Monday 20 April Student Free Day - No Classes Years 11 & 12 Parent/Teacher/Student Meetings 1.00pm - 6.00pm Boarders in Residence 8.00pm

Tuesday 21 April Classes resume Term 2

Thursday 30 April Years 9 & 10 Parent/Teacher/Student Meeting 3.00pm - 7.30pm

College CAlendAr

SPeCIAl ACHIeVeMenTS

Please direct your son’s special achievements to Br Joa for both,

in and out of school activities. Email: [email protected]

Felix GrafYear 8

Selected to represent North Queensland at the Qld State

Surf Lifesaving Championships

DATE CLAIMERFriday 5 June

Champagnat Day Celebrations and Evening Cocktail Party

to celebrate 85 Years of the College

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to represent Peninsula in sport

Jack RedmondYear 11

Achieved 4th Place in the U17 Hammer Throw (48.87m) at

the Australian Junior Athletics Championships

Brock Wollin 14 Years BaseballKyle Ashby 14 Years BaseballMac Wollin 14 Years BaseballBalin Glass 14 Years Baseball

Thomas Dobb 15 Years Rugby LeagueLloyd Bennett 15 Years Volleyball

Xavier McKinley 18 Years Rugby UnionWill Treston 18 Years Rugby Union

Timothy England 18 Years Rugby UnionDaniel Beecheno 18 Years Rugby UnionDylan Anderson 18 Years Rugby Union

Matthew Nuttall 18 Years Rugby UnionBrandon McHugh 18 Years Rugby Union

Campbell Watson 19 Years HockeyGeorge Druery 19 Years HockeyMichael Trott 19 Years Hockey

Sam Ward 19 Years HockeyDaniel Knowles 19 Years HockeyAyden Carlini 19 Years HockeyOliver Holmes 19 Years HockeySebastian Dunn 19 Years Tennis

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The blessing and opening of the new buildings last Friday was a wonderful day in the life of the College. I would like to give you a summary of this historical moment and provide greater explanation about the names, Lavalla and Francois. The rest of this article is taken from sections of my speech on the day.

This is indeed an historical moment for the College. A building project of this magnitude always is. This year, however, it has coincided with the arrival of our Year 7 cohort, and, by chance, the year we celebrate the 85 years of the College. This convergence makes it even more important and it is only right at historical moments like these that we stop and consider the deeper dimensions of who we are as a College – how we do things around here, our spirit and what we stand for. I believe there is no better starting point than to return to our origins.

The Marist Brothers founded St Augustine’s at the invitation of Bishop Heavey in 1930.

I must say, I hold great admiration for the brothers for taking on the establishment of this College at that time and for the first four brothers who began the project. The four brothers were Reginald (Principal and 35 years old) Urban, Victor and Climachus, all about 20 years of age. These four young brothers are testament to what young people can achieve when they put their mind to it! They arrived in Cairns, as they usually did in those times, with hardly a cent in their pockets, in the hope that the local people and the diocese would support them. They found themselves on a site that could best be described as “unattractive” with few resources. The cheapness of the real estate was probably the only attraction. Nevertheless, the first four brothers set about building a College that they wanted to be able to stand alongside any in the State. They and those who followed them did that, and they have done it magnificently.

The name Lavalla reminds us of our strong link to the cradle of the Marist Brothers. On 2 January 1817, in this little village in southern France, Marcellin brought together his first two followers and others followed soon after. Lavalla is the birthplace of the Marist Brothers. Marcellin wanted this new group to not only provide an education to those who had limited educational opportunities but to bring to what they did a ‘fresh face’ of the Church. He wanted to promote ways that were modelled on Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Brother Francois, after whom the boarding residence is named, is part of this story from the early days because he lived with Marcellin in the house at Lavalla and played a major role in the founding period of the Marist Brothers.

Francois was born in 1808 and was named Gabriel Rivat. He later changed his name to Francois when he became a brother, which was the custom at the time. He was the youngest in a farming family of seven children, which lived in the parish of Lavalla.

He was just 11 years of age when he went off to join Marcellin’s project in the house at Lavalla. It was not unusual at the time for young boys of this age to complete what schooling they had and go into the workforce.

