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All of our parents, guardians and carers are either parents of teenagers now, or you will be! In about a month, I will be the father of four teenagers, when my youngest turns 13. Raising teenagers is quite a journey and at times very challenging. You might ask yourself what happened to that sweet child just a couple of years ago? I’m sure he or she is still there, but usually, the teenage years see a transformation and some of it can keep parents and schools on their toes!
Teenagers have several significant challenges, including the biological changes of puberty which are not limited to the body but include the chemical impacts of the additional hormones on the brain. Mental health challenges often start to emerge, especially anxiety. The part of the brain where emotions are governed is the limbic system. The connections between the limbic system and prefrontal cortex are responsible for the regulation of emotion and are still developing and are in a state of flux during the teenage years. The connections continue to strengthen right through to an individual’s early 20s. The fact that the brain is still developing in these ways during the teenage years means that anxiety, depression and challenging behaviours are more likely.
Add to this the ever-increasing expectations of schoolwork as well as increasing expectations at home and the very difficult social terrain of teenager life to make sense of. There is also post school life on the horizon and creeping ever closer with very big decisions to make – career, where to live, part-time jobs, relationships and so forth to navigate. Given that the knowledge, skills and values needed to cope and steer through all of these challenges are still developing, it is no wonder that anxiety is so prevalent amongst teenagers.
Considering the challenges of teenager life and the rates of anxiety and depression, it makes sense that a well-rounded, holistic education should include a focus on knowledge and physical wellbeing. As well as the development of the body and the mind, a good education needs to also focus on the big questions of meaning and purpose. We live in an age where objective values are questioned and there is a focus on creating one’s own values. You have chosen to send your child(ren) to a Catholic College and where we have a particular emphasis on faith, compassion, kindness, justice, forgiveness and mercy. I think that this helps to provide a framework for making sense of the challenges of life, not just the teenage years. I heard Brene Brown say one time that teenagers put on armour to help them through these very challenging years. This might manifest in sharpness in communication, or using humour to deflect, taking on certain ways of dressing and hairstyles and so forth. Brown goes on to say that the armour that we put on as teenagers may no longer help as we get older and become a hindrance – a task of middle age is to shed the armour.
As a Principal, I probably should now have some words of wisdom about supporting teenagers. Despite having taught and worked with thousands of teenagers, I find it very hard for myself as a parent some days. I guess we can only continue to love our children as best we can. We were all teenagers once and had the same challenges. When parents have been complaining about their teenagers to me, I’ve occasionally asked what they were like as a teenager. The answer is usually “oh, much worse!” One thing my experience has taught me is that 99% of teenagers turn out to be fine young men and women in the longer run.
Book Week
Book Week will be held from 23rd - 27th August. This year's theme is 'Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds'.
Early in Term 3, we will advise families of the book fair dates and dress up days.
Opportunities for Parent Involvement
The College is undergoing a period of expansion over its three campuses. There are now more opportunities for parents to contribute to the exciting future ahead.
Click on the link below to find out how you can be involved -
Project 23 Update
Catholic Education Transportation Survey
We want to know how to improve student transport.
Please take five minutes to let us know what you think about how students get to and from school.
The review will also be looking at the attitudes families and students have towards bus transportation and the reasons why they may or may not use bus transportation.
The survey closes Friday, 2 July 2021.
College and Parish Fair Meeting
The next College and Parish Fair meeting is Thursday, 24th June @ 7.00pm in the meeting room under the Church. All are welcome.
Kinder Marine Discovery Excursions
Over the last couple of weeks, all three Kinder classes have visited the Marine Discovery Centre at Woodbridge. This excursion provided a wonderful hands on learning experience for the students. We learnt about many different sea creatures and how we can play our part in looking after these creatures and the ocean. We viewed sea creatures in the large aquarium and in the swimming tank within the centre including rock lobsters, flathead, sharks, pufferfish, seahorses and giant starfish.
We then touched, explored and learnt about various sea creatures within the touch tanks including hermit crabs, starfish, sea cucumbers, a baby shark and sea anemone. We completed a range of related learning experiences: sea creature patterns, colouring and collaging a decorator crab, printing onto calico a flounder imprint, painting a ceramic sea creature, creating badges and used a drawing and an iPad app to create a 3D underwater scene.
Students were given the opportunity to feed the fish in the large tank and some even patted the shark. We also watched some footage from an underwater camera that had been baited and placed under the jetty at the beginning of the day and the students were amazed at what hides below the ocean this close to the shore. This excursion was an amazing learning experience and one the children will certainly remember.
