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“Sneaky” Jesus
This morning I read a well written article by Brendan Nicholls focused on the idea of the ‘sneaky’ Jesus. The author was quite insightful in pointing out Jesus is, in a sense, often ‘hidden in plain sight’. The Jews two thousand years ago were hoping for a messiah who would overthrow the yoke of the Roman occupation. They got a helpless baby who, when he grew older, preached compassion, love and forgiveness and was tortured and executed as a criminal. Yet Jesus has arguably been the most significant and influential person in the history of the world. The scriptures are full of stories (such as the Emmaus story) where Jesus is present, yet not seen.
Perhaps we have similar experiences. Last weekend I attended a Board meeting for a charity I am involved with. Attending a challenging and emotional meeting on a Saturday is not everybody’s idea of a good way of spending time on a weekend. Yet when we started the meeting with a prayer, which was led by a musician, my heart opened. I spend much of my time at St Aloysius with a head full of plans, concerns, complaints, strategies and so forth. Thankfully, all I need to do is step outside to classrooms to see our wonderful students and a trace of the sacred they have within them. The author of the article on the ‘sneaky’ Jesus rightly points out that the risen Jesus can be found in the ordinary, rather than just in a blinding religious epiphany.
Concerns about progress
You would have received your child’s report late last term. Always an interesting time of anticipation – is my child okay? I hope most of you were happy with your child’s progress, no doubt some of you were not. Most students over the many years they will be at school will experience a dip at some point. The expectations of the classroom increase each year. The way our brains are put together is such that nobody is good at everything. As we know from personal experience, some people are good at the Maths/Science logical type subjects, others prefer subjects such as English and History where the focus is more on words. The same goes for strengths and weaknesses in creative subjects, hands on subjects, outdoor subjects and so forth. What matters in my opinion is that students are doing their best and reaching their potential. Getting a lower grade in a particular subject may not be an indication of laziness and lack of effort, it may be that a particular subject is simply using a particular part of the brain which is never going to be as strong as other areas. The goal is that students are engaged with their learning when they are in class and, as they get older, have a routine at home to consolidate that learning.
I would not go a week without coming across an ex-student. Pretty much all of them are doing very well in their lives. Pretty much all of them had their challenges at school. I have been reminded twice in the last few weeks by very successful members of our community of how I gave them suspensions when they were at school. Each time I enrol a family at St Aloysius, I ask them why they have chosen this school. It is usually because they have spoken with other people in the community and have heard the school has high standards in learning, care and strong values. I am grateful to our staff for their high expectations in the classroom. While good grades are important, emotional intelligence and the ability to build good relationships are just as important, as are having a sense of meaning and purpose. We would like to continue to work in partnership with you to help your child reach their potential.
COVID Planning
While we hope and pray that we won’t be in a Learning@Home situation, we have begun planning for the possibility. St Aloysius did a very good job of Learning@Home last year. A few of us are new in Executive roles this year and bring our experiences from other schools to add to the planning.
Staffing news
Sally Fawcett will be teaching Grade 5 Green, Tuesday to Friday for the remainder of the year. Melissa Nichols will remain 5 Green classroom teacher on Mondays. Sally will commence in Grade 5 from Tuesday, 3rd August 2021.
Jacinta Castles will be returning from Parental Leave to teach Grade 6 Blue. A transition period will take place during term 3 with Jacinta and Sally Fawcett team teaching the class. Sally will teach on Mondays and Jacinta from Tuesday to Friday. Jacinta will resume full time teaching in 6 Blue from Term 4. Jacinta will return to work on Tuesday, 3rd August.
Donna Duggan has decided to resign from the Director of Teaching and Learning role at the end of the year. Donna has been extremely effective in managing the many aspects of this role. She is across the detail and works very hard to keep all of the curriculum and compliance aspects of school life meeting and exceeding expectations. Donna is also very people centred, always being aware of and prioritising the needs of others.
Book Week
Bunnings BBQ
The fundraiser Bunnings BBQ for the College and Parish will be held on Saturday, 4th September at the Kingston Bunnings store. If you can help on the day, please email Caterina Thompson at caterinathompson1971@gmail.com Volunteers would only be required for a couple of hours.
COVID-19 Mandatory Requirements
Middle Campus Open Day - Saturday 21st August
The Middle Campus is having an Open Day on Saturday 21st August at 9:00am.
Grade 7 2023 enrolments are due on Friday, 10th September 2021. If you are already enrolled in Grade 5 you do not need to do anything. If you know families who want to enrol or have a family member in another school who wants to enrol please note the deadline.