Francois trained as a teacher and taught for some years in the schools, and, despite his young age, became Principal. After a while Marcellin asked him to work closely with him, as a full-time secretary and assistant. Francois was imbued with the Marist spirit, and through his close working relationship with the founder, came to know deeply what it was that fired Marcellin’s enthusiasm. He gradually took over the responsibilities of Father Champagnat. He was only 31 years of age when he became the Superior General or leader of the brothers.

During the twenty years that Brother François was Superior General, the Marist Brothers grew from a group of 280 Brothers involved in 50 small schools to be more than 2,000 conducting over 600 schools, trade training centres, specialist centres for disabled young people, youth projects and overseas missions. They had spread from France to England, Scotland, Belgium, Spain and Oceania, which was consistent with Father Champagnat‘s desire to take the message of Jesus ‘in the Way of Mary’ to ‘all the dioceses of the world’. As you can see Brother Francois was the one who sent the Marists into this region.

It was with daring, confidence, and a deep faith in God that Francois’ did his work.

The names of the buildings further embed within our College the history and tradition of the Marist Brothers. When you use the names of these new buildings may our history and spirit echo in your hearts and minds.

With best wishes,

Br Darren BurgePrincipal

Please note: I would like to acknowledge that I have drawn on Br Michael Green’s writing about Br Francois for my speech. Br Michael was a former Principal of Saints.

From the Principal

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The original table constructed

by Marcellin at Lavalla

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growing good men

The weekend is open to boys in Years 9 & 10 and their fathers (or other significant male role model >18y.o.).

Growing Good Men is a unique opportunity for dads and their teenage sons to embark on a quest of discovery. A son’s relationship with his father can be a powerful guiding force as he wrestles with the questions of what kind of man he is becoming. The most important ingredient in this relationship is time. Take time together to get reconnected in an environment that fosters honesty, mutual respect and a hunger for more out of life.

‘Growing Good Men’ is a weekend for dads and their teenage sons

(Yr 9 & 10)

ENQUIRIES David Harris

(Deputy Principal) [email protected]

Weekend 29th May

to 31st May 2015

The weekend is facilitated by menALIVE www.menalive.org.au

and hosted by St Augustine’s College, CAIRNS

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science departmentScience in the real world

Since the start of the school year Science students have been given opportunities to see the world through the lens of a Scientist, venturing out of the laboratory to scientifically explore various environments. Senior Biology students are currently studying a unit on Ecology; to fully appreciate the applications of this curriculum unit students travelled to Normanby Island, South of Cairns, to carry out an environmental assessment of the Island. Engaging in methodologies for assessing ecosystem health and utilising field study techniques such as classification of plants, soil sample testing and transect assessment, students got their hands dirty and their minds working. Data collected from this excursion will be analysed for a major piece of assessment and an experience such as this gives the boys the opportunity to see significance and validity in field data collection carried out by Ecologists assisting in construction of Environmental Impact Statements. Senior Earth Science students also had the opportunity to gather data in the field with the aim of creating a geological cross section of landforms present between Yorkey’s Knob and Granite Gorge. Their full day excursion of data collection and learning in the field will culminate in a major piece of assessment with in-class time utilised to analyse the data and construct a report. Senior Marine and Aquatic practice students spent half a day at the Cairns Mangrove boardwalk to experience the fragility and complexity of mangrove ecosystems, solidifying content learnt in the classroom.Junior students also are given such opportunities, as a class of Year 9 Earth Science students travelled to the Atherton Tablelands to view first hand the amazing relics of what was once an area of high volcanic activity. Their observations were recorded into a field study book which will be used as a piece of assessment for this term's work. The invaluable opportunity to take students outside the classroom to engage in these experiences is thanks to dedicated and passionate staff here at Saints. As a final note I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new staff members in the Science Department, Miss Cassie Jashar teaching junior Science and senior Chemistry, Dr Olivier Haillant teaching junior Science and senior Chemistry and Mr Steven Wagner teaching junior Science and senior Physics. They enter our team with a wealth of knowledge and much enthusiasm.Mrs Kastelle Gane - Head of Science

Mr Shawn Moote explaining the operation of equipment to Jeremy Commerford and Brandon McHugh at Yorkeys Knob beach on the

Year 12 Earth Science excursion.