Music
Debating
Through debating we are learning many skills which include communication. To be able to communicate effectively we need to be able to work as a team and speak confidently. We are becoming quite good at this and have developed a strong connection as a team which helps every debate.
Something new that is introduced in Class 10 debates are “points of information”. Through this, we are learning important skills such as quick-thinking and improvisation, coming up with, and replying to rebuttal on the spot.
The topics that we cover in debating are often based on current issues in our community, country and the world. So far this year, we have had a range of long-prep and advised subject debates.
Our long-prep debates have been:
- That we should embrace nuclear power
- That Australia should join ASEAN
Our advised subject debates have been:
- Health: organ donation (That organ donation should be compulsory)
- Economics: the Australian economy
In every topic, whether we are affirmative or negative, we are allowed to explore and challenge our opinions and are given a different perspective on the world. It is amazing to have the opportunity to research topics we wouldn’t usually learn about in a classroom environment, and it’s been amazing for our general knowledge! In particular, we learnt a lot in the ASEAN debate. Before this, we didn’t even know what it was! Now, we know a lot about it and could easily express our opinions to others.
Each debate, we are against a different school at a different venue, which can be daunting! Currently, we are 8th on the ladder.
In each debate, we are learning from our mistakes and coming up with new strategies for next time, but most importantly, we have thoroughly enjoyed working as a team and supporting each other as each debate goes on.
We would highly recommend debating to anybody. It is amazing for anyone looking to build teamwork skills, resilience, confidence and public speaking skills, or if you are just looking for a good time. We would also like to thank Miss Downie for her support this debate season. Without her, we may not have had the privilege of debating.
Inara Osborne
Grade 10
Southern SATIS Cross Country
The Southern SATIS Cross Country Carnival was held at the Queens Domain on Wednesday, 26th May. The College representatives demonstrated effort and persistence on the new course, noting that the uphill run on the final stage was the most challenging. Attendance was in high numbers with multiple students achieving terrific results on the day.
2nd Place- Jasper Brereton
5th Place- Pete Vakrinos, Marty Brereton and Metasebia Duggan
6th Place- Jake Marsh
Year 3 – 6 Huon and Channel Cross Country Carnival Results
Congratulations to the 48 Grade 3-6 students who represented our College at the Huon and Channel Cross Country carnival on Wednesday, 26th May at the Huonville Athletics Centre. Our students participated with great enthusiasm and wonderful sportsmanship. Overall we achieved several outstanding individual and team results.
1st Place |
Lachlan Vince, Jasmine Taylor, Bessy Brereton, Charlie Morgan |
2nd Place |
Angus Brereton, Callista Hogan, Hugh Murray, Xavier Vince |
4th Place |
Freya Lovell, Conner Reid |
5th Place |
Grace Burton, Max Kull, Luke Van Den Berg, Ava Bahr |
6th Place |
Olive Daley, Jacob Wass |
7th Place |
Grace Fielding |
8th Place |
Jordan Lucas, Oscar Pither, Addison Bolwell, Ethan Dale |
9th Place |
Neve Windsor, Ruby Rigney |
10th Place |
Emily Kull |
Primary Catholic Schools Cross Country
Congratulations to the 64 Grade 3-6 students who represented our College at the Catholic Cross Country Carnival. The students enjoyed the opportunity to be back competing in a sporting carnival environment. Our students ran in the Gold division against students from the larger Catholic schools. Congratulations to everyone who participated.
1st Place |
Lachlan Vince, Conner Reid, Bessy Brereton, Charlie Morgan |
2nd Place |
Angus Brereton, Xavier Vince |
3rd Place |
Jasmine Taylor |
4th Place |
Ava Bahr |
5th Place |
Freya Lovell, Max Kull |
6th Place |
Adele Bahr |
7th Place |
Grace Burton, Oscar Pither, Emily Kull |
8th Place |
Olive Daley |
10th Place |
Charlotte Bollwell, Thomas Hayward |
National Reconciliation Week
Grade 4 students Jack Batchelor and Jack Brown hosted the Reconciliation assembly at the Junior Campus, with the help of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students. Guest speaker local Aboriginal Elder Uncle Rodney Dillon talked about the importance of fairness and equality for all Australians. Ms McWatters read children the story 'Say Yes!' which is about the 1967 Referendum. Grade 2 student Jaycie Banks spoke about the artist and artwork on the calendar her family donated to the College. Grade 3 students Jordan Lucas and Angus Brereton impressed the audience by playing their didgeridoos. It was wonderful to hear so many students sing the Aboriginal Lord's Prayer https://www.youtube.
