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Perhaps the greatest economist of the twentieth century was John Maynard Keynes. In 1930 during the Depression, he wrote a paper entitled Economic possibilities for our Grandchildren. In that paper, he made the point that average living standards in 1930 were four times better than they had been 250 years earlier and that living standards would be four to eight times greater in one hundred years’ time, in 2030. Keynes also predicted that we would be working about 15 hours a week because all of our basic needs will have been met.
We can say with the benefit of 91 years of hindsight that Keynes was partly right and partly wrong. He actually underestimated our economic growth, we eclipsed his predictions some years ago. For most of us, he was wrong about working 15 hour weeks, we are working as much as ever, if not more.
Steven Pinker has pointed out some of the many good things that have arisen due to human progress in recent years, including increases in life expectancy, income, leisure time, the internet, greater access to music, movies and international food, vaccines, the ability to communicate via platforms such as skype around the world and so forth. Pinker thinks we should be happier than we actually are given all of this. The reality is that, notwithstanding all of these good things, rates of anxiety and depression, especially with teenagers, are of great concern.
The one thing that nearly all governments seem to agree on is economic growth. What is economic growth? Simply an increase in the production of goods and services. We are bombarded with messages from advertisers and others that we need certain goods and services to be happier so that economic growth can keep taking place.
We all love a good bargain and feel better about purchasing a cheap product. Fairtrade is an organisation that helps to raise awareness that some of the products we purchase are produced by workers who may suffer from extreme poverty and poor working conditions. I heard this week that most of the workers who grow the cocoa plant, which goes into the creation of chocolate, have never seen a chocolate bar. Last weekend, I donated clothes to a charity. Unfortunately, a huge amount of clothes donated to charities end up in landfills in Africa and other places as the supply is far greater than the demand.
The Catholic Church is clear on its priority of preferential options for the poor and the need to care for the environment. Perhaps appreciating and finding the time to enjoy what we have rather than craving the next thing will help, as will avoiding comparisons to what other people have. A great source of hope for me is our young people who I am confident are less committed to a life of accumulation of goods and more focused on equality and justice for all and care of the environment.
Staffing news
David Griffiths has been appointed in an ongoing position as Utility Officer. David’s previous experience includes working in schools in a relief capacity in Grounds and Maintenance and as a Teacher Assistant.
Catherine Cooper has been appointed Teacher Assistant at the Junior Campus in an ongoing position. Catherine’s work history includes fifteen years as an Assistant Educator in childcare settings and works as a relief Teacher Assistant across various age levels.
Charlotte Giudici has been appointed Teacher Assistant at the Middle Campus in a Limited Tenure position. Charlotte has experience as a relief Teacher Assistant for the Department of Education and numerous hospitality roles.
Welcome David, Catherine and Charlotte!
James Hickey will be stepping down from his role as Health and Physical Education Department Leader 7-10 at the end of the year. We thank James for all of the work he has undertaken in this role for the past 7 years and for his dedication to ensuring all students are accessing high-quality teaching and learning in their Health and Physical Education classes. We will look forward to still working closely with James in the HPE space next year.
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. While you are out getting your Father's Day present, why not drop by and support the College and Parish and purchase a sausage or two.
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.
Father's Day Breakfast
Fathers, Grandfathers and special friends are invited to join us for breakfast on Friday, 3rd September between 7.30am - 8.30 am at the Middle Campus.
Students are welcome.
RSVPs (including students) are required by Friday, 27th August for catering purposes via the link below.
Father's Day Breakfast
Grade 7 Enrolments
Grade 7 2023 enrolments are due 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 would like to enrol, please note the deadline.
Focus on Prep
The Prep classes have been participating in a Bush School/Outdoor Classroom weekly inquiry experience. There are many benefits to being outside as children build resilience, their problem-solving skills develop, risk-taking grows and imaginative and independent exploration expands. Before we start our investigations outside, we say our Acknowledgement of Country, as this allows us to give thanks to the land around us and the Aboriginal peoples. An outdoor classroom allows children to integrate and combine multiple learning curriculum areas with real-life hands-on experiences. We have been exploring our HASS curriculum and looking at “Special Places,” and how we can care for the environment around us. We have made small creatures homes, with consideration of the environment and locally found resources – leaves, twigs, sand and rocks.
Grade 4
Grade 4 students have been creating fraction art pieces. The students created circles and then made fractions from these wholes. They looked at improper to mixed fractions.
Young Tassie Scientists
Grade 3 recently hosted three Young Tassie Scientists who are currently touring the state to help celebrate National Science Week which is from 14th-22nd August. The Grade 3 students heard three different presentations from Emily (physiologist), Lachy (medical researcher) and Georgia (astrophysicist) about their chosen fields of Science. It was very informative and loads of fun. For more information check out youngtassiescientists.com.