Positive Parenting/How to Raise a Tough Teen - Rescheduled
On Tuesday 14th September, Guilford Young College will be hosting Glen Gerreyn from the HopeFull Institute. Over the past 20 years Glen has shared his message of hope with over a million people around the world; engaging with students, parents, teachers, employees, sporting groups and community leaders. Glen has been invited to speak at TEDx events and on national TV and radio. He has authored five books and created the ‘Men of Honor X’ character development course.
Glen has a unique ability to capture the attention of thousands, while deeply affecting individuals. So much more than being able to inspire, is the absolute art of being able to compel people to take action in their lives. Therein lies Glen’s undeniable gift. With a unique ability of encoding today’s data into tomorrow’s dialect, Glen continues to offer audiences profound experiences of meaning and identity; shifting perceptions, challenging boundaries, and motivating positive change.
We know that young people are living and inheriting an increasingly complex world – socially, environmentally and politically. It’s a world that causes many to flounder- drifting away from their identity, forgetting their purpose and being blinded by societal pressures and fears. Right now, it is also a world where things feel incredibly uncertain. For young people, this can lead to a struggle to stay positive and hopeful.
We would like to offer you, the opportunity, free of charge, to hear Glen’s Positive Parenting/How to Raise a Tough Teen Seminar. This seminar is on Tuesday 14th September, at 6.00pm in the Don Bosco Theatre at the Guilford Young Glenorchy campus. GYC has secured a grant through the Tasmanian Catholic Schools Parents Council to support this seminar and to help us further engage with our parent community. Glen shares the five fundamental positive parenting tools, based on positive psychology research. Our hope is that you will leave feeling equipped to better connect with your children and to empower them to tackle the complex world. Topic covered include:
- How to help your child find a vision
- The rules of encouragement
- How to be where you are
- Teaching your children how to fail
- How to say you’re sorry
- Making the home a refuge
To secure your free seats to attend, please visit Tickets.
Student Achievement
Congratulations to Jacey Banks – (Grade 2) and Indigo Igbinosun (Prep) who completed medals within their Ballroom Dance School on Saturday, 26th June.
Jacey and Indigo dance with Mazza’s Place of Dance.
Jacey completed her Silver Bar Composite Sash Medal and Indigo completed her Sliver Composite Sash Medal, both obtaining a Commended Pass with Honors for their three dances.
Jacey is off to the Tasmanian Open Ballroom Championships in August competing with her dance partner, William. Good Luck Jacey!
Focus on Grade 3
In Grade 3 we have begun the term with some new units and new learning. In writing, we have been learning about information texts. We have explored some good quality examples of informational texts; analysing their strengths and weaknesses. We then generated ideas about topics we are extremely knowledgeable in, such as specific sports, famous people, places or hobbies. We are using this as the basis for our first information report. Each of us noted all the facts we knew about one of our chosen topics, and have begun to construct paragraphs about this topic, using topic sentences and supporting details to structure our paragraph writing. Here are some examples of our learning and of our writing.
Grade 3/4 Dance Performance
On Wednesday, 23rd June the Grade 3/4 dance students had the opportunity to show what they had learned at a performance evening in front of their families. The students have been working hard over the past two terms and were very excited to perform their routines.
Alliance Francaise Competition
On Friday, 25th June, the following group of talented French students travelled to Hobart College to compete in the annual Alliance Française Competition.
Grade 6: Georgia Cresswell, Jesse Frost, Thomas Heyward, Ava Bahr, Izabella Klasen, Emily Kull
Grade 7: Harry Boon, Chen Liang, Isabella Newport, Jasmine Leurs, Molly Duffy
Grade 8: Bede Prichard, Jasmine Taylor, Keavy Richardson, Sarah Shelverton, Jonas Shelverton
Grade 9: Emma Shelverton, Brady Marthick
Grade 10: Madeline Brough
For the poetry section of the competition, the students each presented a poem in front of several judges, competing against students from schools throughout Tasmania. The poems included selections from well known French poets, such as Jacques Charpentreau and Jacques Prévert. In addition to poetry, our Grade 9 and 10 students competed in the “Reading Comprehension” (Grade 9) and “Aural Comprehension” (Grade 10) section of the competition. We would like to congratulate each of these students on their excellent achievements; they worked very hard to prepare their poems, both at home and during school time and their behaviour was exemplary on the day. Bravo, tout le monde.
We would like to offer extra congratulations to the following students who attained a certificate of “Mention Honorable” (Honourable Mention) in recognition of their efforts. Congratulations also to Emma Shelverton, who won first prize in the “Reading Comprehension” section of the competition. Bravo!
Overall results are as follows:
Honourable mentions:
Grade 6: Ava Bahr, Georgia Cresswell (poetry)
Grade 7: Harry Boon, Chen Liang, Jasmine Leurs, Isabella Newport (poetry)
Grade 8: Bede Prichard (poetry)
Grade 9: Emma Shelverton (poetry)
Grade 10: Madeline Brough (poetry and aural comprehension)
Prizes:
1st Prize: Emma Shelverton (Reading Comprehension)
Emma attended a special prize giving evening on 27th July, where she received her prize alongside the other prize winners from around Tasmania. Felicitations, Emma!