As part of National Reconciliation Week, some classes created art responses. Kinder students learnt about the Aboriginal Dreaming story 'How the birds got their colours' and made delightful little birds. They also created handprints and experimented with painting symbols on the bark. Prep students mixed ochre colours to decorate velvet animal colouring sheets. Below are photos from a variety of grade levels.
Grade 7 Science
Over the last few weeks, Grade 7 Science students have been learning about classification systems used by Aboriginal people. Cultural tutors AJ King and Trish Hodge as well as Aboriginal Student Success Teacher Anne McWatters took children on an excursion to Peter Murrell Reserve and around the Middle Campus at Huntingfield. Students were shown various native trees, shrubs, and grasses that have important uses for food, medicine, or craft. Children collected samples, made notes and shared their learnings with peers.
Wadjiny
Last Friday, Grades 1, 2 and 3 students engaged in an Aboriginal performing arts workshop called Wadjiny. Troy Allen, from School Performance tours, combined dance, storytelling and music. Students and teachers then joined him in the dance as they all mimicked the kangaroo, emu and other Australian animals using their newly learnt movements that stretch back thousands of years. Troy brought a fine collection of artefacts, weapons and tools to fully engage and educate the students. With nearly thirty years of experience entertaining audiences around the world, Troy had students and teachers alike, entranced by his skilful dances and age-old stories of indigenous culture.
Laudato Si’
The buzz on the street is avocado seeds! To celebrate Laudato Si’ week, (Pope Francis’ Encyclical on Care for Creation) each primary class has been given an avocado seed to water and nurture over the coming weeks and months. Some classes have even named theirs!
Sustainability Policy
Our Environmental and Sustainability Officer, Michelle Dance, has been busily working on a Sustainable Purchasing Policy for the College focusing on the use and purchase of environmentally and socially responsible materials, products, and services whenever possible. Already we have moved to recycled paper, locally produced milk, and are sourcing fairer traded coffee – an important commodity in any school staffroom!
This policy was positively received by the College Board and P&F and can be viewed on the College website under Current Families, Policies. By making lots of small changes we can create a better world and model to our children the importance and positive impact of our decisions.
Remembering Hamish
Each Grade 2 class has received a plush sausage dog with a beautiful Hamish name tag. Based on Hamish's favourite dog and beloved pets, these cuddly dogs will follow the students as they progress through the College.
In consultation with the Cullen family, Hoodies for Hamish will take place on Monday, 30th August which is Hamish’s Birthday. Funds raised on this day will go towards the Brain Cancer Foundation. https://www.curebraincancer.org.au/home
Staff recently raised $181.70 for Brain Cancer Foundation with a Friday afternoon tea and are planning to hold a raffle next term.
Office Bearers
Congratulations to the following members who have been voted as office bearers -
Joint Chair - Caterina Thompson and Danielle Milic
Secretary - Sarah Ascencio-Lane
Treasurer - Alison Bryne
Save the Date
The annual P&F Quiz night will be held on Saturday, 18th September. If you would like to assist with the organisation of this event please email sacc.pandf@catholic.tas.edu.au
Term 3 Meetings
The P&F meetings in Term 3 will be on -
- Wednesday, 28th July, 6.00pm at the Middle Campus
- Wednesday, 8th September, 5.00pm at the Junior Campus
Learning how to make new friends and keep them involves a number of skills every young person needs to understand and develop. For some these skills will come very naturally, allowing them to easily move between different friendship groups, sharing their experiences and opening up to new people. For others, this can be much harder to navigate. Belonging to a group that is like-minded with similar interests is highly beneficial to a young person’s wellbeing. It gives them a sense of security helping them feel valued which in turn builds their confidence.
Positive friendships are an important part of the journey to adulthood. Adult carers can support their child or teenager by providing guidance in the many social and emotional skills required for a healthy relationship. This will help them to obtain, retain and maintain friendships. However, not all friendships are regarded as positive. Sometimes young people develop negative or toxic friendships. Therefore it is also important for them to learn how to identify, avoid or deal with such a friendship.
In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers can learn how to support their young person’s friendship so that they experience a sense of belonging. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to this month's edition