Grade 5 Plants
In Grade 5 White we have… Been potting plants! At the start of Term 2, Ms Sullivan’s daughter gave us each a succulent plant for our class. Ms Sullivan bought in all of the 30 succulents and we each looked at which ones we wanted. Then the next day we had a draw out of a bucket to find out which plant we would get. It was very fun! In the second stage, we were each given a terracotta pot and we started drawing a design for our pots. We all had to draw a plan on paper and colour it in. Then we drew the designs on our pots. The next step was to start painting! The painting was by far the best part. We all painted very different and interesting patterns, themes, or flowers, but by far the favourite design was doughnuts! The last step was to start potting our plants. This was about 2- 3 weeks after Ms Sullivan brought in the succulents. We all had a go at potting our plants and it was so much fun. We had heaps of fun picking our plants, painting our pots and planting them. We all want to say thank you to Ms Sullivan and her daughter Eliza for creating such a fun experience for us and a lovely plant we get to keep and take care of!
By Juliet Windsor, Olivia Seeber and Jasmine Taylor
Grade 5 Potato Olympics
On Monday, 9th August, 5 White held the 2021 Potato Olympics. The countries that participated are Africa, Australia, Japan, Russia, Great Britain, China and Italy. The events that the countries competed in were 100m Sprint, 400m Relay, Hockey, Shot Put, Gymnastics, Basketball, Bowling, Sailing and Skateboarding. Most events were held on the College oval, but some were held on the steps behind Grade 5 classes.
Children all got to bring in a special drink to have with a special lunch which was hot chips! Each country got to have a small box to share. The countries would get a paper medal for getting gold, silver or bronze in an event. Soon that medal would go on the tally board and would be counted later to see who won.
Everyone worked hard on creating Olympic torches (out of paper), boats and flags. There were about 4-5 people in each country. You had to bring your own potato or
two to school, and you could decorate it how you wanted.
At the end of the day, everyone was tired from all the excitement! There wasn’t time to count the medals so it would be done in the morning. The next morning after the medals were counted they announced the winners: In 3rd place was Japan, in 2nd place was Italy and in first place was Great Britain!
By: Seren, Trinity, Angus and Hamish
Grade 7 Science
This term, Grade 7 students have been studying Forces in Science. The Jedi Students have been learning about different types of forces and the Laws of the Inertia Empire. In this WATER BOMB CHALLENGE, Jedi Students needed to design a safety capsule to prevent the water bomb from exploding. This was to simulate designing safety devices in cars to prevent serious injuries in crashes. Unless thwarted, the Inertia Empire will cause the water bomb to continue in its motion until acted on by another force (the ground), causing the water bomb to explode. The future of the Republic is in the hands of our young Jedi who must use the equal and opposite force to thwart the Laws of Inertia...
Grade 8 Science
Grade 8 Science students are studying Geology this term. They have started the term off by looking at the historical use of rocks and minerals. Students got the opportunity to create paint by crushing minerals into a fine powder and mixing them with different binding agents like egg whites and yolks. Grade 8 students have also been studying the rock cycle. This week we looked at the rock cycle, with students modelling the different processes with starburst lollies. We were fortunate enough to be able to pair up with some grade 10 classes to help us with this.
Grade 8 English
In Grade 8 English, students have been researching what life was like during the 1960s in Australia. Grade 8 Green presented their findings visually and learned from each others' work. This task is a precursor to understanding the setting and social environment of the novel they will study this term: Freedom Ride by Sue Lawson. Students will tackle themes such as racism and neglect, but also acceptance, love and tolerance during their study of this great novel.
Grade 10 Science
This term Grade 10 students are studying genetics. They have started the term by investigating patterns of inheritance, by completing Punnett squares and pedigree charts. Some students from grade 10 took their Punnett squares outside and created various different monsters using chalk.
Plant a Tree Day
On Friday, 30th July 24 St Aloysius students participated in the National Schools Plant a tree day. This year's event was conducted at Browns River, Kingston. The aim of the day was to replenish the salt marshes and enhance the overall biodiversity of the area. Over 150 bushes, shrubs and seedlings were planted with many bags of rubbish also collected.
Grade 7 - 10 Athletics Carnival
Grade 10 Girls
Grade 2 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art
Grade 2 students are learning about Aboriginal art this term. After an introduction to the different styles of art across Australia including rock art, x-ray art and cross-hatching, students began learning simple weaving techniques. Children made Torres Strait Islander 'yarn turtles' and small baskets. The students are looking forward to learning even more about Aboriginal art, especially in weeks 8 and 9 when local palawa woman Michelle Synnott is coming in to teach children about Tasmanian kelp craft.