Brenton Goebel, Jaydon Gunzburg and Ben O’Mally classifying plants along the transect at Normanby Island on the Year 12

Biology excursion.

Mrs Lindsay Chandler-Jentz, Jake Edwards, Oscar Perry, Connor Spannenburg, Mrs Kastelle Gane and Jesse McCormack.Oliver Ellison, Lachlan Smith, Flinn Loomes and Lyle Bray.

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Return to the Forbidden Planet: Tickets are now on sale through Ticketlink for all four performances of the College musical. Tickets can be purchased in person in the foyer of the Cairns Civic Theatre, by phone on 1300 855 835 or online at Ticketlink.com.au. Get in early for the best seats! Rehearsals are proceeding well. This Sunday’s rehearsal is for leads, backing vocals and dancers from 10am to 4pm. The band is required from 1pm to 4pm. All rehearsals are now in Lennon Hall.

Forbidden Planet Day Camp: A reminder that all cast and band members are required to attend the three day camp from April 17 to 19 at St Augustine’s College, 9am to 4pm everyday. Students are required to bring their lunch each day.

Anzac Reflections Rehearsals and Performances: A reminder to members of the College Choir of rehearsals for Anzac Reflections as follows:

Saturday 28 March, 9am to 4pm at St Andrews College, Thursday 2 April, 9am to 2pm at St Andrews College,

Monday 20 April, 4pm to 7pm at St Monica’s Cathedral, Tuesday 21 April, 9am to 2pm at St Monica’s Cathedral.

Performances as follows:Tuesday 21 April and Wednesday 22 April at St Monica’s Cathedral at 6.30pm and

Wednesday 22 April at 12.30pm.

Tickets can be purchased from St Andrews College reception or by phoning 4039 5200 and cost $15 for adults, and $10 for school children and concessions.

Anzac Day Dawn Service: A reminder to all members of the College Choir that we are singing at this year’s dawn service at the RSL on The Esplanade. Members will meet at the RSL at 5.10am on Saturday 25 April for a warm up. The service commences at 5.30am. The choir will rehearse at St Monica’s College on Thursday morning 23 April at 7.20am in room AG302. Boys will catch the College bus from St Monica’s to St Augustine’s after the rehearsal to be at school by 8.25am.

Offical Opening: Congratulations and thank you to the boys who sang and played for the assembly to open the new buildings last Friday. The Music Extension class prelude was very well delivered and the Big Band played the National Anthem and College song very well. The Cantors provided great leadership and harmonies in the hymn. Well done everyone. Dr Malcolm Cole Director of Arts

Arts DepArtment

hoSt Family required For italian exchange Student

A 16 year old Italian exchange student, Alessandro, would like to come to Cairns and attend St Augustine's College for a term.

He would arrive on 20 June and depart on 10 September. We are looking for a host family (possibly with a Year 11 student) who could look after him.

He is extremely easy-going and friendly. Loves sport especially soccer. For more details please contact Br Joa at the College by phone or email: [email protected]

ItalIan exchange student

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LavaLLa & Francois oFFiciaL opening

Student Leaders with Mr Czek Kersevani, Hon Kate Jones MP, Br Darren Burge and Br Neville Solmon

Hon Kate Jones MP and College Captain George Druery unveil the plaques Mr Richard Field (Richard Field Constructions) hands over the Lavalla keys to Br Darren

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Senior Pathways & Careers

CALL 13 19 01 OR VISIT DEFENCEJOBS.GOV.AU/GAPYEAR

The ADF Gap Year program provides an opportunityfor young Australians, who have fi nished year 12

(or equivalent) and are aged between 17 and 24*,to experience military training and lifestyle whilst gaining new skills and pay over their Gap Year.

Gap Year opportunities are available in the Navy,Army and Air Force.

The life skills and job training that you will acquire during your Gap Year experience will be valuable regardless of what career you ultimately undertake.

When would I start?

The Gap Year program will commence in January/February 2016.

What jobs are available?

Navy Gap Year, Army Gap Year (Administration Clerk, Artilleryman, Driver, Rifl eman, Unit Quartermaster)and Air Force Gap Year.