Bell Shakespeare
Grade 8 Art
Grade 9/10 Marine Science Excursion
National Geography Competition
A huge congratulations to Bede Prichard, Lucy Willis and Lucy Callaghan for representing the College in the National Geography Competition. These students achieved excellent results, overall scoring 66.67, higher than the national average of 54.19.
Poetry in Action
Poetry in Action is a touring theatre company that brings poetry to life for students. They recently performed to the Grade 7 and 9 students. Poetry in Action is great because they live up to their name and make poetry fun and engaging. Grade 7 watched a show called ‘Unblocking the Poetry Code.’ This show was about Will and Ed who are two friends who are super keen to become world famous wordsmiths but suffer from only one obstacle: they’re terrible. But their lives change forever when they stumble upon a strange doctor who offers to unlock their hidden poetic potential and reveal how much they already know about poetry. The Grade 9 performance was called ‘Words of War.’ This show brings life to the world and works of Wilfred Owen. This performance follows the life and works of Owen and the influences that led him to become one of the most striking and brilliant voices of his era. It also takes you through the horror, hopelessness and heroism of conflict. The actors examine people’s attitudes to war and how, through his poetry, we can come to a better understanding of war today. Both shows were brilliant and complemented the studies that students have engaged within English.
Rock Band Performance
At the end of Term 2, the College Rock Band presented a spirited performance during the assembly. Sebastian Sabol and Benjamin Pursell on guitars, together with Bryn Parker on bass, have been working on some very demanding material and producing outstanding results. They are continuing to develop their skills with new pieces and hope to make an audio recording of a number of these works.
Grade 3 - 6 All Schools Cross Country Carnival
On Tuesday, 22nd June 32 students from our College Cross Country team travelled to Symmons Plains for the All Schools Cross Country Carnival. Our students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the only statewide carnival on the calendar. Each race had approximately 250 competitors.
Congratulations to the whole team on your wonderful efforts and in particular to 10-year-old girls and 12-year-old boys who won the bronze medal in their age group. An outstanding achievement!
3rd Place |
Jasmine Taylor |
4th Place |
Bessy Brereton |
5th Place |
Charlie Morgan |
6th Place |
Lachlan Vince |
8th Place |
Angus Brereton |
14th Place |
Xavier Vince |
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Team results |
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3rd Place |
10 Year old girls Jasmine Taylor, Callista Hogan and Freya Lovell |
3rd Place |
12 Year old boys Charlie Morgan, Xavier Vince and Ethan Dale |
4th Place |
12 year old girls Bessy Brereton, Ava Bahr and Emily Kull |
Grade 7 - 10 All Schools Cross Country Carnival
Basketball
Congratulations to the SACC Cyclones who won the Kingborough Huon Basketball Association grand final last term. The final score was 33 - 26, well done!
Grade 7 Ancient History
Grade 7 students have been studying Ancient Australia. One lesson was facilitated by the College's Aboriginal Student Success Teacher, Anne-Marie McWatters who brought in a range of traditional style artefacts including tools, weapons and musical instruments from mainland Australia. Students were given hands on learning opportunities to use a bullroarer. Many children successfully created the roaring noise that is used as a warning communication device. They held coolamons, spears, digging sticks, a club, two shields, a boomerang, a fish trap, and a didgeridoo. Students in Mr Leach's class enjoyed some dramatic play with the weapons.
NAIDOC Week
St Virgils College Excursion
A group of First Nations boys from Year 8 recently visited St Virgil's College. They learned how to skin a wallaby and basic skin tanning methods. The group made wallaby leather bands with the help of SVC's groundsman Bushy. The boys also spent valuable time with peers from SVC.
Together the group made a fire and were introduced to the concept of cultural burning and fire-stick farming. The boys also learned about some bush tucker and traditional uses of native plants. St Aloysius staff members in attendance were Food Studies teacher Mr Brian Green, Aboriginal Student Success teacher Ms Anne-Marie McWatters and Deputy Principal Mr Brad Canning. All staff were impressed by how engaged and respectful the boys were. They are to be commended on their positive attitude to learning during the day. The College is grateful to St Virgils College for hosting the group.
Sacramental Preparation
We are pleased to announce that preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation will take place in the Kingston-Channel Parish this term. This is open to any Baptised students (or those considering Baptism) from Grade 3 and above. A parent information evening will be held in the Church of Christ the Priest on the evening of Tuesday 31st August at 7:00pm.