Grade 8 Bruny Island Trip
First Nations students from Grade 8 recently visited Bruny Island to plan a cultural camp for Term 4. The students visited Murrayfield station, Truganini's memorial at the isthmus and Great Bay. Local palawa knowledge holder Bronwyn Dillon met the children and showed them around Trumpeter Bay. The students are looking forward to returning for an overnight cultural camp in October when they will learn about traditional land management practices.
Grade 9/10 Art Trip to Bruny Island
As part of our Tasmanian Aboriginal Art unit, students travelled to Bruny Island for a 2-day workshop working with Artist and Printmaker Allan Mansell. Students were introduced to his symbolic and powerful collagraph, some of which are currently on display in Hobart city. Students also welcomed Bron Dillon, another Tasmanian Aboriginal Artist and basket weaver, who joined us in the workshop. Together we learned about the significance of Country to the Aboriginal people and collected various objects from the beach that we would include in our artwork, as well as reflecting on the natural environment. We worked on drawings that we later turned into collagraph prints with the help of Allan. The results were spectacular and the workshop was a huge success. We are grateful to Anne-Marie McWatters and Ben Fasnacht for the time and energy they brought to the trip.
Farewell Dan
It is with sadness that in Week 2 we said goodbye to Parish Associate Dan Prichard and wish him all the best with his Master's studies in Sydney. Dan has been an asset to the College both as a Teacher Assistant and as Parish Associate. His genuine caring nature has endeared him to both staff and students, and he has a unique way of reaching out and connecting with young people to bring out the best in them and make them feel involved, included and valued. His skills, positivity and friendly face will be sorely missed around the College.
There was cake and party food at his final Youth Group where he shared his faith journey so far and held a Q&A session on what influences have shaped his values and led him on his chosen path of Human Rights.
Vinnies Winter Appeal
We had a phenomenal response to the Vinnies Winter Appeal which ran in Week 3 (Monday 2nd to Friday 6th August) to coincide with National Homelessness Week. Our Vinnies students promoted the appeal which involved each class collecting money, pantry items and warm winter clothing ($1 = 1 point, pantry items = 2 points, and winter clothing = 3 points) with the class with the most points at each campus winning a pizza lunch! 4 van loads (!!!!!) of pantry items and warm winter clothing were collected by Vinnies and will be sorted and distributed by their volunteers including students from GYC. Simon and Melitta, the Community and Youth Engagement Officers from Vinnies, said they had never seen a response like it! Although we do it to help others, it was fun to have a competitive element involved. Congratulations to 5 White at the Middle Campus and 3 White at the Junior Campus who will be enjoying their pizza lunches soon!
Vinnies Breakfast
On Tuesday 3rd August, Vinnies Tasmania hosted a breakfast at The Domain to raise awareness and donations for Homelessness Week. There were guest speakers, free pizzas, and hot drinks from Louis Van for the donation of a warm piece of clothing. St Aloysius was very well represented and, on the bus back to school that morning, many students commented that, even though it was so cold, we were so lucky to enjoy delicious woodfire breakfast pizza and hot drinks to warm us up when some people have nothing.
Catholic Education Week Mass
St Aloysius played an important part in this year’s Catholic Education Week Southern Mass held at St Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday 12th August. Fr Mike was Concelebrant and we also provided music for the event with parish musician Di van Tienen on the grand piano, bassist Simon MacFarlane (Grade 7), cantor Madeline Brough (Grade 10) and the Grade 5/6 choir. The music and singing were beautiful and really topped off the occasion.
That afternoon we hosted Archbishop Julian Porteous at the Middle Campus at lunchtime for a celebratory sausage sizzle. This was provided by the Archdiocese, cooked up by our fabulous Utility Officers and hosted by St Aloysius for all of our Grade 5 and 6 students as well as those from Sacred Heart, Geeveston and St James Catholic College who were involved in the Mass.
Fr Mike, Eamonn Pollard, Martin Tobin from Catholic Education Tasmania and the Archbishop then visited the Senior Campus where they were shown around, and His Grace even gave an impromptu blessing to the Senior Campus Office!
Sacramental Celebrations and Preparations
Congratulations to all our newly confirmed!
Over the weekend of 31st July and 1st August, 27 College students formed part of a group of 39 young people from Grades 4-10 across six schools and Colleges who were Confirmed by the Archbishop at the Church of Christ the Priest. This was a beautiful celebration of the strength of faith and it was wonderful to have so many young people involved along with their families and sponsors.