What would I do during my Gap Year?

After completing basic recruit training and your specifi c trade training, you’ll be immersed in the Navy, Army or Air Force lifestyle while continuing to learn on the job. You’ll learn valuable skills, meet new friends and may even receive recognised qualifi cations to help progress your future career.

To fi nd out more information about the ADF Gap Year program please visit defencejobs.gov.au/gapyear

* Navy applicants must be aged between 18-24 years old as of

8 April 2016. Army applicants must be aged between 18-24

years old as of 31 May 2016. Air Force applicants must be

aged between 18-24 years old as of 11 April 2016.

THE GAP YEARCHALLENGE

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On Friday 13 March, St Augustine’s had the official opening ceremony for the Lavalla and Francois buildings. This was a particularly important event for the boarding community, as the state of the art ‘Francois’ residence directly benefits our boarders. Below, Lewis French has reflected on the relevance of the name ‘Francois’ and how the Year 12 boys have benefited from the new residence.

The Francois Residence was named after a Brother named Gabriel Rivat; Rivat was only 11 years of age in 1817 when he joined Marcellin and the other Brothers. Rivat was not only considered one of Marcellin's favourite students, but he was also considered one of the first boarders. Rivat was very dedicated and staunch in his loyalty to the Brothers; when he took his vows to become a brother he changed his

name to Br Francois in honour of his mother. Francois remained in the Marist Brothers until his death in 1881, his life in the Brothers spanning over six decades. When Marcellin Champagnat was on his deathbed, he called for a vote to decide who would be his successor. Francois received 87 of the 92 eligible votes and was designated Director General of the Brothers. It is quite fitting that the Francois residence has been named in honour of one of the greatest contributors to the founding of the Marist Brothers.

The Francois Residence is an excellent environment for rest and recuperation after a hard day’s work, especially in Year 12. The facilities are great, and it was very easy to settle into at the start of the term. The Residence definitely feels very familiar and comfortable as our home away from home. It is modern, well-made and suited to younger people. We as the Year 12 boarders are very grateful for such a beautiful residence to stay in while in boarding.

A huge thank you to all who were at the blessing of the buildings on Friday and also those especially who really dug deep and made a grand contribution to the erection of our building. Thank you to the Queensland Government, La Spina Constructions, Honourable Kate Jones MP and also Rob Pyne MP. Without them this building would not have been made to such perfection and excellence.

By Lewis French, Year 12 Boarder

COUNTRY DINNERThe Port Douglas & Mossman Country Dinner has been cancelled due to the predicted threat from Cyclone Nathan. We wish all the families within the path of Cyclone Nathan all the best.

Best WishesGlen Seivers - Head of Boarding

Jason Nguyen studying hard in his room in the Francois Residence

Ben Carter and Haydon Fanning cleaning the second floor kitchen of Francois Residence

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TRADing HOuRSMondays and Wednesdays

8.00am to 3.30pmClosed 12.30pm–1.20pm

SAinTS SHOP WEBSiTEThe Uniform Shop is now available seven days a week online. Items purchased online are available for collection on the next Saints Shop trading day.

go to http://shop.sac.qld.edu.au/

changeS to the Secondary SchoolS tax File number Program in 2015

The Secondary Schools Tax File Number (TFN) Program ceased on 31 December 2014. This means that School TFN forms are no longer processed by the College.

How students can apply for a TFn from 1 January 2015The Australian Taxation Office in partnership with Australia Post is making it easier for individuals to apply for a TFN.Students can now apply for a TFN online and have their identity verified through an interview at a participating Australia Post office.Applying online is the fastest and most convenient way for students to get a TFN. More information on applying online can be found at ato.gov.au by searching for 'QC27248'Students who are unable to visit a participating Australia Post office will need to complete the Tax file number application or enquiry for individuals form (NAT 1432). More information about lodging this form can be found at ato.gov.au by searching for 'QC22604'If you require any further information you can phone 1300 130 282 between 8:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday.RegardsSteve Vesperman - Deputy Commissioner of Taxation

NOTICES

WANTEDBoys turning 13, 14 or 15 this year to play soccer/

footballTraining twice a week

Tuesdays and Thursdays 5-6pm

Play SaturdayCost $250 Includes training shirt

New players receive water bottle and soccer ballPlease see Mr McDonough or Mr Martino

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CAr PoolIng offerIf any parents are interested in car pooling between the College and Kanimbla please contact the College Office for more details.