If you have any questions or queries please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any member of the Sacramental Team:
Fr Mike, Parish Priest mike.delaney@aohtas.org.au
Polly Marriott, Director of Mission pauline.marriott@catholic.tas.edu.au
Cristy Mahony, Junior Campus Religious Education Coordinator cristy.mahony@catholic.tas.edu.au
Hannah Donovan, Parish Associate hannah.donovan@catholic.tas.edu.au
Casey Moore, Parishioner casey.moore@catholic.tas.edu.au
This weekend in the Parish, 27 College students will be a part of 39 young people from Grades 4-10 across six schools and colleges being Confirmed by the Archbishop at the Church of Christ the Priest. Confirmation will be celebrated during the 6:00 pm Saturday Vigil and the 10:00 am Sunday Mass and all are warmly invited to attend and stay for refreshments afterward to celebrate our young people on their journey of faith.
Catholic Earthcare Certification
With all the fabulous things that are happening in the way of sustainability and care for creation, St Aloysius has started the process of registering to become an accredited Earthcare school. This is a national program for Catholic organisations run by Caritas to acknowledge the good works and encourage the church to lead by example in engaging the community in caring for mother earth and addressing our ecological challenges. St Aloysius is currently at Level 1 (registration stage) of a 5 tier progression.
Vinnies Winter Appeal
This year the Vinnies Winter Appeal will run in Week 3, Monday 2nd to Friday 6th August to coincide with National Homelessness Week. Our Vinnies students will be promoting the appeal which involves each class having a collection ($1 = 1 point, pantry items = 2 points, and winter clothing = 3 points) and the class with the most points at each campus will win a pizza lunch! Please participate if you can and show your support by getting behind this worthy cause.
St Aloysius Feast Day
The Feast of St Aloysius was marked with a number of celebrations across the College. Liturgies at our Junior and Middle campuses reminded us of our foundations and the importance of St Aloysius as an example of serving God and serving others. ‘Feast’ Day was certainly lived out with the Middle Campus food vans and more sausages across the College than you could poke a barbecue fork at! Thank you to food vans Crave Tasmanian, Coburg and Co., Wattlebanks, and Need Want Spanish for providing us with their culinary delights. Thanks especially to David from Need Want Spanish who has donated 2 churros makers to the College as well as sharing some videos and recipes!
The Junior Campus students loved the visit from the very big Grade 10s who participated in soccer, football, chalk drawings, and an impromptu dance-a-thon as many of them reminisced and shared stories of their own time at the Junior Campus. The Grade 5-9 students took part in a number of games and activities including a staff “Who am I…?” quiz. Do you know which staff member is qualified to pierce ears or who had their passport confiscated in a foreign country…?!?
St Aloysius Got Talent shows in the afternoon were very entertaining with many new staff commenting on the positive tone and spirit from the audiences. Congratulations to all who participated, particularly the 5 Sisters of Charity who made a surprise appearance. Who knew that nuns could dance like that!
Father's Day Stalls
The 2021 Father's Day Stall will be held on the following dates -
- Tuesday, 31st August - Junior Campus
- Wednesday, 1st September - Middle Campus
- Thursday 2nd September - Kinder Blue
If you can assist with wrapping gifts or at the stalls on the day, please contact Angela Cassidy - atscassidy@bigpond.com or 0438 293 638
Quiz Night
The annual P&F Quiz night is to be held on Saturday, 18th September at the Sisters of Charity Centre, Junior Campus.
The committee is asking for donations from businesses or families of items suitable for prizes. If you are able to make a donation please email sacc.pandf@catholic.tas.edu.au
Term 3 Meeting
The next P&F meeting will be held on Wednesday, 8th September @5.00pm at the Junior Campus, All are welcome.
SPECIAL REPORT: COVID Fatigue & Youth Mental Health
The physical impact of the pandemic has mostly spared our young people, however as the nation remains to be on alert and in various stages of lockdown, restrictions continue to be mandated. The pandemic has had a great affect on our young people with many paying a heavy emotional and developmental price. Psychological disorders are on the rise and emergency interventions have skyrocketed.
As hard as it is being a young person today, it's also draining being the parent of one. It has been reported that many parents are struggling to keep their child's mental health afloat, often proving it is difficult to juggle parenting responsibilities whilst at the same time providing much needed emotional support for their children.
Unlike the coronavirus itself, the emotional blowback of the pandemic cannot be vaccinated away. Psychologists are seeing more depression and anxiety across all age groups, but in adolescents, it seems to be on steroids, with some choosing to self-medicate using alcohol or other drugs. When they look into the future now, they're looking at one that wasn't what they envisioned before.
This report explains the current state of youth mental health in a post-COVID era and offers guidance on how best to support young people today. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If this Special Report raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.