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 7.00 pm.
Upcoming Events
Hoodies for Hamish
The College is holding a Hoodies for Hamish Day on Monday, 30th August, Hamish’s 8th Birthday, to raise money for the Brain Cancer Foundation. All students are encouraged to wear their favourite hoodies and bring a gold coin donation to support this important cause.
Vinnies Sleepout
On Friday 17th September, St Aloysius Catholic College will be holding a sleepout in collaboration with Vinnies Tasmania for any interested Middle Campus students. The aim of the sleep out is to raise awareness of the plight of homelessness in our country, to get an insight into how it must feel to be homeless and to raise much-needed funds for Vinnies (Kingborough Louis Van) to assist those who are homeless.
This event is open to all Middle Campus students of St Aloysius regardless of previous experience or connection to Vinnies.
Please see the attached information and see Mrs Marriott for more information if required.
Look out for permission slips which will be coming out on Compass soon!
Vinnies Quiz
St Mary’s College Vinnies Conference is hosting a Trivia Night for students, families and friends to support the Vinnies Loui’s Van Service. This is open to all, not just St Mary’s students. Please see attached flyer for more information.
The Basics Tasmania - Kingborough Pop up event
On Friday, 13th August, The Basics Tasmania coordinated an event for children aged Birth to 5, held at the Kingborough HUB. Schools and services from the Kingborough community, provided pop-up stalls with engaging activities to promote children's health and development. Each stall was related to one of the 5 key 'basics' each child needs to have the best start in life:
1. Talk, Sing & Point;
2. Maximise Love, Manage Stress;
3. Count, Group and Compare;
4. Explore through Movement and Play; and
5. Read and Discuss Stories.
It was fabulous to see so many of our Explorers families attend along with families from other Kingborough schools and services. There was so much on offer for the children to explore and enjoy, and we were sheltered from the wind and rain inside the HUB. Some did brave the windy weather to enjoy the outdoor play equipment, provided for 'Explore through Movement and Play'.
We were all so pleased with how the event went and hope to be able to have more of these pop-up style events in the future.
Father's Day Stalls
This year's Father's Day stalls will be held at the Junior Campus on Tuesday, 31st August ( Kinder Blue - Thursday, 2nd September) and at the Middle Campus on Wednesday, 1st September. There will be a large selection of gifts to purchase for either $2.50 or $5.00.
If you can help with wrapping gifts prior to the stalls days or can assist on the day at either Campus please contact Angela Cassidy 0438 293 638 or atscassidy@bigpond.com
Funding Submissions
Quiz Night
The P&F Quiz night will be held on Saturday, 18th September at the Sisters of Charity Centre at the Junior Campus. Get a group of friends together and book a table of 10. Tickets are $20.00pp. BYO food and drinks and bring along gold coins for games and raffle tickets.
Tickets are available via the Qkr! app under Functions & Events.
The committee is asking for donations from businesses or families of items suitable for prizes such as chocolates/wine etc. 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: Instilling Hope In Uncertain Times
Although life is always filled with uncertainty, the levels we are currently experiencing are unprecedented and it is becoming evident that this is taking a toll on our young people. The most recent research from Mission Australia makes clear the breadth and depth the pandemic is having on our youth across the nation.
It appears that lockdowns and tighter restrictions will be with us for some time, but it is important in such times of uncertainty to instil hope and remain optimistic. Adult carers can play a vital role in helping young people reframe their worries, encouraging them to see life as it is and getting them to focus more on the things they can control, rather than those they can’t.
It’s important young people remain connected with their social networks during these times as often their natural response to uncertainty is to exhibit varying degrees of fear and anxiety. With the continued disruptions, mental health concerns are on the rise and it is evident that many students may need some extra support to achieve their goals. Parents can help their kids focus more on the good things in their life, rather than fill in the blanks with catastrophic narratives.
This Special Report outlines how adult carers can help instil hope and offer support in such times of uncertainty. 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.
Here is the link to your special report
Monday 23rd - Friday 27th | Book Week |
Thursday 26th August | Book Week Parade and Dress Up Day |
Monday 30th August | Hoodies for Hamish |
Monday 30th August - Friday 10th September | Grade 3- 6 Learn to Swim |
Tuesday 31st August | Father's Day Stall - Junior Campus |
Wednesday 1st September | Father's Day Stall - Middle Campus |
Thursday 2nd September | Father's Day Stall - Kinder Blue |
Friday 3rd September | Father's Day Breakfast |
Saturday 4th September | Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser |
Wednesday 8th September | P&F Meeting |
Saturday 18th September | P&F Quiz Night |
Friday 24th September | Last day of Term 3 |