What do you know about Scoliosis & Back Pack Safety? Is your child at risk?

Back to School Spinal Check Our Qualified Chiropractors will be available

for a complimentary check of your Child’s

spine & backpack as a public service on

Saturday mornings the 25th of April,

2nd of May & the 9th of May 2015

Mareeba: 4092 3556 Malanda: 4096 6332 Cairns: 4051 2998 Innisfail: 4061 2440

COLLEgE COunSELLORCOnFiDEnTiAL COunSELLing

Available Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Located in the Health & Wellbeing Centre

Ph: 4052 9135 Email: [email protected]

NOTICES

2015 North Queensland Surf Club Open/Sign On Day

Ellis Beach SLSCSaturday 28th & Sunday 29th March | 10am to 3pmE: [email protected]

Cairns SLSC - Palm CoveSaturday 28th March | 10am to 2pmE: [email protected] | Ph: 4059 1263

Discover the many ways your surf club contributes to your local community. Get down to your local surf club to be part of the 2015 North Queensland Surf Club Sign On/Open Day.

For more info visit: lifesaving.com.au/open-day

Locations

SaintS Sport

SaintS oFF to a Strong Start in ciSSaSt Augustine’s has made a great start to their defence of the coveted CISSA crown by winning 11 of a possible 14 matches over the first three rounds of competition. All teams have been exemplary in their efforts and conduct so far and are encouraged to continue this attitude for the remainder of the season. Well done to the teams and coaches for a successful season to date and best of luck for the remaining rounds. Score from the first three rounds are as follows:

Yours in sport,Matt Walsh - Head of Sport

As Australia begins to find its feet again in the World Cup and end of the season nears for local Club Cricket, School Cricket is just kicking off. Thursday 5 March saw the beginning of the round-robin tournament for the Intermediates (Years 7-9) with a T20 Gala day. Schools from around the district including TAS, Mossman, Good Counsel College and St Andrew’s converged at Johnson Park, Gordonvale to slog it out in hot, balmy conditions.

The day was a promising one for Saints Junior Cricket with victories in both matches. Our first match was against St Andrew’s. After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, the boys managed to set a mammoth total, achieving 6/116. Kai Stuchbery (32) and Karl Petri (29) were the standouts for the innings.

With some very tidy bowling, the opposition was kept to 8/59 of 20 overs with Kai Stuchbery also shining with the ball and

posting figures of 3/4. After already fielding for two hours, we again lost the toss in our second match against Mossman and were sent out to field.

Bowling first, the boys managed to keep Mossman to a modest total by holding them to 9/63 off 20 overs with the help of tidy bowling from Kai Stuchbery (3/4) and Julian Clark (2/1).

With a small run chase required, our openers came out all guns blazing and managed to surpass the opposition's total and were 0/75 off 11 overs. Outstanding performances included Kai Stuchbery (36 n.o.) and Karl Petri (28 n.o). The team will now progress to the second phase of the competition which will occur either late Term 2 or early Term 3. Well done boys.

Mr Heath McKenzieU14 XI Cricket Coach

intermediate cricket t20 gala day

Saints Vs St Andrew’s 11 March

AFL – WashoutBasketball: 64 - 43Football: 3 – 1Touch Football: 6 – 1Volleyball: 2 – 1

Saints Vs Cairns High: 4 March

AFL: 57 – 0Basketball: 43 – 68Football: 1- 0Touch Football: 13 – 4Volleyball: 0 – 2

Saints Vs Smithfield: 18 February

AFL: 88 – 15Basketball: 96 – 32Football: 4 – 1Touch Football: 9 – 4Volleyball: 0 – 2

U14 XI Cricket Team; Back Row; Kai Stuchbury, William Jonsson, Karl Petri, Julian Clark, Angus Moore, Thomas West.Front Row: Edward Orchard, Joshua Bramham, Tayt Magor, George Taifalos, Isaac Gee, Isaiah Bowen. Absent: Adam Trewin